"Prince Kyungsoo, your performance will bore everyone if you put in this much energy. Look alive!" Master Jung clapped motivationally, circling around the younger to monitor his form and movements. 

"It's too early. Can't I instead perform the art of meditation?" Kyungsoo huffed in annoyance. 

"Sir Kim has taught you too much lethargy. Start over!" the man ordered.

"Why doesn't Jungkook do something? It is his ceremony after all" he pointed out, letting his blades hang by his sides as he painfully stretched his limbs and cracked his bones.

"But he is, and trust me his performance is several notches more complex than yours, he's been practicing everyday since his return from his latest trip. Quit complaining and get back to work!" Hoseok scolded again.

"Maybe if you found the right reward to propose, he would be motivated to put more effort" sir Jin walked by the court they practiced in, holding a letter in his hands. 

"You must not know much about this teacher, but soldiers needn't a reward to fulfill their duties" the former General stood his ground, proudly defending his convictions. 

"Except he's not a soldier" the other shrugged. 

"Jin you're not doing him any good" he sighed, his demeanor changing now that he dropped formalities. 

"You need to relax a little Hoseok" Jin smiled, "How about a meditation session?" he taunted, making his expression flatten in disappointment. 

"Leave my court" he responded.

"Gladly, after I deliver this to you though" Jin chuckled, handing him the sealed paper slip. "A letter from his Majesty. I know not of what it's about, but he requests your presence in the throne room along with your successor" he informed.

"And where is he?" Hoseok asked.

"With his lover I presume" Jin shrugged. 

"I hope not" he mumbled.

"In my humble opinion, this matter is far more important than my practice, master Jung" the young Prince commented, ready to be free again.

"His failure in the ceremony will be on your shoulders Jin" Hoseok shook his head in disappointment.

"That's unfair" the teacher complained.

---

"Hello you" the Prince smiled, gently moving the silver strands away from the other's eyes as he fluttered them open. 

"Good morning my Prince" Jimin greeted, beginning to clean his appearance out of respect, as he did every morning he slept over in these chambers.

It had been a few days since the Crown Prince's return and his bold speech, which caught everyone by surprise, and Jimin had been growing more comfortable sleeping in the Pyre's arms than he'd admit. 

"Do I have to keep reminding you that you look lovely no matter what?" Jungkook sighed, not enjoying the loss of warmth every time his pharmacist pulled away to fix himself.

"Nothing you say will keep me from doing this" Jimin disagreed, looking down at the man who laid with one arm under his head, his black hair tied in an unkept ponytail and his sleeping tunic gaping at his chest. "Your mark is showing" he bashfully pointed out.

"Is it?" he asked, making no effort to cover it.

"Close this" Jimin said, taking it upon himself to push the hems together.

"Why? You don't like how it looks?" Jungkook raised his brows curiously.

"It's not that" the Liquis shook his head.

"Oh right" the Prince nodded, "Sometimes I forget people don't actually have ugly scars all over their skin" he chuckled to try and hide the bit of shame he felt over not having the dream body to fill Jimin's fantasies.

"That's not it either" Jimin disagreed with the shadow of a pout forming itself on his lips. 

Saddened with Jungkook's image of himself, he undid his work and gently tugged on the closing string to move the fabric to each side, revealing more than just the ink. He felt Jungkook's fiery eyes on him, searching for his own, but made it a staple not meet them because he knew he wouldn't be able to continue then.

"I don't find them ugly" he muttered, reservedly setting his cool fingertips on the damaged skin, a patch on the man's ribs where the skin seemed to have been melted. "They tell stories" he added.

"Stories of death" Jungkook frowned at the memories.

"Stories of bravery" Jimin rectified, finally looking up to recognize the same fire he once saw during his first weeks in the palace, when Jungkook wrapped himself into his Army General persona and made it his shield.

"Lunar year 3068, I burned my opponent alive as his sword dug into my side" he replied, telling the story of the scar Jimin had his fingers on to prove his point. 

"Lunar year 3068, you defended yourself against your opponent despite having a sword buried in your bones, then burned your own flesh to stop the bleeding, not allowing yourself to even heal before taking on another fight" the Liquis suggested, "Give yourself some peace of mind my Prince, it's enough that your body holds the pain" he advised, his kind eyes stirring conflict in the Pyre again.

"Easier said than done" Jungkook whispered, feeling Jimin's fingers go up to another scar below his collar bone. 

"These wounds are only closed physically, tell me everything, maybe it'll help you finally move on" the pharmacist encouraged.

"Hot metal spikes, they latch into your skin and tear it when removed. I snapped the man's neck as soon as I had the chance" he mentioned, looking down to see where Jimin touched next. 

"That mark almost looks like a scratch but the cause of it could've killed me if not for my armor. Rock shards from two Thera soldiers, I slit both their throats" the Prince admitted.

"God..." Jimin whispered, shutting his eyes and gulping down the uncomfortable feeling in his chest.

"I don't want you to hear this" Jungkook shook his head, "You were amongst the lucky who were exempted from war, I won't bring its horrors all the way to you" he smiled tightly.

"No no go on" he insisted.

