"What do you mean weapons are prohibited?," Shay scrunched her eyebrows and pointed her staff at the security guard. "I demand an explanation."

Jungkook watched as the person guarding the McDonald's establishment started to sweat. Shay continued to point her staff at the man's face. The angel stared at the guard's thin clothed attire.

"I do not understand," Jungkook turned to the person standing next standing next to him. It turned out to be Yoongi. "Why do your planet's security personnel have no armor? What happens if they get shot?"

Yoongi licked his vanilla ice cream cone— apparently, one of the stalls selling the sweet dessert survived the battle as well. Holly was chewing on an empty wafer cone on his shoulders. Jungkook wondered if the fire gem bearer was bothered by the crumbs.

"Makes them easier to knock out," Yoongi replied absentmindedly. Jungkook stared in confusion.

"What Yoongi really tried to say is this," Jin slid into the scene and pushed Yoongi away with a smile.

"My ice cream!," Yoongi exclaimed when he nearly dropped his cone. Jungkook stared as the fire gem bearer stumbled around in a panic.

Jin gave Yoongi a piercing glare before turning back at Jungkook with an innocent expression. "Here on Earth, there are different levels of security. That man standing in front of McDonald's is a common security guard."

Jungkook glanced at the guard, who was still sweating profusely in front of Shay's staff. Taehyung stood next to her, observing. The angel nodded vigorously at Jin.

"Their job is to simply guard certain establishments from... dangerous people," Jin raised a finger in the air with a cheeky smile. "Although they have basic combat training and weapons, their purpose is not to battle. That is why their uniforms have no armor."

Jungkook hummed in thought. Then he scrunched his eyebrows and tilted his head. "My question has been left unanswered. What happens if they get shot?"

Jin's expression turned blank. "Then they get shot."

Jungkook's wings folded behind him. He felt like the gears of his mind was turning full force. Jin just continued to stare at him blankly, his thoughts loudly saying— Not my problem.

"Was it really a good idea to bring them to a McDonald's?," Emily sighed and crossed her arms over her chest. "Couldn't we have gone with a lighter option?"

You stared at the now bickering Bristene siblings before turning towards Emily. "By lighter option, you mean?"

"I don't know," Emily shrugged. The arrows in her quicker clacked together. "Maybe like... a café or something."

"You mean like Starbucks."

"We can't afford that."

"I can."

"You rich son of a—"

As you, Emily and now Jin conversed whilst the Bristenes continued their attempt in convincing the guard, Jungkook glanced around. Namjoon and Jimin were giggling in their own little world. The angel noticed that the earth gem bearer's grip was a little... low... on his ass.

Jungkook turned away. He heard Hoseok's loud laughter and followed the direction of his voice. The air gem bearer was laughing at Yoongi, who had bits of vanilla ice cream smeared across his cheek and nose.

"Yoongi," Jungkook stepped towards Yoongi and heard Jimin giggle again behind him. "Are you alright?"

Yoongi looked up at Jungkook with narrowed eyes. Then he smiled when Holly started to lick his face. "S'okay, Jungkook."

Jungkook stared again. He glanced down at the vanilla ice cream and tilted his head. "Yoongi, may I ask what vanilla tastes like?"

Yoongi hummed and squinted his eyes. After a few seconds of silence, the fire gem bearer shrugged. "Don't know, taste it to find out, I guess?"

Jungkook went into deep thought as Yoongi started to lick his ice cream blankly. When the angel finally registered the suggestion, he leaned forward and took a small bite out of the sweet treat.

As Jungkook took his time tasting the vanilla, he failed to notice Yoongi freeze. The angel leaned back and licked off the ice cream residue coating his lips.

"Hm," Jungkook grinned and showed off his bunny teeth. "It is surprisingly good, yeah?"

Yoongi just nodded. Hoseok zoomed in on the fire gem bearer's face with his goggles and poked his cheek. "He's buffering."

Before Jungkook could ask what that meant, there was a loud exclaim from Shay.

"We have prevailed!," Shay screamed triumphantly and raised her staff upwards. Everyone stared. Taehyung clapped next to her. "The kind man has allowed us to enter with our weapons!"

The security guard put on a wry smile and opened the door with trembling hands. "Please don't kill me."

Shay flashed him a smile before walking through the doorway. Taehyung tailed behind her but paused suddenly. The Helian prince slowly turned around and bowed formally at the security guard.

"I thank you," Taehyung smiled, his arm still crossed against his chest. "My sister may sometimes be a bit impatient. Your patience with her is appreciated."

The security guard had on a frozen smile. He nodded stiffly as Taehyung returned the same gesture and entered the restaurant. Jungkook stared at the Helian prince's back with sparkling eyes. Wow, so cool.

Jungkook took a deep breath and turned towards the obviously terrified security guard, whose fits were tight and ghostly white. The angel opened his mouth to speak but was cut off by a force on his back.

"Sorry about that," Namjoon grinned with his dimples as he pushed a helpless Jungkook with his strength. "They're not crazy, just new to all this."

Jungkook's heels skid across the ground as Namjoon pushed him inside the McDonald's. The angel's eyes started to sparkle once again. He already envisioned the establishment to be a glamorous restaurant with glittering walls, golden tables and stone chairs. He envisioned a group of well dressed butlers and maids in their ironed uniforms.

And the food! Jungkook could see it all clearly in his head. A well cooked steak garnished with parsley and a side of Blikseian blue corn— or Earth corn, whatever that looked like. It was something he had definitely been craving since leaving Hemel.

Jungkook was confused when he saw Taehyung and Shay standing frozen next to each other. The Hemelian slipped away from Namjoon's grip and sprinted towards the Bristene siblings.

"Tae? Shay?," Jungkook asked, a little bit worried. He stared at the siblings with scrunched eyebrows. "Are you two okay?"

When the siblings didn't reply, Jungkook followed their gaze instead and his eyes widened. His image of the glamorous McDonald's shattered instantly. Instead of the glistening walls, there was bland wallpaper with faded color. The chairs were white and shiny in their plastic forms. Tables mixed with a weird red and yellow were displayed in front of the seats.

Jungkook heard screwing and turned around. The angel eyed the grey counter, which was lined with monitor screens facing away from him. Only one employee was present with her head hidden in between her arms. Another was on a ladder behind her and was fixing a lightbulb in the ceiling.

"Why are they just staring?," You whispered hastily behind Jungkook. "I can't tell if this is a bad thing or not."

"Maybe they're... I don't know, disappointed?," Emily whispered back. She was right behind the angel.

"Disappointed?," Jin scoffed rather sarcastically and let out a loud laugh. "This is literally McDonald's. How can someone be more disappointed?"

"Jungkookie?," Jimin whispered from behind Jungkook, his thick lips unconsciously forming a little pout. He fiddled with his fingers. "Are you okay?"

"I understand what you're feeling," Namjoon suddenly put on a sympathetic tone and squeezed Jungkook's shoulder. "It is common to have your expectations let down, especially when you were feeling so—"

"Excited!," Jungkook suddenly screamed, his eyes sparkling once again.

