___________________

You Better Know.

Somehow, while laying underneath the shade, watching the changing colors of the sky, with the passing cool summer breeze carrying the scent of the flowers had managed to doze him off. When he awoke, the day had already turned into a chilly night.

The silver moon shone brilliantly high above in the cloudless vast sky, patterned with millions of stars lining in different variations. The moonlight illuminating his path as he hurried back to his room.

"Your Majesty, I'm here!" Out of breath, Taehyung announced his arrival as he bursted into the candle-lit room; only to find the room to be completely empty. There was not a single person in sight neither a voice could be heard.

All there was, was a set of piping-hot meal neatly arranged on the small table.

Kim Taehyung looked around with a searching gaze. "Looks like he isn't here. Hm. Let's just eat then!" He grinned enthusiastically. His mouth watering.
Plopping down on the soft cushion, he raised his spoon and began digging in. First, he ate a spoonful of rice, then some side-dishes, followed by some juicy, tender pork meat.

All the while as Taehyung pretended to be a famous Youtuber filming a Mukbang ASMR, there was a loud knock on the door. From the hallway, he heard a voice say, "Sir Taehyung?"

A smug smile appeared on Taehyung's face. 'Me? Sir? Heh heh heh. I like it.'
"Come in." Taehyung ordered with his mouth full of rice.

Head eunuch, Sehun, stepped inside. Reluctantly, he bowed to show respect.

Taehyung couldn't stop grinning at all, even his cheeks started to burn. In his mind, Oh Sehun had already slapped the grin right out of Taehyung's face.

"What do you want? Can't you see I'm busy?" Taehyung scolded, playing the role of a strict superior.

"I apologize, Sir, but His Majesty asks for your presence."

"But I'm eating." Taehyung said flatly, putting a piece of fatty pork-rib in his mouth.

"His Majesty says it's urgent."

"Why does he want to see me?"

"I'm afraid only His majesty knows the reason why." Sehun stated bluntly.

Taehyung pouted.

"I insist you to hurry." Sehun begged.

Exhausted, Taehyung groaned. "Ugh! Fine!"

For the last time, he stuffed his mouth full, then grabbed some meat with his hands to eat on the way. Then he rose up from his seat and waved at Sehun, signaling him to lead the way.

***

After swallowing down the last piece of meat, he patted against his chest hardly, then let out a loud burp.

A crease formed between Oh Sehun's eyebrows. Disappointment flashing immensely in his pale face. He thought: 'This is the person the King adores?! Him? Really? Even kisaeng have better etiquette than him.'

As Taehyung dugged his ear with his pinky finger - all the while staring at the place in front of him - he uttered casually, "Um... Excuse me, what the actual fuck is going on?"

They were currently standing outside the King's private bath-house.

"Mind your language!" Sehun hissed.

"Sorry. Just calm down and answer me. I just want to know what business does the King have with me in his f***ing bathroom?" Taehyung asked, crossing his arms across his chest.

"You'll find out soon." Sehun said, then proceeded to walk through the double-doors. Kim Taehyung followed behind curtly. Absentmindedly, he blurted out, "Does he want me to wipe his ass? Because I ain't doing that."

Almost immediately, Oh Sehun shot a deathly glare his way. Taehyung glared right back at him and stated aggressively, "Look, man, I don't care even if you get angry, I'm still not wiping that ass."

***

They entered a room where Taehyung was forced to change into a simple, white robe. When asked why, all Sehun reply was, "So, your other clothes don't get wet."

This confused Taehyung even more. What exactly was he doing here?

Once again, Taehyung was led through another door. This room was big, and surrounded with misty fog. The room smelled of freshly squeezed rose petals and cinnamon. In the midst was a round, wooden tub filled with water till its brim. Immersed in the tub, with eyes closed - as if he were meditating - was the King.

Taehyung's eyes fell on the King's bare, wet torso. His long, wet hair sticking to his rock-hard chest. His hands hurried to cover his eyes, yet slowly, he found himself peeking through his fingers.

Seeing Taehyung get flustered, Sehun became very confused. "Are you shy? But you're used to seeing him naked, aren't you?"

"What?! What the fuck are you talking about?!" Taehyung shouted. "Why did you bring me here?"

