"I come bearing gifts" Jimin announced himself as he walked into the busy Prince's office. The dark haired was focused on some papers on his desk, clearly not having a good time and Jimin wondered what they were about. However, upon hearing his voice, Jungkook looked up and the crease between his eyebrows softened.

"Look at you... I don't know if I'm courting you or the other way around" he cocked an eyebrow as he looked at the small package in Jimin's hands.

"Clearly none of those are correct" Jimin playfully rolled his eyes, settling the box on the mahogany surface and signalling for him to open it. He worked on this all week so he was quite excited to see the Prince's reaction.

"I won't have it until you say it's a courting gift" the other simply replied, a sly smile stretching his lips while he rested his chin on his palm.

"Fine, if you don't want it I'll take it back and give it to sir Lee" the pharmacist sighed dramatically, not wanting to cave.

"He's married." 

"And this is not a courting gift" he reminded.

"It is though" Jungkook insisted, "You're not a home wrecker are you?" he gasped, feigning surprise as Jimin chuckled. He leaned on the surface with his extended arms and looked down at the Prince. 

"And what if I am?" he asked defiantly.

"How cruel of you sir Park, using your charms to ruin entire families" the taller shook his head disapprovingly.

"My charms?" Jimin asked, biting the inside of his lip to suppress a smile.

"An attractive man like you shan't assume a married one won't pursue him" he nodded in confirmation. If he was asked to name all the things he liked about the Liquis he wouldn't skip a beat, but he wasn't, or at least it wasn't explicit enough for his liking.

"I'd rather a Pyre bachelor pursuing me instead" Jimin responded, eyes not leaving the other's.

"Well, I'm not sure about this Pyre bachelor you have in mind but I certainly do not aim to fool around" he informed. 

"Nor do I" Jimin agreed.

"Say that after you start calling things by their names" Jungkook clicked his tongue, as though unimpressed.

"This is not a courting gift, but if you're so adamant on receiving one I'll indulge you" Jimin chuckled again, looking away to avoid the Prince's surprised look. 

"Sir Park are you in love with me? Throwing yourself at me like so" he huffed teasingly. 

"You wish"

"Certainly" Jungkook smiled, reaching with his free hand and gently putting a chaste kiss on Jimin's knuckles. 

"Open it" Jimin smiled, a bashful mist of pink on his cheeks.

The Prince dragged the paper box across the varnished wood and tugged on the twig string tying it closed. The packaging fell apart immediately and in the middle was a small bottle full of an amber colored liquid, along with some incenses. He picked up the bottle and looked at it quizzically before opening the glass cap and getting a whiff of the smell. 

"What do you think?" Jimin asked.

"You made me a fragrance?" He replied, rubbing the wet cap on his skin before smelling it again. 

"Do you like it?"

"I fancy the scent, it vaguely reminds me of something but I'm not quite sure" he wondered out loud, putting the bottle down and moving on to the incenses. 

"It's what I smelled when we first met" Jimin smiled, "The hill where we sat during the Dragon festival, it was surrounded with Jasmine" he informed.

"Who knew you were such a romantic" the Prince said, "I am grateful for such a thoughtful gift" he smiled, "Though I have to say I am surprised to see you raising the bar already"

"Raising the bar for what my Prince?"

"For our courting gifts of course, I was thinking of starting with something as simple as a piece of jewelry, maybe ask your preferences beforehand so that you aren't too uncomfortable to wear it in public" he voiced out his mental notes, rubbing his chin with two fingers while his other hand sat on his lap. "Then maybe move on to a beautiful horse that you can ride for our escapades. And then perhaps ask you on a trip to somewhere beautiful-"

"Hang on a moment- this has been on your mind?" Jimin asked, eyes wide in surprise over the listed ideas.

"Of course, since that night at the lake" the taller replied without batting an eye, taking him aback. "As I was saying, now I can no longer be proud of offering you things with no deeper meaning behind them, I've got to strategize anew" he nodded, determined.

"If it is any consolation, you set the bar this high when you sent me an exquisite Hanfu tailored with my favorite color my Prince" Jimin mentioned, ignoring the loud beating of his heart as he hasn't yet wrapped his mind over the Pyre's serious courting plans. 

"Royal Blue... I wish yet to see you in it sir Park" he insisted.

"As your servant it may seem too pretentious to wear clothes fit for royalty" the Liquis pursed his lips apologetically. He's tried the Hanfu on before and found it breathtaking, but he couldn't help but wonder what the Prince's reaction would be if he were to see it with his own eyes. 

"As my consort it will seem just right" Jungkook replied, kind eyes gazing up to his own and making his heart skip beats he couldn't count. How could the Prince say such things with no second thought? Jimin was already nervous to project himself into a courtship and now he was thrust into the image of being his consort, his mind couldn't handle more.

"What about your training, how has it progressed thus far?" he changed the topic of conversation, afraid that he may physically breakdown if other flirtatious things rolled out of the Pyre's tongue.

"I can confidently say that I feel the flow of water now, I can still feel it when I'm not submerged, but controlling it then becomes a little tricky" Jungkook granted the switch not to seem pushy, but he also had much to say about this matter anyway. 

"That will be something to practice everyday if possible, but I think you can now start a new exercise" Jimin nodded to himself.

"What may that be" the Allura asked with a hand under his chin.

"It also involves the flow of water but I think explaining with words may sound confusing... I will show you whenever you are available for a lesson my Prince" he suggested.

"Today I have a few things to take care of, tomorrow we have places to be, then I will be out of the palace to visit Tehin city in my father's stead... After my return then?" Jungkook thought out loud to make sure he hasn't missed anything on his schedule. 

