You're so golden

Posted originally on the Archive of Our Own at http://archiveofourown.org/works/33226285.

Rating: Explicit
Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: M/M
Fandom: 방탄소년단 | Bangtan Boys | BTS
Relationship: Jeon Jungkook/Kim Taehyung | V
Characters: Jeon Jungkook, Kim Taehyung | V, Park Jimin (BTS), Jung Hoseok | J-
Hope, Min Yoongi | Suga, Kim Seokjin | Jin, Kim Namjoon | RM,
Original Characters
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Royalty, Inspired by The Selection Series, Modern
Royalty, Royalty, Kim Taehyung | V as Maxon Schreave, Jeon Jungkook
as America Singer, Mentions of Violence, Mentions of attacks, Mentions
of War, Mentions of Blood, Minor Character Death, Castes, Prince Kim
Taehyung | V, Florist Jeon Jungkook, Hate to Love, But Not Really
Really Hate, And Just One Sided, and temporary, Friends to Lovers, Best
Friends to Lovers, Kim Taehyung | V is Whipped, Jeon Jungkook is Bad
at Feelings, Idiots in Love, they just don't know it yet, Slow Romance,
Falling In Love, A lot of metaphors about flowers, Slow Burn, REALLY
slow, Have I Said Slow?, Prepare To Pull Your Hair Off, Angst, a lot of
it, Misunderstandings, Trust Issues, Bad Comunication, Fluff, Eventual
Smut, Explicit Sexual Content, Top Kim Taehyung | V, Bottom Jeon
Jungkook, Side pairings as well, Not mentioned in the tags because of
spoilers, taekook, vkook
Language: English
Series: Part 1 of you're so golden
Collections: Repeat_Offenders, Storie che mi hanno scaldato il cuore,
Loved_ReadAgain
Stats: Published: 2021-08-13 Completed: 2021-12-26 Words: 311,834
Chapters: 22/22
 You're so golden
by monigoldenkook

Summary

For twelve participants, six girls and six boys, the Selection is the opportunity of a lifetime.
It's the possibility of escaping from a destiny that has been traced to them since birth, of
getting lost in a luxurious world, full of suits, long dresses and sparkling jewels, of living in
the majestic royal palace, and especially, of competing for the Euphoréa prince's heart, Kim
Taehyung.

However, for Jeon Jeongguk, a simple boy from caste Seven, being one of the selected is a
nightmare. He didn't even know he could be chosen in the first place. He will have to turn his
back on his family and leave his job as a florist, all to enter a competition he doesn't like, to
fight for a crown he doesn't want, and to seduce a prince he doesn't even know.

Jeongguk hates the Selection and is not looking forward to experiencing this contest at all. He
just wants to be sent home as soon as possible. The question is... Does the prince want the
same?

Notes

Hi there!! Here I am with a new fic after the incredible challenge it was writing "I lost my
mind, you found my heart" for In Bloom 5.

This fic was inspired by the amazing book series "The Selection” written by Kiera Cass,
books that marked my teenage years and that I love! Of course I will try to keep as original as
possible, but some details, especially regarding the contest and its rules, and even some
scenes, will be identical to the books. I just couldn’t not add them! However, at no point do I
want to infringe any copyright! By the way, I totally recommend Kiera Cass's fabulous
stories. The title was also inspired by Harry Styles' music that I, by the way, simply adore!

My dear friend brie (vgukayo on twitter) made a playlist for “You’re so Golden” and it fits
/so well/ the story. Please, check it out while reading!!!

Since english is not my first language, I apologize in first hand if there are some gramatical
or phrasing mistakes. I try everyday to get better on that aspect. I hope, from the bottom of
my heart, that you like this story! Thank you to all readers who will embark on this journey
with me! ♡
 one

"Jeongguk! Jeongguk! Jeongguk, you sleepy head, wake up!"

A slightly squeaky, female voice reverberates through his skull, causing Jeongguk's brain to
say goodbye to his peaceful sleep and receive his sister's enthusiasm instead.

Blinking lazily, he is faced with a delicate face, stubborn almond eyes, and a curtain of long,
brown hair pulling towards the auburn, enough to confirm that, in fact, it’s one of his sisters
who interrupted his serene dreams.

Jeongguk grumbles, his voice hoarse with sleep, "What the hell do you want, Ha-rin?"

"What do I want? Have you forgotten what day it is?" Ha-rin asks completely scandalized.

Jeongguk purposely grunts loudly, burying his face in the thin, low pillow. "No, I haven't
forgotten what day it is. I know very well, in fact. It's Saturday, I don't have to go to work
until after lunch, and so, I should be sleeping peacefully instead of being woken up by my
annoying sister."

Ha-rin scoffs, pulling the not-too-thick blanket off Jeongguk's body and eliciting another
grunt of irritation at having made him feel the morning chill against his skin.

"Get up, Jeongguk! Come on. Today is the day the king and the queen are going to make a
special announcement to the country. It's almost ten in the morning and the entire Euphoréa
must see," she replies patiently, standing up off the bed so Jeongguk can get out of it too, but
he remains in the same position.

Fuck the cold. Who needs a blanket anyway?

"Is that so?" Jeongguk scoffs, closing his eyes again in hopes of getting a few more minutes
of rest. "I want them to shove the obligatory up their ass. Who's going to see if every single
soul in the country has put their lives on hold just to listen to the royal family anyway?"

He doesn't need to open his eyes to know his sister is rolling her eyes.

"You really are stubborn, Jeongguk. I don't know who you went to inherit your bad temper
and stubbornness from, I swear," his sister comments. "But that's okay. If you don't want to
see the announcement coming from the royal palace, you probably don't want to eat the fresh
bread that mom brought from the market just now."

"Bread?" The small mention of food is enough for his pillow to be completely abandoned.
Did he hear it well? Fresh bread? This causes Jeongguk's brain to plug into the current and,
consequently, his body to wake up and his stomach to roar. Well, fuck sleep. "Is someone's
birthday today and I forgot we were supposed to celebrate? Or did we win the lottery and
nobody told me?"

Ha-rin laughs carelessly. "I knew the mention of food would work. And no, it would be good
if we won the lottery but that's not the case. It seems that the baker let one of the batches
burn, and so as not to waste the bread, she agreed to exchange two baguettes… Hum, let's
say... Slightly darker than they should, for a dozen of our eggs."

"A dozen?!" Jeongguk questions in surprise. "I don't know how fair this trade was. Twelve
eggs, Ha-rin!" He adds suspiciously.

"Jeongguk," his sister says his name calmly. "Two. Baguettes," she emphasizes seriously as if
Jeongguk is an idiot and isn't following her train of thought. She sighs, closing her eyes
exasperatedly and pressing the bridge of her nose with her fingertips.. "Fine, if you would
rather stay here to sleep and contemplate whether or not it was a fair exchange... It's your
choice. Honestly, even better. More to spare," she shrugs.

Ha-rin reaches the door of their shared bedroom with a victorious smile on her lips as
Jeongguk grunts but gets up from the bed with great effort at the same time.

Even though the bread is clearly over burned, Jeongguk doesn't let a single crumb fall
anywhere but directly into his mouth, closing his eyes in delight at the generous slice his
mother prepared for him.

Jeongguk, in addition to Ha-rin, has two other sisters. Jeongguk is the oldest, followed by the
eighteen-year-old Ha-rin, the sixteen-year-old Jae-hwa, and finally, the thirteen-year-old
Mun-hee. The three girls, along with their mother, are already snuggled on the worn, brown
sofa, waiting for the morning announcement that the royal family has to reveal to wake up
the small, old television.

Jeongguk's father is not present as he had to leave home at dawn to go to his job, specifically
to work as a city builder in a new construction that will grow in the city of caste Four.
Honestly, even with the delicious weight of the bread against his stomach, Jeongguk almost
wishes he had to work early too just so he wouldn't have to listen to the hysterical squeaks
and enthusiastic giggles of his younger sisters over the prince of Euphoréa.

He never bothered to investigate the youngest member of the royal family, watch the news
about him on television, or even the clippings from newspapers and magazines that his sisters
insist on keeping in their notebooks, mainly because he never had that interest. Every time an
advertisement made by the royal family or something similar comes out, Jeongguk is too
busy either working or sleeping after a busy, tiring day. However, even though he has never
caught a glimpse of the guy's face, Jeongguk is sure his sisters are exaggerating their
ridiculous obsessions. The prince certainly mustn't be anything special to leave them to sigh
dreamily. Tsk, girls.

He's leaning against the kitchen counter, sipping the last remnants of his coffee (which is
more water than the brown, bitter beans) when the royal instrumental music starts to resonate
along the yellowish walls of the small but cozy living room.

"Do you think Prince Taehyung is going to show up next to his parents?" Mun-hee questions.

"I don't know," Ha-rin replies with a long sigh. "I really wanted him to appear, but usually,
only the king and queen appear in the Official News.

When Jeongguk turns his back to the television, clearly uninterested, to wash the dish and
cup he used for his breakfast, he hears the sighs and whimpers coming from his sisters'
throats, and Jeongguk doesn't need to think too hard to realize that, as they questioned
themselves just a few seconds ago, the Prince is not present in the announcement.

However, that doesn't stop them from keeping silent and turning up the volume on the tv,
causing the king's voice to reach Jeongguk's eardrums, who is still in the kitchen. It's not like
their house is huge and the distance between the living room and the kitchen is too big,
anyway.

"Good morning, dear daughters and sons of Euphoréa," the king greets the country in his
usual composed and assertive voice. "The announcement we have to make to you today
points to something very special and always awaited by our precious country. As you know,
our beloved son and prince Kim Taehyung will soon be twenty-four years old, and, as such,
the prince wants to find a partner to have by his side for the rest of his life, wanting, in this
way, to marry a real daughter or son of Euphoréa. So, we would like to invite all the beautiful
young people, girls and boys, single and aged between the ages of eighteen and twenty-five,
to honor the great nation of Euphoréa and then, participate in The Selection."

Jeongguk grimaces in disgust as his sisters' excited yelps reach his ears.

"So, if your eligible children, siblings or protégés meet all of these aforementioned
requirements and are interested in this opportunity to become the bride or groom of Prince
Taehyung and the beloved future princess or prince of Euphoréa, please fill in the form which
you will find in your mailboxes as soon as the Official News ends, and deliver it to your
city's Provincial Services Department," the king continues. "One young woman and one
young man from each caste will be chosen to meet Prince Taehyung."

"Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God!" Ha-rin exclaims, jumping onto the couch in
excitement.

"The selected ones will obviously stay with us at the enchanting palace. The family of each
of the participants will be generously rewarded for their service to the royal family. I now end
this announcement with the note that you have only one week to complete and submit the
application, and next Sunday, my beloved wife and queen of Euphoréa and I will return to the
Official News to declare the chosen participants," the king informs, gazing with a tender
smile on his face to the queen, who remains beside her husband in a long dress in shades of
green, to match the tie the king is wearing. "Thank you for your appreciated attention. The
royal family wishes you the best of luck. Have a wonderful day, dear daughters and sons of
Euphoréa," the king ends his speech by holding the queen's delicate hand so that both can
bow briefly.

A few seconds later, the instrumental music of the Official News resonates on the television
again and, after that, the screen becomes black and silent. But the silence doesn't last long as
Jeongguk's sisters, and even his mother, chat and shout enthusiastically about the revelation
just unveiled.

The Selection. A contest that is almost marked as a national holiday season for the country,
such was the people’s enthusiasm and vibrancy to accompany the royal family daily and see
beforehand the prince falling in love with a commoner, someone below royal family’s caste.

The Selection is characterized by twelve participants, six girls and six boys from caste Two to
caste Seven, who compete with each other to conquer Prince Taehyung, and thus, become the
next princess or prince of Euphoréa. That's how things were going to proceed with the prince
and that's what happened with his father, the current king, and all of their other male
ancestors.

This contest mostly served to raise the morale of the volatile nation, as a kind of union and
reminder that Euphoréa itself was born practically out of nothing, and thus, giving hope to
people of lower castes that things could drastically change one day to the other.

As for the princesses, they were not so lucky - if you could call it even that. For two
generations, the royal family did not conceive a girl. However, when the heiress is a princess,
they are negotiated in marriage to strength Euphoréa's relations with other countries. It was a
practice that Jeongguk did not like at all, if you asked for his opinion. It even made him think
of how old-fashioned and poor-minded they were to subject the women of the royal family to
this kind of thing.

Not that the Selection was much better, honestly. None of the options seemed suitable to
Jeongguk, if he was sincere. The idea of entering a contest in which the whole country would
see what Jeongguk faithfully believes to be a pretentious and arrogant prince - who is not like
that when they’re part of high-castes or the royal family? – choosing a pretty girl or boy, vain
and futile, to be the attractive, silent face that would appear alongside the Prince on television
and other events, leaves Jeongguk's stomach in knots. He certainly doesn't understand how
anyone can be willing to submit to such humiliation.

This is why he grimaces with disappointment and judgment when all the women in his house,
including his mother, giggle and squeal with elation and delight.

"Did I hear it right?" Jae-hwa, the sister with short, black hair and bangs, asks between
dreamy smiles, clutching the pillow as if her life depended on it. "Has our admirable king
really announced that they’re organizing a Selection for Prince Taehyung?"

Ha-rin and Mun-hee nod frantically, their faces sharing the same wide, beaming grins at the
news.
"Huh huh! And do you know who celebrated her eighteenth birthday roughly two months
ago?" Ha-rin covers her stretched lips with her hands until she starts squealing hysterically
when their younger sisters nod enthusiastically and point at her.

"This is such an excellent opportunity!" Their mother comments, applauding excitedly.

"It is, isn’t it?" Ha-rin looks at their mother, her eyes shining with happiness. "I have to
apply! I can't miss this opportunity. Who knows I'm not the chosen one?" She sighs dreamily.
Until something crosses her mind, causing her to stop, open her mouth to form a round «o»
and lift a finger in warning. "If I'm chosen... Not only will I marry a Prince, a very handsome
Prince by the way... But I'll also become the Princess of the country!"

Yeah, no shit, Ha-rin. Jeongguk has already lost count of how many times he has brought his
hands to his ears to filter out the agonized sound of his sisters' absurd and severely deluded
screams.

"Go get the papers! Go! Go! The king said the applications would be in our mailbox until the
end of the official announcement!" Jae-hwa remembers, pushing Ha-rin off the couch.

She runs not so elegantly up to the front door of their modest house, leaving the old piece of
wood completely gaping as she opens with trembling hands the small opening of the mailbox
stuck in the lawn.

Jeongguk rolls his eyes for what feels like the thousandth time since he woke up about forty
minutes ago, ignoring his sisters' nonsense and preferring to clean up the crumbs and tuck the
rest of the bread into a paper bag instead. He loves his three sisters with all his heart, his
family is everything to him, but right now, evading the futile subject of the Selection through
domestic chores sounds great to him.

Jeongguk hears Ha-rin's footsteps resonate on the dark, wooden floor, signaling her return
indoors. However, instead of the usual excitement and hysterics, silence reigns instead, which
arouses Jeongguk's curiosity.

Where is the enthusiasm from before? Has her application not arrived yet? He asks himself
mentally.

His braided, brown-haired younger sister, Min-hee, seems to read Jeongguk’s mind,
muttering in a hesitant voice, "What's wrong, Ha-rin? Your application wasn’t there? Is there
a problem?"

The younger sister's words cause Ha-rin to leave the world she was momentarily lost in and
look at Min-hee instead, revealing the application papers. And to everyone's surprise, she
holds up not just one inscription, but two, one in each one of her hands.

"Huh... I don't understand what it means for them to have sent two registrations. You're
thirteen and Jae-hwa is sixteen. It's not like you two can participate," she thinks aloud. "Does
this mean anything? Am I supposed to fill out both applications and then maybe have a better
chance of being chosen? Or was it just a mistake?" She pokes her chin with her index finger.
Jeongguk scoffs as low as possible, folding the white tablecloth with yellow flowers printed
after cleaning up the crumbs. Of course, it was a mistake, he thinks. Not that the number of
applications would help her to be chosen. As if they were going to give benefits right away to
someone belonging to the last caste of all.

However, their mother doesn't seem to agree with Jeongguk's way of thinking, replying
instead, "It's not a mistake. The royal family has full access to the exact number of residents
that fulfill the requirements of the Selection regulations and, therefore, they’re perfectly
aware of the number of entries they have to send to each house," she explains calmly. "Your
sisters may not be eighteen yet but..."

Ha-rin seems to understand her mother's words right away, looking at her with wide eyes and
whispering, "But Jeongguk does."

It's not just the mention of his name that makes Jeongguk tilt his head and leave the
newspaper his father brought last night on the table, but especially the four pairs of eyes
drooping on Jeongguk. And only then, the reason behind the stares crashes violently into
Jeongguk, causing him to let out an amused laugh. "What?" He scoffs.

"Yes," their mother nods. The woman with short, hazel brown hair gets up from the sofa and
walks towards the kitchen, stopping only when she takes a seat at the dining table next to
Jeongguk's. "You're twenty-two years old. You're young, you're not married... You meet all
the requirements."

His three sisters rise from the couch as well, perching on the dark, wooden chairs to listen to
their conversation like curious hawks.

"Then it's more than explained," Ha-rin says, pushing his supposed application across the
tabletop until it reaches Jeongguk. "This one is for you. I'm going to our bedroom to get two
pens and our ID cards so we can start filling this out," she adds with an excited smile.

"What? No!" Jeongguk grimaces in disgust. "I'm not going to fill out any candidature. No
way. I'm not going to apply for the Selection!"

"What?!" They all exclaim in unison, leaving Jeongguk even baffled by their perfect tune.

"Why aren't you going to sign up? Are you out of your mind?" Ha-rin asks incredulously.

Jeongguk scoffs, not believing what his ears are being forced to hear. "Why the hell do you
want me to sign up? You should be glad I don’t want to participate in this stupid contest!" He
exclaims indignantly. "You shouldn't want your competition to be your own brother! I
thought you wanted the Prince all to yourself."

His sister seems to be in internal conflict with herself, were it not for her confused eyes.
However, she ends up sighing and saying, "Jeongguk, my crush on Prince Taehyung is
undeniable. I mean, who doesn't have a crush on him?" She chuckles, stealing giggles from
the other two sisters too.
Jeongguk almost scoffs, thinking to himself, Me. I have no interest in the fucking Prince, but
he keeps silent instead, hoping his sister will continue. And she does.

"But this crush doesn't compare with the love I feel for you, for all my family. And the
opportunity that would be for us... Have you thought about it? Even if we don't win, the time
we would be there would be excellent to earn some money... And not only that. We would
have better job opportunities when we got back from the contest too," she explains.

"It's a great opportunity, yes. I have to agree with your sister. This can give you so many open
doors," this time it's their mother who responds, looking warily at Jeongguk. "I can't get a
decent job and the money I make just selling our eggs in the market isn't enough. Your father
is also underpaid for the hard work full of long hours he has. And well, your help since you
started working at the florist has been very helpful, of course it has…" She looks with
gratitude pouring from her eyes to the boy, who is ready to reply that he does no more than
his duty to help his family, but the woman sighs and breaks his heart into a thousand pieces as
she adds, "But it hasn't been enough. And I don't want my kids to go through this anymore. I
want you all to have good opportunities, a good academic path, a good job, stability…
Basically, a good future. A better one."

"Why didn't you tell me this earlier?" Jeongguk mutters so that only his mother and Ha-rin
will hear, grateful that the remaining two sisters are more entertained reading the application
questions.

He, his parents, and recently Ha-rin, who’s finishing high school and has now some maturity
to understand these conversations, always try to broach these issues concerning their
monetary situation without the other two girls being present to prevent them from getting
worried and agitated, as they should focus on their studies instead.

"I and your father don't want to put this weight on your back. More than we know you
already have," his mother traces a crack in the kitchen table with her fingertip. "It's something
we have to worry about. Not you, Jeongguk. We feel bad enough that you started working so
early to help us instead of following your studies."

"That's a nonsense, mom! It's no burden for me. You're my family. Besides, I live at this
house too, so it's only fair for me to help with the expenses," Jeongguk states with honesty
laced in his voice. "And I love working with the flowers, you know that. I don’t need new
opportunities. And I also don't mind that I haven't pursued my studies. Maybe I will be able
to do it later when I have the chance. I'll always be on time," Jeongguk tries to comfort her.

Now, after his mother's confession that, after all, their money situation isn’t as stable as
Jeongguk thought, he doesn't believe so much that he'll be able to get a degree in Botany, or
even a professional course like Gardening, like he would like to do. He already had low
hopes due to his caste and the low probability of a Seven going to college, but still. Studying
after high school is quite expensive, and Jeongguk has other priorities right now, like putting
food on their table and protecting his family from the stormy winter ahead.

However, his main concern could not be achieved at any cost. Jeongguk still wanted to at
least maintain his dignity and power of choice. So, he adds, "I don't mind helping you with
the bills. I want to help you and dad. But please... Don't make me go to the Selection. I'm
going to work more hours at the florist if I need to. I'm going to maybe look for a chore, for
an extra job. I won't fail you, mom. I promise," Jeongguk swears, taking the woman's
wrinkled hand and squeezing it tightly. "But don't make me go to that palace. Ha-rin might
want to go and try to find love, or whatever..." He grimaces in judgment, receiving a light
smack from his sister on the back of his head in response. "But I don't want to participate in
this ridiculous contest. I'm not interested in the Prince, nor in becoming part of the royal
family. Much less I’m interested in doing it for money. Caste One, Two, and maybe even
Three, can be used to that kind of people. Selfish, pimps, and self-seekers... And I definitely
don't want to be that kind of person."

"I would never force you to do anything, dear. You know that," his mother assures, stroking
the top of Jeongguk's hand with her thumb. "Although I still think it's a shame you don't want
to participate. Maybe you could even have a good experience living in the palace and,
perhaps, be interested in the Prince."

"That definitely wouldn't happen," Jeongguk scoffs, shivering at the thought of that
possibility. "I certainly wouldn't even be selected. Why bother?" He shrugs. "Besides, I don't
think my hair is suitable for the royal family too," Jeongguk tries to lighten the situation,
smiling broadly when his mother runs her hands through the purple strands of his hair.

"I think you're pretty handsome," the woman winks at him, causing Jeongguk to let out a few
loud laughs.

"You’re my mom. Your biased opinion clearly doesn't count."

"Well..." Ha-rin clears her throat, smiling at the exchanges of affection between her brother
and their mother. "I'd love to go to the palace with you, little brother. But I respect your
choice. I'll try to win for us, at least. And if that happens, you won't be able to escape the
royal family anyway."

Jeongguk rolls his eyes, a slight upward curve showing in his lips. "You haven't even been
chosen yet. And you don't know if that will ever happen," he teases.

Placing a scandalized hand on her chest, Ha-rin states with all the certainty in the world, "I
will be chosen."

"We'll see," Jeongguk shakes his head with a smile drawing on his mouth. "I mean, hopefully
so. I really want my little sister to fulfill her fangirl dream."

Ha-rin pushes him until he gets up from his chair and smiles teasingly at her and their mother.
The other two sisters continue to mutter dreamily as they look at the applications spread out
on the table. Jeongguk picks up the newspaper and prepares to leave the kitchen and walks
towards the stairs.

"Well, I'm going to our bedroom to read this. Maybe I’ll find good part-time offers" Jeongguk
waves the newspaper in the air to emphasize his words. "So please control your hysteric
screams because I don't want to be bothered with an, «Ah, Prince Taehyung is so
handsome»,” he mimics the squeaky voice of his three sisters.
His mother looks at him with gratitude mixed with a feeling that looks a lot like apology and
sadness, clearly related to Jeongguk's effort to make things better for them on a monetary
level. Jeongguk doesn't hesitate to lean over the woman to place a tender kiss against his
mother's cheek, hoping it will be enough for her to realize that Jeongguk doesn't mind a bit.
On the contrary. She smiles sweetly, for what he wants to believe his gesture worked.

"Have fun filling the entrance to hell," Jeongguk adds, but it looks like he already lost their
attention.

Jae-hwa and Mun-hee are helping Ha-rin fill out the questionnaire while their mother laughs
at some of the answers. Jeongguk then climbs the noisy steps towards the bedroom shared by
the four siblings, isolating himself from the enthusiasm of the four women.

Also isolating himself from the image of his sister keeping the extra application secretly on
the back of her shirt.

Taehyung definitely shouldn't have stayed up so late last night editing on his laptop the last
pictures he took. Not that he thinks he would be better because of the extreme anxiety and
nervousness that vibrated throughout his body and stopped him from sleep, but maybe his
dark circles wouldn’t be so visible and marked at this point.

His three maids seem to be having an easy job hiding his lack of sleep with makeup though,
but they don't say anything about the reason. Honestly, Taehyung doesn't even understand
what all the fuss is about, not least because he won't even appear on television.

Raised in the royal palace and taught all the etiquettes that require it, Taehyung knows that a
Prince must always be properly presentable and dressed elegantly, but even so, he can't
understand why they're putting so much make-up on and styling his hair when his duties for
today refer simply to spending the entire day in the king’s office with his parents and some of
his father’s representatives. Hopefully, he'll even be able to get everything done by lunch
time. It will certainly depend on his father's cooperation, mostly.

Today is the day to look for the first time at the submissions received to participate in the
Selection, and from what Taehyung's father has previously informed him, he has a good
couple of applications to see.

The king, Kim Bon-hwa, also told him in advance some advice for choosing his selected,
such as, for example, opting for candidates from families with some renown in the case of the
higher castes, for clearly obvious reasons, and as for the ones from the lower castes, choose
participants with more touching life stories, so to speak. Something like making viewers
identify with what they're seeing, his father had told him at the time.
However, Taehyung had other plans in his mind. Since the Selection was an iconic and long-
awaited event for the country and well, practically mandatory for the crown Princes,
Taehyung wanted to do things his way, at least.

He would choose his selected ones according to his preferences and common interests, not to
get approval from his parents or because the people who will be watching the contest will
like them. It was embarrassing enough to have the entire country experience his love life
firsthand.

Not that Taehyung genuinely believed that he would actually live a true love story, out of a
fairy tale, during this contest. The chances are very low and Taehyung is no naive idiot. Let's
face it, the vast majority of participants are more interested in marrying the crown and all that
it symbolizes than Taehyung itself. But either way, at the end of the contest, he has to make a
choice.

So, he has little option but to cling to the hope that, perhaps, from the wide range of
candidatures, he will be able to pick someone who might genuinely like him and vice versa.
Judge him what you want but Taehyung was romantic enough to want to spend the rest of his
life with someone who truly likes and cares about him and not just for politically and
economically strategic reasons.

When No-eul, Sae-byok, and Hyun-jae, Taehyung's maids, finish putting the make-up on him
and combing his hair, he waits for them to leave his huge bedroom so he can take off his
bathrobe and put on his chosen outfit for the day. Although they usually help him dress,
Taehyung prefers to do it himself. Having some time alone is also something he enjoys and
rarely has. He picks up the decided set of perfectly stretched and starched clothes lying on top
of his bed and begins to dress.

As today is a calm day regarding his daily duties, his outfit is composed merely of a white,
dress shirt and classic black pants, combined with perfectly shined shoes, equally dark, the
cufflinks with the symbol of the country, and one of his crowns.

Although the accessory is a great honor, Taehyung confesses that he doesn't actually love to
spend the whole day wearing the metallic silver or gold ornament with embedded gemstones,
not only because of the weight, but also because of the impediment of most of his
movements. However, his father likes to complain when Taehyung doesn't decorate his wave
of almond hair with the symbol of royalty, so if Taehyung can avoid a conflict, he will. It’s
better to wear the crown for a good couple of hours than listen to a lecture from his father.
Now that Taehyung thinks about it, what was a few hours with the weight under his head
compared to the king's endless speeches?

He carefully closes his bedroom door, bidding farewell to the pale blue walls, the silver and
white lace four-poster bed, and the tall windows that take up much of one wall and lead to the
private balcony, walking down the vast white mosaic hallway - which shines so bright that
Taehyung can almost greet his reflection in it - with a long fluffy red carpet adorning the
middle of the floor.

As he goes down the spiral stairs, Taehyung greets the guards present, giving them good
morning’s and thanking them for their hard work. Taehyung does the same with the maids
and butlers who busily pass by, asking one of them specifically to prepare breakfast for him,
something quick and practical, and then take it to the king's office.

Taehyung snorts as silently as possible when the maid walks towards the kitchen, but
honestly, it's his only fault for staying up late last night and, consequently, being late this
morning for not wanting to leave his soft and comfortable satin sheets. But it was not worth it
for him to punish himself more on this matter. It was sentence enough not to eat his
strawberry and cinnamon waffles in the peace of the dining room overlooking the palace's
main garden.

The king's four official guards, who are posted at the door of his father's office, do not
hesitate to bow in a ninety degree reverence and greet the prince, stepping away from the
doorway to allow Taehyung to pass.

The large space, with wooden walls and floors, is welcomed by the natural light of the
autumn day and by the bright and vivid green that makes up one of the various gardens
around the palace through the many high windows that are found on one of the side walls.
The rest are accompanied by tall shelves filled with books, encyclopedias, and dictionaries,
or even paintings of the most expensive and exotic art.

In addition to a small bar and a long table for royal meetings, the office is also composed of a
majestic, dark pine desk, adorned by a golden table lamp, a modern computer, a huge pile of
papers, and of course, his father. A man with an authoritative, assertive expression, black hair
perfectly cut and combed, and a dark green suit on.

"Oh. Son! Good morning," the king greets in a good humorous tone as the prince closes the
office door.

"Good morning, dad. Good morning, mom," he smiles at the woman with dyed blonde hair
intertwined with the crown, approaching the armchair where she is sitting next to his father’s
desk to place a tender kiss on her forehead.

"Today is the day to meet and choose your candidates. Are you ready? Excited?" His mother
asks, smoothing her long, pale blue dress with white and yellow flower ornaments that
matches the gold crown and gemstones in the same colors.

Ready? Taehyung thinks to himself. Far from it. Honestly, he doesn't think he would ever be
truly ready to pick a group of people where his potential husband or wife might be. But he
couldn't run away, could he? That's why he responds with an easy smile, "Of course. Where
are the applications?"

His father gets up from his black leather chair and, with some effort, lifts the huge amount of
papers that had been resting on the desk until now.

Oh. After all, are those all the submissions for his Selection? Taehyung had the idea that it
was a competitive contest, yes - even because he watched his father's Selection relatively
recently and it gave him an idea of the public interest - but even so, Taehyung never
considered receiving so many applications.
"Here," the king huffs wearily after placing the good amount of documents on the conference
table. "I know there are plenty of them, and even so we've already discarded those that didn't
fully meet the requirements. Did you know that even women in their fifties have tried their
luck?"

Taehyung feels his eyes bulge with the information. "What?" He mutters scandalized.

"I’m serious. I don't even know how they had access to the documents to fill out. Maybe they
even stole their own children's applications. Jesus," the king says, shuddering right away.
"Anyway, you don't have to worry about that now because, in that pile of papers, are only the
candidates who meet all the required conditions," the man assures, taking a seat at the head of
the table.

Taehyung sits in the chair immediately to the king's left side while his mother sits in front of
him, to his father's right side.

"Well, I think we'd better get started because I’m sure we have a long way to go," his mother
advises.

"What do you mean we?" Taehyung questions, raising an eyebrow in question. "I thought I
would have full power to choose the candidates for my Selection. That's what we agreed."

"And you have full power to do it, dear," his mother assures.

However, the woman’s comforting words aren't enough, so Taehyung looks at his father
suspiciously.

"What? Your mom is right, Taehyung," the king adds. "We... We're just going to guide you a
little bit, okay?"

Taehyung grimaces in discomfort. "Dad!" He whimpers. "We've talked about this before. I
want to find a wife or husband, not a political partner. For that, we already have our
Advisers-"

"I know, I know," his father interrupts him, rubbing his furrowed brow. "You have all the
freedom to choose the ones that attract you the most or arouse your attention. We're just
going to take a look too and give you our point of view."

"Exactly," this time it's his mother speaking as she leans across the table to tenderly hold
Taehyung's hand. "We'll try to guide you and show you the choices that, in our opinion,
would be a good bet. If they turn out to be in your best interest too, great. If not, it's up to you
to make the final choice," she assures.

Taehyung intermixes his intense gaze between the king and the queen, and when he just sees
sincerity reflected in their faces, he nods and smiles, "Okay. I appreciate your help, then.
Thank you."

Fortunately, the application papers are already organized and distributed by castes, which is
guaranteed to make Taehyung's work much easier. His parents start with submissions from
caste Two, which makes the prince start with the bunch of inscriptions that represent caste
Seven.

Interestingly, from Taehyung's quick observation, this seems to be the caste that received the
fewest applications, were it not for the stacks of papers from the other castes being
distinctively higher.

Shouldn't it be those from the underprivileged castes and without great opportunities looking
for a life of luxury in the royal palace? Taehyung thinks with genuine curiosity.

He then takes the inscriptions of the last Euphoréa caste and begins leafing through the
documents with interest.

Taehyung knows the existing preference to choose a bride over a groom. Not because of
homophobia, a prejudice that Taehyung read and is aware of having existed a good few
centuries ago, but mainly because of the ease of conceiving an heir. Of course, a couple of
two princes could eventually adopt a child and make it their consequent heir, but it's not seen
as practical and quick. Even though the adoption process is likely to be sped up because it is
a request from the royal family, everyone is aware that, in most cases, this period is well
beyond a woman's nine months of pregnancy.

But even though Taehyung has always been sure of his sexuality, he has to confess to feeling
more attracted to men. As was the case, for example, of his crush on one of the horse
caretakers, who was often cleaning the stables without a shirt covering his muscular, sweaty
torso. If Taehyung gained interest in learning how to ride a horse at the time, no one needs to
know.

And that's why his attention is automatically diverted to the male candidates first.

The first guys he meets, honestly, don't catch his eye. Some are cute, yes, but from their
responses in the application questionnaire, Taehyung can't find anything in common. And
well, Taehyung was never one to be interested only in someone's physique. As if he had a
chance to be interested in someone anyway.

Although Taehyung must choose a boy and girl from each caste to maintain equality, he is
about to give up temporarily and move on to the girls instead because none of the male
candidates is attracting his attention. That is until he came across the last inscription in the
stack of papers.

The guy in this particular submission is clearly different from the others. What sets him apart
is his hair, a trait that makes Taehyung automatically captivated by being painted in a pretty
shade of purple. However, looking more closely and longer at the small, attached photo,
Taehyung gets lost in the boy's smile, reminding him of an adorable bunny. The prince
doesn't even realize he's grinning back until his mother clears her throat and gets his
attention.

"Anyone interesting, dear?" She asks, giggling when she notices the strong blush growing in
Taehyung's cheeks.
Interesting I still don't know if he is, but cute? Definitely, the prince thinks. But it's obvious
he doesn't say it out loud, much less in front of his parents. Even though the purpose of this
whole morning is for Taehyung to tell his parents what he thinks of the contestants. But there
are limits, okay?

"It's nothing, mom," Taehyung ends up answering, hastily running away from his mother's
suspicious gaze.

Okay, Taehyung can't be hypocritical and deny because he clearly is attracted to this
handsome guy, with wavy purple locks, wide smile, sharp jaw, and bright eyes. An interesting
mix of cuteness and hotness. It remains to be seen if he and Taehyung have anything in
common. The prince really hopes so.

According to his questionnaire, Taehyung discovers that the boy is twenty-two years old,
being only two years younger than the prince. In addition, he mentioned some of his qualities
as being funny, hardworking, determined, and organized.

Well, being neat and organized is really an excellent quality. A quality that Taehyung clearly
lacked. In this way, perhaps the prince could learn something. He knows how much he needs
it, even if he has his maids to help him.

This guy works as a florist, making, in addition, his own personalized arrangements for later
delivery at events or festivities. Does that mean he likes flowers? Taehyung wonders. This
can only mean that yes, right? This definitely arouses his curiosity, because not only do you
not find boys enjoying flowers every day, but Taehyung also loves the colorful and fragrant
plants. Not so much planting and caring for them - no, he leaves that to his mother - but
taking pictures of them instead.

As a way to pass the time, the purple-haired boy says he likes to work, exercise, play and
study with his sisters, and above all, go to the orphanage or hospital in his city to keep the
children company. Taehyung's heart melts like butter inside his rib cage.

The prince doesn't need to think much further to know for sure that he wants this boy in the
competition. A handsome guy, who likes flowers and practices actions of solidarity...
Taehyung doesn't believe in perfection, but this man right here doesn't seem to be far from it.
Or else his answers were purposely written to catch Taehyung’s attention. That can also be an
option, of course.

But no. Taehyung refuses to believe in that. Something in the boy's delicate but at the same
time sharped face tells Taehyung that he wouldn't be able to lie and make up such things. The
sparkle and spontaneity mirrored in his eyes assured the prince.

Without even flinching, Taehyung puts this boy's candidature aside, the first choice he made
concerning his selected ones.

He then picks up the pile of papers referring to the applications of the girls also from the
caste Seven, but before he can actually see the submissions, he hears a clearing of a throat.
When he looks up questioningly, his parents question him with their eyes, interspersing their
gaze between the prince and the now-lonely candidature.
"Does that mean to discard, ponder or choose?" The king asks, tilting his chin towards the
purple-haired boy's inscription.

"Choose," Taehyung doesn't hesitate to respond, focusing again on the girls' faces, hoping
that the conversation would end there. He should have known better.

"Already? We've just started. Have you looked carefully at the other candidates?" His father
asks, reaching across the table to reach the application and place it between him and the
queen so they can both get a good look at it.

"Yes, dad. I’m sure," Taehyung responds patiently, controlling himself not to sigh. "That was
my favorite candidate from caste Seven. I really want to meet him," he finishes, feeling his
cheeks take on a crimson tone again.

"His hair..." His father comments with a slight frown on his face.

Taehyung honestly was already expecting a comment like this from his father. But before he
can counter-argue or the king finishes formulating his opinion, his mother interrupts, "It's
different, yes. Exotic. Clearly original. But he's quite handsome."

The warning look his mother sends to his father doesn't go unnoticed by Taehyung. And
maybe that's why the king adds, "Yeah. Right. Well, from what this guy wrote, he volunteers
in orphanages and hospitals. That will certainly warm the hearts of the public."

The prince couldn't care less about the public's opinion, as long as it was his heart that was
warmed up instead. But if that's what it takes for his parents to respect and accept his choice
and not coerce him into choosing another male candidate from that specific caste, Taehyung
doesn't mind. He learned that sacrifices are fundamental gestures in a person's life. Specially
in someone from royal family.

"Exactly. That's what I thought too," Taehyung forces the words out, even though he doesn't
like the way they scratch his throat. However, it's all worth it when his father puts the
submission back on the table where Taehyung initially placed it.

"Well, it looks like we already have the first candidate for your Selection. Now you have
eleven to go. Let's continue," the king finishes, refocusing on the submissions of girls from
caste Two.

Taehyung does the same. Or at least he tries. Because, in fact, the first couple of minutes are
spent with him hiding his face - or rather, his shy smile - behind the various female
inscriptions he holds in his hands.

This morning, Taehyung woke up with the thought that this contest was probably going to be
anything but a genuine and heartfelt romantic story. A mere choice he would have to make
and accept for the rest of his life.

However, now hope and excitement coursed through his veins, making him even sigh
dreamily and wish the next few days would pass in the blink of an eye.
 ♕

"I’m home!" Jeongguk announces, taking off his thick, black coat and hanging it on the
hanger by the front door of the house. He immediately regrets it because it seems to be cooler
indoors than outside, and it's not even officially winter yet.

A cacophony of ecstatic shrieks and giggles is heard from the living room, but Jeongguk's
hungry belly takes him first to the kitchen, more concretely towards the scent of pumpkin
soup that hangs in the air. Jeongguk laughs innocently when he finds his father a bit confused
as he peels the peas from their pods and puts them in the pot.

"Do you need some help?" Jeongguk volunteers, starting to roll up the sleeves of his flannel
shirt. "I can see that mom gave you the baton today."

