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The King is Unfathomable.

The moons light was quite brighter that night as it shined upon them, treating them as if they were some lovers meant to be. To Taehyung, it felt like time itself had stopped for them.
Their eyes were locked into each other; it was an intense stare-down.
Seeing the rage in Jungkook's eyes, Taehyung cowered with fear.

'I'm ruined. Why did he have to find me?...He really looks handsome in the moonlight...No! Taehyung, focus!'

"Your Ma -" His voice got caught in his throat. "Ha ha. Um...I can explain this situation, Your Majesty."

The King put him down on his feet.

"Thank you for saving me." He smiled nervously. "I was not trying to escape. It's actually quite funny, so what happened was -"

As he raised his hand to scratch the back of his neck, the book fell down with a thud.

Both of them looked at it.

Oh, shit! The erotic book! No! I have to get it!

Taehyung quickly bent down to pick up the book, but the King's reflexes were much quicker. He was the hero after all. With the book in his hand, he flipped through the pages.

Taehyung bit his lip in horror, freaking internally.

The King, however, showed nothing. He let out a heavy sigh and closed the book. Clearly, he hated it.

Taehyung forced out a laughter. "Haha. Your Majesty, I can explain."

The King moved his eyes away. Turning on his heel, he started walking away before flashing Taehyung a look that made him regret his decision.

The King looked sad and disappointed. This turmoil of emotions puzzled him. It made him feel like he had broken the King's trust. Logic could no longer be applied in a case that required feelings.

Is he sad? Or is he mad? Darn it. He even took the book with him.

Wait! He caught me trying to get out of this place yet didn't say a word. Does this mean I can leave? Should I? No?

Ugh! Why do I feel guilty?

The clouds had hidden the moon. The light disappeared. Taehyung was left standing in the dark.

***

At the crack of dawn, Taehyung was up and ready for a brand new day. He had chosen to leave the past behind though the bad thing happened just last night. He had decided to face the King with a smile and pretend that the incident last night had never taken place.

After running away from doing chores, he walked around in search of the King who was nowhere to found.

Oh! I can just go visit him in the room! Haha. Silly me. Why didn't I think of it before?

Off he went only to get chased away by the soldiers.

"You cannot come and meet the King as you please!"

"Who do you think you are?"

"Go away or I will kick you hard!"

Admitting defeat, he gave up and went for a leisurely stroll, only to come across a group of pretty maid servants chatting among themselves.

"You seem to be in a good mood." Jihyo said, giving a nudge to Nayeon. "Is this a new dress you're wearing?"

"I am. But it is not because of the dress." Nayeon replied, placing a strand of stray hair behind her ear.

"What is it?" Dahyun asked. "Did you get a new haircut?"

Nayeon shook her head as a no, having fun of the game. "Guess." Nayeon giggled, running her fingers through her soft hair. Something shiny glinted on the surface of her head.

"I don't know." Jeongyeon said.

"I do!" Taehyung grinned as he joined the group. "What new must definitely be her hairpin. She's been leaving subtle hints all time."

"And you are?" Jihyo raised her eyebrows questioningly to Taehyung.

"I'm Taehyung, but you can call me Taetae." He flashed a beautiful smile.

"Is what he said true?" Sana inquired, glancing at Nayeon.

Nayeon looked a bit taken aback. "It is true. I got a new hairpin. How did you know?" She asked, staring at the boy.

"It's so easy! I've been observing your beauty. Look how much it brings out the color of your eyes." He flirted, shamelessly. "You are lovely, Miss."

Nayeon blushed.

"Well, well. It looks like you have another admirer, Nayeon." Jeongyeon teased. "And a handsome one at that."

"He's not bad to look at." Jihyo smirked.

"Cute." Mina nodded.

Taehyung's heart filled with pride and joy. "Thank you for all the compliments, ladies." He grinned, trying to be modest. "I only came here to adore Nayeon's beauty, but if the lady wishes, I am more than willing to -"

Before he could complete his sentence, Sana quickly said, "It's the King!" She had been looking behind Taehyung's shoulders. "And, he's coming right this way!"

"I think he heard us." Momo whispered.

Immediately, the maid servants bowed to show their respect. Taehyung had only turned his head to see when the King walked right past them. His protagonist light glowing as always.

"Your Majesty." Taehyung greeted with a big smile. "I had come to see you but your guards chased me away." He pouted, acting all cheeky. "They are very rude."

The King paid him no attention.

"Your Majesty?"

No response.

"My King?"

The King appeared to be not listening. He simply walked away with his followers, until they were no longer in sight.

Taehyung sighed. Not even sparing a glance, huh. This is so like you. But, I am not one to give up!

Turning to the girls, he said, "I'll be seeing you again. Soon. Right now, I have some business to attend to. Oh, and remember my name."
He winked at Nayeon, bid farewell and ran after the King.

On his way to the King, he was stopped by his friend, Jung Hoseok, who looked like he was in a rush.

"Aiyah. What do you want? I'm busy!" Taehyung complained.