"It's because of His Majesty. You see, he isn't letting the maid-servants bathe him. He is not even letting his most loyal eunuch - me - touch him."

"So?" Taehyung shrugged.

Oh Sehun turned to Taehyung and with fish eyes, informed flatly, "In other words, he wants you to bathe him."

"What?! No! Uh-uh. No way!" Taehyung shook his head fiercely.

"Fine." Sehun let out a sad sigh. "I knew you'd be like this. Hah. I guess His Majesty will just have to spend the entire night sitting there. He's going to catch a cold at this rate. Because of which, he will have to take that bitter medicine. Aww. I feel so bad." Glancing sideways at Taehyung, he added, "And I thought you were loyal to His Majesty."

Taehyung hesitated. "Why me?"

"Because it has to be you."

Suddenly, they heard Jungkook speak, "Oh. You're here!"

This caught Taehyung's attention. He turned and saw the King smiling brightly at him with his face all flushed red. "Taehyung-ah ~" He called lovingly, tilting his head to one side. "Hi~."

Kim Taehyung's heart fluttered. Unconsciously, a smile escaped his lips. The King reminded him of a cute puppy, and he thought to himself, 'How can I say no to that face?'

Sehun held back a smile of triumph. He could easily see through the rose-tinted, lovey-dovey scene happening before his eyes; and he knew what the outcome would be.

"Alright. I'll do it." Taehyung grumbled.

"Great!" Oh Sehun smiled happily. In his mind, he was dancing from being successful. "So, His Majesty's clothes are right over there. Also, one more thing -" Oh Sehun leaned in close to whisper in Taehyung's ear, "His Majesty finished a bottle of fermented rice wine just a few moments ago."

"So?" Taehyung said nonchalantly. "Wait. Don't tell me he's-"

Sehun nodded. "That's right. His Majesty is drunk."

Taehyung frowned.

"Taehyung-ah ~ Taehyung-ah ~" The King called, bursting with laughter.

Taehyung thought, 'Shit.'

***

Using his IQ of 156, Kim Taehyung came to a definite understanding that various different wines seems to have different effects on the King. Plum wine makes him quiet yet stubborn. But, rice wine makes him childish and playful.

'Well, he still looks handsome ...'

Kim Taehyung quickly cleared throat in embarrassment when he realized what he was thinking.

Kneeling outside the tub, right behind Jungkook, he rubbed Jungkook's back with a cloth. As Taehyung stared at the King, he started spacing out. 'Should I maybe try a different wine next time? I wonder which one makes him...sexy...? Ahh! What the hell are you thinking?!'

Feeling Taehyung's eyes locked on him, Jungkook turned to him and flashed a big smile. "Taehyung-ah, it feels good."

Taehyung coughed. "I'm glad, Your Majesty."

"Taehyung-ah?"

"Yes, Your Majesty?"

Splash!

All of a sudden - before Taehyung could even dodge it, he got water splashed all over his body, soaking him completely. He even ended up swallowing some bathwater.

'Ugh. That's nasty.' He thought.

Jungkooks bubbly laughter filled the room.

With his smile completely erased from his face, Taehyung swiftly pushed the wet strand of hair behind his ear as he stood up straight.

While all of Jungkook's attention was on the latter's torso; incredibly visible through that drenched white robe. The two, pink buds upon his chest looking tempting. His hands itching to touch them until they became erect. The lustful thoughts were enough to rise the heat in Jungkook.

Jungkook gulped. He knew he had to control himself. Blushing shades of red, he tried to move his eyes away.

Taehyung glared hard at the King.

Upon noticing the angry expression on the latter's face, Jungkook dipped his entire body inside the water with only his eyes peeking out the surface. Sorry written all over his dark eyes.

"Your Majesty, I'm all wet now. I know you were trying to have fun but this is not a behavior expected from a King." Taehyung nagged.

'I can't believe it. Now, I sound just like my mother. Oh, my mother...I miss her.'

He missed hearing her voice. And her smile. Her warm hugs.

As Taehyung became overwhelmed by the saddening thought, he felt pretty glad about being drenched. The glistening water droplets made his tears less noticeable. Suddenly, he heard movement in the water and sounds of splashing filled the air.