"Don't tell me," his father sighs exaggeratedly. "I don't mind helping with the house duties,
you know that. But put me in ironing the clothes or vacuuming the carpets, not cooking
because I'm a fully disgrace."

Jeongguk chuckles, motioning with his chin to the dinner table for his father to sit down and
let him finish dinner instead. "Why are they all there anyway?" He questions, pointing with
the wooden spoon at his sisters and mother sitting in front of the television.

"You don’t know?" The man with dark hair but with some white strands sticking out asks in
surprise, to which Jeongguk shakes his head in denial with a confused frown. "At tonight’s
eight, the Official News will announce the chosen participants for prince Taehyung's
Selection."

Jeongguk exclaims an, "Ah!" dragged in, nodding in understanding. "Okay. Now it makes
sense. They must be hoping that Ha-rin will be one of the chosen ones then."

"And you don't have that hope?" His father arches one of his thick eyebrows.

Jeongguk can't contain his mockery. "You too? Dad, what's the probability of her being
chosen out of what I suppose to be hundreds and hundreds of submissions? And let's just say
she's even one of the chosen ones to participate. Do you really think the prince would pick a
Seven?"

His father looks thoughtful, remaining silent for a few long seconds. Jeongguk, believing the
older man won't say anything else, is ready to turn around to finish putting the peas in the
soup, until his father mutters, "I will believe what they announce. If your sister is chosen...
Well, good for her, because we’re all aware of her crush on the prince. Besides, it will be an
excellent opportunity for her, whether she wins or leaves within a week. If she is not chosen...
That's fine too. We'll be here to comfort her."
Jeongguk nods, agreeing with his father's words. "We'll see how this story plays out then. It
won't be long before we find out anyway," he comments after checking the time on the clock
hanging on the wall. "By the way, speaking of excellent opportunities..." Jeongguk's hand
reaches into the back pocket of his dark jeans. "Here’s my salary for this month. Fortunately,
a lot of people contacted the florist for fall events and I got some extra money from the
custom arrangements and deliveries."

"Jeongguk..." His father tries to give him the envelope back and refuse the money, but the
purple-haired boy purposely chooses that moment to turn away on the pretext of stirring the
soup pot.

“I had to take a small amount to fill my bike's depot because I still have a few more deliveries
to make this next week, but I'm confident that that amount is enough to cover the roof costs. I
noticed it needs some fixing,” Jeongguk hears his father sigh before turning to face the man
with a calm smile on his face.

"You didn't have to do this..." His father mutters, looking apologetically at the envelope in his
hand. "Jeongguk, this is your entire salary. It's too much. And it's not fair. You work hard and
deserve to have your money to spend on your things," the man rubs his temples.

Jeongguk, in an attempt to lighten the mood, lets out a few laughs. "Spend on my stuff? Dad,
what stuff? I don't have addictions. I don't usually go out. I just need a little bit to fill my bike
and be able to do my deliveries, but that's enough for me. It's enough," he assures. "I'd rather
spend the money with you guys. With us, rather saying. I'm much happier to see the money
fill my family's bellies than to buy a pair of sneakers or drinks at a nightclub."

"You truly are a precious son. An angel fallen from heaven to bless us," his father mutters,
standing up to squeeze the boy's shoulders. "Thank you, Jeongguk. Thank you."

Jeongguk sees a bright gleam reflecting in his father's eyes and he really can't stand to see
people cry. Much less his family, and for a reason like this. So he decides to change the
subject, "Can you help me set the table? The soup will be ready in five minutes. And I bet
they'll need to fill their stomachs soon after all that excitement."

The two men of the house then prepare the rest of dinner in comfortable silence, sharing eye
rolls and silent jeers each time the girls do something considered embarrassing to them.

It seems to finally arrive at eight o'clock when the instrumental version of Euphoréa's anthem
begins to play and resonates through the fragile walls of the house, accompanied by the
national emblem of the country stamped on the television screen.

Jeongguk didn't want to admit it, but even as he carefully cut a few slices of cheese, he could
feel a slight tremor running through his fingers.

He was wishing all of this to be over soon. Yes, that must be the reason.

The so-called Master of Ceremonies, who introduced himself as Jung Hoseok, greets the
country with an infectious smile and attractive voice. The man, surprisingly not much older
than Jeongguk, has his hair dyed in a shade of canary yellow that matches his bright, flashy
suit. He looks like he's standing in front of one of those green screen sets with a ballroom
edit. Or maybe he's recording directly from the palace. Well, Jeongguk knows little about the
architecture and layout of the royal house's spaces, but he doesn't care either, which is why he
looks away from the television and back to the goat cheese in front of him instead.

As belonging to caste Seven, characterized by workers in the fields of agriculture, cattle,

fishing, gardening, construction, and garbage collectors, it was not difficult for the Jeon
family to arrange a gracefulness such as buttery goat cheese, as their neighbors' next door -
those responsible for the artisanal cheese production - didn't mind making a fair exchange of
the dairy product for a dozen eggs from their chickens. Fair indeed. On this, Jeongguk had to
agree as he licked the remnants of cheese that clung to the knife.

"It's starting! It's starting!"

Jeongguk hears a jumble of euphoric words over one another coming from his sisters'
mouths, all of them exclaiming before the Master of Ceremonies announces with a wide
smile on his face, “Enjoy your last night like normal girls and boys because the moment your
name is announced, all of your lives will change forever," he pauses purposefully, looking
directly into the camera for long seconds to evoke suspense. "And now, without further ado, I
will proceed to reveal the twelve young people, six girls and six boys, from caste Two to
caste Seven, chosen to participate in the Selection. Ladies and gentlemen, congratulate with
me the following daughters and sons of Euphoréa!"

The country's national emblem, a golden coat of arms with a circle of stars surrounding it and
two white wings protruding from each side, returns to the screen, flying to the upper right
corner when replaced by a pearl-colored background. A square, where the Master of
Ceremonies Hoseok appears, is also found in the upper opposite corner. The man holds a set
of light blue guide cards, clearly ready to reveal the names and photographs of the
participants in ascending order of caste, announcing first the girl's identity and then the boy's.

The Selection started at that exact moment.

As was to be expected, the two candidates belonging to caste Two were characterized by a
stunning aura and beauty. The boy mostly, with silky blond hair and a smile so bright it
competed with the sun itself to dazzle people- Wait. Why the fuck was Jeongguk so devoted
to the Selection and its participants?

Shaking his head in frustration with himself, Jeongguk looks away from the television screen
again, looking for the bread he had brought with him before coming home. After the first
time with their mother, Jeongguk has been able to negotiate with the baker at the market,
exchanging two baguettes for a few eggs or even for a pretty flower arrangement. When he
wanted, Jeongguk could be quite charming too. And even though he is quite shy, he would
not mind to show off his charms in exchange for a good piece of bread.

The bread would go deliciously with the cheese and the hot soup. Interestingly, most because
it’s not usual for them, it even seems that Jeongguk bought the bread on purpose to, in a way,
celebrate the moment, even though he didn't even remember that tonight would be the night
to announce the selected ones for the contest. Or maybe it was simply his protective instinct
that made him prepare a big meal to console his sister who, with 99.9% certainty, was going
to suffer a heartbreak tonight.

Candidates' introductions continue to appear and disappear from the television screen, with
Hoseok's voice in the background along with comments from Jeongguk's sisters and mother,
such as, "Oh, this one really looks like royalty!" or "That boy could have at least fixed his
beard!"

It's finally time to announce the chosen girl and boy belonging to caste Seven, and Jeongguk
admits to losing some of his dignity and unceremoniously abandons the knife and bread on
the dining table, walking to the living room to support his hands on the back of the couch
right behind his sister Ha-rin.

The girl seems to be in a nervous wreck if it wasn't enough indication by her leg that is
constantly shaking in a nervous gesture, and by the fact that her cuticles are already
completely murdered.

"Regardless of the outcome, we're here," Jeongguk thought it best to say in an attempt to
support her, rubbing her shoulders right away.

The air seems to be suspended while the photo and the name of the selected girl do not
occupy the television screen. And, in the blink of an eye, the Master of Ceremonies, at the
same time that the photograph of the chosen girl appears in the Official News, announces,
"Miss Oh Areum, twenty-one years old, a Seven."

The space is quite silent for a few seconds that you can almost hear the lashes bumping
against the tops of their cheekbones when they all blink in confusion.

And Jeongguk is the first to break this silence by grunting in frustration because he knows
Areum, he knows the selected one who was chosen over his sister. She attended elementary
school with Jeongguk and fuck. Oh Areum was extremely pretty and friendly. But so was his
sister.

Jeongguk was right. He was right all this time. The prince really is a complete pretentious
idiot for not choosing his sister. Even though Jeongguk already had the idea that this was
going to happen, the prince is still an asshole and nobody can change his mind.

Surprisingly, Ha-rin isn't crying, nor their other two sisters, who just look at the older girl
fearfully. Honestly, Ha-rin doesn't even look that sad as she looks closely at the photo of the
girl that took her place in the contest.

Even so, their mother soothes the long strands of her hair affectionately, Mun-hee and Jae-
hwa brood against the television about their choice, and their father looks worriedly at Ha-
rin. She may not have been chosen, but love and warmth will never fail her.

Jeongguk decides to comfort her as well by saying, "Sis, don't be like that. That prince is a
complete idiot for not choosing you, but the Selection is not the end of your life. You’re so
much more than a stupid and futile contest. By the way, you’re already the queen here at our
home, anyway," he tries to lighten the situation but no one laughs. Sighing softly, he tries to
add, "So try to don't think about it anymore-"

He can't finish talking because someone calls his name. Jeongguk looks at his family, at each
of the Jeon members, trying to look for the owner of the voice that called him and interrupted
him, but no one is looking at him. On the contrary, they are all staring completely pale and
gaping at the television.

And it's only when a male voice announces, "Jeon Jeongguk, twenty-two years old, a Seven.
The boy that was chosen from this caste and the last selected from the new edition of the
Selection," does Jeongguk dare to look in the same direction.

Jeongguk's heart almost stops beating when someone very familiar to him invades the screen.
So, so familiar. A picture of him, which he honestly doesn't even remember taking, smiles at
Jeongguk. He can't make the same move with his lips because they're too busy rounding up to
form a perfectly round «o».

"And these are our participants for the edition of this Selection! Thank you everyone for your
attention on this special night. And don't forget to absorb some ancient but very valuable
advice: be yourself. Always," Hoseok winks already in large format on the screen, right after
the photograph of Jeongguk has gone out of sight. "The Selection officially starts next
Sunday, so don't miss the Official News at eight o'clock. I'm your Master of Ceremonies,
Jung Hoseok, and I'll meet you in a few days. Thank you once again and have a great
evening," the yellow-haired man says goodbye, leaving Jeongguk's house completely silent
after the end of the Official News.

Even with the television screen already completely black, Jeongguk can't tear his gaze away
from the electronic device. He lets out an incredulous laugh because, quite honestly,
Jeongguk has to laugh at this joke. A joke of a very bad taste, a joke he must have
hallucinated about. A joke he can only have hallucinated about. Because it can't be real that
his name and picture appeared on the list of participants of the Selection. Especially when he
didn't even sign up.

"I thought you didn't want to join the Selection," his mother interrupts the deafening silence,
arching an eyebrow in question at Jeongguk. "You changed your mind and didn't tell us
anything? Did you sign up after all?"

Jeongguk looks completely mortified at her. "No. I didn't sign up for the Selection," he
replies simply, still dazed by what he's just heard. "This can only be a mistake. I don't
understand how this happened. I'm going to talk to them somehow and ask them to exchange
me for another candidate."

"Jeongguk, you can't do that. You can't give up now, it's forbidden. It was described in the
rules at the end of the application," Ha-rin comments calmly.

She's the only one who's still sitting on the sofa in the same starting position, facing with an
aura of tranquility the now-off television while her parents and even their other two sisters
stare at Jeongguk as if they don't understand a thing. In other words, they’re an authentic
portrait of how Jeongguk is feeling because, let's face it, he himself doesn't know what the
hell is going on either.

How did this even happen?

He didn't sign up. He received the application, yes, but he didn't fill it out, let alone send it to
his city department.

So, what happened-

Wait.

Wait, wait, wait.

There's something about this story that doesn't smell good and that makes him suspicious.
And Jeongguk has known his sister for eighteen years to know quite well the piece.

He should have thought of this before. It's too obvious. It can only have been one person.
Jeongguk then looks at the suspect threateningly.

"It was you..." He says in a voice too calm and contained that he is even capable of
frightening himself. "It was you who submitted the application on my behalf. Admit it. It was
you, Ha-rin!" Jeongguk points an accusing finger at his sister.

The way the girl curls up on the sofa and doesn't even dare look at Jeongguk is answer
enough for him. He scoffs, pulling his purple hair back. "I can't believe you were capable of
doing such a thing! You had no fucking right to do this behind my back!" Jeongguk explodes,
pacing back and forth in the middle of the living room.

"Jeongguk. Language, please," his father warns, glancing sideways at his two younger sisters.

"I’m sorry. But I'm really pissed off about this! I don't want to go to the Selection!" Jeongguk
exclaims exasperated. "Why did you do this, Ha-rin? Why did you do this when I said with
all the damn words that I didn't want to? I don't even know the prince. And I'm not interested
in doing it, for god’s sake!"

"Jeongguk... Let's all stay calm, please," his mother pleads, to which Jeongguk obeys as he
sits shakily on the floor in front of the sofa, leaning his back against the table where the
television is propped up. "Maybe it wasn't that bad that your sister submitted an application
on your behalf. It doesn't excuse her behavior. At all," the woman scolds, staring directly at
Ha-rin. "But if you were one of the selected ones... Well, it means that, in a way, the prince
liked you and that's a very good sign."

Jeongguk growls loudly, banging his head against the television. "Good sign of what? I'm not
in the least worried about whether the prince likes me or not," Jeongguk shrugs, frowning.
"By the way, you sure invented a bunch of lies on my application form, didn't you? That's the
only way they would pick me," Jeongguk scoffs while looking sideways at his sister.

"No, Jeongguk. That's where you're wrong," Ha-rin finally dares to meet her gaze with his.
"All the answers I gave in your questionnaire are true. From your job to your passion for
flowers. I even mentioned that you volunteer at the hospital and in our caste orphanage."

"Why?" Jeongguk raises his hands in the air, laughing wryly. "Why the hell would you do
that?" He starts to question again, increasingly nervous and frustrated. "You wanted this so
badly, Ha-rin. You were anxious and elated at the prospect of participating in this stupid
contest. Not me! I never even considered submitting my entry. And what happened? Now I
was chosen and you weren't."

"Was it because of the money?" Their mother asks in a broken whisper, drawing both
siblings' attention. "Was it because of the money that you registered your brother without his
permission? To have a better chance of someone in our family being chosen?"

"Money? What's this money story you guys are talking about?" Their father asks frowning,
clearly not liking the topic of conversation.

"If the reason was the money... That's just stupid. I promised I'd work more hours or even get
a second job if it were necessary!" Jeongguk retorts. "We don't need their money-"

"It was and it wasn't about the money, okay?" Ha-rin sighs loudly, bringing his hands to her
eyes. "Of course I thought about that bonus. Of course I thought about the extra money our
family would receive if one of us was selected. But that wasn't the main reason," she admits.

"What's the reason if it wasn't the money then? And don't tell me it was my crush on the
prince when I don't even know his face," Jeongguk scoffs, bracing his clasped hands on his
flexed knees.

Ha-rin takes a deep breath, bending her head down to escape the gaze of the entire family.
Even their younger sisters are quiet, not letting out any teasing or laughter. They're probably
also in complete shock that their older brother now has the chance to become the groom of
the prince they love so much. Not that Jeongguk wants that.

"So? Aren't you going to say anything?" Jeongguk insists, getting up impatiently from the
floor and placing his hands on his hips.

"I just wanted you to have a break, okay?" She responds exasperatedly, her eyes going
slightly glazed over. "I wanted you to take a break from all this. I never had bad intentions, I
swear. Now, seeing you upset with me, I can clearly see that I didn't act well behind your
back. But I just wanted you to leave for a while," Ha-rin sobs. "Since always, I remember
seeing you helping mom and dad. You started working when you were still in high school
and since then, you've been working tirelessly so that we never lack for anything. Damn, you
don't even let me also get a job so I can finish my senior year peacefully," she throws her
hands in the air in exasperation. "Jeongguk, you’re the most altruistic soul I've ever met. And
I just thought... I just thought it was time for someone to be altruistic with you too and let you
enjoy your life without all these monetary problems. That's why I filled out the application
for you. If you were chosen, you could get out of here for a few weeks, maybe even a few
months if you succeed in the contest. You could meet and be with people your own age, you
could live a life full of luxury, gain more opportunities with the visibility you would gain...
And have you thought about the amount of good food they must serve in that gigantic
palace?" She asks dreamily. "And who knows... You might be able to find the prince
interesting. And as for the money... I could get a job while you go. Not forgetting that the
royal family's payments would be an added bonus. But still, I apologize profoundly for acting
behind your back. I understand if you want to be upset with me for the rest of your life," Ha-
rin looks back at her fingers resting in her lap.

"You can be such an idiot sometimes," Jeongguk huffs, walking over to the couch to grab his
sister's wrists. He pulls her in until his arms go around her waist and his nose rests against her
long, peach scented hair. "How can I stay a lifetime upset with you when you say things like
this to me?" He grunts, pulling away from his sister's body warmth so he can look at her.

"Does that mean we’re okay? You aren’t upset anymore?" She asks reluctantly.

"Of course I'm upset," Jeongguk replies right away. "You managed to soften my heart with
that speech but I'm still disappointed with you for breaking my trust that way," he admits.

"You didn't act correctly, Ha-rin," their father scolds. "You may have done it with the best of
intentions, but it wasn't fair to Jeongguk. Even less for reasons like money. Your mother and I
want everything but for you to feel this pressure that should be ours alone. And that's why I
think maybe it won't be a bad idea for you to go to the Selection, Jeongguk."

Jeongguk scoffs, rolling his eyes because he can't believe what he's hearing.

"It's true, dear," this time it's his mother who speaks. "In a way, your sister is right. In all
these years, how many times have you not gone out with your friends from school because
you have to go to work? We only see you a couple of hours at night when you come home
from work and still, you’re always exhausted. Perhaps this is a good opportunity for you to
enjoy your youth while you still can."

"You guys talking like that kind of sounds like you're trying to shove me into a freaking
summer camp or something like that," Jeongguk replies. "And you're more than fed up with
knowing that I don't mind helping you. I don't even see it as a sacrifice or a problem at all! I
love my job, you know that. But do you think I work too many hours? Okay, I can work a
couple of hours less and spend more time with you guys. I might even try to work from
home! But I'm not going to the Selection. I can't. I don't want to. I'll give up. Maybe they'll let
me you go in my place," Jeongguk looks at Ha-rin. He frowns when her expression twitches.
"What's it?"

"You can't give up, Gguk," she replies hesitantly, biting her bottom lip.

"What do you mean I can't give up? They can't make me go!" He retorts.

"Jeongguk... Okay, you can give up... But you would have to pay a large charge to cover the
costs that the royal family has already spent for your stay there at the palace. The other
reason you can give up is because you have a serious disease or a family member has died, to
which, obviously, it is necessary to deliver a medical certificate that proves that. And you
don’t suffer from either of these two options, so..."

Jeongguk looks scandalized at his sister. This cannot be happening. It can't, it can't, it can't.
"You've got to be kidding me…" He runs his hands through his hair, pulling it back in
frustration. "I really don't have a choice…?"

"Sorry, Jeongguk," Ha-rin mutters in a worried tone, looking apologetically at him.

His mother sighs, getting up to stroke the strands of hair that grow on his neck. "Look at this
on the bright side, darling. This will be a good opportunity for you, I'm sure of it. You'll meet
a lot of people, you'll go to parties and balls, you'll eat at their banquets... Ah! And what
about the palace gardens? They’re beautiful! Imagine all the flowers, of different species and
colors, that must exist."

Well, in fact, that Jeongguk cannot deny. From the little he knows about the royal family and
where they live, Jeongguk knows that the gardens that line the palace are magical and
grandiose. If he goes... He will surely spend all his time lost in the flowers.

Wait. Is he really considering this?

It's not like he has any other alternative, either. Jeongguk cannot afford to indebt himself and
his family just because he wants to give up. He would probably be paying the royalty for the
rest of his days.

And it's not like Jeongguk will stay there for long. One, two, or even three weeks maximum.
He is not in the least interested in making the effort to meet and win the prince over, so
Jeongguk will definitely not be a long-term competitor. He just has to hang on for a couple of
days, eat as much as possible and flee to the gardens when everything gets too
overwhelming.

Jeongguk will really do this? He has to do this, he has no other choice.

"And you will meet Prince Taehyung!" Mun-hee, his younger sister, speaks for the first time
after the bombastic revelation.

"That's definitely an extremely positive point," Ha-rin comments, winking at Jeongguk

teasingly. "Something tells me that you and the prince are going to get along very well..."

Jeongguk scoffs, rolling his eyes in response. "Clearly. We're going to be best friends. Keep
dreaming, Ha-rin."

"We'll see then," she shrugs, smiling slyly.

"I’ll only go because I have no other choice. I will not indebt you. Along the way, I’ll enjoy
free food and the beautiful gardens. That's all," Jeongguk replies, feeling reality settle inside
him.

"Of course. That's all," Ha-rin nods, biting her lip to contain her smug smile.

"That's it," he repeats seriously.

Jeongguk will really do the unthinkable.

He will join the Selection.
 two
Chapter Notes

Trigger warnings:
- Mention of needles and blood (very, very brief);
- An episode of an anxiety attack

I didn't put these tags on the fic because they'll be only mentioned in this chapter and
they're also brief. So, I thought it would be enough if I just mentioned them here, but if
you think I should add them to the tags list, please let me know!

See the end of the chapter for more notes

II

The last week has been chaotic, the days passing by in an absolute twirl. Not to mention the
absurd amount of people entering and leaving incessantly Jeongguk's house. Honestly, he
doesn't remember ever seeing so many people in his neighborhood. And he doesn't just refer
to the individuals belonging to the Selection crew. No. Jeongguk mainly talks about the
curious neighbors trying to understand and have a look at what is happening inside the Jeon's
residence.

The first visit, just the day after the announcement of the selected ones, came in the form of a
middle-aged woman, with bright red-painted lips and matching acrylic nails, who mainly
appeared to ensure that the answers given in his form were veridic.

Needless to say, Jeongguk was caught by surprise, a thick layer of sweat forming on the small
of his back as, in fact, he was not the one who filled out his own application. For God's sake,
he had no idea what kind of questions were asked. His sister had only promised him that
everything she had written about him was true, and she had no more time to explain in detail
what the questionnaire consisted of. That didn't make Jeongguk feel any more relieved
though.

However, Jeongguk quickly realized that his sister hadn't lied when the red-lipped woman
started asking questions about his job, his regular visits to the orphanage and the hospital, and
even about his passion for flowers. Questions that Jeongguk could easily answer because
well, they’re true and basically everything Jeongguk does and loves in his life.

Finally, the woman asked him for his bank details to make the first weekly payment, and
although his eyes opened enthusiastically at the mention of the big amount of money, his
cheeks and tips of his ears colored in a shameful shade of red when the woman looked at him
with judgment because Jeongguk replied that neither he nor anyone in his family had a bank
account.

It's not every day that a Seven has reasons to open one, as their money, in addition to being
low, doesn’t last long in their hands. Therefore, Sevens cannot afford to pay the costs of
regularization and maintenance of their bank account to keep it almost always at zero. It just
didn't compensate.

The woman, fortunately, seemed to quickly understand the reasons behind Jeongguk's
response without him having to explain much further, and it only took two days for her to
return with a card, ready to use and with the first payment already there.

That night, Jeongguk and his family had a dinner that wasn't just soup, eggs, or crusty bread
and cheese. He no longer remembered what it was like to go to bed and fall asleep with his
stomach snug and completely full.

The second visitor was a man in his thirties, with silver glitter eyeshadow on his eyelids and
hair dyed platinum blond, pulled back with the help of hair gel. He came with the purpose of
taking measurements of Jeongguk's body to prepare his new wardrobe in the royal palace.

Jeongguk was not at all happy to discover that his new clothes would consist of pompous,
tight suits, shirts that would keep him from moving so they wouldn't get wrinkled, and classic
cut pants. He still had his black jeans ripped at his knee and a comfortable hoodie on, but
Jeongguk had already started to miss his baggy, casual clothes. Whatever the cost, he will
have to find a way to bring at least a hoodie and a pair of sweatpants into the palace. What
will he sleep in? With those fancy, satin pajamas that will probably cost more than his entire
closet? The hell not.

The third visit was probably the one that Jeongguk was least pleased to receive. A doctor.
The gray-haired man made him do every possible and imaginable medical test and
examination, including Jeongguk's biggest nightmare: blood tests. This involved a good
fifteen minutes, and not because the doctor was incompetent or because he couldn't find
Jeongguk's veins. Far from it, not least because his arms have very prominent veins, thank
you very much. It took a while because Jeongguk is terrified of syringes and anything that
looks like needles near his body.

However, after many whimpers and eyes shut tightly by Jeongguk and the doctor's impatient
sighs, the results came a few hours later, and despite Jeongguk being in good general health,
the boy had some nutritional deficits. So, to counterbalance the lack of a complete, adequate,
and derived diet common in a Seven, the doctor handed him a bottle full of yellow pills,
giving him the indication to take one of those vitamins per day.

But even worse than the needle stuck in his arm to collect his blood was the abrupt question
that fled the doctor's lips. "Well, I know this is a very personal topic, but don't be shy about
answering it because it's a question I put to all the participants," the doctor paused, clicking
the tip of his clearly expensive pen. "I need you to tell me if you're still a virgin or if you've
already started your sex life."
Jeongguk's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. "Huh..." Jeongguk was speechless. He
definitely didn't expect to be asked this. At least not so directly. "No. I'm not a virgin,"
Jeongguk ended up replying, avoiding the doctor's piercing gaze.

Good thing his parents were working and his sisters were at school. It would be too
embarrassing if they were here to hear these kinds of very indiscreet questions.

"Don't worry. No judgment," the doctor assured, scribbling something in his black notebook.
"There's no problem with that. It's not prohibited, as you know. I just asked because, in this
case, we'll have to do some additional tests to make sure you don't have any sexually
transmitted diseases, as you might guess."

It’s true that, currently, the law regarding losing virginity before marriage no longer exists,
much less for those who intend to participate in the Selection, as it occurred a good few
decades ago.

But of course, this does not imply that those who still wait to do it only with their future
husband or wife are not seen as 'superior', a person who is pure and honest about the ideals of
marriage. Mainly concerning the Selection and the prince, who will certainly prefer someone
immaculate in that aspect.

However, Jeongguk lost his virginity around the age of seventeen to his secret high school
boyfriend. Their relationship ended shortly after that, just a couple of weeks after graduation,
but Jeongguk never regretted it. At the time, Jeongguk liked him and wanted to do it, and
that's the most important thing.

After that, Jeongguk couldn't say that he had returned to an active sex life. It only happened
once and it wasn't even sex. He had been invited to a birthday party of a boy who was in his
class, and one of the girls invited, after a few drinks, cheesy flirting, and dancing very close
to him, proposed to give him a blowjob. Why? He doesn't know until today. But, as you
might guess, who was Jeongguk, a nineteen-year-old teenager with hormones running high,
to refuse?

After that, nothing else happened. The truth is, Jeongguk was too busy working to even miss
being intimate with anyone. Okay, sure he missed feeling wanted and having that pleasurable
contact, but it's not like he had the time and the will to find someone. So, his callused hand
and pillow would have to be enough for the loneliest days. Not that he could really enjoy
those days though. Not when he shares a bedroom with three sisters.

Fortunately, the last medical exams were over. Not that Jeongguk had anything to fear about
these specific tests because he was sure he was more than clean, not only because some time
had passed since the last time he was with anyone, but also because he had been to the doctor
recently.

The problem was more that he found it all useless because, at no time, Jeongguk intends to
get involved with the prince. It's bad enough that he has no choice but to participate in this
stupid contest, let alone have sex with the other men.
But of course, if Jeongguk told the doctor this, the man would probably find the situation
strange. And as tempting as it is to do so, not least because it would certainly ruin his
participation in the Selection, Jeongguk doesn't want to get his family in trouble or in costly
debt. So, he allowed himself to undergo a few more clinical tests and breathed a sigh of relief
when the doctor finally left his house.

Today, two days before Jeongguk leaves for the Euphoréa's palace, the Jeon family home
receives its last visitor. The man, dressed in a grey suit and tie, perfectly trimmed beard and
hair combed to the side, is responsible for reviewing all the official contest rules with
Jeongguk.

The purple-haired boy leads the man to the dining room table in the kitchen, knowing without
a shadow of a doubt that his family, who are now sitting on the sofa in the living room, have
their ears perked up to hear everything the two will argue.

"Mr. Jeon, it’s my duty to inform you firsthand that any failure by you to comply with the
rules I will now dictate will result in serious consequences and, quite possibly, in your
immediate expulsion from the Selection. Are we in agreement?"

Jeongguk swallows, feeling intimidated by the assertiveness of the man sitting across from
him. He nods slowly. "Yes."

It sincerely annoys him that he has spent the last few days obeying rules, signing documents,
and sharing the tiniest details of his life when Jeongguk never wanted to participate in this
contest that looks more like a prison in the first place.

"Very well," the man nods, pulling what appears to be more documents for Jeongguk to sign
from his briefcase. He mentally rolls his eyes.

Jeongguk was grateful that Euphoréa existed, as today he and all the other residents could
find themselves in a country of ruins after the war that took place a few centuries ago.
However, that didn't stop Jeongguk from starting to feel suffocated, as if these rules were all
like invisible chains, which hampered his movements. Laws about what to do, questions
about his virginity, documents after documents to sign… It was exasperating.

"Let's go over the rules then. They're pretty simple and I believe you won't have any trouble
sticking to them," the man begins. "If you have any questions, don't hesitate to interrupt me,"
the man looks up from the pile of papers in his hands to glare at Jeongguk.

"Right," the boy mutters, wanting more than ever for the man to cut to the chase so he can
leave and, consequently, allow Jeongguk to enjoy his last moments of freedom in peace and
quiet.

"You can’t leave the palace at your will at any time, you will have to be excused by the
prince. With some clear exceptions, of course, such as the need to go to a hospital for serious
health reasons - even if we have an infirmary in the palace - or if you have a family problem
or emergency. However, in situations where these exceptions are not present, not even the
king or queen will be able to expel you," the man tells. "Of course they can give their
opinions to the prince that they don't approve you, but all final decisions about who stays in
the palace are solely Prince Taehyung's."

Jeongguk nods, understanding everything he's been told so far.

"With this, I would also add that there is no predetermined time limit for the Selection. Either
a competitor can leave every Sunday, as usual, and thus, the contest finish after a few weeks,
or it can also take years. Everything will depend on the prince and his choices."

The boy can almost feel his chin scraping against the floor. "Years?" Jeongguk mutters in
complete horror, mentally wondering if he has any chance of grabbing his bags and run away.
"The Selection can take years?"

Even his sisters choke on the sofa when they hear such information.

"It's unlikely that this will happen, don't worry," the man trivializes the situation. "The prince
will probably not allow the competition to go so far. Mainly because this is a time when he
needs to demonstrate the ability to choose and decide, and it’s certainly not in his favor to let
the Selection drag on for too long. But if the prince decides to follow that longer path, Mr.
Jeon will have to remain in the palace as long as necessary before he makes a choice."

All that was left for Jeongguk was to pray that the prince would find his soulmate or
whatever in the first few weeks. Either that or expel Jeongguk out of that hell as quickly as
possible. Until then, he just has to hide the fear he's feeling right now so the man in front of
him doesn't suspect anything.

"You won't be the one planning the dates with Prince Taehyung. If he wants to be with you
alone and in a more private and romantic environment, he will look for you himself. Of
course, if you are at a social event where the prince is also present, you can and should talk to
him to show your charms. After all, this is a contest to conquer the future king of Euphoréa.
However, as a general rule, you should not approach him uninvited," the man explains.

Jeongguk has to fight the gigantic urge he feels to roll his eyes because okay, this Taehyung
guy might be the prince, but still, who does he think he is? Nobody can approach him without
his authorization or initiative first? For God's sake. What a snob.

"Although it’s not required that you establish a friendship with the remaining eleven selected,
arguments, violence, and sabotage are strictly prohibited. If you are found to attack, provoke,
threaten, or rob another competitor, or even do anything else that could harm the relationship
of either of them with Prince Taehyung, he himself will decide whether Mr. Jeon should be
expelled from the palace immediately or not."

Well, Jeongguk will certainly not have any difficulty complying with this rule specifically.
Not only does he not consider himself a conflicted and violent person - at all - but Jeongguk
also has no reason to do so. He doesn't want to ruin the prince's relationship with anyone, on
the contrary. The closer the prince is to someone else, the faster the Selection ends and,
consequently, the quicker Jeongguk is freed from this contest and returns home.
"Your only romantic relationship should be exclusively with Prince Taehyung. If you're
caught writing love letters, sending messages to someone abroad, or starting a romantic or
sexual relationship with any of the palace workers or other competitors, such acts will be
considered treason, and because they're unforgivable, may be punishable with a death
sentence."

Jeongguk tries to hide his horror from the man, but he's not so sure his face can remain
neutral with such information. Death sentence? It's not that Jeongguk plans to get involved
with anyone but he can't help but dry swallow. However, he strives to nod in understanding
so that the man can proceed.

"If you're found broking or violating any of Euphoréa's laws, you will be punished according
to the crime committed. Your Selected status does not place you above the law."

Okay, another rule that Jeongguk won't have a hard time complying with. A more peaceful
and respectful person than he does not exist. His criminal record is more than clean. After all,
he had always had to set an example for his younger sisters.

"It’s not allowed to wear clothes or consume food that has not been specifically provided by
the palace staff. This is a security measure, as you might understand," the man shifts his gaze
back to Jeongguk to ensure the boy in purple hair is accompanying him.

Jeongguk sighs low. Of all the measures and rules mentioned so far, this is perhaps the one
that bothers him the most. There goes his hopes of being able to take at least his favorite
sweatpants with him.

"On Sundays, you will have a required presence in the special broadcasts of the Official
News. At certain times, as expected, there will be cameras throughout the palace to witness
your daily life with the prince. You must be polite and available to make brief reports
whenever requested to do so."

Ugh. Cameras. Another thing Jeongguk was really looking forward to.

"As you may have known, your family will be generously rewarded for each week you stay
at the palace. I assume the first payment has already been made," the man looks away from
his papers and raises a questioning eyebrow at Jeongguk.

"Yes, I got it," Jeongguk confirms.

"Excellent then. In addition, if you're excused from the competition, assistants will be made
available to you to help you adapt to your life after the Selection. As you may know, the
selected ones automatically become Two and, therefore, they will have to change houses and
their jobs if they’re of a lower caste. But we will have more than time to discuss these details
later."

No, Jeongguk had no idea of that. He will become a Two after leaving the contest? He will
have to move from his house? And his family? What about his job? Jeongguk does not want
to become a sportsman, a singer, or a famous actor, the most characteristic jobs of caste Two.
He is completely in love with his job. Jeongguk certainly doesn't want to work with anything
other than his pretty flowers. Thinking about that possibility immediately evokes a wave of
anxiety in him.

"If you manage to be among the top five selected, you will be considered as belonging to the
Elite. If you achieve this status, you will start learning all the specific duties and functions
you may have as a future prince. You’re not authorized to seek information regarding that
subject before that time."

Tsk. Jeongguk certainly won't make it that far, so he doesn't worry too much about it.

"If you win the Selection, you and your entire family will be elevated to One, as members of
the royal family."

“One..." Jeongguk hears the word slip softly from the lips of one of his sisters. If there were
any doubts that his family was listening to the conversation curiously, the dreamy sighs and
whispers of his sisters emanating from the living room are answer enough.

"And that's it. Did you understand all the rules? Do you need me to repeat any of them again?
Or do you have any other questions?" The man asks, pulling out what appears to be a new
document from inside his leather folder.

Honestly, Jeongguk still feels agitated from the moment he discovered that he would have
little choice but to join the Selection. He'd barely had time to digest all this information, let
alone think about possible doubts and questions about the contest and its rules.

Well, on further reflection, the question clinging to the tip of Jeongguk's tongue right now is,
"Do I still have time to give up when I didn't even want to be selected in the first place?", but
it's obvious that Jeongguk restrains himself, putting a leash around the question and hiding it
in one of the corners farthest from his brain.

Jeongguk has to accept this, his untoward fate, once and for all. It was time for him to came
to terms with his going to the royal palace, and he decided that this is the ideal time to begin
to internalize that.

"No, it won't be necessary. I understood everything and I have no doubts," Jeongguk asserts
confidently.

The man nods, even showing a glimmer of relief - probably because he is already tired of
talking to so many participants - and hands him the new document. "Very well. I just ask you
to sign this form, indicating that you have heard and understood all the official rules."

Jeongguk obeys and, in the end, the man gathers all the papers back into his expensive folder
and gets up to leave. The purple-haired boy was the last selected the man needed to find, but
he still had to meet with another contest official, namely the person who would help
Jeongguk go to the airport, and then, get him installed at the royal palace.

Two days.
In two days, Jeongguk would leave his house, his job at the florist, his parents, his younger
sisters, his freedom... The Selection was just starting and the idea still seemed to be a mere
mirage in Jeongguk’s mind. A dream, or rather a nightmare, in which he is aware that it's
vividly happening but that he wants to wake up from.

He still doesn't fully believe how his life is about to radically change, but Jeongguk doesn't
have much more time for that. It’s for the better if he starts to believe it.

On the fatidic Sunday morning, Jeongguk wears the uniform that was delivered to him. For
the girls - he learned from his assistant, the person who will accompany him to the palace - a
pale yellow dress with a small embroidery of the flower representing their caste was chosen;
as for the boys, they would have to wear a classic, pale blue shirt, black trousers, and their
caste flower peeking out of their shirt pocket.

Assistant Lee, a woman in her forties with a small face and an immaculate ponytail, advised
Jeongguk to say goodbye to his family before leaving for the airport rather than asking them
to accompany him. At this point, Jeongguk was already considered a public figure (much to
his displeasure), and to play it safe, as a considerable number of people and even
photographers were expected to be present at the airport gate, he decided to follow the
woman's advice and preserve the privacy of his parents and sisters. He wasn't naive enough to
believe that sooner or later it would eventually become public knowledge that this was the
family of one of the selected ones, but he wanted to delay that moment as long as possible.

And so, after dressing and packing the last of his belongings allowed into the palace, it was
the dreaded time to say goodbye.

Jeongguk hugged his two younger sisters, Mun-hee and Jae-hwa, first, and although they
were smiling excitedly at the fact that their older brother was going to the royal palace to live
a supposed fairy tale, they were crying for the same reasons.

He made sure to gently wipe their tears away, trying hard not to do the same. He had
promised himself he wouldn’t cry. There was no reason for him to do it, right? In a very short
time, he would be back home. He was sure of that.

After his younger sisters promise to apply themselves to their studies instead of spending
their free time watching the Selection on television, Jeongguk places one last kiss against
their cheeks and now faces Ha-rin, ready to crush her in his arms.

"I will never forgive you for putting me through this hell," Jeongguk growls low against her
ear. Although he still doesn't want to participate in this contest, the comment is only in the
form of teasing, as he has completely forgotten what his sister did to him behind his back and
has gotten rid of the resentment. "When I get back in a few days, you'll be in charge of
washing the dishes for me for a whole year. It's the only way I can forgive you," he adds with
a faint smile on his lips.

Ha-rin laughs weakly. She tightens her arms even more around Jeongguk's neck. "Okay. It's
fair," she nods, pulling away from the affectionate gesture to get a look at her brother. "But
something tells me that won't happen," she smiles teasingly, stroking Jeongguk's confused
face.

Frowning, Jeongguk asks, "What is that supposed to mean?"

