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Wildest Dreams.

Kim Taehyung was dreaming; and his dreams revealed his hearts deepest desire.

Having already planned a to-do list for his future, it only made sense that he would be dreaming about it - instead, he was dreaming of something, or someone else entirely.

And he liked it.

He liked it when this person's deep brown eyes stared at him, longingly as if he was the only one meant to be with him. Like they were written to be together. He liked it when the boy placed his hand on his cheek, caressing the wound left to scar on his skin, like he was some fragile porcelain doll. A mere touch sending fire throughout his body, wanting for more. He felt his breathing get hard, and he was content when he saw that it wasn't just him feeling the spark rising in the air.

No, it couldn't be mistaken. This boy yearned for him too.

The boy smiled at him, and Taehyung's heart did a double-take. As the boy moved his face closer, knowing what comes next, Taehyung closed his eyes and waited for their lips to touch. But the kiss never happened.

He lost his patience.

Wondering what was taking so long, Taehyung opened his eyes and was taken aback seeing the person who had once been smiling at him so warmly, now had a scowl across his face, twisting his handsome features. His eyes gleaming with hatred.

Jungkook glared at him. "Did you really think I would kiss the very person who turned me into a joke?! Disgusting!"

Taehyung's heart sunk. Before he could plead his case, a hand gripped onto his shoulder and flipped his around.

Namjoon was glaring at him too. "Now you know how His Majesty feels about you."

"Wait. Let me speak to him..." Taehyung was only saying when Namjoon gave him a harsh shake and shouted, "Leave this place right now!"

Kim Taehyung woke up with a start. He clutched onto his chest, feeling his heart pounding hard inside his ribs.
He took a few deep breaths to calm himself down. Then, he sat up straight, wiped away the sweat-beads on his forehead onto his sleeve.

The room still remained empty and eerily quiet like before when he had returned to the palace with Namjoon.

Outside, the sky had turned a darker shade of purple, and the once white clouds were starting to become a faded grey color. As the wind rustled the trees, birds took flight, flying in pretty patterns, calling out to each other to go back to their nests.

Taehyung couldn't believe he had slept through the whole afternoon. After what he went through the day, he was tired. But, it wasn't because of the fight at the shop. Hell, he never ran from a fight, and he always won.

He looked down at his knuckles which were bruised like violets. He blew on them softly to ease the stinging.

"What a terrible dream." He muttered.

Remembering the so-called terrible dream, he felt slightly shy and admitted that the first half of the dream was actually quite nice. It was the second half that dreaded him the most.

Namjoon's voice from his dream rang in his ears, "Leave this place!"

He wished he could believe that it wasn't true, but the luggage at the door spoke for reality itself. It was the very same one he had packed immediately after giving in to Namjoon's stupid plan.

Stupid, yes, but it would work.

Taehyung let out a deep, sorrowful sigh. He really was leaving this place, and there was nothing he could do about it. As the sun set over the horizon, Taehyung became gloomier. He knew he had to leave soon.

***

Flashback:

A few moments earlier...

The entire office had shelves reaching from the ceiling to the floor, filled with books; some so old that they had been eaten away by moths. There were crumpled up papers scattered across the floor. The floor had ink stains on it and the smell of burnt-out candles still lingered in the air.

In fact, the table was the only furniture that appeared organized. Literally speaking, Oh Sehun's office was a mess.

"Are we even allowed to be in here?" Taehyung muttered boringly, going through the various books.

"Of course not." Namjoon replied instantly. He was busy hovering in front of the bookshelves, running his long fingers over the covers. His gaze shifting from books after books at such a speed that indicated he was searching for something.

Taehyung didn't care. He was bored out his wits when an idea struck him. "Ooh~ I wonder if that sly eunuch hides some of his erotica in here." Giggling mischievously, he started rummaging through the shelves. But, his concentration was broken when Namjoon let out a victorious, "Aha!"

Startled, Taehyung jumped a little. "What the fu -" He muttered under his breath, glancing over at Namjoon.

Namjoon had a jade-green scroll in his hands, and he caressing it gently as if he was holding a baby.

"I can't believe I found it! The solution to our problems!" Namjoon declared happily as he sat down at the table. Glancing at Taehyung, he patted the empty seat beside him, gesturing the boy to join him.

Taehyung looked unimpressed. He eyed the scroll suspiciously, and muttered, "Really? It kinda looks like that scroll from Kung-fu Panda."

"What's Kung-fu Panda?" Namjoon asked with a straight face.

Taehyung gasped dramatically. "What's Kung-fu Panda?! Only the best..." He trailed off when he realized that in this world there were no animations. Even if he tried his best to explain moving cartoons and sounds effects, Namjoon would probably think Taehyung is hallucinating. He would be declared mentally ill and be put in a prison.

Dreamworks and Disney did not exist here. How sad.

Taehyung forced a smile. "It's nothing. Anyways, how is this scroll going to help us?"

Namjoon flashed an ear to ear grin. He took the lid off the scroll and out came a parchment. "This is the list containing the names of those servants who are to leave the palace forever."

"Like retirement?" Taehyung asked excitedly.

"Yeah!" Namjoon beamed with joy.

Taehyung frowned. Confusion etched across his face. "What the hell are we supposed to do with this?"

Namjoon stared at him fixedly.

