Chapter Text

The first snow had melted long ago, leaving behind a forest washed in emerald and gold.

Nestled at the edge of the kingdom stood a tiny wooden cottage with smoke curling lazily from its chimney. It was humble enough that travellers often mistook it for an abandoned hunter's cabin, yet every flower blooming around it had been planted by careful hands.

Jeon Jungkook knelt beside a patch of white lilies, brushing dirt from his palms.

His long golden hair slipped over one shoulder like silk, reaching almost to his waist. The sunlight caught every strand until it glowed, making him seem almost unreal against the green fields.

He sighed quietly.The lilies had bloomed early this year.

"They're beautiful, aren't they?"

His father smiled as he approached, carrying a bundle of freshly chopped wood over one shoulder.

Jeon Junghyun was a simple woodcutter.

Years of labour had hardened his hands and bent his back slightly, but his smile remained as warm as the hearth inside their little home.

"They are."

Jungkook carefully straightened one of the stems before standing.

"I'll prepare lunch."

Junghyun watched his son disappear inside the cottage.

His smile slowly faded.

Thirty years.

His precious omega had reached thirty years of age.

In the kingdom of Joseon, omegas were usually promised before twenty. Twenty five was already considered late.

Thirty...

People whispered cruel things.

Too old.

Too difficult.

Past childbearing prime.

A burden.

Junghyun had heard every word.Never once had Jungkook complained.

Never once had he asked why no one wanted him.

He simply continued cooking meals, tending flowers, stitching clothes and waiting for another year to pass.

Junghyun hated himself for it.

If only he had possessed wealth.If only he had owned land.

If only his beloved wife had survived the fever fifteen years ago.

Perhaps their son would have lived a different life.

Inside the cottage, Jungkook quietly arranged bowls on the table.

He could hear his father's axe outside.

One.

Two.

Three.

The rhythm had become the soundtrack of his life.

He paused, staring at his own reflection in the water basin.

His mother used to call him beautiful.

She would braid his golden hair while humming old lullabies.

"You'll make someone very happy one day."

He smiled sadly.

She had been wrong.

Several days later, the sound of horses shattered the peaceful silence.

Junghyun stepped outside first.

Nearly twenty royal guards stood before the cottage.Behind them waited a magnificent carriage bearing the crest of the royal family.

Villagers slowly gathered nearby.

Whispers spread immediately.

"What are royal guards doing here?"

"Did the woodcutter commit a crime?"

"Has something happened?"

The captain stepped forward.

"Jeon Junghyun?"

"I am."

"I bring a decree from His Majesty."

Junghyun's face drained of colour.

His Majesty?

Why would the King know his name?

The captain unrolled an elegant scroll sealed with crimson wax.

"I have come bearing a marriage proposal."

Silence.

Even the birds seemed to stop singing.

"A... what?"

"A marriage proposal."

Junghyun blinked.

"I believe you have mistaken the house."

"I have not."

The captain smiled politely.

"His Majesty, King Kim Taehyung, wishes to marry your son, Jeon Jungkook."

The villagers gasped.

Someone dropped their basket of apples.Junghyun simply stared.

"...My son?"

"Yes."

"But... we're commoners."

"The King's decision has already been approved by Their Majesties, the former King and Queen."

Junghyun remained frozen.

"This... this cannot be real."

"It is."

The captain handed him the scroll.

"The royal family requests your answer."

Jungkook had watched everything from inside.His heart pounded painfully.

A proposal?

From the King?

Why?

He stepped outside only after the guards had left.His father still stood in the same place, gripping the scroll with trembling fingers.

"Father..."

Junghyun looked at him.

Tears had already filled the older man's eyes.

"They asked for your hand."

Jungkook's own breathing stopped.

"They..."

"The King wishes to marry you."

The words sounded impossible.

Jungkook shook his head.

"There must be a mistake."

"There isn't."

"He has never met me."

Junghyun nodded slowly.

"I know."

"Then why?"

Neither of them had an answer.

Three days later.

The royal carriage returned.

This time, it carried two unexpected guests.

The former King.

And the former Queen.

The elderly royal couple stepped down before anyone could bow.The Queen approached Jungkook first.Her eyes softened instantly.

"So this is him."

She smiled as though she had found something precious.

"Just as everyone said."

Jungkook immediately lowered himself into a respectful bow.