Before Ha-rin can respond, Assistant Lee hesitantly approaches them and clears her throat to
get their attention. "I'm sorry Mr. Jeon, but I have to ask you to say your goodbyes as soon as
possible as our airport shuttle is already outside waiting for us."

The woman looks apologetically at him, clearly uncomfortable at having to interrupt family
farewells, but Jeongguk just nods sympathetically. The woman is just doing her job.

When she pulls away to give him a few last moments of privacy, Jeongguk's eyes fall back to
his sister's. Unlike Mun-hee and Jae-hwa, Ha-rin doesn't show a single trace of sadness or
tears. On the contrary.

"Ha-rin..." He sighs heavily. "Now that I won't be home, you're going to have to help our
parents and sisters in double, okay? Check that Mun-hee washes her teeth before bed and that
Jae-hwa does her math homework, the ones she hates doing so much," he points out. "And
make sure dad takes something to eat for work with him and that mom gets enough sleep."

Ha-rin rolls her eyes because she's already more than aware of all this, but even so, she nods
and smiles to reassure the purple-haired boy. "I know, Jeongguk. Don't worry. I'll take good
care of everything and everyone. And you... Please, have fun."

Jeongguk holds her face and brings it closer to him until his lips rest for a long time against
Ha-rin's forehead. "I know you will take care of our family. I never doubted that. You’re a
good sister and a good daughter."

"Exactly! I really am," she giggles teasingly. "And you're an excellent brother and son too,
but it's time to take a vacation from that role and just be you. Promise me that you'll try to
enjoy your time in the Selection and that you'll have fun," Ha-rin looks pleadingly at him,
grabbing both of his hands.

He just rolls his eyes. "I don't know how I'm supposed to enjoy etiquette lessons and fancy
balls-"

"Jeongguk. Promise me," Ha-rin cuts him off, pointing a finger threateningly against his
chest.

Jeongguk sighs. "Okay. Okay, I promise I'll try to enjoy myself."

After exchanging another tight hug in the form of farewell, Jeongguk now approaches his
parents. His mother is a mess, her black glasses are clouding with incessant tears, and every
now and then, a sob escapes her lips.

"Mom..." Jeongguk whispers as he lets himself be trapped in the woman's open arms. "Please
don't cry," he asks, but his own voice sounds shaky and wobbly. There goes his promise not
to cry.

"Oh my dear boy," she whispers against Jeongguk's chest as she is generously shorter than
her son. "We’re going to miss you so much."

"And I'll miss you too," he doesn't hesitate to retort, rocking the woman's body from side to
side in a gesture of comfort. "But I'm only going to be away from you for a few days, okay?
I'll be back soon and I'll be able to help you guys again. Until that, you have the help of the
payments and I think it's more than enough for you to be okay without me."

"Jeongguk, you big fool!" His mother scolds between sobs.

"Don't you even dare worry about us, you hear me?" His father butts in, pulling him into a
hug too. "You’re going to the Selection to enjoy and have fun. Don't think about money, bills,
and debts. We have everything under control."

"But-"

"There are no buts, or half buts," his mother interrupts him. "You're our son, not our
accountant or anything like that. It took us a long time to figure that out, but now it's over. We
never wanted you to carry our worries. We thank you, of course, for everything you've done
for us, for our family. But now it's time for you to behave like someone your own age. So,
take your time at the Selection and try to get something good from that," the woman adjusts
the strands of purple hair that insisted on falling into his eyes.

"Why are you all saying the same damn thing?" Jeongguk snorts exasperatedly. "I've told you
thousands of times that you didn't give me any burden and that I helped because I wanted to-"

"Mr. Jeon, we really have to get going if we don't want to miss the flight," Assistant Lee
again interrupts.

"Go, Jeongguk," his father pulls him again for another hug. "We will stay here rooting for
you."

“You don’t need to root for me," Jeongguk scoffs in a low voice so his assistant doesn't hear.
"I don't want to win this."

But it seems his parents ignore him completely. His mother adds, "We'll see you on tv every
day. Always," the woman kisses his cheek loudly. "We love you with all of us."

Now his promise is really going to blow up. A stubborn tear escapes the corner of his eyes
but Jeongguk hastens to wipe it away with his callused fingers.

"And I love you guys."

With one last look at his family, Jeongguk takes his hand luggage and says goodbye to the
only house he's lived in for the past twenty-two years.

To Jeongguk's surprise, his assistant couldn't have been more right. As soon as he gets out of
the luxurious car with tinted windows, he finds the small square at the entrance to the airport
crammed with people. It’s as if all the inhabitants of caste Seven had taken the time to go
wish him good luck and say goodbye to him. Or else the curiosity to be close to one of the
selected was superior.

Either way, Jeongguk feels awkward with the huge human mass surrounding him and
blocking his way, all those people with their eyes on him. In fact, Jeongguk was busier
staring at everyone as he walked down the corridor of bodies towards the double glass doors
at the airport entrance with the help of four security guards, which is why the mayor’s voice
resonating through a microphone somewhere startles him.

"And caste Seven will also cheer for Jeon Jeongguk! A round of applause for him, ladies and
gentlemen!"

He was not at all expecting to be received this way. Even the mayor had come to see him and
wish him good luck? What the hell?

The crowd applauded, shouted, encouraged. Some even threw flowers. In that warm wave of
attention, Jeongguk let the noise envelop him, smiling and waving to everyone because, after
all, these people were rooting for him. For him and for Oh Areum, the girl of his caste
equally selected, of course. But either way, Jeongguk now couldn't ignore the contagious
energy and enthusiasm, wanting to reciprocate that affection and support in some way.

In less than a minute, silence replaced the cheers and applause, and Jeongguk allows himself
to breathe as they reach the interior of the calm airport. He was going to fly with Areum,
which made the crowd's bubbling joy disappear and give way to anxiety and nervousness
instead, just because it was his first time on a plane.

Honestly, he never quite understood why they built an airport in caste Seven. It's not like
people here can actually travel. Maybe it was built for occurrences like this one he's been
living with though.

About ten minutes later, Jeongguk's assistant returns to him, informing him that his check-in
is ready. They then advance through the sterile and clean departure terminal until they reach
the boarding point.

On one of the long, metal benches, a medium-sized girl, in a light yellow dress and black hair
tangled on top of her head, is sitting, and although it's been a good couple of years since they
went to elementary school together, Jeongguk recognizes her right away.
With a sweet smile on her lips, Areum gets up and approaches him, surprising the boy by
greeting him with a quick hug. "Hey, Jeongguk! It's been a while! You've grown a lot! What
about your hair? I love it!"

Jeongguk obviously grins back because he has always been very fond of this girl and her
sincere and amusing enthusiasm and simpathy. “Oh, thank you, Areum. It’s good to see you
too,” he replies, pulling away from the hug.

"I was so happy when I saw that you had been one of the selected. I was afraid to go to the
palace without knowing anyone, but luckily, that didn't happen! It's going to be so much fun!"
She gives little jumps of excitement and Jeongguk has to control himself not to grimace.

Yeah. It looks like he forgot that he's the only one who's going to the royal palace upset. The
others selected are on their way to the contest due to their will and desire, not due to
obligation and fear of having to pay a fine for giving up. So, it made perfect sense the
happiness and euphoria that spilled over Areum - and certainly for all the other competitors.
Jeongguk just had to copy them to stay out of unnecessary attention.

"Yeah, totally. It's going to be amazing," Jeongguk pushes the words out of him, unaware
even of his own voice uttering such a thing.

Luckily, before Areum starts talking about how perfect the prince is - believe him, from the
glint in her eyes, Jeongguk was sure that would be the next topic of conversation - their two
assistants call and warn them that it's time to board.

Despite his nervousness, Jeongguk chooses to take a seat by the window, and of course, for
the same reasons, Areum decided to do the same but in the queue on the other side of the
plane. The two manage to ignore the speed and the scaring leap the plane makes during take-
off and make their stomachs churn, preferring instead to be mesmerized by the beauty of the
landscape that only the arms of the sky provide.

As soon as the plane maintains a steady trajectory and no big vision other than the pale cotton
candy that creates the clouds, Jeongguk's assistant tells him how the ride towards the palace
will proceed and how he should essentially act. After long thirty minutes, assistant Lee lets
him enjoy the rest of the trip, whereupon Jeongguk takes a much-needed nap, as he barely
slept last night. Last night and every night since he found out he was one of the selected, to
tell you the truth.

When they finally land, approximately two hours later, the environment remains silent all the
way between the plane and the terminal, to which Jeongguk and Areum follow, flanked by
guards. But as soon as the airport's doors open to the outside, they’re greeted by deafening
screams. If Jeongguk had been surprised by the exorbitant number of people saying goodbye
to him in his caste town... Well, this doesn't even compare.

The terrace is full of people bouncing around, cheering them on. A path had been opened just
for them, covered by a red carpet and bordered by rope barriers in the same shade. Along this
route, at short, regular intervals, tall, muscular and armed guards stare intently at the crowd,
ready to intervene at the slightest sign of danger.
Areum walks ahead, bowing briefly and waving at people with a giant grin on her lips, while
Jeongguk, though equally grateful, keeps a few steps behind. The constant flash of dozens of
photographers and the incessant squeals are overwhelming him, but even so, he tried his best
to maintain an upright posture and a friendly smile on his face as he greets and thanks all
these people for their presence.

Despite everything, specially Jeongguk being an extremely perfectionist person, he wanted to

make a good impression and show the best of him. It was the least he could do for all the
people who took a little bit of their day to come and see him.

The crowd is mad with joy. These people will be their closest neighbors for some time to
come and are eager to see firsthand each of the selected ones who arrive in the city. After all,
one of them will soon be their next king or queen.

Within seconds, Jeongguk turns his head to either side as people shout his name from all over
the crowded terminal. He is even more surprised to notice that there are also posters with his
name and pictures. Jeongguk didn't know how to react to the fact that there were already
people - people who weren't even from his caste - who wanted Jeongguk to be the chosen
one. He felt a knot in his stomach for disappointing them all later.

Something catches his eye when Jeongguk reaches roughly halfway across, and when he
lowers his gaze for a mere instant, Jeongguk finds a girl pressed against the barrier but with a
content smile drawing her features anyway. She can't be more than twelve years old and
Jeongguk can't help but immediately remember his sisters. It's only been a couple of hours
and he already misses his family.

The funniest and most curious thing is that the little girl holds in her tiny hands a sign that
says, 'Purple hair is the best!', with a little crown drawn in the dots of the 'i', and little stars
and hearts all over the place.

Jeongguk was certainly the only selected with hair as extravagant and unnatural as purple, so
it made perfect sense that this poster was dedicated to him. His suspicions are confirmed
when he approaches the girl and she smiles happily at him as she shows him the purple locks
clinging to her natural black hair.

Jeongguk's heart swells with sweetness and warmth and all he wanted most at that moment
was to hug his mini fan. However, he couldn't do that. Not only because of the ropes barrier
that prevented it, but mostly for safety reasons. This was one of the main warnings that
assistant Lee gave him regarding his attitudes and gestures when leaving the airport. But
Jeongguk was more than happy to autograph the poster she held out towards him.

After that, next to the girl, someone else asked for a picture, and on the other side, someone
wanted to shake his hand. Jeongguk thus ends up walking the entire line, turning a few times
to greet the people on the other side of the crosswalk as well.

Because of this, Jeongguk is the last selected to bid farewell to the crowd, making Areum
wait inside the car for good twenty minutes. To be honest, he hadn't even noticed time
passing, much less realized Areum was no longer there. However, luckily, the girl doesn't
show any impatience or bitterness, welcoming Jeongguk into the car with a friendly grin.
Honestly, he was still amazed that he had adapted so well and quickly to a situation that had
left him so scared just moments before. He managed to get over his family goodbyes, the
meeting with another selected, his first flight on a plane, and still interact with a crowd of
fans, all without committing a single gaffe.

Jeongguk also thinks of the dozens and dozens of cameras that followed him along the
terminal and imagines his family watching every single thing on television. He wonders if
they’re proud of him. Jeongguk genuinely hopes so.

Despite the huge concentration of welcome at the airport, the roads leading to the palace were
also lined with crowds of people wishing them luck. But unfortunately, the guard
accompanying them advised Jeongguk and Areum not to open their car windows to thank
them since they were now considered an extension of the royal family. Many might adore
them, but there were certainly people out there who wouldn't hesitate to hurt them to hit the
prince. Or the monarchy itself, in general.

In the car, Jeongguk sat beside Assistant Lee. Since the vehicle was a special model with two
passenger seats in the back facing each other, Areum and her assistant sat opposite Jeongguk.
The girl was looking radiantly out the window when she saw her name written on several
posters. Jeongguk's name also appeared here and there, but the presence of fans of candidates
from the highest castes was notorious.

The deafening noise and number of people begin to thin out as they approach the house that
will be theirs for some time to come, being replaced by loads of guards instead. However,
even though they were close, Jeongguk could not see the palace clearly. This was probably
due to the high stucco walls, painted in a pale yellow. There were guards also posted at the
top, on either side of the big, braided gate, which opened as their vehicle approached.

Inside, a long, gravel path stretched, embraced by lush greenery and a fountain, leading the
car to the main door where some of the palace staff were already patiently waiting to receive
them.

With a quick bow from the maids, Jeongguk loses sight of Areum and their assistants as two
slick-haired women in loose, long dresses and a white apron over the top gently grab his arm,
leading him into the palace.

"We're terribly sorry for rushing you like this Mr. Jeon, but your group is late," one of them
smiles apologetically.

"Oh no," Jeongguk frowns, feeling guilty about the busyness of the maids. "I have to
apologize then. I'm afraid it was my fault," he apologizes, following the two women nimbly.
"I talked a little too much with the people at the airport."
The other woman slows her steps slightly as she gazes at him in surprise. "You talked with
the crowd?" The two maids exchange a stare that Jeongguk doesn't understand, but the
subject is soon forgotten as they begin to vaguely indicate the places they pass.

The dining room was to the right and the Great Hall to the left. The door to this last-
mentioned space was ajar and Jeongguk, curious as he is, catches a brief glimpse of the
extensive gardens beyond the large, glass windows, and he genuinely wishes he could stop
and hide there. However, those plans will definitely have to wait for later (he hopes, at least)
as the two women gently push him into a gigantic room full of busy people. How many halls
the size of Jeongguk's house does this place have?

Amid all that movement, Jeongguk can see rows of chairs and mirrors where professionals
comb the hair of the selected ones, paint their nails, or trim their beards. Areum and the two
maids who accompanied her must have arrived at the salon a few seconds before Jeongguk,
and just as the two selected find themselves side by side again, a woman dressed in an
elegant red suit, which matches her lips, and with brown, bright and perfectly stretched hair
approaches them.

"Here you are! We've been waiting for you. Oh Areum and Jeon Jeongguk from caste Seven,
am I right?" She asks, smiling amiably at both of them as they nod in confirmation. "Very
well. I'm Jang-mi, the person responsible for guiding you throughout your stay here at the
palace. If you have any problems, you must look for me." After brief greetings and bows,
Jang-mi adds, "First, we need to get you some pictures of the «before». Miss Oh, you go to
post eleven while Mr. Jeon goes to post twelve," she declares, pointing with her index finger
to the appropriate places. "Don't be scared of the cameras. We're going to make a special
broadcast to let Euphoréa know about you and, obviously, we want to show them your
transformations. So, act naturally and we'll see each other in a little while. For now, I'll leave
you at the hands of your stylists."

In fact, as Jeongguk is taken to his post, he sees a lot of people with cameras around the hall,
closely filming every detail of the selected ones and interviewing them as well. Jeongguk
recognizes some of them, mainly because Ha-rin insisted that he took a look at the shortlist
so as not to go totally unprepared. However, he cannot afford to pay them much attention
because someone is already seating him in front of a brightly lit mirror.

"Let's see," begins a dark-skinned, radiant man. He runs his fingers through the strands of
Jeongguk's hair, looking at him through the mirror's reflection. He adds in a professional
tone, "We need to talk about your image."

As the man shakes his head from side to side as memorizing all the details of Jeongguk, the
purple-haired boy frowns. "What's wrong with my image?"

Wasn't he supposed to be himself? Why do they want to change it?

"What persona can we give you?" The man taps his index finger against his chin
thoughtfully. "I'm afraid this purple hair is… Too strong," he clears his throat. "How about
we dye it a dark brown? Not only is it a more natural shade, but it will also go better with
your eyes and defined jaw. And it looks to me like you need deep hydration as well. The ends
of your hair are a little bit dried, probably because of the hair dye."
Jeongguk really manages not to roll his eyes or scoff out loud, but he can't help but retort,
“You can do the hydration. I'm aware my hair is a little dry. But I'm not going to change the
hair color, much less to please someone I don't even know." Or like it, he thinks with
bitterness. But, obviously, he doesn't say it out loud. So as not to be suspicious, he adds, "I
like the purple. If you want, you can touch up the color as my roots are already showing. But
I don't want to paint it in my boring, natural color."

The man looks taken aback for a few seconds, even stopping his finger movements in
Jeongguk's colored locks. Until a lewd smile comes to his lips. "Now, now. Looks like we've
got someone full of personality around here."

"Don't we all?" Jeongguk arches an eyebrow.

The man smiles again. "Very well. We'll keep the purple then. Let's not change your image,
let's just enhance it. Your aversion to wanting to change drastically could turn out to be a big
plus, actually. You want to stay true to yourself, I like that. Keep it up, Mr. Jeon," the man
pats him on the back and momentarily steps away to prepare what appears to be the purple
hair dye, giving way to a group of busy women to come toward Jeongguk.

When the man asked them to polish Jeongguk, he never thought it was in the literal sense of
the word. After he was asked to undress and keep only his underwear on (which Jeongguk
obeyed but could not prevent the strong blush on his cheeks and tip of his ears), one of the
women began rubbing his body with a sort of exfoliating. Jeongguk was grateful that each
post was covered by curtains.

Then, the same woman smears his skin with oils, creams, and lotions, which leave Jeongguk's
skin smooth as a baby's butt and smelling like strawberries. According to her, this was one of
the prince's favorite scents. Jeongguk neither denies nor confirms that his wish was to take a
shower to remove that smell from his skin now glowing from him.

After leaving him soft and silky, the four women are now concentrating on his nails.
Honestly, Jeongguk feels sorry for them because he knows it can't be an easy task. Not
because he has a habit of biting his nails, but because his job makes his hands a pity, always
with a few scratches and calluses. But in a few minutes, his nails are trimmed and filed, and
the toughest cuticles were miraculously smoothed. Jeongguk has to applaud them (mentally,
of course) for their amazing work, but it's also no wonder they work for the royal family,
right? Jeongguk even thought about asking them to paint his nails black (he sometimes asked
his sisters to do it and he loved it), but he thought maybe his purple hair was enough to make
an impact, and that's why he was left with only the transparent one.

The hairdresser man returns as soon as Jeongguk's nails and hands are ready. His hair is then
washed, softened, and moisturized after having retouched the shade of purple. His strands of
hair were also curled with a weird machine that Jeongguk had never seen in his life, but
looking at himself in the mirror at the end, Jeongguk can tell he is quite pleased with the
result. The purple is now a brighter shade, reflecting the light in a mesmerizing way, and it
was soft to the touch.

Now, it's time for a very pretty woman to approach him to put makeup on. Jeongguk liked it
but nothing too exaggerated (he confesses he didn't have much patience to take it all off at the
end of the day). Therefore, Jeongguk still looked like himself when he was allowed to gaze
closely at the mirror to verify his final transformation.

This was short-lived, however, as he was soon called to get up and go only in his robe to an
area where there are huge clothes hangers. Jeongguk's name was written across a rail from
which hung formal suits, classic shirts and shiny shoes. Jeongguk will definitely miss his
casual, baggy clothes.

He ends up wearing beige, straight-cut pants and a dark blue polo, and the person who helped
him put it on said it was one of the more informal outfits. Jeongguk doesn't even want to
imagine what a more formal ensemble would mean for them. They also informed him that all
those clothes would be added to the ones that were already present in his bedroom. What was
the need for all that clothing? With the short time that Jeongguk would be in the palace, he
certainly won't even be able to use all those sets.

Then, he was given leather shoes that were as polished as they were uncomfortable, and
Jeongguk's feet just wanted to cry, even though he had only been wearing them for five
minutes. Finally, to end the makeover, a golden pin was placed on top of his chest, just on the
right side.

Two hours later and Jeongguk has his transformation officially complete.

They send him to a corner with a floral curtain as a background to have his «after» picture
taken. It's only when Jung Hoseok sits down across from him that Jeongguk realizes it was
time for his interview.

"What is all this for?" It's the first thing Jeongguk asks after an exchange of greetings with
the master of ceremonies.

Hoseok doesn't seem to mind, and as he searches for the right papers on his clipboard full of
information, he replies, "It's for the special on transformation. Later tonight, we'll be
broadcasting a program about your arrival at the palace and we'll also introduce you all to the
public. This way, tomorrow, during the Official News and the Selection premiere, viewers
will already have a better idea about you. People have seen your pictures and know a little of
what was on your entry forms, but we want the audience to really root for you," he explains
calmly as he organizes the papers he was looking for on his clipboard. Then, he entwines his
fingers and continues, "So, let's do a quick interview, and then, you'll do your best on the
Official News, okay? And don't be shy when you see us around the palace. We won't be here
every day, but we'll show up quite."

"Okay," Jeongguk nods obediently.

The cameras were making him slightly uncomfortable, Jeongguk wouldn't lie, but he would
have to start getting used to them, right?

"So, you're Jeon Jeongguk, selected from the caste Seven, am I right?" Hoseok asks, seconds
after a tiny, red light flashes on top of one of the cameras.
"Yes, I am," he nods, trying desperately not to sound nervous, but honestly, he doesn't really
believe it.

"Tell us Jeongguk, how was your first experience here in the palace?"

"Huh... Well, my first thought was that it was able to fit my entire neighborhood," Jeongguk
answers sincerely, without even thinking twice. Too sincere even, because it only takes a
blink of an eye on his part for Jeongguk to digest what he just said. Ready to apologize for
the comment, Jeongguk opens his mouth but is interrupted by the master of ceremonies' loud
laughter.

"I know, right? The palace is really big. It feels like a whole world apart," Hoseok smiles.
"And what about your transformation, your make-over? To be honest, I don't think your
image has changed a lot, or am I mistaken?"

Jeongguk automatically slides his hands through the purple locks that adorn the top of his
head, feeling the softness after the professional care. "Yeah. Honestly, I was advised to
change my hair color but I preferred to stay true to myself and asked to keep the purple
instead," he admits. "So, they just retouched my tone and moisturized it until it was this soft,"
Jeongguk runs his fingers through his hair, and the movement makes the scent of lotion fill
his nostrils. "Oh and now I also smell like dessert because of the oils and lotions they put on
my body."

Hoseok seems to love Jeongguk's honesty as he laughs humorously again. "I've already
noticed that, in addition to being extremely handsome, you also have an excellent sense of
humor. A great quality, I must say."

Jeongguk's cheeks start to heat up and he really hopes the cameras won't be able to catch his
blush. "Hum... Thanks," he replies with a shy smile.

"Is there anything, in particular, you're excited about?"

This question is easy and Jeongguk doesn't hesitate to answer. "Of course. Visit the palace
gardens."

"Oh, is that so?" Hoseok opens his eyes slightly wider than usual, nodding shortly thereafter.
"It looks like we have the first answer where Prince Taehyung is not involved in. All of your
opponents responded that they were eager to meet the prince or have a first date with him."

Shit. Jeongguk just fucked up, didn't he? Having his heart next to his mouth won't help him at
all. He was so sincere that sometimes it just harmed him.

"Hum... Sure. That too," he tries to sidestep the situation. "I only gave another answer
because I thought meeting the prince was already a guaranteed answer." Was he credible? His
hands are sweating so much while his brain is screaming imposter, imposter, imposter.

"Oh, don't worry. Your answer makes perfect sense because you work as a florist, according
to your application. You must really like flowers then."
Jeongguk nods enthusiastically. Finally a subject he feels comfortable talking about without
being afraid to get his feet wet.

"Yes! I grew up surrounded by flowers and I fell in love with them. I didn't have to think
twice when it came the time for me to choose what I wanted to work with," he grins. "Only
flowers can give me the sense of peace I need, and I could spend hours and hours caring for
them that I wouldn't mind at all. I also love the creativity they give me when I'm preparing
bouquets and arrangements."

"It's visible in your eyes how much flowers mean to you," Hoseok declares and Jeongguk
smiles shily. "Okay, I think that's enough for today," the master of ceremonies puts away his
clipboard.

"Huh? We finished?" Jeongguk questions surprised.

"Yes," Hoseok settles. "We have to fit the twelve interviews and your transformations into
one hour, so I think that's more than enough."

"Oh, okay," Jeongguk replies. After all, it wasn't as bad as he feared.

"Thank you for your time," Hoseok gets up from the stool and makes a small bow, which
Jeongguk reciprocates in a thank you gesture. "You can head over to that couch and someone
will be joining you soon."

Jeongguk bows again, and shortly thereafter, he heads to the pink, circular velvet sofa placed
in the corner of the room. A girl is already sitting there, apparently waiting too, and only
when she lifts her face and meets Jeongguk's eyes does he recognize her.

"Areum? Is that you? Is it really, really you?"

The girl laughs as she straightens the freshly cut bangs from her now blond hair. "I know, I
know. I didn't recognize myself when my stylist finished too. Do you think the prince will
like it?" Genuine concern occupies the features of her face.

"Of course he will!" Jeongguk doesn't even hesitate to respond. "Who can resist a stunning
blonde? Not even the prince," he winks at her with a playful grin.

"You're still so nice, Jeongguk," Areum comments, propping her chin in one hand. "It’s no
surprise that all those people at the airport adore you."

Jeongguk smiles shyly, dropping his head to hide the blush growing in his cheeks. "Oh, it's
not like that at all. I was just being friendly and polite. Besides, you had a lot of admirers
too."

"Nothing compared to you."

Jeongguk doesn't have time to respond as the clatter of high heels resonating against the
glowing mosaics becomes louder and louder.
"Are you two ready?" Jang-mi asks, looking at her wristwatch. "We're going to tour the
palace and then I'll take you to your bedrooms. The others selected are already getting ready
for dinner, so we have to be quick."

Jang-mi explains to them that the space where they currently are and which was being
temporarily used to take care of the candidates was the Leisure Hall. This is where the
competitors would spend most of their time. She also explains that, when they arrived at the
palace, they must have noticed the Great Hall, which is usually used for parties and banquets.
If they were more, that would be where the selected ones would have their meals, but it
seems that the normal dining room is big enough.

The woman leads Jeongguk and Areum there, also showing them where the royal family will
eat at a separate table. The selected will seat at long tables on either side, giving the layout a
stylized «U» shape. Around the table, servants were already setting the most brilliant
crockery, clearly announcing dinnertime. Then, they went down a flight of stairs until they
reached the room that would be used for the Euphoréa Official News broadcasts.

Back upstairs, Jang-mi points to the corridor of the offices where the king and prince will
spend most of their time working, warning Jeongguk and Areum that it was a section of the
palace that was off-limits to the selected. In addition to the offices, the third floor was also
prohibited.

"That floor is where the royal family's private quarters are and no intrusion will be tolerated,"
she warns in a serious tone of voice. "Your bedrooms are all on the second floor and take up
most of the guest rooms, but we'll be right there." She directs them to made of glass, tall
doors, stopping to greet the two guards positioned there. "Good night, Yoongi. Good night,
Jong-su."

It only takes Jeongguk a brief moment to recognize that the big archway to his right is the
side door to the Great Hall, which means the Leisure Hall is already around the next corner.
He couldn't help the pride bubbling up inside him that he'd managed to notice that fact. The
palace was a kind of opulent labyrinth, but Jeongguk always had a good sense of direction.
Which can only mean that these doors...

"These doors lead to the back garden," Jang-mi adds, as reading his thoughts. "You can’t
leave the palace under any circumstances. During the day, there will be times when you can
go into the garden, but never without permission. This is merely a security measure."

Jeongguk is completely discouraged. His only hope for staying sane and achieving some
freedom was through his trips to the garden but, apparently, he couldn't even do that when he
wanted and needed it without asking for a requirement in advance and probably taking a
bunch of guards with him.

His lungs start to feel suffocated when the air doesn't seem to want to enter his nostrils. But
Jeongguk has to maintain his posture and a neutral expression. He hopes to have time tonight
to let his mask fall off though.

They turn a corner until they see the majestic, white stone stairs and golden banisters. As they
climb the various steps that take them to the second floor of the palace, Jeongguk realizes
how soft the red carpets that hug the floor are, even having the impression of sinking into a
fluffy cloud with each step he takes.

The tall windows behind the staircase let the late afternoon light in, kissing every corner of
the palace with gold. Jeongguk couldn't help but feel completely dazzled, drowning in the
earth tones nature provided in this mesmerizing sunset. In the hallways, huge paintings
hugged the walls, portraying past kings and queens. In the future, the face of Prince
Taehyung and one of these selected will do them company.

“Your personal belongings are already in your bedrooms. If you don't like the decor, just let
your maids and butlers know. Each of you will have three to help and guide you in your daily
preparations. Starting with helping you get dressed for the first dinner," Jang-mi informs,
looking tired of repeating the same speech, even though the friendly smile doesn't leave her
face. "However, before dinner, you will all gather in the Leisure Room for a special broadcast
of the Official News, as you already know. You will be able to see some of the images of
your departure and arrival here at the palace. Then, it will show your transformations and
interview. And know that Prince Taehyung has not seen anything today. He will see the same
as all of Euphoréa, and tomorrow, you will officially meet him. Tonight, you will have dinner
in group to get to know each other better, and then, you can all rest."

Jeongguk swallows hard. There were being too many rules, too many schedules, too many
events, too many people. He just wanted to be alone with his flowers and breathe.

They walk down the second-floor hallway, leaving Areum in one of the first rooms.
Jeongguk's was more hidden, around a bend in the corridor, more specifically in a small
vestibule at the foot of the bedrooms of three other selected males. Something positive. At
least Jeongguk isn't in the middle of the mess, being in a sheltered corner instead. Maybe he'll
get a glimpse of privacy that way.

As soon as their guide has departed, Jeongguk opens the door to his bedroom and is
immediately greeted by the enthusiastic exclamations of two maids and one butler. The two
women were straightening the beige bedspread and pillows on the already perfectly made bed
while the man was finishing organizing the closet full of clothes.

They abandon his tasks and approach Jeongguk, bowing and introducing themselves shortly
thereafter. The first maid, with shoulder-length red hair and thick black glasses, introduces
herself as Nabi. The other, with a more delicate face and black hair braided down to the
middle of her back, is called Yumi. These two will be responsible for helping him with tasks
related mainly to tidying up and cleaning. Seokjin, the tall, broad-shouldered servant with an
absurdly handsome face, on the other hand, will help Jeongguk bathe and get dressed.

What? Why do they think Jeongguk is not perfectly capable of showering and dressing
himself?!

Reticent, especially afraid of hurting the feelings of the servant in front of him, Jeongguk
frantically shakes his head as he says, “It won't be necessary to help me during shower.”

Seokjin seems taken aback by the request, perhaps even fearful that he was being dropped
from one of his job duties, but when Jeongguk remains assertive, the servant eventually nods
in agreement.

After that, which was enough to make Jeongguk uneasy, he couldn't help but feel like the
worst person in the world. He didn't want to be rude or appear ungrateful, as the three
servants were there visibly eager to help him, but Jeongguk's state of mind, apart from the
fact that he was finally in the room that would become his, only came to heighten Jeongguk's
desire to spend some time alone.

"Dinner doesn't start for half an hour, right? I don't think I need a shower as I've just had my
hair done and my skin received dozens of lotions. So, I don't think I need your help for now. I
think what I really need is a nap," Jeongguk looks apologetically at the three of them.

The servants look stunned for a few long seconds, not knowing what to say. But when they
finally break the biting silence, the various pieces of Jeongguk's heart falling to the ground
overlap the woman's words.

"Did we do something wrong, Mr. Jeon?" Nabi asks in a broken voice, fidgeting with the ring
that decorates one of her fingers in a clear nervous gesture.

And this is when Jeongguk feels even more like shit.

As if his wanting to cry wasn't enough, Yumi adds, "If you didn't like us, you can always ask
Miss Jang-mi to change us for new maids. We won't be offended if you do, Mr. Jeon."

He has to remedy this situation. Jeongguk just wanted to have a few minutes of peace and
quiet, not to hurt the feelings of his three servants.

"What? Of course not!" Jeongguk hurries to respond, completely horrified by their sad
expressions. Waving his hands to emphasize what he's just said, he adds, "It's nothing like
that! I don't have any reason not to like you, on the contrary. You guys seem extremely
helpful," he breathes in relief as little smiles appear on the servants' faces. "I just wanted to
take the time before dinner to rest a little, do you understand me? I'm sure your day was also
long, preparing everything for my arrival and stuff. So, the best you can do for me is to let me
rest for a while too. And then, please, come and wake me up when it's time to go down,"
Jeongguk asks, praying to all the stars in the sky that the three of them will understand his
request and let him alone for a few moments.

And luckily, the stars do seem to be on his side. At least for the moment.

"Of course, Mr. Jeon," Seokjin seems to mirror understanding in his eyes, nodding slightly.
"After all, we are here to obey you. We'll leave you to rest then and come back when it's time
to get ready to go down to dinner."

Relief floods through Jeongguk's veins. "Thank you," he sighs, then he watches the three
servants leave his bedroom.

Jeongguk finally allows himself to take a deep breath. He allows himself to put all the rules,
etiquette, and forced smiles in a hidden corner of his mind, lying down on the bed behind him
instead, letting his body be swallowed by the sinking mattress that kisses his back.
And even though the piece of cloud that characterizes his bed is the most comfortable thing
his body has ever been lucky enough to touch, the gesture didn't help him much because
Jeongguk continued to feel every millimeter of his body tense, as if his limbs and his torso
were fully aware that it made no sense for him to feel comfortable in a place that obviously
wasn't for him. Luxury, wealth, opulence, people working for him and doing what he
wanted… That didn't sit well with him. Jeongguk did not identify himself with that. It was a
world completely different and apart from his.

Not feeling comfortable in the splendor of that gigantic bed, Jeongguk then decides to sit on
the edge of the mattress and let his gaze wander curiously around the room, discovering
every detail of the decoration that would receive him daily for the next few days.

Obviously, the bedroom is so large that Jeongguk believes that the kitchen, living room, and
even the bedroom of his house in caste Seven would fit inside. The walls are painted in a
pleasant shade of beige, with pictures of landscapes of gardens and streams hanging from it,
and a tall, long glass door, covered with gold and white curtains, that leads to a majestic
balcony.

Craving oxygen in his lungs, Jeongguk doesn't hesitate to slide the glass door aside and
welcome the end of the day against his face and nostrils. He never considered the hypothesis
that the rooms would have a window, much less such a large balcony, perhaps because he
linked his participation and stay in the royal palace with a prison. However, he couldn't be
more wrong.

In addition to the white railings that delimit and protect the balcony, Jeongguk's eyes are
greeted by the meeting of orange and pink that bring life to the sunset, with the green of the
vast garden that grows as far as his eyes can see. Glimpses of colors and sweet smells stun
Jeongguk's senses and he almost starts to cry when he sees the most beautiful work of nature,
which, in his point of view, are the flowers that rise from the earth and paint the horizon with
the most extreme, bright colors. Now, Jeongguk starts to feel he can really breathe. He
doesn't know if it was fate, but he actually feels extremely grateful that his bedroom has such
a calm and mesmerizing view.

His eyes, as if they had a life of their own, stray from the deep field of flowers that embrace
the palace, and allow him to absorb that entwined magic closer to him than Jeongguk had
imagined instead. At the small round table, metallic and painted in white, surrounded by two
chairs of the same material and leaning against the corner of the balcony, a tall and dazzling
branch of orange tiger lilies, which competed with the colors coming from the sky, smiles at
Jeongguk. Next to it, a golden card rests, and in beautiful and elegant handwriting, the boy
can read, «The flowers will keep you company every night, bringing with them the feeling of
home, I hope. I sincerely expect this bedroom is of your liking».

What? Who left this here for Jeongguk? It can only be someone who has had access to his
application to find out how much Jeongguk likes the wonderful plants. Besides... Does that
mean the choice of this room was deliberate? Did they put Jeongguk here so he could have
this privileged view? But who was it? Jang-mi? His servants? Jeongguk makes a mental note
to ask them later if they are aware of anything. But either way, Jeongguk somehow manages
to feel a little bit better.
 ♕

When the three servants knock on his door as agreed a good few minutes later, Jeongguk
feels slightly better, lighter. Of course, he still felt melancholy and apprehensive about
everything that had and was yet to happen in that infinite day, but to sit for a while on his
balcony, breathing in the fresh air and watching the sunset glimmering in the bright petals
from his neighbors, Jeongguk felt less tense.

Despite being completely foreign to him, the purple-haired boy allowed Seokjin to help him
dress - the butler insisted that the polo Jeongguk had worn in the transformation was already
wrinkled, even if Jeongguk didn't find a single crease. Nabi and Yumi didn't do much, they
just touched up his makeup and fixed some stubborn strands of hair.

Punctually, at half-past seven, Jang-mi knocks on his bedroom door to take Jeongguk and his
three neighbors into the hall. He had already completely forgotten, but before dinner, they
were going to watch the special Official News. His stomach wasn't happy.

The sound of twelve pairs of feet, half of them in high heels, against the marble of the stairs
sounds like music made by an elegant herd. Even without etiquette lessons, the twelve
selected managed to sound pleasantly coordinated. Jeongguk was surprised.

There are some murmurs, some of the competitors already completely at ease and with
friendships made. However, the vast majority remain silent, as is the case with Jeongguk. He
sees Areum's back a couple of meters ahead and smiles that the girl has already found a
friend.

As they pass through the dining room, Jeongguk can't help noticing that the doors are closed.
Was the royal family there, perhaps eating their last meal just the three of them for the last
time? It was really strange that these twelve people, including Jeongguk, were their guests
and yet, they still hadn't met any of the royals.

The lounge is filled with tables and chairs, together with some very comfortable and refined-
looking sofas. After all the selected had settled down according to Jang-mi's orders and
directions, someone turned on the big television in front of the hall and everyone watched the
Official News.

First, they made the same usual announcements - the promise of building a new hospital in a
lower caste, the economic situation of Euphoréa, and the information of a rebel attack
somewhere in the East - and then, the last hour was taken up with Hoseok's comments to the
images from the first day of the selected ones in the Selection.

It was through these images that Jeongguk managed to get a better sense of the public’s
favorite competitors, as they made a point of zooming in on the posters and photographs
scattered around the airport terminals. Park Jimin, the chosen boy of caste Two, and Yoon
Mi-Suk, the girl of caste Three, are, without a doubt, the most applauded and adored selected.
Jeongguk looks around until his eyes fall on Mi-Suk, a girl with milky skin and extremely
contrasting black hair, smiling smugly when she sees herself on the television screen. She is
sitting next to Lee Ha-yun, the blonde girl with blue contact lenses from caste Two, and they
are both grinning knowingly at each other as if they'd known each other for centuries. They're
extremely beautiful, Jeongguk couldn't deny that fact. But seeing them together, Jeongguk
knew it wasn't wise to mess with them. Those girls screamed problems and conflict.

As for Park Jimin, he smiled widely too, but from what Jeongguk interpreted, in a completely
different way. Not in the negative sense and cocky of being one of the favorites as Mi-Suk
had done, but more because there are so many people showing so much affection for him. For
a Two, the clear humbleness surprised Jeongguk.

"However, it wasn't just the candidates from caste Two and Three who captivated the
audience," Hoseok makes his voice heard through the television columns.

Images appear of all selected talking, shaking hands, or signing autographs for the people in
the queues that gathered at the airports, until they reach the last caste and pass the images of
Areum and Jeongguk.

Even Jeongguk didn't recognize himself in those images. He was smiling broadly, nodding at
every word spoken by those countless people who purposely came to see him and give him a
word of support and encouragement.