Taehyung stared right back with a blank look. Then, as if he was struck by lightning, his brain solved the riddle. His dumb mind finally interpreted Namjoon's words - what he meant all along.

This was the plan. Him leaving.

"Oh," was all the word Taehyung said.

Namjoon didn't look away from the latter, letting the words sink into Taehyung's mind. He searched for signs of shock as he asked, "You...get what I'm implying now?"

As he came in terms with the truth, Taehyung nodded slowly. The next words came in a stutter. "You...you want...me to...to leave?"

Taehyung wanted so badly for Namjoon to deny it. That Taehyung had heard it wrong, and in return, Taehyung would simply laugh it away. But, Namjoon nodded and said, "Yes."

Taehyung mouth fell into a thin line. His eyes wavered. His heart sunk.

"Taehyung?" Namjoon called worriedly. Knowing he had hurt Taehyung made him feel terrible, but he was conflicted between friendship and his duty as the protector of the King. He truly wished that there was some other way, that he could do something for Taehyung but keeping him anywhere near the King would only cause more rumors to arise.
The royalty would be treated like a joke, and his pride wouldn't have that.

The always talkative Kim Taehyung fell silent. Oh, how much Namjoon had wished for such a thing to happen! He had vowed that the day Taehyung became quiet, he would thank the heavens and donate all his money at the temples. Now, Namjoon couldn't even consider it a miracle.

"Taehyung, for God's sake, blink, will ya! Say something!" Namjoon spoke.

He received no response.

Namjoon placed a hand on Taehyung's shoulder. Sorry written all over his face. "Forgive me, Taehyung, but this is the only way to protect His Majesty."

Words moved like a hurricane inside Taehyung's mind. Forming and reforming sentences. Trying hard to come up with the best possible answer. But he was still in a state of shock, disbelief. He wanted to protest, but he was tongue-tied. And, he had so many things he wanted to say: 'I'm sure there's another way.', 'Let's wait for the rumors to die down.', and 'Don't send me away.', or 'I don't want to leave his side.'

However, no matter how much he tried to speak, nothing - absolutely nothing - came out of his mouth. Slowly, he felt something inside him go numb.

Namjoon continued talking, "And if I remember correctly, weren't you always the one playing tricks to leave the palace?"

A lump formed inside Taehyung's throat. He finally blinked and felt his eyes tearing up. He bit his lower lip hard to choke back a sob. He felt betrayed, and he knew he couldn't look at Namjoon anymore, so he stared at the ceiling instead. Blinking back tears, he nodded and flashed a fake smile.

"I did but that was before I fell in love."

"With this -" Eagerly, Namjoon shook the rolled parchment in front of Taehyung's face. "You can have your freedom."

"That really...sounds incredible." Taehyung murmured. He hated how he stuttered. It gave away how weak and vulnerable he felt. "But...what if he doesn't let me go?"

For a brief moment, the words filled Taehyung with wishful hope and comfort. He was already imagining the King finding out about Namjoon's plan, scolding him for this stupid plan - maybe even punch him as punishment- and then looking at Taehyung, he would reach out and take his hand in his and ask him to stay. Taehyung would gladly give in to the King's request. He would stay.

What Namjoon said next broke his daydream.

"You will have to hurt him, Taehyung. You will have to break his heart." Namjoon said straightforwardly.

Taehyung was furious. He shot the boy a deathly glare for even suggesting something so horrible. Taehyung shook his head firmly. "I can't, no, I won't do that."

"There's no other choice." Namjoon insisted. "You have to -"

"I WON'T!" Taehyung almost shouted. "How heartless can you be?! How can you even ask me that?! Tell me, how would you feel if I asked you to break Seokjin's heart?!"

Namjoon fell silent for a while, thinking deeply. Finally, he opened his mouth to speak the painful truth, "If it is for the sake of His Majesty's safety, then I would do it in a heartbeat. It is my duty, after all."

Disappointment and hurt flashed in Taehyung's face. Jabbing an accusatory finger in Namjoon's chest, he scoffed, "You speak to me about freedom when you are the one deep in chains, bounded to those damn duties! You played with Seokjin's heart, gave him hope and now you say such things! I pray Seokjin never has to hear those damn words!"

Kim Namjoon's head hung low in guilt, appearing heartbroken after speaking those forsaken words. His face darkened like he was overshadowed by thunderous black clouds. The air around him became tensed.

Unlike the King, Namjoon was an open book. His responsibilities and his oath to his King imprisoned him, binded him to the roots of the royal family - willingly or not. His sense of duty as a soldier - as the Captain - was truly honorable. Taehyung sincerely admired the humble soldier.

"I...never wanted to fall in love." Namjoon spoke in a quiet tone.

"...What?" Taehyung didn't hear.

Namjoon looked right into his eyes and said, "I never wanted to fall in love. I knew if I did, I would not be able to serve my King well. So, I guarded my heart. Put up walls around me. While the other soldiers talked about their lavish love lives and pleasure house visits, I distracted myself by running miles and practicing my sword skills. My success made me happy. Then, one day, the palace hired a new cook. I heard that he had come from a village far away. Not only that, I heard of his flawless beauty. I had never in my entire life heard of man being prettier than a woman. I couldn't believe it. I had also heard of his temper." Namjoon laughed. A genuine one. He stared off into the distance. But his eyes had a soft glow in them. He was reminiscing.

