"Hey."

"Ah!" Taehyung yelled, jumping out his seat.

Jeongguk stood there, a little shocked at the older's reaction. Taehyung placed a hand on his heart and controlled his breathing.

"You scared me!"

"Sorry," Jeongguk said sounding confused on why he got scared at his harmless greeting. He eventually shrugged it off. "Ready for more training?"

Taehyung sighed. "I'm starting to get tired of this. I'm never going to be able to get this right."

"You won't if you give up now," Jeongguk said, setting up some practice mannequins.

Taehyung sat back down. "I didn't say I'm giving up. Just saying I don't think it's getting anywhere."

Jeongguk walked over to the elf and bent down so that they were at eye level. Taehyung's heart began to race at their proximity. Oh yeah, his stupid crush.

"W-What?" Taehyung stuttered out.

"I thought you said you wanted to be a good king."

"I do."

"Then get of your ass and hit those targets."

Taehyung was finally able to breathe as Jeongguk pulled away to stand at the side. Taehyung thought if it was really necessary to get that close for that.

Taehyung stood up and stretched out his arms, cracked his knuckles, and loosened his body up. He'll never get used to the feelings of all the sparks running through Taehyung's body as it rushes to his hand. He shot at the first mannequin, literally blasting it into pieces that flew off every which way.

Jeongguk created a shield of ice, as he was expecting it, covering both of them, deflecting any parts coming their pay. His shield then disappeared.

"Damn," Jeongguk said with a nod.

Taehyung smiled, a little too proud.

"Okay, now just knock it over," Jeongguk said.

Taehyung stepped over so that he was facing the other mannequin. He used his levitation skills (that he can now use after lots and lots of one on one practice with Jimin and Jeongguk) to just simply make it fall.

Jeongguk sighed and lifted the mannequin back up straight with his own power. "With the spell we practiced please."

Taehyung pursed his lips. He knew it'd turn exactly like the first one, and it did.

"Okay, back to square one," Jeongguk said, plotting himself down on the ground.

Taehyung frowned and sat down in front of his. Taehyung clapped his hands together lazily, again tired of the activity he once found so beautiful, but still created the orb. He'd been able to control that after various attempts, but it was such a small thing and he didn't exactly know how he did it.

"What's that?" Jeongguk asked, squinting his eyes as he looked at the orb.

"Hm?" Taehyung copies his action.

"The little gray swirl. I swear this was all white before," Jeongguk said. Taehyung saw it too, but he also couldn't remember if it had been there previously or not.

Jeongguk shook his head. "It's whatever. Now make it bigger."

"What? But I've been trying not to make it smaller this ent–"

"Just make it bigger," Jeongguk forced.

Taehyung huffed and began to slowly stretch out his hands, the orb getting bigger as he went on. Taehyung looked up at Jeongguk who looked at it with a cold frown, Taehyung's eyes dulling as he was hoping to see another impressed smile.

Jeongguk moved his arm through the orb, making it go away all together. He stood up in a kind of panic. "Let's end it here for today."

Taehyung stood up too, brow knotted. "What? We just started."

"I need to see Namjoon. We'll continue tomorrow," Jeongguk said and began to pack up everything in a rush.

"Well, I need to talk to him too. I need to ask him some questions about my memory, I'll come with you."

Jeongguk shook his head and shoved everything into a corner. "I need to speak to him alone. If you don't mind."

"Oh."

Jeongguk spared him a glance and a short bow before he left the gym. Taehyung watched him with a frown.

If it was a matter that needed to be discussed alone, surely it had to be personal? Could he still be trying to pursue him?

Taehyung shook the thoughts out of his head as it only brought his mood down.

Jeongguk made sure Taehyung wasn't following him as he headed over to Namjoon's chamber. He knocked twice and as soon as he heard the approval to go in, Jeongguk quickly entered and shut the door. Namjoon looked at him a little startle at at the rushed entry.

"Prince Taehyung's colour is changing," Jeongguk spoke first, shutting whatever Namjoon was about to say.

"What?" Namjoon stopped what he was doing and walked closer so that he could lower his tone. "What do you mean his colour is changing?"

