“Tae!” Jungkook calls, struggling to keep up. “Wait for me!”

 

Taehyung turns his head, however, not slowing his pace. “Hurry up, Jungkook! We’re almost there!” he tells him eagerly with a wide grin. Jungkook smiles excitedly and runs faster.

 

“We’re here!” Taehyung announces, coming to a halt. He throws his arms up, spinning around. Jungkook reaches him, doe eyes eyeing the place his brother wanted to show him so badly. 

 

It’s a lake. There’s a big tree on the side, its long leaves dipping into the water. No one else is around. Not even animals. “Woah,” Jungkook breathes out, examining the place. Unlike Taehyung, he doesn’t get to go out much so this is all new to him. 

 

“I know right!” Taehyung grabs his hand. “Mother won’t let me swim in it but I think it’ll be fine if we just dip our feet in,” he suggests with a grin. He pulls Jungkook towards the lake. 

 

“How did you find this?” Jungkook asks as they reach the lake.

 

Taehyung kicks his shoes off, “Father brought me here when he took me out.” Jungkook looks down, away from Taehyung’s happy gaze. The King never takes him anywhere. It makes Jungkook wonder if the people even know about him. 

 

Noticing Jungkook’s expression, Taehyung bounces over to him. “I’ll ask Father to take you with us next time,” he tells the down-hearted Jungkook. 

 

Jungkook frowns, “Father will say I’m too young.” Like he always does.

 

Taehyung shakes his head. “No, he won’t. You’re already five years old. To me, that’s old enough.” 

 

Jungkook giggles, “Only to you.” 

 

Taehyung laughs, “I’ll convince him somehow. I’m already eight so he should listen to me more.” He bends down, pulling Jungkook’s shoes off. “For now, come play with me!” Jungkook nods, taking off his other shoe. 

 

The two little boys sit by the edge of the lake, feet in the water. Laughter echoes as they play with the water, examining the little underwater creatures they come across. They giggle as they try to push each other into the lake. After what feels like hours, Taehyung is called. “Your Royal Highness! Come eat!” 

 

Taehyung beams, “Food is ready! Come on, Jungkook!” He stands up, helping Jungkook up. 

 

“What do you think is for lunch, Tae?” Jungkook wonders, feeling his stomach grumble. 

 

“Hmm…” Taehyung and Jungkook walk to where the servants are. “I have no clue but I hope it’s meat! No vegetables,” he says sternly. 

 

Jungkook burst into laughter at his wish, “If only that was possible.” They reach the servant, Taehyung’s nanny who has taken them out and is their supervisor. 

 

“I made your favorite, Your Royal Highness,” she smiles at Taehyung who runs over to the picnic blanket laid out. 

 

“Awesome,” he goes right to eating the beef, ignoring the cabbage that is supposed to go with the meat. Jungkook plops down beside Taehyung, picking up his chopsticks. Just as he’s about to pick up a piece of beef, the nanny slaps his hand. 

 

“Ow,” Jungkook cries, pulling his hand back. 

 

“You can only eat after His Royal Highness is done,” the nanny scolds him. 

 

Taehyung stops stuffing his face, “Hey!” The nanny visibly flinches at the crown prince’s raised voice. “Jungkook can eat with me now!” he demands, glaring at the nanny. 

 

“But-“ 

 

“No, I want him to eat with me,” Taehyung repeats. Though only a child, his orders are still to be followed. 

 

The nanny lowers her head, “As you wish, Your Royal Highness.” She leaves them be, sparing another glare at Jungkook. Jungkook slouches, losing his appetite. 

 

“Cheer up, Jungkook. I made her go away. We can share,” Taehyung says brightly. He puts a piece of beef on Jungkook’s plate. “Hurry and eat so we can go play again.” Jungkook nods and eats the beef, trying his best to forget the nanny’s glare.

 

 

****

 

 

“Thank you for taking me to the beach.”

 

“Don’t mention it,” Jungkook says, getting off of Noir. “It was nice to be at the beach again.” He holds his hand out to Seokjin. Seokjin takes it, stepping off of Caramel. Jungkook gets to unlocking the gate. 

 

As he does so, Seokjin looks around them. It’s night now. He didn’t think he was going to be with Jungkook all day. Jungkook finishes unlocking the gate, pushing it open. He turns to Seokjin. Just then, a small white flake falls in between them. At the same time, they both reach for it.