"We know that castes mean nothing in the Selection and it looks like Jeon Jeongguk, our
Seven selected, has achieved similar popularity," Hoseok continues. "Once he landed, he
became the crowd favorite at the airport, stopping to take pictures, hand out autographs and
even just chat with whoever was there. Mr. Jeon is clearly not afraid of getting his hands
dirty, a quality that many believe to be needed by our next prince."

With the last words of the master of ceremonies, all the selected ones seem to lay their eyes
on Jeongguk. Some looked proud that such a low caste managed to win so much affection
from the public, others looked just curious, but others... Others looked on with hatred masked
by envy and fear.

With this, Jeongguk is not even able to concentrate on the part of the tv show that reveals the
interviews and the transformations.

Jeongguk's intentions didn't matter. The other selected had no idea he didn't want this. He
didn't even want to have entered the Selection in the first place. However, in the eyes of the
others participants, Jeongguk was already a threat and it was notorious that they wanted him
to disappear.

♕
During dinner, Jeongguk keeps his head down. He genuinely thought that he would manage
to go unnoticed, not least because he is not at all interested in competing with the others
selected for the attention of Prince Taehyung, but now that he's here, squeezed among people
whose disdain against him was almost palpable, Jeongguk knows he's the center of attention.

He dares to look up from his plate and catch a glimpse of Bang Chinhae, the guy from caste
Six with long, shiny black hair, caught in a stylishly sloppy bun, twirling his fork menacingly.
On the other side of Jeongguk, Choi Sohui, the girl from caste Four who has a pretty face,
keeps her lips pressed together and doesn't say a single word to him. Jeongguk just wanted to
escape to his bedroom and retreat to his balcony to stare at the floral night.

He couldn't understand why the hell was that important. The audience seemed to like him, so
what? It's not as if they have any power in the palace - the applause, the cheers, and the
posters don't influence the prince's opinion. However, in the end, Jeongguk didn't know
whether he should feel honored or intimidated.

Therefore, he focuses his energies on the food in front of him. The last time Jeongguk had
eaten turkey was on Christmas, a good few years ago, and only because it was a promotional
gift his father got from his boss. And Jeongguk's mother was an excellent cook – she really is
- but he had to admit that the dish she made at the time had nothing to do with what he was
eating right now.

This dish consisted of oven-roasted turkey accompanied by mashed potatoes and chestnut
sauce. Not only were his nostrils blessed by the appetizing smell, but his stomach was
rumbling as well. Even though most of the food is already hugging the walls of his
gastrointestinal system. For that reason, Jeongguk slows down his mouthfuls, especially after
daring to raise his gaze again, noticing that the other selected had barely touched their plates
while he was already halfway through.

He glances around the dining room for Areum, curious to see if she, too, is enjoying the meal
as if it's the best thing their mouths have ever tasted, but the girl chats quietly with her new
friend that Jeongguk noticed earlier.

Dessert quickly arrives and consists of a kind of cake, small, brownish, and round, and when
he cuts it with a fork, liquid chocolate drips from inside. Jeongguk had no idea what this
dessert was called because he had never eaten anything like it, but the truth is, he almost has
an orgasm just from tasting it. He tries to contain a satisfying moan as he eats a scoop of
vanilla ice cream that accompanied the dessert, but he doesn't succeed because the contrast
between the cold and the hot and between the slight bitterness of the chocolate and the
sweetness of the ice cream, manages to stimulate even more his taste buds.

If this was food, what had Jeongguk been putting in his mouth until today? Inevitably, he's
reminded of his sisters, especially Ha-rin, because she's completely crazy about sweets and
would certainly love this one. She would have reveled in this dessert until there was not a
single glimpse left on the plate. And of course, she would do very well in here, in general. In
fact, she was supposed to be eating this delicious meal and enjoying it all, not Jeongguk.

No one was allowed to leave the table and abandon the dining room until they were all
finished, and after that, when Jang-mi returned to escort them to their respective rooms, they
were all given strict orders to go straight to bed.

"After all, you'll meet Prince Taehyung in the morning and I'm sure you'll want to have your
beauty sleep to be radiant at this important moment. Especially after such a busy day like
today," Jang-mi explains while all selected organize themselves to follow behind her. "Don't
forget that he will be the future husband of someone present with us in this room."

Most of the participants sigh dreamily at the idea and Jeongguk controls himself so that his
eyes don't greet the back of his skull by rolling hard.

This time, as they make their way back to their quarters, the clatter of shoes ascending the
stairs is more gently lazy. Jeongguk couldn't wait to get rid of his shoes and he's not even
wearing heels. A giant standing applause for everybody who uses those little works of hell
because he definitely couldn't.

The group begins to disperse at the top of the stairs and each selected heads to their
respective bedroom. Jeongguk prepares to do the same, look for a comfortable pajama and
crawl under the covers to finally stop this endless day. That was until a small, warm hand
grabs his wrist to pull him aside.

"Are you okay?" A boy in stunning blonde hair asks. Jeongguk quickly recognizes the person
in question as Jimin, who looks at him intently.

"What?" It's the first thing that gets out of Jeongguk's mouth. First, because he was too
distracted dreaming of the fact that he was finally going to lie down and say goodbye to this
hellish day, and second, because why the hell was someone from caste Two talking to him?
On top of what appears to be an attitude of concern?

Wait.

Only if...

"It's not what you're thinking. I'm not like them," Jimin interrupts his train of thought as if
he's able to read Jeongguk's thoughts. "It's just that I noticed some of them were looking at
you sideways throughout dinner and you seemed to be uncomfortable."

His bright blond hair gleamed in the hall lights, and the wide smile that Jeongguk remembers
seeing on television at the revelation of the chosen ones is hidden behind a thin line of lips.
However, the admirable beauty in the boy's delicate features is visible, from the gentle eyes
to the hardness of his cheekbones and jaw.

"And you won't look sideways at me too?" Jeongguk retorts suspiciously, looking at the last
girl in the hallway beside them entering her bedroom.

"No," Jimin looks genuinely offended at the mention. "As I told you, I'm not like them. I
don't even identify with this kind of attitude. On top of that, the Selection has just started.
Literally. I don't even want to imagine what some of these people are capable of doing."
"How do I know you're not really one of those people and you're not trying to make my mind
up?" Jeongguk isn't afraid to ask, narrowing his eyes.

Jimin looks taken aback by Jeongguk's abrupt distrust, but a few seconds pass before he
begins to nod his head slowly as if he's actually pondering what the purple-haired boy has
said. "Well, I think you have a point, Jeongguk. You don't really have a way of guaranteeing
whether I'm trustworthy or not. I tell you that yes, I am, but now it's up to you whether you
want to believe it or not," he shrugs, smiling quietly. “But let me just tell you one more
thing." Jimin moves closer to Jeongguk as he takes two steps forward. "They're just nervous
because everyone loved you. They feel threatened, afraid that the prince will adore you too."

Jeongguk arches one of his eyebrows in incomprehension. "But the audience liked you too. I
saw the posters, you're one of the favorites," he argues. "And I didn't saw the others selected
doing this to you either," Jeongguk tries not to sound complaining. He might not care a God
damn thing about this competition, but that's not going to make him show his weak part.

"Well, you know Jeongguk, this is just their way of teasing others. It's just a matter of them
getting to know you and figuring out what works for them to annoy you. And the fact that
you're still expressionless, being the quiet and mysterious person that you are..."

"I'm not mysterious," Jeongguk interrupts with a sneer, frowning.

Jimin rolls his eyes. "Yes, you are. And sometimes people don't know how to interpret your
silence, whether as a sign of trust or fear. They look at you bad, hoping you might feel that
way too."

Well, what Jimin was telling him made sense. Was it really the purpose of these people to
make Jeongguk feel bad? Were they ready to play dirty on the first day of the competition?

"What do you do? I mean, when you want to get over this?" Jeongguk asks, trying to sound
indifferent.

Jimin smiles, lifting one of his hands that rested beside his hip to rest it on Jeongguk's
shoulder instead, in a gesture of comfort. "I ignore them. Simple. All you have to do is to do
not let them know they're upsetting you."

"And they're not," Jeongguk responds quickly.

Maybe too quickly, because Jimin chuckles humorously. "Of course. I'll pretend I believe
you."

One of the guards who is watching the hallway clears his throat loudly, clearly in an attempt
to remind the two selected boys that they have to go to their rooms.

"We should get some sleep. After all, we want to have our all-important beauty sleep, don't
we?" Jimin winks teasingly at him, then chuckles as he starts to walk toward his room.

Jeongguk laughs for the first time since he arrived there. That impresses him and that's why
he chooses to believe that Jimin can be trusted.
Maybe, just maybe, he can make a friend while he's here.

When Jeongguk arrives at his bedroom, his servants are already waiting for him, standing by
the bed, ready to undress and wash him. His pajamas, a set of dark green satin (just as
Jeongguk had predicted, tsk) was already laid out neatly on the bed.

Nabi and Yumi were efficient but not in a hurry. They clearly intended to provide calm and
relaxation for a pleasant end of the day, but honestly, Jeongguk just wanted them to leave.
But of course, he couldn't rush them as they took off his make-up and washed his face, then
immediately put more creams and oils on his skin than he could count with his fingers.

Seokjin later helped him get out of his dinner clothes and into pajamas instead. This was
definitely the most uncomfortable and embarrassing part for Jeongguk because who the hell
needs help getting some pants on? But even worse than that, were the thousand questions
they were asking in the meantime.

Yes, he had finally seen everyone else selected. No, Jeongguk hadn't become friends with
anyone yet (he didn't want to recount the conversation he had with Jimin a few minutes ago).
Yes, he had loved dinner and everything was fantastic (the best of that day, Jeongguk wanted
to say). No, he wouldn't meet the prince until tomorrow. Yes, he was very tired.

"And it would help me a lot to relax if I could be alone. It won't be long before I go to sleep
anyway," Jeongguk seizes on to add, hoping the three of them would take the hint. But of
course, they seem to be disappointed instead. "You guys helped me a lot, believe me. But I'm
used to doing this sort of thing alone and I've been around people all day. I need some time to
myself and privacy, please."

"But Mr. Jeon, we're here to help you. It's our job," Seokjin says in a very professional
demeanor.

"And I’m so grateful for your hard work and dedication, and no doubt I will want your help
to start the day tomorrow," Jeongguk tries to reassure them, speaking in the most patient tone
of voice possible. "But tonight, I really need to relax. If you really want to help, a little alone
time would be ideal. Besides, if you're well-rested too, I'm sure everything will be better
tomorrow, don't you think?"

The three of them exchange glances, each more fearful than the other.

"Well... I suppose so," Yumi finally agrees.

"One of us should stay here while you sleep though. In case you need anything," Nabi says
warily, as if afraid of whatever Jeongguk decides.
The purple-haired boy smiles as reassuringly as possible. "If I need anything, I'll ring the bell.
It won't be a problem. Besides, I won't be able to fall asleep knowing someone is watching
me. That would be creepy.”

They gaze at each other again, still not looking quite convinced. Jeongguk didn't want to have
to use this card but...

"You must obey all my orders, am I correct? You have to do whatever I ask you to, right?"
Jeongguk arches a defiant eyebrow.

The three of them nod frantically, somehow looking hopeful.

"Well, then I order you to go to bed now and come help me in the morning. Please."

Seokjin smiles, seeming to notice the other boy's plan. "As you wish, Mr. Jeon. See you
tomorrow then."

He nods his head to the door as he looks for the still-too-afraid maids to follow him. The
three bow to him and finally leave the room. Jin gives him one last stare, but he didn't seem
to be upset at what Jeongguk had asked. On the contrary, he seemed curious instead.

Once they're outside, Jeongguk takes off his elegant slippers and stretches his toes against the
cold floor. The sensation, no matter how simple and banal it is, was extremely pleasurable,
perhaps because of the naturalness it provided. Then, he takes the backpack that is still rested
by the tall wardrobe and takes out the few belongings he was allowed to bring.

The pictures he had of his family were placed in the mirror frame. The object was so tall and
wide that Jeongguk could look at the photographs without obstructing his reflection.
Jeongguk had also brought his sketchbook and a box of crayons. In addition to flowers, he
also had as a hobby to draw and paint. It was a hidden passion, to tell the truth. It was rare for
him to have time to do it due to his workload, but even more difficult was to have the privacy
to draw without his sisters asking a thousand and one questions. So he kept this hobby a
secret, wanting it to be something unique to him. Jeongguk arranges the drawing materials on
a shelf by the balcony door.

He can't contain himself and peeks through the glassy door, looking out over the imposing
garden. Even with only the dim moonlight, Jeongguk admires the labyrinth of boulevards
with fountains and benches, flowers growing everywhere, and perfectly trimmed hedges. No
matter what time he spent enjoying the royal palace garden before dinner, Jeongguk thinks he
would always feel mesmerized by the view.

But beyond that, there was a small open field, leading to what seemed like a huge forest.
How could Jeongguk only notice this now? Earlier, he must have been really nervous to focus
only on the colors and smells of the flowers. But the forest was so vast that he couldn't even
tell if it was completely contained within the palace walls. For a moment, Jeongguk wonders
why there would be a forest in the middle of the palace in the first place.

Saying goodbye to the night that hung outside, Jeongguk turns off the lights and curls up
inside the luxurious blankets that adorn the bed. And it is the darkness and total silence that
causes Jeongguk to be carried away by sadness.

How had his life changed in such a short time? It had taken a one hundred and eighty-degree
turn in the space of two weeks and Jeongguk hadn't even noticed it.

He missed his family. His mother's warm laughter, his father's encouraging words, his sisters'
nonsense. He missed working, handling the precious things that are flowers, and causing
smiles to those who receive them. He missed his room, his bed, his pillow, however small
and shoddy they were compared to the magnificence of this gigantic space. He missed his
freedom and privacy. He missed not having to constantly walk around with a mask under his
face to hide how he really felt about this stupid contest.

With that, came the apprehension about the others selected wanting him to leave, doing and
telling him things to try and make him feel tiny. The nervousness of being shown to the entire
country on television while he was here didn't help either. And the terror of the possibility of
some rebel attack as a form of political protest only made it worse. After such a long day,
everything was spinning too fast for Jeongguk's confused head to process it all.

His vision blurs and Jeongguk doesn't even notice that he has started to cry. He is having
trouble getting air inside his lungs and his whole body is shaking violently. So, he jumps out
of bed in a shaky movement and runs to the balcony. The panic is so bad that it takes him a
while to open the latch, but he can do it.

Fresh air hits his face hard, but even if it slightly eases the incessant stream of his tears, it's
not enough. His breathing remains shallow and labored.

Jeongguk feels trapped. There was no freedom in this palace. The balcony railing kept him
cloistered and he could see the high walls around the palace, with guards at the top. He
needed to get out and no one was going to let that happen. Despair only made Jeongguk feel
even weaker.

That's why he doesn't even know how he gains the strength to turn around and start running.
He feels a little wobbly as tears created curtains under his eyes, but he eventually manages to
leave the room.

He runs along the only corridor he knows, paying no attention to the artwork hanging in the
intimidating walls, nor the tapestries or the gold decorations. He wants to ignore everything
that screamed luxury and money and opulence, desperately looking for something that would
remind him of the closest thing to his normality, home.

Jeongguk still doesn't know the palace one hundred percent, so he doesn't feel familiar with
the dozens of corners, doors, and corridors that occupy his eyes. But one thing he remembers.
If he goes down the stairs and takes the right path to the Leisure Hall, he will find the large
glass doors that lead to the garden. And unconsciously, that's where his body automatically
takes him.

The purple-haired boy descends the imposing staircase with hurried steps, his bare feet
bumping against the cold marble floor. There are a large number of guards along the way, and
though they stare strangely at Jeongguk, none of them really stop him. Which is weird
because it's not like they can't catch him. Maybe they were taken by surprise by the state in
which the boy is.

Just as earlier, when Jang-mi gave them a guided tour of the palace, two men stand guard on
either side of the open doors to the garden. By their faces, now scarred by the darkness of the
night, Jeongguk recognizes them as the same ones Jang-mi had greeted, which means the
guards are still on their watch. He couldn’t remember their names though.

The two men, one who didn't look much older than Jeongguk and the other perhaps in his
thirties, though continually on the alert, silently eat a gleaming red apple, their cracks and
bites being the only sound to be heard in that time of the night. That and Jeongguk's gasping
breath.

He takes advantage of the moment when the guards are busy eating to make his way through
the happily opened glass doors in a frantic rush. Jeongguk isn't naive enough to believe the
guards won't see him, let alone immobilize him, but he has to try. His lungs and tight chest
begged him to try. He just wants to get some fresh air, for God's sake. The real danger is if
they keep him shut in that room without allowing him to truly breathe.

But the guards don't seem to share the same opinion. Jeongguk has barely run five meters and
the two men are already screaming for him.

"Forgive me, but you must immediately return to your bedroom," one of the guards, the one
who looks about Jeongguk's age but a little shorter in height, with short black hair and a
serious expression plastered on his face, says with authority. Though he didn't quite speak out
loud, his voice seemed to echo in the stillness of the night.

Jeongguk forces his feet to stop its movements, slowly turning around to be able to look
directly into the guard's eyes. He doesn't want to get in trouble, not for him and least for all
the guards who were just following orders from their superiors, but Jeongguk can't help but
plead, "Please. I just need to get some fresh air." The purple-haired boy begins to gasp, the
oxygen that escaped from his lungs during the run failing to be recovered.

"You have to go back to your room. Now," the second guard starts to advance towards him
with heavy, impatient steps.

"I can't... I can't breathe," Jeongguk stutters, resting his hands on his tightening chest and
hoping the dizziness and breathlessness that has settled in him will disappear as quickly as
possible.

What happens next is a real blur. Jeongguk's head seemed to shut off intermittently, breaking
the strength in his legs until he shimmered into the soft grass. From there, he can only catch
glimpses of small moments here and there.

Jeongguk can't say for sure but it looks like a fourth person arrives. He was now crouched on
the floor, his eyes closed and pressed against his arms that hug his bent knees, but he could
definitely make out a new voice if it weren't for the goosebumps it made on his skin.
"What happened?" The owner of the voice was visibly young but the timbre was so soft that
it made Jeongguk associate it with the pajamas he wears. Soft and sweet as satin, even if it's
loaded with authority at the same time. Was he the head of the guards? A superior?

"He started running towards the garden, claiming he couldn't breathe. He looked like he was
about to pass out but we have orders not to let any of the selected out." Jeongguk has the
strength to open his eyes and he realizes that it’s the younger guard who is reporting what
happened to whoever this new person is.

"He was about to pass out and you wanted to grab him?!" The new voice resounds, showing a
little disappointment mixed with anger. When none of the guards respond, probably
embarrassed by the man's reprimand, he adds with a drawn-out sigh, "Let him be. Return to
your posts."

He can only really be the head of the guards to be giving them such orders, Jeongguk thinks
through the fog growing in his head. The purple-haired boy's eyes, more closed than open
due to the swelling from crying, move from the guard to the assertive-voiced man instead.

Dressed in classic, dark blue slacks, a white shirt with its sleeves casually rolled, and shiny
leather shoes, has also a cloud of bright, almond brown hair flowing calmly in the evening
breeze. His face is angular as if it had been designed and sculpted geometrically to make him
a god of Greek mythology. Authoritative eyes but with a sweetness embraced in the brown
irises, dense brows and now furrowed from the whole situation. High cheekbones painted in a
pink tone, probably from the cold wind of the late autumn day, matching his heart-shaped lips
now stretched out in a thin line.

But what really makes Jeongguk wake up is not the man's stunning beauty, no. It's the fact
that he's running one of his hands, big and with long, slender fingers, through his silky
strands of hair while the other is firmly holding a thin, golden crown with red jewel details.

What? This man cannot simply be the head of the guards. If he really was... What is he doing
with a crown in his hand? This can only mean...

This man must work for the royal family. Either he is the blacksmith who builds the crowns
for royalty, or he is the personal servant of one of the palace members, probably the prince,
given the nature of the crown. It’s not as tall and extravagant as the ones the king usually
wears. So the second option made more sense, also considering the way the man was dressed.

"But... Your maj-" The guard tries to retort, clearly nervous, but the other man interrupts him
by raising his hand in a request for silence. Jeongguk feels his head about to explode.

"Please, Yoongi. Do as I ask you," the man repeats again, this time in a more tired and less
authoritative tone. "If he asked you to come into the garden to get some fresh air, it's because
he really needs it. I believe him. Return to your posts, please. I promise we won't go too far
so that you can continue to watch over us."

The guard, who Jeongguk now knows is called Yoongi, says something the purple-haired boy
can't make out, but when he bows and walks back with the other guard to the glass doors,
Jeongguk catches on immediately what does that mean.
Freedom.

The man stares warily at Jeongguk as the purple-haired boy tries to scramble to his feet again,
stretching his hands slightly as if ready to grab Jeongguk if necessary.

The sweet scent of all that nature along with the soft glow of the moonlight washes over
Jeongguk, giving him all the strength he needs to order his legs to move again. He runs
through the garden like he's drunk, his feet making S-shaped movements in the grass under
his bare feet, but he couldn't care less. Jeongguk is staggering a lot, but he couldn't mind the
fact that he looked ungraceful at the moment. What he really cared about was feeling the cool
air hitting his pale skin, the grass tickling him softly and comforting. But, in a way, even
nature seemed extravagant in this place.

Jeongguk just wanted to run into the trees, entwine himself with the branches and leaves that
landed on them, but his legs give up and only allow him to run a couple more meters. He
drops into the soft, pruned grass, slightly damp from the night chill, sitting there on the
ground with his hands and just breathing.

Inhale and exhale. Inhale and exhale. Inhale and exhale. Inhale and exhale.

He no longer has the strength to sob, so the incessant tears now run silently down his cheeks.
Still, his brain is now working at full gas because thoughts suddenly piled up, forming a
knotty ball in his mind.

How had he gotten here? How did he allow this to happen? What would become of him in
this contest, trapped in this palace for God knows how long and surrounded by people who
had nothing to do with him? Will he ever be able to regain his life and the anonymity he was
so used to? Was his family okay? It was question after question and the real answer was that
he didn't know. Or else, it was so hard for him to think about the reality that he preferred to
ignore it instead. The truth is, there's nothing he can do right now. All he can do is wait and
hang on.

Jeongguk is so lost in thought that he only remembers he's not alone when the man clears his
throat and asks quietly, "Are you feeling better?" Genuine concern is stamped on his face and
Jeongguk couldn't understand why. Wasn't he supposed to be in big trouble for breaking the
rules?

"Aren't you going to report me?" Jeongguk lifts his head so he can meet the man's eyes, who
keeps standing like he doesn't know what to do. He seems to ignore the internal conflict he
was clearly having and ends up sitting on the grass as well, mimicking Jeongguk's position.

Worry is driven by incomprehension when the man frowns and blurts out, "Report you? Who
would I report about you to? And why should I?"

This time, it’s Jeongguk who looks at him as if another head has been born on his neck.
Ignoring the obvious didn't make sense to the purple-haired boy, but at least it was enough to
distract him and make him stop crying.
"Huh... I was ordered not to leave my room anymore today, much less come alone to the
garden and try to escape the guards. And I clearly disobeyed everything," Jeongguk chuckles
weakly, wiping away the wet trail that the tears left on his cheeks. "You can report me to
Jang-mi. Or worse, to the prince himself."

The man's face pales as if he has just seen a ghost in front of him. Or millions of them. His
eyes become slightly bulging. Is it because of Jeongguk's disobedience? Did he only become
aware of the proportion of his actions now that Jeongguk had said them out loud?

"The prince? Are you asking me if I'm going to tell the prince...?" He asks, still airy as if he
doesn't even believe the words that come out of his mouth.

"Hum... Yeah?" Jeongguk nods, looking suspiciously at the man sitting next to him. "I’ve
been told that only the prince can send someone home. So if you're going to tell him..."

Jeongguk's disobedience was not at all purposeful. He was beside himself, in a state of nerves
and anxiety so great that they took over his mind and body. However, it could become the
Selection’s exit ticket for him. However, Jeongguk was not confident that this was what he
really wanted. He wanted to go home as soon as possible, of course yes, but if he is expelled
for disobedience to rules... Won't that get him in trouble? He wants to be expelled but
correctly, for example, as the prince realizes that the two of them have nothing in common
and that there is no hope for anything to happen between them.

"Do you... Do you happen to know who I am?" The man asks instead, in a whisper that
sounds scared. His gaze crosses Jeongguk's.

The purple-haired boy looks him up and down unconsciously. "Hum... I can't say for sure but
maybe you're the prince's butler? Or his parents, I don't know. With the way you’re dressing
and holding the crown in one of your hands..." Jeongguk emphasizes his words by pointing
with his chin to the clothes the man has on his body. "Maybe you were cleaning it or
polishing it or whatever you guys do with royal family wreaths. Am I right?"

Honestly, Jeongguk doesn't know where he got so much confidence to talk like that to a
stranger, let alone someone who works directly and very closely with royalty. Maybe because
of the sweet face the other man mirrors and especially because of his eyes. They continue to
radiate authority, but the empathy and tenderness shine even brighter as if they were the stars
that sparkle in the sky above them.

"You think I'm the prince's servant?" The man asks completely bewildered, opening and
closing his mouth as if he wants to talk more but doesn't know how. His eyes flicker slowly
as if he's caught in a dream.

"So? Are you?" Jeongguk insists, now wiping the grass remnants off his hands as he sits
cross-legged instead.

"Well... I... Huh..." The man hesitates, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. Then he shrugs
and finally dares to look at Jeongguk. "I guess you could say I am. Something like that," his
eyes look curious as they land on Jeongguk's.
The purple-haired boy nods. "So, does that mean you're going to tell him about me? It's okay
if you do. I understand you can't let my actions go unpunished," Jeongguk mutters.

It would probably cause him big problems, in addition to expulsion. Does disobeying the
rules also imply paying a fine? But the man could not hide from the prince what he had just
experienced, Jeongguk understands that. And if it weren't for him, it would be the two guards
who witnessed it all.

"Don't worry," the man, to Jeongguk's surprise, smiles. "You didn't do anything wrong. A
little unconscious, it's true, but I can understand your motives. You weren't feeling well. So
no, the prince won't know." And as if reading Jeongguk's thoughts, he adds, "And I'll talk to
the guards too so they don't tell anything," he smiles gently.

This takes Jeongguk by surprise. Apparently, the staff working at the palace are not quite as
strict as he thought. Certainly, if it reached the prince's ears, this would be reason enough for
expulsion and would convey that Jeongguk was a disobedient or even a delinquent, which
would only tarnish the image of caste Seven. Jeongguk didn't want that, not least because that
image wasn't quite right. Therefore, he allows himself to appreciate and be grateful for the
gentle attitude of the man beside him.

Strangely, the two fall into a comfortable silence after Jeongguk mutters a shy, "Thank you,"
where only the dancing of the tree branch in tune with the singing of cicadas lost somewhere
in the dense green can be heard.

Until the other man's melodious voice joins in like a lullaby, asking shyly, "What do you
think of the prince?"

Jeongguk scoffs. "Is this a trap for you to run and tell him?"

"Of course not!" The man exclaims, even looking offended by the accusation. "I'm just
curious, believe me. Besides, I've finished my duties for today. I'm not on work hours
anymore too, so I won't tell him anything."

Something in his eyes and smile conveyed comprehensiveness and confidence to Jeongguk,
and he actually felt his throat tingle with the desire to be honest and vent with this stranger.
They say it's better to talk to someone you don't know, don't they?

"You really aren't going to say anything?" Jeongguk asks again, in order to calm the small
percentage of his brain that is still suspicious.

"I promise not," the other smiles gently. "How about this... What we talk here today, is kept
here among the flowers. Only they will hear what comes out of our mouths. Okay?"

Jeongguk feels his lips stretch in return in a form of a smile. "Okay," he nods, taking a deep
breath and thinking about how he should start. "Well, to be honest... I don't know the prince. I
don't know what he looks like... His image, his voice... Nothing."

Contrary to what he thought, the man doesn't seem all that surprised to hear the words that
escape from Jeongguk's mouth. Rather, he nods slightly as if he is somehow already aware of
what Jeongguk has just told.

Still, he asks, "How is that possible?" Instead of the judgmental and accusatory tone that
Jeongguk expected to hear entwined in his words, genuine curiosity reigns instead.

"I don't have a concrete reason, honestly," Jeongguk sighs, shrugging his shoulders at the
same time. "It's really weird because my sisters are obsessed with the prince, and they're
constantly seeing things about him. So... I don't know. I guess it just never happened. The
truth is, I'm always busy working and I barely have time and desire to watch television."

"Oh... That's really... Wow. Weird?" The man asks instead of affirming, laughing nervously.
"It feels like you live in a world apart," he adds jokingly.

"Yeah, looks like it," Jeongguk chuckles, giggles echoing in the dark sky. "My patience for
watching television programs is meager. And besides, the prince doesn't always appear in the
Official News, according to what my sisters complain. It’s mostly the king and the queen."

"Well, yes. You're right," the man nods in agreement. "What made you join the Selection
then?" He asks long seconds later when silence settles again between them.

As much as he wants to, Jeongguk can't help the grimace that appears on his face. And of
course, from the frown the other man sends him, he notices the gesture of the purple-haired
boy.

"Well, about that..."

"What?" The other insists when Jeongguk remains silent for some time, avoiding the man's
persistent and curious gaze. "Oh. I’m sorry. You don't have to tell me if you don't feel
comfortable. I didn't mean to sound invasive."

"No, that's not it!" Jeongguk tries to reassure him. "I just don't know if what I'm going to say
will sound good. And if it won't be enough for you to change your mind to go tell the
prince..."

"Oh," the man opens his eyes even wider, but quickly he smiles reassuringly. "I promised not
to tell anyone, didn't I? Only the flowers are our listeners."

Why Jeongguk feels as comfortable talking as he does about all this, he doesn't know. To top
it off, with a complete stranger. But the truth is, the words slip from his mouth before he even
notices, thirsty to hug someone else.

"I never wanted to be in the Selection in the first place,” Jeongguk admits, the words
escaping and reaching the night like a shrill scream.

Honestly, it feels good to say it out loud. Admit his true emotions and stop pretending it's
okay, that he's in delight to be here. When he dares to gaze back at the other man, he doesn't
look horrified by the information he's just received, just a little confused and surprised.

So, Jeongguk decides to continue explaining, "My sister filled out and submitted my
application without my knowledge. I only found out when my face and name appeared in the
Official News. It was a shock, to be honest. It still is," he admits with a sigh.

The man redirects his gaze from the grass to Jeongguk's sincere eyes. "Oh," is the only thing
he utters for a few moments. Something seems to show on his face. It's something fast, just a
glimpse that comes and goes in the blink of an eye, but Jeongguk can sense it. Something
like... Maybe... Disappointment? Sadness?

And well, it makes sense. If this person works for the prince, a direct contact position
moreover, means that, in a way, he is close and concerned about the member of the royal
family. And therefore, it’s more than normal that he is not comfortable hearing that Jeongguk
never wanted to participate in the contest in the first place and, therefore, has no intentions of
relating to the prince.

"But... Is there a special reason?" The man interrupts his thoughts by asking the question. "I
mean, if it's because you don't like the prince or if it's because you already have someone
special in your heart..."

"Oh. No! It's nothing like that," Jeongguk hurries to say, startling the other man when he
interrupts him in a higher tone of voice. Jeongguk clears his throat in embarrassment. "I don't
have a boyfriend or a girlfriend. And like I told you, I don't even know the prince. So, it's not
like I really have any reason to hate him," he adds, noticing the subtle but present wave of
hope and relief that runs through the features of the other man's face. "It's just that..."

"It's just that…? What?" He encourages when Jeongguk doesn't continue.

The purple-haired boy sighs. "To tell you the truth, I find the whole concept of this contest
completely ridiculous," he confesses, regaining some of his boldness and courage.

The other man looks taken aback, his eyes bulging slightly in what appears to be offense as
he stutters, "R-Ridiculous? Why? Why do you think the Selection is ridiculous?"

Jeongguk doesn't control the scoff that escapes from the back of his throat. "Has the prince
never really been in love in his life? Is it through this contest that he really hopes to find a
husband or a wife? I don't know, it all seems pretty shallow to me," Jeongguk turns a little to
face the other better, still sitting on the soft carpet made of verdant grass.

The man takes a few seconds to process and think through Jeongguk's words, frowning at his
leather shoes. "Okay, I understand that it might give that impression, that this might all seem
like cheap, staged entertainment," he nods in understanding. "But my-" He cuts off abruptly,
then clears his throat with a slight blush on his cheeks. "But the prince's world is very closed.
He doesn't know that many people his age, and those he does know are the daughters and
sons of diplomats. And for that reason, they never have much in common, and that's when
they can even speak the same language. It's not like the prince can actually go out to meet
someone as other people do." Unexpectedly, the man lets out a weak laugh. Clearing his
throat, he adds, "Under the circumstances, the prince never had the opportunity to date."

"Oh. Well… That makes sense," Jeongguk mutters apologetically, a little regretful that he'd
been so blunt about his thoughts and opinions about the prince. "And wow. You seem to
know a lot about the prince," he comments. "It seems that even he himself feels trapped in
this giant cage, unable to do anything normally."

The man chuckles, leaning his head back so he can look up at the starry sky. Jeongguk arches
an eyebrow, not realizing what it is he said was so funny to the other. "Do you really think
this is a cage?"

"To be honest…" Jeongguk hesitates, sliding his gaze to the profile of the man sitting next to
him. "Yes. I've only been here half a dozen hours and I feel trapped already."

The man's eyes stray from the bright spots that mark the dark blue that paints the sky and
stare at Jeongguk instead, as if asking him with his piercing gaze to elaborate his point of
view.

"I'm used to my freedom, to being close to nature, not having to follow orders and rules... Not
being closed up in a bedroom," Jeongguk concludes.

"Is that why you felt the need to come here to the garden?" He asks.

Jeongguk nods. "I needed to breathe. And no place calms me more than a place full of
flowers," he confesses simply.

The other man stares at him as if he's trying to decipher what Jeongguk's eyes are mirroring.
And he seems to understand a few seconds later, as his lips stretch into a beautiful,
empathetic smile and utter, "Well, that being so, you can come here to the garden whenever
you want and need. Alone or accompanied by a guard or a maid. But if you're more
comfortable coming alone, I'm just asking you not to stray too far so the guards can keep an
eye on you. Just in case."

The man's eyes held a glimmer of pleading and, honestly, Jeongguk would gladly accept any
advantageous opportunity that came his way. The possibility of coming to the garden
whenever he wants as long as he allows the guards to be able to observe him is more than
fair.

Nodding, Jeongguk mumbles gratefully, "Okay. I can do that. But are you sure it's allowed?
There won't be a problem?"

"Don't worry," the other smiles smugly. "I have my ways."

Jeongguk's body allows itself to fully relax with the other man's goodwill and the expectation
that he can come to the garden, close to the flowers and trees he loves so much, without any
restriction. An unexpected wave of warmth invades Jeongguk's chest, settling there as the
man smiles at him gently.

"Thank you," Jeongguk mutters, avoiding the other's gaze as he feels his cheeks heat up.

After an exchange of shy smiles, they’re both silent for a while, just enjoying their company
and the night around them. Jeongguk looks sideways at him, waiting for the other to speak.
However, the man just stares at a spot somewhere lost in the grass, his face filled with
introspection.

Until he takes a deep breath and turns fully to Jeongguk. "I know you said you didn't want to
join the Selection... But is there any probability that that will change?"

His eyes stare at Jeongguk with such expectation that the purple-haired boy can taste the
bitter taste of the words that are about to come out of his mouth. "Well... I don't think I'm here
to fight. Honestly, my plan is to enjoy the food and the pretty gardens until the prince sends
me away."

Unexpectedly, not least because Jeongguk didn't expect the harmonious sound to make his
heart flutter faster, the man bursts out laughing, giggling so hard that he even leans forward
and buries his boxy smile between his knees.

"I know the palace food is a good reason to stay. I can really understand your intentions," the
man smiles between words. Jeongguk nods in agreement, not controlling the grin that appears
on his lips when the other chuckles again.

The other man then directs his warm gaze into the night and smiles gently into the void.
However, that smile now seemed to present a confusing mixture of sadness and desire.

"I sincerely hope you find something in this cage worth fighting for. Right now, I can't help
but imagine what it would be like if you really tried," the other man's muttered words make
Jeongguk shiver.

They clearly take Jeongguk by surprise and he honestly isn't sure if he understands the true
meaning behind them. But before he can actually open his mouth and ask what the other
means by that, the man gets up from the grass and crouches down beside Jeongguk instead.
Jeongguk's heart seems to want to escape his mouth and bounce around the vast nature that
lies around them.

The man was too close for Jeongguk to be able to think. Maybe he was still a little dazed with
disbelief at having talked so openly with a stranger, or even a little shaken from the crying
half an hour ago. In any case, the blood boils in his veins as the man's soft, delicate fingers
shyly slide through Jeongguk's hair.

"Can I ask you a favor?" The other man asks in a whisper, his voice smooth as satin making
goosebumps off the purple-haired boy's skin.

Jeongguk squints, not only out of distrust but above all because of the pleasurable sensation
that fills his chest at the other's gesture. He decides to reply, "Maybe."

The other man's smile returns, a hint of what appears to be amusement appearing. "Don't
discuss this meeting of ours with anyone. To not cause any trouble," he sounds apologetic as
he utters the words. But Jeongguk understands right away.

"Oh. Sure. Rest assured, I won't tell anyone," Jeongguk assures, feeling the cool breeze caress
his cheeks again as the other man's hands pull away from his hair.
 "Thank you," he smiles gratefully, unconsciously allowing his gaze to roam over all the
features that make up Jeongguk's face. Without Jeongguk waiting, the man mutters, "I really
love your hair. It's so beautiful," his hands dare to touch the purple locks again as if they need
to emphasize his words through gestures.

Jeongguk feels stunned, petrified even, and it's definitely not because the gesture is making
him uncomfortable. On the contrary. And that's the problem. Jeongguk has been in this man's
presence for less than an hour and already feels so comfortable around him that he even
allows him to touch him so gently. What the hell is happening?

The skin on Jeongguk's cheeks heats up violently, as does the scarlet color that rises on them,
and Jeongguk doesn't know what to think about all this.

However, to his surprise and disappointment, the touch disappears. The man rises from the
grass again, casually stretching the fabric of his impeccable pants to get rid of any creases
that had formed, leaving Jeongguk sitting on the ground completely flushed. Thank God it's
dark, Jeongguk mentally thanks the heavens.

"Good night. I'm sure we'll see each other soon, Jeongguk," the man smiles. However, the
smile seems to contain some unease, as if the other is afraid that something will change when
they meet again.

However, Jeongguk doesn't waste much time trying to decipher the possible message behind
that specific smile, preferring to concentrate and let his heartbeat noticeably accelerate as the
man has ensured him that they will meet again. Jeongguk felt good talking to this man, so it's
more than normal that he wanted to create a friendship and have someone to be with during
his stay in this contest.

"Good night," Jeongguk ends up shyly muttering a couple of seconds later. "I promise I'll be
back to my bedroom soon."

The man nods, visibly relieved with the information, and begins walking away towards the
palace, giving Jeongguk the privacy that he has craved all day. Jeongguk didn't realize so far
that he hasn't even asked the stranger's name, but when the man's figure becomes just a
distant shadow, the purple-haired boy knows it's too late now to do so. But he is hopeful that
he will have more opportunities to do so.

Honestly, it's even kind of exciting that the man is aware of Jeongguk's name, probably
because of the selected television appearance, while Jeongguk has yet to discover his.

It isn't long before Jeongguk returns to his bedroom silently, after being clearly more relaxed
and at peace with himself. As he burrows into the soft, fragrant sheets to finally say goodbye
to the long day, his last thought is how he really wants to meet the man again, hoping to
discover the name of the person who left him strangely so at ease in such a short amount of
time.