"Excuse me, when you say we have places to be, do you mean-" Jimin began to ask, a confused expression on his face since he hadn't heard anything about this before.

"Yes you and I, sir Park" he confirmed, and if the Pyre didn't know any better he'd think the knot between Jimin's eyebrows was just due to his confusion.

"What places may those be?" he asked.

"You see, it so happens that you weren't the only one with a nice gesture up your sleeve today" he said, the beginning of a smile stretching his lips at the sight of Jimin's suspicious look. "You look troubled" he stalled.

"I am only anticipating your answer" the shorter said with somewhat of a forced smile. 

"Are you? Brace yourself then" he raised his eyebrows, "I know it's a special day for you tomorrow, so I wished that you spend it the way you would've wanted, had you not been subject to exit restrictions" he started, watching the look of recognition materialize on his pharmacist's face.

"What do you mean?" he asked, hope laced into his voice.

"You may attend your sister's wedding ceremony tomorrow sir Park" he broke the news, his heart filling at the sight of Jimin's bright smile.

"I can't believe this... Thank you. I was beginning to think I wouldn't be able to go as you're taking me elsewhere" he replied with a relived sigh.

"I was honestly surprised that you didn't mention it, I was sure you would keep asking for permission adamantly yet you almost let me believe you forgot about it" Jungkook clicked his tongue. 

"Of course I didn't forget" he nervously chuckled.

"So?" he inquired, his eyes slowly narrowing as a bitter conclusion dawned on him, "You were going to ask, right?" he asked, each word enunciated clearly with a nuance of warning. 

"Of course" Jimin quickly affirmed to clear the doubt, "I wasn't going to sneak out, worry not" 

"Then why didn't you? Did you feel intimidated because of my reaction last time, I already said you are the furthest thing from my prisoner-"

"I know" he softly smiled, "But being more aware of your concern for my wellbeing as well as the danger I am in, I understood how difficult such a request may be, even if it's my sister's wedding" he admitted. "I wanted to ease into the topic with all good favors on my side and a clear sense of responsibility, but I never found the right time. Except I no longer had much of that so I had no choice but to visit this morning" he finished, nibbling on the side of his bottom lip.

"Good favors? Sir Park..." Jungkook's jaw fell. "Was the fragrance you made meant to bribe me?" he asked, amused yet slightly disappointed.

"Not entirely my Prince" Jimin shook his head in denial.

"But partly?" the other asked again and he just tightly smiled in response.

"Good lord, my days are never boring with you, are they" Jungkook scoffed, "Here I was going on about courting gifts and whatnot when I was merely a door to unlock" he dramatically sighed.

"Please don't take it in such fashion, I made the gift with no ulterior motive but I let my greed influence my timing-"

"I am jesting dear, It doesn't displease me to have received your well-thought gift now or another time, I've tried my share of bribing with my own father so I understand the motivation behind it" he chuckled, relieving the tension from Jimin's shoulders before standing and walking to where he stood.

"You are not offended?" the Liquis asked, looking down at their now linked hands.

"Not a bit, though I will continue to reassure you that there is very little I will deny you if you ever ask" Jungkook admitted, "I want you to have it all, if it can be helped I'll help it, but foremost I want you to be safe. Asking for permission is mainly for me to organize myself and the protection I will provide" he nodded to his own words, looking right into the shorter's eyes.

In moments like these, when Jimin felt his heart squeeze and clench, he wonders how he hasn't fallen head over heels for the handsome Prince yet. He knew it would take time to get rid of the inhibiting walls around his heart, and in moments like these, he longs for when they will disappear and let him give in to his deepest feelings.

For now, he will settle for this steady pace they created and maybe one day, he could return all those lovely words without anything holding him back.

"Thank you Jungkook" he muttered, curling his arms around the taller's middle and resting his forehead on his shoulder. The taller smiled softly, holding him back and pressing a kiss on his temple.

"Wait, you said both of us?" Jimin recalled, pulling way and stepping back to look at the Pyre properly.

"Indeed, I hope your sister doesn't mind an extra guest" he replied.

"Of course not" Jimin shook his head, excited about the news. "However, since you are travelling early morning the next day, I am afraid such an event will tire you my Prince" he added in concern.

"I will be just fine. What's important is that additionally to the guards outside, I need someone to keep an eye on you inside as well, but I don't want it to feel suffocating, so who's better for the job than myself" he explained, but the slight frown on the pharmacist's face did not soften.

"I would hate to be your burden, you may assign me a guard inside as well and I will remain grateful" he insisted.

"What if I say I want to attend your sister's wedding" he suggested, "I want to share that memory with you, if you'll allow me" 

"Are you being honest?"

"Yes. Can I come with you to the ceremony then?" 

"It would be an honor" Jimin smiled.

Comes the next day and the thrill of joy over handing his sister off on her wedding day, Jimin was restless over his appearance, his speech, and all of these things that needed to be perfect. Next to him stood the undercover Prince who was amused to watch him fret over the smallest details.

They were currently in the Liquis's house, after stopping by the downtown to pick up his wedding gift and wear the Hanfu he bought for this special occasion.

"I haven't seen you so stressed in while" Jungkook pointed out, holding his mask down while they were still inside. 

"I can't help but worry. As her brother and only family, I should be gifting her wedding hairpin but the groom beat me to it. He forged their rings and the hairpiece, the talented smith that he is, leaving me no choice but to scramble for another present" he sulked, looking at the box on the dining table. 

"I think this one is even better" he disagreed.

"I appreciate your kindness but-" Jimin started, fiddling with the red ribbons of his belt, "But I don't think-" he huffed at a knot keeping him from twisting the ends.

