"King Taehyung Kim. World Tour. Twenty-twenty. Let's get it," Jimin yelled at the entrance of the palace.

"Don't call it that," his brother told him, double checking if everyone and everything was there.

"Where should I put these?" Jeongguk came in asking holding bags of gifts for their visits.

"Over there, where Yoongi's loading some luggages," Namjoon answered.

Jeongguk nodded and went over to where Yoongi was putting some things into the spaceship-like vehicle while talking to Taehyung. As soon as Taehyung saw Jeongguk walked over to them, he seemed to have ended the conversation and walking to the other side of their vehicle. Jeongguk sighed. Taehyung has been avoiding like him the plague ever since the coronation ball.

"You alright?" Yoongi asked taking two of the bags off his hand and helping him put them in.

"Yeah, great," Jeongguk answered.

Everyone finished loading up and boarded into the ship. The guards and helpers elves were in a separate room while the rest were in somewhat of a living room kind of setting. The pegasi would be able to fly in a stable motion for them to not require to buckle up after take off. There were even rooms with beds but not enough for everyone.

"Okay, what's up with you and Jeon?" Jimin asked Taehyung. They were sitting in a little corner in the room where no one would be able to hear.

"No," Taehyung whined. "I don't wanna do this right now."

Jimin rolled his eyes. "Fine, but I'll get it out of you."

Taehyung bit his lip and looked around the room when his eyes met with Jeongguk. The younger didn't try to look, he just kept staring. Taehyung moved his head around to avoid it but every time he glanced back, Jeongguk was still looking.

"I'm going to go use the restroom," Taehyung told Jimin and got up. He walked through the narrow corridor and into one of the stalls. Taehyung didn't actually have to go, he just felt a little intimidated by Jeongguk's hard stare. So he waited a few minutes before going out.

"We need to talk."

"Fuck!" Taehyung jumped being startled by the elf leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. He calmed down his breath and looked at Jeongguk for a few seconds before turning and making his way out of the hallway but Jeongguk stopped him. He placed one leg on the other side of the wall, blocking his path.

"Didn't think you'd give up on me so fast. I mean, I did expect it, just came sooner than I thought," Jeongguk said.

Taehyung took in a deep breath. He knew there was no escaping this. "Don't remember giving up on anything."

"Oh really? So you haven't been giving me the cold-shoulder?"

"I have not," Taehyung quickly said defensively.

"You've been ignoring me for the past five days," Jeongguk said letting his leg drop and pushing himself off the wall.

"'No I haven't. I'm talking to you right now."

"Yeah, but only because you're trapped."

"No."

"Taehyung."

"Cause I'm embarrassed, okay?" Taehyung finally admitted. "It's a new feeling and I just need some time to figure it out and shake it off. So... So don't miss me too much."

"You've never been embarrassed before?" Jeongguk asked with an arched brow.

"No. I've never liked someone before," Taehyung confessed.

Jeongguk stayed still before a laugh slipped. "Shut up, there's no way. Not you," he said knowing well that Taehyung didn't get his flirting skills from no where.

"It's always been crushes," Taehyung added.

Jeongguk's hands slowly unfolded and fell to his side. "And now?"

"It's different. Fuck– okay, this is more. I've never been serious about it, never thought about it in the long run. Never thought about the kind of future I want with 'em."

"Oh." Jeongguk didn't know what else to say.

"Yup. Okay, bye," Taehyung said quickly and passed over him, their shoulders brushing. Even that small touch send sparks running through him.

Taehyung ran back to Jimin and remained quiet until his heart calmed down. Jimin eyed him suspiciously but waited for his friend to tell him himself and Taehyung did eventually.

"Hm, I don't know. You said he didn't kiss back?"

Taehyung bit his lip and shook his head. "He stood there frozen. When I pulled away he had his eyes shut and this like sour expression. Then he said that it didn't mean anything..."

"But he didn't push you away?" Jimin asked and Taehyung shook his head. Jimin sighed. "This is confusing. And you did it without consent again."

"You're not helping, Chim!" Taehyung whisper-yelled. Jimin smiled and ruffled the younger's hair.

"Don't worry, he's clearly not upset about it, at least not more than the fact that you're avoiding him. So stop avoiding him," Jimin advised. Taehyung groaned but Jimin continued. "Plus, he should've been glad if you gave up on him, not question it and basically try to change your mind. Jeongguk's not the type to lead people on."

Taehyung hummed, understanding what Jimin was trying to get at. Taehyung changed the topic as it was giving him a headache. Soon enough, they reached the first kingdom in their visit, Evangeline — Princess Iris' home.

They were greeted by the entire royal family. Taehyung shook each of their hands. When Taehyung reached Princess Iris, he took her hand and placed a kiss on the back as he had been taught as common courtesy.

"Good to see you again," she said and Taehyung echoed. There was another princess right beside her that he hadn't met.

"Princess Jennifer, eldest child of King Victor," the elf introduced herself as she curtsied. "Apologies for not being able to make it to the coronation, your highness," she said but her tone not sounding so sorry.