"Your Majesty..."

"Oh, child."

The Queen gently lifted his chin.

"No need to be frightened."

Jungkook couldn't even raise his eyes.

"I apologise if I have somehow..."

"There is nothing to apologise for."

The former King chuckled.

"My son has been stubborn for months."

Jungkook looked up in confusion.

The Queen laughed softly.

"He heard stories about a kind omega living near the western forest."

"He ignored every noble family's proposals after that."

"He insisted on sending one to you."

Jungkook blinked.

"...Stories?"

The former King nodded.

"Travellers often rested here."

"They always spoke about the beautiful omega who treated strangers with kindness."

"An old merchant said you gave him food during winter despite having very little yourself."

"A lost child said you walked through the forest at night to help him find his parents."

"The village healer told us you spent weeks caring for sick elders without asking for payment."

The Queen smiled warmly.

"My son listened to every story."

Jungkook felt heat rush into his cheeks.

"I merely did what anyone should."

The former King laughed.

"You would be surprised how rare that is."

The Queen gently took Jungkook's hands.

"Our Taehyung does not care that you are older."

"He does not care that you were born a commoner."

"He simply wishes to marry the kindest soul he has ever heard about."

Jungkook's eyes widened.

No one had ever spoken about him like that.

His throat tightened.

"I..."

The Queen noticed the uncertainty immediately.

"My child."

"You may refuse."

Both Junghyun and Jungkook stared.

She smiled gently.

"You are not being purchased."

"You are not being ordered."

"If your answer is no, we shall leave peacefully."

Jungkook looked between the royal couple and his father.

His father...Was crying.

Not because he wanted to send his son away.Because someone had finally looked at Jungkook and seen his worth.Junghyun quickly wiped his tears.

"My son."

"The choice is yours."

"No matter what."

Jungkook looked down at their joined hands.

For thirty years...

No one had ever chosen him.

Not once.

His voice came out barely above a whisper.

"...May I meet His Majesty first?"

The former Queen's smile became impossibly bright.

"Of course."

The journey to the capital took nearly two days.

Jungkook had insisted on riding in the simpler carriage prepared for him and his father rather than the lavish royal one.

"It feels wasteful," he had murmured.

The former Queen had only smiled.

"It was prepared for you."

"Still..."

She had not argued further.

Instead, she quietly instructed the servants to decorate the simpler carriage with soft cushions and fresh flowers.

Jungkook noticed the change only after they had begun travelling.

His fingers brushed over the embroidered blankets.

"They did not have to do this."

Junghyun chuckled softly.

"They wished to."

Jungkook lowered his gaze.

"They are spending too much because of me."

His father sighed.

"My son."

"You always think like that."

"...Because it is true."

"No."

Junghyun reached over, squeezing Jungkook's hand.

"You have spent your whole life worrying about taking from others."

"You never realised how much you give."

Jungkook smiled faintly.

"I only cook and clean."

"You comfort grieving neighbours."

"You gather herbs for the elderly."

"You stayed awake three nights beside old Lady Min when everyone else had gone home."

"You repaired children's clothes without asking for payment."

Junghyun's eyes softened.

"You have never been a burden."

Jungkook looked out of the carriage window before his father could notice the tears threatening to fall.

He wished he could believe those words.

The capital looked like something from a dream.

Stone walls stretched high into the sky.

Market streets overflowed with colourful fabrics, fragrant spices and musicians filling the air with cheerful melodies.People stopped walking when they noticed the royal procession.Whispers followed them.

"That must be the King's future consort."

"Isn't he older than His Majesty?"

"They say he came from a woodcutter's family."

"He is beautiful."

Jungkook shrank further into his seat.

He wished they would stop looking.

The palace was even more overwhelming.

Tall white pillars supported elegant roofs decorated with painted dragons.

Flowering trees lined every courtyard.Small streams flowed beneath graceful bridges carved from polished stone.

Servants bowed as Jungkook walked past.

He nearly bowed back.

The former Queen gently touched his shoulder.

"You don't have to bow to everyone anymore."

Jungkook looked horrified.

"But they greeted me."

She laughed softly.

"Then smile."

"So they know you appreciate them."

He nodded quickly.

That...

He could do.

Every servant who met his eyes received the gentlest smile.

By evening, half the palace staff were already whispering about how kind the future Queen Consort seemed.

