"Good morning sister"

"Where were you? I waited for you until late thinking you would come back but you didn't" Mina asked when she met him by the academy.

"I'm sorry, I was asked to spend the night here... There's a lot of work I need to do and so it would waste time to go back a forth from home" he explained to her, hoping she wouldn't ask any more questions.

"These are new clothes too, I wouldn't have noticed if you didn't say that" she added.

"Indeed, I will be fetching some Hanfus from my room later today, just in case I have to do this again"

"It's okay Jimin, you can stay here if it's easier for you, I'll be fine alone" she reassured with a smile.

"Of course you will" he smoothed the top of her head and returned the smile.

"I have to go, see you later maybe?" 

"Sure"

"Mr. Park, the Crown Prince is expecting you in his office" a court lady said from his side right when his sister turn her back to him. 

"Of course, I'm on my way" he sighed. 

He didn't want to be here, but he didn't have a choice at all. I wish I was in my store working on new fragrances, he thought as he stared at the Prince in the eyes, sitting across from him and fighting his urges to up and leave. 

"Sir Park, you're looking at me like you're looking through me" the man pointed out after a moment. 

"My mind was caught up in brighter memories, I apologize" he replied with a fake apologetic tone to his voice, hearing the other hum in acknowledgement shortly after.

"Your acerbic wits are losing their charm day by day, Jimin" he asserted, adverting his gaze to the writing between his hands with a slight frown curving his lips.

"No need to make this any more personal than it should be. That said, I believe a last name basis is more appropriate" Jimin claimed, setting his forearms on the surface and grabbing one of the books that laid on it.

"Very well... I did some reading last night, and I have a few questions to ask and confusions to clear out" Jungkook announced, flipping the pages to the one Jimin showed him the evening prior.

"Do tell my Prince"

"I think at this point we can also drop the flattering titles, if you don't consider me your Prince don't call me as such" Jungkook asserted on his end as well. If they needed to become strangers so be it, he will not let his pride be hurt more than it already had been and he doesn't need Jimin's love or approval to live, he was doing just fine so far without it. 

"Would you name your concerns then Crown Prince?" 

"The Allura masters all four elements, if I understand correctly" he started.

"Indeed"

"I cannot wield anything other than fire" he flatly affirmed, he knows he can't use other elements because he didn't feel anything when he tried last night.

One of the easiest exercises when learning Pyre art is to move the flame and morph it into another form. Whenever he tried he felt this warmth in his chest, and soon enough the fire starts shifting to his will. He failed to do the same with any other element, and wondered if there was a different approach for each.

"I know. You're supposed to learn the other elements from scratch" Jimin easily informed, "When the book said you have a lot to learn and acquire, it wasn't just talking about wisdom"

"Right, of course I do. I thought magic was supposed to do amazing things, can't it just miraculously give me those powers?" Jungkook complained, after all he was a lazy man in his day to day life. 

"If only it were that easy" Jimin agreed.

"This line says that I shouldn't use the four elements to kill an innocent person, what happens if I do?" he asked, needing to be as precise about this as possible. What did the book mean by innocent life, how must he judge who is innocent and who is guilty. 

"You die, as the line also states"

"Sir Park, one other unhelpful remark and I will assume you want to sabotage my research" Jungkook warned, "How must I justify who I kill, who do I even justify this to?" 

"I believe the purpose is for the Allura to not kill anyone, but my father often analyzed this part too" the Liquis started, "If you read this book, you'll find a few hearsay stories about Alluras, those who lived before you" Jimin added as he slid the book in question over.

"The other Alluras were known? I thought we were blasphemous creatures"

"You are correct, and they weren't known, they were discovered. Here, look at this" he said, pointing at the writing on the page "This talks about those who were executed for sorcery. The next page narrates the story of Alluras who died after using their powers on innocents, I believe that's what interests you most" He added and Jungkook took his time to read the words carefully, afraid to miss a crucial detail.

Mistake yourself for a God, and you shall know the wrath of The God themself.

What a start, he thought as he continued reading.

It was the brutal ending of the one who wielded the four elements. Under everyone's eyes was he crucified, bound to boulders from the ground he walked on. The people heard his deafening screams, his cries for help, while shards of air slapped his body to cut deep wounds all over. What was thought to be blood ended up being water, his mouth coughed it out constantly as if his lungs were being downed. It all stopped when fire consumed his body at once, shutting down the screams and the people's whispers. It was finally over.

"If the purpose of this book is to make an Allura nervous, I have to admit it succeeded" he breathed out, eyes wide and concerned. One mistake, and he ends up like this man in the book.

"Your concern is legitimate, it does sound like a horrible way to die"

"Yet I don't understand, I've killed already" he muttered thoughtfully.

