Bonus-1
"I need to tell you all something" Wong announced to his sons. "My younger brother is visiting next week with his family. So, I am gonna organize a welcoming party."
The princes nodded, listening to their father's announcement about the upcoming party. It wasn't a surprise to them that a family member was visiting, but they were a little curious about which family member it was. "Who is visiting, Father?" Jungkook asked, leaning back in his chair.
"My younger brother. He went out of this town before you all were even born. So, you guys might not know him. Kim Jungwon. The king of Starfall." Wong replies to Jungkook, pointing at a large frame which was there at the wall. "The boy, beside me. He is my brother"
The princes turned to look at the large frame on the wall, their eyes widening slightly as they took in the image of their father standing next to a younger man with a striking resemblance. "That's our uncle?" Namjoon asked, looking at the picture with a mixture of curiosity and surprise.
Wong chuckled softly at their surprised expression and nodded. "Yes, well.. He just remarried so he wants us to meet his family.. It's been so long since we met.."
The princes exchanged glances, absorbing the news that their uncle was coming to visit and bringing his family with him. "So, we'll be meeting our cousins too, then?" Yoongi asked, his eyes flickering with curiosity.
Wong sighs, "well, yes. Though, can you not talk about his children in front of him?" The princes exchanged bewildered glances at their father's cryptic warning. "What do you mean, Father? Why can't we talk about his children?" Hoseok asked, voicing the question on all of their minds.
"Because he has lost his one child and the mother of that kid as well"
The princes' expressions turned to shock and sadness as they heard their father's words. "What happened to them?" Namjoon asked, his voice quiet.
"No one knows. He must be still mourning for them. So, i hope you will respect his privacy" Wong spoke softly.
The princes nodded in agreement, their hearts going out to their uncle who had experienced such a loss. "Of course, Father," Jungkook assured him. "We will respect his privacy and not ask any questions."
The princes were walking on the corridor. Everyone's thoughts kind of similar when Junho came there, holding the hem of Jungkook's coat.
Jungkook looked down as he felt a tug on his coat, and his gaze softened as he saw Junho holding onto it. He knelt down to the boy's level, a small smile on his face. "What's up, kiddo?" he asked, gently ruffling the boy's hair.
Junho pouts. "Today's Saturday" Jungkook chuckled at the boy's pout and nodded. "Yes, it is. What's so special about it being Saturday?" he asked, amused by the boy's eagerness.
Jimin tapped at Jungkook's shoulder and whispers, "you forgot, you always take him for a troll to market"
Jungkook's eyes widened as realization dawned on him, and he facepalmed himself in frustration. "Of course, I completely spaced on that," he muttered, embarrassed. He turned to Junho and ruffled his hair again. "Sorry buddy, I'm an idiot for forgetting."
"Don't mess my hair. Your highness princess Daisy herself fixed my hair nicely" Junho said, his pout growing in anger. Jungkook widens his eyes slightly, didn't knew it was his daisy.
Jungkook's eyebrows shot up in surprise at Junho's words, and a hint of jealousy flared in his chest. "My daisy did your hair?" he asked, trying to keep his voice casual. "When did she do that?"
"My daisy?" Other princes teased him. "Ah don't tease him. Our kookie is grown up now" Jin said, giggling himself.
Jungkook scowled at his brothers, feeling his cheeks heat up at their teasing. "Shut it, all of you," he grumbled, shooting them a grumpy glare. "And yes, 'my Daisy'. We're together now, remember?"
"Of course you are. Now go ahead and take him out" Taehyung said, pushing Jungkook slightly to take Junho.
Jungkook huffed, but didn't protest as Taehyung pushed him forward. He turned back to Junho, his expression softening. "Alright, let's go, kiddo," he said, offering his hand to the boy. "And no more pouting, okay?"
Junho nodded with innocent eyes. Jungkook chuckled and shook his head, feeling endeared by Junho's innocent look. He took the boy's hand and led him towards the stables. "Come on, we'll take the horses to the market today," he said, ruffling Junho's hair again, earning another pout from the boy.
The welcoming party for Starfall kingdom's royal family was started. Every important people were attending to the party.