Meanwhile.

Taehyung paced outside the eastern garden for what felt like the hundredth time.

"You've worn a path into the grass."

Namjoon watched him with barely concealed amusement.

"I'm nervous."

"You've fought wars."

"I know."

"You negotiated peace treaties."

"I know."

"You addressed every noble family in the kingdom."

"I know."

"So why are you panicking?"

Taehyung stopped walking.

"...What if he dislikes me?"

Namjoon blinked.

"What?"

"What if he expected someone wiser?"

"Or older?"

"What if he thinks I'm childish?"

Hoseok burst into laughter.

"Our mighty King."

"Terrified of one omega."

Taehyung frowned.

"He isn't just any omega."

"He agreed to leave his father because of me."

"I don't want him to regret it."

Namjoon smiled.

"You won't let him."

"No."

Taehyung answered immediately.

"I won't."

Seokjin entered the garden carrying a folded robe over one arm.

"Stop pacing."

Taehyung sighed.

"I can't."

"You've already changed clothes four times."

"This one wrinkles."

"The blue one made me look too serious."

"The red one looked arrogant."

"The white one..."

"Made you look like a prince from a romance novel."

Taehyung blinked.

"...Really?"

"No."

Seokjin rolled his eyes.

"It made you look exactly like yourself."

"Now stay still."

Jimin watched everything from the veranda.

His lips curved into a grin.

"I've never seen Hyung so flustered."

Yoongi stood beside him.

"He'll be fine."

"I know."

Jimin smiled warmly.

"He already loves him."

Yoongi looked at him.

"They haven't even met."

Jimin leaned against the railing.

"Sometimes..."

"You can care about someone before knowing them."

"You simply choose to discover the rest afterwards."

Yoongi quietly intertwined their fingers.

"I suppose that's true."

As the sun began to set, a servant approached Jungkook.

"His Majesty requests to meet you in the eastern garden."

Jungkook's heartbeat quickened.

He smoothed his robes for perhaps the tenth time.

Were they wrinkled?

Was his hair untidy?

Did he smell of travelling?

The servant smiled kindly.

"You look wonderful."

Jungkook nodded sheepishly.

"Thank you."

The eastern garden was quiet.

Cherry blossoms drifted gently across the stone pathways.

A small pond reflected the evening sky like glass.

Jungkook paused beneath an ancient willow tree.

Someone was already there.

Tall.

Broad shouldered.

Dark curls gently stirred by the breeze.

The young alpha wore simple royal robes instead of ceremonial ones.

No crown rested upon his head.

He looked...

Unexpectedly approachable.

Taehyung turned at the sound of footsteps.

Time seemed to stop.

Every rumour had failed to prepare him.

Golden hair flowed almost to Jungkook's waist.

His delicate features looked almost ethereal beneath the soft pink light of sunset.

Yet it was not his beauty that held Taehyung still.

It was his eyes.

Large.

Gentle.

Carrying a loneliness that made Taehyung's chest ache.

Jungkook quickly bowed.

"Your Majesty."

"No."

Taehyung hurried forward.

"Please don't kneel."

Jungkook froze.

"...Forgive me?"

"You don't have to kneel before me."

"But you're the King."

"And you're..."

Taehyung stopped.

His ears turned slightly pink.

"...You're Jungkook."

Jungkook looked up in confusion.

"...Yes?"

"I wanted to meet you."

The silence that followed became painfully awkward.

Taehyung mentally panicked.

Say something.

Anything.

"You..."

Jungkook waited politely.

"...Have very pretty hair."

Taehyung wanted the ground to swallow him whole.

That was the first thing he had said?

Jungkook blinked.

Then...

To everyone's surprise.

He laughed.

It wasn't loud.

Just a tiny, surprised laugh that escaped before he could stop it.

Taehyung stared.

"There."

Jungkook immediately covered his mouth.

"I'm sorry."

"Did I offend you?"

"No."

Taehyung smiled so brightly it almost rivalled the sunset.

"You laughed."

Jungkook looked embarrassed.

"I did."

"I like your laugh."

The omega's cheeks slowly turned pink.

...

They walked together through the garden.

Neither knew how to begin.

Finally, Jungkook spoke.

"Why me?"

Taehyung answered without hesitation.

"Because everyone who met you became happier afterwards."