 

The snowflake land on both of their index finger. “It’s snowing,” Seokjin stares in awe at the snowflake. More snow falls around them. Seokjin holds his hands out, trying to catch as many snowflakes as possible. Once with a good amount in his hands, he turns to Jungkook and blows. 

 

Being new, the snow is light and fluffy following Seokjin’s wind. Jungkook closes his eyes as the snow leaves Seokjin’s hands and graces his face, a small smile on his lips. Seokjin smiles at Jungkook’s hair which now has snow all over it. He ruffles his head, “You have snow all over your head.”

 

“I wonder why?” Jungkook sarcastically questions. Seokjin giggles, brushing the snow from Jungkook’s brows. “May I,” Jungkook’s thumb traces the bottom of Seokjin’s eye before brushing at his bottom lashes where a snowflake has landed. His eyes gaze into Seokjin’s. “see you again the day after tomorrow?” 

 

Shyly, Seokjin agrees, “I’ll come over to the Palace of Tiger Lily in the evening.” 

 

Jungkook grins, “I’ll be waiting.” 

 

They step into the palace, chatting softly as Jungkook walks Seokjin to the exit of the Palace of Tiger Lily. Both take tiny steps, not wanting to depart from each other. 

 

~~~~

 

Seokjin closes his book, giving up on reading it. It’s not that it’s hard to read or anything like that. It’s just that Seokjin can’t simply focus on the words that are written. Well, mayhaps not simply.

 

He smiles as a certain prince comes to mind for the hundredth time today. Seokjin hums as he disregards the book, standing up. He sways to his own music as he travels to his bedchamber. 

 

Seokjin has nothing to do and is just waiting until tomorrow to meet with Jungkook. He sits down at his vanity, combing his hair as he continues humming happily. His thoughts transition to his plan of tomorrow. 

 

‘I should make him something to eat,’ Seokjin thinks as he sets the comb down. He runs through his memories, thinking of all the food that Jungkook likes, concluding that Jungkook likes everything. He’s not a very picky eater. ‘With winter now here, warm sweet pancakes should taste extra scrumptious.’

 

Now, with something to do, Seokjin makes sure he looks presentable. He adjusts Jungkook’s hairpin that’s always in his hair, smooth out any wrinkles in his clothes, before leaving. 

 

Seokjin heads straight for the kitchen, wanting to see if he has all the ingredients. His cooks spot him, asking what he needs. Seokjin tells him his plans of making pancakes, kindly asking them to check if they have the needed ingredients. 

 

He’s missing only one ingredient which is cinnamon. It’s only one ingredient so it shouldn’t be a big deal and he could do without it but Seokjin doesn’t want that. The filling includes both cinnamon powder and brown sugar mixture. Nuts added if desirable. 

 

“Hyeon,” Seokjin finds the servant who’s washing clothes. 

 

“Yes, Your Royal Highness,” Hyeon says, still scrubbing at the cloths. 

 

“I’m going to go out to buy more cinnamon powder,” Seokjin informs the protective servant. 

 

“Just that?” Hyeon wrings the wet cloths. Seokjin nods. “Then no need to go out. Just go fetch it at the main palace, Your Royal Highness.” 

 

“The main palace? Are you sure that’s okay?” Seokjin asks, never once borrowing something from the main palace before. 

 

“Of course it is. You are the crown prince’s husband,” Hyeon reminds him. She hangs the clothes on a clothing line, “I’ll go with you.” 

 

~~~~

 

Seokjin’s fingers trace the many spices, searching for cinnamon. The main palace’s kitchen has many ingredients as expected so it should have cinnamon. Yet with so many, Seokjin’s not sure how long it’ll take to find it. 

 

“I don’t think it’s here,” Hyeon gives up searching. 

 

Seokjin twists the cap of a bottle, smelling it to find out if it’s cinnamon. “You can go ask the servants here if they have it. I’ll continue looking,” he tells Hyeon who agrees, leaving the kitchen. 

 

Seokjin presses his lips together as he picks up another bottle of brownish-orange powder. Just as he was about to open it, “They said you’re looking for cinnamon.” 