"Wait, wha—"

"This is exciting, yeah?," Jungkook turned towards Taehyung, who had on a small smile on his face. "We now have the opportunity to taste exotic Earth food!"

"Uhm, McDonald's is not even close to being exoti—"

"Namjoon, hush," Hoseok made a loud hushing noise and placed a finger over his own lips. "Let them be excited."

Namjoon released a loud sigh. Jungkook continued to glance around. He stared at the glowing menu boards above and hovered his gaze over the digital photo of burger with two patties. Quarter Pounder. Hm.

"I agree, Kook," Taehyung spoke and massaged his chin slowly. "I have tried a variety of Earth food but never had the opportunity to try this establishment."

"Then we must take advantage of this empty restaurant and order to our hearts' content," Shay had on a serious expression, yet she too looked excited. Taehyung nodded insightfully.

"Look at them," You cooed from behind the three royals. Yoongi quietly licked his ice cream. "They're so cute when they're this excited."

"Are you sure it's they and not him?," Emily snickered and wiggled her eyebrows playfully. You just stared at her blankly.

Ugh, I want to dead. Jungkook was confused at first then he realized that those were someone's thoughts, so strong that it entered his mind. The angel glanced around. His eyes landed on the McDonald's employee who had her head planted on the table.

Jungkook glanced behind him. Taehyung and Shay started to debate about what to order. Behind the siblings, you continued to coo quite obviously whilst Emily stared. Jin was cackling loudly for some reason that the angel could not decipher at the moment. Hoseok laughed as well.

Yoongi's ice cream was nearly completely consumed. All the vanilla dessert was gone and instead half a cone was shoved into the fire gem bearer's mouth. Holly was still chewing loudly on his shoulders.

Jungkook caught himself staring at Yoongi, who just blinked at him questionably. The angel cleared his throat and turned around. With his wings bent, the Hemelian put on a professional smile and walked forward.

"Greetings," Jungkook started once he was standing right across the McDonald's girl. "My companions and I would like to purchase your delicacies. May I ask what is available today?"

The McDonald's girl remained motionless for a few seconds, which made Jungkook wonder if he had unknowingly witnessed someone's passing. He sighed in relief when she raised her head instead.

Jungkook stared. The girl's dusty gold name-tag had Ruth printed on it with bold letters. Her dark hair was messy and disheveled, some strands even stuck to her cheeks. Dark eye-bags circled below her tired eyes.

"What do you want," Ruth croaked with a low voice, her head still on the counter.

Jungkook paused and blinked back at Ruth. He kept the professional smile. "We'd like to order your best set of dishes!"

Ruth didn't say anything. Instead, she slid across the counter like a slug and pressed a button on the cash register. A small beep rang. Jungkook waited for her to say something. An awkward silence fell.

"She looks dead," Hoseok commented suddenly from behind Jungkook, who nearly jumped out of his skin.

"I agree," Jungkook nodded firmly. "Are you okay, Miss Ruth?"

Before Ruth could reply, the employee who was fixing the lightbulb chirped. "Wait— you guys were on TV!"

Jungkook tilted his head curiously and glanced up. The other McDonald's girl smoothly slid down her ladder as the lightbulb above flickered on. Glancing at the gold name-tag, the angel noted the name— Anjie.

"On TV?," Shay popped from next to Jungkook and questioned out loud. "Brother, what does that mean?"

Taehyung hummed and glanced up. Shay released an I see with a firm nod. Jungkook followed his gaze and spotted a grey box with static buzzing on its screen situated atop a wooden slab screwed high up on the wall.

Jungkook jumped a bit when the screen's static faded with a loud buzz. Then the box's screen showed the top of the now wrecked city of Seoul. There was a male voice speaking from the box as the live feed of police cars parking around King Michael's body continued to play.

With tight lips, Jungkook turned towards the Bristene siblings. Taehyung was staring at the screen sorrowfully with his dark eyes flickering away from the sight. Shay, on the other hand was staring right at it. Her unfazed expression slightly concerned the angel.

"Ruth, it's them!," Anjie spoke rather excitedly. Her dyed light brown hair was tied into a messy bun. "It's those heroes from the live feed a few hours ago! They saved Seoul!"

"I'm grateful, I guess," Ruth barely raised her head. Jungkook swore that he could hear her neck creak like rusted metal. "But did they save me from the capitalist that is our boss?"

Anjie put on a dry smile and pushed Ruth away. The dead looking employee slid across the counter and banged her head on the cash register. Jungkook was about to ask if she was okay but hesitated.

"So the news feed wasn't a government tactic to manipulate us all!," Anjie squealed and pointed at Jungkook. "Your wings are so cute!"

"Uhm," Jungkook put on a crooked grin. "Thanks?"

"Yo, lady," Yoongi slurred whilst rubbing his stomach. Holly sat quietly on his shoulders. "I get that your excited and all that but can we order some grub first? I'm starving."

"You literally just shoved a whole ice cream cone down your throat," Hoseok snickered. Jimin giggled lightly behind him.

"So?," Yoongi narrowed his eyes. "That doesn't change the fact that we haven't had a proper meal in months. I'd like a Big Mac please."

Everyone bursted into laughter with the exception of one— Shay looked more confused than most. Jungkook wondered why.

"Are you not afraid of us?"

Jungkook turned towards Shay, just as everyone else did the same. The princess looked genuinely curious but there was something about her expression that almost made the angel feel... sorry for her.

"As you are aware... the angel, my brother and I are from another world," Shay spoke slowly. Taehyung stared at her sternly. "Do you not think of us as dangerous? Why do you not fear us?"

Ah. Now that Shay mentioned it, Jungkook would admit that he kind of agreed. He stared at Anjie, who clapped her hands and dashed towards a still very dead looking ruth. The angel stared as the two girls whispered to each other.

"Shay," Taehyung cocked his head slightly. "I do not see any reason for them to be afraid."

Shay rubbed her arms a bit roughly. "Do you really think so, brother?"

Taehyung didn't say anything to that. Jungkook thought about his first days on Earth and remembered the lingering fear he had whilst concealing his wings. What would they think?— was what the Hemelian thought. He didn't want to cause mass panic either.

Jungkook flapped his wings gently. Now he felt free, that he could finally be who he really was without fear of judgement. The mere fact that these two McDonald's employees conversed with them was impressive to him.

"You get thick skin from being yelled at by middle aged women," Anjei laughed dryly and shook her head. "On a serious note, you guys kind of saved our city."

"And us too, even if you didn't mean to," Ruth finally stood up straight and Jungkook feared the possibility of her spine cracking. Thankfully, she lived. "But why go through all the trouble? The people here aren't exactly..."

"Humanity sucks," Anjei shrugged with a small smile. Ruth chuckled. "But you saved us anyway. What is there to be afraid of?"

Jungkook released a loud sigh of relief. He turned around and— realizing that almost all his team members were human— glanced at his friends. All those from Earth nodded in agreement with both Anjei and Ruth's words.

"I used to think that humanity was a burden to the universe," Taehyung shrugged nonchalantly. Then he put on a small smile. "But after all that has happened... I no longer think that is the case."