"Let me" the Prince muttered as he took the ribbons from him, calmly untangling them and tying them around his waist while standing behind.

"They will love the present Jimin, none of your ideas are sub par, but this one least of all" Jungkook reassured, looking at him through their reflection in the mirror, his hands settled on the shorter's waist to keep the tied ribbon in place. He smiled, and although he wished to hold him that way for a bit longer, he had to let go.

"Thank you my Prince" Jimin bashfully replied, tugging at the hems of his sleeves while trying to contain his smile. 

"Shall we?" the taller asked, putting his mask on. Jimin nodded and walked ahead towards the door. 

They were now heading to the ceremony hall with a handful of guards trailing along, certainly catching a lot of looks which Jimin learned to ignore, but Jungkook on the other hand felt more seen than ever. He was masked but somehow felt bare under his people's gazes, likely wondering who the masked pyre walking by the town's favorite pharmacist was.

He took his time to look at them, now that they aren't adverting their gazes in fear but rather looking right back with curious eyes. There were many Pyres naturally, but he sometimes spotted some Theras or even Vals. Most were whispering amongst themselves, so he wondered if he could listen to what they said for a bit. 

"Was pharmacist Park arrested?"

"Of course not, he would've been bound... I think they are following him"

"Who is that man with the mask?"

"Jiminie is wearing the red ribbons, is it his sister's wedding day? How wonderful"

"The Pyre next to Jimin seems like a fine man, his fire is blazing hot"

"Have some shame, he may be his partner. The boy hasn't been in town for a while maybe he was with him"

"A Pyre from the palace?"

"Could it be a relative of the royals? How lucky..."

"The Crown Prince?" someone snickered, and Jungkook had to catch himself from turning towards the person.

"He wouldn't be walking out with a mask, he's too full of himself to hide"

"You dare breathe my air? Die" someone mocked him. From the corner of Jungkook's eyes he could see the woman thrust an imaginary sword into her friend.

"What a curse it would be to have General Jeon attend your wedding... I would cry"

That was Jungkook's cue to stop listening, he made a mental note to never do this again, but the harm was already done.

"You're burning up" he heard Jimin say by his ear. Snapping out of his momentary daze, he turned to the Liquis and guiltily smiled before suppressing his heat again. 

"I apologize, my people are just very talkative" he chuckled humorlessly, missing the soft expression on his pharmacist's face when he turned away.

"We're almost there" the Liquis said reassuringly.

Once at the hall, Jungkook subtly gave the guards their orders and walked through the gates with the bride's brother. Jimin let out a long sigh, running his trembling fingers over his Hanfu, twirling a couple strands of his silver hair between his fingers while his heart beat twice as fast.

"How am I so nervous and it's not even my wedding" he huffed.

"It's even more important to you because you want it to be perfect for her" the Pyre assessed.

"Would you also be this nervous if it were Prince Kyungsoo's wedding?" Jimin whispered to him, eyes searching for a specific answer, but being let down when it wasn't the one he gave.

"No" Jungkook instead replied.

"So I am totally being much" he defeatedly muttered.

"But I would definitely be this nervous on my wedding day, because I would want to make it perfect for my groom" he explained, "We strive for the happiness of our loved ones" he smiled. 

Jimin couldn't very well see his eyes but he could imagine exactly what they looked like. The eyes which held words that are never said out loud, words he has now heard in his heart a dozen of times. 

The hall was quickly filling with people, hello's and congratulation's echoed in the room and killed time along with the small talk Jimin was roped into every now and then. The Pyre on the other hand, quickly switched into his more professional persona as he observed his surroundings and everybody approaching the Liquis with hawk eyes. 

"My Pri- Jungil" the Liquis called, "I will need to meet my sister before the guests see her, would you care to accompany me?"

"Of course, you needn't ask" Jungkook nodded and waited for him to lead the way.

Inside a room was is sister Mina wearing the best bridal Hanfu Jimin had ever seen, sitting pretty in her chair while a kind lady did her hair in a neat braided bun, then slid an intricate golden pin into it. He is glad he let Woobin take care of that now, as he would probably not have gifted a hairpin that even compares.

"Jimin!" she jumped in her seat, carefully standing up to great him.

"Hello beautiful" he smiled, embracing her lightly not to crease her clothes, "You look out of this world, Woobin is truly a lucky man"

If Jimin felt his throat tighten and nose burn, though he ignored it because he made it a mission not to cry today; the tears wouldn't be purely of happiness. Somewhere deep in his chest he knew he was a little sad to let his sister live her married life away from him, a special form of loneliness attached itself to him at the thought of being left behind by the person he spent all his life with. 

"I feel so pretty" she smiled and did a little twirl in front of him, suddenly realizing the presence of the masked man, "Oh, excuse my rudeness, welcome to my wedding ceremony sir..."

"Jungil" the Prince spoke in a slightly deeper voice.

"He's-" Jimin wanted to introduce him but his sister cut him off short.

"I know who this gentleman is Jimin" she said with piercing confidence and a bright smile, triggering knowing looks between the two.

"What do you mean" Jimin asked, reluctant to find out.

"He's your lover isn't he" she beamed.

"Right" Jimin sighed in relief, making Jungkook turn his way in surprise. "I mean no- I-" he stammered once he realized what he said.

"No? I assumed things were going well between you two since what you told me that day-" Mina thought out loud, making Jungkook turn her way in surprise this time.

"Mina- Let's have a quick chat in private" the Liquis quickly stopped her from spilling any more sensitive information. He gently took her wrist and walked with her to the next room over, making sure to close the door behind himself. 