Chapter End Notes

my twitter
my curious cat
playlist
 three
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes

III

The next morning, Jeongguk wakes up to bright, morning sunlight, stroking his swollen
cheeks with invisible but warm and soft hands. He blinks slowly, still adjusting to the space
around him, when three pairs of eyes and large grins stare at him, making him start and
almost fall out of the bed.

"What the fuck- What happened?" Jeongguk asks in a high pitch voice a few seconds after
calming his scared heart, resting one of his hands on top of his chest. He is now sitting up in
bed, the white sheets on top of him all tangled up, and the strands of his hair sticking out in
every possible direction.

"Good morning, Mr. Jeon," the three servants chant in unison from the end of the mattress,
wide smiles and ready to face the new day.

"It's almost time to go down for breakfast. We've come here to wake you up and get you
ready to finally meet the prince!" Nabi applauds enthusiastically, realizing she was making
that gesture only when Seokjin elbows her ribs subtly.

Jeongguk wasn't ready to move yet. Not only did he go to bed later than he should have
yesterday, but it also took him a long time to fall asleep with the nervousness he felt and the
conversation with the unknown man still hovering non-stop in his head. So, he grunts loudly
and throws himself on his back on the bed again, pulling the sheets with him.

"Mr. Jeon? Are you awake?" Yumi asks reluctantly.

"Nooooo," he mumbles against the pillow, wanting to enjoy the comfort of that fluffy, warm
bed for a few more hours. However, Seokjin, Nabi, and Yumi refuse his nap by laughing at
his whining, pulling back the quilt and sheets, indirectly forcing Jeongguk to get up and start
moving.

Jeongguk's legs, tired and sore from last night, lead him into the huge bathroom, his every
step echoing off a vast expanse of perfectly polished white tiles. The walls are painted in a
light shade of blue but it was hard to see it because of the wide and countless mirrors that
surrounded the space. Through them, Jeongguk notices Seokjin spotting the dirt and the grass
stains on his pajamas. Fortunately, he doesn't ask questions or does any comments. The
servant simply helps him carefully get out of his pajamas, placing the pieces of clothing in
the laundry basket in a corner of the bathroom, and finally leading him to the long, deep
bathtub.
Jeongguk isn't used to undress in front of other people but apparently, he doesn't have any
other option. Seokjin was tasked to help him wash and dress, so Jeongguk will have to bear
with that until he leaves the royal palace.

This makes the purple-haired boy wonder what will happen to them when he leaves. Would
his servants be singled out to other contestants who needed more attention as the weeks
passed? Or would they have other functions at the palace from which they had been
temporarily relieved? Despite his curiosity, it seemed impolite to ask, which might even raise
suspicion by suggesting that his stay will be short, so Jeongguk remains silent and allows
himself to relax as he feels Seokjin's skillful fingers rubbing his scalp.

After the shower, Nabi dries his hair and styles it to the side until Jeongguk's forehead is
exposed, while Seokjin, with Yumi's help after she's made the bed, chooses the clothes of the
day for him to wear. The two maids head to the bathroom to tidy up the towels and the hair
and makeup utensils, leaving Seokjin and Jeongguk alone in the bedroom so he can put on
his gray pants, perfectly shined black shoes, and white shirt with gold-trimmed cufflinks to
match the pin with his name placed on his chest.

In addition to being uncomfortable, Jeongguk couldn't say he felt one hundred percent at ease
with his tight, perfectly starched clothes, but Seokjin, Nabi, and Yumi all grin satisfyingly
with the result as they stare right at him. Jeongguk takes this as a good sign, believing he was
decent enough to go down to breakfast and finally meet the royal family. Not that the purple-
haired boy was ecstatic with that even – honestly, he was more eager to eat breakfast than to
meet the prince and his parents - but the three servants, after a round of bows and smiles,
wish him good luck.

Jeongguk then heads to the second-floor lobby, where the selected ones usually meet to go
downstairs. He's the first one to arrive, so he sits on a small sofa beneath the painting of
prince Taehyung's great-grandfather, looking curiously at all the faces that have belonged to
royalty for centuries.

Gradually, the remaining members of the Selection begin to appear. Jeongguk quickly
realizes there was a pattern. They all looked stunning, from their hair in elaborate hairstyles,
long dresses for the girls, to shiny or satin suits for the boys. The purple-haired boy sees
Areum in a fancy dress, long and in silver glitter, and wow. She looks really pretty. Jeongguk
was, without a shadow of a doubt, the simplest one, and yet, he was too neat and classic for
his taste. But it made sense. Everyone wanted to stand out and get the prince's attention. Less
Jeongguk.

They all seemed to belong to caste One or Two, elegant and charming. Jeongguk, however,
continued to look like a Seven, only in pretty and well-starched clothes. It looked like he was
just going to a wedding or something.

He thought it had taken him a long time to get ready - especially when it took him only ten
minutes at home to shower, dress and eat breakfast before leaving for work - but the others
selected took so much longer. When Jang-mi appears to accompany them to the dining room
where breakfast is already waiting for them, they still have to wait for two competitors.
When they're finally all together, they start advancing towards the stairs. The connection that
some selected had already established with each other was visible, chatting animatedly due to
the complicity they created at dinner the night before. Jeongguk was alone, as Areum walked
arm in arm with Kang Sun-mi, the girl from caste Six. He still tried to catch up with Jimin,
even though he still doesn't exactly consider him a friend yet, but the blond boy was smiling
with Lee Ha-yun, the girl of his caste. Maybe the two already knew each other, just as
Jeongguk knew Areum.

There was a silver mirror on one of the walls and everyone, as if automatically, turns to it for
one last gaze before reaching the dining room. Jeongguk is reflected alongside Seo Yejun, the
boy from caste Three, and Bang Chinhae, the boy from caste Six. Jeongguk looked
completely washed-out, clearly standing out in the negative. But, at least, he continued to
look like himself, which was a comfort.

When they walk through the dining-room door, the tables are already laden with plates,
glasses, and cutlery, but to the displeasure of Jeongguk's growling stomach, there isn't a
single sparkle of food. Not even a glass of water. What the purple-haired boy immediately
notices is the cameramen scattered around the room, filming the arrival of the selected ones.

Since there were no seats marked and Jang-mi didn't give any indication regarding that either,
they sit where they want. As Han Chun-ja, the caste Five girl, had smiled at him earlier as a
good morning greet, Jeongguk decides to take a chance and sit beside her, still trying to
remain as unnoticed as possible. He hopes the excitement the others are feeling will be
enough for them to ignore Jeongguk and not repeat the disdainful stares and nasty whispers
from last night's dinner.

The purple-haired boy is distracted counting the numerous silver cutlery that lines the other
several plates in front of him when Park Jimin sits down to his right. The Two has, once
again, a captivating aura, characterized by a burgundy suit and a light blue shirt underneath.
He, too, had made the effort to meet the prince for the first time.

"Good morning, Jeongguk," the bright blond-haired boy smiles amiably. "Did you sleep well?
Did you manage to rest your necessary hours of beauty?" He secretly winks at him.

All around, a few pairs of eyes stared at them curiously, probably because a Two was
interacting so comfortably with a Seven. Jeongguk flees from their gazes and focuses on
Jimin instead.

"Good morning. Hum... I think so, the bed was quite comfortable, which helped," Jeongguk
eventually retorts. It's not like he could say he had an anxiety attack, sprinted out of his
bedroom, ran from the guards, and was in the garden for an hour with a complete stranger
when it was completely forbidden, right? "And you, did you sleep well? Excited for today?"
He tries to change the subject matter.

"Of course! Though, here between us, right now I'm most looking forward to breakfast. I'm
so hungry I could eat an entire bakery," Jimin mutters, looking around to make sure the film
crews are far away and that the other participants did not hear him.
Unexpectedly, Jeongguk chuckles at Jimin's words, mostly because he identifies himself so
much. However, even though the murmur among the selected ones and the staff is present in
the dining room, his laugh echoes through the space, drawing Jang-mi's attention.

"Tsk, tsk. A gentleman or a lady never raise their voice above a soft murmur," the woman
scolds, staring directly at Jeongguk.

All whispers cease and a bunch of pairs of eyes falls on him. Jeongguk wonders if the
cameras have caught his mistake and so, it's inevitable for him to hide the color growing in
his cheeks. However, Jang-mi clears her throat and turns back to the others selected.

"Good morning everyone. I hope you had a restful night and that you’re prepared as our work
starts today. This morning I will start by teaching you behavior and etiquette, a process that
will obviously prevail as long as you’re here. And you should know that any error on your
part will be immediately communicated to the royal family," Jang-mi reports, taking her time
to catch a glimpse of each of them. The room goes into complete silence and, for this reason,
it’s even possible to hear the gulping of some of them. “I know it sounds cruel, but this is not
just any game. Someone in this room will be the next princess or prince of Euphoréa. It's not
an easy task, obviously. You have to seek to elevate yourself, regardless of your caste. You
will be transformed into ladies and gentlemen from the tips of your hair to your toes. And this
morning, you will receive your first lesson."

Even Jeongguk is intimidated by the woman's speech.

"Table manners are of the utmost importance, and before you can have a meal in the presence
of the royal family, you have to know the correct etiquette. I'm going to take advantage of
today's breakfast to give you some tips and teach you the first rules, So, keep your eyes on
me," Jang-mi advises.

The woman begins by explaining how they will be served from their right, just as dozens of
servants enter the room with perfectly balanced trays. She also demonstrates which cups and
mugs should be used for each type of drink, and emphasizes that they should never, ever hold
a slice of cake with their hands. They should always use tongs or a spatula instead. When
they’re not using their hands, they should remain in their laps, more precisely on top of the
folded linen napkin. As for the conversation, they could do it but always in a low, calm tone,
a timbre suited to the palace, and only with the neighbors right next to them. In saying this,
Jang-mi stares at Jeongguk seriously, clearly using his mistake as an instruction.

Breakfast consisted of several different types of bread, from wheat to rye, with seeds or
chocolate chips, and Jeongguk was raving about finally tasting a bread that wasn't scorched.
There were slices of cheese, ham, butter, chorizo, and even jams and sweets to accompany, as
well as some pastries and cakes. For drinks, jars and teapots filled with milk, coffee, tea, and
fruit juices rest on the golden tablecloth.

Surprisingly, Jeongguk makes an effort to apply the rules of etiquette Jang-mi has just
dictated, smiling proudly when she praises him. Despite everything, he wanted to get out of
there with something, okay? Even if it was just knowledge in knowing how to sit down and
grab a cup. It would be useless in his future though.
When the meal comes to an end and the selected ones sigh in contentment with their bellies
now already full, there is a slight knock at the door. Jeongguk is carefully wiping the corners
of his mouth with his napkin, just as Jang-mi had taught him earlier, when the cloth object
drops into his lap in surprise.

The guards who secure the dining room step back from the door after bowing to let in a tall
man, dressed in opulent and elegant clothes characterized by a tunic and matching black
trousers. The tunic, being the outermost garment, was decorated with embroidery, gold bows,
and other elements, such an emblem of Euphoréa. Furthermore, a crown adorning the cloud
of brown hair was enough scream to make everyone in the room realize that the person in
question emanated power and royalty.

However, in addition to the authority and magnificence that hangs in the air, a gentle smile
and sweet eyes travel around the room, stopping only when they meet Jeongguk's, as if they
were exactly looking for him.

And at that very moment, Jeongguk stops breathing, completely forgetting all the rules of
etiquette he should be following. You know what, screw the etiquette and good posture.
Because right now, Jeongguk's brain can only think about how familiar that face, that smile,
and those damn eyes are.

Why? Because the person who was striding grandly into the majestic dining room, with
confident and assertive steps, upright posture and serene smile, was the man Jeongguk had
talked to the night before in the gardens.

It was the man who helped Jeongguk forget his torments by transmitting calm, serenity,
confidence. It was the man who made him smile and forget about his anxiety that tightened
his chest. It was the man who promised him not to get Jeongguk in trouble and keep
everything a secret between them and among the flowers.

And Jeongguk now finally realized that he was also the man who, in a few years, would
follow his father's legacy and become the King of Euphoréa.

In the flesh, right in front of him, was prince Kim Taehyung.

"Good morning my beloved ones," the prince greets, stealing giggles and passionate sighs
from the selected ones. From Jeongguk? From Jeongguk he only causes shock and even a
tiny bit of rage.

The change in the hall is evident. All the selected ones straighten their backs, even more than
Jang-mi's recommendations just a few minutes ago, brush their hair out of their faces and
straighten their clothes.

Prince Taehyung must notice the expression of betrayal and disappointment stamped on
Jeongguk's face, and when he tries to smile apologetically at Jeongguk, to catch his attention
somehow, the purple-haired boy prefers to escape his gaze, concentrating on Jimin's eager but
enthusiastic profile instead. The blonde boy stares passionately at the prince and Jeongguk
also notices the fast pace at which his chest is moving. Jeongguk feels ashamed for having
noticed such a detail.
“Your Majesty,” Jang-mi returns the greeting with a deep bow.

As if they were waiting for the initiative, eleven of the twelve selected gracefully rise from
their chairs and return the bow, and Jeongguk, so as not to feel left out, repeats the gesture
with trembling limbs and head moving around.

"Hello, Jang-mi. I hope your breakfast and etiquette lessons are over. If you don't mind, now
I'd like to introduce myself to these young ladies and gentlemen," the prince utters, smiling
graciously at the woman.

"Of course, Your Highness. We're done here already and I must tell you that they all behaved
beautifully," she comments, looking proudly at the selected who have already returned to
their seats at the dinner table.

"I'm so glad to hear that, Jang-mi," the boxy smile that Jeongguk had glimpsed last night
returns to the prince's face when he hears the praise given to his candidates. "Ladies and
gentlemen, if you don't mind, I'll call you one at a time to meet me. And forgive me if I don't
memorize your names right away. Even though I'm a prince, my memory is from a fish."

A rumble of giggles resounds through the dining room, many of the selected ones covering
their stretched lips with their hands in a shy gesture. Jeongguk just wanted to stick two forks
in his eyes though.

The prince quickly addresses the first boy seated at the end of the table and escorts him to the
sofas arranged in a discreet corner of the room. Not so discreet because the cameras film their
every step, as well as the curious eyes of the others.

Honestly, Jeongguk thought their first meeting with the prince would be something more
formal and elaborate, not that the royal member would walk into the dining room and take
them by surprise. But now that Jeongguk thinks about it, it must have been purposeful. Hence
the dozens of cameras that roamed through the space when they arrived here. Jeongguk had
thought it was to film Jang-mi's etiquette lesson, but now he realizes that the real purpose was
other.

The two talk only for a few minutes and then get up. Prince Taehyung bows and Kwak
Woojin, the boy from caste Four, returns the gesture. The boy's nervousness towards the
prince is visible from here and they were only talking for about five minutes. The Four then
returns to the table, saying something to the girl - Lee Ha-yun, the Two - sitting next to him.
And so, the process repeats itself.

Conversations last a few minutes and take place in low voices. The cameras aren't too
invasive, surprisingly. They film only from afar, not daring to spy on the conversations
between the prince and his chosen ones.

Jeongguk is still completely stunned, not knowing what to think about this whole thing. As
he had wished, Jeongguk found out the name of the man from last night. The problem is that
he never even considered that he could be the fucking prince. But how could he be so stupid?
Okay, the man wasn't dressed as formally as he is right now, but the crown and the
authoritative tone towards the guards should have been clues enough.
The purple-haired boy, in addition to the emotion of betrayal and disappointment, feels
ashamed. How did he say to the prince's face that he looked like a mere servant? How did he
speak so casually to a royal member? Telling him that he thought the Selection was a stupid
contest and the prince was an exhibitionist snob? But the worst thing is that the other man
had the opportunity to deny and tell him his true self, but he didn't. And that made Jeongguk's
blood heat and boil inside his veins.

"What do you think he wants to know?" Jimin asks, deflecting Jeongguk from his confused
thoughts.

The purple-haired boy shrugs. "Maybe he's interested in knowing what your top three singers
are and who do you think are the cutest. Make a mental list, just in case," even with irritation
churning in his gut, Jeongguk manages to joke. Both Jimin and Chun-ja laugh softly.

They weren't the only ones talking, but after Jang-mi's tips, they all did it in a low murmur.
All across the hall, voices swelled softly as the selected ones tried to distract themselves until
it was their turn to talk to the prince. Not to mention the cameramen bouncing around, not
only filming their meetings with the prince but also asking everyone how their first day had
gone, if they liked their servants, and things like that. When they approach Jeongguk, he lets
Jimin and Chun-ja answer everything.

Jeongguk keeps his gaze on the now empty milk mug, waiting for each of the selected to be
interviewed. Some of them remained calm and formal, while others shivered with excitement.
This was Jimin’s case, for example. It is now his turn and the boy with the bright blond hair
is smiling so much that he competed directly with the sun coming in through the tall glass
windows. Jeongguk observes the interaction between the two as subtly as possible. The
prince seemed to like Jimin, which wasn't difficult, letting himself get lost in the charisma of
the caste Two boy.

To Jeongguk's frustration, he himself is sweating when Jimin returns, as that means it's now
his turn. After all, he doesn't know how he's going to face the prince after everything he'd
confessed to him the night before. He feels mortified.

However, Jeongguk takes a deep breath and tries to control himself. The faster he goes, the
faster he dispatches it. The purple-haired boy gets up, smoothing his pants and shirt a few
times, and walks towards the beige, velvet sofa where the prince is already getting ready to
get up and receive him.

"Jeongguk, right?" Prince Taehyung asks with a sideways smile, not even needing to look at
the golden pin that adorns Jeongguk's chest.

"Yes. And I know I've heard your name before, but could you please refresh my memory?"
Jeongguk dares to ask in an act of boldness, bowing shortly afterward. "I don't remember you
telling me last night but I could be wrong."

"Jeongguk..." The prince begins, sighing softly. "I-"

"What? You were so busy listening to me talk about my problems that you forgot to tell me a
tiny little detail such as you’re being the god damn prince?" Jeongguk explodes. He is aware
that he shouldn't speak in these terms to someone of such importance but he can't help the
words that escape his mouth. Still, he tries to keep his voice low. The last thing he needed
was to cause a scandal. He sits down on the sofa, taking special care to keep his back as
straight as possible. He is aware that he is being watched and filmed.

"I know I should have told you," Taehyung twists his face in regret. "But I wasn't expecting
you not to recognize me. What was the probability of that? I was in complete shock," he
apologizes.

And okay, Jeongguk could understand that. It wasn't every day that a resident of Euphoréa
didn't know how the prince of his country was. But Jeongguk had always been a peculiar
person in many ways, and this ignorance regarding the members of the royal family was just
one more. However, nothing justified the other man's lack of honesty.

"That's no excuse," Jeongguk mutters, looking sideways at the prince. The other man has his
hands clasped and his face is hanging down in an embarrassed gesture. "You could have told
me. No, you should have told me. Especially after I told you how I really felt about this
contest and about you."

"I was scared, okay?" The prince admits. Taehyung's stare is tender. Jeongguk bets that all the
others selected before him have completely melted with those honey, saccharine eyes. The
brown-haired prince lowers his head again for a moment, and when he gazes again at
Jeongguk, he leans forward, resting his elbows on his knees as if he wanted to make him
understand the importance of what he was about to say. "I was afraid of scaring you after you
being so honest with me. I didn't want you to look at me with disdain or hatred for
discovering that I'm the person you were talking about so badly. And I realized that you felt
comfortable with me at that moment and I didn't want to change that just because you would
know that I wear a crown every day. I believed that, maybe like that, by remaining
anonymous until you discover my true identity, you'd realize that I'm not the vain, arrogant
person who you painted me.”

The prince's words take Jeongguk by surprise, each letter rushing towards his chest and
making him shiver. When the purple-haired boy doesn't know what to say, the prince
continues.

"I’m genuinely sorry, Jeongguk. I know I should have been honest with you too. You
deserved that," Taehyung stares at Jeongguk with those eyes of his, sweet and now with a
glimmer of regret and apology, and the caste Seven boy can't help but stare back. “I just… I
really enjoyed talking to you last night. And everything I said is true. I have not told, nor will
I tell anyone anything about what you talked with me in confidence. Everything was and will
stay between us and the flowers, remember?"

Jeongguk nods slowly, allowing himself to believe the words spoken by the prince. He takes
a deep breath. "I'm sorry too. For jumping to conclusions, for judging you, for everything I
said about the Selection and about the pri- A-About you..." Jeongguk starts by saying.

"You don't need to apologize, please," the prince hurries to interrupt. "If there's one thing I
value in someone it's sincerity. You just told me how you were really feeling about all this
and I understand. I know this can all be very overwhelming, believe me."
Jeongguk nods in agreement. When his eyes fall back to the prince, the other man seems to
be more nervous than he should, fidgeting with his fingers. The purple-haired boy takes a
moment to wonder if the tension between them was visible to the cameras and the selected
who are definitely looking at them with hawk eyes.

"But... As for what you told me about never wanting to join the Selection in the first place...
Would you like me to send you home right now? I assume you haven't given up yet because
of the debt. Am I right?"

Of course, the prince is right. He just needs to put two and two together. The fact that
Jeongguk was a Seven and had confided in him that he didn't want to be there was enough for
lack of money to be the reason Jeongguk was still there. And the answer that immediately
comes to Jeongguk's mind is yes. Yes, of course he wants the prince to send him away right
then and there so he can get back to his life, to his home and family, to his job and flowers.

However, the prince adds in a shaky voice, "But I... But I would like to ask you something
first," he swallows hard, gazing nervously at Jeongguk.

"What is it?" Jeongguk mumbles back.

"I felt really good with you last night. Like I probably never did. I told you yesterday that I
don't have many opportunities to meet people, whether it's for a romantic relationship or for a
friendship. And with you, it was so, so easy..." Taehyung confesses, sincerity running from
his pores. "And I know it's unlikely you'll develop romantic feelings for me, as you never
wanted to be in the Selection in the first place. And I totally understand and respect that! But
I saw a friend in you. Someone who looks at me beyond this crown and this position full of
power. Someone who's not afraid to say what he thinks and what he feels. Someone brave
and daring, but sincere and genuine at the same time. That's why..."

"What are you trying to tell me?" Jeongguk asks when the prince doesn't continue.

"Could you please stay a little longer?" Taehyung blurts out, staring hopefully at Jeongguk's
incredulous eyes. "I know it's a selfish request to make but I would really like you to give me
a chance to enlighten you about me and about the Selection. To make you show that your
idea of me isn't the real one. And… And I would really like to get to know you better too, and
maybe... Just maybe... I wanted you to become my friend. My first friend," he whispers the
words in a shy tone.

Jeongguk's mouth opens and closes intermittently as if he was a fish out of water. Did he hear
it right? Did Prince Taehyung, one of the most iconic and powerful people in the country, just
asked Jeongguk to stay at the palace for a few more weeks to keep him company and become
his friend? Jeongguk isn't hallucinating, is he?

Seeming to understand the inner conflict that Jeongguk is experiencing at that very moment,
Taehyung adds, "And I promise I will ask the palace chiefs to make the most delicious dishes
ever. I remember you telling me it was your biggest motivation to stay here, right?"

Jeongguk honestly cannot understand the plea that radiates from Taehyung's body. Why the
hell does the prince want Jeongguk to stay so badly? Why does he want to be friends with
Jeongguk? With a Seven, with someone so different and from a world completely apart from
his?

Taehyung's weak grin, along with his hurried words, is enough for Jeongguk to chuckle in
disbelief, shaking his head as if he still doesn't really believe in everything that's happening.

And then, his family's words resonate in his mind. On how they wanted Jeongguk to enjoy
his time here at the contest, meet people and make friends. Of course Jeongguk believes that
none of his relatives referred to the prince himself but...

The truth is that Jeongguk enjoyed Taehyung's company too. He had to admit it. Okay, he
wasn't aware last night that it was the royal member sitting there on the grass with him, but
even so, the other man managed to calm his racing heart and give him the confidence so he
could vent about his turmoil. That definitely meant something, right?

Worst of all is the fact that Jeongguk is really considering the prince's proposal. Like, what
the hell? Is he really considering staying here for a few more weeks? Perhaps help and advise
the prince with the others candidates? That's what friends do, right? In the meantime,
Jeongguk would be able to enjoy some more tasty meals and the weekly payments for his
family.

Okay, he's really, really considering this. How is it possible? Just last night he cried and
wished he had never come to this palace and now he's thinking about staying here longer?

He has the Selection’s exit ticket in his hand, hovering softly in his palm as if it were a
reminder of the possibility he'd craved even before leaving his family house. He could feel it
in his fingertips, the freedom, the return to his routine, the anonymity. However, the prince's
sweet, tender eyes competed with that desire, reminding him of calm, cool nights, softly
fluttering flowers and heartfelt words. Reminding him of the possibility of repeating all of
that, perhaps even growing a complicity and a friendship.

The prince's now imploring eyes never let go of his, as if they were searching for the same
certainty and clarity. And when the corners of Taehyung's mouth start to curve up slightly
until they form a breath-taking smile, Jeongguk knows that Taehyung knows. Maybe he even
realized before Jeongguk, because the purple-haired boy still doesn't believe the words
escape his mouth.

"Okay," Jeongguk mutters, feeling his lips also stretch into a shy, reticent smile.

"Okay? Does that mean-"

"That means you now have a friend, Your Majesty," Jeongguk jokes, stealing a happy laugh
from the back of the prince's throat.

With a wide grin that mirrors exactly the features of Jeongguk's face, prince Taehyung
replies, "Now I have a friend, Jeongguk."
 ♕

When the prince has finished speaking with the twelve selected, Jeongguk watches Taehyung
wait for the last candidate to return to her seat to approach the center of the hall.

Hands clasped behind his back and posture as straight as possible, the prince announces,
"Those I asked to stay here in the hall, please remain in your places. The others may
accompany Jang-mi to the Great Hall. I will join you there soon."

Had the prince asked some to stay? Is that a good sign? Maybe it was the candidates that
caught his attention the most and the prince wanted to take a little more time to get to know
them better.

Jeongguk gets up along with most of the others selected and starts walking towards the
outside of the dining room. He notices that Ha-yun was one of the participants who stayed
behind. It didn't surprise him. She was a Two and had a captivating beauty, worthy of a
princess, even though her personality, from what little Jeongguk had seen, was not the
friendliest. The other selected - Moon Hanguk and the boy from caste Five, if Jeongguk is not
mistaken - was a complete stranger to the purple-haired boy. They never got to know each
other, but it's not like Jeongguk has actually met anyone other than Jimin and Areum. They
didn't give him the chance too, anyway.

The cameras lag behind to capture that special moment - whatever it was - and the rest of
them follow the path behind Jang-mi towards the Great Hall. When they enter, they’re
greeted by an explosion of brilliance - not literal but not far from it, such is the glittering,
elegant costumes and jewelry - because there, more majestic than ever, is the king Kim Bon-
hwa and the queen Kim Yuna.

Gasps were heard throughout the space, such was the surprise of all the selected. Even from
Jeongguk. It was like they were face to face with human beings from another world, honestly.
So majestic, elegant and opulent, authoritative and gentle at the same time.

In addition to the royal couple, there were also more cameras and technicians, ready to
capture the first meeting of the selected ones with royalty. Jeongguk hesitates, wondering if
they should even enter when none of the royal members have invited them inside. But almost
everyone else, albeit hesitantly, continues to advance. Jeongguk walks smoothly to one of the
armchairs arranged in front of the thrones where the king and queen are, taking his seat again
beside Jimin.

Jang-mi enters seconds later - as she has momentarily moved away from them to give some
directions to the servants - and she seems to be dissatisfied with the situation.

"My dear ladies and gentlemen," she begins, drawing the attention of the nervous selected.
"I'm afraid we haven't talked about it yet. Whenever you enter a room where the king or the
queen are, or if Our Majesties enter a space where you are, the correct thing to do is to get up
and bow. Then, when they address themselves to you, you can rise from the bow and take
your seats. Let's do it now please," Jang-mi orders, smiling as all the selected ones rise in
tune and make a long, respectful bow.

"Good morning," greets the queen. "Please, have a seat and feel very welcome to the palace.
It’s a pleasure to receive all of you." Her voice has a pleasant tone. It was calm and serene
and mellifluous, just like the expression on her face. The queen has a long gown in shades of
golden, reflecting the rays of light coming from the sun that enters through the high windows.
Her hair was spectacularly intertwined, a thin but shiny crown resting on top of her head.

"Good morning dear daughters and sons of Euphoréa. It’s a pleasure to have you with us in
our home and we hope you’re having the most pleasant and comfortable stay possible," this
time it’s the king who smiles at the candidates. Like the queen and the prince, the king is also
dressed in shades of gold, in an elegant suit. His voice, while also sounding kind, is audibly
more authoritative and assertive. "I know you've already had breakfast but please, join us for
a cup of coffee or tea while we get to know each other a little better."

Just then, maids and butlers enter the Great Hall with trays of small cups and pots filled with
warm liquids, giving the selected the power to choose. Jeongguk opts for coffee, even though
he had a large cup just before. Well, coffee never hurts, if you ask him.

Minutes later, prince Taehyung enters the Great Hall, but before the selected could move, he
stops them. "Please, you don't need to get up. Enjoy your drinks." He walks to the thrones,
kissing his mother on the cheek and patting his father on the shoulder, and takes the other seat
available to the king's left.

Strangely, neither Ha-yun nor Hanguk return with him. And before Jeongguk can actually ask
Jimin what he thinks it might happened, the other anticipates, leaning in until his lips brush
against Jeongguk's ears.

"They're gone," he mutters simply.

What? Jeongguk thinks. What does he mean by the fact two persons were expelled already?
He couldn't imagine what they could have done during their short conversation to upset
Taehyung.

With this, Jeongguk was able to get the notion that this contest was not a joke.

And so, in the blink of an eye, the Selection was reduced to just ten candidates.

After tea and coffee had been served, the selected were now allowed to hover in the Great
Hall. Some were bold enough to approach the king and the queen, engaging them in
conversation and thus, taking the opportunity to be closer to the prince. Others preferred to
look out the tall windows overlooking the gardens or eat some more pastries that were
arranged on a table in the corner of the room. And obviously, that was Jeongguk’s case.

Honestly, he still felt slightly stunned by that sudden elimination. Mainly because he was still
there while two other contestants, who really wanted to be in the contest, left the palace. Not
to mention that one of the competitors expelled was a Two. Jeongguk had never thought that
those from the highest castes would be among the firsts to leave the contest, but apparently,
he was wrong. More and more he was certain that, after all, castes didn't matter so much.

Prince Taehyung didn't seem worried either, on the contrary. He was chatting quietly with his
parents and some of the selected, and upon gazing at him, Jeongguk realizes that it was better
to devote himself to the miniature cakes and sweet pies that rested on the table. Without
forgetting to use the tongs, he takes a generous slice of strawberry pie from the basket in the
center of the table. Even though he finished breakfast a few minutes ago, Jeongguk's stomach
was already applauding and jumping with anticipation.

As he chewed, Jeongguk couldn't help but think that he could also be one of the selected to
leave the palace today if not for the fact that he accepted to stay a few more weeks, giving a
chance to the contest and his friendship with Taehyung. He broods on that idea as he nibbles
on the strawberry pie, containing the moans of satisfaction in the back of his throat. The
filling was so sweet and the dough so thin that Jeongguk concentrates on the flavor, pushing
aside all his other senses.

He hadn't meant to close his eyes and sigh, but that pie was, without a shadow of a doubt, the
most delicious thing his taste buds had ever been lucky enough to taste. Jeongguk takes
another bite before he even swallows what he has in his mouth, and he has already
approached the table again to cut another slice when a voice stops him.

"Mr. Jeon?" Someone calls him.

All mouths are now silent and heads turn towards the owner of the voice, who was none other
than prince Taehyung. Honestly, it surprised Jeongguk that the prince addressed him in such
an informed way in front of everyone. It's not like he's going to announce to the king and the
queen, and especially to the others selected, that they've become friends, right?

But worse than being called out so unexpectedly was the fact that the purple-haired boy's
mouth was full of food. Not to mention the crumbs that accumulated at the corner of his lips
and are still on his cheeks. He covers it with his hand and chews as fast as he can. Jeongguk
couldn't have taken more than a couple of seconds, but with so many gazes fixed on him, it
felt like a real eternity. Unfortunately, he noticed Seo Yejun's smug, satisfied expression, the
caste Three boy. He must have thought Jeongguk an easy prey, an effortless target to take
down.

He closes his eyes momentarily, ignoring the stares of the remaining contestants and focusing
on Taehyung's instead. "Yes, Your Majesty?" He responds as soon as he's finished
swallowing most of the pie.

"What do you think of the food?" Taehyung is visibly containing his laughter, but Jeongguk
doesn't know if it's due to his stunned gaze, or because he mentioned a detail of their first and
completely secret conversation.

"Excellent, Your Highness," Jeongguk praises. “This strawberry pie is delicious, to eat and
cry for more. Well, one of my younger sisters is completely crazy about sweets and desserts,
even more than I am, and I think she would cry if she tasted it," Jeongguk smiles.

Taehyung takes a quick sip of his chamomile tea and leans back in his throne. "Do you really
think she would cry?"

Bastard. He is visibly amused by this interaction between them. It's amazing how their
relationship went from strangers, to feeling betrayed because of missing important
information, and finally, to innocent teasing and bantering.

"Yes. I honestly think so. She's a pretty emotional girl."

"Would you bet on it?" The prince asks without hesitation.

Where is he going with this? Jeongguk wonders. He notices that all the other contestants turn
their heads from side to side as if they were watching a ping-pong game.

"If I had money to bet, yes, absolutely," Jeongguk replies, smiling slyly at the idea of betting
on others' tears of joy.

"And what would you be willing to bet instead?" Taehyung retorts, arching one of his
eyebrows in defiance. He was really enjoying the game. Very well, Jeongguk also knows how
to play.

"Well, what would you like me to bet?" The purple-haired boy counters, trying to think of
something he could give to someone who already had literally everything.

"No, what would you like to bet?" Taehyung grins teasingly.

Here was an interesting question. Almost as peculiar as thinking about what he could offer
Taehyung, was wondering what the prince could offer him. After all, the other man had the
entire country at his feet, so what did Jeongguk want?

He wasn't from caste One, far from it, but Jeongguk was living like one. He had more food
than his stomach could consume and the most comfortable bed his back and limbs could
imagine. There were also dozens and dozens of people taking care of all his needs.

The only thing that came to his mind was the fact that he wanted something that would make
this gigantic place look less like a palace, like a huge, luxurious cage. Having his family
around was the idea that leaped into his brain the hardest, but he couldn't ask his parents and
sisters to visit him, not when he'd only been here for only a day. So, he thinks of something
else that will make him feel more at home and comfortable.

"If my sister cries, I want a hoodie and sweatpants," he proposes boldly.

Some laugh discreetly and politely, others stare with disgust at Jeongguk's request.
Fortunately, the king and the queen seem to have found Jeongguk's request amusing, were it
not for the corner of their lips curled upward.

"Deal!" Taehyung doesn't hesitate to agree. "And if she doesn't cry, you owe me a walk in the
gardens tomorrow afternoon."

Whispers and gasps resound through the Great Hall, eyes bulging and locked on the prince
and Jeongguk. But honestly, the purple-haired boy doesn't understand why. A walk through
the gardens? Only that? To tell the truth, Jeongguk is the one who should be grateful to
Taehyung for the proposal. It wasn't something that was a sacrifice for him, quite the
contrary.

But when he hears a disapproving sound from one of the girls a few meters from him, a light
seems to glow inside Jeongguk. He then realizes that if he loses, he will be the first there to
have an official date with the prince. The first one. Technically, he'd already had one on the
very first night of the contest but it's obvious that it wouldn't go public. Jeongguk knows it
was a friends-only date, especially after they had chatted moments ago, but the remaining
selected ones weren't aware of it.

"Your Highness has very strict conditions... But I accept," Jeongguk finally replies, noticing
the subtle smile that begins to form on the prince's lips.

"Jun-seo?" One of the butlers who was by the thrones advances towards the prince. "Please,
wrap some strawberry pies and send them to Mr. Jeon's family. Also ask someone to wait
while said sister tastes them, and let us know if she actually cries from the taste. I'm
extremely curious, I must say," Taehyung finishes speaking as he meets Jeongguk's eyes,
subtly winking at him.

Jun-seo nods and leaves, presumably to relay the orders to the kitchen workers.

"It's better to also write a note to accompany the pie, telling your family you’re alright,"
Taehyung begins. "Actually, all of you should write to your families. You can do that now
and we will ensure that the letters are delivered today," the prince assures.

They all smile and sigh with relief, not only for being finally included in the conversation but
also for the opportunity to write to their loved ones. At least it was a good distraction because
Jeongguk had already started to feel his ears warm and the killing glares on his back because
of his amusing interaction with the prince.

When he gets to his bedroom, Seokjin has already arranged some sheets of paper and
envelopes, handing them to Jeongguk so he can write the letters to his family. Although his
departure - and especially the way he'd found out he would have to leave - had been abrupt
and unwanted, the last thing Jeongguk wanted was to worry them. So, he tries to sound
cheerful in his words.

Dear mom, dad, Ha-rin, Jae-hwa and Mun-hee,

I miss you so much! You can't even imagine. I think about you all day. The prince gave us
permission to write to our families, to tell them we are safe and okay. And I am. The plane
ride was a little scary, but the view from up there is amazing that I think it made me forget
about the turmoil. And I also found Areum again! But this you must have already seen in the
Official News.

Here at the palace, I'm entitled to a bedroom of my own. In addition to the piles of clothes, I
also have three servants who help me dress, clean and tell me where to go and what to do. I
have to admit that that's pretty helpful.

I still haven't had the opportunity to really talk with the others selected, but apart from
Areum, I think I made a new friend. His name is Park Jimin, the caste Two boy. Surprisingly,
we got along really well. He's fun and thoughtful. You would like to meet him, I'm sure.

The food here is just wonderful. I drool every time I see servants approaching me with trays
and my stomach growls in thanks. I wish you could taste everything but I'm only allowed to
send you these strawberry pies. By the way, Ha-rin, don't they make you want to cry for
more? Please, tell me they do!

And the gardens? So, so beautiful. They’re so big and well-groomed. There are all kinds and
colors of flowers and luckily, I've already had the opportunity to meet them. I hope to be back
there soon. Speaking of flowers, have you been watering and taking care of my tiger lilies? I
hope so!

I met Prince Taehyung, as well as the king and queen. They’re all even more majestic and
elegant in person. They exude greatness. I only talked truly with the prince but he seems to be
a kind and generous person.

I have to say goodbye for now because I was asked not to make the note too long, but I want
you to know that I love you with all my heart. Don't worry about me, I'm okay. I will write
again as soon as possible.

With love,

Jeongguk

The purple-haired boy tried to be as vague as possible as it was obvious that he couldn't
exactly detail the secret meeting with the prince the night before, let alone tell them the true
way they met. It wasn't like Jeongguk could also speak about the disdain his fellow
contestants seem to feel towards him. He didn't want to worry his family and he hopes it
won't be visible on camera. Therefore, Jeongguk hopes that there is nothing surprising or
worrisome in his note.

He focuses on imagining his family reading and rereading the letter over and over again.
Maybe they even did it while they ate the delicious strawberry pies. It was the best he could
do, and for now, he could only wait for an answer.
 ♕

Apparently, the strawberry pies weren't enough.

A butler knocked on Jeongguk's bedroom door late in the afternoon in the day after with a
letter from his family and a piece of important information.

"I’m sorry to inform you but your sister didn't cry, Mr. Jeon. She actually said the pie was so
delicious it made her want to cry for more, but as you've been told, she didn't actually do it,"
the butler informs with an apologetic smile. "Your Majesty has asked me to let you know that
he will pick you up from your bedroom tomorrow, at around five in the afternoon. Please, be
prepared by then."

Honestly, Jeongguk wasn't even upset about losing, but he couldn't be a hypocrite and say
that he would like to feel the comfortable cotton fabric of a large hoodie and confy
sweatpants again. But at least he had letters from his family. It was more than comfort.