"Don't lie! You've been neglecting your work all day! I've been hearing all sorts of complaints about you! But, I can't deal with you right now."

"Why? Oh. Are you late for your date? Do you even have a date?" Taehyung joked. He laughed while picking at his right ear.

Hoseok glared at him. "You know what, please do me a favor, friend."

"What favor?"

"Make yourself useful and go catch some chickens. Kim Seokjin needs it quick!"

"Ugh." Taehyung had only began to groan when Hoseok started leaving. "Take some juniors with you, okay. Thanks. Bye bye!" He called out as he left his work for Taehyung to complete.

Taehyung tsked. I don't even know how to catch chickens. And where will I find juniors who -

He spotted Yeonjun and his friends pulling out weed in the distance.

There they are. My juniors. Haha.

"Yah, Yeonjun!" Taehyung called, smiling as he ran towards his juniors.

***

Humming a song, Taehyung led the way like a hen, to the chicken coop with his five chicks quietly following behind.

"Why are we even here?" Soobin groaned.

"I told you we're here to catch chickens! Honestly, Soobin, pay attention." Taehyung scolded.

"Is the chef going to make chicken stew? Wah! I love his stew. It's the best!" Huening Kai said excitedly.

"But, how do we catch them?" Beomgyu asked, confused.

The five juniors turned to their Senior for guidance.
Taehyung grinned at them before letting out a throaty laugh. "Don't look at me. I've never done this."

"What?!" The juniors said altogether. They were in a panic now.

"Calm down." Taehyung assured. "Just try catching them from behind. Go on. Huening Kai, you first."

"Why me?" He whined.

"Go on." His friends egged him on.

With shaky legs, the frightened Huening Kai entered the coop. As he tried catching a fat chicken with trembling hands, he paused, "Senior, what if it bites?"

"It won't bite." Taehyung said confidently.

"Do it for the chicken stew!" Yeonjun encouraged.

With all his might, Huening Kai lunged forward to catch the chicken, but the chicken flew away. Flapping its wings, the chicken - who was angry now - chased after Huening Kai who was screaming for help.

"Help me! Aah! Senior!" Huening Kai yelled tearfully.

"Huening Kai!" Soobin cried out.

"Be careful!" Beomgyu said.

"Quick! Throw some stones at that chicken!" Taehyun suggested.

"It's not working!" Yeonjun snapped.

"Hold on. We're coming." Taehyung said.

The troop raced in to rescue Huening Kai from the angry chicken. And, the real chicken hunt began. They chased after chickens, and the chickens chased after them. Their clothes tore a bit from falling and rolling around on the ground but it was no problem. For Kim Seokjin's delicious chicken stew, the juniors were ready to risk it all.

Finally, after having caught a few big, fat chickens, and trapping them in a cage, they decided to rest for a bit.

"Hah! Fun, wasn't it?" Taehyung laughed.

"We did the most work." Soobin said.

"So? I taught you a new experience."

Soobin rolled his eyes in annoyance.

"I got bitten." Huening Kai said tearfully.

"Senior?" Taehyun called. "That book you took last night...I need it back. I have to return it."

This earned him lots of groans from his peers.

"What? But, we still haven't read them!" Yeonjun complained.

Taehyun ignored his friends complaints. "Senior? My book?" He started doubting his senior because of the reaction he received when he mentioned the book. "You still have the book, right?"

"I don't know. Ask the King!" Taehyung cried out.

"Why does the King have my book?!"

"You lied to us, Senior!" Yeonjun accused, eyes filled with fear. "You told the King!"

"Ugh. We are dead now!" Soobin cried.

"No. No. Let me explain." Taehyung let out a deep sigh and then started explaining everything that happened last night.

"You have really light feet. I didn't even hear you leave." Yeonjun said.

"I don't have light feet. You all are just deep sleepers."

"I can't believe you tried to escape." Beomgyu smiled in fascination.

"Of course!" Taehyung said, sounding proud. "Who can keep me here."

"Wait. You said the musician told you to go to the western gate?" Huening Kai asked.

Taehyung nodded.

"That's strange." Huening Kai said. "The western gate is always locked. That is why only a few guards are positioned there."

"Yeah! Everyone who lives in the palace knows this." Soobin nodded.

"What are you saying, that he purposely set me up?" Taehyung asked, eyes wide open with shock.

"Maybe." Beomgyu said. "Senior, if you wanted to leave so badly, you should've used the little gate behind the kitchen. That is where they bring the groceries from."

"That's right!" Yeonjun agreed. "We use it all the time to sneak out sometimes!"
Immediately, his friends glared at him.

"Yeonjun, that was supposed to be a secret!" Taehyun hissed.

Yeonjun smiled nervously. "Oops."

"Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me." Taehyung assured with a smile.

"You know, Senior, I'm surprised you're still alive after all that." Beomgyu said. The rest nodded in agreement.

"You are scared of the King that much?" Taehyung scoffed.

"Who wouldn't be. He killed his own father for the throne." Huening Kai informed.

"His Majesty is scary." Taehyun shuddered. "Now, about my book -"

Taehyung nodded understandingly. He had read thousand of stories and knew the hero wouldn't do something like that without any cause.