Jungkook had now stood up straight, resulting in water spilling out the corners. Showing no hesitation, he reached out and grabbed Taehyung by his arm and pulled him in, locking him in a tight embrace.

"Your Majesty!" Taehyung let out a surprised gasp.

"I'm sorry." Jungkook uttered softly.

"Huh?"

"I'm sorry, so please don't cry." He said, wiping the tears off Taehyung's face.

"You noticed?" Taehyung asked in a surprised tone.

"Of course. I know when you are sad. I can see it as clear as day." Pulling back slightly, the King took hold of Taehyung's hand and placed a tender kiss inside the palm of his hand.

Taehyung stood frozen, taken aback by the unexpected kiss. His breath hitched in his throat. The Kings concerned gaze melted his very core. His stomach churned. "Your Majesty, I wasn't crying because of you." He assured, smiling sweetly.

"Then why?"

"I...miss my family."

"You miss Seulgi?" Jungkook asked, with an unimpressed look, raising his eyebrows. The flames of jealousy burning in his eyes.

Taehyung chuckled. "No, no, not her. I meant my parents...um...right before I was sent to an orphanage." He quickly added that last part when he remembered where he currently was.

"I see. Would you like me to search for them?"

"No, it's alright. I'm fine. Let bygones be bygones. Besides, I have you with me." He grinned teasingly.

A smile slipped through Jungkook's lips. "Yes, you do." He said, caressing the latter's cheek. "Taehyung-ah, I swear I will never hurt you or make you cry."

Taehyung couldn't believe his ears.

Why was the King whispering such sentimental words? Did he promise these to Lady Joohyun as well?

Trying to calm his pounding heart, he thought, 'No, let's not get swayed by his gentle promises. His Majesty is drunk right now. He has no idea what he's saying. Yes, that's right. He means none of it.'

As Taehyung moved his eyes away, his gaze accidentally fell upon the the King's muscular, toned upper body. In that very second, as if his senses were knocked back on, he realized that the King was standing completely nude.

Desire swept within him like a storm - likes waves crashing against the shore, and his eyes naturally trailed down further and further below...

Strengthening his willpower, he tore his gaze away. His heartbeat grew so loud, he feared the King would hear it.

And he could feel the King watching him.

His mind went hazy. And, as if the continuous staring wasn't enough, Jungkook leaned in closer and began to whisper, "Taehyung-ah, I -" ; his rough breathing and hoarse voice made Taehyung ticklish all over.

"Your Majesty!" He interrupted, shoving the King away. He grabbed him by both of his shoulders and pushed him right back down inside the tub. "I'd prefer if you sat down."

Jungkook blinked, startled by Taehyung's sudden actions.

"Your Majesty, if you're finished bathing then please get changed... You can dress yourself, right?"

"...Yes...but..."

"Then I'll leave you." Taehyung quickly said, and scurried out the room.

"Taehyung-ah, wait -" He heard the King calling but Taehyung turned a deaf ear.

"I will be waiting outside." Taehyung called behind his shoulders, without stopping to look back. All he knew was that he had to get away from there; for his mind's sake.

Outside the room, Taehyung leaned against the closed door. The cool air helped him calm his mind. Fanning himself, he said, "What the hell just happened?"

He glanced down at his lower half and saw a bulge in his pants.

'Shit!' He thought. 'Did he see?'

He gazed at his hand - the one Jungkook had kissed minutes ago, and was certain he could still feel the warmth radiating from it. His body remembered the touch of Jungkook's soft lips.

His undeniable longing to touch the King had wrecked havoc inside him. Losing his mind, he leaned forward and kissed the very same place. Blinking back tears, he sat down and facepalmed himself, thinking, 'Fuck! What the hell am I going to do now?'

Quietly, he began singing 'Aegukga'; South Korea's national anthem to distract himself:

"Until that day when the waters of the Eastern Sea run dry and Mt. Baekdu is worn away,
God protect and preserve our nation."

***

Everything is going to be alright. This is just how a normal male functions in...let's say, arousing situations. No need to stress about it. Think about it as getting excited to porn.

'But this ain't porn.'

Let's see then, could it be like getting a morning wood when you have no wet dream at all?

'That's it!'