"Why? There aren't enough scars to carry the stories of every life I've taken anyway" he refused, watching a frown appear on the Liquis's features. He must have finally understood just how condemned I am, Jungkook thought.

"If you're so convinced you don't deserve to live a decent life, why didn't you kill yourself already?" Jimin countered, gnawing on his bottom lip in discontent.

"Because..." the Pyre dragged, not finding a proper answer right away.

"There must be something keeping you alive" he asserted.

"My duties" Jungkook nodded to himself, "My father relies on me" he explained but it didn't seem to satisfy the silver-haired.

"But what about you? Is there something you want selfishly? Anything you want to live for?" he asked again, his eyebrows angled up in concern while a few silver locks slipped from behind his shoulder, falling by the side of Jungkook's face and brushing against his neck like feathers.

Maybe there was something, the Prince pondered as he reached up to tuck the hair behind the other's ear again, dragging his rough hand as tenderly as he could down his cheek. Then with only his fingertips under the small pointy chin, he pulled him closer.

Their lips softly touched, and if one would call it shy, he calls it delicate. He smothered the Liquis's lips with his own with the affection and care he'd give the most fragile flower he holds. Only pulling away for millimeters of space-- you couldn't even see it from a distance, then kissing him again the same way.

Jimin's heart roared in his chest, as it had began to do whenever he was so close to his Prince, yet it ached to be closer, to feel him better. The gentle kiss fuelled his passion more than a firm one would, and although he wouldn't complain in either case, the Pyre's softer side somehow made him feel things he never felt before.

The actual reason why he didn't particularly enjoy looking at the mark was because of the words on it. It was too much pressure. Jungkook's proof of love was quite literally inked on his skin while he still couldn't even--

A similar turmoil manifested in the Pyre when he didn't fail to answer Jimin's deep questions one way or another, but always avoided to ask his own, perhaps in fear of yearning for things he couldn't have. How does one man see what he's seen and continue to dream? Could he really be selfish, on top of everything bad he already was?

His self-deprecating mind always jumped on the occasion to destroy every sliver of hope he tried to hold onto, but this time it was a rude announcement that disturbed his peace.

"Crown Prince, are you in there?" The voice of his former combat master called from the hall.

Jimin jumped away from the Prince, his face still flushed while he fixed his appearance yet again. Cautiously peaking from the semi-sheer curtains to the closed door, then back at the dismayed Pyre tangled in the luxurious sheet, with his chest still exposed and expanding with every breath. 

"Jungkook you should go see" he whispered, holding himself up with his extended arms as he sat. 

"He'll go away" Jungkook clicked his tongue. He smiled at the Liquis' dainty fingers peeking from the loose fabric and padding the covers in between, cherishing this precious moment.

"It may be important" Jimin insisted.

"But what if it's not" he rolled his eyes, "Will you give me another one of those cheek kisses if I go see?" he smirked teasingly. 

"You're insufferable" Jimin flatly replied, "It's been days, move on" he urged. 

"Of course not, I've been practicing my water exercises so much hoping for another one, but you've been so cold to me lately" Jungkook complained.

"Cry about it" Jimin mumbled under his breath, but the taller caught it naturally.

"So mean I swear" Jungkook scoffed in disbelief, "Then later it's my Prince would you cuddle me, my Prince this, my Prince that" he said, getting out of bed and heading to the bathing room.

"You wish" Jimin scoffed. 

"Are you mocking me sir Park? Watch your tongue now, would you?" he cocked a brow defiantly with a hand on the sliding door, then turned around to hide his smile at Jimin's hesitance to speak.

"I just never said that, and I would rather you didn't put words into my mouth" he collectively and formally asserted instead. 

"You may not be using words but you're always clinging to me, I don't blame you though" Jungkook insisted.

"I am not a clingy person" Jimin complained, taking full offence.

"Can't hear you" Jungkook childishly replied after sliding the door closed behind himself.

"You can hear everything!" Jimin shouted, huffing in annoyance and standing to change into a new Hanfu, from a section of the Prince's dressing room that was emptied for him to leave clothes in when he stayed over. 

"Sir Park, is everything in order?" Master Jung asked when the pharmacist came out of the chambers looking bothered. 

"Master Jung, good morning to you. Of course why wouldn't it be?" Jimin forced a polite smile.

"I heard some shouting so-"

"Oh no don't mind that. I assume you have matters to see to with the Crown Prince, I hope you keep him busy for a very long time" he emphasized before bowing and stomping to his workshop. 

"What did I do to deserve such a punishment" Hoseok grumbled as he continued to wait for the Prince, who opened the door not long after. 

"Well? Are you going to tell me what you've disturbed my lovely morning for?" Jungkook asked when the combat expert skeptically stared at him without a word.

"Didn't sound that lovely from where I stood" he pointed out, making him roll his eyes. 

"What is it?"

"We are requested in the throne room. The King has written this letter for both of us" he informed as he handed him the opened letter. 

"You know it all, even when you don't" Jungkook read the words, confused to say the least. "What does he mean, know what?" he asked.