Namjoon continued, "At that time, I wasn't the Captain of the Army. I was just a young, naive, curious kid. So, one day, I sneaked out of my training. I rushed over to the kitchen and peeked from behind one of those double doors. And I saw him. He was cooking with a smile on his face. I liked his smile. Surely, he must've known I was there, because he raised his head and looked right at me. I couldn't look away. My heart fluttered. My face turned beet-red. I thought it must've been because of the heat, but it wasn't. It was because of Seokjin. I froze when he started approaching me. I thought he would scold me. But instead of a frown, he kept on smiling. He said, "You must be hungry. Would you like to eat something?" I couldn't speak, neither could I stop gawking at him. I felt like an idiot! He asked me the same question again and I finally managed to nod. He gave me a bowl full of shrimp porridge and I ate that hot thing so quickly my tongue got burned. When I winced in pain, Seokjin laughed. That was the first time I had heard his laugh. Hell, I got addicted to it. I told myself, "I must marry him one day."
Years later, His Majesty promoted me to be the Captain and ever since then...I've been..." He hesitated. His smile disappeared. "I feel so sorry for Seokjin. I want him to be happy. I love him so much."

Though he acted tough, hearing such a sentimental story was sure to leave Taehyung feeling sad. The fight from seconds ago went over his head, long forgotten. Understanding passed between them. So, Taehyung tried to cheer Namjoon up and raise his spirits by jokingly saying, "You know, your love story is sad but I didn't ask for to hear it."

"F*** YOU!" Namjoon groaned as he shoved Taehyung. His face all red with embarrassment.

Taehyung laughed out loud. Then, Namjoon started laughing too.

When both of them had calmed down, Namjoon said in a soft tone, "Now you know what I'm willing to sacrifice for the King."

Taehyung nodded.

Namjoon cleared his throat. "Listen, if you don't want to leave, I won't force you to. I will respect your decision. But, please, think about it."

Seeing a soldier risk his everything for someone he has sworn to protect made Taehyung realize that their loyalty to the King weren't so different. One was bound by duties, and the other by love. As much as he wanted to stay, Taehyung knew he shouldn't be selfish. For the King's happiness, he would lay down his life. Over and over again.

The next words that left his mouth surprised even himself. "I'll do it."

Namjoon widened his eyes in shock. "Are you sure?"

Taehyung nodded. He agreed he would go away and never look back. He'd take the freedom he was offered. After leaving this place, he would return home to Seulgi and her brother. Though his heart broke, he tried to think positive by telling himself that he wouldn't be distracted anymore and figure out a way to leave this stupid novel forever.

Once he got out, he might even murder the author.

A sad voice inside him said, 'But you won't be seeing him ever again.'

Then another sharp and angry voice uttered the cruel truth, 'How can you even fall for someone who's not even real? Did you forget that he is only fiction? A character of a novel?' The voice mocked him. 'Don't make a fool of yourself Taehyung.'

In frustration, Taehyung clenched his fists. His nails dug deep into his palms. Locking eyes with the captain, with a smile, he inquired, "Now, Namjoon, how will you get me out of here?"

That was how the escape plan came to be. Namjoon would write Taehyung's name in the scroll, assuring that the scroll would only be checked the next day. By that time came, Taehyung would be gone for good.

"Um...just one more thing." Taehyung had interrupted. "You said I'll leave on horseback. I don't know how to ride a horse."

Namjoon had chuckled. "Don't worry. One of my boys will take you." Then, his face had turned serious. "Now, listen to me, as soon as you return to your room, start packing. As dusk falls, I want you to come at the gate behind the kitchen. My comrade will be posted there, waiting for you."

"That sounds easy!" Taehyung had said incredulously.

Flashback Over.

***

Twilight fell, and the dark sky became littered with thousand tiny stars.

The pretty trinket that had been kept hidden underneath his pillow for a long time, was finally taken out from its spot. He brought the round, jade stone to his lips, feeling its coldness against his skin. Then, he placed it on the table, right on top the hand-written note.

"It's not much of a farewell kiss but it'll do. Now, lets get outta here before Namjoon loses his mind."

He tossed his luggage over his shoulders and stepped out his room and out the palace.

When he reached the the front porch, he turned to take a final look at the place he had been stuck in. Damn. How much he had loathed this place and had tried to get away by creating all kinds of mischief. At a time, he had even hated Jungkook for not letting him go.

Now, he wished the complete opposite. He didn't want to be the one letting go. And he would give anything to come back. But he couldn't.

He had to disappear.

"I will miss this place, and I will miss its owner even more."

With a sad expression stuck on his face, he blew a farewell kiss to the palace.

The guards posted at the door appeared grossed-out.

"The kiss wasn't for you!" Taehyung snapped at them, annoyed. Then, he turned on his heels and left, sulking as he muttered to himself, "Stupid guards! Didn't even bother asking me where I was going. I guess I'm not so important after all."

But, in truth, the guards were troubled as they watched Taehyung go - not that Taehyung might fall in danger, but for themselves because they knew if anything were to happen to the King's beloved under their watch, their lives would be on the line.

"Yah. Where do you think he's going?" One guard asked the other.

"I have no clue." The other replied, boringly.

"Should we stop him?"