"Aw, Taehyungie!"

Jimin sped forward and tackled a very stunned Taehyung with a hug. Anjei and Ruth stared at the charred trail left on McDonald's tiled ground.

"We love you too," Jimin giggled softly, his arms barely linking around Taehyung's body.

Jungkook half expected Taehyung to push Jimin off and say something snarky but when he smiled instead, the angel was not at all surprised.

"So," Yoongi's deep voice rumbled. "Can we get our food now?"

A few minutes of ordering and confusion later, Anjei clasped her hands together loudly. The cash register made a beep as Jungkook glanced at the numbers printed on the little screen in confusion.

"Earth currency, Kook," Taehyung whispered next to Jungkook, who replied with a low Ah, right.

Namjoon appeared next to Jimin, which made Jungkook suspect if he had the ability to teleport next to his lover. He hooked an arm around the thunder gem bearer's waist.

"Does anyone have any cash on them?," Namjoon called out to the team.

As everyone checked their pockets, Yoongi grimaced loudly. "Do we have to? We kind of just saved the world."

"Saving the world doesn't get rid of capitalism," Ruth stated as she passed by behind Anjei with a notebook in hand.

"Damn it," Yoongi hissed. Holly snapped its jaws together questionably and the fire gem bearer started to sweat. "What's... capitalism? Uh."

"Jin, don't you have that ghost card?," You spoke after pulling your empty pockets inside out.

"I am afraid that I have lost it," Jin sighed in defeat with his hands still in his pants' pockets.

"I don't think anyone has any money, Joonie," Jimin spoke sadly with a slight pout. Namjoon sighed in defeat.

"Do not worry, wonders," Shay spoke up suddenly with crossed arms. Everyone turned towards her. "My brother and I have a solution."

Taehyung stared at Shay for a few seconds of awkward silence. After the princess raised an eyebrow, the darkness gem bearer's eyes lit up in realization.

"Shay is right," Taehyung nodded. "We have a solution. I'm sure our stones will be just as valuable as your currency."

Of course! Jungkook shook his head, disappointed at himself for not realizing that sooner. With a small smirk, the angel reached inside his pants' pocket and felt the smooth texture of the rock in his palm.

Jungkook never really questioned the Vredeian custom of having these stones with their person at all times. After all, they were the currency of their planet in some way. He still found it strange how humans used paper as theirs.

"Did they just say stones?," Emily whispered from the back with her eyebrows scrunched together.

"Uhm, guys," Namjoon stepped forward. Cold sweat dripped down his forehead. "Stones aren't valuable here."

"What do you mean?," Taehyung raised an eyebrow. His gaze was piercing. "Do you humans not value some white stones and gold bricks over your own currency?"

Namjoon just stared at Taehyung with a mixture of shock and disbelief. Jungkook remembered the darkness gem bearer telling him about the weird stones he saw on Earth. It was strange, how they spent so much on mere rocks.

"Do not worry, purple haired wonder," Shay put on a smile and fished out a shiny stone from her pocket. "I am quite sure that these kind ladies will appreciate our gifts."

"Ah," Jungkook hummed once he pulled out the same stone. "This makes it an uneven amount of three."

Taehyung gripped the shiny stone, which nearly disappeared in his huge hand. "Simply splitting the amount will do."

Both Jungkook and Shay nodded in agreement. The three royals walked towards the counter with the shiny rocks glinting in their hands. Behind them, Jimin glanced at Namjoon in worry.

"Should... should we stop them?," Jimin asked hesitantly, one of his hands curled in front of his lips.

"We should," Yoongi slurred again with a bit of vanilla ice cream caking his lips. "I don't want to be kicked out of McDonald's again."

Hoseok frowned. "What do you mean again?"

Before Yoongi could answer, Jungkook placed the stone on the counter and made a soft clack. Taehyung and Shay did the same and placed the now glowing white stones in a row. Ruth and Anjei both stared in silence.

"Wait," You squinted your eyes as the murmurs of the others suddenly died down. "Taehyung, are those really just stones?"

Taehyung stared at Sky blankly. "Yes. They are fairly common stones in Vrede."

"But," Jin paused and stepped closer to the row of stones. After a few seconds, his eyes widened. "Aren't those... diamonds?"

A silence fell as everyone stared at the stones with wide eyes. Ruth and Anjie looked the most stunned and were frozen in place. Jungkook tilted his head in confusion.

"Will this be enough to pay for everything?," Taehyung spoke with a smile. Everyone continued to stare silently.

"Yes," Ruth suddenly looked rejuvenated. She slowly hooked her arms around the diamonds and pulled them closer. "More than enough."

After that, the team was brought to the best looking table in the restaurant. Jungkook respected how kindly both Ruth and Anjei treated them. If it wasn't for the unideal environment, the Hemelian prince would have felt like he was back at the palace.

"Okay," Yoongi spoke after plopping his ass loudly on a seat with Holly clamped on his shoulders. "Are we not going to talk about how these three had diamonds in their pockets this whole time?!"

Jungkook tilted his head once more. "I do not understand your confusion, Yoongi."

Yoongi's eyes twitched. "Jungkook, those are diamonds! They're worth millions!"

Jungkook was confused. As a child, he'd always find these "diamonds" in the grounds of Hel's palace whilst playing with the dirt. He could still clearly remember Taehyung simply tossing them away. Then again, Earth was a completely different planet with unique cultures.

"I still find that quite interesting," Taehyung commented. His arms were crossed over his chest, one leg resting over the other. "Common stones in Vrede being a rarity on Earth... bizarre, I must say."

"You mean you carry diamonds around with you all the time?," Emily questioned with raised eyebrows as Jin quietly took a seat next to her.

"It is our form of currency, yes," Shay replied. Despite imitating Taehyung's pose, the princess looked extremely uncomfortable on her plastic seat. "Most commonly used as a gift between nobles or royals."

Yoongi's eyes twitched again. "You rich son of a bi—"

"Hey, Jimin?," Hoseok asked before Yoongi could finish, his worried eyes flashing green behind the goggles' lens. "You okay?"

Jungkook followed Hoseok's gaze. Jimin was seated on one of the plastic chairs, his figure nearly concealed behind the table. The thunder gem bearer hugged his knees to his chest and stared at the ground sorrowfully.

"Yeah, Chim," Namjoon spoke with a worried tone and gently placed a hand on Jimin's shoulder. "You've been out of it for some time. What's wrong?"

Jimin didn't say anything, instead he let out a deep sigh. Jungkook was tempted to read the thunder gem bearer's mind but figured that it would be best to not invade his privacy.

"Sorry that I'm making you guys worry," Jimin put on a small smile. Namjoon squeezed his shoulder again. "It's just... I realized that this is one of our last meals on Earth."

"There is no need to be sorrowful, yeah?," Jungkook put on a big bunny grin. "After all, we will still be together in a way."

"It's not that, Jungkookie," Jimin giggled lightly. He scratched his cheek. "I just feel... nostalgic? I mean, we've spent months trying to achieve this common goal and..."

"You feel a sense of loss."