"I haven't a clue either, but we shall find out" the man said as they both made their way to the meeting place, waiting for the guards to announce their arrival and finding their King in the room with sir Kwon and the rest of the counsel.

"Blessed morning my King, please excuse our tardiness" they greeted in unison.

"General, former General, I am glad you were quick to arrive" the tired man spoke in his husky voice. 

"What may be the reason for this summons?" the Crown Prince asked, the atmosphere not giving many hints.

"I was informing the counsel of the eventuation concerning the tax problem in several states" the King announced, "To recapitulate, our Goryean Pyres have begun asking questions, complaining about the taxes they pay for the betterment of their country" he announced.

"Correct, your Majesty" Jungkook nodded.

"I was hoping you could give an insight on what you've discovered during your stay in Tehin city" he requested. 

"As you all know, Tehin borders Ujin, a Val state. The trip was made for diplomatic reasons but I did nonetheless get wind, if you may, of things happening in the neighboring state through a few respectable Pyre soldiers I have commanded in my troops once" he stated.

"I was told the Pyre community felt that it wasn't fair for them to pay the same amount of taxes as everyone else, in addition to be drafted to war unlike everyone else" he explained.

"It is safe to assume that such ideas may have spread in other parts of the kingdom" sir Kwon commented.

"Skepticism about this matter has always been around our soldiers, even in my command-- only it was silent then" Master Jung nodded. 

"Such a complaint is not be treaded lightly, and since we can't cut down the taxes not to rile up the other elementals who may be struggling financially, I have decided-- aided by the wisdom of the financial counsel-- to increase the retributions towards the soldier's families" the King informed the new attendees.

"Whatever you see fit my King" the Crown Prince agreed.

"And I've also informed everyone of the military units planned to be dispatched for the complete monitoring of these escalations" he announced, making the former general nod in confirmation. 

What units? Jungkook wondered. Right, the letter from this morning.

"Of course" he confirmed as well.

"His Majesty said that soldiers will be sent on a Civil-Military operation in every state, but I was wondering if you could give us more details about the sizes of the troops or the different departments where the soldiers will be operating" one of the Chang uncles spoke. 

True to himself, the man sought details which may allow a person to avoid these troops, and only now did Jungkook understand the reason for this undiscussed announcement. 

"I'm afraid details may not be disclosed at this premature time sir Chang, it is a strictly military matter anyway" Hoseok responded. 

"I may overstep and speak for everyone's name, but as far as we're all concerned, you are no longer Army General, Jung. Military matters ought to stay within the military as you said, no?" the older uncle pointed out, his tone rather discrediting.

"With my high seat in the defence counsel, I not only have the privilege to be informed of such decisions, but I also have a say in them" Master Jung corrected, "And you have neither, with all due respect" he added.

"Does anybody else want to know this information?" Jungkook asked, looking around the room full of men of all ages. "Sir Nim perhaps?" he prompted.

"I speak for the Commerce counsel, I'd say as long as your operations don't hinder mine, I needn't know such details" the man replied with a polite chuckle. 

"What is your domain, sir Kangsin?" he asked again, looking at the Queen's older uncle. 

"Energy, General" he said.

"Well, I can assure you that not the size nor the structure of this operation will have any effect on the energy generation and distribution in the Kingdom" he nodded reassuringly to the man whose expression was unreadable.

The meeting carried on until they were all dismissed, leaving the combat experts to talk about it as they walked elsewhere. Jungkook held his hands behind his back while Hoseok's settled on the handle of his sheathed sword per usual.

"Did you know about the operation?" the younger asked.

"Not at all, I just connected the dots at the right moment" he admitted. 

"Do you reckon it'd be better for such an operation to actually be carried out, or just kept on paper to ruffle the traitors' feathers" Jungkook inquired. 

"Deploying soldiers does not send the right message to the people, especially not when their complaints were expressed with civility" Hoseok disagreed, "Silencing citizens would confirm any doubts they have about their sovereign favoring other elements" he explained.

"Understandable. Do you think this could one day become more than a matter of complaints?" he asked.

"It's not inconceivable"

"How much time do you give it?"

"With the retribution augmentations maybe a few years, if nothing else fuels their fire" Master Jung sighed regretfully. 

Later that day, before the Crown Prince returned to his quarters he stopped by the pharmacy where he hoped to see his upset lover, only to find him already gone. He searched in different places and asked a few guards if they'd seen him, then decided to visit his room in the guest house.

"Sir Park, are you there?" Jungkook asked, knowing the answer since the guard was at his post surveilling the door.

"Sir Park has asked me to..." the guard spoke, struggling to let the words out. "Allow me to quote-- Send him away" the man said, absolving himself of any accountability. 

"Is that so, thank you. You may leave your post now" the Prince nodded and let him go, hoping to get some privacy.

"Jimin open the door please" he sighed, his voice softer this time. He waited for a few minutes before the door slid aside, revealing the Liquis in a comfortable indoor light blue set, his hair up in a topknot and his eyes icy, indicating he was using his element. 

"Persistent as always" Jimin sighed.

"Is everything alright?" he asked with his eyes narrowed, ignoring his taunt as he tried to peek inside. 