"No way!" came the instant reply. "What if he's going someplace not so important. What if he complains to His Majesty that we dared to stop him?"

"I know." The guard groaned. "But His Majesty told us to report to him if Taehyung visits the pleasure houses."

The guard tsked. With pity in his eyes he muttered, "Look at that dirty luggage he's carrying. Do you really think he'll visit the pleasure house with that?"

The guard gasped. "You're right! Let's just stay here."

"That's fine with me."

"We are such good soldiers." The guard said happily.

"I agree. We deserve a raise!" The other agreed, smiling proudly. Then, they bumped their chests and exchanged a high-five.

On his way to the kitchen, Taehyung heard sets of footsteps approaching him from behind. These footsteps sounded hurried and impatient.

Taehyung grew cautious. 'What the hell? Is someone following me?' He didn't dare to turn back.

He picked up his pace. The people behind him did the same.

'Shit! Did Namjoon's plan get found out?'

As the footsteps came closer, Taehyung got ready to sprint. Just when he was about to run for it, he heard different voices shouting altogether, "SENIOR!"

Taehyung immediately knew to whom those voices belonged. His kids! (Not literally.) Quickly, he turned around, and five eunuchs rushing upto him. A huge smile plastered on all of their faces.

"Kids, how are you?!" Taehyung asked, smiling happily. Oh. It had been such a long time since he'd seen them last.

"Senior, we are great!" Yeonjun exclaimed.

The rest nodded in agreement.

"We rarely see you these days, Senior." Huening Kai pouted.

"Sorry. I've just been really busy." Taehyung said, rubbing the back of his neck. "Anyways, what brings all of you here? Did you guys miss me so much that you came to see me?" He teased.

"Actually, we wanted to thank you, but we never met you since. We even looked everywhere for you, but you were never in sight." Beomgyu said sadly.

Taehyung nodded.

"We even came to the palace but the guards yelled at us and made us go away!" Huening Kai complained.

"They did?" Taehyung muttered through gritted teeth, furious.
"Those rotten guards!"

The kids laughed.

Taehyung asked, "But what did you want to thank me for?"

All of them beamed with joy.

"You won't believe this but His Majesty has been treating us so well! He has increased our wage. He even lets us go out to have fun without us having to sneak out!" Soobin grinned.

"Though there is a curfew." Yeonjun informed.

"Wow. That really is surprising." Taehyung blinked, wide eyes. Bewildered. The King doing such good works, and even showing affection truly startled him. It also seemed kind of terrifying. These kids who were so scared of their king, now had stars in their eyes, full with admiration.

'Since when did he start caring for these kids? Just how long has this been going on? Why didn't he tell me anything?'

"I know! He even lets us have dessert after dinner!" Huening Kai jumped in joy.

"That's amazing, guys! I'm so happy for you all!" Taehyung grinned. He was glad that after him leaving this place, there would at least be someone looking after them. Although, he didn't quite approve with desserts every night. 'They're definitely going to get dental caries.'

Taehyun nodded. "His Majesty came to meet us personally one day and gifted us many things, and in return, asked us to watch over you so that you don't do anything mischievous."

Taehyung faked a smile. "So, he's been asking the kids to spy on me."

"Well, there's just one thing bothering me. He refused to return my erotic book. When I plucked up the courage and asked for it, he gave me a bunch of old novels instead. Who even reads that?!" Taehyun complained.

A picture of a certain someone reading through the pages of a boring, old book came to Taehyung's mind. He couldn't help but smile sweetly. 'He really makes a good role model for these kids.'

"What's wrong, Senior? You're turning red." Beomgyu pointed out.

"Senior, are you blushing?" Yeonjun gasped. His eyebrows raised in surprise.

"What? No! It's...the cold wind...Ah, it sure is chilly tonight." Taehyung said, pretending to shiver.

"What's with that luggage?" Huening Kai asked innocently. "Are you going somewhere?"

Since lying came easily to him, for the first few seconds, Taehyung thought of tricking them. To tell them that he would be gone for a few days, and would return back safely. But lying to these kids somehow felt wrong.

It felt like he would be deceiving his family.

After a heavy sigh, he confessed, "...Kids, I am leaving."

"What?" Taehyun uttered, face filled with shock.

Yeonjun faked a smile. "You're just teasing us, right, Senior?"

Taehyung bit his lip hard as he shook his head as a no.

"No!" Huening Kai started crying crocodile tears.

"But...Senior, if you leave, what will happen to us?" Beomgyu said.

"Don't worry." Taehyung said with an assuring smile as he held Beomgyu's face in his hands. "The King isn't bad. He won't take away the privileges he has given to you even after I'm gone."

"We don't care about the gifts. We care about you!" Beomgyu exclaimed.

"He's right!" Yeonjun nodded. "You are the only fun adult around here! Yes, you are clumsy -"

"And stupid." Taehyun added.

"And you take away our money." Soobin commented.

"Alright. Alright. I get it." Taehyung said annoyed as he let go of Beomgyu.

"- but we really want you here. You are like the brother we never had." Yeonjun confessed.

"Senior, you were the very first person to care for us. You even made His Majesty care for us. No one has cared for us before. Not like you did." Huening Kai said, wiping his runny nose on his sleeves.

"Please, don't go." The kids begged.

"I-I'm really sorry. I wish I could stay -"

"Then stay!" Taehyun pleaded.