True, the King is insanely hot, but that stupid room with its seducing fog made him more hotter! This doesn't mean that you are literally attracted to the King.

"Of course I'm not!" Taehyung nodded firmly, clapping his hands as if having reached a decision. "Let's assess this situation scientifically. I got an erection because of being pent up. Also because I haven't touched myself lately. All my precious time is wasted on serving the King. That bastard! And, now, he's trying to turn me on! Ugh! I should get a girlfriend. When was the last time I had one?"

Truthfully, never.

Even in his real world, he had never been with a girl physically - let alone the fact that he had never even kissed one or even dated one.

'All because I was busy with my studies.' He thought sadly.

"But wait! I don't have to study at all!" He said beaming happily. "I can do whatever I want. Besides, I'm not trying to get a lover just for sex. I'm serious about this! Operation: Get a girlfriend is now on!"

And he knew just the girl he wanted.

A huge smirk appeared on his face. 'Lovely Nayeon.'

That was when, Oh Sehun entered the room and found Taehyung laughing maniacally like a lunatic.

"Taehyung, are you alright?" Sehun inquired, a bit scared. He didn't wish to know what was going on in Taehyung's head.

"You're here. Yeah, I'm okay."

"Okay." Sehun hesitated. "Where is His Majesty?"

"He's getting dressed inside."

"Okay. You should change too. You're dripping water all over the floor."

"Oh right. Sorry." Taehyung smiled sheepishly.

As Kim Taehyung changed back into his old clothes, he asked, "Yah, Sehun -"

"Call me Eunuch Oh!" Sehun demanded furiously.

"Whatever." Taehyung rolled his eyes, annoyed. "Do you perhaps happen to know where Nayeon lives?"

"Nayeon? That maid-servant? She lives outside the palace obviously right next to Park Bogum's fortune-telling stall. Why do you ask?"

Taehyung flashed a wide grin. "I am going to woo her."

"Woo her?" Sehun blinked, confused. "What about His Majesty then?"

"What about him?"

"But aren't you...and His Majesty...Could it be that I have mistaken something?"

"Tsk. What are you talking about? Oh, if His Majesty asks, tell him I've gone to the marketplace." Taehyung ordered, putting on his straw shoes.

"But it's late." Sehun reminded.

"Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. You know nothing of love, Eunuch Oh. This is just an advice but you should try it sometime. Love." Taehyung scowled. "See ya, bro. Wish me luck."

Turning swiftly on his heels, he left.

***

The nighttime view of the marketplace appeared more picturesque, and more lively with the brightly-lit, glowing lanterns. The streets filled with people who had stepped out from their houses to enjoy the cool summer night. There were also musicians beating drums and performing songs while couples danced to the sound of their beat.

"Mister! Mister!" A child called from a jewelry stall, waving his hands in the air to catch Taehyung's attention.

"You called, kid?" Taehyung inquired, approaching the stall.

"I did! Mister, look. My stall has so many pretty accessories and jewelries. Won't you buy one for your loved one?"

"A loved one?" Taehyung repeated.

"That's right. Oh, mister, could it be thag you do you not have a loved one?" The kid ended up smiling with teasing eyes.

"Are you laughing at your customer?" Taehyung spoke, crossing his arms across his chest, feeling slightly embarrassed.

"No, no! I'm not!" The kid insisted, shaking his head.

"I'm leaving! I won't buy a thing!"

"No, please, I'm sorry, mister. I really wasn't laughing at you. I was just surprised to see how a charismatic person like you has no one he loves."

Taehyung nodded, feeling proud after hearing such compliment. "That's true. I am indeed very charismatic. But, fret not, I have a loved one! I'm meeting her tonight."

"That's really great! You should definitely buy something for your lady!"

"Alright. I will buy one." Taehyung took a look around the stall filled with shiny rings and pendants and accessories, and they certainly seemed expensive.
Well, he didn't have to worry about money. You see, he had plenty in his pockets - the reason being he had already sneakily taken the pouch from the room before leaving.

'The King has so much money. I'm sure he wouldn't notice some missing.'

Having zero experience in the dating field, he couldn't decide what to buy. To him, they all appeared identical; except for the difference in colors, and shapes, and sizes.

"Have you picked one?" The kid asked curiously.

