ONE DAY LATER

In the castle of the Min clan

"Do I gotta repeat myself?" The young King of the Min clan interrogatingly stated.

"No, Hyung." Both Jimin and Jeongguk replied simultaneously.

"Good. Jimin-ah, did you inform him about everything?"

Jimin nodded, "I met him yesterday."

Yoongi hummed and gestured both of them to leave his quarters, "Now, get ready. We're leaving soon."

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Inside Kim's Mansion

It was a prosperous day of celebration and joy, the next Queen of the Kim Clan was about to get chosen. For both SeokJin and Namjoon, it was a day of huge responsibility. A little touch of carelessness could lead to a massive misfortune.

Namjoon glanced at the mirror of his room, the exquisite jewel, the last piece that signified his mother's existence shined proudly on his tailored navy blue suit that fitted him like a glove. A silk tie in a rich shade of burgundy was expertly knotted at his neck, adding a touch of colour to his ensemble. His fingertips trailed its unique and unusual arrangement of stones with a centric ruby, as he visualized his mother.

"The brooch is all I see," a melodious voice spoke from behind.

An air of sophistication and elegance flowed within, as SeokJin confidently strolled down Namjoon's room and stood at a distance. A black tuxedo fitted across his broad shoulders, accentuating his trim physique, while a crisp white shirt peeked out from beneath the lapels.

Soon, a pair of footsteps headed towards them and with an effortless coolness the hybrid walked inside the room. His perfectly fitted pants hung just right on his lean frame. The first two buttons left undone, of his white shirt radiated his impeccable taste in casual styles.

"Let's get outta here. It's getting hot, guys," SeokJin commented, and the three of them sauntered towards Jin's room.

Shortly after, their gazes got stuck on an approaching dainty silhouette. Her heels clicked with the wooden floor, as her chestnut hairs ruffled against the cloth on her pale skin.

Namjoon's eyes widened in astonishment, as he stared at Y/n in awe. The dress was a mixture of their traditional culture and modern requirements of comfort. The hanbok fitted her at the right places, enhancing her natural curves.

"Y/n." Hoseok muttered as he gaped at her with a dropped jaw.

"Little human, Mom chose the right fit for you," Jin said after he cleared his throat to summon himself back out of his thoughts.

"Let's go, we're already late," SeokJin drawled and with his one hand signaled Hoseok to come closer to his side.

Hoseok unknowingly misinterpreted SeokJin's gesture and clunged onto his body as he wrapped his arms around the elder's waist. Jin's antic expressions depicted discomfort from the sudden touch as he tried to maintain his posture, making Y/n chuckle at the scene in front of her.

"Y/n, see ya soon!" Hoseok added before a streak of lightning surrounded both of them and they vanished in fine air.

Namjoon went closer to Y/n. His polished black oxford shoes gleamed in the sunlight tracing the windows, "Let's go."

Y/n came closer and clutched his sleeve, Namjoon's intense gaze was enough to make Y/n all flustered from the inside as she looked away from him.

Namjoon gently held her chin and made her look at him after he whispered in his husky voice, "You look pretty."

For a few moments, Y/n got lost in his mysterious gaze, but she proceeded to slap his hand away from her chin, "You cannot just go around and touch your friend's girlfriend anytime you like."

Y/n reluctantly added as she knew, what she said wasn't what her heart wanted. But she couldn't deny the part of her consciousness that got rekindled when Hoseok arrived in front of her eyes. She couldn't find the will to reject his proposal. He was here for her, to protect her against all odds because he was once the man she used to fancy.

"W-what?" Namjoon's heart pounded in his chest as he trailed off. He couldn't frame his next sentence as the words felt stuck in his throat.

"Hoseok confessed his feelings, and I'm willing to say yes to him," her voice was gentle but firm.

Namjoon felt his heart shatter into pieces, as though the ground had opened up beneath him, swallowing him whole.

"You should take your bead back before it's late, only then I shall be liberated from your hold."

A lump of emotions formed in Namjoon's throat as he struggled to hold back the sting caused by Y/n's words. He falteringly nodded. It was at that moment he truly realised his feelings for Y/n, but the time to act on them was not in his favour anymore.

His hands curled around her waist, as he brought her closer towards his body. His eyes shimmered with tears as he bit his lips. A flash of white light surrounded both of them, and Y/n found herself standing in the royal garden of the castle of Kim's clan.