Jungkook blinked when he heard the voice he didn't expect to hear. Taehyung still had that same stoic pose but his eyes looked more sorrowful than most. He was just staring at the tabletop silently.

"Because after accomplishing what you were destined to do— What else?," Taehyung spoke slowly. Jungkook honestly never heard him like this before. "It makes you think, what other purpose do you have?"

Jungkook fell into deep thought. Now that Taehyung said it, the angel realized that he felt the same. Although he was truly destined to eventually be Hemel's king, a part of him died the moment the adventure ended. It almost felt like he was incomplete.

"It truly is complicated," Taehyung exhaled loudly, his breath shaky. "I myself have committed most of my life in planning Father's defeat... and now he is dead."

Shay looked hesitant but she eventually held Taehyung's arm. It was an action Jungkook definitely did not expect from the princess. Still, the Helian prince smiled.

"Back then, I did not care about the aftermath," Taehyung's deep voice rumbled. "I only knew that I'd rule Hel until the end of my days."

Taehyung took a meaningful pause. Jungkook watched as the Helian prince glanced at everyone in the group, stopping when his eyes landed on the angel. Both of them smiled.

"But after joining this team and befriending you all," Taehyung put on a boxy grin. Jungkook heard someone gasp lightly. "I now have a future to look forward to."

A short silence came after that and Jungkook tried to guess who would shed tears first. What the angel didn't realize was that he himself was already crying. He only did when Shay nudged Taehyung.

"Brother," Shay tilted her head, some dark strands of hair falling over her eyes. "It seems that your words have brought Jungkook to tears."

Despite how seriously worried Shay looked, Taehyung continued to grin and shook his head. "You crybaby."

Jungkook smiled and wiped his tears away with the back of his hand. The angel sniffled. "Always have been, yeah?"

The atmosphere was instantly shattered by squeaky laughter courtesy of Jin. He smirked at Taehyung and wiggled his eyebrows. "A future, eh?"

Jin then towards the only blushing person in the room— you. Taehyung followed the water gem bearer's gaze and suddenly his cheeks were flaring as well. Jungkook was dying to know what the both of you were thinking.

"Stop teasing them," Emily snickered and looked just as mischievous. Jin continued to laugh.

Hoseok suddenly stood up on his seat and did a swinging motion with his arm. "Taesky, do you love me? Are you riding?"

"Taesky?," You and Taehyung asked in unison.

"It's your couple name!," Hoseok announced with a heart-shaped grin. "Taehyung plus Sky! Taesky!"

All the humans in the group laughed whilst Jungkook and the non-humans were left confused. As you and Taehyung continued to be attacked by teases, the angel paused when he noticed that someone wasn't having as much fun as everyone else.

Yoongi wasn't laughing along, instead he silently stroked Holly's head. Jungkook's eyebrows creased together. Mind read or not, the fire gem bearer was obviously out of it.

"Yoongi," Jungkook called. One of his wings twitched. "Are you alright?"

Yoongi just looked up at Jungkook with those feline eyes. He then scoffed, as if saying— Thanks for at least noticing. "I'm fine."

Jungkook frowned. Again, the angel was tempted to peer into Yoongi's mind and figure out what really was bothering him. Then again, he respected the fire gem bearer and everyone else in the team. Now that he could control whether he wanted to read someone's thoughts or not, he'd rather give them the privacy they deserved.

"Such a beautiful friendship."

Confused at the foreign voice, Jungkook turned around. He spotted Ruth standing a few feet away from the team's table. She had on a tight smile and held a tray crammed with burgers and small colored boxes.

Ruth still had those deep dark eye-bags that made Jungkook wonder if she was actually a zombie. "Almost as beautiful as those diamonds you gave us."

"Ruth, give them their food!," Anjei screamed from the counter. Her figure disappeared into the kitchen.

"Yeah, yeah!," Ruth grumbled and gently placed the tray of food the table. "Just so you know, this isn't a restaurant... which means you guys should have waited for your food at the counter but since you just made us millionaires, does that really matter?"

Everyone stared as Ruth happily distributed the food. Jungkook's eyes beamed once a Quarter Pounder burger was placed in front of him. He tilted his head curiously and examined the colorful box. Then he booped it and the box suddenly opened.

"Wah!," Jungkook exclaimed. The box opened slowly to reveal his burger, which seemed to glow. "This is... majestic."

"And greasy," Jin grimaced in disgust. He was staring at Emily's Big Mac. "Look at my chicken fillet. It isn't as oily as those patties."

"Anything is better than prison food," Namjoon shrugged and grabbed his burger. The buns made a squelch against his fingers. "God, when was the last time I ate a good burger?"

"Try the chicken nuggets, Joonie!," Jimin cheered and raised a fork-stabbed nugget. Namjoon ate it in one bite. "Isn't it good?"

Namjoon's eyes sparkled. "It is, Chim!"

The three royals stared at their Quarter Pounders silently as everyone ate their food. Jungkook glanced at the plastic utensils. Fork in hand, the angel carefully unassembled the burger and lined them up. He hummed in satisfaction.

"What the hell are you doing?," Yoongi asked with a slight scowl. Holly chewed violently on a bun.

"I plan to eat this burger through its separate components," Jungkook smiled and sliced a patty. He ignored its grease. "Do you want to try?"

Yoongi looked down at his four pieces of fried chicken, Big Mac and two packs of fries. "I'm good."

"Uh, guys," Hoseok spoke with a mouthful of fries. "What's she doing?"

Everyone followed Hoseok's gaze. Jungkook spotted Shay with her eyes glowing purple, her Quarter Pounder levitating in front of her. Something in her hand glinted. Suddenly the princess was holding a blade.

Oh no, please don't stab me. Jungkook scrunched his eyebrows. He wondered who in the room would think of something like that.

Instead of potentially stabbing someone, Shay made slashing motions in the air. Jungkook swore that he could see grease splatter everywhere. Then the burger fell on the princess' plate in the form of little squares. Taehyung clapped enthusiastically.

Shay started eating and raised an eyebrow when she caught everyone's stares. "What?"

"Taehyung, why aren't you eating?," You asked suddenly as you slurped on your orange juice. Jungkook spotted a very confused looking Taehyung.

Taehyung sighed and curled his fingers under his chin. "I am in quite a pickle. I cannot decide whether I should slice this burger into tiny pieces or eat it per layer."

You sipped on your drink for a few seconds before slowly placing the cup on the table. "Use your hands."

"My hands?," Taehyung tilted his head.

You nodded and grabbed some tissue before grabbing the greasy burger. Taehyung eyed you as he mirrored the movements. He put on a small frown when the oil seeped to his fingers.

"This is how we eat here, royalty or not," You grinned. Then you made a chomping motion with your mouth. "Now take a big bite!"

Taehyung stared fondly as you took a big bite of your Big Mac. Crumbs fell to the plate. The Helian prince then turned towards his burger and took a tiny bite, almost as if he barely grazed it with his teeth.

You glanced at Taehyung in anticipation as he slowly chewed. He then swallowed and put on a smile. "It's good."

"I knew you'd like it," You smiled and continued to eat your burger.