It was the first time Jeongguk had been separated from them for more than a few hours. They
didn't have the money to travel, and since Jeongguk hadn't had that many friends when he
was a kid, he never spent nights away from home.

Jeongguk didn't realize he'd started to cry until a tear fell, luckily, onto his trembling hand
instead of onto the paper. In their letters, it was mentioned several times that they all missed
Jeongguk, that he was so handsome on television, and that they were all overflowing with
pride. It also said that it was not necessary to send them three boxes of pies because their
sisters ate nothing else in the meanwhile. Three god damn boxes? For fuck’s sake, Jeongguk
wasn't aware of this!

The letter stated that Ha-rin was glad he had made a friend, especially someone of a higher
caste and that it made him change the idea that all Twos and Threes are cocky and arrogant
people. It also said that she was jealous of Jeongguk being able to eat this kind of food all the
time but that she was also happy to be him there. He didn't know what to think about that.

His other younger sisters also reported that they were pleased that Jeongguk had caught the
prince's attention so early and that he was living a real fairy tale. They also asked if prince
Taehyung, by any chance, didn't have a younger brother hiding somewhere and was
interested in marrying them. Jeongguk let out a wet laugh as he read these words, rolling his
eyes in affection.

Finally, his parents assure him that everything is fine. They also tell him that they managed to
pay for the roof repair that their house so badly needed, protecting them from the cold of the
coming winter. Other excellent news was that his mother had received numerous job offers
since they discovered that she was the woman who had given birth to one of the selected in
this Selection edition, and she was considering taking one of them, even though the money
from the payments was more than enough. Jeongguk was happy to know that his stay in the
this contest was bringing so many benefits to his family.

Jeongguk folds the letter and strokes a finger over the signatures and hearts of each on the
outside of the envelope. He then hugs it to his chest, finding it amusing to keep those notes
for later. It would be proof that Jeongguk had actually been at the royal palace to experience
this challenge when all this became a vague memory.

The purple-haired boy receives his third night in the palace with open arms, much calmer and
at peace than the first one. He goes to bed comforted in the knowledge that his family was
well, safe and happy, allowing that warm feeling to lull him and help him fall into a deep
sleep.

And he badly needed that comfort to ignore the edge of anxiety that nudged him from time to
time, knowing that he would be alone again with Taehyung the very next day. Jeongguk
couldn't figure out the reason for his nerves, but he hoped it was nothing. It must be nothing.

"In the name of appearances, can you hold my arm, please?" The prince asks in a whisper
when he goes to get Jeongguk from his bedroom the next day. Taehyung stretches his arm,
waiting patiently for Jeongguk's response. He hesitates a little but ends up giving in and
linking his arm with the prince.

Seokjin had already stuffed him into an evening outfit: black straight-cut pants, an olive
green shirt, and a long beige cardigan. Even though his arms weren't bare, Jeongguk could
feel the warmth radiating from Taehyung's body through their touch. There was something
about all of this that made Jeongguk flustered - not exactly uncomfortable, but confused and
reticent.

"I'm sorry your sister didn't cry," Taehyung comments as they cross the second-floor foyer.

Jeongguk scoffs, "You don't regret anything." His amused tone makes it clear that Jeongguk
isn't upset that he lost.

"I've never made a bet before. It was exciting, I must say. Of course, it was good to win too,"
he smiles amusedly and is so infectious that Jeongguk can't resist letting a few giggles escape
him.

"Beginner's luck. Just that," Jeongguk shrugs.

The prince grins. "Maybe. Next time, let's try to make your sister laugh instead," he suggests.

Their footsteps resound on the mosaics that build the steps of the opulent staircase. Jeongguk
immediately starts thinking of hypotheses that could make Ha-rin or any of his other sisters
laugh.
Taehyung seems to realize that Jeongguk was still thinking about her and asks, "What is your
family like?"

"Well, I think it's quite different from yours," Jeongguk starts by saying. "After all, we don't
wear crowns at breakfast," he retorts teasingly.

"Oh, I see. Prefer to wear them at dinner instead?" The prince smiles widely.

"You're really astute."

Taehyung laughs softly.

Jeongguk regrets having created so many judgments in his head without first truly knowing
the man. The more time Jeongguk spends in Taehyung's company, the more he realizes that
the prince is an excellent person. A pleasant company, of easy conversation and fun laughs.

They’re now approaching the wide doors leading to the gardens. The guards, glancing at the
prince, bow and immediately step away from the entrances, allowing the two to step past
them and now stride through the small stone path, embraced by shrubs, tall trees, grass and
flowers on either side.

"Apart from my parents, we’re four siblings at home. I'm the oldest and the only boy,"
Jeongguk says. Taehyung probably already knows this information because of his application
questionnaire but even so, it's what Jeongguk decides to share.

"Four siblings? Wow! It must be chaotic sometimes."

"Yeah, it can be but I wouldn't trade it for anything. It's also very usual to see caste Six and
Seven families with lots of children," Jeongguk nods. "I, if I could, would have several too."

"Seriously?" Taehyung asks in surprise, raising his eyebrows.

"Yes. I love children," a smile curls Jeongguk's lips.

"Oh. I see. Is that why you volunteer at your caste's hospital and orphanage?" Taehyung asks,
looking sideways at him.

"Hum, hum," Jeongguk nods. Honestly, he doesn't want the prince to push this issue too hard.
It's something he does regularly and he loves it, it’s true. But Jeongguk does it without the
purpose of bragging or showing that he practices volunteering. And he doesn't want
Taehyung or anyone else to think it's for reasons other than to brighten up those kids' day.

So, he changes the subject as subtly as possible, "My little sister, who is only thirteen, is
Mun-hee. She is a very lively girl, she loves dancing and singing around the house. Next,
comes Jae- hwa. She is sixteen and wants to work in agriculture. She grew up with my
mother taking care of the chickens and planting some vegetables. Ha-rin is the third sister.
She was also the one who sent my application and who didn't cry over the strawberry pies. To
be honest, I feel cheated! I still can't believe she didn't cry," Jeongguk shakes his head in
displeasure, stealing giggles from the prince. "She is already eighteen years old and is now
finishing high school. She still doesn't quite know what she wants to do in the future. It's not
like our caste has a vast employment opportunity either..."

"Oh, right. Your caste involves more nature and animal jobs, right?" Taehyung tries to
confirm.

Jeongguk nods. "Exactly. Farmers, fishermen, livestock keepers, garbage collectors, building
manufacturers and, in my case, gardeners and florists."

"But your sister, if she eventually realizes she wants to work in an area other than that, she
can do it," Taehyung replies as if it's the simplest thing in the world which makes Jeongguk
scoff.

"I'm sorry to inform you but the world out there isn't quite as linear as that," Jeongguk retorts.
"Yes, nothing prohibits her from looking for another area of employment, a job more
characteristic of another caste, but... She would have to move to another city and it's not easy
to find a house and a job when you belong to the lowest caste of all. It's easy to talk about
when you're rich and have everything."

Jeongguk didn't mean to be so blunt and direct but from the prince's silence, he realizes he
was too sincere. Shit, he fucked up again. He and his big fucking mouth.

"I'm so sorry, Your Majesty," he immediately regrets and tries to remedy the situation by
letting go of the prince's arm to make an exaggerated bow. "I didn't mean to disrespect you
like this-"

"Jeongguk, please," Taehyung interrupts him, grabbing his hand to keep him from bending
over any longer. "You don't need to apologize, much less treat me with all that formality.
When we're alone together, I just want to be Taehyung for you, okay? None of ‘Your
Majesty’ or ‘Highness’," he implores, pleading hovering in his brown irises. “And I’m sorry
for thinking things out there are simple. I know they’re not. What I was trying to say is that I
don’t think it’s fair for a person to give up of their dreams just because of the caste they were
born.”

“I know,” Jeongguk nods. He really understands that the prince's intentions were for the best,
however, his mind is diverted from the subject because his cheeks turn red as he realizes his
hand is still holding Taehyung's.

The prince doesn't seem to notice the gesture at first, but when Jeongguk's eyes shift from his
and fall to their clasped hands instead, something seems to wake Taehyung out of his trance.
The prince clears his throat, not only averting his gaze from the other boy but also removing
his hand from Jeongguk's as if the other boy's touch had burned him.

The two resume their walk through the gardens, hearing only the fall of water from the
fountain and the birds' chatter. As it is late afternoon, the sun begins to set over the horizon,
painting the skies in the most beautiful and warm shades of orange and red. The petals of the
flowers and the leaves of the trees sway softly, and surprisingly, for an autumn evening, it's
not even that cold.
As the silence between them continues, Jeongguk tries to apologize for the brutality of his
words from earlier by trying to change the subject. "Well, as I was saying, after my three
sisters, comes me. Jeon Jeongguk. I'm twenty-two and I'm a florist, but that I think you
already know."

It seems to have worked because the prince's gentle smile comes back to adorn his face. "Yes.
Jeongguk. My best friend," he announces excitedly.

Jeongguk rolls his eyes but can't help the smile that invades his lips too. There was no way he
could be his best friend. Not yet, at least. They have only known each other for three days
and there were few occasions when they were together and talked. For God's sake, Jeongguk
barely knows the prince's characteristics, tastes and interests. However, Jeongguk had to
admit that Taehyung was perhaps the only person he trusted that quickly and that it wasn't
part of his family nor was someone he was in love with.

So, Jeongguk responds with the same enthusiasm, "That's right."

"What about your parents?" Taehyung asks.

"What about your parents?" Jeongguk retorts in a defiant tone.

"You already know my parents," Taehyung replies with a genuinely confused expression.

"No," Jeongguk shakes his head in denial. "I know their public image. I don't know them
from your point of view," he playfully nudges Taehyung's arm.

The prince sighs but Jeongguk realizes it wasn't from annoyance. He actually seems to enjoy
having someone teasing him. Which made sense. It must be sad growing up in a place with
no siblings and no friends.

The prince is still thinking about his answer when they reach one of the corners of the palace,
arriving at a spot in the garden that Jeongguk has not yet seen. His eyes want to escape their
sockets such is the image that appears in front of him.

To one side, closer to the vast, endless forest, is a small lake. Water lilies and flowers float in
perfectly clean water, as do some ducks and even swans. A few wooden benches are set along
the grass, some under the vast, warm sun, others with the shade of tall trees to keep them
company. On the other side rests a bandstand made of white wood and with some fairy lights
around it, as well as perfectly pruned bushes and white, red and yellow roses. Jeongguk is
completely hypnotized. When he thought the garden couldn't be more beautiful... Well, it
surprised him.

A little further on, near the other entrance to the garden, a film crew waits for them. Of
course they would want to be present at the prince's first date. Taehyung notices their
presence too. He stares at them and shakes his head, and they immediately retreat back to the
palace. Now, only a few guards watch the place from afar. Jeongguk was indeed in no mood
to be followed by cameras but he didn't expect the prince to dismiss them either.
"Well, this will definitely sound cliché but my parents are the best in the whole world,"
Taehyung begins, a shy smile hovering over his lips. Jeongguk grins too. "My father was
always stricter than my mother. He encouraged me to learn all the laws of the country so that
I could become the best king I could be. There were so many days that I couldn’t come play
in the garden to stay in the office with him instead, attending meetings and reading
documents. My mother, on the other hand, wanted me to enjoy more of my youth and it was
her idea for me to make my Selection now."

"Oh?" Jeongguk asks surprised. "Maybe she's anxious for you to give her a grandson," the
purple-haired boy teases, stealing a husky laugh from the prince.

"Perhaps."

Silence falls between the two again, dancing in tune with the sound of the animals that pass
by. Jeongguk is distracted watching a squirrel on a branch of one of the trees when he feels
Taehyung's hand grab his. Again.

His touch is tender and warm – very, very warm - and that warmth travels from Jeongguk's
fingertips to his chest, settling there. However, despite what Jeongguk thought - and maybe to
his disappointment, but he won't admit it - the prince holds his hand only for a few seconds,
letting go when it lands on Taehyung's arm, in the same gesture as before.

"Are you okay?" The prince asks, speaking over Jeongguk's fast, overly noisy heartbeat.

"Huh?" He asks in a daze, looking wide-eyed at the man beside him.

"You look tense," Taehyung explains.

"Oh. Hum..." Is Jeongguk tense? He hadn't even realized it. Can the prince hear the turmoil of
confused emotions that fight inside his chest? "I don't know. I mean... To be honest, you
make me confused," Jeongguk eventually admits.

As they walk west, the sun is hiding behind the huge forest of the property, leaving only faint
golden rays of the sun to envelop the green and brown of the most diverse trees. They seem
to be completely alone now. Jeongguk and Taehyung continue to walk, away from the palace
and the guards' ears.

"Why?" Taehyung asks in a tone of misunderstanding. "Why do I get you confused?"

Jeongguk hesitates, taking a deep breath to tell Taehyung how he really feels. After all, the
prince had told him that he liked his sincerity. "Your character, your intentions... I'm not sure
what to expect from our date either," Jeongguk admits. "You chose to have your first date in
the Selection with me, even though I don't have any kind of romantic feelings for you and
you know it."

"Oh..." The prince stops and faces Jeongguk. They’re now quite close to each other. So close
that Jeongguk swears he can count the eyelashes that adorn Taehyung's sweet eyes or the
little freckles created by the sun, lucky to kiss that honey skin. And despite the slightly cool
breeze of a late autumn day, the purple-haired boy feels a wave of warmth rising up his spine.
"I wanted my first date to be with you," Taehyung ends up admitting, looking deeply into
Jeongguk's uncertain eyes.

"Why?" The question escapes from the back of Jeongguk's throat and bouncing chest in a
muffled whisper.

"Because..." Jeongguk notices the prince’s adam’s apple rising and falling in his attractive
neck. "Because we’re friends. I wanted to spend more time with you. No ulterior motives,
despite what others might think," Taehyung says a few seconds later. “I wanted to simply
enjoy your company. Is anything wrong with that?”

Of course. They are on this date as friends, obviously. Jeongguk clears his throat loudly,
running away from the intense gaze with which Taehyung stares at him.

"Of course not," Jeongguk responds, pushing aside the fog of thoughts circling his mind and
putting a wide smile on his face instead. He pulls on Taehyung's arm, propelling him forward
so that they resume their walk through the shaggy grass. "You're right. I’m sorry. We're
friends, of course. It makes perfect sense for friends to hang out together."

"That's what I thought," Taehyung nods in agreement, returning the smile.

Surprisingly, the tension that had once hovered between them was now gone and simply
because of a couple of sentences exchanged. Jeongguk had to let go of his suspicion. The
prince increasingly showed him to be the opposite of what he thought at first and did not give
Jeongguk any reasons not to believe his intentions. On the contrary. Taehyung has been
extremely generous and kind to him, showing the huge interest he has in creating a friendship
with him. That was sweet, right? Jeongguk had no objections to that. He was simply a
suspicious and even a little insecure person by nature. It was weird for him to think that a
prince is interested in befriending him, but if the other man says so, who is Jeongguk to deny
it?

"So, you already know a lot about me. You know things about my family, you know what I
like to do, you know what my interests are..." Jeongguk begins, changing the subject to
lighten the atmosphere between them. "But I don't know anything about you."

"Fair enough," Taehyung agrees. "Well, I have never told this to anyone, other than my
family obviously, but apart from my duties as a prince, - which, I must say, take up most of
my time - I love photography."

Jeongguk turns his neck in a quick gesture, facing Taehyung in surprise. "Photography?
Really? Wow! That’s amazing!"

The prince giggles at the other's enthusiasm. "Yes. It’s amazing, indeed. Since I was a child
I've enjoyed doing it, actually. I feel a certain calm and closeness to nature when I’m
photographing it. I also like shooting people, especially portraits where others don't even
realize they're being shot through a lens. I like the naturalness and spontaneity that I can
achieve and express with it. It's just a hobby, but it's also a way of distracting me when my
duties and work are too overwhelming. And, in a way, it makes me feel normal. Less prince
and more Taehyung, you know?" He confesses.
Jeongguk understands. His heart fills with a feeling that Jeongguk can't quite describe, but
he's sure it's not pity or mercy for the prince. It's closer to admiration and respect instead, to
empathy and sympathy, for Taehyung admitting - especially in Jeongguk’s presence - that, at
times, he searches for normality, for the freedom that taking off the crown and the royal title
gives him.

After that, everything goes by in the blink of an eye. The sun quickly sets and the sky turns
dark blue instead of orange, bringing with it the night and the farewells to another day.
Jeongguk and Taehyung walk through the garden for what seems like mere minutes but
actually takes one more hour. And time passes so quickly when the two of them get lost in
laughter and secrets, easily sharing interests and past stories with each other.

To be honest, Jeongguk had never thought to feel so at ease with someone so fast, let alone
the prince of Euphoréa himself. But when the purple-haired boy is in the presence of the
other man, he manages to forget the crown, the title, the authority, the power. This is because
Taehyung shows him the sweetness, genuineness and spontaneity instead, making Jeongguk
want to know more and more and more. And that's what they do for the rest of their
encounter, even though it doesn't seem like enough for them to reveal all layers of their
beings.

When both their bellies rumble and one of the maids, as if by telepathy, shouts from one of
the glass doors that dinner will be served soon, the two say goodbye to the flowers, the
sleeping birds and the dark night, and return inside the palace with slow steps, as if they
wanted to prolong each other's company as long as possible.

Jeongguk slowly lets go of Taehyung's arm when they reach his bedroom door, ready to step
inside and be greeted by the thousands of questions his servants must have on the tip of their
tongues as they dress him and prepare for dinner.

However, before he can temporarily say goodbye to Taehyung and grab the porcelain knob of
the dark wooden door, the prince tentatively grabs his wrist.

"Can I give you a hug?" He whispers shyly, looking at a spot on what appears to be
Jeongguk's cheeks instead of his surprised eyes.

"Oh. Huh... Sure. Why not?" Jeongguk responds, immediately opening his arms to welcome
Taehyung.

The prince doesn't hesitate, taking quick steps until he reaches Jeongguk's torso with an ever-
widening smile, wrapping his arms tightly around his waist. The purple-haired boy quickly
returns the gesture, embracing the prince's neck shyly. Jeongguk is afraid that his heart will
race desperately, but contrary to what he thinks, it doesn't. On the contrary. His heart beats at
a steady rate, rhythmically calm, just like Taehyung's, as Jeongguk can feel against his chest.
And it is calm that overflows in their relationship, and it is ease and comfort that emanates
from both of them, and of course is that what is transpired in their tight embrace.

The two remain like that, just enjoying the heat that radiates from each other's skins, for what
seems like eternal minutes. But when what appears to be one of the selected loud talks fly
across their rooms, the two separate languidly, avoiding each other's eyes and blushes.
"Thank you for this afternoon, friend," Taehyung is the first to break the silence, scratching
the back of his neck as he utters the words.

"Thank you for this afternoon, friend," Jeongguk repeats word by word because, honestly,
that's what he truly feels too. Gratitude and wishes for more.

Taehyung smiles then, that typical grin of his that makes his round cheeks rise and can dazzle
anyone who dares to get lost in the intense glow he gives off, and of course Jeongguk smiles
back. How not?

"See you at dinner, Jeongguk," the prince says goodbye, smiling one last time and turning at
last down the long corridor, probably towards his quarters.

Jeongguk stays there for another couple of seconds, still feeling the warmth that that smile
and those eyes conveyed to him, and remembering the fun moments he just experienced with
the other man. But his stomach growls and remember him that he has a dinner to attend to.

Sighing, Jeongguk dares to open the door that leads to his bedroom, already prepared to face
the curious stares and questions of his servants. However, Jeongguk remains vague in his
answers, saying only that the date was very pleasant and that he got to know the prince a little
better. His servants do not insist, seeming even more than satisfied with Jeongguk's answers,
thus respecting, even indirectly, his desire to keep their date and the beginning of what he
wishes to be a beautiful friendship between him, the prince Taehyung, and of course, the
flowers.

It's been three days, almost four, since the Selection began, and, therefore, meals in the same
dining room as the royal family were more than common. They continued to be intimidating
and required a lot of concentration on the part of the selected to keep in mind all the rules of
etiquette that Jang-mi had been teaching them over the past couple of days, but there was no
longer that embarrassed silence or gazes lingering exclusively on the dishes in front of them
to avoid the king or queen's eyes.

Now, the selected ones communicated with one another in a low, respectful murmur, even
exchanging glances and smiles from time to time with the members of the royal family,
seated at another table situated just a few steps away.

This allowed Jeongguk to be able to observe the prince, exchanging discreet, shy smiles and
amused stares with him, especially when the boy with purple hair was enjoying the cod with
cornbread on top and baked potatoes as a complement. Taehyung liked to tease him about the
palace food, entertaining himself with the Seven's eye roll in pleasure and quick chew.

To Jeongguk's surprise, the king and the queen also seemed extremely amiable, always
concerned to keep the selected comfortable and at home. Whenever possible, the two royals
would strike up conversations with them, questioning them about their days at the palace and
what they were thinking of their son so far. Of course, most of the responses were shy, but
some of the contestants took the cue to earn some points with the royal couple.

After another delicious meal, Jeongguk's stomach was satisfied. In fact, Jeongguk's entire
being was. Overall, he had a very pleasant day today.

When the contestants are excused from dinner and advised to return to their rooms to finish
the day, Jeongguk is faced with the agitation of his servants as soon as he opens the bedroom
door. He doesn't want to believe that it's still because of his date with the prince he had
earlier, even because he thinks he's answered enough to quell their curiosity. But before he
can actually question what happened, Jeongguk's eyes fall to a huge silver box placed on his
bed, begging to be opened.

"Can we see it?" Nabi asks, almost jumping in place such is the enthusiasm that she radiates.

"Nabi! What rudeness is that?" Seokjin scolds, elbowing her in the ribs.

The maid makes an exaggerated pout at the reprimand. Jeongguk chuckles lightly, a feeling
of familiarity within him as his servants begin to feel at ease in his presence.

"The prince's official two butlers left this box here as soon as you went down to dinner. We've
been dying of curiosity this whole time!" Yumi exclaims.

"You too, Yumi? What gave to you two?" Seokjin reprimands again, looking increasingly
scandalized by the attitude of the other two maids.

"There’s no problem," Jeongguk smiles reassuringly. "I have no secrets. You can see with me
what's inside this pretty box."

The two girls squeal softly, Seokjin rolling his eyes in response. Jeongguk approaches the bed
and sits uneasily on the edge of the mattress. He starts to undo the big purple bow, finally
removing the lid to reveal the surprise that is hidden there.

Inside there is a set of clothes, more precisely a pair of sweatpants and a sweatshirt with a
hood in shades of black, the clothing brand in red details. The fabric was perhaps the softest
and most comfortable that Jeongguk's fingers have ever had the privilege to touch and,
beyond the abrupt surprise, Jeongguk's lips inevitably stretch until they reach his ears,
forming a grateful and happy smile. On top of the sportier outfit is a card with the Euphoréa
crest and handwriting so perfect and delicate that Jeongguk needs to squint his eyes to
decipher it.

Jeongguk, you ask for such simple things that I am unable to refuse. As I gained so much
from my win from our bet, I couldn't bear to keep it all to myself and not share it with you.
But I ask you, please, that you only wear these pieces of clothing on Saturdays, when there
are not so many cameras around and there are no formal events either.
 Thank you for your pleasant company this afternoon. It was lovely. I hope we can repeat it
soon.

Your friend,

Taehyung

That night, Jeongguk didn't even blink as he quickly undressed, not caring for Seokjin's
presence, and allowing the servant to help him put on the fluffy fabric of his new gift and that
Jeongguk's body was so used to wearing. And if when he lays down on the soft, high mattress
and feels a little closer to home, Jeongguk has only to thank Prince Taehyung, his newest and
most special friend.

Chapter End Notes

my twitter
my curious cat
playlist
 four
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes

IV

The next day, Jeongguk had gotten out of bed without whimpering or without the usual
thousand and one requests from his servants. To his own surprise, Jeongguk wasn't in the
mood to blink his eyes and watch the day go by, wanting to get back to the comfort of the bed
covers quickly like always. On the contrary. Today, he wanted to enjoy breakfast and the day
that, despite being cloudy, promised good surprises and, perhaps, a few more moments in the
presence of the prince and his friend Taehyung. At least he hoped it.

In the dining room, slicing through a pile of soft, perfectly round pancakes as if they'd been
molded to the finest detail, Areum, who's decided to sit next to him this morning, clears her
throat to get his attention. Jeongguk has one side of his cheek full of food, looking at her
wide-eyed in question.

"How was it?" The girl of the same caste as his asks discreetly, as they should speak at meals.

Jeongguk doesn't need to think too hard to figure out where she's headed. Last night, more
precisely during dinnertime, all the selected ones stared at him curiously, probably waiting
for someone to ask the same question as Areum, or else for Jeongguk to take the initiative
and brag about his date with the prince in detail. Obviously, Jeongguk kept silent the entire
meal, preferring to keep his concentration on the delicious dish of pasta and on the exchange
of glances with Taehyung.

However, Areum seems to be the only one brave enough to ask the big question, looking
expectantly at him as she waits for a clear detailed description of his date. And those words
uttered by her, even though they were muttered, are enough to get the attention of everyone
on both sides of the table as if all the contestants were anxiously waiting for the subject to
arise. It was obvious that everyone around Jeongguk was listening.

Jeongguk finishes chewing, taking a deep breath and replying, "It went well."

The selected look at each other, clearly waiting for more details.

"How did the prince behave?" This time it's Choi Sohui who asks, tucking her hair behind her
ear as if it would help her hear better.

"Hum…" Jeongguk pauses, trying to choose his words carefully. "He's very polite. And
funny too. In short, he behaved very differently than I expected."

This time, replacing the silence, various murmurs resound around the table.
"You're doing it on purpose, aren't you?" Seo Yejun breaks out. "That's pretty petty of you."

Jeongguk shakes his head. Why was the Three being this mean? He couldn't understand. As
far as he knows, Jeongguk is in his perfect right not to detail his date with the prince. But
how could he explain that without making the others selected hate him even more?

"It's nothing like that. I just don't know what you want me to say-" Jeongguk starts off by
saying but the tumult coming from the hallway saves him from having to formulate a more
complex answer.

When he gives more attention to it, Jeongguk realizes they are weird screams. In his short
stay at the royal palace, Jeongguk doesn't remember hearing any sounds that could be
considered close to loud, let alone yells. The usual noise of the guards' assertive footsteps, the
opening and closing of huge doors, and the touch of cutlery on plates resounded in a kind of
melody. However, this was different. It sounded more like utter and complete chaos.

The royal family, seated at the usual table just a few feet away from the selected ones, seem
to understand everything before they do.

"Ladies and gentlemen, to the back of the room! Now!" King Bon-hwa orders, running to one
of the windows.

The contestants, completely confused but not wanting to disobey the orders of the king, move
chaotically to the wall at the end of the dining room. The king lowers a blind, but it's not one
to filter the light as is usually seen; it's made of metal and creaks when it's being closed.
Beside him, Taehyung puts down another one, and after the prince, the gentle and delicate
queen Yuna hurries down the next one.

That's when a wave of guards invades the room. Jeongguk notices several others lining up
outside just before the monstrous dining room doors are closed, locked and reinforced with
more bars. For a moment, he wonders where these defense mechanisms were hidden for none
of them to have noticed until they were finally used.

"They invaded the property, Majesty, but we managed to contain their advance. The
contestants should leave and stay safe in the tunnels but we’re too close to the door..."
Jeongguk recognizes the guard as Yoongi. A stuffy olive green coat and matching pants
adorned his body, as did a long, scary gun. His eyes hold determination instead of the fear
and horror that, most likely, everyone else in the room has.

"Understood, Yoongi," the king replies, nodding and seeming to take a few seconds to think
about what to do.

Jeongguk already expected this to happen. They had already warned him, too. So many
guests in the palace, so many targets, so many preparations; it was more than expected that
someone would miss something somewhere and security would eventually fail. And even if it
wasn't that easy to penetrate the palace, this would be a perfect time to mount a protest. For
the rebels, the Selection was somewhat disturbing, so they certainly hated it, just as they
hated everything else in Euphoréa.
But whatever the reason for the presence of those rebels was, Jeongguk would not surrender
so easily. He refused to.

So, Jeongguk gets up so quickly that his chair tips over backward. He runs to the nearest
window and looks for the metal shutter pulley. Jeongguk takes a moment to lower that thing.
It's heavy and demanded a lot of effort, but fitting it into place was a little more difficult.

When Jeongguk finally manages to secure the bolt, something from outside hits the metal,
causing him to jump back with a startled scream, trip over the overturned chair, and fall to the
floor.

In the blink of an eye, Taehyung appears beside Jeongguk, reaching out his hand to help the
purple-haired boy get up off the ground. "Are you okay? Are you hurt?" His eyes travel all
over Jeongguk's face and body, searching for any sign of injury.

Jeongguk does a quick investigation. He will probably have a bruise on his hip or leg and he
is clearly scared, but nothing worse than that. "No. I'm fine. I'm fine," he repeats to assure the
prince in front of him.

"Thank God," Taehyung takes a deep breath, his eyes brimming with concern. The expression
on his face changes quickly, returning to mirror the assertiveness and leadership he has to
display at times like this. "Go back to the back of the room. Now!" He orders, pushing
Jeongguk towards the remaining selected ones.

Jeongguk obeys and returns to the back of the hall, more precisely to the gathering of
shrunken girls and boys. Some are crying, as is the case with Areum, Kang Sun-mi and even
Kwak Woojin. Others, in complete shock, stare into space, as is the case with Jimin and most
of the other competitors. Yoon Mi-suk had passed out, being gently supported by two other
selected.

The most reassuring figure is king Bon-hwa, as expected, who is speaking gravely to a guard
at the opposite wall, far enough away for the selected not to hear them. He has a protective
arm around the queen’s slender body, who stands calmly and proudly beside him.

How many attacks would they have survived? It was common for the news of rebel attacks to
fill the Official News and the front pages of the newspaper, occurring several times a year. It
has to be scary. Every time such an attack happened, there was a high risk of danger to her,
her husband and their only child. And yet, she stands there, chin up and a serene calm
mirrored in her face. Admirable, he thinks.

Jeongguk can't help but look at the others selected. Did any of them have the strength and
control to be a queen or a king? There were few selected that remained controlled. Apart
from Jungkook, Seo Yejun also managed to disguise his emotions well. The rest are almost
hysterical, kneeling, crying or mentally disconnected, praying and unconsciously wringing
their hands, waiting for the attack to be over.

Areum is still whimpering, but she no longer looks completely broken. Jeongguk approaches
her and gently grabs her by the arm, helping her to her feet.
"Wipe your eyes and straighten up," Jeongguk orders against the girl's ear.

"What?" She asks scared.

"Trust me," Jeongguk speaks more softly this time. "Do as I tell you."

She nods, wiping her face with the sleeves of her dress and straightening up. Areum touches
various points on her face with her fingertips in what Jeongguk assumes is to check that her
makeup isn't smudged. Then, she turns to Jeongguk for approval.

"You're fine. Forgive me for being so blunt but trust me, okay?" Jeongguk feels bad for
giving orders during such a disturbing and frightening situation as this one, but Areum
needed to appear as calm as queen Yuna. Surely prince Taehyung would expect that from his
partner, and if there was anyone Jeongguk would like him to win, it would be Areum.

She or Park Jimin, the only other person belonging to the candidates that Jeongguk liked, but
the caste Two boy is already visibly calmer, helping Mi-suk to recover from her fainting.

"You're right," she nods. "I mean, for now, we're all safe. There's no reason to be so worried."

Jeongguk knew that, truly, Areum didn't feel that way and that fear still flowed through her
veins as if sliding down a water park slide. He nods anyway, even though she is completely
wrong. They aren't all safe.

Guards wait near the gigantic doors while what appears to be heavy objects are hurled against
the walls and windows. One time, and other, and another. The dining room didn't have a
clock and Jeongguk isn't aware of how much time had passed and how much longer the
attack will last, which makes him even more nervous. Are the rebels already inside the
palace? How could they know?

Jeongguk couldn't bear the worry. He faces the royal family, especially prince Taehyung, and
wonders how they keep themselves so controlled. It’s like they were expecting this because,
for sure, this was not the first time to happen nor will it be the last, but still. If Jeongguk
watched with scrutiny, Taehyung's wrinkled forehead showed some glimmers of worry.
Maybe not so much for himself but for his family and for the people who are in his charge,
namely the participants of the Selection, instead. Jeongguk even thinks he wants to comfort
him in some way but obviously, pulling him into a hug would be the worst thing to do right
now for all reasons and more.

So, the purple-haired boy finds a vase of ornamental flowers to serve as a table centerpiece
and focuses his gaze on the beautiful plants. Jeongguk tries to recognize the species of
flowers by observing in detail their colors, the shape of the petals and the way they curved
towards the light, and quickly realizes that they're carnations.

The prince ends up approaching Jeongguk to check if he is okay, just as he had previously
done with the others selected. He stops next to Jeongguk, sits down on the floor and also
starts watching the carnations perfectly lined up on the dining table. The truth is, none of
them quite know what to say.
"Are you okay?" Taehyung finally asks.

"Yes," Jeongguk whispers, hiding his gaze from him.

Taehyung pauses, sighing low and worriedly. "You don't look very good."

"What will happen to my servants?" Jeongguk blurts out, expressing his greatest concern.

Jeongguk knows that he, the royal family and the others selected are safe. There are dozens
of guards present in the dining room, not to mention the extra protection of the metal shutters
and bars on the door. But what about the workers in the palace? His servants? What if one of
them was in the hallway when the rebels entered?

"Your servants?" Taehyung asks with a frown, looking completely taken aback by that
question.

"Yes, my servants," He repeats, looking the prince in the eye and forcing him to acknowledge
that only a privileged minority among the hundreds of people who inhabited the palace
actually had protection.

Jeongguk is on the verge of tears, his trembling body no longer knowing how to control the
worry that welled up in him, but he didn't want to cry. And so, he breaths quickly to try to
calm his emotions.

Taehyung stares at him and seems to understand the genuine concern Jeongguk feels for his
servants. Maybe he can even read how revolting it is for the purple-haired boy that a contest
is the main difference for Jeongguk to be safe and a person like Seokjin, Yuna or Nabi not.

"They must have already hidden somewhere," Taehyung tries to assure. "The palace staff
have their own places to hide and wait for the attacks to end. The guards are very effective at
quickly warning everyone. And protecting them too, of course. I'm sure your servants are
fine. Seokjin is very astute and will certainly be taking good care of the other two. We usually
have an alarm system, but in the last invasion, the rebels completely destroyed it. We've been
trying to fix it but…" The prince sighs heavily.

How Taehyung personally knew the names of Jeongguk's servants, he wasn't sure. Perhaps he
was aware of the names of all the servants distributed among the selected ones. That makes
sense, at least. He doesn’t waste more time thinking about those frivolities.

Jeongguk gazes at the ground, trying to soothe all the worries in his head. What the prince
said made sense. Also because he was more than used to dealing with these situations and he
must already know that the servants and the other workers in the palace know how to get
away with it. But even so, Jeongguk's heart continues to listen more to the negative thoughts
that hover within him.

"Jeongguk…" He whispers, placing a hand over the purple-haired boy's bent knee. Jeongguk
turns to the prince with sad eyes. "They're okay. The rebels are slow and everyone here
knows what to do in an emergency like this."
Jeongguk nods. They remain there in silence for a moment and when he realizes the prince is
about to walk away, the purple-haired boy quickly grabs his hand.

"Taehyung..." Jeongguk mutters, getting his attention. The prince turns once more, a little
surprised to be treated so familiarly in such an environment. "It may not be the best time but I
wanted to thank you for your gift from last night. I wasn't expecting to receive it as a bet is a
bet and I didn't win... But still, I’m extremely grateful for your generosity. I really loved it, by
the way. Thank you."

"As I said in the note, it didn't cost me anything. Bets aside, friends give each other presents,
right?" A small smile, even if it's closer to a mirage than reality, draws on Taehyung's lips.

"I mean, I'm not sure I'll be able to give you gifts and reciprocate your generosity," Jeongguk
scrunches his nose.

"Of course you reciprocate. Your friendship is a great gift to me. Perhaps the biggest and best
of them all," Taehyung says so seriously as if it were the rawest truth on this planet.

However, Jeongguk lets out a chuckle. Fortunately, Taehyung accompanies him.

"I never thought you were so cheesy," Jeongguk teases, bumping his shoulder against the
prince's in a playful gesture. "But it kind of makes sense. Princes and fairy tales, you know."

Taehyung returns the gesture and the touch between them is already so natural that it can be
strange and abrupt from the outside, through the eyes of some selected who momentarily
ignore the chaos that happens. However, another projectile decides to hit the window at that
very moment and everyone stops at the same time. For an instant, Jeongguk had forgotten
where he was and what was happening. And now, he's looking for some more of that
amnesia, not least because his state of mind demands it.

"So, how are you handling a room full of crying people?" Jeongguk asks.

His expression takes on a comical puzzlement. "There is nothing in the world more
unnerving!" He whispers vehemently. "I can resolve country issues in a matter of minutes but
I have no idea how to get people to stop crying."

And this will be the man who will rule Euphoréa; a guy who was defeated by tears. It is too
funny for Jeongguk's giggles to get trapped inside him.

"Try to pat them on the back or on the shoulder... Or give them a hug, if you're comfortable
with it. When they cry, people don't always want to see their problems solved. They just want
to be comforted," Jeongguk advises.

With a raised eyebrow in question, the prince asks, "Really?"

"Really.”

"It can't be that simple," a frown grows on Taehyung's forehead. A mixture of doubt and
interest is audible in his voice.
"I said «not always», not «never». But it's probably able to work with most of the selected,"
he shrugs.

In a contemptuous sound, the prince retorts, "I don't know if it will be like that. Two have
already asked me if I'll let them go when the attack is over."

"I thought we couldn't do that," Jeongguk comments, but in reality, this no longer surprises
him. If the prince had allowed him to stay to establish a friendship, it was because he didn't
care much for technical details. "What are you going to do?"

The prince shrugs subtly but as he is leaning against Jeongguk, the purple-haired boy can feel
it. "What can I do? I won't keep anyone here against their will."

"Maybe they'll change their minds. It might just be the fear talking," Jeongguk suggests
hopefully.

"Maybe," Taehyung pauses. "What about you? Do you still want to leave the Selection?" He
asks in an almost playful tone but Jeongguk could decipher the raw question behind it.

"To be honest... I don't know how to answer that. There are days when yes, I want to leave
this palace and go back to my house," As he says this, Jeongguk notices the prince's face
shrinking.

But it's the truth. When something else hits the wall, the idea seems extremely tempting. At
home, the worst attack Jeongguk had ever faced was his three sisters jumping on him while
he slept. Here, the rest of the competitors didn't like him, the clothes choked him, there were
people from outside trying to hurt him and, in general, everything made him uncomfortable.
Okay, not everything. Almost everything.

Despite everything that pushed Jeongguk to want to flee from this palace, there were good
things. Not just the fact that the payments are positive for his family and it's so nice to be able
to eat well. Also, and most importantly, Taehyung was increasingly digging into Jeongguk's
heart as a friend, a person who made him see things through different eyes.

And that's what makes Jeongguk add, "But on the other hand... I feel good here with you and
with our growing friendship."

The two exchange a calm grin. Their friendship was obviously strange and flawed, but at
least it was sincere.

"Great. I need you to give me more tips, like that shoulder pat thing," the prince smiles.

Jeongguk returns the sneer. Yes, everything was upside down, but something good was still
going to come out of here. He was hoping that.

A series of heavy objects hit the wall again, causing some of the selected to scream.
Unconsciously, Jeongguk moves his body closer to Taehyung's, burying his hand in the
prince's forearm. The gesture is quick, only a couple of seconds long, but it was enough to
comfort them both.
"Who are they? What do they want?" Jeongguk asks, hiding his trembling fingers under his
thighs to keep that gesture from repeating. He doesn't want to make the prince uncomfortable
with the fact that so many people can witness those moments between them.

"Who? The rebels?" Taehyung asks and Jeongguk nods. "It depends on who you ask and
what group are we speaking about," the prince replies.