The hall was adorned with beautiful decorations, and the air was filled with the scents of various food being served by the servants. The guests were chatting among themselves, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the royal family from Starfall.
The guests turned their attention to the entrance as the chamberlain's voice echoed through the hall. "Presenting His Royal Highness, Kim Jungwon, the king of Starfall kingdom and his family!"
The doors opened wide, revealing King Jungwon, followed by his wife and their children. The guests immediately bowed or curtsied in respect, their eyes fixed on the regal family.
Wong stands up from his throne to welcome his younger brother. With a warm smile on his face, Wong walked towards his younger brother, arms wide open. "Jungwon, my brother," he said, embracing him in a tight hug. "It's so good to see you after so many years. I hope you had a safe journey."
Jungwon, smiles and hugs his elder brother back. "Hyung, it's an honor to see you doing so well" Wong chuckled and patted his brother on the back. "Likewise, my brother. And let me see the rest of your family," he said, turning his gaze towards Jungwon's wife and children.
Jungwon's eyes caught the little boy with Jungkook. "Hyung, who is that?" Wong's smile faded slightly as he followed Jungwon's gaze to the little boy standing with Jungkook. "Oh, that's Junho," he said, his voice soft. "He is under the care of Jungkook and his brothers."
"Junho?" Jungwon repeated. "I think..i have heard this name before" Wong furrowed his brow, feeling a sense of unease at his brother's words. "You have? Where have you heard that name?" he asked, his tone cautious. Jungwon walks to Junho. He bents over his level and then looks at his face. "Is your real name Junho?"
Junho looked up at Jungwon, a mixture of curiosity and trepidation on his face. He nodded shyly in response to Jungwon's question. "Y-yes," he mumbled, his voice uncertain.
Jungwon looks up at the princes. "Where did you meet with him?" They looked at each other. Jungkook comes up. "It's been more than a year since he is with us. I found him in the forest which connects our kingdom with other kingdoms. He had lost his mother and was wandering around the woods at night"
Jungwon's eyes widened slightly as he listened to Jungkook's story. He studied Junho's face intently, as if looking for something specific. "And you are taking care of him?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of suspicion. Jungkook nods. "Since I found him, I didn't feel like leaving him under provision of some guard or maid, so yes I started taking care of him"
Jungwon's expression softened slightly as he heard Jungkook's explanation. He turned back to Junho, his gaze sweeping over the boy's face again."And he's...doing alright?" he asked, his voice a bit gentler now. "Yes, since we don't know about his other family. He is here with us" Jungkook says softly, gently caressing Junho's hair.
Jungwon watched as Jungkook caressed Junho's hair in a caring manner. A flicker of recognition flashed in his eyes, but it was gone as quickly as it appeared."Did you all...search for his family?" he asked, his gaze still fixed on the boy. Wong looked at the conversation and softly asks Jungwon, "are you alright? You seemed to have taken interest on Junho?"
Jungwon's attention was pulled away from Junho as Wong addressed him, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. He shifted his gaze to his older brother and smiled weakly."Yes, i'm alright, Hyung," he said, his voice slightly shaky. "I just...he just looked familiar to me for some reason."
Jungkook's mind began to race as he observed Jungwon studying Junho. The resemblance was striking – the same eyes, the same hair color, even the same nose. It was almost as if they were related. He glanced at his brothers, and he could tell they were thinking the same thing.
Jungkook tells his brothers as they go away from the hall. "Junho said he has powers. He also told me how his mother once told that he might not go orphan if his mother dies."
The princes listened attentively to Jungkook's words as they found a secluded corner in the palace. "Powers? What kind of powers?" Yoongi asked, his eyes widening in surprise. Jungkook sighs. "He once showed me. He picked up a stone bigger than his own size" The brothers exchanged puzzled glances, their disbelief written on their faces. "Are you sure he wasn't just pretending?" Hoseok asked, skepticism in his voice.
"I mean..that stone was really heavy..i saw it myself.. Junho has natural powers like us...and that will be only possible if either someone gave it to him or he is from a royal family" Jungkook explains. Jimin says in serious tone. "Do you mean by Starfall kingdom?"