"We were going over his orb and there was grey swirls, if you could call it that. What does that mean? Grey signifies nothing, or at least not in the book. It doesn't make sense."

Namjoon shook his head, and by the look on his face Jeongguk could tell he knew exactly what it meant.

Sometimes a new show of colour could be the first hint to predict any kinds of sicknesses or diseases for an elf, but they all had their distinct shapes and colours, for example purple spots for a flu, or dark red swirls for a fever, but that is all very uncommon.

Other times, new or dulling colour could be a sign of a weakening gift, which were the more likely cases.

"It's probably likely that it's because he is in the early stages of his gift. You know an elf doesn't fully develop their orb colour until they've completely grown into it. " Namjoon put it simply. "And he's a special elf. No need to worry."

Jeongguk nodded. Namjoon isn't the kind to lie to someone so that they don't worry. If it's important he'll tell it to you straight on in the best way possible.

It got quiet after that. The air had been clear between them until now, but they haven't been alone together since that dreadful day. Neither knew it'd get this awkward.

Namjoon couldn't take it anymore. He already has so much on his plate, he just doesn't have it in him to stress about this too.

"Do you still..." he started, careful with his wording. "Do you still have feelings for me?"

Jeongguk chuckled, a little glad that the older didn't pretend as if nothing happened. "Feelings don't disappear overnight, Joonie." Jeongguk paused, letting out a loud sigh. "I've been trying, but I'm still at the stage where if you changed your mind, mine would too in an instant."

Namjoon sighed. He remembered Jeongguk when he was much younger, who was super shy during their first meeting, always hiding behind the Queen in front of strangers. Once he introduced himself with a smile and talked to him about some cool history facts, Jeongguk was hooked. He would tail him whenever he saw him, asking him a million questions about anything and everything.
"What's that Joonie? Who's that Joonie? Joonie, how do you use this?" Namjoon would never get tired of it.

He treated and cared for him like his own brother, especially more after Jimin had left. He hated how complicated things had gotten. Namjoon walked even closer so that there was barely any distance between them.

Jeongguk's brows shot up, wanting to back away but frozen in spot. Namjoon placed his hands on his cheek and Jeongguk's breath hitched.

"W-What?"

"I'm going to kiss you," Namjoon said, sounding very monotone as if that wasn't the craziest thing he'd ever said.

"Okay?" Jeongguk managed to mutter out as it felt like his heart was about to explode at their proximity.

Namjoon didn't give him much time to prepare as he just dived in. He pressed his lips against Jeongguk's. The younger's eyes widened before they shut closed. He hesitantly tried to kiss back, matching Namjoon's pace. It felt weird. It didn't feel right. Jeongguk's eyes fluttered open again as pulled away abruptly. He took a step back, head down, and breathed heavily.

"What happened?" Namjoon asked not sounding surprised at all. Seeing that the other wasn't about to reply, he continued. "Couldn't do it, huh? Me neither. Our relationship isn't like that, Gguk."

A millions reasons swarmed Jeongguk's on why he didn't enjoy a single bit of that kiss. Because he was put on the spot? He knew Namjoon didn't want to? But he ruled all of them out because no matter what his first thought shouldn't have been to pull away and never do it again.

He finally looked up at Namjoon. "I don't know," he said. "I just– Being with you just made me feel so happy and loved and I-I like that feeling and you. I just like being with you."

Jeongguk shook his head as he finally put the puzzles pieces together. "I was surrounded by so many people who showed me love that when they disappeared in an instant, I desperately grabbed onto what I had. I thought, as long as I have that, I would be fine."

"Like a replacement. Just like how I saw you at first, my replacement for Jimin."

Jeongguk wanted to laugh and cry and break something all at the same time. He heaved a large sigh. "Imagine being confused about your own feelings."

"Happens to everyone."

Namjoon embraced the elf in a warm hug and Jeongguk gladly returned. He patted the younger's back.

"I love you, and I always will. That will never change. Love doesn't always have to be romantic," Namjoon said.

Jeongguk hugged him tighter. "Thank you for dealing with my shit."

"This is highly unprofessional as it is still my work hours, Sir Jeon."

Jeongguk cracked a laugh as they both pulled away.

"So, still got feelings for me?"