"What? Does that mean there's more than one?" Jeongguk's face falls in horror, his hands
covering his mouth in surprise.

This information makes the whole situation worse. If this was a one-group attack, what could
two or more do together? From Jeongguk's point of view, it seemed unfair not to enlighten
them on this. The selected, even as temporary residents of the palace, deserved to be aware of
what was going on. Jeongguk had the idea that a rebel was a rebel, period. But Taehyung
hinted that some of them could be more dangerous than others.

"How many groups are there?" Jeongguk insists.

"Usually two. We call them Swans and Whales. Swans attack much more often. They are
closer to us as they live in the countryside, north of here. Nobody wants to live there because
it's practically all deserted and in ruins, so they've established themselves there, although I
think they actually move around. That's one of my theories, but no one listens to me.
However, they rarely manage to break into the property, and when they do, the results are
almost always contained. That's why I think this specific attack is work of the Swans,"
Taehyung explains through the loud bangs.

"Why? What makes them so different from the Whales?"

Taehyung seems to hesitate, wondering if he should share this information with Jeongguk. He
looks around to see if anyone could hear them and Jeongguk does the same, noticing several
people staring at them. Yejun especially seemed to spit fire from his eyes. Jeongguk quickly
gazes away. Still, even with so many people watching them, no one was close enough to hear
them.

The prince comes to the same conclusion and leans over to whisper in his ear, "Whale attacks
are much more... Deadly."

Jeongguk feels his entire body shudder. "Deadly?"

Taehyung nods sadly. "They only attack once or twice a year, as far as I can tell from the
results. Everyone here tries to hide the statistics to protect me but I'm no idiot. I know when
they attack, people die," the prince mutters, stealing shivers of fear from Jeongguk's body.
"The problem is that both groups look similar to our eyes: tattered clothes, made up mostly of
thin but strong men, with no great physical characteristics that we can use to distinguish
them. So, we never know who is behind the attacks before they finish."

Jeongguk's eyes travel around the dining room. A lot of people would be in danger right now
if Taehyung's suspicion was wrong and these rebels were Whales instead. Inevitably, he is
reminded again of his poor servants.
"But I still can't figure out what they want anyway," Jeongguk adds.

The prince shrugs. "Whales want to take us down, apparently. I don't know the real reason,
but I imagine they're dissatisfied and tired of living on the margins of society. After all,
technically they can't even be considered Eight, the caste belonging to drug addicts,
prisoners, orphans and homeless, as they're not part of the social caste system. As for
Swans... Those are a real mystery. My father is sure they just want to upset the monarchy and
cause trouble, but I don't think that way," he looks quite proud of himself for a moment. "I
also have a theory about that."

"Oh, is that so? May I know what it is?" Jeongguk inquires.

The prince hesitates again. This time, Jeongguk thinks it's not because he's afraid to scare
him, but because the purple-haired boy might not take him seriously.

He approaches Jeongguk again and whispers, "I think they're looking for something."

"Looking for something? What?" Jeongguk arches an eyebrow in doubt.

"That I haven't figured out yet. But I've already noticed a pattern of these attacks. When the
Swans manage to invade the palace, they take down the guards by wounding or tying them
up, but they never kill them. It's as if the rebels don't want to. As for the rooms, at least the
ones they manage to access, they are all searched to the last detail. They take all the drawers
out of the furniture, go through the shelves, turn the rugs. Many things end up broken. You
can't even imagine the number of cameras I've had to replace over the years."

"Cameras? Did they manage to get into your bedroom and rummage your things?"

"Yes," Taehyung sighs. “But despite all that, they never take much. My father thinks my idea
is silly, of course."

Taehyung seemed pretty sure of his theories, which was intriguing. If Jeongguk didn't have a
single cent and knew how to break into the royal palace, he would certainly look for valuable
objects like jewelry that he could later sell. So those rebels must have had something more in
mind than economic survival when they invade the palace.

"Do you think it's silly too? Ridiculous ideas in my head?" Taehyung asks, taking Jeongguk
out of his ramblings.

He shakes his head in denial. "No. It's strange, actually, but I don't think it's silly. In fact, I
think it makes a lot of sense."

They smile together, looking at each other as if to decipher the thoughts floating through their
minds. Long seconds pass, which seems like an eternity to each of them, and the meeting of
their eyes don't become embarrassed or uncomfortable. They seem to get more and more
used to each other's presence, where stares, gestures and grins speak much louder than words.

Taehyung is the first to look away, clearing his throat. "I think it’s better if I check on the
others."
Jeongguk nods in understanding even as a small, practically minuscule sting makes itself be
felt in his chest. "Yeah, I imagine a lot of them are wondering why you're taking so long with
me."

"So, friend, any suggestions on who I should talk to next?" The prince's eyes subtly travel
through the space as if choosing who would be the next person to receive his attention.

Jeongguk smiles and does the same to see if his favorite candidate is still in control. She is.

"See that blonde girl over there? With bangs and in a green dress? She's Areum. She's very
sweet and fun. Go."

Taehyung giggles and follows Jeongguk's advice, addressing the caste Seven girl.

Time seemed to take an eternity to pass, clothed in days, months, maybe even years but, in
reality, the rebel attack lasted just over an hour.

They found out later that no one had actually been able to enter the palace, only the gardens.
The guards only fired at the rebels when they managed to get to the front door, which
explained the stones and spoiled food that had been hurled at the metal-protected windows
for so long.

In the end, two rebels managed to get too close to the main entrance to the palace, but
warning fire from the guards caused them to flee. If Taehyung's description was correct, they
really were Swans.

For reasons of prevention, they kept the selected ones locked in the dining room for a while
longer while they searched the surroundings of the palace. When everything returned to
normal, with guarantees that everything was safe, the competitors were allowed to return to
their bedrooms.

Jeongguk escorts Areum to hers. Although the purple-haired boy had held up well in the
dining room, the tension generated by the attack had left him exhausted on every level. It was
nice to have someone to relax with.

"Is it true that the prince offered you the sweatpants you asked for? Even after you lost the
bet?" She asks.

Jeongguk had started talking about Taehyung as soon as he could, eager to know how their
conversation had gone.

"And a hoodie! But yes, he was very generous," Jeongguk states, not even noticing the smile
that graces his lips.
"I find it charming that he knows how to win," she sighs dreamily. "What a gentleman!"

Jeongguk lets out a few giggles. "What did you guys talk about earlier?"

Her cheeks automatically start to blush at the question. "You won't believe it, Jeongguk... He
asked me if I would like to have a date with him this week!" She lets out a low but hysterical
squeal, giving very ungraceful little hops as she walks. No one is around to judge her and
Jeongguk is much less the type of person to do so.

"Areum! That’s great!" He shares the same happiness as the girl.

"Shhh!" She puts her index finger over her lips, looking around to make sure the others have
already gone upstairs. "I'm trying not to create too many expectations. It's just a date."

They stay silent for a moment, Jeongguk looking at her suspiciously as if he didn't believe a
word. And he's right because just one more blink, one more step, one more breath, and
Areum explodes.

"Who am I kidding? I'm so excited I can barely be quiet!" She waves both her hands in a
gesture of enthusiasm. "I just hope he doesn't take too long to mark the day."

"If he's already asked you, I'm sure he'll schedule it soon. You know, as soon as he finishes
his daily princely duties," Jeongguk tries to calm the girl's nerves by joking.

And it works because she laughs. "I can't believe it! I knew he was a handsome man but I had
no idea what he would be like as a person. I was afraid he was... I don't know, pompous,
cocky or arrogant. Something like that."

Jeongguk nods in understanding because he too had once thought the same. "I know, right?
But in reality, he's..." How could Jeongguk describe Taehyung? A little pompous, yes, but not
in an irritating way like he'd imagined, but elegant and chic instead. A prince, no doubt about
it, but still so... so... "Normal," he finishes the sentence.

Areum is no longer paying attention to him. She is still completely lost in her dreams and
thoughts as they walk through the second-floor foyer. Jeongguk genuinely hoped that the
Taehyung she was dreaming up was real, as well as Areum the kind of woman he was
looking for.

Jeongguk waves goodbye when they reach her bedroom door and he continues walking to
his. Thoughts about Areum and prince Taehyung vanish from Jeongguk's mind as he opens
the door.

Seokjin and Yumi are crouched beside an extremely shaken Nabi, sitting in the pale blue
fabric armchair placed in the corner of the room, next to a small desk. Her face is painfully
red and tear marks running down her cheeks stained it. Jeongguk had already noticed that she
has usual little tremors, probably because she is a nervous person, but these now turned into
violent spasms that shook her whole body.
"It's okay Nabi," whispers Yumi, stroking her hair that has escaped from her braid. "It's
okay," she repeats like a mantra.

"It's over now. No one got hurt. You're safe, Nabi. No one will hurt you," Seokjin murmurs
affectionately, holding her trembling hands.

Jeongguk is too shocked to speak. This is Nabi's vulnerable moment and she probably
wouldn't want Jeongguk to see her in this state, but before he could turn and walk out of the
room to give her the privacy she deserves, Nabi's bulging eyes fall on his.

"P-p-pardon, Mr. Jeon. P-pardon..." She stutters between sobs, the eyes of the other two
servants apprehensive.

"Please, Nabi. You don't need to apologize for anything. Are you feeling alright? Do you
need something?" Jeongguk asks worriedly, closing the bedroom door so no one else can see.

The servant tries to speak again but the words get stuck in the lump in the back of her throat.
Tears and tremors dominate her small, thin body.

"She'll be fine, Mr. Jeon," Yumi intervenes. "It always takes a few hours, but she eventually
calms down as soon as everything returns to normal. It's just shock speaking louder. If she
continues in this state, we can take her to the infirmary.” He lowers his voice and adds, "It's
just that Nabi doesn't want that. If they think we're not fit, they stick us in the laundry or
kitchen, and Nabi likes to be a servant."

"P-please, Mr. Jeon... I d-don't... I..." She tries to speak, sobbing uncontrollably.

"Shhh. No one will report you, Nabi. Don't worry. You're safe here," Jeongguk assures,
speaking in a tone of voice as calm and reassuring as possible. He then looks at Seokjin and
Yumi. "Help me get her into the bed."

It was supposed to be easy to transport her between the three of them, but Nabi was shaking
so badly that her arms and legs slipped out of their hands. It took some effort for them to
make the servant comfortable, but once they'd settled her under the warm, fluffy blankets, the
comfort of the bed seemed to help her more than the soothing words they spoke. Her tremors
subside substantially, and the maid fixes a blank stare at a random spot in the canopy that
adorns the bed.

Yumi sits on the edge of the mattress and starts to softly sing a song that Jeongguk doesn't
recognize but that automatically reminds him with a sinking heart every time the purple-
haired boy spoiled his sisters when they were sick. He pulls Seokjin to a far corner of the
room, away from Nabi's ears.

"What happened? Did any rebels get in here?" Jeongguk asks in a visibly concerned tone. If
that had been the case, he expected to be informed.

"No, no one came in here," Seokjin shakes his head in denial. "Nabi is always like this when
rebels attack. Just talking about them makes her start to get nervous. She..."
Seokjin looks down at the perfectly shined black shoes covering his feet, clearly unsure
whether he should tell Jeongguk or not. It was obvious that the purple-haired boy didn't want
to intrude on Nabi's life, let alone make anyone uncomfortable, but the truth is, he would like
to understand so that it would be easier for him to help.

The other man takes a deep breath and begins, "Apart from Nabi, her sister also worked here
at the palace. They were both chosen to be maids and even though it sounds silly, it's a great
honor to have this position. We're part of the lineup. We're the ones who are deemed fit,
smart, and handsome enough to be seen by any visitor. We take our job very seriously and for
good reason. If we mess up, we run the risk of being sent to the kitchen, where we work non-
stop all day and our clothes are shapeless. Being a servant is important."

Jeongguk inevitably feels stupid. In his mind, the palace staff belonged to caste Six, as it is
the caste that encompasses jobs such as servants, maids, butlers, waiters, cleaners, cooks, and
drivers. However, it was obvious that, even so, there were subdivisions and hierarchies.

"Two years ago, the palace was attacked during the night," Seokjin continues. "The rebels
wore the uniforms of the guards and confused everyone. The uproar was such that no one
knew who to attack or defend and the rebels managed to get through the defense lines and
you can imagine the terrible chaos that was..."

Jeongguk shudders at the thought. The darkness of the night, the confusion of not knowing
who is who, the immensity of the palace... Compared to this morning's attack, if Jeongguk
followed Taehyung's suspicions, it seemed to be the work of the Whales.

"One of the rebels captured Nabi's sister," Seokjin looks down for a moment, uttering his
words in a very low voice. "The man was dragging her somewhere and she was screaming as
loud as she could but during all that confusion it was hard to hear her. Then, a royal guard
appeared who took aim and put a bullet in the rebel's head. The problem? The problem is that
the man had a razor pointed at Nabi's sister's throat. With the rebel fall after being shot, her
sister got under him and... I don't think I need to explain the rest," he sighs heavily.

Jeongguk puts his hand to his mouth, feeling the corners of his eyes fill with tears. He feels
pain for the servant. He can't even imagine what Nabi had gone through, nor the suffering she
lived and must still live through today as she remembers the cruel and horrendous way her
sister died. No wonder she reacted this way. In fact, it was completely understandable.

"Although she was physically unscathed, this whole situation did a lot of damage to her
mind. So, she's a bit nervous now, but she does her best to hide it. We've also tried to keep her
calm whenever an attack occurs but she can't help thinking that everything will repeat but
with her this time," even Seokjin's eyes look slightly teary.

Jeongguk nods, his heart squeezing furiously inside his chest at the image of Nabi lying on
his bed, all curled up and now fast asleep, even though it was still quite early.

To distract himself, Jeongguk had spent the rest of the afternoon absently doodling in his
sketchbook while Seokjin and Yumi cleaned things that weren't dirty but, for their mental
well-being, needed to be. They were all quiet and silent while Nabi recovered.
At that moment, looking at the maid who had done so much for him in Jeongguk's short stay
in the palace, he had promised himself that, as far as he was concerned, Nabi would never go
through this again.

Just as Jeongguk had predicted, the selected who had asked Taehyung to leave the palace
changed their minds as soon as things calmed down. No one knew exactly who they were,
but there were some candidates - mainly Yejun, Jeongguk had noticed - who were determined
to find out. For now, they were still ten.

For king Bon-hwa, the rebel attack had been so inconsequential that he didn't think it
deserved to be reported. However, given that some film crews were in the palace that
morning, part of the riot had been broadcast live. Apparently, the king was not at all satisfied
with this information, and Jeongguk wonders how many attacks the palace had suffered
without anyone knowing, in an attempt not to frighten the country. Was the palace far less
secure than what Jeongguk imagined?

Jang-mi explained that if the attack had been more serious, they would have been allowed to
call their families to let them know they were fine. But in this case, they were only allowed to
write letters.

Jeongguk takes the opportunity to assure them that he was all right, that the attack probably
looked a lot worse in the television footage than it did actually, and that the king, as well as
the queen, the prince and all the guards, kept them safe. The purple-haired boy also asks them
not to worry about him and that he misses everyone madly, before handing the letter to a
helpful butler.

The day after the attack passed without incidents. Due to everything that had happened, the
etiquette classes with Jang-mi had been postponed and the selected could choose between
staying in their rooms or hanging out in the Leisure Room to relax. Jeongguk had chosen to
stay with his three servants in his bedroom, not least because Nabi still looked slightly
shaken.

He didn't know how his three servants occupied their time in his absence, not least because
there couldn't be so much to clean and tidy. But when Jeongguk stayed with them, they
played cards or, amid laughter and whispers, they let out the occasional gossip.

Jeongguk learned that for every dozen people he saw in the palace, there was a hundred or
more backstage. The idea stunned him. He knew of the existence of cooks and laundresses,
but there were also people whose sole task was to keep the palace windows clean. It took a
whole week to do this work, and when they were done, dust, rain marks or fingerprints were
visible on the glass, which clearly had to be washed again.
There were also goldsmiths and blacksmiths hiding somewhere, as Jeongguk had suspected
on his first night at the Selection - he prefers to forget about that moment, mainly because he
thought prince Taehyung was one of them. They're responsible for making jewelry for the
royal family and gifts for visitors. There were also several teams of modistes and fabric
buyers whose mission was to keep the royal family - and now the selected ones - impeccably
dressed.

Jeongguk also learned other things: which guards they thought were prettier - Nabi and Yumi
giggled when guard Yoongi's name came up, as well as a man named Namjoon whom
Jeongguk hadn't met yet but who was responsible for taking care of the gardens - and what
new and horrible type of clothing the main housekeeper forced the staff to wear on holiday or
at parties. Unexpectedly, he also learned that some of the palace staff were constantly betting
on which would be the winner of the Selection and that Jeongguk was among the top five. He
didn't know what to say to that, preferring to smile shyly instead so as not to create suspicion
among his servants.

Hearing them talk, intervening in the conversation when Jeongguk thought he had something
pertinent to say, he realized he couldn't imagine anything more interesting downstairs, so he
was glad to have their company. He missed Taehyung - he had to admit it - but he also knew
that the prince was certainly busy and holed up in his office with the king to clean up the
damage caused by the rebel attack. Here, in Jeongguk's bedroom, the atmosphere was calm,
relaxed and happy.

The day had been so pleasant that when no one informed him that he needed to go downstairs
to do his duties the next morning, Jeongguk decided to stay in his room again. This time, they
left the doors open, both the hallway and the balcony, and a cool breeze circulated through
the room, enveloping their bodies. It seemed to do wonders, especially for Nabi, and
Jeongguk wonders how often she gets a chance to go outside.

Seokjin commented briefly that none of this was appropriate - Jeongguk, sitting with them on
the bed, playing games or talking with the doors wide open - but he quickly drops the subject,
especially when Jeongguk gives him a subtle nudge. The servant was finally overcoming the
craze of trying to turn Jeongguk into the gentleman he apparently should be.

They’re in the middle of a game of cards when Jeongguk catches a silhouette out of the
corner of his eye. It's Taehyung, standing by the open door in his best splendor. Dressed in
black from head-to-toe, from the straight cut pants to the perfectly starched shirt and an
equally dark blazer, the prince looks at the image in front of him with an amused expression.

When their eyes meet, Jeongguk sees the question clearly stamped on his face: What the hell
are you doing? Jeongguk gets up from the bed with a smile and approaches the prince.

"Oh my God!" Yumi mutters as soon as she notices the prince by the door. With clumsy
fingers, she grabs everyone's cards and clumsily stuffs them into a sewing basket, then gets
up. Seokjin and Nabi follow in her footsteps.

"Good afternoon everyone," Taehyung greets, bowing briefly.

"Your Majesty," the three servants say in unison, returning the bow.
"It's a great honor, sir," Seokjin says, an unfamiliar glint dawning in his eyes. Jeongguk
notices that the same glow mirrors the prince's iris, as does a playful grin.

"Likewise," Taehyung replies, his tone surprisingly provocative. Did he and Seokjin know
each other? Of course they know each other Jeongguk, what a stupid question. After all,
Seokjin works for the prince. But they seem to have a closer relationship than a boss to a
servant.

Before Jeongguk can wonder inside his mind how they know each other more than what it
looked like and what the exchange of stares and smiles means between them, Yumi exclaims,
"We were just leaving."

Nabi clears his throat, adding, "Yes, we were! We were going... We were going... Hum..." She
looks sideways at Yumi, searching for help.

"We were going to finish Mr. Jeon’s suit for Sunday," Seokjin adds, noticing the difficulty of
the other two maids.

"That's right!" Nabi agrees. "Only two days to go."

With big grins plastered on their faces, the three servants walk slowly past Jeongguk and
Taehyung towards the exit of the bedroom.

"I don't want to disturb your work," the prince chuckles, clearly noticing their move.

When they reach the hallway, they bow awkwardly. Jeongguk almost swears he saw a quick
wink from Seokjin. The strange thing is that it wasn't aimed at him but at the prince instead.
What the hell? However, they walk away with quick steps, and as soon as they turn the
corner, Nabi's and Yumi's giggles echo down the corridor, immediately followed by the
murmur of Seokjin's voice, telling them to shut up.

"That's a nice group you have here," Taehyung comments, entering Jeongguk's bedroom and
gazing around curiously.

"Yeah, I know. They’re amazing," Jeongguk agrees with a wide smile on his face. He really
learned to get used to the constant presence of his servants. He now craves for it.

"It's obvious they have affection for you. And that's hard to find, honestly. Especially in a
short amount of time," he stops looking around and stares at Jeongguk instead. "This is not
how I imagined your bedroom."

"But this room isn't mine, is it? It belongs to you. I'm just borrowing it," Jeongguk shrugs, a
hint of mockery ringing in his voice.

The prince grimaces. "But they sure told you that you could change anything you wanted,
right? A new bed, a different paint... I don't think the balcony view is for changing though."

Jeongguk nods. In fact, the view of the gardens is what Jeongguk loves most about his room.
"The room is fine. And I love being able to go out on the balcony in the late afternoon and
lose myself in time just looking at the gardens." Taehyung smiles, pleased with Jeongguk's
answer. The purple-haired boy clears his throat, fleeing seven feet from the warmth wave that
emanates from that contagious and mesmerizing grin. "What exactly did you come here for?"
He deflects the subject.

"Oh! I had an idea!" Taehyung exclaims excitedly.

"An idea? About what?" Jeongguk arches an eyebrow in question, at the same time finding
the good energy that radiates from the prince amusing.

"Well," he begins, continuing to walk around the room. "I thought that since you and I don't
have the normal relationship that I have with others, maybe we should have... Alternative
means of communication." Taehyung stops in front of the mirror and gazes curiously at the
photographs of Jeongguk's family pinned there. "Is this Ha-rin? She seems to be the older
sister at least," he points to the girl's face. "You guys are exactly the same," the prince notes,
amused by the discovery.

Jeongguk shortens the distance between the two, stopping only when he is in front of the
mirror and with his shoulder touching the prince's. "We're told that often. I think we only
differ by hair color," he smiles as he stares at his sister, at all the members of his family who
fill his heart with warmth and love. "What were you going to say about alternative means of
communication though?"

Taehyung leaves the pictures and heads to the open balcony door, breathing in the fresh early
afternoon air that ventures into the room. "Since you're here to help me, you're my friend and
all that," he continues, eyeing Jeongguk meaningfully. "It may not be necessary for us to
resort to the traditional notes given by servants, nor to formal invitations to encounters. I was
thinking of something less ceremonious." His eyes fall to the shelf placed left to the balcony.
"You draw?" The prince had clearly noticed the presence of the colored pencils and
Jeongguk's sketchbook.

“Yeah. I mean, just every now and then,” Jeongguk confesses, praying to all the gods that
Taehyung doesn't pick up his notebook and pries at his drawings. Not that the purple-haired
boy has anything to hide but he still doesn't feel comfortable with it. His drawings, although
rare, are part of him and characterize the way he observes the world. It's like a piece of
Jeongguk's heart, eyes and mind, and in that way, he feels vulnerable to share with anyone.

"Impressive," Taehyung mutters, approaching Jeongguk again without taking his surprised
eyes from the purple-haired boy's.

Jeongguk clears his throat, a gesture he is used to making every time he feels his cheeks
burning. "Can you stop snooping around and complete your reasoning, please?"

The prince blinks very quickly as if he had momentarily caught some trance inside him and
only now, with Jeongguk's voice, had he regained consciousness. "Okay. Well, I was thinking
we could have a sign or something, a way to indicate that we need or want to talk with each
other, without the others noticing. Maybe..." His eyes travel around the room as if he's
seeking divine intervention. "Maybe scratch our nose?" He proposes, rubbing the area over
his lips.
"That it would look like you've got a stuffy nose or a cold," Jeongguk laughs. "Not
attractive."

The prince gives him a slightly puzzled look and nods in agreement. "Very well. Maybe we
can just run a hand through our hair?"

Jeongguk shakes his head almost immediately. "Every morning my servants fix my hair, fill it
with hairspray or gel. If I run my hands over it and mess it up, they'll scold me. Besides, you
wear a crown. You can make it fall."

Taehyung points a finger in his direction. "Excellent argument. Hadn't thought of that.
Hum..." He moves closer to Jeongguk, his warm eyes aware of every feature that makes up
Jeongguk's face and it seems to make him abruptly remember something. "You have a mole
under your lip."

Jeongguk giggles again, surprised at the prince's ability to distract and change the subject.
"Yeah. And you have a mole on the tip of your nose."

"Exactly," the prince stares completely lost at Jeongguk's face, looking as if he is completely
mesmerized by Jeongguk's lips. I mean, for the mole under Jeongguk's lips, obviously. "We
can poke our moles a couple of times with our finger. It's a sign that doesn't stand out much
but for us it has meaning, right?"

Jeongguk understands where Taehyung is going and nods in agreement. "Sounds good to me.
It's easy enough to disguise but not so common as to be confused with something else. Poke
our moles. Agreed."

"I'm glad you agree," the prince smiles, poking boldly the mole under Jeongguk's lower lip
and then chuckling. "Next time you want to talk to me, just do this gesture. We can meet here
in your room or in the garden, in our corner by the flowers," he grins knowingly as he says
that. "Probably just after dinner though. It's easier to go unnoticed at that hour."

"Okay. No problem. Deal," Jeongguk repeats the gesture, nudging the tip of the prince's nose
with a playful smile on his lips too.

The first Sunday arrived and that not only marks a week since the beginning of the Selection
but also means the debut of the competitors in the Official News of Euphoréa. Their
participation was mandatory, but at least, this time, all they had to do was sit there and watch.
They would go on air at six in the afternoon, stay there for an hour, and then, go to dinner.

Seokjin, Nabi and Yumi dressed Jeongguk with care. Even though it was made by a talented
designer, the three servants applied some changes to make it fit the purple-haired boy as best
as possible. To match his hair, now curly with the help of the same machine they used on the
day of the transformation and that Jeongguk came to discover was called a babyliss, his suit
is in shades of purple, more leaning towards lilac. The pants were tight so that Jeongguk's
thighs and waist could jut out without too much excess, the white shirt is tucked inside them,
and the buttoned blazer hugs his strong arms. And, of course, the gold pin with his
identification shines in his chest. Jeongguk couldn't believe he was wearing such a beautiful
outfit. To his surprise, it's probably the first outfit in which he looked in the mirror and loved
what he saw. After putting in some earrings to fill in the holes in his ears and a very subtle
layer of makeup, Jeongguk is ready.

He is the most beautiful version of himself he had ever seen but he could still recognize that
face, and that was what mattered most to him. Ever since his name had been drawn,
Jeongguk had feared he would become unrecognizable, a doll covered in layers of makeup
and crammed with jewels that he would have to dig for weeks to find himself. But, until now,
he was still Jeon Jeongguk.

And, true to himself, Jeongguk discovers that he is covered in sweat as he walks to the room
where the Official News will be recorded. They had been told to arrive ten minutes early to
prevent delays. For him, ten minutes meant fifteen, but for someone like Seo Yejun or Choi
Sohui, it was about three. Thus, the arrival of the selected ones happened little by little.

There were hordes of people running all around, putting the finishing touches on the set -
which now contained perfectly lined rows of white wooden chairs for the selected ones to sit.
Jung Hoseok was already preparing in one of the corners to serve his role as master of
ceremonies, dressed in an extravagant turquoise suit as he read the scripts and let a group of
women touch up his makeup and hair. The room vibrated in a flurry of activity.

Jeongguk turns and witnesses a very tender moment between Taehyung and the beautiful
queen Yuna. His mother soothes some strands of unruly hair into place. The prince
straightens his coat and mutters something to her, to which the queen nods and Taehyung
smiles. Unconsciously, Jeongguk grins too, delighted at the sweet image in front of him.
Although he would have liked to see more, Jang-mi appears in all her glory, in a knee-length
black dress, to lead the purple-haired boy to his place.

"It's time to head to the seats, Mr. Jeon," she says. "You can sit wherever you like, but you
should know that most of the selected have already occupied the entire front row," Jang-mi
seems to bemoan the fact as if she's giving him some bad news.

Jeongguk inwardly does twenty pirouettes and punches the air in bliss. "Oh. That’s okay.
Thank you," he replies with a simple bow, happy to be able to sit in the back row and go
more unnoticed.

Park Jimin is already sitting there as if he had purposely saved a place for Jeongguk beside
him. The two greet each other in a whisper.

"You look like an eggplant because you're all in purple but I love it," Jimin exclaims
teasingly, covering his mouth to contain his laughter as Jeongguk's face tightens in surprise.

"You asshole!" Jeongguk pushes him lightly in revenge, laughing right away at the comment
anyway.
"Anxious about the Official News?" Jimin asks, his gaze traveling curiously across space. "I
honestly just want this to end. I'm not used to so much attention."

Jeongguk scoffs in a suspicious tone. "How not? You're a Two. You come from a caste where
being a celebrity is the most searched thing."

"I clearly don't relate to that. I'm too nervous and embarrassed," he confesses, smiling shyly
at the other boy.

The other seat beside Jeongguk is still free and he looks up when a shadow hovers there. In a
bright yellow dress, to match her blond hair and lightly tanned skin, is Areum, completely
stunning. Even though there were still seats in the second row, she chooses to come and sit
next to Jeongguk and that is very important to him. It only indicated that Areum was loyal,
and that was, without a shadow of a doubt, a good trait to be an excellent queen.

Both Jimin and Jeongguk whistle softly in appreciation as she sits down.

"Wow, Areum. You look gorgeous! Your dress is so beautiful, you seem to radiate light,"
Jimin leans forward slightly to compliment the girl.

"Oh, thank you," she blushes slightly, covering her face with her fragile, small hands. "I was
afraid I exaggerated."

"Not at all! Trust me, you're perfect," Jeongguk assures with a reassuring smile.

"How can he be so calm?" Areum asks no one in particular, pointing her chin subtly at the
prince, who speaks to one of the show's production team members. "I'm here shaking like a
stick," she demonstrates by raising her hands and, in fact, her fingers visibly tremble.

The three competitors use the time to talk, especially about what the others are wearing.
There are several girls in seductive red dresses and boys in the classic dark gray or black
suits, but none in lavender. Bang Chinhae had gone to the extreme of wearing an orange shirt
and pants. Jeongguk admits that fashion isn't the area he's most knowledgeable about but both
he, Jimin and Areum agreed that someone should have stopped him. It seemed that that color
gave his skin a greenish tinge.

Two minutes before turning on the cameras, they then realize that it wasn't the outfit in the
shade of the piece of fruit that made the caste Six boy look green. Chinhae puked loudly into
the nearest waste bin. Jang-mi immediately appears beside him and, with some confusion,
they mask the sweat on his skin and touch up his makeup so he can sit back down and finally
start the Official News. He sits in the back row with a bucket at his feet, just in case. Yejun,
seated in the front row of seats, looks back with disdain and disgust, whispering something to
himself that clearly wasn't positive.

Jeongguk believes that Taehyung must have witnessed or heard some of the commotions and
looks at him to see if the prince shows any reaction. But he wasn't looking at the chaos, he
was staring at Jeongguk instead.
Quickly - so quickly that anyone else would think he was just relieving an itch - Taehyung
pokes the mole on the tip of his nose. Jeongguk, despite taking a couple of seconds to
interpret the gesture, subtly nods and touches his own mole under his lip too. Both stare away
right after.

Despite not suspecting what the subject the prince wants to talk to him is in the slightest,
Jeongguk is thrilled to know that today, after dinner, Taehyung would stop by his room to
hang out.

Suddenly, as if on purpose to distract him from his thoughts, the national anthem starts
playing and Euphoréa's emblem appears on the monitors scattered throughout the studio.
Jeongguk straightens up in his chair. He could only think that his family would see him today
and he wanted to make them proud.

King Bon-hwa heads for the podium, starting by talking about the brief and frustrating attack
on the palace. Jeongguk wouldn't find it all that frustrating; in the end, the rebels managed to
terrify almost everyone.

Ad after ad followed, and honestly, Jeongguk tried to pay attention to everything that was
said but it was difficult. Too many people were pacing backstage, bright and hot lights on his
skin, not to mention the tedious dealings about the country's economy. Jeongguk knows they
are important, but his brain would rather focus on other things.

And then, as if by magic, Hoseok appears in the studio to start the edition reserved for the
Selection. "Good evening everyone. Today, we start the program with a special
announcement. The Selection started a week ago and two young people have already returned
home at the behest of prince Taehyung. There are now ten beautiful girls and boys left in this
fabulous contest. Next week, most of Euphoréa's Official News will be dedicated to making
these extraordinary young people known."

Immediately, Jeongguk feels beads of sweat forming on his back. He was able to sit there and
stay quiet. But answering questions? On live? With loads of cameras and eyes on him? He
knew he wasn't going to win the contest, but that wasn't the point; he didn't want to make a
fool of himself in front of the whole country at all.

"But before we get to our handsome competitors, today we're going to talk to the man of the
moment. Good night, prince Taehyung. How are you, Your Highness?" Hoseok asks with a
quick bow, walking right across the stage towards him. Taehyung had clearly been taken by
surprise. He didn't have a microphone and Jeongguk doubts he has prepared answers.

Before Hoseok puts the microphone in front of him, their eyes meet, and in an attempt to
comfort, Jeongguk winks and smiles at him. These small gestures seem to be enough to make
the prince grin too.

"Very well. Thank you for asking, Hoseok," Taehyung replies in a calm tone.

"Are you enjoying the company so far?"

"Yes. So much! It's been such a pleasure to meet all these young women and men," the prince
takes his time to look and smile at all the selected seated, most of them completely lost in
love as they stare at the prince.

"Are they all charming and kind as they seem?" Hoseok wants to know. He smiles before
Taehyung answers, probably because he knows the prince would say something like «yes, no
doubt».

That's why he, in addition to the rest of the audience, is taken by surprise when Taehyung
replies, "Hum... Almost everyone." Taehyung dares to stare at Jeongguk.

"Almost everyone?" The master of ceremonies doesn't even try to hide his surprise. He turns
to the selected ones. "Are there any misbehaving young people out there?"

Luckily, all the contestants giggle and Jeongguk manages to hide it. But what a traitor the
prince is though!

"What did these young people do that wasn't so kind?" Hoseok asks.

"Well, let me tell you," the prince casually crosses his legs and leans back comfortably in his
throne.

Honestly, Jeongguk had never seen him so relaxed as he was now, sitting there, enjoying
himself at Jeongguk’s expense. And Jeongguk thinking the prince was nervous about being
the center of attention in this Official News! Tsk. However, Jeongguk has to admit that he
likes this facet of him. It would be interesting if he showed it more often.

"One of these young people - I won't reveal whether it was a boy or a girl - dared to yell and
talk roughly with me. Quite intensely, I must say."

Behind Taehyung, the king and queen look at each other. Apparently, they were also hearing
the story for the first time. Beside Jeongguk, the others selected exchange confused gazes.

Areum leans closer to him and whispers against his ear, "I don't remember seeing someone
arguing with him in the Great Hall the first time we met. Do you remember?"

"He's referring to me," Jeongguk admits, finding no reason to hide it. He can tell that but hide
the most important details, right? "But he's clearly overreacting to be more fun. I've told him
some serious things, yes, but it's not like I actually yelled at him," the purple-haired boy
swears.

"And do you know why?" Hoseok asks, his brows so arched in surprise that they're even
hiding behind his hair.

"This person radiates sincerity. And I believe that missing home influenced it, put all the
feelings to the surface. That's why I forgave them, of course," Taehyung speaks so at ease that
it seemed like only he and the master of the ceremonies were present in the studio.

"So, does this mean that this specific selected is still with us?" Hoseok looks at the group
with a grin from ear to ear and then turns back to the prince.
Without taking his eyes off Jeongguk, Taehyung smiles widely and nods. "Oh, yes. This
person is still here. And I plan to keep them around for a while."

Unfortunately, dinner is disappointing. Even though it was pretty and fashionable, Jeongguk's
outfit was so tight that after half a dozen mouthfuls of shellfish rice, his stomach looked like
it wanted to bust the buttons of his pants. Next week, he would have to ask his servants to
make one size up.

Back in his bedroom, Seokjin was waiting to help him get dressed for the night but Jeongguk
explained that he needed to stay with his clothes for a while longer. Nabi is the first to guess
that Taehyung would visit him, as Jeongguk is always eager to take off those tight clothes.

“Would you like us to stay late today? There would be no problem,” Seokjin asks, a little too
hopeful.

After Taehyung's visit a few days earlier, Jeongguk decides that the best thing to do is to
dismiss his servants as soon as possible. He couldn't stand having them staring at him until
the prince showed up, let alone the knowing giggles between them.

"No, no. It's okay. If I eventually have any trouble getting the suit off later, I ring the bell,"
Jeongguk assures.

The three eventually depart and leave Jeongguk waiting for Taehyung. Nabi and Yumi were a
bit reluctant with pouts on their lips for wanting to see interactions between the two, Seokjin
with a knowing grin on his face that Jeongguk couldn't decipher.

The purple-haired boy didn't know how long the prince would take. ‘After dinner’ is very
vague but he didn't want to start reading a book or painting a drawing to interrupt it just a few
minutes later. So, Jeongguk ends up lying on the bed instead. He lets his mind wander,
thinking mostly about Areum and the prince. The girl was of the same caste as him and they
had gone to the same school together during their childhood, but despite that, the truth is that
Jeongguk knew very little about her. Still, he trusted that her behavior towards Jeongguk was
absolutely sincere. And then, he thinks of the girls and boys who were completely fake, who
managed to keep a mask of sweetness and gentleness on their faces to capture what they
craved. Would Taehyung know how to tell the difference?

His experience of romantic relationships seemed to be sparse. He was a real gentleman, no

doubt about it, but when he got too close to a person, the prince didn't seem to know what to
do. It was as if he knew how to deal with a lady or a gentleman, but not with a girlfriend or a
boyfriend.

Jeongguk doesn't have time to brood much further on the matter. Taehyung's firm knocks on
the door sound a few minutes later and the purple-haired boy doesn't even notice that he gets
up from his bed and literally runs to open it.

The prince looks surprised to see just him. "Where are your servants?" Taehyung asks, sliding
his eyes around the room.

"They're gone," Jeongguk says simply. "I always dismiss them when I come back from
dinner."

"Every day?" The prince looks surprised, not least because his eyes slightly wider than usual
fall back on Jeongguk.

"Yes. They deserve to rest and I'm perfectly capable of undressing myself."

Taehyung raises his eyebrows in surprise but ends up smirking lewdly, and only then does
Jeongguk realize where the prince took his words. Jeongguk's cheeks flush and he looks
away. He hadn't intended the words to sound that way.

"Bring your jacket. It's cold outside," Taehyung's smile then turns to gentle as he points with
his chin to the lilac blazer that Jeongguk has taken off when he returned from dinner.

Both go down the hall. Jeongguk was still a little embarrassed by the moment that happened
just now, and by this time, he also knew that Taehyung wasn't very good at starting a
conversation. However, Jeongguk immediately entwined their arms. He wouldn't admit it out
loud, but he liked the fact that there was already a certain familiarity between them for these
gestures to be so natural.

"So… It seems that there was a selected who yelled at you?" Jeongguk is the first to start a
conversation, squeezing the prince's forearm to get his attention.

He chuckles. "Is it a lie?"

Jeongguk rolls his eyes. "I wouldn’t say I yelled. In fact, we were surrounded by cameras and
people at the time. I tried to whisper as low as possible and be assertive at the same time."

Taehyung continues to laugh. "And you did. I was intimidated, I admit it."

"You seemed sadder and more worried about begging me to stay though. Please, Jeongguk.
Stay! What would my life be without you? Without my new best friend? Stay! I need you!"
Jeongguk teases by speaking in the lowest possible voice, in an attempt to provoke the prince
by imitating him.

"Oh for God's sake," Taehyung bows his head, clearly embarrassed despite the wide smile
that forms on his lips. "Stop! My voice isn’t like that either!"