Jungkook nodded gravely. "Precisely," he said. "If Junho has powers, it's most likely that he is from a royal family. And since he was found near the border of the Starfall kingdom..."
"And since he looks exact same like uncle" Namjoon mutters. "Father did tell us about uncle losing his wife and his child"
Taehyung's expression darkened as realization dawned on him. "You think...Junho is uncle's son?" he whispered, his voice hushed. "Maybe" Jungkook shrugs. "We can't be confirmed yet"
The princes all hummed in agreement, their minds filled with the possibility. Their normally cheerful faces looked solemn and pensive."We have to figure out a way to confirm it," Namjoon said quietly. "If Junho really is our cousin..."
"I can't believe..the boy I had been taking care for like my own brother can really be my real cousin brother" Jungkook mutters emotionally.
The other princes looked at Jungkook with sympathy, understanding the weight of his words. "I know, brother. It's a lot to take in," Taehyung said, placing a comforting hand on Jungkook's shoulder. "But we have to find the truth."
"Should we discuss it with father?" Jin asks his younger brothers. Jungkook pursed his lips, considering Jin's suggestion. After a moment, he nodded in agreement.
"Yes, we should talk to father. He must know about this as well," he said, the determination in his voice unwavering. "But not in front of everyone. There are guests outside. Before we confirm it, it will start a rumor" Yoongi says cautiously.
The princes nodded in agreement with Yoongi's words. The last thing they wanted was to start a rumor and cause unnecessary chaos."You're right," Hoseok said quietly. "We need to talk to Father discreetly. Perhaps we can wait until the guests leave and have a private conversation with him."
"Maybe we can also ask uncle?" Jimin asks, Namjoon shakes his head. "No, first we should confirm it. It's a sensitive topic. We can't take risk to discuss with uncle"
The princes nodded in unison, agreeing with Namjoon's argument."You're right," Hoseok said. "We don't want to cause any unnecessary drama. Let's confirm it first and then approach uncle about it."
They all meet with Wong in his chambers. "What brought you all here at this time, sons?" The princes exchanged glances before Jungkook spoke up. "Father, there's something we need to discuss with you," he said, his voice serious. "It's about Junho." Wong's expression changes and he sighs. "So, you are thinking the same?" He sits back on his bed. "Honestly, whenever I see Junho, he often reminds me of young Jungwon"
The princes shared a glance, their suspicions confirmed by their father's words."Exactly," Namjoon said, speaking for the group. "We think it's quite likely that...Junho might be Uncle's son."
"But are you confirmed yet? Jungwon was very emotionally attached to his son and his wife. He will be disheartened if he knows his wife is dead"
Taehyung's expression softened with sympathy at his father's words. "We aren't confirmed yet, Father. But there are a few signs...""Like the fact that Junho looks eerily similar to Uncle," Hoseok added. "And the fact that Junho has powers, just like us."
"He...he has powers like you all?" Wong asks in shock. The princes nodded in unison, confirming their father's question.
"Yes, Father," Taehyung said. "We have seen it ourselves. Junho is capable of moving objects with his mind." Their mother comes inside. "Mind powers? Sons, your uncle is capable of the same powers" she exclaims, looking at her husband. "What do we do, Wong? What if Junho might actually be your brother's son?"
Wong's eyes widened as his wife spoke, the implications setting in. He ran a hand through his hair, thinking carefully."You might be right, my love. We need to handle this situation delicately. If Junho truly is our nephew, our brother has the right to know about it."
"Will you tell him this now?" Jin asks softly. Wong shook his head, his expression solemn. "No, not now. With all the guests present, it's not the right time for such a conversation. We should wait until the feast is over." They nodded. Wong leaves the chambers. Their mother comes to them. "I am proud of you, my sons. Especially, you Jungkook. If you hadn't saved Junho that day, the demons might have killed him as well"
Jungkook's cheeks flushed at his mother's words, feeling a mix of pride and embarrassment. "Thanks, Mother," he mumbled, ducking his head shyly. The other princes teased Jungkook, smirking at his shyness. "Our kookie is growing up," Jimin said with a snicker.