Taehyung shook his head in distress and continued speaking, "I can't. I have to go. You've heard the rumors, haven't you?"

Immediately, they all fell silent. Looking almost guilty, they stared down at their feet, then nodded.

"Now, you see why I have to leave." He said calmly. "As long as I stay, His Majesty will be treated like a joke. His country will be saying horrible things about him. They will not allow him to rule peacefully. Do you want that for your king?"

"No." The kids replied in unison.

"I know you are all good boys. So, take care of yourselves and don't fight. And eat your vegetables."

"We are not little children." Yeonjun pouted.

Taehyung laughed. "To me, you are. One more thing, look after the King, will you?"

They nodded.

Taehyung placed his luggage down and opened his arms wide. The kids rushed into a hug. Taehyung felt like a bunch of players huddled together in the football field. Only these players were crying.

Kim Taehyung felt a jolt of pain pierce through his heart as he said goodbye.

"Goodbye, Senior!" The boys wailed.

"Stop crying!" Taehyung scolded, with tears in his eyes.

"Speak for yourself!" The kids retorted.

Who cares if these kids were just some characters of a hopeless book? He loved them from the bottom of his heart. To Taehyung, these kids and their pure, innocent hearts were - and would always be - real.

'Although Taehyun's heart might be a tiny bit corrupted with the type of books he reads, but I didn't mean it like that when I said pure.'

***

'Dang! I'm really late!'

As Kim Taehyung sprinted towards the kitchen, he was worried that the area would be crowded with busy yet prying servants. But as he got nearer, he heard nothing. Only pin-drop silence. It seemed like Namjoon had taken care of everything.

Taehyung couldn't help but smile. Impressed by a job well done.

As Taehyung approached the gate, he saw someone waiting a few meters away. 'Namjoon's comrade.' With his rigid back turned towards the kitchen, he stood, petting his splendid brown horse with silky, black mane.

The person was tall and had a strong, muscular build. He was dressed in black clothes that stuck at the perfect gesture of his body. Did Namjoon really think such a hunk wouldn't draw any unwanted attention, because, boy, was he wrong. This comrade of his was extremely captivating.

"Oh, you're here!" Taehyung called out.

The man turned to look at him. Half his face was covered by a black cloth. All Taehyung could see were his eyes - mysterious and black as the night. As their eyes met, Taehyung saw something in the man's eyes light up as if he couldn't believe Taehyung was really there.

Taehyung could not deny the sense of familiarity radiating from the stranger. It was like dejavu. Like he knew him really well.

The horse, on the other hand, ignored Taehyung. He was busy feasting on the grass.

"Sorry. Did I make you wait too long?" Taehyung asked as he came closer.

"A little." The person replied. His voice deep and husky. And then something unexpected happened. The person had placed his warm hand on Taehyung's cheek. The tender touch lighting a wildfire inside him.

With eyes full of concern, the man asked, "Have you been well?"

"Uh..." Taehyung murmured. He was totally taken aback by this strangers display of affection.

'Does he know my character? Is that why he's acting so affectionately?'

Coming to the conclusion that this man might be his friend, Taehyung grinned, "Yeah! I'm fine."

The man put his hand away, looking relieved. His eyes turned into a crescent shape. Tiny lines tugging at the corner of his eyes. Though the lower half of his face was covered, Taehyung could tell that the man was smiling.

"I'm glad." The man said.

Taehyung nodded, resisting the urge to unveil the man's face.

Taehyung didn't understand why he felt an unknown, unnatural pull towards this man. This person made pulse quicken. He was getting drawn to this stranger. Somehow, it felt like his body was getting out of control, as if it had a mind of its own.

This body wanted to embrace the man standing before him.

'What the fuck is going on with me!?'

"You look pale. What's wrong?" The man asked, inching closer to take a better look at Taehyung's face.

Flustered, Taehyung backed away from him. "Haha. I'm totally fine. Just...a little sad." Taehyung forced a smile. "I'm really gonna miss this place."

"I see." The man uttered. There was no mistaking it. The man was upset.

'Did I say something wrong?' Taehyung swallowed hard.

The man glanced down at the luggage Taehyung was carrying. "Is that all?"

"This? Yes." Taehyung had nothing much to his name anyways. Though, he was tempted for a second to steal some gold coins.

'Wait. Did I say steal? I meant borrow.'

"Alright then. Let's go." The man said.

Taehyung was a bit reluctant at first, but then he nodded. He gazed at the massive horse and froze, pondering how he would get on it. He shot a quick glance over at the man and caught him staring at him.

Taehyung smiled sheepishly.

"Do you need help?" The man asked, raising his eyebrows.

"No. I can do this."

The man nodded and gestured with his hand as if to say, "Okay. Go on then."

Using all the knowledge Taehyung had gained from watching a lot of cowboy movies, he clasped tightly onto the horse's neck and jumped as high as he possibly could. He threw one leg across the horse's back, only to slip and fail not-so-gracefully.

Taehyung landed on his butt with a loud thud.

He heard the man stifle a laugh.

"You think this is funny?" Taehyung scoffed, annoyed and embarrassed.

The man shook his head defensively, making an X with his hands. "No. Absolutely not."

Helplessly, Taehyung muttered, "I can use some help."