Y/n looked around in admiration before she turned over and found no one by her side. Namjoon was gone, quick enough to not let her show his teary eyes, while Y/n watched his fading silhouette walking away and disappearing in the maze of castle ways.

Inside the grand ballroom, the air was alive with the soft rustle of hanboks. Crystal chandeliers hung from the vaulted ceiling, casting a warm glow over the polished marble floor. Clicking of glasses, sounds of whispers and gossip echoed in Y/n's ears when she nervously entered the hall.

Jin and Hoseok soon accompanied her from behind, "Where's Namjoon?" SeokJin asked, a bit annoyed by the sudden disappearance of his sibling.

"I've no idea."

SeokJin rolled his eyes before he instructed Hoseok to stay by Y/n's side as went away to greet His Majesty.

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At the King's chambers

SeokJin walked closer to King's quarters, his palms were sweaty as he exhaled a long breath. On approaching closer he saw his younger brother already standing in front of the door.

"Here you--" SeokJin stopped in the middle of his sentence when he saw Namjoon's distressing features.

"We'll talk bout it later. Right now, maintain your composure in front of His Majesty," Jin said as a sense of understanding washed his senses. Namjoon nodded before he gently knocked on the door.

The siblings were soon met with their third brother. His chiselled jawline, sculpted by the god himself, framed a pair of piercing black irises. His tousled yet neatly done locks, the color of midnight, effortlessly cascaded and complimented his Prince demeanor.

Taehyung opened the door, his eyes instantly lit up upon spotting the two of them together. He jumped in their direction, hugging them in his embrace, ditching his Prince demeanor and the royal guards' eyes watching them.

"Hyungs! It's been so long since we three met altogether."

"Taehyung, at least let them in," hearing the wise voice both the brothers adjusted themselves and proceeded to move towards His Majesty. Their father sat at a distance, across the King's chair, sharing a conversation. They both simultaneously bowed and SeokJin proceeded to share some words of gratitude.

"Thank you for inviting us, Your Majesty. We're truly grateful to be a part of this responsibility."

Kim Jeong Ho nodded as he looked up at SeokJin and questioned, "Anyone from Min clan?"

"Not yet, Your Majesty."

The King of the Kim clan sighed and averted his gaze away from Jin, but soon it twitched and landed on Namjoon and then on the ruby resting on his suit.

"Father, I don't want to get married before these two," Taehyung interrupted as he complained and pointed his finger in the direction of his brotherly friends. The two elderly men chuckled.

"Minister Kim, you should start the search."

"It's ongoing, Your Highness," Mr Kim replied making the two brothers' features go pale. The Crown Prince smirked.

"You may leave," His Majesty ordered as he gestured three of them to exit the room, but his eyes remained on Namjoon as he watched him leave.

After the door was completely closed, Jin and Namjoon exchanged mischievous smiles before they glared at Taehyung, stopping him in his tracks.

"Prince Taehyung, what would you like to have? A punch on your face, a kick in your balls, or a strongly brewed coffee on your palate?" Jin blabbered while rubbing his hand on Taehyung's neck.

"Let's do all of them, hyung," Namjoon said with a half-sheepish smile. It was moments like these when he was with his brothers and he used to forget all his miseries. Moments like these, he was missing these past few months.

"Hyungnim, let's do this later. I swear I'll follow whatever you say!" Taehyung said while surrendering as he raised his hands in the air.

Jin and Namjoon exchanged glances and decided to save it for later. The three of them started walking towards the ballroom and spotted Y/n and Hoseok at the opposite corner, enjoying the refreshments.

"Prince Taehyung?" Before the three of them could walk towards the duo, a low masculine voice interrupted from behind.

The three of them turned around, and upon meeting with the newcomer they quickly bowed in respect.

"Your Majesty, how have you been?" Taehyung proceeded to greet the King of the Min clan. It was the first time when Jin and Namjoon were meeting him, his skin was as pale as a spec of snow. His gaze was intense and dark, the scar on his left eye, hindered both of their minds from thinking what might have happened.

"I'm good."

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Y/n and Hoseok peacefully enjoyed the eatables, their eyes widening from the wonderful flavors of the snack.

"Don't you think their cuisine has some uncanny similarities with ours?" Y/n asked, and Hoseok nodded while munching before he muttered, "It's because they can always visit the human realm but we can't."

"What is that drink called?" Y/n asked when her eyes landed on the greenish-hued drink being served by an attendant.

"You wanna have it? I'll get you one," Y/n reluctantly agreed before Hoseok went towards the attendant, who was serving the guests in the centre of the hall.