"What don't you want him to hear brother..." she smirked teasingly.

"All you need to know is that we aren't in a relationship, Jungil and I" he affirmed.

"So all about you liking him, was it a lie?"

"It was no lie, nor is it what you think, although he would love to argue that he is my suitor instead..." he rambled. His sister is the last person he should be speaking of this with, she overreacts and cannot keep a secret for her life, and now he will learn to live with the consequences.

"Heavens, you should host your wedding here! Don't you think the venue is beautiful?" 

"Too far, way too far sister" he shook his head disapprovingly, but the blush on his cheeks said differently.

"Is it really that far? Jungil seems like a man of clear ambition" she wiggled her eyebrows. 

"Tell me about it" Jimin scoffed pensively.

"Look at this, you are holding back when the truth is you can't wait to be by his side"

"Absolutely not" he argued.

"I can see through you"

"Alright, I will not be entertaining this conversation any longer" he rolled his eyes.

"Well I can't wait to officially meet him, I'm afraid the mask will need to come off at some point" she asserted.

"Someday" Jimin sighed, "Let's go back now" 

Returning to the main dressing room, the pharmacist found the Pyre standing idle as they left him, though this time a different aura enveloping him, one of satisfaction and pride. With his chest puffed, Jungkook watched Jimin walk over with his eyes narrowed.

"You listened, didn't you." the Liquis accused in a whisper. 

"I don't know what you're talking about" the taller denied smugly. 

Maybe he'll need to establish some rules regarding the Prince's enhanced hearing, thanks to it he now knew things Jimin would never admit if not for his sister's blunt and straightforward nature.

Before they left the room, the bride's brother remembered his wedding gift which he preferred handing before the ceremony. He took the box from Jungkook's hands and approached his sister, his heart in his throat. 

"Before you go, I wanted to give you this" he started, "Woobin made an exquisite hairpiece I see, so my gift is sadly below the standard, but I will make it up to you" he rushed with the apologies before she could even see what's inside. It would break him to see her disappointed.

She cocked an eyebrow at the speech, knowing that anything from her brother would make her happy, and took the box silently. She opened the golden lock and raised the lid slowly, revealing two bracelets of solid-band polished gemstone bases, delicately wrapped in gold details.

"Jade and Tanzanite..." she muttered softly.

"Our parents' birthstones" he confirmed.

"Jimin this... This must have cost you a fortune... " she carefully reached to the jewelry with her fingertips, afraid to even touch it and ruin it somehow. 

"I earn enough to buy you at least that" he shook his head in dismissal.

"I don't understand, why are you trying to make it up to me" she asked, eyes yet fixed on the contents of the box, inspecting every inch.

"Because it's not extravagant enough, not pretty enough for a bride" he explained, embarrassed. 

"What?" she finally looked up, eyes brimming with tears, "I absolutely love it, what are you talking about" she huffed before putting the box down and pulling him into an eager embrace, not minding her get up this time. 

"You do?" 

It's as if a boulder had been lifted from Jimin's shoulders, relief flooded his body and he could finally rest for a bit. Seeing her bright smile after she let go of him was the best reward for all those laborious hours of shaping the gemstones and tumbling them into polish. He's glad he took care of that part of the process before sending the bracelets to the jeweller for the gold.

"I'm glad" he sighed then turned to look at the Prince with a smile, finding him smiling right back.

"My idea was that you wear one on each wrist under your wedding Hanfu, that way it's as though mother and father are holding your hands since they can't be here today" he explained.

"I love that" she beamed, a single tear escaping her waterline, "But I swear if you make me cry any more I will throw a fit" she complained as she gently tapped her cheek dry.

Not more than an hour later, the ceremony was taking place. Goryeo's traditional music was performed by skilled musicians, and dancers entertained the guests before came time to unite the soon-to-be-wed. 

Woobin was slowly advancing to the bride's 'house', bowing to Mina's closest friend then being handed the Kirogi. He bowed to Jimin himself as he was her only family, then finally came out the bride. They bowed to each other and shared a drink, and just like that Jimin's best friend and sister were married. 

"That might have been the proudest moment of my life" Jimin said looking at his special guest once he regained his seat.

"You looked the happiest" Jungkook nodded.

"Are you enjoying this so far? I hope you aren't too bored" Jimin asked, remembering that he doesn't know anybody in the hall, not behind the mask at least.

"Yes worry not, I was busy observing everyone" he replied, "It is the main reason I am here after all"

"I am sure she wouldn't dare try anything in a room full of people, she might not even know we're here" the Liquis reassured.

"I can never be too careful when it comes to her"

"Well, you can continue your subtle inspection as we meet the newly weds" Jimin suggested, hooking his arm with the Pyre's and nodding in the direction of the couple.

"Look at you being bolder now that the stress left you" Jungkook smirked at their linked arms. 

"Are you complaining?" Jimin taunted.

"Not at all, let's go" he shook his head. 

"Jimin, my brother in law" Woobin called. "Thank you for being here, this wedding ceremony  couldn't have been complete without you" he said, firmly shaking his hand with both of his. 

"I wouldn't miss it for the world" he nodded, "Woobin, this is Jungil, my... date" he added.

"Congratulations to you two, I wish you the happiest life together" the masked Prince took his cue to speak. 

"Thank you very much kind sir" the groom smiled. "Jimin, my parents have already given us their words of wisdom, but I would like you to partake in the tradition as well" he said, turning to his old friend. 

"I've already given my speech at the beginning of the ceremony, I am unprepared... I haven't much to share unfortunately anyway" he bashfully declined, because what does he know about love.

"Please brother, it's unofficial so you don't have to feel pressured" Mina insisted.