After greeting everyone, King Victor lead them all to the dining hall for dinner. Unfortunately, only Prince Jin and Aunt Linda were able to join him. The rest went up to their rooms where they would get their meal served.

Victor was adamant on placing Taehyung right beside Jennifer. They ate their meal with casual talk that Taehyung didn't know much of, letting Linda take control of most of it. He did try to listen well though, he wanted to be able to contribute if he could.

"Oh look at those two, don't they just look picture perfect?" Queen Ellen said looking at Jennifer and Taehyung who both froze and stopped chewing.

"You're right honey," Victor said trying to hide a proud smile. Taehyung finally understood what was going on.

"It feels like it was just yesterday that they were running around the garden on their play date," Ellen said and sighed.

"Mom," Jennifer said doing her best to keep her smile. "Would you pass the gravy?"

The rest of dinner went peacefully. At the end, the King and Queen invited Linda to have a cup of tea with them and told the two princesses to show Taehyung and Jin around the castle while sending their three sons back to their room.

Iris showed them around enthusiastically while Jennifer followed quietly. They reached the planetarium and Iris and Jin broke away as they examined some of the machinery, leaving Jeniffer and Taehyung alone.

"Your home is beautiful," Taehyung complimented.

"Listen, your royal highness. I'm not interested. I don't know what you've been told, but I have no plans to get married off and be some kind of living doll for the public," Jennifer's said without hesitation.

"Um, well no one told me about this, but I kind of guessed everyone's been wanting to tighten our connection as allies, but I'm glad that we feel the same way."

Jennifer's brows shot up. She looked pleased. "Good that we're on the same page. Now, I hold no power here. I can't go against my parents or the royal advisor if they do decide to propose our engagement, but you can. They'll try to do it before you leave, you have to shut it down no matter what."

"Got it," Taehyung said. Taehyung was about to ask how he would go about doing that but Jin and Iris laughing grabbed both of their attentions.

"Are they...?" Taehyung trailed, still looking at the two.

"Yes, they're head over heels in love. They haven't said so explicitly but anyone with eyes can see," Jennifer explained.

"Wait so that'll still make our relations stronger, if they got together."

Jennifer sighed. "I wish it was that simple. Your cousin isn't exactly a prince. He doesn't have any rights to the throne or official royal affairs. And my father's wants her to be courted by Prince Valentino of Hacentia as he's first in line for the throne."

Taehyung was told about how Linda and Jin had to come in after there was no royal family. It was as if King Jaewon knew he'd die when he signed off an official order to give full control to Linda until Taehyung's return if anything were to happen to him. Linda become the acting queen and Jin became a prince. If Taehyung had never come back, Jin would've become King eventually.

"Who benefits from our alliance?" Taehyung asked.

"I'd say there's a equal amount of advantages. You're the strongest of the eight so that's a big advantage to us and we've got the largest army. We're also rich in grain," Jennifer explained. "I hope that didn't change your mind."

"Oh no, I actually have feelings for someone else if that helps you trust me," Taehyung confessed. Jennifer stared at him for a few seconds, making Taehyung uncomfortable as the princess was probably analyzing him.

"It's not Jeongguk, is it?"

Taehyung needed a moment to process it. "W-What? How did you know?"

Jennifer crossed her arms. "You may not remember but I've known you since we were children. I always thought you had a thing for him, but then you were too young to tell."

"Oh."

"Well great, thought you'd be on my side but I guess we've just become rivals," Jennifer said. She didn't let Taehyung day anything more and began to walk to Iris.

"Rivals?" Taehyung muttered to himself, confused until he understood it. She also liked him. Taehyung sighed and shut his eyes tightly. Just two more days at this kingdom then he'd be out. Until then, he'll have to keep a close eye on his newfound rival.

"You're right, sister. It is getting late. We'll end it here tonight, they must be tired," he heard Iris say.

Taehyung let out a breath of relief. He really didn't think he could handle Jennifer for another minute without a break. They bid each other goodnight and a helper elf lead them to their rooms. Taehyung luggage had already been brought up and hanged out for him. He took a nice, long and hot bubble bath.

He felt much more refreshed when he got out. Taehyung threw on his favourite blue navy silk night-robe. Just when he was about to turn of his wrist call, a notification popped up.

You're still awake. Come out to your balcony so I can scold you. - Jeongguk Jeon

Taehyung smiled at the lame excuse Jeongguk came up with to see him. A warm bubbly feeling erupted in him as he rushed to open the balcony doors. For some reason, his first instinct was to look out through the yard.

"Over here," he heard an amused voice from his right. Taehyung whipped around to face the younger.

"Hey," Taehyung said, crossing arms and leaning against the railing to get as close as possibly. They were about five feet apart.

"Hey, why're you up?" Jeongguk asked.

"Right back at you," Taehyung said examined him head to toe. Jeongguk was wearing a black sleevesless shirt that hugged his body just right, paired with his usual black pants.

"Why do you almost only wear black?" Taehyung asked and Jeongguk shrugged.

"I just like it."