 

Seokjin retracts his hand. ‘This voice…’ He feels like he’s heard it before. “Yes, I am,” he turns around, masking his shock at the owner of the voice. 

 

“I’m not sure if there’s cinnamon powder but I have cinnamon sticks,” the Royal Consort says, holding out a jar of cinnamon sticks to Seokjin. 

 

Seokjin smiles politely as he takes the jar, “Thank you, Your Royal Highness.”

 

“You’re welcome,” the Royal Consort smiles back kindly. 

 

“We haven’t been properly introduced,” Seokjin starts. Despite their situation, Seokjin still wants to be polite and a good prince. It’s rude that he has not introduced himself to the Royal Consort yet. “I’m Prince Seokjin.” 

 

The Royal Consort bows then raise his head back up. “I’m Jimin. Nice to meet you.”

 

Seokjin nods, still with his stiff smile. “I apologize but I’ll be going now Your Royal Highness.” Jimin nods understandingly and steps out of the way as Seokjin leaves the kitchen. 

 

~~~~

 

Seokjin hums in delight as he takes the pancakes off the fire, inhaling in their scents. It brings him back home when he would make these with his family. He makes as many pancakes as he can, using up all the dough. 

 

Seokjin splits the pancakes into two bunches, leaving one for his servants. He packs the other half into a basket, making sure it looks pretty. He even ties a ribbon to the basket, making a cute bow. 

 

It’s only the afternoon, however. Seokjin takes his time helping his servants clean up, the time seemingly moving very slow. After finishing with the cleaning, it’s still not yet the evening. 

 

Seokjin’s servants are happily munching on his pancakes, telling him to eat with them but Seokjin declines. He wants to eat them with Jungkook. He wishes the afternoon would pass already and the evening to come. 

 

As he stares at the sun, wishing for it to move faster, he falls asleep. 

 

When Seokjin awakes, he notices that it’s evening. He gasps, standing up so fast that he’s wobbling. “I’m late,” he squeaks, grabbing the basket of pancakes. He sprints to his bedchamber, making sure he looks presentable. 

 

“Where are you headed, Your Royal Highness?” Hyeon questions just as Seokjin steps out of his room. 

 

“I…” Seokjin holds out the pancakes. “I’m taking these to His Royal Highness, Prince Taehyung.” 

 

“This late?” Hyeon scrunches her face. “Why didn’t you do so earlier, Your Royal Highness?” 

 

“I didn’t want to disturb him,” Seokjin blinks at the lie. “Now that it’s gotten later, he should be free.” He pulls his coat closer around himself, “I should go now.” 

 

Hyeon looks a bit conflicted, “Can’t I go with you?” She takes a step towards Seokjin. “I wouldn’t want something bad to happen to you, Your Royal Highness.” She looks genuinely concerned which deepens Seokjin’s guilt. 

 

“Don’t worry,” he smiles assuringly. “I will be fine. Besides, I’m not leaving the Imperial Palace. You stay here and rest, okay?” Seokjin asks although he doesn’t need to. She nods slowly. “I’ll…try not to be long.” With that, Seokjin hurries to the Palace of Tiger Lily where a prince is waiting for him. 

 

~~~~

 

“I thought you got cold feet,” Jungkook says as Seokjin walks up to him. 

 

Seokjin laughs, feeling the chilly air. He reaches Jungkook’s side and they start walking with Jungkook leading. “Why didn’t you wait inside?” Though winter has just started, it’s as cold as it would be in the middle of winter. 

 

“I wanted to see if you would actually come,” Jungkook says, glancing at him. 

 

He doesn’t look like he’s playing around and that makes Seokjin deflate. Did Jungkook worry that Seokjin wouldn’t come to see him as they planned? Seokjin nudges lightly at Jungkook with his shoulder, “I wouldn’t leave you like that.” He looks down to where the snow is piling up. 

 

Jungkook’s shoes are completely covered in snow, proving that he has been waiting outside for some time now. ‘He really did wait for me. Now I feel bad for falling asleep. I must’ve made him wait longer,’ Seokjin thinks. 

 

They reach the doors to a room and Jungkook opens it, letting Seokjin enter first. Seokjin enters and the warmth immediately envelops him. There’s a fireplace which is crackling with heat. The curtains are drawn. The room is lit up by the fireplace, lanterns, and mainly candles. In front of the fire is a big mattress with a bunch of pillows and blankets. 