All of a sudden, as if the man had been waiting for Taehyung to utter those words, he reached down and grabbed Taehyung. He pulled him up into his arms so easily like Taehyung weighed no less than a feather. One hand held him around his upper body, and the other glided underneath his thighs.

Taehyung couldn't believe it! A strange man was carrying him like a bride. He felt like a damsel in distress.

"Not this way! Not like this!" Taehyung shrieked in embarrassment, flailing in the man's arms.

The man paid his pleas no attention. With a swift, strong movement, he got Taehyung to toss his leg across the horse. This time, he was able to successfully land on the saddle.

Taehyung cleared his throat in embarrassment. "Um...Thanks, I guess..."

"You're welcome." The man said. And, Taehyung was certain the man was grinning underneath his mask.

Before the man could join him on the horse, a loud and painful ear-screeching scream sounded in the air.

"What was that?" Confused, Taehyung asked, staring at the place from where the scream had come.

"It's nothing." The man said quickly.

Words before destruction. As soon as the man had spoken, the tolling of a bell sounded in the air. It rang so harshly as if an alarm had been turned on. Ahead in the distance, servants were running away with fear latched onto their faces.

A group soliders with their swords drawn ran towards the direction the servants had came from.

An intense, black smoke rose from one of the servant quarters. After a quick second, flames lit up with a whoosh, dangerously high, devouring the wooden walls, and the surrounding bushes.

"What's happening?!" Taehyung panicked.

"Looks like an ambush." The boy answered. For a solider, he seemed too calm. Was this how all soldiers were trained to be in dangerous situations?

'An ambush?' That was when fear struck his heart. With the attack and the fire, Jungkook would definitely look for him. And once he sees that Taehyung isn't in the room, he is sure to get worried. Who even notices a folded paper while under attack?

What if Jungkook thinks Taehyung got taken away by one of the attackers?

The image of Jungkook looking for him and shouting his name in the panic stricken crowd made him hate himself.

What if, because of him, Jungkook winds up dead?

'No...He's the main lead. He won't die. But...I want to make sure he's safe.'

Taehyung leapt from the horse.

"Where do you think you are going?!" The man grabbed him by the hand.

"Jungkook is in danger!" Taehyung screamed.

"You call him...by his name." The man seemed shaken.

Taehyung could see the hatred burning in the man's eyes. How disrepectful and horrible his words must've sounded to the man's ears. The crime of addressing the king by his name is death. And, since Taehyung loved life, he would have apologized immediately. But the Taehyung now cared less of himself, and more of Jungkook.

"I have to go help him! Let me go!" Taehyung demanded, trying to break free from the strong grasp. "He needs me!"

The man's grip tightened. "How will you help him?! You don't even know how to use a sword. You'll only get yourself killed!"

Taehyung went still. The man was right! He didn't know how to fight. Heck, he'd never in his life even carried nor touched a sword. Of course no one carries a sword in Seoul - maybe not in broad daylight. If he had a gun, now that would be something completely different.

'Man, I should've taken up some karate classes.' Taehyung thought regretfully.
That was when his gaze fell on the shiny metal secured in a strap around the man's waist.

"I'm not a soldier, but you are. I can leave this place some other time. For now, go help him! Your king is in danger!" Taehyung pleaded.

The man seemed taken aback by the desperation in Taehyung's voice. Then an evil chuckle escaped the man's mouth. "Oh, Taehyung, still as naive as before." He said with contempt.

Taehyung blinked. "What?"

With brute force, the man pulled him to him and muttered bitterly, "He is not my king and I am not his soldier."

Taehyung's eyes wavered.

Moments before, when he had seen the man, he had obviously seen the words hovering above his head. Thinking it would read, 'Comrade of Namjoon,' or whatever a soldier was called, he had happily chosen to ignore it.

He had made a big mistake.

"For fucks sake!" He cursed under his breath, reading out the words in his mind.

Park Chanyeol.
Assassin.
Villain.

He pushed himself away from the man.

'Park Chanyeol? Park Chanyeol...Where have I heard that name before?'

Then, Seulgi words rang in his ears, "My brothers name is Park Chanyeol. Please remember that."

Taehyung's eyes widened in shock. His face a mask of horror. "Chanyeol."

"So, you finally decided to remember me. I was getting restless thinking you might have forgotten all about me." Chanyeol pulled down the face cloth, revealing his charming grin. "Long time, no see."

"I...can't believe it. You're an...assasin." In despair, Taehyung buried his face in his hands.

'Seulgi's brother is a killer. Oh no...Has he come here to kill me?'

Chanyeol laughed. His eyes filled with amusement. "I don't really like that word. Assassin. I mean, I do kill people - and I get paid well for it - but I don't think that word fits right for me."

"How about mercenary then?"

Chanyeol just smirked in arrogance.

"Does your sister know that your job demands innocent lives?" Taehyung snapped angrily.

Mentioning Seulgi's name did the trick. Instantly, the pleasure lifted off his face, and his eyes narrowed. "Do not bring my sister into this. Don't forget, you left us. You left me! You wanted to come to this filthy place to make a name for yourself. I thought you'd get a decent job, but what do I hear instead? Rumors of you and the king -"

"Those rumors are not true!" Taehyung interrupted.

"I don't care! You belonged with me then and you belong with me now." Chanyeol declared.

'What is he talking about?' Taehyung thought, confusion etched across his face.