"I don't know. What do you think I should buy?"

"Hmm." The little boy took a quick glance around and picked up an accessory. "Well, how about this one?" He suggested, handing it over to Taehyung to observe.

Taehyung took the accessory in his palms and examined it with gentle hands, careful as to not ruin it.

It was a pretty trinket with a round jade stone as its main ornament. The stone was smooth around its edges and had a traditional design engraved within it. Right below the stone were several large knots, tied together in the same fashion.

'It's really pretty.' He thought smiling to himself. 'This would look awesome on His Majesty. Wait! Why am I suddenly thinking about him?'

One look and even the little boy could tell that Taehyung was thinking of his beloved. He could see it in Taehyung's eyes - the way those brown orbs lit up, and the way he smiled shyly. The boy couldn't help but comment, "You look happy, mister. You were thinking of your lady, weren't you?"

"What?" Taehyung blinked.

The boy grinned. "You don't have to be so shy, mister. I can tell by the look in your eyes. You know, some people tell me I'm too young to know about love, but really, I know all about it. I know because my parents look at each other the same way. Their eyes do all the flirting and talking."

Taehyung fell speechless, startled by the words coming out from this young child's mouth. He quickly cleared his throat out of embarrassment, and flashed a fake smile. Trying to change the topic of their conversation, he asked, "What exactly is this trinket?"

"Mister, you don't know? This kind of accessory is called a norigae. Women just love showing them off. I promise you, your lady is sure to love it too."

"Will she?"

"Absolutely! I guarantee you this!" The kid said confidently, giving his chest a loud pat.

"Okay." Taehyung smiled. "I'll buy this."

***

With the norigae resting inside a pretty pink pouch, Taehyung headed towards his goal. On his way, he noticed a familiar figure walking in the crowd. A huge smile appeared on his face. Sucking in a deep breath, he shouted with all his might, "Nayeon-sshi!"

Upon hearing her name being called, Nayeon - who was with her friend, Jihyo - turned around to look. When she spotted Taehyung, she smiled happily. "Taehyung-sshi!"

Grinning ear-to-ear, Taehyung quickly hurried upto her and said, "Nayeon-sshi, it's nice seeing you here. How are you?"

"I'm good. How are you?" She blushed.

"I'm good too."

"Uh...I'm here too." Jihyo spoke up.

Nayeon giggled.

"Okay. Good to see you too." Taehyung said to Jihyo, then turned his attention back to Nayeon, and said, "I was wondering if you weren't busy, would you like to go for dinner with me?"

Nayeon blinked, taken aback by the sudden invitation. She shot a quick glance at Jihyo.

"Um...If you wish, Jihyo can join us too." Taehyung suggested half-heartedly. He was secretly hoping she wouldn't.

"No, it's alright. I don't want to impose on you. Go ahead, Nayeon." Jihyo said.

'Yes! I'm gonna be alone with Nayeon~'

"Are you sure?" Nayeon asked.

Jihyo nodded. "Absolutely."

"Alright then, I'll meet you later. Let's go, Taehyung-sshi." Nayeon smiled.

"Sure." Taehyung smiled back.

***

Side-by-side, they ambled along the stone pavement, without uttering a single word. To break the awkward silence, Taehyung decided to speak, "You look very pretty, Nayeon-sshi."

"Thank you. So do you." Nayeon complimented back.

Taehyung chuckled, feeling shy. "Calling a man pretty, well, thank you so much. Um...I hope I'm not making you feel uncomfortable."

"No, no, certainly not. I was wondering why you suddenly wanted to take me out for dinner?" Nayeon said nervously, playing with her fingers.

'How cute~'

"Hmm." Noticing Nayeon get nervous, he pretended to be naive to tease her a little more. Placing a finger on his chin, with a wondering expression, he said, "Well, you see, I was craving something delicious."

"Is that all?" Nayeon glanced up at him with big, gleaming, innocent eyes.

"Yes." Taehyung nodded smiling innocently.

"Oh." Nayeon looked disappointed.

"Also -" Taehyung added. "When a guy takes a girl out for dinner, doesn't it normally mean that he's interested in her."