Y/n was left alone by herself, she was anxious as she waited for Hoseok to return shortly. Even though Hoseok had comforted her many times before that no one could harm her in a crowded place like this, her instincts were warning her of an eerie presence around her. Constantly reminding her of the two foxes she encountered before.

A man gawked at her standing trance as he approached her with brisk yet thorough steps as if he were waiting for this moment all along.

He gently tapped on Y/n's shoulder, she turned over her shoulder and was welcomed with a facade of sweetness written on the stranger's features.

Jimin glanced directly into her eyes when Y/n's gaze caught sight of a refined man with such a striking jawline, her orbs explored his gaze. She was entranced by his presence and felt a strange pull as if an invisible force had wrapped around her very being. She was captivated, unable to tear her gaze away from him, even when she wanted to.

"Is this probably yours'?"

After a long silence, Jimin finally added as he fished a hand in his pocket and proceeded to show a handkerchief in front of her.

Y/n glanced over for a second before she shook her head in response, "I think you're mistaken."

"Oh, that's fine," Jimin said, and stepped forward, leaving Y/n alone again. Her gaze eyed his fading figure which apparently got mixed in the crowd.

Y/n sighed as she waited for Hoseok, but what she likely didn't know was that a stranger with tattoos hidden inside his tuxedo was keeping him busy in a conversation.

An intense pain hit the walls inside her head as she hissed and feebly grabbed her scalp. A few moments later, her eyelids grew heavy, and her body relaxed as if she was transported to a realm where reality blurred and imagination took hold. Her hand dropped with a jerk and her steps moved forward.

Jimin secretly watched from a distance as he saw his spell start taking over her vulnerable mind. His piercing eyes gleamed with mystique as he controlled her movements and motions, leading her towards the Crown Prince.

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"Your Majesty, my father was expecting your presence," Taehyung conveyed to the King of Min clan.

"Sure, it's been years since our clans held a meeting."

Taehyung nodded and gestured for SeokJin to accompany the King and lead him towards the King's quarters. Jin nodded and slightly bowed, while respectfully gesturing to the King of Min clan to follow him.

"Both of them should accompany me. Don't you agree, Prince? My representatives are already meeting with the other clans' ministers, I cannot roam around the castle with just a person."

"Ah, yes. Your Majesty, my apologies. Even I should've accompanied you, but Father gave me the responsibility to welcome the upcoming Kings. They both should lead you towards my father," Taehyung hesitantly added as he chose his words wisely and cleverly.

Yoongi hummed as he slightly lined his lips together before both Namjoon and SeokJin accompanied and led him towards the King's chambers.

"Narcissist! Why bragging to us? Should've bought your escorts," Taehyung muttered under his breath as he frowned before a feminine voice called out his name from behind.

"T-Taehyung?"

Taehyung turned around and saw Y/n glancing at the marble floor beneath them.

"Y/n? What is it?" He asked as he tried to glance directly into her eyes.

"I l-left something in y-your room."

"What? My room?"

Y/n's head was still low when she nodded.

"Are you sure? And how'd you got to my room?" Taehyung asked as he knew that there was no chance for her to cross the royal guards all by herself.

"I-its important. Please h-hurry, T-Taehyung."

"But--"

Taehyung heaved a sigh as he confusingly agreed. He signaled her to follow him, and soon, they both were crossing distinct hallways of the palace.

Taehyung sensed an uneasy feeling surrounding her form, her movements felt forced and fabricated as she never once peered directly into his eyes, which was surprisingly suspicious.

But he refused to acknowledge his thoughts, as he kept on repeating the fact inside his mind that Y/n is his human acquaintance with no danger.

They soon reached his quarters, royal guards bowed as they moved forward. Taehyung proceeded to open the double door of his room and let Y/n enter.

"Here. Search it, whatever it is. But you gotta tell me how and with whom you entered my room. If that's amongst Jin Hyung or Namjoon Hyung then that's fine, but--"

Taehyung was cut off when he saw Y/n collapse on the floor with a thud. His eyes widened in shock as a wave of panic resonated inside his body.

"Y/n?!"

The door of the room was still open. Taehyung agitatingly moved towards Y/n, kneeling down and continuously calling her name out. But a sudden thud on his head made his vision blurred. By each passing second, his lashes were becoming heavy as he tightly grasped his head.

He glanced over his shoulder to see who the perpetrator was and saw three unknown figures towering over his shaking form before his lids dropped and his mind went blank.

✧