"Yes" the other reassured, "Come in" he invited, stepping away and giving him room to enter. 

"What were you up to?" Jungkook asked, ridding himself of his outer cloak and watching Jimin take it off his hands, neatly folding it elsewhere. 

"Things" he replied, remaining mysterious. 

"I was worried you were fighting somebody in here" he admitted.

"Oh no, rest assured I was just- practicing, yes" the shorter nodded to himself. It was not frequent that Jungkook knew he was lying, but it was even less frequent to catch him doing so as blatantly. 

"Sure everything is fine, love? You can tell me all about it" he tried to offer his listening ear as always. 

"Have you practiced water today? No? Let's see how far you've come then" Jimin instead responded, answering his own question and leaving no space for rebuttal.

They sat ahead of each other after the Liquis settled a carafe of water on the table, he spilled the amount of a full gulp on it and looked at the man expectantly. After many weeks of training in the lake or the bath, soaking his body for hours to be able to manipulate water at will, he was now able to achieve the same results while keeping dry, much to his pleasure. 

"Alright" Jungkook sighed, letting his curiosities go and focusing on the task. He moved the water across the surface, as if pulling it with a string, and once satisfied with his work, he looked up at the other to find him staring, his chin on his palm as his eyes seemed clouded with thoughts. 

"How did I do?" he asked, finding Jimin's gaze somewhat inviting.

"You're doing well, carry on"

"You're not even looking at the water" the Pyre pointed out, "I know that I'm handsome but don't you think there's a time and place for everything?" a smirk stretched his lips as he teased.

"I can tell what's happening to the water regardless" the other replied. 

"So you do admit you were staring" Jungkook raised a brow.

"It's hard not to look at you when symbols are quite literally emitting light from your skin" Jimin shrugged.

"Is that so. One day you're going to be honest, and that day you'll make me a happy man" the taller sighed.

"Until then, why don't we try to lift this bit of water off the table" Jimin smiled, demonstrating said action and asking him to do the same. He explained the mechanics and movements necessary before watching him fail multiple times as usual.

"Are you ready for tomorrow?" he spoke again after a while of water splashing sounds.

"Do you mean my performance?" the Prince asked.

"Everything. September hasn't been very eventful for the past five years because you were always away. You're only attending your second birth month ceremony since becoming Crown Prince, aren't you looking forward to it?" Jimin asked.

Every year, the King and his successor are celebrated on the last night of their birth month with music, dance, and an abundance of food. The capital is where the festivities are most flamboyant of course, but everywhere in the country the people of Goryeo stayed out late enjoying themselves for the occasion.

Normally, the capital would be preparing for that final night the entire month, there would be small events and people would often organize joyful gatherings all throughout the weeks leading up to it. 

However, what Jimin wasn't going to confess was that the people of Goryeo had stopped putting much effort into the September celebration for the past four years. In addition to Jungkook not being there to see it, they had turned their backs on him after he was titled Army General three years ago; therefore only investing their time in some music, food and wishes for the Prince and his soldiers' wellbeing.

"It's been a while since I showed myself to such a large crowd, I hope I can shut off my hearing the whole night" he shrugged. 

"Whatever you do just don't trip during your part" Jimin chuckled.

"I can easily overcome that. You have no idea about the amount of times I tripped while running towards my opponent in battle, it's even more embarrassing and inconvenient" he recalled. 

"I don't believe it" Jimin laughed.

"It's true, I would look like I was about to destroy him then fall face first on the ground" Jungkook joined, "It's not as funny because it usually means I have to defend myself harder, but thinking back at it I must've looked stupid" he sighed with a shake of his head. 

The two changed and went about their night routine before meeting in Jimin's bed again. No matter how many times they've done this, the Liquis can't seem to get rid of the initial shyness he feels. 

He laid on his side of the mattress and silently faced the taller who seemed much more comfortable than he was, as usual. 

"Goodnight Jungkook" he said after adjusting his position, and closed his eyes to try and put himself to sleep.

One memory led to another and a turbulent train of thoughts ran through his mind, keeping it too active to shut down any time soon. He wasn't the least bit sleepy, but he also couldn't stay awake staring at the other man sleep, it was strange. Think about your sculptures, he told himself.

However, shortly after his ideas began forming, he felt the water on the table move to make them come to life. He quickly stopped his element, hearing the sound of it splash on the floor. It surely woke him up if he wasn't already, Jimin scolded himself.

He opened one eye to check, and could tell Jungkook's were closed although he couldn't see much in the dimly moonlit room. He sighed out a slow breath and let his eyes wander on the outline of his body as it slightly rose and fell in a peaceful pace.

Lucky him, Jimin sighed. Nothing he tried seemed to pass enough time to drain what was left of his consciousness, but his idle state surely made his body temperature drop by the second. We should've lit the fireplace, he wondered, while envious thoughts came about in his mind. How he would've loved to be a Pyre during winters.

Conveniently, there was another source of heat right under his sheets, so he slid closer to the sleeping man, starting to reach the warm side of the covers and enjoying the coziness. He tried to be careful enough not to stir him awake but -of course- he had to accidentally bump his leg against the taller's.