 

Seokjin giggles, tugging off his coat. “What is this? A slumber party?” 

 

Jungkook shuts the door, taking his coat and hanging it. “I prefer the term, ‘Jeon’s Fortress,’” he says exaggeratedly. Seokjin giggles again. Jungkook takes off his coat and goes over to the fire, Seokjin tailing him. “I had my servants make hot cocoa,” he grabs a tray with two cups and a pitcher on it.

 

“Hot cocoa?” Seokjin repeats, the drink a mystery to him. 

 

“It’s a drink from Prince Clarence’s kingdom,” Jungkook sets the tray down on the floor, sitting on the mattress. Seokjin sits down as well, intrigued by the new drink. “It’s warm and sweet. Perfect for this kind of weather,” he pours brown liquid into two cups, handing one to Seokjin. 

 

Seokjin takes it eagerly. The drink is warm, warming up his hands. “Cheers to Jeon’s Fortress,” Seokjin cheers, raising his cup to clink with Jungkook. He blows softly on the drink before taking a sip. 

 

The drink isn’t as hot and doesn’t burn his tongue. Yet, it’s warm enough to make Seokjin smile. “It’s warm and sweet, just like you…” Seokjin glances at Jungkook who’s staring back at him, eyes wide. Seokjin’s own eyes widen. “Said,” he finishes. 

 

‘It’s warm and sweet, just like you said,’ Seokjin repeats in his head. ‘That’s what I meant to say…’

 

Jungkook sets his cup of hot cocoa down, reaching for something off to the side. Seokjin takes another sip of the drink, enjoying the taste and burning from what he said earlier. 

 

“My song for you is ready,” Jungkook pulls out his hulusi. “Would you like to hear it?” 

 

With everything that’s been going on, Seokjin had forgotten about that. He nods excitedly, “I’d love to.” 

 

Jungkook smiles then bring the flute to his lips. He starts playing, the melody pretty and serene. As he plays, the notes of the instrument bring their gazes to each other. You’d think Seokjin would’ve gotten used to the sound of the hulusi by now but he has not. 

 

The melody of this song’s emotions run deeper than the others as if telling a story. A story of two people who found each other when they needed it most. A tale of two princes who saw none of the gold in the palace and only each other. 

 

Jungkook lets his eyes close as the song draws to an end. Seokjin doesn’t wait for a second to pass, applauding straight away. “That was magnificent, Jungkook,” Seokjin praises. 

 

Jungkook ducks his head and sheepishly, “You think so?” 

 

“I know so!” Seokjin exclaims. He clasps his hands together, “If you had played that for the whole kingdom to hear, you would’ve serenaded all the hearts that haven’t been claimed.” 

 

‘Whoever gets to be your partner will be very lucky,’ Seokjin unknowingly thinks.

 

Jungkook smiles a little, the smile shining brighter in his eyes than it does his lips, “Is your heart claimed, Seokjin?” 

 

Seokjin feels his heart beat at the mention. He turns away from Jungkook, picking up his cup of hot cocoa. He takes a sip, ignoring the elated feeling that’s seeping into him. Ignoring the cause of it. “Actually, your personality might scare them away,” Seokjin decides to joke instead. 

 

Jungkook feigns a look of hurt while Seokjin burst into laughter all the while knowing that Jungkook’s personality is the selling point. 