Jungkook frowned slightly.

"I don't understand."

"I asked travellers about you."

"You always helped people."

"You never expected anything in return."

Taehyung looked ahead.

"A kingdom needs a kind ruler."

"You are already one."

"I want one beside me too."

Jungkook remained quiet.

After a while he whispered,

"But I'm old."

Taehyung stopped walking.

"...Old?"

"I'm thirty."

"So?"

"You are twenty seven."

"...Yes."

"You could marry someone younger."

"I could."

"Someone stronger."

"I suppose."

"Someone from a noble family."

"I could."

Jungkook lowered his eyes.

"They would suit you better."

Taehyung stared at him for a long moment.

Then asked very seriously,

"Do you know what my favourite season is?"

Jungkook blinked.

"...No."

"It's autumn."

"...I see."

"Everyone loves spring."

"They say flowers bloom then."

"But autumn has quieter colours."

"Golden forests.Cool winds.Harvest festivals.My father always said autumn arrives later than spring."

His smile softened.

"That never made it less beautiful."

Jungkook forgot how to breathe.

Taehyung looked directly into his eyes.

"You came into my life later than others expected.I don't think that makes you any less wonderful."

Jungkook quickly looked away.

His vision blurred.

No one...No one had ever answered him like that.

Taehyung became alarmed.

"Did I say something wrong?"

"N... no."

"You look like you're about to cry."

"I'm not."

"You are."

"I apologise."

"There you go apologising again."

Jungkook sniffled softly.

"I'm sorry."

Taehyung sighed dramatically.

"I've known you for less than half an hour.You've apologised four times."

Jungkook's face flushed crimson.

"...Was it really four?"

"I counted."

For the first time in many years...

Jungkook laughed without immediately feeling guilty.The sound echoed gently through the garden.Hidden behind nearby trees, Jimin quietly smiled.

"I think they'll be alright."

Yoongi nodded once.

"They already look comfortable together."

Neither noticed Seokjin discreetly wiping away a tear.

The palace had gained a future queen.

More importantly, Taehyung had found someone who smiled differently when he was near.

And perhaps...

Jungkook had met the first person who looked at him without seeing his age.

Only Jungkook.

The palace woke before sunrise.

Servants moved through quiet corridors carrying trays of fresh fruit, warm bread and steaming tea. Guards changed shifts beneath the pale morning sky while cooks prepared breakfast for the royal family.

Jungkook had been awake long before any of them.

Years of living beside the forest had made early mornings second nature.

He stood on the balcony outside his chambers, his golden hair dancing with the breeze as he watched the first rays of sunlight spill over the palace gardens.

It was beautiful.

Far more beautiful than he had imagined.

Yet...

His chest felt strangely heavy.Everything around him was too grand.The embroidered robes laid out for him.The jewellery resting inside carved wooden boxes.

The soft bed that was larger than the cottage he had shared with his father.

None of it felt like it belonged to him.

A gentle knock interrupted his thoughts.

"My lord?"

A young omega servant entered after receiving permission.

"I have brought your breakfast."

Jungkook immediately hurried over.

"You carried all of this alone?"

The servant smiled.

"It is my duty."

"You should have asked someone to help."

"I am quite alright."

Jungkook instinctively reached for the tray.

"I can take it."

The servant's eyes widened.

"My lord, please."

"You mustn't."

"But your arms look tired."

"It is improper."

Jungkook hesitated before slowly letting go.

"...I apologise."

"There is no need."

The servant bowed before leaving.

As soon as the door closed, Jungkook quietly sighed.

He had already embarrassed himself.

Half an hour later.

The same servant was nearly tackled by three other palace attendants.

"How was he?"

"Is he frightening?"

"Does he act like the nobles?"

The young omega shook his head so quickly that his hair came loose.

"He apologised to me."

"What?"

"He tried carrying his own breakfast because he thought I looked tired."

The room fell silent.

Then one of the older servants smiled warmly.

"He really is as kind as everyone says."

Across the palace...Taehyung was losing a battle.

"No."

Seokjin folded his arms.

"You are not skipping breakfast."

"I'm not hungry."

"You said the same yesterday."

"I'll eat later."

"No."

Taehyung sighed dramatically.

"When did you become so bossy?"

"The day your father appointed me royal advisor."

Namjoon laughed into his tea.