"Your latest battle ended before the star chose you"

"No, on my trip actually" Jungkook informed, looking back up to meet his pharmacist's eyes, those that widened ever so slightly upon hearing the news.

"Why am I even surprised" Jimin scoffed.

"They were assassins, I was merely protecting myself" Jungkook found himself justifying his premise. He didn't need to do this at all, but something about the look this man gave him pushed those word out of his mouth.

"Right, let's say you did kill to protect yourself, which element did you use?" Jimin asked with a nonchalant attitude.

"I used my blades"

"Only?"

"Well in three of them yes, then in the last one I also relied on some fire" Jungkook recalled.

"So you were trying to defend yourself four times in the span of two weeks" Jimin deadpanned, it was already unbelievable but now it confirmed his suspicions.

"Indeed, the Northern Pyres feel quite a bit of spite when it comes to me, I've never been their favorite royal. Surely it's something you will agree on" Jungkook clicked his tongue, standing his ground.

"To answer your question, you will die if you use one of the other elements to take an innocent soul. Your fire has been yours from the day you were born, the star won't judge how you use it. It will however punish you for killing someone with what it bestowed upon you" he explained.

"Then I guess I don't have to worry about that for now" he said as he flipped the old pages over, trying to remember the other points he wanted to raise during this meeting. 

"Amongst the Black Star believers, there are two types of people. Those who hoped to be chosen as early as possible, and those who wished for a normal life for as long as they could... Obtaining this power in childhood gives one the necessary time to learn the elements as they are growing up. It's generally easier" Jimin spoke, remembering what his father once told him, sitting by his bed as he put him to sleep.

"Indeed"

"But then the moment one becomes an Allura, they are the target of an entire population. They need to be extremely careful not to be discovered and if they are, they die before they know it. Children are less likely to contain their elements and adults are less likely to learn them"

"It's a tough predicament either ways"

"Which predicament are you in?" Jimin asked, catching Jungkook's attention at once.

"You've experienced my raw power, seen part of my quite adult body, and been subject of my restraint on multiple occasions" Jungkook spoke, his eyes boring into Jimin's as he emphasized on all the right words "I am obviously no child" he articulated.

The Crown Prince was an intimidating man, Jimin knew that, but what is this thrill he was feeling at the moment? Tingles sparked all over his body as he looked into the Pyre's dark eyes. He almost enjoyed this banter between them, and that wasn't very good news because he loved to argue already.

"I've gotten word about your suppression training though" Jimin mocked, making Jungkook knit his eyebrows.

"You know why I'm going through suppression training" he countered.

"Do I?" Jimin challenged some more, "Let's face it, maybe that blast wasn't the only reason His Majesty gave you that punishment" he hummed.

"Look at me" he said, getting totally ignored by the other. 

He pulled Jimin's forearm closer, making his elbow slide on the surface and ruin the balance he had created for himself. His upper body lunged forward before he got a hold of himself again, but this time they were closer.

They say the eyes are the gate to the soul, and both saw different things as they walked through. Jimin's were leading to a place of darkness, cold and very little refuge from the storm brewing within him. Jungkook's led to a pit of blazing fire, wild and untamed.

"I don't actually need suppression training" Jungkook replied, pulling Jimin's hand and dragging it up against his neck, holding it down with his bigger one on top.  Jimin hissed softly upon coming in contact with his body, and Jungkook watched as little sparks of blue ignited in his irises as if he was trying to cool his own.

"Then why so hot and bothered" Jimin countered, referring to the sultry skin under his fingers. 

"This is all because of you" Jungkook muttered. Jimin watched as hot air visibly left Jungkook's lips, tickling his own and triggering a whole new reaction in the bottom of his stomach. 

"How so?" he asked.

"I've never met anybody who could make me feel so... frustrated. Not like this. Even Queen Sunmi doesn't compare" he declared, feeling Jimin's hand get relatively colder and bring a refreshing change of temperature to his skin.

"I'll take it as a compliment" the pharmacist responded, his voice low and heavy.

"Don't" Jungkook disagreed and let go of the cold hand, surprised that Jimin didn't retract it immediately but left it hooked to the side of his neck as if it belonged there. The Prince did not move an inch away, he rather carried his now free hand up to the Liquis' face, although hesitating to make contact.

"Again, sir Park... You're looking at me like you're looking through me" Jungkook whispered, finally dragging the back of his fingers down the side of his soft cheek.

The pharmacist seemed to be rudely pulled out of a trance when he pulled away and sat back against his chair. Avoiding the Prince's eyes and looking down at the books without actually reading anything, as if denying his temporary stupor.

"Your predicament is different than both anyway. You are a Prince, Crown Prince of this country" Jimin spoke, breaking the tension and the seemingly-intimate ambiance with his serious tone.