Taehyung just stared at you again with one of the most sincere smiles Jungkook has ever seen on him. The angel didn't know whether to cringe playfully or cheer for him at the sight.

"Sky," Taehyung suddenly set down his nearly untouched burger. "You've got something on your face."

"Brother, I do not think—," Shay paused when both Emily and Hoseok quietly gave her a shushing gesture. Jungkook was confused.

"Oh, uh, thanks," You lifted your hand to your face but stopped when Taehyung gently grabbed you by the wrist.

"No," Taehyung spoke sternly. "Let me."

Taehyung's chair squeaked loudly as he leaned in. Jungkook nearly commented that there were no smudges on your face. The angel's words got caught in his throat when the darkness gem bearer gave you a light kiss on the lips.

The room turned silent. Taehyung slumped back to his seat and continued to eat his burger with red cheeks. You were left stunned and frozen. A half-eaten chicken nugget fell off Namjoon's mouth.

"Okay," Hoseok held a soggy fry in his hand. "I don't know what I should slander— the fact that it was really smooth or how you decided to do it in front of everyone."

"Sorry," Taehyung cracked a smirk. Jungkook knew that he definitely wasn't.

After you recovered, everyone ate and conversed until there was nothing but crumbs and plates left. Now the team was standing in front of McDonald's exit with both Ruth and Anjie waving them goodbye.

"Thanks for giving us a reason to stop working here!," Anjie cheered and waved her arms wildly. Ruth nodded next to her. "We're filthy rich!"

"You're most welcome," Taehyung casually bowed as if he didn't make everyone feel embarrassed just a few minutes ago.

With that, the team waved goodbye to the two girls and turned towards the exit. Namjoon rubbed his stomach and grinned in satisfaction. "Man, did I miss fast food."

"When was the last time you had some?," Jin asked with a raised brow. Emily peeked from next to him.

"Well," Namjoon tapped his chin. Jimin looked at him curiously. "A few days before I surrendered myself so that was... two years ago?"

Sorrow suddenly washed over Jimin's features. Then his eyes beamed and he tugged Namjoon's sleeve. "Don't worry, Joonie! I'll cook the best food for you!"

Namjoon put on a dimpled grin. "You can cook?"

"A little," Jimin answered sheepishly. "But I can learn!"

Namjoon chuckled and ruffled Jimin's orange hair. "Such a cutie."

The two giggled as they started to tickle each other playfully. Jungkook smiled. He was glad that the team could have some form of breather after everything that happened. With a big bunny smile, the angel pushed the doors open.

However instead of fresh air, Jungkook was greeted by loud voices and flashes of light. The angel instinctively covered himself with his wings as the noise overwhelmed him. Multiple gasps rang behind him.

Jimin groaned loudly. "Not this again."

"Where did all these people come from?!," Hoseok screamed and slapped his goggles on.

"They're reporters," Jin was almost as unfazed as Jimin. Emily was hidden behind his broad figure. "They can sniff out anything from miles away."

"Reporters?," Shay gritted her teeth and pulled out her staff. "Are they here to report our presence to potential enemies?! Brother, we must eliminate them immediately!"

Shay pointed her staff forward as her eyes glowed a powerful purple. The reporters flinched, some even screaming, but they continued to point those bright lights at the team.

Jungkook gritted his teeth. White mist appeared around him as his blonde hair fluttered. The angel raised a hand and pointed a finger. Suddenly all the flashing light around them swirled and gathered above his fingertip.

With a small grin, Jungkook snapped his fingers and the light faded. "Too bright, even for me yeah?"

Now that it wasn't as bright, Jungkook realized that they were surrounded by cameras. There were people holding weird looking fuzzy lollipops too. They all wore suits and had earpieces on.

"Are they spies?," Jungkook whispered to Taehyung, who was standing next to him.

Taehyung gestured at Shay, who scoffed and lowered her staff. He then shook his head. "No, Kook. They mean no physical harm."

Jungkook tilted his head. He was about to question Taehyung's words when the reporters suddenly broke the silence and bombarded the team with questions, alongside loud clicking from their cameras. Who are you guys? Are you gods? Where did you come from?

"Brother," Shay whispered with a small scowl. "I do not think it is wise for us to disclose any personal information to these.... savages."

Taehyung didn't say anything, which honestly surprised Jungkook. Before anyone could say anything else, Jimin slipped away from Namjoon's grip and stepped forward with a loud sigh.

"Guys, can you all calm down?," Jimin raised his hands smugly. "With the way you're hounding us, I don't think we'll be going anywhe—"

"Isn't that idol Park Jimin?!," One of the reporters screamed and nudged her cameraman. "Get a clear shot of his face!"

Jimin froze significantly as all the cameras suddenly shifted towards him. Jungkook noticed that the thunder gem bearer's breathing suddenly quickened, almost as if he was hyperventilating.

"You disappeared for months, aren't you worried about your fans?"

"When is your next comeback?"

"Manager Kang says you were on a long vacation. Can you confirm this?"

Namjoon growled loudly and pulled Jimin's figure behind him. Some reporters jumped. "Stop it. You're suffocating him."

The reporters went silent for a few seconds before they suddenly shifted their cameras to Namjoon. Jungkook heard them grumble things to themselves— Idol Park Jimin with potential boyfriend, left the spotlight to find love?

Namjoon looked like he was about to explode. His eyes flashed reptilian yellow and he attempted to lunge forward. The earth gem bearer paused when Jimin raised an arm in front of his chest.

"Namjoon, it's fine," Jimin spoke with a stern expression and an equally serious tone. "Don't let them get to you."

With a click of his tongue, Namjoon stepped backwards but kept his firm stance in front of Jimin. Jungkook wondered why these humans acted like this and why both Jimin and Jin weren't as fazed as everyone else.

"How do we get away from them?," You whispered from behind the crowd, figure barely seen amongst the tall figures.

"I don't know, Sky," Emily spoke behind Jin. "They're literally surrounding us."

Jungkook scrunched his eyebrows when he saw a small figure from behind some of the reporters' legs. It was accompanied the worried calls of a woman. Then a small dark haired child emerged from the noisy group, her big eyes staring up at the angel.

With a smile, Taehyung kneeled down to the child's level. Jungkook's jaw dropped. "Greetings, young lady. What brings you here?"

"Mommy says you guys are dangerous," The little girl pouted and rocked on her heels. Suddenly, the reporters were quiet. "I don't think so! You beat all the baddies!"

"So you are not afraid of us?," Taehyung tilted his head.

"Nope!," The girl shook her head, her high pigtails slapping her cheeks. "I think all of you are pretty, especially her! Is she a princess?"

Shay's cheeks flared a deep red when the little girl pointed a finger at her. Taehyung chuckled deeply. "Actually, she is."

"Really?," The child's eyes sparkled. "I want to be a princess too!"

"Are you sure that you are not a princess already?," Taehyung chuckled again and rubbed his hands together. What formed in his palms was a purple tiara. "After all, isn't this crown yours?"

The little girl's eyes beamed as she grabbed the tiara and placed it on top of her head. "Thank you so much, mister! It's so pretty!"