 

~~~~

 

“Say,” Jungkook turns to Seokjin. “When will you play your song for me?” He takes a humongous bite from the pancake in his hand. 

 

“When would you like me to?” Seokjin asks, taking the last pancake in the basket and nibbling on it. 

 

“How about…” Jungkook pretends to think but Seokjin can see that he already has a date in mind. “Tomorrow?” 

 

Seokjin’s taken back by his suggested date. “Tomorrow? But we’re already seeing each other today. In three days work better,” Seokjin decides. 

 

Jungkook looks disappointed by this, eyes casting downwards. “Then why did you even ask for what I want,” he mumbles. 

 

Seokjin chews on the pancake slowly before swallowing it and his pride. “We can meet tomorrow.” 

 

“Really?” Jungkook’s puppy eyes go away and he doesn’t even look like he was hurt in the first place. 

 

“No,” Seokjin takes back. “You were just pretending to be sad, weren’t you?” 

 

“What? I…” Jungkook stammers as Seokjin throws a glare at him. “Guilty as charged,” Jungkook shrugs. He scoots closer to Seokjin, “May I get a bite?” 

 

Seokjin scoffs, “Did you forget what just happened?” 

 

Jungkook smiles sheepishly, “I did want to meet up tomorrow. That part was no lie.” He leans back on his hands, the mattress dipping. “But if you don’t, that’s perfectly understandable.” 

 

“Perfectly understandable?” Seokjin repeats, quirking a brow. Jungkook nods, smiling. Seokjin looks back at the last pancake in his hand. He holds it out to him, “Say ‘aah’.” 

 

Jungkook breaks out into a grin before playing along, “Aah…” Seokjin brings it closer to him, scooting forward, making the mattress dip more. Jungkook bites into it and Seokjin can hear the satisfying crunch as he breaks the surface. As he chews, Seokjin takes a bite himself. 

 

They alternate between bites until there is only one left. Rightfully, the last bite belongs to Jungkook since Seokjin ate the second to last bite but he decides to not give it up so easily. 

 

As Jungkook comes in to take the last bite, Seokjin moves it away from him. Jungkook looks lost as he does this, tilting his head at Seokjin’s action. “Let me have the last bite,” Seokjin tells him, opening his mouth and bringing the last of the pancake close. 

 

“W-wait…” Jungkook stammers, taking hold of his wrist stop the pancake from entering his mouth. “But you had the bite before this one,” he reasons. 

 

“Yes, but this pancake was mine from the start. I just shared it with you,” Seokjin says stuck-up on purpose. Jungkook doesn’t object so Seokjin moves his mouth closer to the pancake. Yet, before he could do so, Jungkook’s hand that was holding his wrist, jerks to the side, making him miss. Seokjin gasp at the defiant prince. “Jungkook,” he scolds. 

 

The two get into a tug-of-war with the last pancake bite. “Give it to me, please?” Jungkook asks, bringing back his puppy eyes. 

 

“Never,” Seokjin rejects, grinning as Jungkook pouts. Jungkook tries to pull the pancake out of his hold but Seokjin also pulls back. Jungkook lets go and Seokjin falls back, hitting the mattress. 

 

Jungkook climbs over him, putting an arm and leg on each side of Seokjin, caging him in. “I’ll ask nicely,” Jungkook pauses. “Give me.” 

 

Seokjin blubbers, “That wasn’t nice at all.” 

 

Jungkook laughs, “Well, who’s the one trapped and with nowhere to run.” He gazes into Seokjin’s eyes which look frantically for a way out. 

 

Realizing that his hand is free from Jungkook’s grip, Seokjin brings the pancake to his mouth, biting into it. He raises his brows smugly at Jungkook. The pancake was still between his teeth. 

 

Jungkook chuckles under his breath, shaking his head at Seokjin’s tactic. His eyes glaze over Seokjin who still has victory plaster over his face. Then they stop at Seokjin’s mouth which is still holding the pancake for Seokjin has not eaten it, only put it between his teeth. 

 

Seokjin’s heart starts to race as Jungkook lowers his head. He urges his hands to push against Jungkook’s chest but they are still at his side, just as curious as he is to what Jungkook’s going to do. 

 

Jungkook’s eyes are only on the pancake. He stops when there’s only a centimeter left between them. He tilts his head, parting his lips and taking a bite of the pancake, stealing it and leaving Seokjin with nothing in his mouth. 

 

Seokjin’s eyes bulge and he feels like his heart’s about to jump out at any moment. Jungkook lifts his head slightly as he chews on the stolen pancake piece. His eyes land on Seokjin’s. Seokjin blinks but he doesn’t look away. 

 

Jungkook doesn’t look away as well nor does he move away. Instead of holding himself up with his hands, he leans further down with his forearms now resting on the mattress. 

 

Seokjin doesn’t know what to do. Doesn’t know what Jungkook’s intending. Doesn’t know why he’s not pushing Jungkook away. Again, Jungkook lowers his head, eyes only on Seokjin. Nowhere else. No one else. 

 

Like before when Seokjin had the pancake in his mouth, Jungkook tilts his head, bringing his lips closer to his. Yet, this time there was no pancake. Seokjin’s mind is blank and only in this moment. And in this moment, he doesn’t think to push Jungkook away. 

 

“Your Highness,” a servant calls, knocking on the door. 

 

Jungkook flinches, sitting up straight away. “Yes,” he answers, standing up and making his way towards the door. Seokjin’s brain stutters and he doesn’t move until he hears the click of the door. 

 

He sits up, wrapping the blanket around him and staring into the fireplace. ‘What just happened?’ he thinks as he pulls the blanket closer around him. 

 

With one last murmur, the servant leaves and the door clicks as Jungkook shuts it. Seokjin peers at Jungkook who doesn’t sit back down with him. “I didn’t realize the time but it’s quite dark now. You should head back before Hyeon starts to worry.” 

 

“You’re right,” Seokjin stands up and they go to the door. Jungkook opens it and Seokjin’s reminded of the winter outside. He turns to Jungkook, “I’ll see you in three days?” 

 

Jungkook shakes his head, “Actually, I’m going to be busy for the rest of the week.”

 

“Oh, I see,” Seokjin tries his best to hide his disappointment. 

 

“But we can meet again after I’m done with all this prince stuff,” Jungkook tells him with a small smile. Seokjin beams, smiling as well. 

 