Seeing Chanyeol act like a mad man, Taehyung felt it wasn't safe to anger him anymore. After all, he was the one with a weapon. If Taehyung wanted to get out of here, then he'd have to be in two-piece. Trying to change the subject, he shot a look around and quickly asked, "What did you do to the soldier who was supposed to be here?"

"Ah, that soldier." As if having remembered something important, he clapped his hands together. The amusement back in his eyes now. He shook his head in pity. "Stupid fellow. You see, tonight, I was planning on completing my mission, but when my friends and I reached here, I happened to spot a soldier waiting all alone at this quiet place, acting all secretive. It kinda seemed suspicious. So I approached him with a knife at his throat. He begged me to let me live, and I said I would in exchange for information. The twist is, after he revealed everything to me, I didn't let him live."

"Shitty bastard! How can you be so heartless?!" Taehyung shouted in pain.

"Well, what can you expect from a murderer." Chanyeol shrugged, showing no sign of remorse.

Taehyung's body jerked forward on its own. The next thing he knew, he had landed a strong, forceful punch right across Chanyeol's pretty face. His fist hurt as hell. But he ignored the pain.

"Wow." Chanyeol murmured. He could taste blood inside his mouth. "The capital sure has changed you a lot, my Taehyung."

"Don't call me yours!" Taehyung yelled, grabbing Chanyeol by his collars.

"Why not? You were mine before you became his." Chanyeol retorted.

"Shut the fuck up!" Taehyung shouted furiously.

Chanyeol flashed a mischievous smile. "I've never heard you curse this many times before."

How could Chanyeol even think that this was hilarious?

Chanyeol brought his hand up to tuck a strand of loose hair behind Taehyung's ears. He said, "When the soldier told he was helping you leave, I knew I had to act first. So, I did what I had to do. I killed him, took over his place. Now, I am going to take you home with me."

Taehyung shoved him away. "I am not going anywhere with you!"

"Come on, don't be like that." Chanyeol said, pretending to be hurt. "I know we left each other on bad terms - well, it was actually you who left me - but I still love you. That's why, come home with me. Seulgi is waiting for us. Let's be a family once again."

"As much as I adore Seulgi, I am not quite fond of her brother. So my answer is no." Taehyung crossed his arms across his chest.

"Ooh." Chanyeol clasped his hand against his chest in mock despair. "To be honest, I knew you would say that. But being a better man, I'm going to make a bargain here."

"What kind of bargain?"

"If you leave with me, I will let your king live." Chanyeols eyes glowered. His jaw tightened and his face turned serious. Like a cunning animal hunting for its prey.

Taehyung let out a mocking laugh. "What makes you think the king is weak?"

Chanyeol smiled wickedly. "You remember that jade scroll? I may have threatened a servant to hand it to him."

"...No." Taehyung said in disbelief. His eyes widened like full moons.

"That's right! Your King, at this very moment, has lost his wits and is searching the whole palace for you. Looking for you at every nook and cranny. It looks like he doesn't care about the ambush, neither about the fire. He sure as hell doesn't seem to care about his fucking life. If it weren't for that lap-dog captain of his, and his brother, my men would've killed him already."

Taehyung became speechless. His face a mask of horror. His legs started to go weak.

'No, the bastard's lying. The king is will never be vulnerable.'

"My dear Taehyung," Chanyeol called lovingly, moving closer to him. "The King is too heartbroken to even let anyone near him. And, that is when I strike."

Taehyung couldn't look away from the wicked, arrogance gleaming in Chanyeol's dark eyes. He wasn't joking. He had meant every word he'd spoken.

"I hate you so fucking much." Taehyung muttered through gritted teeth. He was shocked when he saw a hint of genuine sadness flash across Chanyeol's eyes. In another fleeting second, the sadness was gone.

"If you accept my request, I will stop." Chanyeol announced. He placed his hand on Taehyung chest - at the place where his heart was. "If not, then know this, I will drive my sword through his chest, deep into his heart. I will make him bleed. I will let him die slowly, tormenting him. And even in his dying breaths, instead of praying or begging for his life, I know he will be saying your name." He leaned in and whispered in Taehyung's ear. "His blood will be on your hands."

The hair on Taehyung's neck raised up. Chills ran down his spine. The thought of Jungkook sprawled on the ground, dying in the pool of his own blood send the world spinning around him.

It made him nauseous.

Taehyung turned, bent over his knees, and retched.

"How pathetic. Just a cruel thought is enough to make you feel hopeless. I wonder what might happen once you see the real thing?" Chanyeol commented.

"...Stop." Taehyung groaned. It was getting difficult for him to breathe.

"Hmm, I'm quite curious now. Should I kill the king already and see for myself?" Chanyeol taunted.

"I said stop." Taehyung shouted angrily. He straightened his spine and spinned, going for a punch, but Chanyeol dodged it so easily. Taehyung's trembling legs gave way and his knees hit the ground.

Taehyung was hyperventilating now.

"I can't bear to see you this way." He heard Chanyeol speak.

"Fucking asshole." Taehyung spat in disgust.

Chanyeol sighed. He knelt down beside Taehyung, and grabbed his chin, lifting his face forcefully to meet his eyes. "Do as I say, and everyone lives. Even your king."