Taehyung smiled as the little girl ran off and cheerfully called her mother's name. Once again, Jungkook was impressed. The darkness gem bearer was an exemplary prince and heir, at least a lot more than the angel.

Jungkook winced a bit when Taehyung stood up with the tension in the air thickening instantly. All the reporters turned towards the Helian prince simultaneously but none of them bothered to ask any more questions.

"I am Taehyung Bristene, prince of Hel," Taehyung slowly crossed an arm across his chest and bowed. A camera shutter clicked. "It is an honor to be of your acquaintance."

Jungkook glanced at the rest and realized that they were all standing in a row behind Taehyung. It almost looked like the darkness gem bearer was the team leader.

"I introduce my sister Shay."

Shay nodded and bowed formally as well, her movement graceful and elegant.

"And my best friend and fellow prince, Jungkook Aurum."

Jungkook beamed upon hearing Taehyung's words and flashed him a big bunny grin. Then the Helian prince made a gesture and the angel scrambled into a formal bow. His wings folded hesitantly behind him.

"We three come from Vrede, a planet situated lightyears away from your own," Taehyung folded his hands behind his back. Jungkook mimicked him. "From this day onwards, consider us your allies."

"What about those monsters you fought?," A female reporter asked and pushed her microphone closer. "Are they from your world too?"

Taehyung fell silent and glanced at Shay, who looked just as conflicted. Although Jungkook couldn't read their minds, he could tell what they were thinking— How were they supposed to explain their father?

For the first time in a while, Jungkook felt that he should take charge. The angel took a deep breath and folded his wings before he stepped forward. Both Taehyung and Shay glanced at him in surprise.

"Unfortunately, that is correct," Jungkook nodded firmly, his baby blue eyes piercing. "But we can assure you that all those dark forces have been eradicated. No harm shall fall upon your planet."

"Will you be here?," A male reporter asked slowly. He swallowed hard. "If we get attacked by other forces... will you save us?"

"Of course we will," Yoongi grumbled as Holly cheered on his shoulders. Everyone turned towards him. "What? We're the seven wonders. It's our job to save them."

Jungkook smiled and nodded in agreement, just as everyone else did. Ah, that's right, the angel nearly forgot. They were the seven wonders of the universe.

Before the reporters could ask any more questions, there was a loud screeching of tires behind them. Jungkook watched in amusement as the crowd parted like a wave of water. It then revealed jet black cars and men wearing slick suits that were just as dark.

Jungkook was more confused then threatened. So when both Taehyung and Shay morphed their staffs into swords and crossed their blades, he was left stunned.

"There is no need for those weapons," The suited man in front spoke with a smile and took off his shades. Jungkook stared at his wrinkly face.

"No offense," Hoseok scratched his cheek and pulled his goggles off his face. "But some of your friends are kind of pointing guns at our faces."

Jungkook craned his head over the suited man's shoulders. Indeed, more people in black suits stood with their guns pointing right at the team. For some reason, the Hemelian prince did not feel threatened at all.

"Please understand that it's a precautionary measure," The man dug through his suit with his hand and pulled out a wallet.

Jungkook scrunched his eyebrows when the suited man flipped it open to reveal an identification card. Next to the obviously old photo was a logo— a sword and spear in a crossed formation with thorny rose vines circling its blades.

"My name is Mr. Song," The man, Mr. Song nodded as he closed his wallet and placed it back inside his suit pocket. "I, along with the rest of the ANIMA Organization, would like to ask you a few questions."

-

"I still can't believe it," Jimin shook his head and ran a hand through his orange hair. "I've never seen reporters so calm."

"Really?," Hoseok let out a hearty laugh and shook his head. "That's the first thing you say?"

Jimin tilted his head. His feet made light taps as he sprinted down the stone steps. "What do you mean?"

"Well, Chim," Namjoon shrugged as he tailed behind a very confused looking Jimin. "We kind of just got questioned by a very sketchy organization we've never even heard of."

"Ah," Jimin shrugged as he reached the final step. "To be honest, it's as bad as being mobbed."

"Truth," Jin nodded. Emily glanced up at him in both surprise and worry.

Jungkook hopped down the last step and folded his wings. Turning around, the angel stared up at the building they had just exited from. Strangely enough, the place had no logo of the ANIMA Organization on it, instead it looked just like an abandoned area filled with moss and decay.

"I do not quite understand that organization's purpose, brother," Shay ran her fingers down the tangled edges of her dark hair. "All they did was ask us... odd questions."

"Truly peculiar," Taehyung nodded in agreement. He curled his fingers under his chin. "I find it strange that they took note of every single reply."

"Maybe we're under watch?," You shrugged with your arms crossed over your chest. Standing next to Jungkook, you glanced up at the building as well. "I mean, we did just reveal the existence of an alien race to the world."

"Does that mean jail time again?," Yoongi groaned. Holly mimicked the sound sadly.

"Please no," Namjoon shook his head desperately, tone suddenly stern. Jimin grabbed his purple hand and squeezed it.

Jungkook continued to stare at the building. The angel fell into deep thought as he thought about the ANIMA Organization. For some reason, something tugged at the very back of his mind.

"Huh," Hoseok commented suddenly. Both of his hands were in his pants' pockets. "Weird. I feel like this ANIMA Organization is going to be really important in the future."

Nobody said anything. Jungkook assumed that it was because everyone knew Hoseok's instincts couldn't be questioned. The angel wondered how much of an impact the ANIMA Organization was going to have on them.

"So," Emily adjusted the strap of her quiver. "Now that ANIMA is out of the way, shouldn't we get going to the places we want to visit?"

"Em is right," Jin nodded and placed a hand on Emily's shoulder. "We should go. Can't waste any more time, right?"

"If the rest do not mind," Jungkook spoke up with a curious grin. "May I ask where you all are planning to go?"

When a silence fell upon the group, Jungkook wondered if he had asked a sensitive question or not. Just when the angel was about to apologize, Namjoon sighed loudly.

"I plan to visit my mom and sister's graves," Namjoon put on a solemn yet slightly dimpled smile. "Figured it would be best to do so one last time, you know?"

Jimin looked up at Namjoon sadly. He squeezed the earth gem bearer's purple hand again and put on a small smile. "I was thinking the same, Joonie. I... want to see mom, dad and Jihyunie before we go."

Jungkook was hit with a wave of sorrow. He couldn't imagine what it was like to grow up without a mother. It made him realize how strong they were for maturing without their guidance.

"Jin?," Namjoon suddenly called. "Your expression?"

Jungkook turned and saw a conflicted expression on Jin's face. The water gem bearer rubbed his nape awkwardly. "I... plan on visiting my parents as well."

"Don't they think you're dead?," You asked with a tilt of your head. Taehyung glanced at you quietly.

"Well, yeah... but I think they deserve to know that their only son is still alive," Jin put on a warm smile and snaked his arm around Emily's waist. "Besides, it's about time I introduce my girlfriend to them."

Emily froze as her face slowly turned beet red. Jungkook could see her mind buffer. "Eh?"