"You did this to yourself."

Taehyung pointed accusingly.

"I expected support."

"You'll receive it."

Hoseok grinned.

"After breakfast."

Before Taehyung could answer, a servant entered.

"Your Majesty."

"The future Queen Consort has already awakened."

Taehyung immediately stood.

"He has?"

"He is currently in his chambers."

"I'll..."

Seokjin cleared his throat.

"...Sit down."

Taehyung blinked.

"What?"

"You look as though you're about to sprint there."

"I was only going to greet him."

"After breakfast."

Taehyung slowly sat back down like a scolded child.

The former King chuckled behind his teacup.

"My son."

"You've been married for exactly zero days."

"You'll survive another fifteen minutes."

Jungkook wandered through one of the palace courtyards after breakfast.

He did not wish to trouble anyone.The gardens reminded him of home.

Different flowers.

Different trees.

Yet the scent of earth remained comforting.He noticed an elderly gardener struggling to lift a heavy watering barrel.

Without thinking, Jungkook hurried over.

"Please let me help."

"My lord!"

The old man nearly dropped the bucket in shock.

"You shouldn't..."

"It's alright."

Jungkook smiled.

"I've carried heavier."

Together they finished watering the flowerbeds.The gardener kept glancing around nervously.

"If someone sees..."

"They'll simply see two people taking care of flowers."

Jungkook answered with another gentle smile.

The gardener's eyes softened.

"You truly don't act like royalty."

"I've never been royalty."

Unfortunately...Someone had seen.

"Unbelievable."

A sharp voice echoed across the courtyard.

Jungkook turned.

Three noble ladies stood beneath the stone archway.Each wore expensive silks embroidered with silver thread.

The eldest looked him over slowly.

"So this is the common omega."

Jungkook bowed politely.

"Good morning."

She ignored the greeting.

"I expected someone younger."

Another lady laughed quietly.

"They say His Majesty rejected dozens of noble proposals."

"For this?"

Jungkook's fingers tightened around the watering bucket.

The youngest tilted her head.

"I almost pity him."

"He'll spend his youth caring for an ageing mate."

Their laughter echoed across the garden.

Jungkook lowered his head.

"I'm sorry if my presence displeases you."

"It certainly does."

"You should have refused."

"You know people are laughing, don't you?"

"They're wondering how desperate an omega must be to marry at thirty."

Each word landed like another stone against his heart.He had heard these things before.Since he was twenty six.

Twenty seven.

Twenty eight.

Twenty nine.

Now thirty.

He had thought becoming part of the royal family might silence those whispers.

Instead...They had simply grown louder.

"Excuse me."

The voice that interrupted them was calm.

Very calm.

Too calm.

The noblewomen turned.

Taehyung stood at the entrance of the courtyard.Namjoon and Hoseok followed several steps behind.

The King had clearly heard enough.

The eldest noble immediately bowed.

"Your Majesty."

Taehyung walked directly past them.

He stopped beside Jungkook first.

"Are you alright?"

Jungkook forced a small smile.

"I'm fine."

"You don't look fine."

"I am."

Taehyung looked into his eyes.

The omega was smiling.

But his scent...It carried sadness.

Taehyung turned towards the noblewomen.His expression remained gentle.His voice did not rise.

"Repeat what you said."

The eldest hesitated.

"Your Majesty..."

"I asked you to repeat it."

Silence.

No one moved.

Finally she whispered,

"We merely..."

"You implied my future husband is undesirable because he is thirty."

No answer.

Taehyung nodded once.

"I see."

He looked towards Namjoon.

"General."

Namjoon stepped forward.

"Your Majesty."

"Remove Lady Han and her companions from the palace."

Their faces turned white.

"Your Majesty!"

"They are not to attend court for six months."

"My King, we meant no harm."

Taehyung's voice remained calm.

"You mocked someone who has shown you nothing but respect."

"You insulted the person I chose."

"If you cannot respect my future husband, you cannot respect your King."

The eldest lady fell to her knees.

"Please forgive us."

Taehyung simply answered,

"My decision stands."

The guards escorted them away.

Only after they had disappeared did Taehyung look back at Jungkook.

"I'm sorry."

Jungkook stared.

"...Why are you apologising?"

"They upset you."

"But I..."

"You shouldn't have had to hear those words."

Jungkook looked down.