Nayeon steps came to sudden halt. As she stared at him with eyes wide open, a hint of pink appeared on her cheeks. She fell speechless for a moment, searching for the right words in her mind. Then, regaining her consciousness, she asked, "Does that mean...you like me?"

Taehyung smiled. "I do. What about Nayeon-sshi? Do you...feel the same way?"

Nayeon smiled shyly, turning beet-red. "Oh my~ I think you're a good guy too, Taehyung-sshi. And, I also like you."

"It feels nice hearing those words from you." Taehyung grinned.

Nayeon couldn't stop smiling. "Then lets get to know each other better. Ooh! I know! Let's check our compatibility!"

"Compatibility? How so?" Taehyung asked curiously.

"Let's visit the fortune-telling shop."

***

Their conversation made them lose track of time; so much so that they didn't even realize they had arrived at the famous store.

'Bogum's fortune-telling shop.' Taehyung read the signboard in his mind.

It was a quaint little shop that could be spotted even from afar because of the line of people waiting at the entrance for their turn to have their fortune read.

To be honest, Taehyung had his doubts that this place had a high possibility of being a total scam. But seeing how eager Nayeon appeared, he didn't have the guts to tell her.

"Looks like this shop is quite popular." Taehyung said, disinterested.

"It is! Bogum-sshi is the best at this business! He's also a matchmaker!" Nayeon informed.

Taehyung nodded, faking a smile.

Just then, two female customers walked out the shop, and Taehyung overheard their conversation as they passed by:

"Bogum-sshi told me that my lover will ask for my hand within this month!"

"That's great! I'm so happy for you. Bogum-sshi told me that my future husband is still on the way. He says that this person will be kind and loyal and will only have eyes for me!"

"That's really nice! Ooh. I can't wait to get married!"

That conversation was enough to pique his interest. "Woah! Bogum really sounds talented." He admitted excitedly. "Lets try it out then."

***

After waiting for - what felt like an eternity to Taehyung - it was their turn finally. As soon as they stepped inside, all eyes fell on the tall, handsome, nicely dressed, young man. This man was surrounded by an aura of gentleness and charm. Visual weight so high he could compete against the male lead himself.

"Hello and welcome! I am Park Bogum, the owner of this blessed store." He greeted with a smile. "Please have a seat."

Taken by such beauty, both Taehyung and Nayeon couldn't help but smile in return. They sat down on the chairs side-by-side, right across from where Bogum sat, joining them at the table.

"So, what can I do for you?" Bogum asked, flashing a business smile.

'Woah! What a dazzling man!' Taehyung thought. He glanced sideways at Nayeon only to find her blushing shyly. Seeing that reaction, he knew Nayeon was thinking the exact thing as well.

Taehyung nodded understandingly. 'Of course, she'd think that too. Look at this person in front us! He's like some sculpture! Dang. Why are all the men in this novel so attractive?!'

"We would like to check our compatibility." Nayeon said.

"Alright. Tell me, how long have you been together?" Bogum asked.

Nayeon smiled nervously. So Taehyung quickly replied, "We got together today. But I have liked her for a long time."

"Oh." Bogum blinked. Judging by his look, Taehyung could tell that this was not the answer Bogum was expecting.

"Congratulations." Bogum remained indifferent. "Shall we check your fortune first? This will help us to understand if you are compatible or not."

"Alright." Nayeon nodded.

"Sure." Taehyung agreed.

"Then, would you please tell me your name, and the date and time of your birth." Bogum said, grabbing a brush and dipping it in ink.

Nayeon gave the answer and Bogum wrote it down on a sheet of white paper. Then they both turned to Taehyung, waiting for him to speak.

Taehyung hesitated. "I'm Kim Taehyung...and...the date of birth is..."

'Shit! I wasn't born in the Joseon dynasty. If I tell my real year, they're gonna think I'm crazy. I'll be called a lunatic and sent to prison.'

Seeing Taehyung break into cold sweats, Bogum cleared his throat. "Sir -" He said. "If you're not comfortable sharing your personal information, then you don't have to force yourself. I shall be reading your palm lines instead."

"Alright." Taehyung let out a big sigh of relief. Smiling pleasantly, he said, "Let's do it that way."

"Then lets read the lady's fortune first, shall we?" Bogum smiled warmly.