"Well, I will say what my father would if he were present" he started, "Love each other as if everyday will be your last... Our mom left too soon and he always felt like he didn't show his love to her enough when she was still with us, so... Treasure every moment"

"May they rest in peace" Woobin solemnly replied, squeezing his wife's hand in his. "Sir Jungil, please feel free to participate" he invited his fellow Pyre to the conversation. 

"Oh, I agree with sir Park of course" Jungkook nodded, "But also, don't be afraid to show your pain too... Tell each other what's wrong because only then can you move forward" he finished. 

"I wouldn't be lying to say both your advice was on par with my parents' and they've been married for decades" Woobin chuckled impressed. 

"Now here, grab some" Mina pointed to the bowl of dates and nuts on the low table, straightening her veil with the help of her husband.

The tradition states that the groom's parents would throw dates and nuts towards the bride's veil, and however many she catches will be the number of children she has in the future. It wasn't too literal but the gesture was still diligently respected and followed by most families. 

"It is not our place" Jimin shook his head, they were not even a couple.

"As we said it's unofficial, so don't worry too much" Woobin reassured. Jimin wasn't going to refuse his sister's puppy eyes, so he started walking to the low table but stopped when he felt Jungkook unhook their arms. 

"I think it's better that you do this alone" the other said, and if Jimin didn't spend so much time around the Pyre he wouldn't notice the frown stretching his lips.

"Why?"

"My participation isn't appropriate" 

"It's just for fun they said, I doubt they mind what you are to me" the shorter insisted.

"It's not about what I am to you, love" he tightly smiled and moved a few steps away.

"Will you give us a moment" Jimin asked the married couple who complied, then gently dragged the Prince by his wrist towards the bride's dressing room. "You can take that mask off, nobody is here" he muttered when the doors were closed.

"We needn't have this conversation Jimin, just go to your sister and her groom" Jungkook said after sliding his mask off.

"You don't look well my Prince" the shorter pointed out.

"But I am" he lied.

"Then why is it your smile dropped at Woobin's invitation?" Jimin asked, a slight knot forming between his eyebrows.

"Please let us brush over it" Jungkook dismissed with a shake of his hands. 

"Or how about you take your own advice and tell me what's wrong, I will listen" he promised, taking a step closer to the Pyre who looked troubled and embarrassed.

"Why must you look at me with those eyes..." Jungkook whispered in defeat, "I simply did not wish to partake in the tradition" he added.

"I know that, but why?"

"Because I can't soil such a meaningful gesture with my bloodied hands" he admitted. 

Ever since his new feelings for Jungkook bloomed, Jimin has been seeing him under different lights, everyday discovering a new side of him he was forcefully blinding himself from. More-so that Jimin was slowly starting to only see the good in the Crown Prince.

Had this wedding taken place a few months earlier he would agree with the statement or even be the one to say it, but now, it sounded like the most absurd thing he's ever heard. 

"Is that truly what's holding you back" the Liquis's concern did not fade. 

"Although it's not literal, the groom's parents are meant to bless the couple with many a child. Such an omen on the newly wed's future should be given by pure hands, not mine" he explained, looking at this callused palms before softer hands cradled them. 

"My Prince I am far from innocent too, we both know it" he replied.

"No, you were defending yourself, do not put yourself in the same basket as I" Jungkook shook his head.

"I'm not talking about that... But you, you fought to protect not only yourself but your kingdom" he tried again.

"There are things you don't know, despicable things I am afraid to say I've done" he sighed, "They said it's a curse for me to even attend the wedding and I agree" he nodded, unseen pain written on his face with the tears he hasn't shed. 

"I don't. I cannot allow you to speak of yourself this way Jungkook" Jimin firmly disagreed, "Nobody is so pure in that entire room, everyone has done things they aren't proud of and yet they are all enjoying themselves, so why not you" 

Suddenly, Jimin remembered all the moments the Crown Prince was there for him, comforting him and telling him things craved to hear. He realized he hasn't done much of that from his side, it was only timely.

"I wouldn't describe you being here as anything other than an honor to Mina and I" he said. "What's most important is your intentions, your hands may be tainted but your heart isn't, I've seen it" he finished with kindness in his eyes, hoping his genuine words reached the taller.

They did, in fact the Crown Prince was so moved he could cry a river right now, but an even more overwhelming emotion took precedence. He let go of the hands holding his own and reached up to cup the Liquis's face, gently leaning down and pressing a loving kiss on his lips. 

"God I am so in love with you" he whispered against his lips, making Jimin's heart do all sorts of things in his chest. "Shall we go gratify the bride and groom's wishes then" he added as he pulled away to look again.

"Let's go" Jimin nodded smiling, holding hands this time while they made their way back.

---

"What are you doing Byunho, are you having fun my baby?" she asked, crouching down next to her son as he scribbled on his paper.

"Mommy I'm painting" he told her, not taking his eyes off of his masterpiece.

"How pretty, what is that?" she asked, brushing her fingers through his hair as he squiggled with the red paint.

"I don't know" he said, "I think it's brother Jungkook's favorite drawing" he replied and her hand stilled. 

"Who?"

"Brother Jungkook, my brother that you don't like" he repeated.

"Did he talk to you?" she tuned him by the shoulders and asked.

"He doesn't want me to tell you but we talk all the time you know, he's not as bad as you say" Byunho smiled, "You should talk with him too one day, maybe you will become friends" he beamed, "And we can paint together!"

"When was this" she tried hard not to sound angry but the flattening smile on her son's face indicated otherwise.

"Mommy are you upset?" he asked with his round eyes.

"No baby just tell me... When did he tell you this was his favorite drawing" she rephrased her question with a softer voice.