Jungkook gave a glare at his hyungs with a cute pout. The princes chuckled at Jungkook's pout, unable to resist the urge to tease him further.
"Looks like our little maknae still blushes like a tomato at the slightest praise," Namjoon said, grinning. They all laughed at him. The empress gently caresses Jungkook's face. "Don't tease my son" The princes smiled sheepishly at their mother's reprimand, backing off from further teasing Jungkook.
"Alright, alright, we'll stop," Hoseok said, holding up his hands in mock surrender.
After the banquet was over, Wong gathered with his sons and wife to have a dinner with Jungwon's family. "Why don't you also sit with us?" Wong gestures Junho to join them. Junho shyly looked at the table, his eyes wide with wonder at the array of food spread out before him.
He fidgeted slightly, unsure of where to sit. Seeing his uncertainty, Jungkook gently prodded him forward. "Come on, Junho-ah," he said softly. "There's plenty of room. You can sit next to me." Junho nods, smiling widely as he sat beside Jungkook.
As Junho settled into his seat, the princes all looked at him discreetly, comparing him once again to their uncle. The resemblance was uncanny, from his eyes to his hair to his facial structure. Even his mannerisms were similar. It was almost as if he was a miniature version of their uncle.
"Jungwon, my brother. There is something I want to talk to you about" Wong says in a serious tone. Jungwon looked up from his plate, his brows furrowing slightly in concern. "What is it, my brother?" he asked, his voice guarded. Wong looks at Jungwon then at Junho who was busy in eating his food. He sighs and spoke up, "I don't know how to say this..and I am well aware of this topic being very sensitive to you....But I feel like...Junho is your long lost son"
The room fell into a stunned silence as Wong made his statement. Jungwon's eyes widened, and he stared at Junho, his expression a mixture of hope, disbelief, and pain. "My...my son?" he croaked out, his voice trembling slightly.
Wong nods his head. "It isn't the first time for me thinking of Junho as you. Everytime, seeing his face, it always reminds me of your younger version. It's as if the past has come back to me. I thought it's only me who thought that but my sons think the same"
Jungwon's gaze didn't leave Junho, who was still innocently eating his food, unaware of the conversation happening around him. Tears welled up in his eyes, and he swallowed hard, trying to compose himself. "You...you truly think so? He really could be my son?"
Wong nods with a sympathetic smile. "I am sorry for not knowing this before. I just now found out that Junho endures the same powers as you" Jungwon's bottom lip trembled, and he looked as if he was about to break down. But he held back his tears, his eyes fixed on Junho.
"Powers, you say? W-what kind of powers does he possess?" he asked, his voice shaking. "He can move things through his mind. Just like you" Wong whispers.
A mixture of disbelief and awe flickered across Jungwon's face as he heard Wong's words. He clenched his fists, trying to process the information. "M-moved things with his mind, you say?" he repeated, his voice barely above a whisper. He then looked at Junho, who was still innocently eating his food, completely oblivious to the significance of his own abilities.
"He told me once about his conversation with his mother who told him about him having a family somewhere" Jungkook whispers. "I am afraid, even after taking care of Junho, we were unable to save his mother" Wong whispers with guilt. Jungwon's head snapped up at Jungkook's words, his expression pained as he heard the mention of Junho's mother. He closed his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady himself.
"You...you tried your best," he said softly, his voice thick with emotion. "You couldn't have saved her. It's not your fault."
"But I should have known that your wife and son were wandering in that forest" Wong says Jungwon shook his head, his expression gentle. "No, my brother. You mustn't blame yourself for what has already happened. We can only move forward."
He looked at Junho again, his eyes filled with a mixture of pain and longing. He longed to reach out and hold him, to embrace his son tightly and never let go. "Don't hesitate, your highness" Jungkook spoke softly. "I think he is indeed your son" Jungwon looked at Jungkook, his eyes filled with a mixture of gratitude and trepidation.
He glanced down at his hands, which were balled into fists on top of the table."I...I need to be sure," he said quietly, his voice trembling slightly. "I can't...I can't get my hopes up only to have them crushed..." Wong looks at his brother tearfully. "Then so be it. I will confirm it myself. I will call the palace doctor tomorrow"
Jungwon nodded, his heart thudding in his chest as he faced the reality of the situation. Tomorrow, he would find out for certain. For better or worse. The rest of the dinner passed in a blur of unspoken words and stolen glances at Junho, who was blissfully unaware of the weight his identity held.