"I... I'll get back to you on that."

They smiled at each other before Jeongguk bowed, adding onto the little joke, and left the room. He closed the doors behind him and walked to the Leonava room. Jeongguk honestly didn't know how he survived all of that. His feelings got more and more mixed up as the days progressed, and now it was a complete mess.

There was one thing Jeongguk understood well. He didn't want a romantic relationship with Namjoon. He was so sure of what he wanted before but that kiss changed everything. He just felt so uncomfortable, nothing about it felt right. Not because Namjoon was a bad kisser (he was a great kisser), but because there wasn't the spark one would look for in something so special.

Sure there was real feelings involved, but it may have all been a crush, nothing serious. At least now it'll be easier for Jeongguk to move on from whatever he was in.

•—•—•

Taehyung joined his aunt, Linda, Jin, Jimin and Namjoon for their afternoon cup of tea, something they had made a daily event for their little group.

"So, I was thinking," Taehyung started, looking towards Namjoon and setting his cup down. "Now that I have my gift, I can maybe get my memories back? I can cast the spell."

"Oh yes, I was thinking to bring that up," Linda said. They all looked at Namjoon, waiting for his input.

"Not yet," the elf said.

"Why not? You wanted Prince Taehyung to remember more than anyone," Jin inquired.

"He's not ready to cast a spell on himself yet," Namjoon added.

Taehyung shook his head. "I can do it!"

"Jeongguk has been sending me your daily reports. There's still much to improve."

Taehyung crossed his arm and leaned back, certainly not the behaviour of the future king. If Jeongguk was there, he would've definitely scolded him. He then felt a hand on his shoulder. One that belonged to Jimin.

"I agree with him, Tae. We still have time. I don't want you to blast you brains. Okay?"

Taehyung sighed and nodded, straightening his back. He felt so sick of being hidden in the dark about everything, he couldn't even have his own memories.

"Would you at least tell me what you think about my gift? Why you don't like it," Taehyung suddenly bursted, looking at Namjoon.

"Pardon me?" Namjoon asked, a little shocked.

"What does he mean? What's wrong with his gift?" Linda began, panicked.

"Nothing," Namjoon said sternly. "Why would you think that?"

Taehyung shook his head and looked away. "Whatever," he mumbled, got up and left the room, not even bothering to finish his drink.

As he stormed his way to his room, he was stopped by his cousin who came after him.

"Hey, hey, hey," Jin asked with a hand on the younger's wrist. "What's wrong?"

Taehyung pursed his lips and shook his head again. "They're keeping secrets from me. Namjoon's not telling me something, and I just want to know what's going on. Don't I deserve to know?"

Jin remained there a little speechless. "Tae, if Namjoon's hiding something from you, it's probably for the best. He would never do a thing to betray this kingdom. From all the years I've worked with him, he's been nothing but a loyal advisor to my mom and I. You could trust him."

"It's not that I don't. I'm already so confused with all the Prince and King stuff, I can't handle wracking my brain about this too."

"I'll talk to him," Jin offered.

Taehyung didn't want to keep going with the conversation, it was no use. He knew he wouldn't tell the Prince either, and even if he did it'll never reach Taehyung. He just politely thanked his cousin and continued his way to his room.

At his door, he saw Jeongguk talking to one of his guards. Taehyung's footsteps caught their attention. The guards bowed to the Prince and returned to their position.

"You're back early," Jeongguk commented, following him into his room.

Taehyung groaned, letting his heavy robe fall to the ground and flopped on the bed. "Don't tell me we have practice tonight."

Jeongguk levitated the robe and folded it neatly in the air before setting in on Taehyung's desk. He walked closer to the the older with his arms crossed, a concerned look on his face.

Taehyung dragged his hands over his face before letting his arms fall to his side. With his eyes staring up at the top of his canopy bed, he patted the space beside him.

Jeongguk's been used to Taehyung randomly laying around in the middle of a field and patting the spot beside him, but that was something he did when he was younger. A time where Jeongguk would've eagerly taken his place to hear the random stories Taehyung made up in his mind.

Now, years later, Jeongguk hesitantly placed his back on the elf's bed. It felt weird as both their legs dangled off the bed, but Taehyung didn't seem to mind.