"I needed reminding indeed" the other said as he straightened his posture and crossed his arms against his chest, taking some distance and pushing his back against the seat as well. Jimin tried to ignore the implicit meaning of those words, not to take offence, and reiterated his point.

"You have the right to hide all this and carry on with your life as is, in fact that may be the saner option. But I have a feeling you will keep looking into it" he said.

"That makes you astute"

"You will want to learn the other elements, acquire the knowledge you are meant to have as an Allura" Jimin listed his assumptions.

"Absolutely"

"Pursue the goal and awaken the third eye no matter who tries to tell you otherwise" he added.

"Well don't you know me very well from these past 5 months of dwelling here" he remarked sarcastically.

"Except it will get you killed. If this ever comes out, you will be putting your Crown at risk including your father's; the King. This kingdom... Nobody will trust or believe in royal witches" Jimin pointed out, laying the facts clearly. "It would be better if you waited until you became King yourself, nobody would dare doubt or question you then"

"King? That's not happening anytime soon, what makes you think I can wait that long... Besides, I only have to worry if it comes out. Which it won't"

"How can you be so sure, anything can happen. Someone could see you practicing, somebody could see the mark"

"I'm better at keeping secrets than you seem to think"

"I appreciate the confidence, all I can say is I warned you Crown Prince. I hope you will leave my name out if things go wrong one day" 

"Here I thought you were anxious about my wellbeing" Jungkook exaggerated a hurt tone and Jimin rolled his eyes. "Careful with the expressions sir Park, I liked your smile better" the Prince added to further irk him.

Oh to strike him in the face right now... Jimin fantasized.

"Young Prince Kyungsoo must be such a patient boy" he spoke while faking his best smile.

"No the patient one was you" Jungkook replied.

"You don't say" he muttered.

"I wonder how ridiculous I looked in your eyes while confessing my feelings. I imagine your mocking laugh when you received my gift" Jungkook's hurt expression suddenly seemed very genuine, taking the other aback.

"Do you have other questions about the book?" he instead asked after a couple of silent seconds.

"I knew you were a great actor but to look at me in the eyes that evening, speak to me as if your heart was tearing along with mine. You made me feel like I lost you, when I never even had you" he insisted.

"Crown Prince, please" Jimin repeated, not wanting to indulge in such a conversation once more "Let's just get back to the books"

Jungkook swallowed his following few words and picked the book back up again, burying his eyes into it for the next moments. He wanted to give him a piece of his mind, get into a fight again hoping it would have a different outcome than the last, but he knew it would be in vain. 

What was he still looking to achieve? He should despise the pharmacist for trying to rob him of his life, yet why was he still chasing someone who doesn't want to be chased.

"Who is this guide?" Jungkook asked as he hovered his gaze over the lines, "This says that a guide is supposed to help me decide things, see clearly when I can't" he read out loud.

May the guide be on your side, lucky would be the blind who cannot see nor decide. From you they are born, and for you they exist. Their flower shows where to look, who to trust and who to resist. Follow the advice of the woke and a fool you are if their promise you broke.

"Many books generally refer to the likes of you as the Blind, not to be too explicit. That is because most Alluras had little to no knowledge about themselves or how to go on from their new discoveries" Jimin replied.

"And so this guide?" he inquired again.

"The guide is described as the Allura's crutch. Without them, they would be lost"

"How do I know who my guide is? Isn't there a symbol like the one you've witnessed on my chest?"

"Unfortunately for you, there is no way to distinguish a Guide from any other person" Jimin said "But if you read carefully, it says the guide is made from you" he pointed out.

"From me? What is this, Adam and Eve?"

"Your existence is not so scriptural I'm afraid" Jimin scoffed, "It means the Allura chooses its guide, though nobody knows how or when that's supposed to happen" Jimin explained.

"But is there some sort of criteria an Allura follows? This seems a bit too vague, how can the guide fulfil their role if they don't even know who they are?"

"The Allura knows whom they choose. In the past, the guide was rumored to be either a family member or a close friend, maybe a partner if the star picked a married person. They are someone who has a strong bond with the Allura, and who has proven to help them greatly on other occasions" 

"Okay, that means I have yet to choose one for myself" he concluded. "This was very helpful, but I have to go to my suppression training with master Jung" Jungkook said with an annoyed tone as he stood up and straightened his clothes, hearing his pharmacist snort a laugh at the announcement.

"Don't overexert yourself Crown Prince, you'll become a real man in due time" Jimin taunted, turning to face the door, and expecting the Pyre to walk past so he can follow. He never did. 

Instead, the taller stood behind him, rested a hand on Jimin's shoulder, then turned his neck slightly to align with the shorter's ear. 

"I wouldn't trifle with the pride of someone who allegedly cannot control his fire, Jimin... Do I have to keep reminding you" he threatened, squeezing Jimin's shoulder painfully. His voice was low, almost like a deep whisper, and it went right through Jimin's ear to his stomach, making it squeeze and flutter. 