"What?," Jin chuckled at Emily's flustered expression. "I did say you'd be my queen."

"Speaking of girlfriend!," Hoseok suddenly exclaimed with both of his palms pressed against his face. "I have to meet Jia! God, I hope she hasn't forgotten me."

"Hoseok, we've only been gone for a few mo—"

"Oh, how long she had to wait," Hoseok wailed dramatically. "My poor Jia."

Everyone chuckled at Hoseok's overdramatic reaction. Then Jungkook noticed that you were awfully silent. "What about you, Sky? Any plans?"

"Hm?," You hummed in question. "Oh, I just want to see the orphanage... it's remains, I mean."

"Brother, you should accompany her," Shay suggested suddenly, her tone and expression equally stern. Taehyung opened his mouth. "I will be fine. Perhaps I would like some time to myself."

Jungkook quietly scanned Shay's figure. He noticed that her hands were balled into trembling fists. Both you and Taehyung obviously were conflicted but everyone knew it was best not to go against the princess' wishes.

"Yo, Jungkook," Yoongi called suddenly with narrowed eyes. Holly was licking its claws on his shoulders. "Want to have a tour of Seoul?"

All of Jungkook's worries were instantly thrown out the window. His wings flapped excitedly as Yoongi gave him a grin. "Really?!"

"Eh, have nowhere to go," Yoongi shrugged. "Besides, we can put those diamonds of yours to good use."

As Jungkook started daydreaming of what he would see in Seoul, Namjoon stepped forward. "Not to ruin the atmosphere but how exactly are we going to travel around without being mobbed or questioned?"

"That's easy," Hoseok glanced at ANIMA's building once again. Jungkook followed his gaze in confusion. "We ask."

-

"Thank you for the ride," Jin bowed deeply the moment he stepped out of the car. Emily hesitantly copied his actions.

"It's no problem, Seokjin," Ms. Huang, one of ANIMA's female agents, spoke through the open window of her car. "Mr. Song and the rest of ANIMA is in you and your team's debt."

Jin smiled. Deep down, he couldn't help but wonder what the ANIMA Organization's true purpose was. It was strange, how they were pointing guns to their faces a few minutes ago and now one of the agents was referring to him with his full name. The water gem bearer decided to keep his guard up.

"Guess saving the world has its perks, huh?," Jin laughed a bit in an attempt to lighten up the tension. Emily stared at him.

"Truly," Ms. Huang nodded. Her messy bun bounced as she did so. "Take as much time as you need."

With that, Ms. Huang closed the car window and left the couple in an awkward silence. Jin wondered if the agent inside was still staring at them through the glass.

"I still don't like this," Emily strummed the string of her bow anxiously. "This ANIMA Organization... they don't sit well with me."

"I know," Jin rubbed Emily's shoulder in agreement. "But we have to play along for now."

Emily groaned in frustration. Jin sighed and turned around. He scanned the building before him, a mansion with a clean white texture and wooden doors. It was fairly simple compared to the design of the house that stood there before.

Jin thought about how his parents dealt with his apparent death. Now he felt guilty and wondered if telling them the truth would have been the better option.

"Em," Jin asked quietly and felt his heart thump in his ribcage. "Do you think they hate me?"

Emily scrunched her eyebrows together in confusion. "What are you talking about?"

"My parents," Jin replied softly. Tears formed in his eyes. "Won't they hate me for just leaving? For... dying?"

"Jin, listen to yourself," Emily turned Jin around to face her and gently cupped his cheek with a hand. "They're your parents. They'll never hate you."

Jin smiled nodded. He gently held Emily's hand and kissed it before pulling it off his face. "Yeah... you're right."

With a deep breath, Jin turned around and faced the mansion's door again. He took slow and careful steps up the stairs as his heart continued to thump in his chest. Emily squeezed his hand.

Jin stood in front of the door and noticed that there were no cameras pointing at him. The lack of security worried the water gem bearer. At the same time, he wondered how the ANIMA Organization found his parents' house, even with no signs of a senator being here.

When Jin raised a hand, he hesitated slightly. Emily squeezed his hand again. The water gem bearer took another deep breath and pressed the doorbell.

Jin listened anxiously as the doorbell rang and echoed from inside. When a few seconds passed, he nearly considered the option of running away. Before he could, however, the door swung open.

For the first time in months, Jin became face to face with his mother. Her usually combed back hair was tied into a messy ponytail. Dawning a white nightgown, her pale face was bare with round eyes lacking the sparkle he was so used to seeing.

A silence passed as her eyes widened. Jin put on a small grin. "Hi, mom."

His mother didn't say anything, instead she placed both hands over her mouth and started to cry silently. Jin himself felt like he was about to burst into tears but paused when he heard another voice from inside the house.

"Honey, who's at the door?," His dad called. Jin swallowed as his voice neared. "Hey, what's wro—"

When their eyes met, his dad froze instantly. Jin knew that he was crying now but still kept that grin. Emily massaged his arm quietly. "Hi, dad."

Another silence fell but was soon broken by his mother's broken sobs. She immediately lunged forward and cupped Jin's face with both of her hands. Then she embraced him. His father followed immediately and wrapped both his wife and son in his arms.

"I knew it," His father whispered in the midst of the hug and tightened his arms around Jin. "When they told us there was no body, I just knew you were alive somewhere."

"I'm so sorry," Jin sniffled. Fresh hot tears streamed down his face. "I should have told you. I... I shouldn't have just left like that."

"It's okay, sweetie," His mom smiled and tipped her toes to kiss Jin's forehead. "What matters is that you're here. And you're safe."

Jin nodded and held his mother's hand. He turned towards his father and noticed that he wasn't staring at his face, instead he gazed at the water gem hanging over his chest.

At that moment, Jin remembered all those times his father would forbid him from entering the water. The sea is dangerous, more-so the water itself— he would always say. Now that the water gem bearer thought about it, he never asked why.

"You knew," Jin spoke slowly. The two women stared at him questionably whilst his dad avoided eye contact. "All this time, you knew..."

His father didn't say anything for a few seconds, instead he fixated his gaze to the ground. "When your grandfather gave me that gem, I never figured out how to use its power. You, however..."

"I didn't just drown that day, did I?," Jin asked slowly and gripped Emily's hand hard.

His father shook his head. "The pool swallowed you whole... like it wanted to eat you alive. I was afraid that whatever power that gem had would kill you."

Jin looked down at the water gem. He gently grabbed it and stared at its pulsing blue color. "Actually, dad... this gem has saved me more times than I can even count."

"I'm sorry to interrupt you boys," His mother spoke suddenly, a more serious expression now displayed on her face. "But could one of you explain what the two of you are talking about? And Jin sweetie, why don't you introduce that beautiful young lady standing behind you?"

Jin mentally palmed his face and turned around. He spotted Emily hiding slightly behind his figure. At the same time, the water gem bearer wondered why his father never told his mother about their heirloom's history.

"I think it would be best for me to explain inside."

-

"Your house is beautiful, Mrs. Kim," Emily smiled as she gently sipped on her jasmine tea. Jin noticed that her hands were shaking.

