1981

Jungkook's doe eyes perked up from the window pane, his brows furrowing together in perplexion. He observed the surroundings discreetly, and when he decided that he had no time to lose, he concealed his face using the hoodie and walked right into the café where Jimin and the so called Areum were seated.

The bell chimed, indicating that another customer had entered. All the eyes snapped to the man clad in black hoodie and sweatpants. Jungkook avoided every prying eye and instead deadpanned into Jimin, who still seemed to be uninterested in the conversation with Areum.

He strided forward, with his hands in his pocket and grabbed a seat beside them, making sure that his eavesdropping was not obvious. He could hear collective amount of sighs and frequent outbursts but most of the talking was veiled to Jungkook when he could hear advancing footsteps.

"Sir, your order?" A mechanical voice queried much to Jungkook's dismay. He moved back and forth, trying to get view of the duo, but was blocked by the concrete man who never budged even a little.

"Jimin," Jungkook said, not aware of the words he was mumbling unconsciously.

"Sir? You want a Jimin? We don't have that in our menu here," the waiter raised his eyebrows, growing impatient with every second that ticked by.

Jungkook's eyes were intently fixed on the conversation they were having, completely in oblivion to the waiter's desperate calls. He stared into the emptiness of space, devoured by the voice that was bugging him to start a conversation.

"Sir? Excuse me, sir? Sir?! Would you like to order?" The waiter waved his hand frantically in front of the man who jolted from the chair at the sudden raise of voice.

"Uh- sorry for spacing out. I would like a cup of coffee. Thank you." Jungkook said, nervously fiddling with his fingers.

The waiter penned them down in the tiny notebook exclusively meant for taking orders and strolled towards the counter, sighing deeply. Jungkook, on the other hand, shook nervously in his seat, contemplating on whether to start a conversation or not.

The incessant sound of him tapping his fingers on the table devoured the entire café, earning scornful retaliation from the people who enjoyed tranquility.

Jungkook looked around nervously, skimming his tongue over his lips. He closed his eyes for a second and calmed himself down, after which he sent apologetic glances towards others for disturbing them.

He could hear Jimin and Areum talking, this time, a bit more clearer. Without wasting any second, he leaned forward slightly and began to listen to them.

"So, you were saying? Jimin's glum voice emerged. He had sunk into the chair, looking at the white ceiling that mirrored his emotions wherein Areum constantly rambled on without a break.

Just like Byeol, Jungkook thought, clasping his hands together.

"Recruit some more people. It wouldn't hurt to teach," Areum whined, tired of being the one pupil.

"I do what I want. I gave you a choice to leave, but you didn't. Look, I'm telling you even now that you have a choice to leave," Jimin didn't reciprocate the euphoric mood lingering in the café.

"I prefer to stay. No thanks," Came Areum's sarcastic reply, her face etched with a sly smile.

"Then stop complaining. You ain't a little kid," Jimin rasped out, slightly scoffing.

"Oh, thanks for the information, big boy. Now, if you excuse me, I would like to go and talk with the man who's been eavesdropping on us," Areum pushed back the chair and walked towards where Jungkook was seated.

"You are excused." Jimin scoffed, looking at Areum, who was walking towards where Jungkook was seated.

To say Jungkook was panicked was an understatement. He broke into cold sweat, palpitating on the spot, with his breath ragged and unstable. He fiddled nervously with his fingers, embarrassed of getting caught red handed despite being cautious.

His gaze was focused on the floor which seemed to display the vivid patters of bright sunlight seeping through the broken windows.

With his eyeballs shivering in fright, he turned away from the direction where Areum was walking towards and began to move his eyes aimlessly.

The tapping of fingers in a rythym on his table caught his attention. Not having the audacity to face her, he pretended to be deep in search of an unknown quest.

"Excuse me, sir? Please don't eavesdrop. It's highly disrespectful," Areum's voice was stern and demanding, her demeanour overpowering Jungkook's quiet gaze.

"I'm sorry," Jungkook's doe eyes perked up, his lips sticking out cutely, and his voice lingering with guiltiness. The sight in front of Areum captivated her, with her mind falling for his charms.

"It's okay. Now if you would mind, would you please move over to the corner?" Her voice was soft as she pointed towards the end of the café, away from where Jimin was seated. She was apprehensive.

"Why though? This seat is comfortable enough and I promise I won't interrupt your conversation. You can continue. I'm sorry for the inconvenience," Jungkook slightly bowed, after which he rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassement.

"Thank you, then. Cause we're about to talk something important," Areum locked eyes with Jungkook, as if she were telling him that it was connected; as if everything was destined.

She walked back to her seat, making sure that her confrontation didn't catch everyone's attention. Sparing a last glance at Jungkook, she continued  her conversation with Jimin.

Jungkook began to hum under his breath; the enveloped memories coming to life through the broken mirrors of his conflicted mind.

"King Jungkook, we received a news from the neighbouring kingdom. King Namjoon wants to put his son Taehyung under the care of a caretaker. He's also sending her here."

"I'm alright with it as long as it doesn't affect Taehyung. He's been already through too much. Also let me know her name so I can inform the guards to let her in,"

"Poor boy, sir. And oh, the caretaker is coming from tomorrow. And her name is Areum; Kim Areum."

Then again, there was Areum in front of him, in the body of Byeol. He was completely conflicted and every musing of his heart was pensive, everything relflecting the rueful past. He sighed deeply, very well knowing that he could not waste any more time in the café.

Just as he was about to walk to the counter to inform the owner about the change in plans and that the coffee had to be parcelled, there was a tap on his shoulder.

"Why are you here? I thought you didn't like me eavesdropping?" Jungkook's voice lingered with confusion.

"You wouldn't want Jimin to know about his past, or do you?"he cocked her eyebrows, folding her hands.

"What are you talking about?" Jungkook feigned suprise.

"I think you know what I'm talking about. I know you Jungkook. You were Jimin's husband in the past life. But I'm going to kill him now. Do whatever you can to save him."

********

Killing you once was a sacrifice,but twice? It's an enigma.

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A/n's note: Things are about to get really spiced out? Do you have any theories?