"He showed me one day during my painting lessons" 

"Was sir Jin there?"

"He wasn't" Byunho shook his head and she pursed her lips.

"Did Jungkook hurt you? Did he say something bad to you? You can tell me baby" she urged.

"He didn't"

"Don't be afraid of him, I'll protect you even if you say something he doesn't want you to tell me" she insisted.

"No mommy, he's very kind and he never hurt me... He even showed me his secret drawing on his chest so that I color it" he defended with knit eyebrows and a determined tone, holding his painting up for her to see. 

"Drawing on his chest?" she repeated, confused.

"Yes yes, he has one right here, and he let me color it if I gave him a hug" he explained.

"A tattoo...?" she muttered under her breath, a new sense of excitement hitting her as she thought of the possibilities. "And tell me, did it look like this?" she asked, pointing at the black lines on the paper. 

"Mhm" he nodded.

"Wonderful" she smirked, "Say baby, can you draw a new one for me to color?" 

"Of course mommy" he agreed. 

The Crown Prince keeps fumbling over himself and giving me more opportunities to end him, I'm almost wondering if he's doing this on purpose, she thought to herself.  

"Thank you Byunho, mommy will be out for a bit" she said, standing to leave the room, her ink drawing rolled in her hand.

She headed straight to her uncles' office, knocking and waiting for permission to enter with a proud look on her face, convinced that she will receive their eulogies with her discovery.

"Uncles, I have amazing news in this blessed afternoon" she announced at her arrival, locking the door behind herself.

"Sunmi now is not the time" Chang Kangsin, the older one said.

"Please hear me out it is about the Crown Prince" she started.

"Another one of your failed plans I presume..."

"My plans aren't failed"

"Say that to the assassin clan we had to pay despite not getting the job done. All because you mistakenly judged Park Jimin as a defenseless artisan. You can't even do proper research" he shook his head.

"That assassin was weak, how is it my fault" she huffed.

"We brought you all the way to the King, gave you a strategic position within the palace, and all you've done is fail. Forgive us for not wanting our time wasted" the other agreed with his brother. 

"He has a tattoo" she cut straight to the point, making them look in her direction at last. 

"How do you know" Kangsin asked.

"Byunho saw it on his chest" she replied enthusiastically, earning looks of disdain and disappointment.

"Things were better when you were sent home I'll be honest" he sighed, going back to his readings.

"Are you expecting us to believe a 3 year old-"

"He's 6 years old" she corrected.

"Irrelevant! He is a child. It is treason to accuse a royal of bearing an ink mark if it isn't true, and I will not be led to my doom by a child, do you understand?" her uncle berated.

"The problem is that you never give me a chance to prove myself" she complained, "I've helped you with all your plots and all you do is belittle me and insult my intelligence" she fussed.

"Queen Sunmi, get over yourself" one of them scoffed.

"I know my son is young but he knows what he saw and I trust him to tell me the truth" she continued, then slammed the drawing on her uncles' desk and stomped towards the door. 

"Wait" the man said.

The Queen smirked and kept her back to him, thinking he was about to apologize when in reality, her uncle's eyes were bulging at the paper. He gestured for his brother to come close, and when they took too long to speak she finally let her curiosity win. 

"What's going on" she asked, confused at the two men ogling her 6 year old's drawing. 

"This" Kangsin started, "This is big" he simply said.

"You said Byunho saw this" Woojin repeated.

"Now you choose to listen? I wonder what changed" she scoffed.

"Now we know for sure that Byunho couldn't have invented this" he replied.

"How come?"

"It isn't surprising that you have never seen this symbol before" he shrugged, "All you need to know is that it can sink not only Jeon Jungkook, but the entire family"

"What? What is it, a slavery tattoo? A traitor mark?" she asked, on her toes with the new information.

"Worse" Kansin smirked, making her stare dubiously, what could be worse than a Crown Prince bearing another kingdom's crest...

"A magic symbol" Woojin carefully answered.

Later that day, while The Crown Prince and his pharmacist joined hands to throw dates and nuts for the newly weds, smiling to each other as if they finally saw eye to eye and cleared the fog between them, Queen Sunmi was laying on her side looking at her son play while her mind was elsewhere, an evil smirk stretching her lips.

Joyful music echoed in the venue as the guests danced and enjoyed themselves, including a particular Liquis who otherwise never looked so carefree, jumping around with his sister, his red belted silk Hanfu following him faithfully.

"Join us" he invited Jungkook, whose eyes oozed with fondness as he took a fill of Jimin's bright smile.

Suddenly, a sharp pain surged in his chest, halting him in his step before he hunched forward in shock. A hand on his heart, he clutched at the fabric of his red Hanfu and tried to stabilize his breathing and temperature. 

"What's wrong?" Jimin said as soon as he noticed.

"The mark" Jungkook whispered.

"We need to get you out of here" he replied, looking around for the least crowded exit, "Mina, I'm sorry to leave early but we have to go, congratulations again" he added and waited for her to excuse him before escorting a hurting Prince out the premises.

"Of course take care, I hope Jungil feels better" she had last said.

Once outside, the guards immediately stood by their Crown Prince, who needed to give his best performance not to raise suspicion or trigger any concerns. This may as well look like a reaction to poison, perhaps a wound, or at the very least an illness that they will want to look into, and he cannot allow that.

Jimin on the other hand didn't understand why the mark was manifesting itself so suddenly, but he was mainly afraid the other mark would appear on his face. This one may be hidden under his clothes, but if his face was to begin glowing in front of all these people, there was no telling what would happen. 