Jin would definitely agree. Although the interior was not as packed as their previous, there was a minimalistic beauty that still made the house shine. Standing out in the white walls was that same family portrait the water gem bearer saw burning all those months ago.

"Thank you, Emily," His mother smiled back and placed a tray of bread on the coffee table. "Please, help yourselves. You both look extremely thin."

Jin's eyes beamed when he realized that his mother had cooked her signature cream breads. He picked one up and handed it to Emily. "Em, you have to try this!"

"Thanks, Jin," Emily smiled and took a bite of the bread. She hummed in satisfaction.

"Okay, let me clarify what you just said, son," His father spoke with crossed arms and scrunched eyebrows. "So your gem not only gives you power over water but healing abilities as well?"

"Precisely," Jin nodded. He glanced at his father's untouched smoking tea. "I can do this too."

Jin's eyes glowed a bright blue as he raised his hand. Boiling tea rose from his father's ceramic cup and swirled in the air to form an infinity sign. Then he snapped his fingers and the tea instantly froze.

The now frozen tea fell and landed right into Jin's hands. He placed it on the coffee table as his parents stared in both awe and surprise. Emily whispered a show-off. The water gem bearer chuckled.

"Sweetie," His mother spoke softly after she finally peeled her eyes away from the frozen tea. "Does that mean you were one of the heroes who fought in the Battle of Seoul?"

"Battle of Seoul?," Emily asked. Her teacup clattered as she placed it on the coffee table.

"You haven't heard," His father hummed and nodded in understanding. "Apparently, it was all over the news this morning. A band of heroes rescued Seoul from an alien attack."

"Regrettably, your father and I were away during yesterday's battle," His mother sighed in defeat. "Now I wish that we should have at least seen in you in action."

Jin and Emily glanced at each other. Although no words were said, the water gem bearer knew what the protector was thinking— Heroes, huh? Has a nice ring to it.

"Oh, I haven't asked!," His mother exclaimed as she hurriedly put down her cup of tea. "How long will the two of you be staying here? Your bedroom is already prepared!"

Jin released a sorrowful sigh at the realization of his parents preserving his old bedroom. Emily rubbed circles on his back. "As much as I want to stay... Emily and I have to leave soon. We have royal responsibilities waiting for us in Tranen."

"I think we can stay a day or two," Emily suggested when she noticed the sorrowful expression Jin's mother had. "The others are busy. I'm sure we have time, right?"

"That sounds wonderful!," His mom answered cheerfully before Jin could open his mouth. "I shall prepare my best dinner for you lovebirds!"

"Mom, it's the middle of the afternoon?," Jin questioned in amusement. His father quietly sipped his leftover tea.

"It's better to be prepared then to be left empty-handed," His mother spoke with insight. Jin nodded in understanding. "Emily, would you be a dear and please help me prepare?"

Emily's eyes widened as she turned towards Jin in an obvious call for help. The water gem bearer stifled in his laughter and whispered. "Don't worry, Em. All you have to do is chop and dice a few things."

Despite the reassurance, Emily put on an anxious grin. "I'll be right there, Mrs. Kim."

Emily stood up and gave Jin one last worried glance before disappearing into the kitchen with his mother. Hearing abnormally loud sipping, the water gem bearer turned and saw his father still drinking his tea.

"So," His father slowly placed his teacup down. Jin decided to take a sip. "Do you plan on marrying her?"

Jin choked on his tea. He carefully wiped his lips and set his teacup down as well. His father's eyes widened when he didn't get a reply.

"Dad...," Jin said slowly. "Can I ask you a few questions?"

After a long talk with his father, Jin quietly peeked into the kitchen. He saw his mother stirring a pot of what looked like seaweed soup. Emily was slowly and carefully slicing carrots with shaking hands. The water gem bearer laughed at how sweaty she was.

"Em?," Jin called as he leaned on the doorframe. "Can I talk to you for a second?"

Emily glanced at his mother, who gave her a nod. The protector pulled off her apron and released a loud sigh of relief. "What's wrong?"

Jin didn't say anything. Instead, he grabbed Emily's hand. "Let's head outside."

Although Emily was confused, she grabbed Jin's head and let him lead the way. The water gem bearer pushed the balcony doors open as cold wind hit them from outside.

Jin let Emily step outside first. She gasped audibly at the balcony's view. Since his parents' mansion was now located in the province, up ahead were rows of trees and rivers instead of buildings. The sunlight bounced off the house perfectly and created a shimmering spotlight.

"It's beautiful," Emily cooed and pressed her hands on the railings.

"Yeah... I know," Jin glanced at Emily fondly. "Em, do you remember when we first met?"

Emily turned towards Jin and hummed as she fell in deep thought. She tapped the railings in a rhythm. "We danced. Then you ripped my dress."

"I had to so I could heal you!," Jin exclaimed. He put on a nostalgic grin. "You were so... mesmerizing in that pink dress."

"Stop it, you're embarrassing me," Emily laughed and playfully hit Jin's shoulder.

Jin snickered. "Is it more embarrassing than running into the men's washroom?"

"Jin!," Emily whined with a loud laugh. Jin released squeaky laughter with her.

The two laughed. Jin fell into deep thought as he stared back at the balcony's view. The wind picked up and made both his and Emily's hair flutter. It made him wonder if Hoseok was backing him up somewhere.

"Em," Jin called again and leaned both of his arms on the railings. "Look at the trees and tell me what you see."

Emily raised an eyebrow at Jin but didn't question his words. She stared at the view and hummed to herself for a few moments. Then she released a grunt of frustration.

"Honestly," Emily groaned and turned around. "All I see are—"

Emily paused. Jin was down on one knee.

"Regardless of what you saw, I know what I see," Jin smiled up at Emily, who stared back at him with wide eyes and a slightly ajar mouth.

Emily didn't say anything. Jin didn't think this was a bad sign, after all the protector did look like she was in shock.

"I know we've only been together for less than a year," Jin ignored how his knee started to throb. "But I see you— the woman I love with all my soul, the one I want to spend the rest of my days with."

Jin gently raised his hand. His palm glowed blue as water rose and spun in circles. Then it froze to form an ice ring that shimmered in the sunlight.

"And I ask this, both as Kim Seokjin and Tranen's king," Jin held the ring and felt tears start to form in his eyes. "Will you be my queen?"

Emily palmed a hand over her face and it took Jin a few seconds to realize that she was crying. Then the water gem bearer heard squealing and turned around. His mother was cheering behind the glass doors with his father giving him a thumbs up.

Then Emily smiled and wiped her tears.

"Of course, my king."

-

A/N - AAAAAAAAAAAA HELLO GUYS!!!! WE GETTING EMJIN MARRIAGE WOOT

also in case y'all didn't see my announcement, I decided to split the finale into two to celebrate #T7W2MReadsParty hoho so expect another chap after this before the epilogue!!!!

btw to the people who've read Hell's Watchdogs— 🤔

icb t7w is really ending huh..... im sad feels bruh..... anyways not much to say cos i literally just want to post this but enjoy this 10.7k worded mess!!!! bye!!!

My dog Peanut (again) uwu