~~~~

 

Seokjin has absolutely nothing to do as he waits until Jungkook’s duties are done. He spends most of his days reading the book written by Kim Namjoon. Seokjin disliked it at first for its focus on romance and destiny. Somehow, he’s now more intrigued by it and has been reading nonstop. 

 

‘Against all odds, against their personas, they glanced at each other through the bustling crowd. Eyes trained on each other despite the chaos. Their hearts dancing to a beat only they knew.’

 

“Hearts dancing to a beat only they knew…” Seokjin whispers, looking towards the Palace of Tiger Lily. He doesn’t hold his thoughts back as they transition into the face of the young prince. Comparing to how he looked like when Seokjin first saw him to now, Seokjin lets out a soft chuckle. 

 

Though their time together has not even been a year, he has already grown up so much. His icy features have now melted, revealing a sometimes irksome boy who beneath the surface, is sensitive, humble, and caring. 

 

“What are you thinking of?” Seokjin comes out of his stupor, wiping the smile off his face. He turns around. 

 

Hyeon greets his vision. “Nothing,” Seokjin simply says, returning to his book. 

 

“I didn’t know ‘nothing’ could make His Royal Highness so happy,” Hyeon teases. She sits on the floor, staring up at Seokjin. “What is it? You can tell me anything, Your Royal Highness,” she bubbles, interested in what’s making him so delighted. 

 

“As I said, it’s nothing,” Seokjin insists again, despite the overwhelming emotion of sharing with someone how fun and funny Jungkook is. 

 

~~~~

 

Seokjin fiddles with his fingers as he debates whether to just walk in or wait until a servant comes to his aid. Last week when he last met up with Jungkook has been well over by now. 

 

It’s been four days into the new week yet Seokjin has not heard a single word from Jungkook. He’s been literally digging into all of his meals in hopes that Jungkook left a note. No notes were found. 

 

Seokjin doesn’t even see Jungkook around the Imperial Palace. It’s as if he vanished into thin air. 

 

Just as Seokjin was about to return to the Palace of Rumex, he spots Jungkook walking into a room. He shuts the door behind him, oblivious to Seokjin. 

 

“Your Royal Highness,” one of Jungkook’s servants spots him. She comes to Seokjin’s side, bowing. “What brings you to the Palace of Tiger Lily?” 

 

Seokjin offers a kind smile, “I came to pay His Highness a visit.”

 

The servant lowers her head, “I’m sorry but His Highness is not here.”

 

Seokjin’s surprised at her words for he just saw that Jungkook is here. He wasn’t imagining it. “I thought I just saw him…” Seokjin speaks uneasily, not sure if he did see Jungkook. 

 

However, the servant’s reaction to his words tells him that he is correct and Jungkook is here. She struggles to come up with something but Seokjin doesn’t continue his suspicion. “It’s alright. I’ll just come another time,” he smiles as if unbothered before turning and walking away.

 

‘Why is Jungkook avoiding me?’ he thinks grimly.