"They weren't wrong."

Taehyung frowned.

"They were."

"I'm older."

"Yes."

"I'm from a commoner's family."

"Yes."

"I don't know royal customs."

"You'll learn."

Jungkook's voice became very quiet.

"...You deserve someone better."

Taehyung sighed.

"There it is again."

Jungkook blinked.

"What?"

"You keep deciding what I deserve."

"I..."

"I am perfectly capable of deciding that myself."

Taehyung smiled gently.

"And I chose you."

Jungkook felt his throat tighten.

Taehyung noticed the watering bucket still resting in Jungkook's hands.

"Were you helping in the garden?"

"The gardener needed assistance."

Taehyung looked towards the elderly gardener.

"Thank you for allowing him to help."

The old man looked horrified.

"Your Majesty, I never intended..."

Taehyung laughed.

"I wasn't being sarcastic."

The gardener slowly relaxed.

"I simply couldn't stop him."

"I believe that."

Taehyung glanced at Jungkook with amused affection.

"He seems determined once he makes up his mind."

Jungkook's ears turned pink.

"I only wished to help."

"I know."

Taehyung reached out without thinking and gently brushed a speck of soil from Jungkook's cheek.

"There."

The touch lasted only a second.

Barely enough to register.

Yet Jungkook froze.No one had touched him with such effortless tenderness in years.

Taehyung smiled, completely unaware of the effect he had caused.

"Would you like to have tea with me?"

Jungkook looked up.

"Just tea?"

"Just tea."

"And perhaps some honey cakes."

"I heard they're your favourite."

Jungkook blinked in surprise.

"How did you know?"

Taehyung looked suddenly guilty.

"I... may have asked the former Queen."

Jungkook laughed softly.

"You investigated me quite thoroughly."

"A little."

"A little?"

"Perhaps... more than a little."

His sheepish smile made Jungkook laugh again.

For the first time since arriving at the palace, the knot in his chest loosened.

Perhaps...

Just perhaps...

This place might one day feel like home.

The palace gardens were quieter after the noblewomen had been escorted away.

Only the fountain continued its endless song, the water glimmering beneath the afternoon sun.

Jungkook stood still.

His fingers remained wrapped around the empty watering pail, though he no longer realised he was holding it.

He had been insulted before.Many times.He had learned how to smile through it.

How to lower his head.How to apologise for existing.

But...

No one had ever stood in front of him.No one had ever chosen him over nobles with powerful families.

The feeling settled strangely in his chest.

It frightened him.

Taehyung noticed Jungkook had become unusually quiet.

They had walked all the way to the pavilion overlooking the lotus pond, yet the omega had barely spoken.

He wondered if he had handled the situation poorly.

Perhaps he had embarrassed Jungkook instead.

Perhaps removing those ladies from court had been too much.

He had never been particularly skilled at guessing what people were thinking.

Especially not the beautiful omega sitting across from him, carefully cradling a porcelain teacup with both hands as though afraid it might break.

For several moments, neither of them spoke.

The silence was comfortable.

Almost.

Until Jungkook quietly broke it.

"...Your Majesty."

Taehyung looked up immediately.

"You've been calling me that all day."

His voice was gentle.

"But I was hoping, when we're alone, you might call me Taehyung."

Jungkook nearly dropped his teacup.

"...I beg your pardon?"

"It feels strange."

Taehyung rubbed the back of his neck.

"We're... going to be married."

"I don't want my husband to sound like he's speaking to a stranger every time he says my name."

Jungkook stared at him.

His husband.

The word settled heavily inside his heart.

"...I don't think I can."

Taehyung blinked.

"Why?"

"Because..."

Jungkook looked down at the ripples in his tea.

"It feels disrespectful."

"I've spent thirty years being taught to lower my head before nobles."

"You are not only a noble."

"You are the King."

"My King."

His voice softened until it was barely audible.

"I don't think these habits can disappear so easily."

Taehyung listened without interrupting.

When Jungkook finally fell silent, he smiled.

"Then I won't rush you."

The omega looked up.

"If it takes a week, I'll wait."

"If it takes a year, I'll wait."

"If it takes ten years..."

He laughed quietly.

"...I might become a little impatient."

That earned him a tiny smile.

"But I'll still wait."

Jungkook's eyes shimmered.

"...Why?"

Taehyung frowned slightly.