"Took you long enough, clingy" Jungkook mumbled, a lazy smile stretching his lips as he cracked an eye open.

"I'm just cold" Jimin whispered, ignoring the teasing for his own sake.

"Let me warm you up alright" he replied before wrapping his arms around his smaller frame and rubbing his back gently, allowing Jimin to curl even closer to his chest.

The next morning, the couple woke up to a hectic day, full of tasks and meetings because most palace workers are given the afternoon off to go back home, spend time with their families, and prepare themselves for the nighttime celebrations. 

"Sir Park? I hate to be indiscreet, but is his Highness in your company?" the guest house hostess knocked on the door of his room right when he was about to take a leave. He opened the door and saw her holding something in her arms. 

"Good morning" he greeted, "No, he isn't" he shook his head without elaborating on him leaving earlier that morning. 

"I see, well could I entrust you with this present from Master Jung Hoseok?" she asked, handing him the wrapped item. 

"Is sir Jung in the guest house?" Jimin inquired.

"He was called away shortly, so he left me with the Crown Prince's performance attire, and I don't know how to safely forward it to him" she replied apologetically. 

"Oh is that what's inside? No worries, I'll make sure he receives it" he smiled, "Thank you" he finished. As promised, the gift found its way to the Prince in his office and Jimin wondered what it looked like. I guess I'll wait like everyone else, he thought to himself. 

The ceremony was starting in a few hours, and Jimin had just slipped past the guards to see what the people of the capital and the city municipality prepared for their Crown Prince, surprised to see much more embellishments and decorations than he expected. 

On his way to his house downtown, he heard a few young ladies walking ahead of him gossiping, and couldn't help but listen. 

"I'm excited for tonight, it has been almost 5 years" one said. 

"I don't really care I'll be honest, though I am glad I didn't work today" another replied.

"Jolly up Byul, closing nights are always so enjoyable" 

"The King's maybe"

"I heard the Prince is attending and performing. Aren't you at least curious to see what he looks like without all that armor? We haven't seen him without it in forever"

"I'll tell you somewhat of a secret but promise me you won't tell anyone"

"Go on" Byul urged.

"A little birdie told me the Crown Prince exposed his chest one time in the palace"

"Where do you get this nonsense from, as if that would ever happen"

"I heard about it too actually" their friend chimed in.

"What?"

"I heard he has a huge scar on his chest and he was showing it to get the palace workers' sympathy"

"Not sympathy... Apparently he gave a speech about how he wants to redeem himself with us"

"He thinks a scar is going to fix it? Men from our families have suffered much worse"

"No, I think it was never about a scar, somebody told me they accused him of having ink on his chest"

"Goodness" Byul gasped. 

"So he exposed it to prove them wrong" her friend nodded in confirmation. 

"I'll do you one better, the same birdie said he has a heavenly body" one of the ladies giggled.

"Mind yourself, anybody could hear" she shushes her.

"I'm not surprised, he's our strongest warrior"

"When you put it that way, he has what it takes to make a woman swoon" they giggled some more.

"Except he's a horrible person" Byul mentioned, "Nothing will distract me from that" she huffed. 

She reminds me of myself, Jimin thought before stopping at his front door. He unlocked it and entered, leaving the group to walk away. Indeed, the rumors did spread beyond the palace walls, and some even spawned new variations. Just like all hearsay, the further it spread, the further from reality it was.

But it seemed that those audiences were divided between the people that are intrigued with the Prince's new actions, and those that are too convinced not to give him the benefit of the doubt.

Jimin was aware Jungkook couldn't converge an entire nation with one speech that only the smallest fraction heard, but if he could change that fraction's mind about himself, it was a start for the better. 

He changed into a Hanfu designed by his sister, who seems to find enough time to weave, sew and take care of her new home, while he could barely juggle his usual tasks. Perhaps this new romance really took him by a storm, he realized as he thought back at the last time he had the Crown Prince under this roof. 

He stood ahead of the mirror and struggled with his belt ribbons as usual. If only he was here to help me like last time, Jimin wondered before taking the necessary time to sort himself out. Tonight, he had a part to play in the ceremony, so he needed to be at the main square a little earlier. 

"Sir Park, will the flowers around the fountain be in your way?" A man asked when he arrived. 

"No, they are just fine" he denied, "Beautiful work" he smiled.

He practiced his number a few times staying careful not to ruin anything else by accident, and soon enough, the sky was darkening, announcing the start of the celebrations. The lights glittered across the streets and around the square. Lanterns hung on the balcony of the temple at the heart of town, where the royal family was to sit, overlooking the stage where the performances would take place. 

He stood by his fountain as more people gathered, finally noticing the Queens Sunmi and Linha stepping up to the balcony, followed by their sons. It seemed Queen Linha's twin daughters also decided to make an appearance tonight. They were rarely in the palace since they lived with their spouses elsewhere, but he remembered meeting one of them once. 

Waiting for the King and his heir, the musicians began playing to entertain the present crowd while the performers took care of their last minute details before the stars of the evening arrived, marked by the triple drums and the louder cheers. 