"Miss Nayeon -," He began talking. "I see here that you are an extremely kind person, who likes complete honesty. You are quite shy but when situation calls for it, you can be pretty bold. You dislike liars. You hate men who go flirting around and toy with your feelings. Now, for compatibility, you are more suited with men who are loyal and kind and funny, also someone who is protective. Someone who can be a good father to your future children."

"I'm good with children." Taehyung stated proudly.

"Okay." Nayeon blushed.

"Oh, what's this I see here?!" Bogum let out a loud gasp. It sounded intentional.

"What's wrong?" Nayeon asked worriedly.

Faking hesitation, Bogum spoke, "I can see...that your soulmate is still on his way. Oh, he's a hard worker. He helps people. It could be that he's either a physician or soldier."

Nayeon and Taehyung exhanged glances.

"This means Sir Taehyung is not your soulmate." Bogum pointed out firmly.

Nayeon's smile disappeared. She fell silent.

"Wha - What are you saying, you little - ?" Taehyung roared, banging his fists on the table. "Nayeon-sshi, don't listen to him. This man is lying!"

"How dare you!" Bogum yelled angrily. Reaching out across the table, he took Taehyung's hand and placed it down, hardly on the table with palm facing up.

"Let me go, you imposter!" Taehyung ordered, struggling to get free. But it was of no use against Bogum's fierce strength.

With his hand wrapped tightly around Taehyung's wrist, he said, "Lets read your fortune then." Using his long, slender fingers to softly trace the palm lines, he started nodding to himself.

"What do you see?" Nayeon asked curiously.

Tipping his head up to look at Taehyung, Bogum let out a sarcastic sigh. "You are a very stupid person, aren't you?"

"Yah!" Taehyung shouted.

Bogum ignored him and continued, "Hmm. You enjoy flirting a lot. The gender doesn't matters. Hah. You really are the biggest flirt I've ever met in my life."

Hearing this, Nayeon shot a deathly glare at Taehyung who quickly shook his head as a no.

"You are a troublemaker. A misfit. You also like drinking. Let me guess, plum wine is your favorite." Bogum said unimpressed.

"Uh, no, it's not." Taehyung lied with a scoff.

"It seems you are actually very smart." Bogum admitted.

"Finally we are getting to the good part -" Taehyung had only started speaking when Bogum interrupted, "But you are quite dense."

"Hey!" Taehyung scolded.

"Aren't you curious about your love life?" Bogum smiled mysteriously.

Taehyung hesitated. 'He's gonna say something weird. I have to stop this.'

"Not really. Why don't we end this here, hmm?" Taehyung said, trying to pull his hand out of Bogum's grasp.

"No. I am curious. Bogum-sshi, please, go on. Tell us everything. Don't leave a single bit." Nayeon ordered.

'Nayeon-sshi!' Taehyung panicked.

"Regarding your soulmate...Wow. This person has quite an impressive energy." Bogum gasped excitedly, burning with passion. "You have to know this, Taehyung-sshi."

This sparked an interest in Taehyung. 'Judging by the look in Bogum's face, this so-called person sounds...really special.'

"Would it surprise you to know that you've met your soulmate not once but multiple times?" Bogum said.

"What? Who?" Taehyung asked curiously, ignoring the fact that the first face to pop up in the back of his mind - when he heard Bogum's words - was the King's.

"How on earth would I know?" Bogum scoffed. "You've met this person, so it's your job to find out."

"Alright, I will. Tell me more about this person." Taehyung begged.

"Your soulmate is good at waiting. I can tell this person's soul has waited years for you to come into his life. I can also see that this person is bad at showing his feelings -"

"Pardon. Did you say 'his'? It's a he." Taehyung interrupted.

Nayeon blinked in surprise.

"Don't bother about the pronouns. Like I said, since gender doesn't matter to you, it could also be a female. Also, let me remind you, I hate getting interrupted. Now, where was I? Right. Expressing feelings - he's bad at it - could be because of some past trauma."

"Trauma?" Taehyung repeated. "Let me guess, my job to find out?"

Bogum nodded. "Your soulmate sounds complicated yet very interesting. He doesn't talk much and hates socializing but is willing to go anywhere with and for you."

The corners of Taehyung's mouth raised up into a smile.