"Could you like, make stars appear there?" Taehyung asked, pointing up.

Jeongguk turned his head to look Taehyung, but the older's attention was still staring up.

"I'm not a projector," Jeongguk said, in a matter of fact tone.

"I don't know, just make some cool shit appear there."

"I feel like I'm babysitting a child," Jeongguk muttered but still raised his arms up. He did a trick his dad used on him to get him distracted enough to stand still when he brushed his hair for him.

For him it was little water droplets, but for Jeongguk it was beautiful crystals made of ice, but both gave the gorgeous effect as the light bounced out and through them. The crystals floated in the air, rotating and bouncing every so lightly.

"Wow..." Taehyung sounded, his eyes glittering. Jeongguk's gaze was on Taehyung the entire time, letting him watch the older's frown instantly curve up as little rainbow specks painted throughout his face.

Jeongguk turned around to face the light switch so that he could turn it off. Once he did, he shot his hands up again, more of the crystal forming all around the room. The moonlight spilling into his room was the perfect lighting to give them their glow.

Taehyung was on his feet, taking a moment to just appreciate its beauty. He then reached out his hand to touch one, and like a bubble, it disappeared, leaving a small puff of smoke behind.

He excitedly touched a couple more before turning back to look at Jeongguk who was now sitting up on the edge of his bed, with a smile that made him glow brighter than any of the ice crystals in the room, one that he probably tried his best to hide but gave up. It was the little things like this that made Taehyung fall for the younger.

"Do you like them?" Jeongguk asked softly, but he already knew the answer.

He's already shown this to him before, but of course he doesn't remember. It was the only thing Jeongguk could manage to do with his gift at the time and at a much smaller scale. Taehyung also probably doesn't remember the loud squeals and the little kiss he'd lay on Jeongguk's cheek every time he did it. But Taehyung didn't need to know.

Taehyung took a seat beside Jeongguk and looked at him, matching his smile. "They're beautiful." Like you, he wanted to add.

Taehyung saw Jeongguk's smile falter, his cold blue eyes shined for a second. Taehyung's smile dropped too, wondering if he did something to anger the younger. Seeing he could've literally done nothing, Taehyung realized it must've been a reflection from one of the floating crystals.

Jeongguk looked away, and Taehyung looked back at the view around his room.

"Jeongguk," Taehyung called out. Jeongguk hummed in response.

"Will you ever lie to me?" he asked.

"Depends," Jeongguk replied.

Taehyung frowned and looked at the younger, who also turned to look at him.

"If it's to protect you, I will," Jeongguk finished.

"I don't care, promise you won't lie to me. Ever," Taehyung said, bringing up his pinkie finger.

Jeongguk looked at the hand, not saying anything, knowing it was an impossibly promise to keep.

"Fine, you're my friend right? Promise you won't hide any secrets from me?" Taehyung tried.

"That's not fair," Jeongguk said, still looking at the hand.

"You won't hide anything important from me," Taehyung changed.

"Well that depends on what I deem as important."

Taehyung sighed. "You won't hide anything you deem is important from me?"

Jeongguk finally gave in. He brought up a pinkie, then looked up at Taehyung confused.

Taehyung smiled, realizing he's never done this before. He curled his pinkie around the younger's, then used his other hand to move Jeongguk's so that they locked the promise with their thumbs.

"There," Taehyung said, looking up at the same time as Jeongguk did from his super concentrated mode when he watched Taehyung manipulate his hand like that.

Taehyung heart skipped another beat. His parted lip, his big doe eyes, his quirked brows, Taehyung couldn't handle it. He broke away his hand and looked at the crystals again.

He calmed himself down and cleared his mind. He knew Jeongguk didn't have the answers either, but that was fine.

Taehyung knew who would, and it happened to be the last person Taehyung should be trusting.

—•
okok koo's confusion with his feelings towards joon has happened to me before when i thought i might like this boy cuz there was shit between us and i kept thinking of him but then i imagined us kissing and i swear i puked a bit so yh

Anyways, sorry for the long wait
I've thought of shortening chapters but I just prefer it this way so pls bare with me 😅

Bye <3