Jimin looked up at the two men walking up the stairs to stand at the edge of the balcony, greeting the townsfolk with a polite bow and a shake of their hands. He saw the Crown Prince smile at the crowd, maybe for the first time ever.

"I can't believe it, he managed to make it look like he wants to be here" Master Jung said besides him to get his attention. 

"Sir Jung, I didn't see you there" Jimin smiled, "I'm surprised as well" he admitted. 

"All that royal garment will tire him sooner than later though" he pointed out, looking at the multiple-piece, heavily embroidered Hanfu, and the Crown Prince's official golden hair pin around his top-knot.

"I agree, he must be sweating by now" he chuckled. 

"I can't believe there are normal clothes hotter than armor" the former General wondered out loud, seeming disturbed by the thought. 

"His highness the Crown Prince would like to give a speech!" the guards announced loudly, alerting the Vals scattered around town to relay the speech to the people too far to hear. 

Jungkook stepped further ahead and took a deep breath, looking at the crowd down below with his eyes adverting from one person to the other when their words filled his ears.

What does he want to say now
Careful Laila you'll hurt yourself
His Majesty looks a little tired
I'd be so nervous to speak in front of this many people
Queen Sunmi's Hanfu is more beautiful
Will he announce a war?
He's getting married, I told you my sources were right
You should try this mochi it's better-

"I would like to thank everyone who helped organize this ceremony, everyone who is present to celebrate the last night of my birth-month with me. I am pleased to see this many of you outside filling the town with joyful energy" he started.

"I haven't been here to witness this for the past five years but I'm glad I get to do so tonight. And I know some of you may find this hard to believe because I did not make many public appearances in the past, so I may have made you feel under-appreciated. But truth is, many a time, instead of standing on a pedestal looking from above, I chose to blend myself in the crowd" he confessed, triggering whispers amongst the people and confused turns of the head from his father and the Queens. 

"I came to know some of you, mingled with others, ate and danced with the rest" he chuckled, "And enjoyed every second of it" he nodded, everyone looked at each other in surprise over possibly spending time with the Prince unbeknownst to them.

"Some of you invited me to dinner" he said when he fatefully spotted the Thera child from Chuseok standing with his father not far from the stage. What were the odds. 

It was him?  the child said to his dad with his index raised up to where he stood.
We don't point at people Junseok, his father hurried to lower his arm.

"It was not my intention to abuse or take advantage of your kindness as I know many of you don't see me under the best light" 

"Son" the King tried to interrupt.

"I made this claim in the palace not long ago, and now I will do it again" he resumed, "I'm sorry for everything you've gone through because of my decisions, but please remember that my role is to serve and protect my country, I wouldn't do anything to purposefully cause it harm" 

"I will try my hardest to prove that I am not the enemy you think I am, until then please allow me to properly earn your trust back" he added, "For now, let the ceremony begin and please have yourselves a good time" he finished with a soft smile, standing confidently before his audience. 

That was the opening act's cue to start their number, beginning with the rumbling of the ground as two Theras stood on each side of the large space, extruding waves of pillars from the floor, raising and lowering all around the stage in a circle. Then comes the water, as Jimin drew it from the fountain and played with it above the people's eyes, creating shapes and figures in the air. 

With a swish of air, the wind master split the stream of water and allowed Jimin to make Kingdom crests out of the individual amounts. The cheers and gasps of amazement surged in the crowd as the air took the crests to the stage, where a Pyre sat with his legs crossed. 

The man raised his chin to face upwards and blew out enough blazing fire to light up the wooden cutout portrait of the Crown Prince, making the image even more striking with the contrast of the bright flames and the darkness of the gaps. 

Everyone clapped at the sight of all their elements combined in one scene, and while the elemental props were discarded, Jimin took some time away to slack off, it seems sculpting more than one object at a time is something he needs more practice in. 

"Beautiful work Master Park, should I call you that now?" Jung Hoseok complimented, earning a bashful smile from him. 

"Please I am no master, if not for the others my part would look like child's play" he humbly shook his head. 

As the festivities carried on, more performances of different kinds took place, and soon enough the Crown Prince was gone from the balcony and into one of the rooms inside the temple to ready himself for his own.  

"Will you not go see him?" Master Jung inquired curiously, "He may not be a wuss in battle but he's not the bravest in things like these" he added. 

"He may get too comfortable to come out if I go" Jimin joked, but the sudden silence around him caught his attention, making him turn to the trigger of that reaction itself. 

The Crown Prince walked out of the temple's large metal gate, followed by a dozen of armored men while he was only clad in the simplest Hanfu anybody had seen him in. His eyes were closed behind a sheer ribbon as he made his way down the stairs to sit in the center of the stage. 

Just like everybody else, the pharmacist seemed to be gobsmacked. It had nothing to do with the clothes, but rather the elegance Jungkook had about him. 

That's the Crown Prince?
How handsome...
He's thinner than I thought without the armor
Hush it's about to start

So Jungkook heard in the few spare seconds before starting his much rehearsed routine, satisfied with the intrigue he spurted in the minds of his audience. Moments later he was surrounded by his soldiers in a combat stance, and thus he slowly stood and unsheathed the sword previously on his lap, keeping his eyes closed yet expertly angling the blade at each one. 