"We need to stop by my home" Jimin suddenly announced when he noticed the Prince's struggle to bare the pain in such silence.

"Yes we are a minute or two away" the Prince confirmed, sounding out of breath.

"Very well your Highness" 

Indeed, a minute later they were inside. Jimin led him to his room where he could lay down, a few grunts escaping Jungkook's lips as he stretched his chest. He gently took off the Prince's mask and brushed a few hairs out of his face. 

"Your face symbol has not appeared" the Liquis sighed in relief. 

"That's good. Could you please help me untie this" he panted, fiddling with the belt of his Hanfu.

"Of course" Jimin loosened the knots, allowing Jungkook to tug his layered collars open, relieving his skin from the constant contact and refreshing it with the cooler temperature in the house.

"How is it, is there a scar? Something?" he asked since he couldn't take a look himself.

Jimin knit his eyebrows and shook his head, "No... I don't see anything wrong, it's as if nothing happened" he muttered skeptically.

"This is problematic" Jungkook claimed as the burning sensation started to subside, "I can't have this happen to me around other people, it can put everything in jeopardy" he assessed, turning to his pharmacist for confirmation. 

"Why don't you rest here for a bit while I get you something to soothe your skin" Jimin replied instead.

"You don't have to, it's almost gone" Jungkook shook his head, holding his shoulder to keep him seated by the bed.

"Jungkook, almost is not good enough, we don't even know what happened to you. Let me do what I do best, alright?" the other convinced, standing up when the warmer hand left him.

It's still months away from Chuseok, so the mark shouldn't be feeling any different, that is assuming Chuseok even had an effect. The Prince wasn't using any element when it happened, he wasn't in danger either so what could it be? Jimin asked himself as he ground the herbs.

Still with no answers, he walked back to the room where Jungkook remained in the same position, his chest exposed and an arm bent under his head as he stared at the ceiling, most likely lost in thoughts as well. 

"I am back my Prince, will you allow me to apply this herbal mixture onto your skin?" he requested.

"What is it?" the Pyre asked.

"It contains flowers and leaves with appeasing qualities, you may be familiar with Alkalas" Jimin explained and waited for his confirmation.

"You may" he replied, using his free hand to help his pharmacist kneel on the floor at the side of the bed. 

However, right as Jimin was getting ready to cover the ink with a first layer, he noticed a change, one that wasn't there when he left to the plant shed. 

"My Prince, your mark" he called, "There are words" he continued. 

"Words? What do they say?" he asked.

"I mustn't look any closer your Highness-"

"Jimin" Jungkook interrupted, "No use for the decorum, it's just us... Please do what you need to read what's written" he smiled comfortingly, making the other's pale skin flush yet again today, and if Jimin thought it was the end of it he would be wrong. 

"Three phrases..." he cleared his throat. "Speak With Love" he said, "Listen With Love" he added, "See Only With Love" he finished, not taking his eyes off of the writing until he heard the Prince sigh. 

"All that pain for such underwhelming revelations" Jungkook said before clicking his tongue, "What are you thinking?" he then asked when he found him a bit pensive.

"Well... As far as I remember, these are only a few amongst the phrases that will appear to fill your mark with time" Jimin replied. 

"I recall indeed"

"And when the phrases appear, that means you have fulfilled their message since you became an Allura" he explained, sounding slightly more reserved, indubitably because of what he implied. He couldn't hold the Prince's gaze all of a sudden, his heart feverous in his own chest.

"I must have" Jungkook replied, closing his eyes and reaching to caress the Liquis's silver hair. 

What does a usually collected Liquis do in such a situation, when the words and touch of the one he cares for soothe him like no other, leaving him defenceless to a warmth he never planned to fight. He does nothing. He lays his head on the side of the bed and gives in to the affection. 

"Your Highness is everything alright" one of the guards knocked on the front door, making Jimin jump up at the sudden noise. 

"Poor guards, they must've been itching to ask but couldn't address my title in the presence of passing people" the Prince chuckled, sitting up straight and fixing his clothes.

The entire way back Jimin had been all the more aware of the Prince's presence, his body heat, the movements of his arms, and flow of those few free strands of hair. Running his mind over this afternoon, he realized he hadn't lived such an ordinary day in so long. 

Frequently being caught up in work, stuck in the palace, dealing with the royals, doing independent research about the Black Star's miracle and its guide, he hadn't had time to enjoy himself in such a normal event in so long that he forgot he could. He wished this feeling of contentment lasted longer. 

"My Prince" he whispered in the taller's ear as they stood at the closed palace gates. 

"Yes" he replied, turning slightly to give his full attention, noticing the nervous fiddle of Jimin's fingers, and the slight gnawing on his bottom lip.

"Would you perhaps..." he started, clearing his throat and looking around at the oblivious guards.

"Go on" the Pyre encouraged. 

"Umm, would you like to... keep me company- I mean later... Uhh, would you like to stay with me..." he stammered in his words, not sure how to phrase it best nor if he was right to speak at all.

"Do you want me to walk you to your chambers sir Park?" he asked, a kind smile on his lips.

"No- well yes if you'd like- I was asking if you could to stay... a while..." he tried again. He wasn't great at taking initiatives when they didn't involve a clearly traced plan.

"You want me to spend the night" Jungkook stated as he removed his mask, his kind smile turning into a smirk by the second.

"I said a while" Jimin corrected, still not tolerant to that smirk especially.

"To do what?" he raised his eyebrows inquisitively, patiently giving Jimin ample time to answer while they walked across the main garden.

"Nothing that is on your Pyre mind" Jimin ended up saying, not sure himself what they would be doing alone in a room, night time about to dull their minds and not even a cup of tea to distract them from each other. 