"Why what?"

"Why are you so patient with me?"

The question sounded genuine.

Not teasing.

Not doubtful.

Simply...

Confused.

As though kindness itself was something difficult to understand.

Taehyung's smile slowly faded.

He rested his elbows on the wooden table.

"...Can I ask you something instead?"

Jungkook nodded.

"When was the last time someone waited for you?"

The omega blinked.

"...What?"

"When was the last time someone told you they didn't mind waiting?"

Jungkook opened his mouth.

Then closed it.

He searched his memories.

His father...

His father had always waited for him.

Always.

But outside of him...

No one.

No proposals.

No courtship.

No promises.

Only whispers that he had already become too old.

Too late.

Too unwanted.

Taehyung seemed to understand the answer before Jungkook spoke.

His expression softened with quiet sadness.

"I thought so."

A breeze drifted through the pavilion.Cherry blossom petals landed between them.Taehyung picked one up carefully.

"I think people spend too much time worrying about whether flowers bloom early or late."

Jungkook watched him.

"They forget to admire them once they finally do."

His fingers turned the tiny pink petal over.

"I don't care that we met when you were thirty."

"I only regret that we didn't meet when you were twenty."

His voice became quieter.

"Because maybe..."

He smiled sadly.

"Maybe I could have spent those ten years making sure no one ever convinced you that your age determined your worth."

Jungkook's breath caught.

The words struck somewhere deep inside him.

Somewhere he had hidden away years ago.

He looked away quickly.

His eyes burned.

"...You speak as though I'm someone precious."

Taehyung answered so quickly that it almost startled him.

"You are."

"No."

"You are."

"I'm only..."

Jungkook swallowed.

"A woodcutter's son."

"So?"

"I have no education."

"So?"

"I don't understand palace etiquette."

"I can teach you."

"I'm older."

"I know."

"My scent isn't as sweet as younger omegas."

Taehyung actually looked confused.

"...Who told you that?"

Jungkook hesitated.

"...People."

Taehyung sighed.

"I wish people came with warning labels."

The omega blinked.

"So I'd know not to listen to them."

A laugh escaped Jungkook before he could stop it.

It was brighter this time.

Warmer.

Taehyung's face lit up immediately.

"There it is again."

Jungkook covered his mouth.

"What?"

"That laugh."

"You laugh like you've forgotten you're allowed to."

The smile slowly disappeared from Jungkook's lips.

He whispered,

"...Maybe I have."

Silence settled between them.

Heavy.

Taehyung's chest tightened painfully.

He wanted to fix it.

Not because Jungkook was beautiful.

Not because he was about to become King Consort.

But because no one should say something like that with such quiet acceptance.

He reached across the table.

Slowly.

Giving Jungkook every chance to move away.

When the omega didn't, Taehyung gently placed his hand over Jungkook's.

His palm was warm.

Calloused.

The hands of a king who still trained with a sword every morning.

Jungkook stared at their joined hands.

He had expected strength.

He hadn't expected gentleness.

"I know we've only just met."

Taehyung spoke softly.

"And I know trust isn't something I can ask for."

"It's something I have to earn."

"So I won't ask you to believe me today."

"Or tomorrow."

"But I want you to remember one thing."

Jungkook slowly looked up.

Those warm brown eyes met his without hesitation.

"As long as you're beside me..."

"You will never have to earn your place."

"You already have it."

Jungkook felt something inside him crack.

A wall.Built over years.Layer after layer.One cruel word at a time.

He lowered his head quickly.

"I'm sorry..."

His voice trembled.

"I..."

"I don't know why I'm crying."

Taehyung smiled sadly.

"I think you do."

Neither of them mentioned the tears that slipped quietly down Jungkook's cheeks.

Sometimes...

Being treated gently hurt more than cruelty.

Because it made someone realise just how little gentleness they had received before.

From the doorway of the pavilion, Seokjin watched unnoticed.

His gaze lingered on the pair.

Then he smiled to himself.

For the first time since Taehyung had announced his decision to marry a common omega, Seokjin finally understood.

The King had not chosen Jungkook because of his beauty.

He had chosen him because every word he spoke made Taehyung instinctively want to protect the parts of him that the world had slowly convinced were unworthy of love.

And perhaps...

That was exactly what Jungkook had needed all along.

TBC. . . . . .