Every other soldier in the circle engaged in their attacks while he carried out his series of movements, effortlessly dodging and blocking their swords while aesthetic bursts of fire made their dance more dynamic. 

He matched his steps to the rhythmic sound of the drums, and trusted his memory to guide him through the performance, not wanting to ruin their synchronization anyhow. The background music became more intense the more he "defeated" his opponents, and as they neared the quarter of an hour, Jungkook was exchanging strikes of the sword with the last soldier. His blade set on fire as they fought, directing the flames towards the man who skilfully dodged and took the hits as agreed upon.

"He must have practiced intensely to be able to do all this flawlessly with his eyes closed" Jimin wondered out loud, eyes full of admiration as he watched the Pyre deliver what could easily be called a masterpiece in artistic combat. 

"He's a perfectionist, but he was even more diligent about this" Master Jung confirmed, "It's not easy for Pyres to be elegant with their fire, in fact a soldier least of all, but he managed" he added with a prod nod.

"By the way, the simple and modest attire is beautiful and perfect for the scene, I thank you for it on his behalf" Jimin said.

"What attire?" Hoseok asked.

"What his Highness is wearing for his dance, the guest house hostess made sure to mention it was from you, perhaps did you not want her to?" he replied with arched eyebrows.

"I would've loved the credit if I had actually given this to him, but I didn't, when did she say that?" he inquired. 

"Only this morning sir Jung" Jimin replied with a confused expression, "Didn't you deliver a black silk slip with the clothes folded within?"

"A black silk slip you say? I had just wanted to visit the Crown Prince this morning but I did see a court lady taking that inside right before I was called away, maybe the hostess assumed she was with me" the former general cleared out with a smile, declining praise he would have liked to receive otherwise.

"I see, well whoever thought of it did well" Jimin finished, pursing his lips into a polite smile.

Jungkook slid his sword into its sheathe and stood triumphant in the middle of the stage, letting his ears take in all the reactions his eyes couldn't see yet, and relishing in the validation he was receiving. 

That was incredible!
Hurray Crown Prince!

However, the howls and whistles began to mute suddenly. It was unnatural, but with the overwhelming amount of noise he had to hear during the performance when he was focusing on his steps and movements, unable to filter it out, he didn't mind a bit of silence now. 

"This wasn't part of it" Master Jung muttered with one arched brow, looking at the Prince on his podium and not expecting to see fire catching onto the Hanfu. 

"What is that?" Hoseok added again, squinting at the skin revealing from under the burnt fabric. 

Jimin was just putting down what a court lady asked him to move when he turned and noticed Hoseok's troubled expression. Instincts took over, all his reflexes awakened as he stretched his hand towards Jungkook, his eyes glowing ice blue as he crystallized the man's skin.

The oblivious Pyre's chest was still heaving breaths until it couldn't, he felt his throat dry, his lungs constrict and his heart slow down. In shock, he ripped the sheer ribbon off of his face and looked down to see his hanfu fallen apart at his chest and a thick layer of crystal coating his skin. He felt dehydrated, dizzy and gasping for air while he turned to see his pharmacist drawing more water from the fountain. His vision then was intercepted by tall opaque crystal walls incasing him in for nobody to see. 

As soon as he was hidden, the crystal on his chest dissolved back into his body and he could finally use his brain without feeling like passing out. He looked back down to his chest and finally understood what happened; his Hanfu caught fire where his mark was and the crowd has most likely seen it.

Could Jimin have been fast enough to hide it? Unfortunately, he recalls the cheers quieting a few seconds prior to the Liquis's stunt. In an attempt to stay calm and rational, he created a layer of fire around his body, not caring about more fabric burning down. Then waited for Jimin to create an opening for him. 

"Ladies and gentlemen, it seems we had somewhat of a wardrobe malfunction. It's a shame that such a beautiful performance was brought down by this little accident, but we hope you'll only remember the best parts" he heard Jimin say from wherever he stood, and as much as he sounded confident to the crowd, Jungkook could hear the slight tremble in his voice.

"The Crown Prince's decency is inviolable as you all know, so it is the priority to take him back somewhere he can cover himself, but he will appear again once that is done. Please continue celebrating meanwhile and let the ceremony go on." he finished with the kindest smile he could muster, walking away from the crowd's judgmental eyes and skeptical whispers to let down one of the rough crystal walls he was able to create in such a rush.

"Follow me" Jimin whispered when he saw the Prince standing in a coat of fire. The King had stood up to see what was happening but Jungkook refused to make eye contact, too lost in his thoughts and dreadful conclusions to face his father at the moment. 

Once back inside the temple, a court lady hurried to bring him an actual blanket to cover himself so that the fire doesn't hazardously burn the wooden structures all around them, then led them both to the Crown Prince's changing room, where they could have some privacy. 

"They all saw it" Jungkook muttered defeatedly. 

"What happened down there?" Jimin asked, not able to comprehend the situation. 

"I was being showered with their appreciation until I wasn't, and the next thing I knew I could barely breathe before you put me in a crystal box" he explained all he knew how to describe. 