"Brazen assumptions, sir Park. I was innocently considering some calligraphy, but you..." he tauntingly clicked his tongue with a smug look, facing the shorter when they stopped at the door of the guest house, and Jimin wondered if it was too late to take the invitation back.

"It never crossed my mind" he denied.

"Are you so sure?"

"Calligraphy you said?" he switched topics. He was getting cornered very frequently with the Crown Prince as of late, he should mind his words a little more.

"I thought we could engage into a relaxing activity to conclude the day" he nodded. 

"I suppose it could do some good" he agreed, walking ahead and leading them to his room. "I hope you don't mind the modest space, it isn't anything like yours" 

"I don't" he reassured, following him inside the room and looking around to see that it really wasn't anything like his. Plain would be the right word, but being surrounded by intricate decors and architecture details his entire life, this actually felt calming.

"I've asked for inks, quills, and paper. They should be arriving soon" Jungkook said as he sat on one of the available cushions. He heard the guard call outside and opened the door, taking the items from him and freeing him from his duties for the night.

"No longer worried that somebody will come in and murder me in my sleep?" Jimin asked with a raised eyebrow.

"I'm here, aren't I?" the other confidently replied as he set up his space on the low table, "Also, feel free to change into more comfortable attire" he added.

"I wouldn't leave you suffering by yourself" Jimin chuckled. 

"How selfless of you" Jungkook smiled as well.

As they began writing, the atmosphere dropped into silence. Quill scratches and paper rustling were the only sounds surrounding them, and as exhaustion from stress started dawning on him, Jimin soon found them comforting. He laid his head on his forearm against the table, scribbling on his sheet while he assumed Jungkook did the same.

"Your penmanship couldn't be good in that form, sir Park" the Crown Prince pointed out, waiting for a reply but receiving none. He cranked his neck to get a better look and was surprised to find him fast asleep with his quill bleeding on the paper.

Putting his own down, he stood up and approached him carefully, storing the tools away and gently pulling him into his body for a few seconds before moving again. He slowly carried him to the bed not far away and laid him there.

"You should've changed when I told you to" he shook his head, running his fingers through his silver locks.

He stayed that way for a while, and by this point Jungkook had turned off the light and lit a candle instead, then chose to get lost in his own mind while sitting by the bed just as Jimin did back in his home. 

So much happened today, he heard things that hurt him, others that made him the happiest, his Allura side is a priori evolving, and all this while his father was planning to hand down the Crown. Although he hasn't spoken to the King about his decision, he knew it wasn't something he would take back, he had already made up his mind not to rule until his death. 

He wondered if life could get any more overwhelming. 

Looking down at the sleeping pharmacist, he let himself focus on his peaceful breathing, his own synching with it after some time and falling into a rhythm that gently lulled him to sleep.

"Who are you" 

Jungkook heard Jimin's muffled voice say, pulling him out of a deep tunnel into his consciousness.

"Let me go" he heard. 

Eyes shooting open, Jungkook ignited a flame to light up the dark room, alert and ready to attack- there is nobody here, he realized. The Liquis was safe, but not in his dreams.

He tried nudging him awake a few times but nothing took, until he noticed the tears running down his face, "Jimin, love, wake up" he wiped them for him and shook him harder.

"It's okay, they can't hurt you" he repeated when Jimin finally gasped awake. The boy held himself together for a few seconds only before letting a fresh tear fall, clutching onto the Prince's arm and burying his face into his shoulder. 

"I didn't want to kill him" he whispered.

"I know" he replied. What he didn't know was that Jimin had a hard time sleeping at night because of something that happened weeks ago, and never talked to him about it. "Are there any blankets?" 

"In the closet" Jimin nodded.

Fall had officially started, and its chilly nights were at the windows, yet the soft cover and weak candles did marvellously at cozying up the room. 

"Do you want some tea?" Jungkook kindly offered, resting his cheek on his wrist and not taking his eyes off of him. 

"No thank you, I'll be fine. I've already showed to be a terrible host, I wouldn't make you cater to me" he tiredly smiled, "You know... I wouldn't hate it if you stayed the night after all" he added, scooting further into the bed.

"I'll stay as long as I possibly can" he nodded, coming out of his outer Hanfu pieces and staying in the blouse and pants before joining Jimin on the bed, his shoulders against the headboard.

"Oh no, it totally slipped my mind... You are leaving for Tehin city at first light" Jimin remembered, propping himself on his elbow to get a better look at him.

"Worry not, I will rest plenty before then"

"Better in your fitted bed my Prince, you should probably go" he furrowed his eyebrows as he did every time he felt guilty, his top lip jutting out in a pout automatically.

"I'd rather be here" he disagreed.

"But-"

"Just go back to sleep, I'm not going anywhere" he shook his head, brushing the back of his fingers against his cold cheek then pushing him back to the pillow.

"At least make yourself comfortable" he muttered, not yet convinced.

He conceded and slid lower to lay properly, bending his arm under his head per usual, then spent the rest of his awake time thinking about his present and his future. 

When morning comes, the bed is empty of the Pyre who was gone for his journey, leaving behind nothing but a note on the table he skillfully wrote on last night. Jimin picked up the neat page and unfolded it.

He silently read as he ran his thumb over the signature. He stored the note into one of his books and stood by the window, looking down at the slowly waking palace. I wanted to see him off, he sighed.

---

I finally updated this story after 7 months, I'm sorry for keeping you waiting so long. At last I had time to write something decent for this book.

I hope you enjoyed the chapter and let me know what you think of everything that happened! If you remember the plot since then...

Thank you for sticking with me, love you❤️

-Aida-