"He likes hearing your voice and feels content being by your side. Sounds wonderful, doesn't he?"

Taehyung quickly cleared his throat. Though he tried his best to hide his embarrassment, he couldn't hide his eagerness. "And?"

Bogum stared at him - straight into his eyes. With jaws clenched in frustration, he asked seriously, "Why did you get with Miss Nayeon when you know she isn't the one for you?"

'Fuck.'

Kim Taehyung pressed his lips into a thin line. Now he was starting to feel guilty at having got caught. He stared down at his feet, playing with his fingers. He knew he had to tell the truth someday, but he hadn't expected for it to be today. He couldn't keep lovely Nayeon in the shadows forever; even if he was planning on it.

'It's all because of this fortune-teller.'

But still if he was being honest, he did feel relieved over having the truth unveiled. Without looking at Nayeon, he quietly said, "I'm sorry, Nayeon-sshi."

"So you lied when you said you have feelings for me?" Nayeon asked. Her voice full of hurt.

Taehyung nodded. "I'm very sorry for playing with your feelings. You see, I got confused. And, I thought everything would get better if I got with you...but it seems like I was wrong."

"I see." Nayeon said sadly. She raised up from her seat. "Taehyung-sshi, I had not expected you'd be like this. I'm disappointed in you...and myself for falling for your stupid tricks. I'd prefer if we never saw each other again. Excuse me." With that said, she strode out the shop.

Taehyung let out a deep breath.

Bogum tried to act assuring by saying, "Don't worry so much. She'll soon be happy with her soulmate."

"Damn, fortune-teller, I wasn't expecting for my relationship to end within just a span of few hours." Taehyung let out a sarcastic chuckle. "Shit..."

"Don't be so down. Let me tell you one thing - what you are searching for has been with you the entire time.
It's right in front of your eyes. You said you are confused, and I can see it hurts you but it also hurts your soulmate - not that this person is confused or anything.
Since his birth, this person has been brought up with strict discipline, bounded by rules and regulations that he didn't get to experience the fun and joys of childhood. He can be a savage sometimes, but when it comes to you - he tries his best to be gentle and kind, because he doesn't wants to scare you. He is so passionate and protective of you that he is willing to risk his life to save you from getting hurt."

Taehyung's mind went blank. In disbelief, he muttered slowly, "...No...no..."

In the back of his mind, he recalled a memory: "Taehyung-ah." A voice called out to him. "Taehyung-ah, I swear I will never hurt you or make you cry."

As realization sunk in, he held back the intense urge to burst into tears. He hid his face behind his hands. "No...It can't be. I don't believe you, fortune-teller."

"It doesn't matter if you believe it or not. But if you choose to do, you better know that this person only has eyes for you, and day and night, he only thinks of you. He loves you so much - he's willing to sacrifice everything for you."

"Oh no..." Taehyung let out a tiny sob. Never in his wildest dreams had he thought of ending up in such a situation.

"It seems like you've come to know who this person is." Bogum said.

Teary-eyed, Taehyung smiled at Bogum. "I do." Reaching into his pocket, he took out his pouch and tossed it over to the fortune-teller. "Here. Keep everything."

"I'm glad I could be of help to you." Bogum smiled genuinely, catching the pouch. "Oh! Just one more thing - huh? Where'd he go? Did he leave already? Shit. He didn't hear the important part. Hah. I should've told him earlier that I sense something bad is going to occur in the near future."

***

With eyes red and gleaming with fresh tears, Taehyung ran down the streets, shouting and yelling happily as he pushed past the crowd, wiping his snot on the back of his sleeves.

While the ill-tempered people hurled insults his way - normally, he would get into a fight with them - but no, not tonight. Tonight, he felt different. Tonight, he ignored them. Tonight, he didn't care.

Whatever bullshit people called him or said behind his back, he wouldn't mind. Words were simply words. Just because he chose not to act on them, didn't make it true. Besides, he had something important to do.

"WOOHOO!" He shouted yet once again, this time jumping high, and when he landed on his feet, he started sprinting again.

'I'm sorry that it took me such a long time to realize the truth. I am madly and earnestly in love with you.'

***

Authors Note:

Cameo by Park Bogum ~~~~

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