"Are you hurt? I had to act and couldn't control how much water I drew from your body to crystallize your skin, I know how exhausting it feels" he sighed, taking the initiative to pour him a glass of water to compensate.

"I would rather take a stab through the chest than them seeing what they saw. What will they say, what kind of rumors will ensue when I just barely cleared them with a lie" Jungkook shook his head, clearly stressed but keeping his emotions at bay regardless.

"I'm sorry, if only I had been faster maybe I could have prevented it" Jimin apologized, feeling guilty over being distracted for a moment.

"You have no blame to take in this love, it's not as though you could have predicted it, if anything I should have known something was wrong when they suddenly became silent" he shut his eyes regretfully. 

"Couldn't you feel the fire on yourself?" Jimin inquired curiously.

"My body heat was already high from the performance, so fire as weak as that definitely was to go unnoticed by my closed eyes" he responded, "What I don't understand is, for a fire-heavy performance, this Hanfu should've been resistant to much stronger flames and yet it came apart with less than that" he huffed.

"Who gifted this to you..." Jimin wondered out loud. 

"Didn't you say Hoseok did?" the Prince knit his brows. 

"I aimed to thank him for it earlier but he denied having anything to do with it. Somebody must've lied to the guest house hostess" the Liquis concluded. 

"So somebody planned this" Jungkook deduced, his face hardening at the thought and his anger rising. All indulgence he might have felt for Hoseok making an innocent mistake was out of the question, now replaced with rage towards his antagonists.

"Do you recon Sunmi would do such a thing?" Jimin asked. 

"Sunmi, the Changs, nobody in that rotten family would hesitate to clear me out of their way, whatever the means" he grumbled, stomping over to where his usual armor laid and letting the cover slide off to start changing. 

Jimin gasped in surprise, not expecting the Pyre to be in his undergarments only. "Please keep your head cool" He clicked his tongue, picking up the blanket and wrapping it around the taller waist again. He clasped it securely and pulled him down to sit on a chair. 

"If you come out looking defensive, you may fuel their assumptions about what they might have seen" he explained. "You need to go back out there looking as though nothing happened, if some people saw something, hundreds of others didn't. So instead of confirming the gossip, make them think the front row is lying. It'll be their word against the word of those who saw no mark at the palace" he advised. 

"You're right, I can't let my anger get the best of me this time. Did you get rid of your crystal before coming here?" Jungkook asked in concern. 

"Yes, as I was escorting you" he nodded. 

"Thank goodness" the Prince sighed, "What would I do without you" he muttered as he squeezed the Liquis's hand into his own.

"Must you wear your armor? Wouldn't your previous attire be enough for the rest of the night?" Jimin asked.

"My armor is the only thing I can trust, who knows just how much fabric they tampered with. I know this metal won't melt at least" he confirmed. "And I'm sorry for my impulsive exhibitionism, I didn't mean to shock you" he rubbed the back of his neck, before standing up with his hand clutching the cover. 

"I will be outside waiting" Jimin nodded and walked out. 

It was some time during the musician's act that the crowd saw the Prince again, separated from his pharmacist and climbing up the stairs to stand ahead at the balcony, bowing lightly to greet everyone once more and taking his seat back next to his father's.

"Son, what happened?" the man asked.

"As sir Park announced, it was a wardrobe malfunction; I may have exposed myself a second time but this one was an accident" he explained.

"They still don't seem to let this ink rumor go" The King pointed out, "I still hear them talking about it"

"Perhaps I must remove my upper layers completely to convince them" his son joked.

"Good lord. I'm embarrassed for you" the King sighed, "Random people have seen your bare skin more than your lover has" he shook his head. 

"That's not true" Jungkook muttered with a chuckle, trying to seem as carefree as he can while letting himself hear what the people had to say.

"He's laughing"

"Look at him acting like we didn't see what we saw"

"Don't you think he would be busy defending himself if you saw ink on him"

"Right? It must not be what you all think it is"

"I will not be called a liar"

"Have you thought about it being a ritual marking?"

"I wouldn't put it past him to be traitor, a slave to someone else's schemes"

"Careful what you say sir, you may be drunk but I'm loyal to my General and future King"

"Are you a Pyre soldier? How come you're defending him when all he does is get you killed"

"I needn't explain myself to you, just watch your mouth"

Jungkook listened to the clashing opinions and thought of his next actions, perhaps a closing speech? He was busy constructing his sentences and thinking of ways to make allusion to there being no ink yet again, when a roaring scream surged from the crowd below. 

"Traitor!" somebody shouted, and all of a sudden the smell of fire caught Jungkook's nose. It smelled of hate and was getting nearer, making him snatch a sword from one of the royal guard's waist and defend against the stranger's attack. 

---

Hello dear readers! I hope you're having a great start of the year. This chapter is long overdue, I have been working on it for a while and was forced to split it when it became too long. 

I will be uploading the second half once I am finished editing it, until then please enjoy this one and let me know what your thoughts are!

I love to read you as usual so please comment if you can, it provides great motivation! And let me know if you enjoy the visuals I create for you ❤️

-Aida-