Taehyung stared at Chanyeol. His blood boiled in anger. That was when the glint of hard, cold metal caught his eye.

'...This is a bad idea.'

Taehyung swallowed hard. He knew he had to fool Chanyeol if he wanted to get hold of the dagger around Chanyeol's waist.

Since acting was in his blood, he gave it a go.

Taehyung softened his gaze, and stared tenderly at Chanyeol. He made his lip quiver a little as if it looked like he was having a hard time holding back.

"Chanyeol-ah." He called lovingly.

Chanyeol blinked, startled. A tinge of red appeared on his cheeks.

'That's right, idiot! I got you now.'

Taehyung raised his hand and wrapped it around the back of Chanyeol's neck, pulling him closer in an embrace.

"I missed you so much." Taehyung said with a sniffle.

To his surprise, Chanyeol responded to his hug by wrapping his arms tightly around Taehyung, burying his face in the nape of Taehyung's neck.

"I missed you too." Chanyeol admitted.

"Really?" Taehyung muttered. Slowly, he slid his hand lower and lower and stopped a few inches away from the dagger.

"Of course I did!" Chanyeol exclaimed, tightening the hug.

"Umph!" Taehyung found it hard to breathe. "You don't hate me?"

"NO! In fact, it's the total op-"

Taehyung clasped his fingers around the hilt of the dagger and pulled it out of it's sheath. He pushed Chanyeol away who fell back.

Chanyeol stared at the dagger pointed at him.

Taehyung's hands shook, itching to stab Chanyeol in the chest. He knew the human anatomy extremely well. Knew where the vital organs were located. The liver, the spleen, the heart.

For the first time in his life, he wanted to kill somebody.

'Do it! Stab him!'

Chanyeol didn't say a word, only watched him quietly as if he was waiting. His stone-cold face not giving away any clue as to what he was thinking.

As much as he loathed Chanyeol, did he really have the guts to take a man's life?

'No. I can't...I won't. I'm a doctor for fucks sake!'

The dagger slipped through his hands.

Chanyeol let out a frustrated sigh. "I knew you couldn't do it. Why even try?" He stood up and said, "The clock is ticking, Taehyung. Just say yes already."

It almost sounded like he was begging. Nevertheless, Taehyung was not going to let the compassion gleaming in Chanyeol's eyes deceive him.

The monster was playing tricks on his mind. He could think of nothing to escape. Even if he yelled for help, who on earth would leave their precious king and come to save a lowly person?

Taehyung groaned. He was too dizzy to run and too weak to fight. Though he was certain Jungkook could never die, the question of 'What if?' still hung in the air.

He definitely didn't trust how this story went anymore. Neither did he trust its author who had created a character like Park Chanyeol.

There was only one way out of this mess.

"I will go with you." He said.

"Huh?" Chanyeol blinked.

"I said I will go with you." Taehyung repeated.

Chanyeol couldn't stop grinning. "I knew you'd come around!"

"I will go with you, not because I am scared of you. But for the safety of the king."

Chanyeol stared at him. He opened his mouth to speak, but he shut it right away. He pressed the tips of his fingers to his tongue, and blew a loud whistle in such a pretty tune that it sounded as if a bird were singing.

"There. My teammates will fall back now. You happy?" Chanyeol said.

"What?" Taehyung stared at him. "But all you did was whistle!"

"That was the signal!" Chanyeol admitted.

"How can I be sure that you're not lying to me right now?" Taehyung asked suspiciously.

"Taehyung," He called. His voice serious but hurt at the same time. "I promise you I will never lie to you. Because I regret what my one lie brought on us a long time back. It tortured me when it took you away from me. I won't repeat that same mistake again."

Taehyung's jaw flexed. How was he supposed to respond to something like that? It sounded like a confession, and at the same time, not. Despite his instincts going crazy, he had no other choice but to trust Chanyeol...for now.

"Can we go now?" Chanyeol asked, impatiently. "Or do you want me to whistle again?"

"No!" Taehyung cried out quickly.

This time - though Chanyeol offered his help - Taehyung got onto the horse perfectly well on his own; and it felt extremely satisfying to see the disappointment on Chanyeol's face.

Chanyeol picked up his dagger from the ground and put it back in its sheath. Then, he hoisted himself and sat behind Taehyung. His fingers closed tightly around the horse's reins.

Taehyung was on the verge of bursting into tears. But he promised himself he wouldn't cry. He would not give Chanyeol the satisfaction of it.

The horse began to move.

Taehyung was hoping to take one last glimpse of his home, so he had only turned his head slightly, when as if having his mind read, Chanyeol warned, "Don't turn back. You'll only regret it more."

Reluctantly, Taehyung listened to him because, though he hated it, he knew Chanyeol was right.

With each gallop, the horse picked up pace. Soon, it ran faster and faster.

The palace became a blur as it disappeared in the background. After a short while, they exited the main entry gate to the capital.

Seeing Taehyung look worried sick, Chanyeol leaned in closer to assure him by saying, "Don't worry. We're only going home."

"Sure." Taehyung said sarcastically.

'Man, I can't believe I'm letting a stranger take me away to an unknown place. This is so not romantic."

***

Authors Note:

I actually wanted to have a kiss scene in this - not between Chanyeol and Tae - but it messed up the plot.

Book 1 is coming to an end soon.

Vote and comment. ~~ Thank you for reading.