Junho was kicking in the air as he jumped around, being happy after eating the tasty food. Jungkook's heart was warmed by Junho's innocence and his boundless energy. He held onto the boy's small hand, not wanting to let go.
He glanced at Jungwon, who looked troubled, lost in his own thoughts. He felt a pang of sympathy for his uncle, knowing how difficult this situation must be for him.
Jungkook stops Junho, bending down to his level. "Junho, if you found your other family your mom talked about, will you go back to them?" Junho looked at Jungkook, his eyes wide and innocent. He shook his head vigorously, a frown on his face.
"No!" he exclaimed, stomping his foot. "I want to stay with you and your brothers! You are my family now!" Jungkook widen his eyes slightly. "Won't you go to your father?"
Junho's expression became confused as he looked up at Jungkook. "Father?" he repeated, the word sounding unfamiliar on his tongue. He shook his head again, pulling his hand away from Jungkook's grip. "I don't need a father. I have you, hyung," he said firmly, sticking out his tongue stubbornly.
Jungkook hugs Junho. "Don't say like that..what if you actually have a father who longs to hug you like this?" Junho burrowed his face in Jungkook's chest, his little arms wrapped around the older boy's waist. "I don't care," he mumbled stubbornly, his voice muffled. "I only want you!" Jungkook sighs as he keeps holding him. "How about I will keep visiting you?"
Junho looked up at Jungkook, his eyes sparkling. "Promise? You'll come see me every day?" he asked, his voice hopeful. Jungkook nods his head. "Only if you promise to stay with your real family if they are found, promise?" he reaches out his pinky finger. Junho's forehead furrowed, and he pouted, his lower lip sticking out in a pout. But after a moment, he reached out his own little pinky finger and interlocked it with Jungkook's.
"Fine. I promise," he mumbled, slightly reluctantly. Jungkook smiles and looks over at Jungwon. Jungwon was watching them discreetly from the corner of his eyes, his expression solemn. He could feel his heart ache with every moment Junho spent with Jungkook, knowing that they may have to part ways at any moment.He looked away, taking a deep breath as he tried to compose himself.
Everyone had gathered in the chambers. Junho looked at them innocently. "Will it hurt?" He asked to jungkook. Jungkook knelt down in front of Junho, his eyes gentle and reassuring. "The doctor will only perform a small examination. It won't hurt a bit," he said softly. After sometime, the reports came up. The palace doctor handed the reports to Jungwon, his expression solemn. "These are the results you asked for," he stated quietly.
Jungwon's hands trembled as he accepted the reports, his heart thudding in his chest as he slowly unfolded the papers. Jungwon's eyes widened as he read through the reports, the reality of the situation sinking in. Junho was truly his son. All these years, he had unknowingly left his own child in the forest.He clutched the reports tightly, his knuckles turning white as a variety of emotions washed over him - pain, regret, longing, and a deep sense of protectiveness.
But instead of accepting it, Jungwon went to Junho. "Are you happy here with your hyungs?" Junho looked up into Jungwon's eyes, confusion on his little face as he tilted his head slightly. "Yes," he said softly, his voice hesitant. "I'm happy here with them. They take good care of me." Jungwon smiled as he gently patted his head. "Then so be it. I won't separate you from them" Everyone widen their eyes at his announcement.
The princes exchanged dumbfounded glances, completely taken aback by Jungwon's unexpected decision. Had he just...decided to let them keep Junho? Jungkook, who was still standing beside Junho, looked at Jungwon, confusion etched on his face. "Um, Uncle..." he began, unsure of what to say.
"I watched your interaction yesterday. You both looked very close. It would unfair of me to separate you two. Even though i had always longed for him, i will let you keep him." Jungwon spoke softly.