Taehyung nodded and didn't question it any further. Jeongguk also didn't try to elaborate, leaving them to just bask in each other's silence. Taehyung didn't mind, he just got to admire Jeongguk pretty features. He admires the way his chest rose as he took long breaths, how his eyes moved around everywhere but always found their way back to meet Taehyung's, or how Jeongguk chewed at his bottom lip until it become red and plump.

"So, um," Jeongguk started with, breaking the silence. He looked down at his hands that sat on the rails before continuing. "You've thought about a future with me?"

Taehyung tilted his head a little, trying to read Jeongguk's expression but he couldn't as his head hung low.

"Yeah," Taehyung answered.

"What's it like?"

"What?"

"The future."

"Do you really wanna know?" Taehyung asked but Jeongguk didn't reply.

"Well, we would've been dating for a while when I propose to you – this would after all the Zorock shit's dealt with of course. Then we'd have a big royal wedding–"

"How would you propose?" Jeongguk cut in.

"Well that's for me to know and you to find out, no?"

Jeongguk looked at Taehyung for another second before putting his head back down.

Taehyung continued. "As I was saying, we'd have a big royal wedding. We'd invite everyone from all eight kingdoms, anyone and everyone is welcome. We'll have enough food to feed all our guests. There'd be no dress code. Anyone who wishes to bless us can."

"That's lovely," Jeongguk commented, his voice sounding dreamy.

"We'd go on our honeymoon on Earth, it's where we'd have the most privacy. We'll just travel the world for a week or two. Then when we come back, we'd return to our usual lives. Among our busy schedules, we'd make sure to have time for each other. Even little moments in between. Wouldn't that be fun. The thought of being able to see each other would be enough willpower to get us through the day."

"Why wouldn't we just work along side each other?" Jeongguk asked.

"Well I would have... kingly duties to fulfill and you'd go off on your missions," Taehyung explained.

"I can stay with you, help you or I don't know, just sit around" Jeongguk suggested.

"Really? Would you want that? I thought you enjoyed going on those missions."

"I do. I just wanted to know what you'd rather have."

"Well, I'd want you to be happy. Plus, we might get sick of each other if we're constantly together. Having some space is good. We'd know what it'd feel like to not have each other, making the moments when we're together feel more special."

"And then?" Jeongguk said, still not looking up at him.

"And then we'd want a family of our own. We'd either adopt or find a surrogate. It could be either one of us–"

"It should be your child. We'll need to continue the bloodline," Jeongguk said.

"Sure. We'd have at least three kids. It doesn't matter, but I've always wanted to have all baby girls. I'd love to spoil them, you'll have to keep me in check. We'll raise them with lots of love, and to be generous and giving."

"And courageous and strong," Jeongguk added.

"Mhm. Even if we don't have time for each other, we should always make time for them. When they bring home their future partner, we'll welcome them with open hands."

"What?" Jeongguk finally looked up. "We can't just do that. We have to be tough on them, how else will we know if they're good enough for our girls?"

"Yes but we don't want to scare off the poor elf," Taehyung said.

"If they're scared off that easily then they're not good enough. They need to be ready to face anything."

"Fine, you're right. Anyways, once our children's future are ensured and we're old and wrinkly, we'd move far away. In a little forest. Just us two in a cute and comfortable cabin. We'd go back to visit of course, but this would be the time where we could be by each other 24/7. We'd also get a pet."

"How big's the cabin?" Jeongguk asked, his voice soft. His eyes were glowing lightly too, but it could just be the reflection of the moon Taehyung thought.

"Mm, small. A kitchen, a living room, a bathroom, and a room."

"Just one room? What if we have a fight?"

"We'd be forced to deal with it. If there was two, it might go on for days."

"Then I'd just sleep in the living room."

"Really? At that old age?"

"Well then you shouldn't have fought with me."

"What? How do you know I started it."

"'Cause you're always saying stupid things."

"You know what, two rooms doesn't sound so bad right now."

"Exactly."

"But how long could we even go without talking to each other?"

"As long as it takes for you to apologize."

"Well what if it's your fault? We'd have to make some kind of promise like we have to hold each other's hands or be handcuffed together until we make up or something."

"Wouldn't seeing the other just make the anger worsen?"

"Yeah but–" Taehyung started but stopped. "Wait... What are you trying to do here, Jeongguk Jeon?"

Jeongguk's face fell, looking as he'd been caught doing something he shouldn't be. "Nothing. Goodnight," Jeongguk said and went back into his room, ignoring Taehyung calling out for him.

Jeongguk shut the balcony doors and rested himself against it. He raked a hand through this hair and scratched the back of his head. He didn't understand why it felt so endearing to listen to Taehyung's vision of the future. Why he got so involved in it. Why he seemed to like the sound of it so much.

There was a voice in the back of his mind answering all those questions, and they were all the same.

Jeongguk wanted that future with Taehyung too.

—•
hEllo cuties, how are y'all??

I don't have school for the next few weeks so imma try to update more often :)))

Stay safe and wash your hands ! Practice proper hygiene !!
Bye<3