"The only fire you can't control is the one in your heart, Jungkook" he decided to respond, taking the risk of calling his first name. He said he didn't want to make things personal, but everything about this Prince was personal to him. 

Jimin's vendetta against him, the feelings he tries so hard to ignore, the danger he poses to his life, the role he now portrays in his beliefs... No matter how much he tries to run, Jungkook has tied himself so close that he can barely pull away enough not to get burned. 

The Crown Prince's eyes ignited in gold upon hearing his name roll out of the other's tongue, but his flames weren't visible and his skin wasn't hotter than usual. Jimin was right, the fire was in his heart and it was hard to extinguish when he was around him. 

Taking an audible long breath through his nose, his lungs filled and chest puffed even bigger, brushing against Jimin's back. His hand moved from one shoulder to the other as it curled around Jimin's torso and pushed him closer against himself.

"You'd talk way less if you knew what it felt like" his hot breath fanned on the back of his ear. Jimin looked down at the satin-covered arm, then back at up at the door. Anticipation was making him restless.

"Do you think this is appropriate?" it sounded weak he indeed was. Between the pressure on his chest and the one in his mind, there wasn't much room to breathe or think. 

"Not any less appropriate than your impolite taunts about a Prince's maturity" Jungkook countered. What's the point of holding him like this? he asked himself. He didn't know what he was doing, he just craved the proximity. It's almost as if he was waiting for every little occasion to justify his tactual initiatives.

"I'm not afraid of you Jungkook" the Liquis claimed, unable to think of anything else. 

"Did you think I can't feel it? Your body is subtly trembling, you hate that I have so much power over you by just holding you like this" he hissed into his ear, urges he couldn't explain were intoxicating his mind and judgement. 

"Why are you doing this? Did you feel the need to prove that maturity to me?" Jimin felt cornered. The Prince's hold was slowly becoming overwhelming, too tight, perhaps a bit painful. Or was that just his writhing heart?

He tried turning his head to face Jungkook again, only then realizing just how close they were. The Prince's temple was touching his and the loose black strands of hair were brushing over his cheek. The Prince's eyes were hooded, focused on a lower point in his face, making Jimin lick his lips subconsciously.

All the anger and pent up frustrations he felt in the past week have been bottling up inside of Jungkook, now making him seek any sort of release---emotional or physical. Jimin could be the perfect target for both since he was also the subject of both, but he couldn't pursue him. Not like this.

"Do you want me to?" he ended up asking, unable to keep his lust at bay. He couldn't stay away even if he knew he had to. Jungkook dragged his other hand to clutch at Jimin's hip and nuzzled against his cheek, inhaling his scent while squeezing him impossibly close and giving Jimin the euphoric feeling of being wanted more than anything. 

The Liquis' mind was harder to hypnotize however, his senses never leave him even when he wants them to. This is not what his dynamic with the Crown Prince is supposed to be. He was the Prince's nemesis, the one person he couldn't trust or rely on anymore. 

He shouldn't enjoy this, in fact he shouldn't even let it happen. He made his decision about the Prince's confession when he walked through the palace walls that day, with no intentions of preventing his wicked plan from taking place.

He forcefully pushed Jungkook's arm away and rushed to unlock the door, then finally seeped through it, leaving the taller Pyre with empty arms and an even emptier heart. I brought this upon myself, the Prince admitted while his arms fell limp to his sides again. 

He took a few seconds to clear his head again, there was no point in thinking about what could've been, it was too late. He gave into his desires and overstepped the limits of professional curtesy between them.

"I have a suppression training session to attend" he whispered to himself. Truth is he wanted to cry, or maybe scream rather. But all he can do now is pick up his training clothes and change in the mezzanine in front of his mirror. 

He looked miserable, the fire in his heart that he couldn't tame just moments ago was now completely doused. He let his eyes wander down to the empty black lines on his chest and balled his fist to his side. 

"You are late, Prince Jungkook" Master Jung called upon noticing said man near the training grounds. 

"Hoseok" he seethed "I need to explode before I can suppress anything" he warned, suddenly setting his irises ablaze in gold.

"Everyone, Out of the way!" the older shouted just in time for Jungkook to let out all the fire burning him from the inside. The sky seemed to turn dark from the brightness of it, and the air was unbreathable from the heat. If anyone other than Pyres was present, they would definitely be having a hard time. 

"We have a lot of work to do" Master Jung muttered to himself as he watched the outburst.

---

Hello everyone! 

How did you find this slightly spicier chapter? Don't forget to comment your thoughts I love to read them!

This is the type of stories where the plot kind of comes first, but you'll get a lot of romance when the time is right. So please be patient and do let me know what you think will happen next!

-Aida-