"But how could you, my brother? You always wanted your lost son back..." Wong says with surprise. Jungwon lets out a heavy sigh, his shoulders slumping slightly. "Yes, I've always wanted my son back," he confessed, his voice soft. "But seeing what he has here...the love and care he receives from them...I can't take that away from him again. I can't be selfish and take him away from his hyungs." Jungwon turns to them. "After all, they are his real brothers now"
The princes stood there, a mix of confusion and gratitude on their faces. None of them could quite understand why Jungwon was giving up his long-lost son so readily.
But as they looked at Junho, who was now staring at Jungwon with a mixture of fascination and curiosity, they couldn't help but feel a deep sense of appreciation for Jungwon's selflessness.
"You can always come here and take him back, uncle" Jungkook says with gratitude. Jungwon nods, his expression a mixture of gratitude and sadness. "I know I can," he says quietly. "But I want him to be happy. If staying with you all brings joy to his life, then I'm content."
Wong feels upset. "Are you sure you are happy with this decision of yours?" Jungwon looks at his brother, a weary smile on his face. "I've never been more sure of anything in my life," he said softly. "I've spent so many years yearning for Junho. But seeing him now, happy and content with his hyungs...it's enough for me."
"Oh jungwon-ah" He hugs him. Jungwon returns the hug, clinging onto his brother tightly. He closes his eyes, allowing himself a moment of vulnerability, letting the emotions wash over him.
"Thank you, my brother," he says quietly, his voice shaky. "For understanding my decision."
"You are always welcome here, my brother. This is your house and junho is your own son" A small smile tugged at the corner of Jungwon's lips, and he let out a shaky exhale. "Thank you," he repeated, his voice filled with gratitude.
He then looked over at Junho, who was still clinging to Jungkook's leg, watching the interaction with wide, curious eyes. Jungwon bend on his knees. "I hope to meet you again, my son"
Junho looked at Jungwon, his small face scrunched up as he tried to understand the situation. "You're...leaving?" he said, his voice small and hesitant. Jungwon nods with sadness and small smile. Junho's lower lip trembled, and he let go of Jungkook's leg. He slowly approached Jungwon, his footsteps hesitant.
"You...you won't come back?" he asked, his voice quivering slightly. Jungwon looked at him, "i will if you want me to.." Junho furrowed his eyebrows, his tiny hands balling into fists. "Will you come back even if I don't want to?" he asked, a note of challenge in his voice.
The princes exchanged shocked glances, not expecting the boy to question their uncle so bluntly. "Well yes" Jungwon says to tease him. Junho's expression turned indignant, and he pouted, stomping his foot petulantly. "And what if I don't want you to come back?" he demanded, his voice rising slightly.
The princes chuckled at the exchange, finding it amusing how the small boy was challenging their uncle. Jungwon chuckles, picking him up in his arms. "I will still come" Junho struggled in Jungwon's arms, trying to wriggle out of his hold out of sheer principle, but Jungwon simply tightened his grip, holding him firmly.
"You can't escape me that easily, little one," he teased, grinning playfully. Junho pouts. Jungwon chuckled at the boy's pout, finding his grumpy expression endearing. He adjusted his hold on Junho, settling him comfortably on his hip.
"You know, you're not very good at being intimidating," he teased, poking Junho's puffed-out cheeks. "Hey!" Junho protested, swatting at Jungwon's hand. He looked up at. "I am intimidating!" he insisted, trying to sound fierce.
The princes couldn't help but chuckle at the boy's attempt to be intimidating. He looked far more adorable than scary. Wong smiled as he watched his brother interact with Junho, his heart warming at the sight.
"He's quite attached to him already," he commented, looking over at the boys.
Jungwon chuckled as he gently poked Junho's forehead. "How can I not be, when he's this cute?" he said, earning a glare from the young boy. Jungwon chuckled, ruffling the boy's hair affectionately. "Oh really? Then what are you, if not cute?"
He pinched Junho's cheek lightly, receiving another pout in response.
Their interaction and cute banter went on. The bonus chapter concluded with the revelation that Junho was indeed the son of Jungwon, the king of Starfall Kingdom. This meant that the young boy had royal blood through his father's lineage.
The princes were left dumbfounded by the discovery, their perception of the boy changed drastically. They now knew that their little "adopted" brother was actually their relative in royal blood.
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