"Excuse me." Taehyung said, standing up from the ground. "I have to go somewhere."

"What about the chickens?" Soobin asked, innocently.

"Take them to the Royal Chef." Taehyung replied.

"Why can't you take them? This was your job anyways." Yeonjun frowned.

"Wrong. It was not my job, but Hoseok's. And, I can't be seen anywhere near the kitchen or else Kim Seokjin will kill me." Taehyung informed.

Then, he stuck his tongue out at them and ran away.

***

Because of getting banned from going anywhere near the kitchen, Taehyung went around the back to check out the little gate his juniors had mentioned.

Hmm. There is a gate here. Looks like no one guards this place.

Just then, he heard rustling among the bushes. To find out what it was, Taehyung approached the area with extreme caution.

Namjoon was there, hiding behind a tall bush, peeking into the kitchen.
Wondering what he might be up to, Taehyung sneaked up on him from behind.

Namjoon had his full concentration on someone. Taehyung, following his gaze of direction, realized that Namjoon had been staring at the Royal Chef.

Taehyung smirked mischievously. He leaned in closer to Namjoon's ear and whispered, "What are you doing?"

Namjoon jumped up in surprise. Cheeks flushed red. "You! What are you doing here?!"

"Me? Just goofing around. But you -" He grinned. "You were checking out Kim Seokjin, weren't you? Uh-uh. Don't even try to deny it. I saw everything."

Namjoon blushed hard.

"Why don't you go talk to him?" Taehyung suggested.

"I can't. He's mad at me."

"Why? Oh. Could it be you're banned from the kitchen too? Did you break his pots too?"

"Um...yeah."

"Pfft." Taehyung waved his hand in the air. " What is it with him and pots?

"What about you?"

"What about me?"

"What did you do to the King? Did you pester him again?" Namjoon spoke with accusing eyes.

"I did nothing!"

"Then, why is the King sulky?"

"You can tell how he feels? Amazing! I don't know what His Majesty is feeling because his face is a blank slate."

"I don't care. I don't want to see the King sad! Whatever you've done, solve it!" Namjoon ordered.

Suddenly being bossy to me, huh. I'll teach you a lesson.

"KIM SEOKJIN!" Taehyung shouted, jumping up and down as he waved his hands in the air. This caught Seokjin's attention.

"Don't -" Namjoon begged, trying to hold back Taehyung.

"Namjoon has something to tell you!" Taehyung screamed at the top of his lungs. "Oh. He's coming this way."

"You bastard." Namjoon cursed as he watched Kim Seokjin rush towards them.

"Good luck." Taehyung laughed, giving a pat on Namjoon's back and ran away.
As he fled, he heard Namjoon crying behind him, "No...no...I am sorry. Don't hit me. That hurts!"

***

Now, Taehyung was done. He decided that he was going to meet the King no matter what.
Hanging around the area, he spotted a servant carrying a bed table with food come towards the palace.

An idea struck him.

Taehyung quickly rushed over to her and said, "You're late! The King has been waiting for a while now. Hurry. Give it to me. I shall take it to him."

The servant blinked. "But..."

Taehyung narrowed his eyes. "Do you wish to keep the King waiting to have this silly conversation?"

"No! No! Here! Take it!" He handed over the bed table to Taehyung who gladly accepted.

"Good. You may leave now." Taehyung ordered and quickly departed, smiling widely.

Ha ha. Here I come.

Seeing Taehyung return again, the guard scowled and got ready to kick him out again. One of them even cracked their knuckles.

"Wait! I bring the King's meal!" Taehyung announced, pointing to the bed table he was carrying.

The guards hesitated.

"Do you want to make the King go hungry by keeping me here?" That did it. The guards reluctantly allowed the smart fellow enter the palace.

Taehyung was giggling now. Oh. My genius is...it's almost frightening.

The floorboards creaked underneath his feet as he made way to the King's room.

"Here I come!" He announced his presence and slid the door open, only to come meet the eyes of an old man with a grey mustache. He was seated across from the King, and looked annoyed from getting their conversation interrupted.

Bae Sunho.
Minister of Trade.
???

Oh. Look. There's the question mark again.

Minister Bae was fuming mad. "What is this?! How dare you barge into the King's room like you own it! What a nasty behavior for a servant! You ought to be punished!"

"Um..." Taehyung's gaze fell on the King.
The King - who seemed bored - stared at him. His face lighted up. His eyes almost begging Taehyung to save him from talking to Minister Bae.

Taehyung found this reaction from the King interesting.

Oh~ So even the great King needs help sometimes. Okay. You got it!

Taehyung grinned widely. Turning back to the Minister, he said, "Who are you calling a servant? I am not just anyone. I am the King's..."

He faced the King and decided to tease him a little while feigning innocence. "Your Majesty, what am I to you?"

Answer well, Your Majesty. Or I might not help you~

The King blinked, a bit taken aback by the question. Then, having decided on an answer, he nodded and opened his mouth to answer.

"Soul....mate."

***

Author's Note:

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