Jeongguk is so focused on their teasing argument and the giggles that escape from
Taehyung's throat that he doesn't hear the whispers until three selected are practically ahead
of them. Yoon Mi-suk, Choi Sohui and, of course, Seo Yejun walk past them towards their
bedrooms.

"Good night," Taehyung greets, bowing his head slightly.

It would be stupid to imagine that no one would see Jeongguk and the prince together. The
purple-haired boy's face turns red, though he doesn't quite know why.

The selected respond with bows and follow their path. Curious, Jeongguk turns his head to
watch them as he and Taehyung make their way to the stairs. Of course, the three of them
were looking at them already. Mi-suk and Sohui seemed curious, the two girls from caste
Three and Four respectively, exchanging murmurs with each other. In a few minutes they
would have told everyone else about the encounter, and the next day, Jeongguk would no
doubt be bombarded with questions. As for Yejun, his eyes were furiously boring into
Jeongguk’s skull. He was sure the Three considered this a personal offense.

Jeongguk ignores them, turning to face forward again and saying the first thing that comes to
his mind. "I told you that the selected who were frightened by the attack would end up
staying." He didn't know exactly who had asked to leave, but there were rumors that Choi
Sohui was one of them. Her fainting was clue enough.

"You can't imagine what a relief it was," the prince sounds sincere.

"I thought that might somehow help," Jeongguk is equally honest, stating his opinion. "I
mean, it must be tricky having to pick someone out of so many selected. Wouldn't it be easier
if circumstances eliminated a few?"

Taehyung shrugs, looking like he's seriously considering the matter. Finally, he replies,
"Maybe. But that's not what I felt, I assure you," his voice sounded somewhat hurt. "Good
night, Jackson. Good night, Yoongi," he greets the guards who don't even hesitate to open the
doors to the garden. The other guard was new, at least to Jeongguk's eyes, but surprisingly,
Yoongi was still at his usual post. Jeongguk wonders how many hours this man works a day
so that he is always on the lookout whenever the purple-haired boy crosses him.

"I don't get it," Jeongguk mutters. Taehyung takes him to a spot in the grass (the place of their
first meeting), and although there are dozens of benches all along the vast expanse of the
garden, they decide to sit there, under the starry sky. Jeongguk sits facing the palace lights
while the prince rests facing the other way so that they are facing each other. It's easier to talk
like that, too.

The prince seems to hesitate a bit to explain himself, but then he takes a deep breath and
admits, "Maybe I was being too cocky, thinking I deserved to have people risking for me. Not
that I wish this on anyone!" He hurries to clarify. "That's not what I mean." His eyes drop to
the grass under his feet. "It's just... I don't know. Don't you guys see everything I'm risking?"

"Hum... Do you want me to be honest or do you want me to lie?" Jeongguk asks, getting an
intimidating glare from Taehyung in return. "No. I don’t think we see that. You're here with
your family. You have their company, you can see them every day, get their advice... And we
all revolve around your schedules and duties. Everything in your life remains the same as
ours changed overnight. What could you be possibly risking?"

The prince looks extremely shocked, were it not for his open mouth. "Jeongguk, I can have
my family here, but imagine how embarrassing it is to have your parents watching your
attempts to get a boyfriend or a girlfriend. And not just them but the entire country! And to
make matters worse, I can't even have normal dates, like going to the movies or out to
dinner," Taehyung explains, pulling up some strands of grass and having fun playing with
them. "And as for everything revolving around my schedule, when I'm not with all of you,
I'm organizing soldiers troops, creating laws, fine-tuning budgets, researching the rebels...
And lately, I do all this alone while my father watches me tripping over my own stupidity
because I don't have nearly as much experience and knowledge as he does. And then, when I
inevitably do things differently than he would, my father steps in and corrects my mistakes."

Jeongguk opens his mouth to interrupt, wanting to assure the prince that he is anything but
stupid and incompetent, desiring to comfort his insecurities.

However, Taehyung's speech seems far from over and he continues, "And while I'm trying to
accomplish all these tasks, you," he interrupts himself clearing his throat. "All of you, I mean,
can't get out of my head. I feel simultaneously excited and terrified with all this."

Honestly, Jeongguk had never seen the prince gesturing so much, waving his hands in the air
and frantically running them through his now-crown-free hair. To say that the purple-haired
boy was surprised was an understatement.

"And you still think my life hasn't changed a bit? What chance do you think I have of finding
my soulmate in this group? I'll be lucky if I can find someone willing to put up with me for
the rest of our lives! What if I've already sent that person home because I'm counting on
feeling some kind of spark I didn't feel? What if I pick someone and that person ends up
leaving me at the first sign of trouble? What if I don't even find anyone? What do I do then,
Jeongguk?"

His speech started full of frustration and passion, but in the end, Taehyung's questions were
no longer rhetorical. He really wanted to know. It’s like he needed to know. Jeongguk quickly
sees the heart of the matter. What would Taehyung do if there was no one there who was even
close to being someone he could love? But that didn't even seem to be Taehyung's biggest
concern. No. He seemed to be more distressed and worried that no one would love him. That
was enough for Jeongguk to approach the prince and pull him into an awkward hug because
of the way they're sitting, but he hopes it's comforting, nonetheless.

"Taehyung. You know I'm always honest with you, don't you?" Jeongguk asks when his arms
are no longer around the prince's neck. Their faces are very close and their eyes don't move a
single millisecond apart. The prince nods subtly. "Then believe me when I say that I truly
think you will find your soulmate here."

"Do you really think that?" His voice fills with hope at Jeongguk's prediction. The struggle
between fear and wanting to believe was visible in his eyes.

In an unconscious gesture, Jeongguk brings his hand up to the prince's brown strands of hair,
pushing it away from his forehead to allow Jeongguk to lose himself in those eyes so flashy,
so captivating, so kind, so beautiful.

Up close, Jeongguk notices that Taehyung has a double eyelid in one of his eyes, as well as a
mole in the waterline. Up close, Jeongguk is sure that the man in front of him was blessed by
the gods when he was born as the most beautiful creature in Euphoréa. No, in the whole
world. A man with authoritarian and perfect features for a prince, but also with a glimpse of a
simple young man, kind, sweet and so, so eager to be happy and loved. With his flaws and
vulnerabilities, which, honestly, make Taehyung even more beautiful to anyone who dares to
see him beyond the crown.

"I don't have any doubts," Jeongguk mutters. Taehyung seems to feel comforted by that
simple touch, and when he doesn't show any discomfort, Jeongguk continues to slide his
fingers through the brown cloud that adorns his head. Interestingly, repeating the same
gesture that Taehyung had done to him on the first night of the Selection. In the same place,
above the same stars, in the company of the same flowers. "If your life is so turned upside
down, as you say, don't expect the right person for you to make you feel your feet are firmly
stuck on the ground. It's not supposed to be that way. On the contrary. Your soulmate will
make you feel as if you’re constantly flying, like your toes are subtly touching the cuteness of
the clouds. Your soulmate will make your life take a turn of one hundred and eighty degrees
but, at the same time, will make you feel that everything is in place. So, just wait for them. In
my experience, true love is usually the most inconvenient," Jeongguk grins, happy to see the
prince also with a sincere and grateful smile on his lips.

Taehyung also seems happy to hear these words, which Jeongguk uttered as sincerely as
possible because, honestly, he didn't just say them to make the prince feel better. He
genuinely believes in them. And if he could help Taehyung find his true love, Jeongguk
would do everything in his power to make it happen.

The trance finally dissipates and Jeongguk slowly removes his hand from the prince's face
and hair, looking quickly around. As he does that, he adds, "I hope you and Areum get along.
Maybe she's that person. She's really sweet and who knows..."

Taehyung grimaces. "She seems to be, indeed."

"Hum, you don't look very confident. Isn't being sweet, good?" Jeongguk inquires, arching an
eyebrow in question.

"No, no. It's good, yes," Taehyung replies dryly.

Jeongguk gazes around again, not quite sure how to continue the conversation.

"What are you looking for?" The prince questions then, suddenly.

"Huh?"

"Your eyes don't stay still. I know you're listening to me but you seem to be looking for
something. Or someone, I don't know."

Jeongguk realizes that Taehyung is right. Throughout his speech, the purple-haired boy's gaze
swept everything around. The garden, the windows and even the towers on the walls at the
back of the palace. He's getting paranoid.

"Sorry. You're right. It's just... I think I was looking for people, cameras..." Jeongguk
apologizes, looking out into the night instead.
"We're alone, you can breathe. There are only the two guards at the foot of the door and I
trust them a lot," Taehyung subtly points with his chin at the pair of solitary figures
illuminated by the lights from inside the palace. The prince is right. No one had followed
them and although the windows were all lit up, there was no one there either. Jeongguk had
already noticed this as he went through everything, but it was comforting to have a
confirmation.

Jeongguk feels his posture relax a little.

"You don't like to be watched, do you?" Taehyung asks gently.

"Not really. I'd rather go unnoticed. That's what I'm used to, you know?" He watches the
gentle gliding of flowers to the sound and rhythm of the wind, avoiding looking at the prince.

"I know you won't like to hear this but you'll have to get used to it. When you leave..."
Taehyung stops, swallowing. "Everyone's eyes will remain on you for the rest of your life.
My mother still talks to many of the women she met during her own Selection. They are all
considered important. Even today."

"Oh, wow. Good. Perfect!" Jeongguk moans. "One more thing I can't wait for when I go
home," he says wryly.

The expression on Taehyung's face was apologetic but Jeongguk has to gaze away. He is
being reminded, once again, of when this competition ends, how his idea of “normal” would
never be the same again. And that didn't seem fair. Even so, Jeongguk holds back. What was
also not fair was to blame Taehyung. Honestly, the prince also ended up being a victim in the
middle of it all. Jeongguk had noticed it with the prince's speech just now.

Jeongguk sighs and looks back at him. The prince's expression was determined as if he had
thought hard about the words he was going to utter next.

"Jeongguk, I wanted to thank you." When the purple-haired boy looks at him enquiringly, not
understanding why Taehyung is thanking him, the prince continues, "It's just... Well, I can see
that you really don't like being here at all. You don’t like the rules, the competition, the
attention, the clothes and the... Oh no, you actually like the food," he teases, stealing a goofy
smile from Jeongguk. "I also know that you miss home, your family and your work a lot...
But, even so, you're still here. You're still here and you help me every day with your advice
and sincere words, with your friendship. Thank you. Seriously. Thank you."

Unexpectedly, Taehyung's words took Jeongguk by surprise, and not only the emotion and
sincerity of the moment, but also the fact that he misses his parents and sisters immensely,
causes some tears to flow from his eyes and soak his cheeks.

"Oh, no. Jeongguk. Why are you crying?" Taehyung asks worriedly, raising and lowering his
hands from his lap as if hesitating as to what to do. "Is this a good time for me to pat you on
the back?"

Recalling Jeongguk's advice from the other day makes the purple-haired boy beam.
"Honestly, I'm more of a hugging guy."
 Even hesitantly, Taehyung approaches and wraps his arms around Jeongguk's waist, pulling
him into another hug. "I’m sorry. I didn't want you to be sad."

"Don't worry. It’s just that… I miss my family so much, that's true. But to be honest..." He
sniffles, muttering the words against Taehyung's neck. He really smelled like a prince, even
though Jeongguk can't describe how he idealized that smell. Maybe woody and masculine,
with a mixture of rosemary and mint. "I'm starting to enjoy being here. I don't think I'll ever
get used to the spotlight and all the rules but... But you, Taehyung, you make this a little more
bearable and worth it."

Jeongguk feels exhausted after that long day of tight suits, the first live of Official News,
dinner, and the intense conversations between him and the prince. However, it’s nice to feel
Taehyung hugging him simply and stroking his hair from time to time. After all, the prince
didn't seem to be as lost in comforting gestures as he said.

Taehyung patiently waits until Jeongguk's breathing calms and then pulls back to stare him in
the eye. "You can't imagine how happy I am to hear that, Jeongguk. And I promise to keep
you here until the last possible moment, until you tell me you want to return home. Until
then, I'll make sure to show you how grateful and happy I am because we're friends."

Jeongguk nods, circling the prince's neck with his arms again. The prince hugs him without
hesitation this time, and Jeongguk leans his head against the crook of Taehyung's neck,
breathing back in the scent he begins to identify as calm and comfort.

And so, Jeongguk settles in what was perhaps the last place he had ever thought to find
sincere solace.

Chapter End Notes

my twitter
my curious cat
playlist
 five
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes

After the first Official News, the couple of days that followed went without any problems.
Between more classes with Jang-mi, afternoons spent in the Great Hall, and times when the
selected could stroll in the garden, the days passed smoothly.

Mid-morning today, Jeongguk is ready to start the day. It's Thursday, but despite this, they
were informed yesterday that they would have the day off, without routines or schedules, but
they had to stay all day in the Leisure Hall.

So, Jeongguk decides to take the opportunity to wear the black sweatpants and hoodie offered
by Taehyung for the very first time, even though the prince asked him to only wear them on
Saturdays. But if today was going to be an exceptional day off, without cameras and duties,
surely there would be no problem, right? Since he received the garments, Jeongguk spent the
days counting the seconds to finally be able to use the prince's wonderful gift. If plans
changed, Jeongguk could always replace his clothes in an instant.

Jeongguk slowly makes his way downstairs, a little tired from having gone to bed late last
night. The last couple of days have been a bit chaotic for the prince, so Taehyung and
Jeongguk didn't have many opportunities to be together. However, last night, Taehyung had
made the famous gesture of communication between them when they were sitting down to
take their meals, and after dinner, as promised, the prince had taken Jeongguk to the garden
as was their routine by now. As they went a couple of days without talking to each other in
private, Jeongguk and Taehyung didn't even notice the hours passing by, going to bed late to
make the most of each other's company.

Even before Jeongguk arrives at the Leisure Lounge, he can hear the rumble of other people's
voices. As soon as he enters, Areum grabs his arm and drags him to two brown armchairs at
the back of the hall.

"Finally, Jeongguk! I've been waiting for you," she exclaims.

"Sorry, Areum. Yesterday I went to sleep late and today I was a little too lazy to get out of
bed. I thought my servants needed a crane to get me out of the blankets," Jeongguk explains,
earning a playful smile from Areum as an answer.

The Seven girl gazes at him, probably noticing the remnants of sleep that still adorn
Jeongguk's puffy face, but she decides to talk about the comfortable, casual outfit he is
wearing instead.
“Oh! Were these the clothes prince Taehyung offered you? Wow, they're amazing,” Areum
praises.

"I know! I have dozens of hoodies at home but I've never worn anything like this,"
Jeongguk's voice perks up a little. "But why were you waiting for me? Is there anything you
want to talk about?"

Areum hesitates, biting her lip as they sit. There was no one else around, which makes
Jeongguk assume that what the girl wants to tell him must be a secret.

"Actually, come to think of it, maybe I shouldn't tell you... Sometimes I forget that we're
competing against each other," she entwines her fingers in her lap.

"I understand that you feel reticent, Areum. But at the same time, I think we could be great
friends. Actually, I can't see you as an enemy, you know?" Jeongguk smiles apologetically.

"Yeah. And I feel the same way! I think you're adorable and people definitely love you. You'll
probably win..." Areum looks a little dismayed at the idea.

He? Jeon Jeongguk? Win the Selection? Jeongguk has to control himself not to laugh at these
words. If she really knew...

"Areum. Can I be honest with you?" He asks in a sweetly sincere voice.

"Of course, Jeongguk. You can say whatever you like," she assures, moving her chair closer
to Jeongguk's.

"I don't know who's going to win this. It could be any one of us in this room, honestly. I think
we all think it's going to be us, but I know if I'm not the chosen one, I want it to be you. You
really look like a generous and fair person. I think you would make a great princess.
Frankly," he finishes. It was pretty much all true, right? It's not like Jeongguk is lying. At
least not in terms of his intentions toward Areum. He wanted her to win this.

"Me? What about you, Jeongguk? I think you're extremely smart and selfless," she mutters.
"You would also make an excellent prince."

Jeongguk lowers his head. It was very sweet of her to think so highly of the purple-haired
boy, but the truth was that he felt a little disconcerted when all they spoke of him like that.
His family, mainly Ha-rin, his servants and the palace staff who bet on him, now Areum... It
was hard for him to believe how many people apparently thought he would make a good
prince. Was he the only one who could notice his defects? Jeongguk is anything but
sophisticated. He doesn't like being around too many people, he has a complex personality
and he doesn't think he's brave. And this is definitely a job that requires a lot of courage. Yes,
because that's what this is about; this isn't just a marriage, but a job as well. Not to mention
the fact that Jeongguk doesn't have any kind of romantic feelings for the prince. They’re just
friends and Taehyung is aware of that too.

"I feel that way about a lot of the others, to be honest," Areum confesses. "I think that each of
them has a quality that I lack that makes them better than me."
"That's where it is, Areum. Of course you find something special in each one of the people in
this hall. But is that exactly what prince Taehyung is looking for?" Jeongguk retorts. She
pauses for a few seconds, seeming to think about it. When she nods her head in agreement,
Jeongguk smiles kindly and continues. "That's why I think it's best not to worry about it. In
the end, it's up to the prince to choose. Until then, you can tell me anything you want,
whenever you want. I'll keep your secrets. I'll cheer for you and if you want, you can cheer
for me too. It's good to have friends in here."

"You're right," Areum smiles, nodding in agreement. She then looks around to make sure no
one can hear them and whispers, "Prince Taehyung and I had our date."

"Oh. Really?" Jeongguk asks.

Though barely noticeable, there is something that stings Jeongguk's chest, causing his heart
to constrict hard. Why? He wants to believe it's because Taehyung didn't tell him last night.
They're friends and friends tell each other this kind of thing, right? Right. It can only be
because of that then, even though Jeongguk consciously knows there's no reason for him to
be upset about it. Taehyung can tell him what he wants, when he wants. So, he puts an
enthusiastic grin on his face because that's what he wanted all this time. Jeongguk wants
Areum and Taehyung to get to know each other better.

"He sent me a note from my servants, asking if he could see me on Monday," Areum starts.

Jeongguk forcefully pushes away the toxic thought that invades his mind and screams out the
fact that Taehyung managed to find time in his chaotic schedule to be with Areum. He's not
being rational or fair, Jeongguk knows that. He doesn't want to be like that or think that way.
He struggles to keep his smile and listen carefully to the girl sitting next to him.

"I said yes, of course, as if I would be able to refuse him!" She hides her smile with her
hands. "He came to pick me up and we took a walk around the palace first. We talked about
cinema and we found out that there were a lot of movies that we both liked. Then, he
remembered that we could see one and we went downstairs to the cave. Have you seen the
movie theater down there?"

"No, I didn't," Jeongguk clears his throat. In fact, he had never been to a cinema before.
Another needle that seems to stick inside Jeongguk. Ugh, why the hell was this happening? A
few days ago, he and Taehyung talked about the lack of normality that the prince had about
dating, where he even used the example that he couldn't have dates like going to the movies
or to a restaurant to have dinner. However, it appears that the palace has a movie theater after
all. Of course it has. It was the prince who didn't remember to tell Jeongguk, much less take
him there. And why the hell was that bothering him so much?

"Oh, it's perfect!" Areum continues, oblivious to the jumble of thoughts and feelings
churning within Jeongguk. "The armchairs are giant and reclining, I could have sworn I'd
have the best nap of my life there. And there's even a popcorn machine! The prince made a
bucket just for the two of us. It was so funny, Jeongguk!" She breaks off momentarily,
pausing to giggle. "He mismeasured the oil and let the first ones burn. He had to call a butler
to come clean and do more."
Even with the bittersweet feeling in his throat, Jeongguk chuckles. Smooth, Taehyung. Very
smooth. But at least Areum had found it charming.

“After that, we watched the movie and when we got to the romantic part, he held my hand! I
thought I was going to pass out! He had given me his arm when we walked, but I know that's
just protocol. But then he holds my freaking hand and it was fantastic," she sighs dreamily
and leans back in her chair with a thoughtful stare. Areum looks completely whipped.

Jeongguk is happy that Areum and Taehyung got along well. Genuinely. Even though there's
an annoying voice in his head whispering things it shouldn't. Areum seems to be the
candidate who most deserves to be by the prince's side, not to mention that she genuinely
seems to like Taehyung, and that's the most important thing.

"I'm so happy for you, Areum!" Jeongguk smiles sincerely.

"I can't wait for another date. He's so cute, don't you think?" She asks as she rests her chin in
her hand.

Jeongguk pauses before answering. Okay, he has eyes on his face and knows how to
appreciate a pretty face. And it's obvious that Taehyung has one. In fact, his face goes beyond
beauty, reaching and surpassing perfection. But it would be weird for Jeongguk to say this
about a friend, wouldn't it? Even so, he replies, "Yeah, I guess so."

"Come on, Jeongguk. No one can be indifferent to his charm and beauty. It's impossible!"
Areum narrows her eyes suspiciously. Jeongguk rolls his eyes. "There must definitely be
something about him that you find attractive."

Jeongguk opens and closes his mouth two or three times. What does he find attractive in
Taehyung?

"Well, I think his eyes are very pretty. Even though they’re charged with the necessary
authority and assertiveness for a prince, he never hid the kindness and sweetness they’re able
to mirror as well. I also find it interesting when he speaks without paying much attention to
words, or when I catch him looking at something like... Like he's really trying to find its
beauty."

This time, it's Areum's smile that shakes slightly but Jeongguk is too focused on pointing out
all the positive things he sees in Taehyung to notice.

"And I think I like the fact that he really seems to be involved when he's with you, you
know? As if even though he has a country to govern and a thousand things to do, he forgets
everything when he's with us. He's committed and he shows himself interested. I really
appreciate that," Jeongguk continues. "And... Well, don't tell anyone but... Have you seen his
arms and hands? Just… Wow."

Jeongguk blushes when he finishes. What an idiot! What gave it to him? Why hadn't he just
talked about positive generalities about his personality? And how had Jeongguk even realized
he was attracted to the prince's arms and hands? How did he ever notice something like that
in the first place?
Luckily, Areum doesn't seem to mind that much, nodding in agreement instead. "Yes! You
can feel his arm muscles under those fancy suits and outfits of him, right? He must be
incredibly strong. And his hands really are beautiful. Delicate but masculine at the same
time," she says ecstatically.

Right. Areum held hands with the prince at their date, it's normal that she has more to
comment on Taehyung's soft hands, with long, thin fingers- What the fuck? Jeongguk, control
yourself, for God's sake!

To escape his thoughts, Jeongguk asks rhetorically, "Why is it? I mean, does he exercise on
purpose to get stronger? It's just that he only does secretarial work. Maybe he likes it just for
aesthetic reasons, like me," Jeongguk reflects, unconsciously looking at his muscular arms.

"It might be that, yes. I feel out of place," she pouts, flexing her tiny arms.

Jeongguk chuckles, covering his mouth so his laughter doesn't reach the others' ears. Much
less Jang-mi, even if she is not present in the Leisure Hall for the time being.

Looks like Areum had a lot of fun on her date with Taehyung. Jeongguk just couldn't
understand why the prince hadn't told him yesterday when they were together. Judging by his
reaction, Jeongguk would say the date hadn't even happened. Was it shyness? Jeongguk
wanted to believe that this was it and not the fact the prince might not trust him.

Jeongguk looks around the hall and notices that many of the selected ones looked tense or
sad. Mi-suk, Woojin and Sun-mi listen carefully to something Jimin is saying. The caste Two
boy is smiling and clearly excited, but Woojin's face is creased with worry, while Mi-suk is
biting her nails. Sun-mi is silent.

A few meters away, on a sofa placed on the other side of the room, Yejun and Chinhae
seemed to be engaged in an intense discussion. Jeongguk boasted the patience of Chinhae, a
Six, to talk with someone as arrogant and cocky as the caste Three boy was. As usual, Yejun
is talking with an incredibly superior air.

Areum notices Jeongguk's confused stare and explains what is happening, "The grumpy
selected are the ones who haven't had a date with the prince yet. On Monday, he told me that
I was the second date that day. Looks like he's really trying to get to know everyone."

Oh. So that means that the duties that Taehyung said he had and that kept him from being
with Jeongguk referred to dates with the selected and not working with the king as Jeongguk
assumed?

"Really? Do you think it’s because of that?” Jeongguk inquires.

"Hum, hum. Think with me, we're happy we've already had a private date with the prince. We
also know he liked us enough to want to meet us and not send us away right away. The news
of those who had already a date and those who hadn't are known, and the others selected fear
that the prince is taking a long time because he is not interested and that, as soon as he has a
date with them, he will send them away," Areum explains seriously.
Why didn't Taehyung tell him any of this? Weren't they friends? Friends talked about this
kind of thing. Apparently, Taehyung had already been with a couple of people, judging by the
smiles that circulated around the great hall. Even with Jimin, it seemed. He and Taehyung
had spent most of the night before in the garden together and the prince had only talked about
stories from his childhood.

Sun-mi, who had been listening to Jimin with an anxious expression on her face, suddenly
gets up from her chair – with so much force that the furniture object squeaks against the
wooden floor - and searches around. When her eyes fall on Jeongguk and Areum in the
corner of the hall, she approaches them with quick, angry steps.

"What did you guys do on your date?" The Six girl asks abruptly.

"Hello, Sun-mi," Areum greets cheerfully, not aware of the bad atmosphere that is starting to
settle in the hall.

"Oh, shut up!" She growls, leaving Areum completely gaping. Then, Sun-mi turns back to
Jeongguk, staring at him menacingly. "C’mon, Jeongguk. Spill it."

"What? I already told you."

"No. I'm talking about last night's date!" The girl exclaims, drawing the attention of all the
other selected present. Whispers and even small gasps are heard.

"What...?" Jeongguk babbles but is interrupted.

"Yejun saw you two together and told us," Areum tries to explain Sun-mi's bad mood.

What? Apparently, even Areum was aware of his encounter with Taehyung last night? How
did Yejun even see them? It was late when Taehyung took the purple-haired boy to the garden
and they’re always in a discreet corner, where only the guards' eyes can see them accurately.

"You're the only one he's ever been alone with twice," Areum continues. "Many of those who
haven't been with the prince are complaining. They think it's an injustice. But it's not your
fault if he likes you."

Well, to tell the truth, Jeongguk hadn't been alone with Taehyung only twice but telling that
fact wouldn't help anything right now.

"Because it really is completely unfair!" Sun-mi whines. "I still haven't seen him outside of
meals, not even passing by. What did you guys do?"

"We… Hum…" Jeongguk stutters, swallowing hard. "We went out into the garden again. He
knows I like being outside. And we just talked. That's all," he doesn't know why but he feels
nervous as if he's done something wrong. Sun-mi's face mirrors an expression so intense that
Jeongguk looks away, and then, he notices that several of the other contestants, if not all of
them, are listening.

"Just talked?" She asks skeptically.

Jeongguk shrugs, directing his gaze back to the Six's infuriated eyes. He had no reason to be
intimidated. He hadn't done anything wrong and if Taehyung wanted to be with him, that
matter only concerns them. Even because they're friends, and friends meet more often. So, he
replies, "Yes."

The girl huffs in exasperation and heads to the table where Jimin is, energetically demanding
him to tell his story again. The two exchange glances subtly, to which Jimin seems to smile
slightly apologetically. It wasn't Two's fault for Sun-mi's outburst.

"Are you okay, Jeongguk?" Areum asks in a gentle tone of voice, bringing him back to
reality.

"Yeah, why?"

"You look disturbed," she frowns in concern.

"I'm not disturbed, don't worry. Everything's fine," he assures.

Suddenly, with a movement so fast that Jeongguk wouldn't have seen it if he hadn't been so
close to them, Chinhae - the Caste Six boy who worked as a cook - leans over and punches
Yejun in the jaw.

Several people, including Jeongguk, let out an exclamation of astonishment. Those who
hadn't witnessed it firsthand turn around in a rush and ask what happened. Sun-mi is one of
them, her high-pitched voice echoing through the silence that has settled in the Leisure Hall.

"Oh, Chinhae... No..." She laments, her voice now filled with sadness and surprise instead of
the skepticism and slight anger with which she spoke to Jeongguk.

Once this has happened, Chinhae slowly begins to understand what he had done. There was
no blood or bruise on Yejun's face, but Chinhae was going to be sent home. It was completely
forbidden to physically attack another selected. Sun-mi eyes, the girl of the same caste as
him, fills with tears, while Chinhae sits in silence, apparently still digesting his actions. It was
obvious that there was a connection between them, most likely because they both belonged to
the same caste. Jeongguk didn't know how he would react if Areum were to leave like that.

Jeongguk barely knew Chinhae, and although he seemed a more impulsive person, the
purple-haired boy knew that it was not in his nature to intentionally seek to harm someone.
Even because in the rebel attack, he had been on his knees praying for everything to be over.

There was no doubt that he had been provoked but no one was sitting close enough to prove
it. As for what could have been said between the two, it would be Chinhae's word against
Yejun's. However, the Three had an entire hall that had witnessed the punch he had taken.
Taehyung would be forced to expel Chinhae to set an example.

Chinhae's eyes fill with tears and Yejun mumbles something to him before he gets up and
quickly leaves the room. With a smirk on his lips.

At dinner, Chinhae was no longer with them.

 ♕

"Who was the president of Korea during the Third World War?" Jang-mi asks. Jeongguk
doesn't know the answer, so he looks away in hopes that Jang-mi doesn't call him.

Luckily, Woojin raises his arm, and when the woman nods her head to give him permission,
he confidently replies, "Yoon Dae-Seong."

The selected are once again in the Great Hall, starting Friday with a history class. In addition
to the etiquette and posture lessons, Jang-mi liked to defend that it was important for them to
be aware of the country's history and how royalty emerged. This was one of those areas
where it always seemed that people's knowledge was very varied, both in terms of the facts
and the amount of information they had access to. Some people disagreed, others invented a
completely outlandish reality. But coming from someone who works at the palace and for the
royal family, Jeongguk had no reason to doubt the words that came out of Jang-mi's mouth.

"Correct," the woman smiles proudly. "President Dae-Seong was in power before the Chinese
attack on the United States, the event that propelled the war," Jang-mi confirms. Jeongguk
repeats the name in his head: Dae-Seong, Dae-Seong, Dae-Seong. He wanted to remember
this to tell his sisters when he gets home, but they were learning so many things that it was
going to be difficult for him to memorize everything. "And what was the reason for China to
invade the United States? Yejun?"

The Three smiles. "Money. Americans owed China a lot of it and they couldn't pay them."

"Excellent, Yejun," Jang-mi presents him with a blink. How did Yejun manage to turn people
around like this? He was so annoying. "When the United States failed to pay their huge debt,
China invaded the country. Unfortunately for them, they were unable to recover the money as
the United States was completely bankrupt. However, they found another temporary solution
and managed to get American manpower instead. And when the Chinese occupied America,
what was the name they gave the United States?"

This Jeongguk knew. He and a few other competitors raise their hands.

"Areum?" Jang-mi calls.

"The American State of China."

"Exactly. The American State of China looked exactly like the previous country, but it was
just a facade. China ran everything behind the scenes, influencing major political events and
forcing the passage of laws that favored them and, consequently, paid off the debt the
Americans owed them," Jang-mi walks slowly among the secretaries. Jeongguk feels like a
mouse at the sight of a hawk flying closer and closer.
He gazes around the room. Some of them looked genuinely confused, especially those from
lower castes like him. Although they have access to school, teachers from these same castes
are not as knowledgeable and informed as those from the higher castes. So, they simply have
to trust what their teachers tell them, which is surely not as detailed as the speech Jang-mi
gives.

"Anyone would like to add anything?" Jang-mi asks.

Mi-Suk raises her hand, ready to manifest. "The Chinese invasion has led several countries,
such as Korea, Japan and some from Europe, to align themselves, establishing alliances with
each other."

"That's true," Jang-mi confirms. "As they watched the Third World War start, the rest of the
countries feared some attack too, so they agreed to ally with each other," she explains. "Even
because, despite the American State of China planning to retaliate against China, they
suffered another invasion. Does anyone know which country tried to occupy them?"

This time, several hands are raised. However, someone whispers "Russia" without having
been called. Jang-mi looks around for the person but cannot locate them.

"Yes, it was Russia that tried to expand their territory but it ended up failing completely.
China decided to step in and defend itself because the Russians tried to steal their property,"
Jang-mi continues. "However, the Americans grew tired of the attempted occupation of other
countries and got together in secret for a few years to plan a gigantic attack not only on China
but on all Asia, in revenge for all the destruction, pain and embarrassment that they have
suffered in those years. Korea, of course, was one of the targets."

Sad sighs are heard around the Great Hall.

"However..." Jang-mi claps her hands once to get their attention and brings back a smile to
her face. "There was a woman who was behind the defense of Korea and managed to stop the
United States' invasion and attack."

The entire room shouts the answer, "Yerin Euphoréa!" with some of them even applauding
enthusiastically.

Jang-mi nods. "Yerin Euphoréa, a woman with a Korean mother and an American father,
hence her nickname. Her father, with relatives in the United States, had received the news of
a possible attack across Asia in secret, which led Yerin Euphoréa to prepare in advance.
Despite everything, even with teams of soldiers ready to defend the country in case of attack
and the help from their allies, the war was difficult and much damage was done, as well as
deaths, but Korea managed to get up. And all because of Yerin's advance preparation. Out of
gratitude, the people who fought and survived wanted to show their appreciation by renaming
the country's name, also to leave behind the bad times that everyone experienced during the
Third World War. And this led to the founding of Euphoréa, the now old Korea! The new
nation was then formed under the name and leadership of Yerin Euphoréa. She saved the
country."

"Hurray Euphoréa!" is heard by some of the selected.

"As for the rest of the war, namely between the United States and China, this lasted for
another year. China ended up winning, mainly due to the greater number of soldiers.
However, not all other countries in Asia were able to say the same and ended up being
occupied by the Americans. Today, the continents that previously existed can no longer be
titled in the same way, as well as the names of the countries," Jang-mi says with sorrow for
the other nations that, even today, try to get up and recover from the war that happened
centuries ago.

A few seconds of silence settle in the Great Hall, probably all the selected ones lamenting the
same. However, Chun-ja raises her hand and waits for Jang-mi's signal before she can speak.

"In a way, we’re a bit like Yerin Euphoréa, meaning we also have the opportunity to serve our
country. She was just an ordinary citizen, who risked her and her family's lives by using the
information she received to prevent a great catastrophe to happen," the caste Five girl says in
awe.

"It's a beautiful way to see things," Jang-mi comments. "And like Yerin, one of you will be
elevated to royalty. Yerin Euphoréa became queen when her family united with the royal one,
bringing monarchy back to the country, while you will enter by marriage."

Some sigh dreamily at the idea, but the Six girl raises her hand and Jang-mi looks at her
inquiringly.

"Hum... Why is there no books with these things? So we can study?" Sun-mi asks with a hint
of irritation in her voice.

Jang-mi shakes her head. "You had your opportunity to write in your notebooks what I just
explained to you. The real story is this, you should be aware that many of the books that
circulate out there are full of lies."

Jeongguk thinks about it, the fact that they all know different things or have to guess the
truth. Why weren't they just giving them history books? Surely there would be manuals with
true information.

The purple-haired boy remembers an episode, which occurred a few years ago when he had
entered his parents' bedroom searching for a book to read to his sisters to help them fall
asleep. As he looked for possible options, Jeongguk noticed a thick, old book hidden
somewhere in the small bookcase, and with curiosity, he took it out. Interestingly, it was
about the history of the United States, way before the Third World War. At the time,
Jeongguk remembers wondering why the hell his parents had a book about a country that
tried to attack them hundreds of years ago, but even so, his interest and curiosity got the
better of him and he started to flip through it. His father came into the room a couple of
minutes later and realized what Jeongguk was reading, however, he told him it was okay as
long as he didn't tell anyone.

So, to this day, Jeongguk hadn't shared with anyone the fact that his parents had that book,
much less what he had seen there. Furthermore, Jeongguk loved to flip through those pages
laden with wisdom and culture, even if it was from a formerly enemy country. Even if only a
few pages were still legible; many had been torn out and the corners of the book looked as if
it had been burned. But it was in it that Jeongguk saw an old photograph of the so-called
White House, the residence of the presidents of the United States, as well as what the
country's old national holidays were. Jeongguk found it fascinating but he didn't dare to tell
anyone about it.

And that makes him question the absence of truth. Why did the king just let them try to guess
the history? What was the problem with the books? How did they know the information they
contained was a lie if they didn't witness those times? Question after question creates a big
knot in Jeongguk's mind but he doesn't have time to brood much further on the matter
because Jang-mi announces that it's tea time.

The flashes go off incessantly, catching Taehyung and Jimin smiling, completely radiant.

"Mr. Park, drop your chin just a little. Just like that," the photographer gives directions as he
takes a couple more shots, filling the room with light. "I think that's enough. Who's next?"

Yejun takes two steps forward, volunteering with a seductive smile on his lips. The boy lets a
group of servants move around him to comb his almond-colored hair, as well as retouch the
light makeup on his handsome face.

Jimin, still next to Taehyung, says something in his ear and winks at him in a provocative
gesture. The prince answers him calmly and the caste Two boy giggles as he walks away.

The selected had been informed the day before, after the History class, that this photoshoot
was just to amuse the audience, but Jeongguk couldn't help thinking that it must be more
important than that. It looks like someone had written an article in a magazine about what a
princess and a prince should look like. Jeongguk hadn't read the article, but Areum and some
of the others did. According to the caste Seven girl, the report stated that Taehyung should
find someone who had a noble appearance and who would look pretty beside him in the
photographs. Basically, someone who would look good on a stamp or on a bill.

And so, here there are the selected in a row - the girls in cream, short dresses and the boys in
light gray suits - waiting to take the pictures with Taehyung. The photos would all come out
in the same magazine, where the editorial team would present their opinions and choices.
Honestly, Jeongguk was uncomfortable with the idea of a group of people going to assess the
beauty of the Selection competitors, feeling that no one has a right to do so. Simply
ridiculous, if you asked for his opinion.

And that's what worried Jeongguk from the beginning: the idea that Taehyung was just
looking for a pretty face. Now that Jeongguk knows him, he knows it's not the truth, but it
annoyed him that most people saw the prince that way.
Jeongguk sighs in annoyance, counting the seconds to get away with this. A few of the others
paced around the hall to free the nerves of being so close to the prince for the first time, but
most, including Jeongguk, remained standing by the stage that had been set up in the Great
Hall.

A huge, golden tapestry covered the wall and stretched across the floor. How had the
production team managed to do that? Jeongguk doesn't know. On one side was a small sofa in
shades of dark blue, and on the other was a pillar. In the middle, Euphoréa's emblem
gleamed, giving the whole nonsense thing a patriotic air.

They watched each of the selected parade around the scenario to be photographed, while the
others were mumbling what they liked and what they didn't, or what they planned to do when
their turn came.

Yejun approaches Taehyung with a lustful gleam in his eyes, and the prince politely smiles at
him in greeting. As soon as he gets close to the prince, Yejun whispers something in his ear.
Whatever it is, Taehyung tilts his head back laughing and nods, presumably agreeing with his
little secret. Honestly, it was weird to see them like this. How did someone who got along so
well with Jeongguk manage to get along so well with Yejun too?

"Very well, Mr. Seo. Turn to the camera and smile, please," the photographer patiently asks,
being promptly attended by Yejun.

The Three turns to Taehyung and places one of his hands on the prince's chest, tilting his
head down a little and making a clearly experienced smile. Yejun seemed to know how to
harness the lighting and scenery to his advantage and he spends the whole time moving
Taehyung around slightly or insisting on changing their poses. Honestly, Yejun seemed to
belong more to caste Two than caste Three, such was his experience in behaving like a
celebrity.

While some of the selected purposely took some time, making their turn at Taehyung's side as
long as possible - especially those who hadn't had a date with him yet - Yejun seemed to want
to demonstrate his efficiency instead. A smart tactic, honestly.

He rushes off in the blink of an eye, and the photographer calls the next one. Jeongguk is so
engrossed in watching Yejun seductively slide his fingers down Taehyung's arm as he leaves
that one man of the production team members has to politely remind him that it was his turn.

Jeongguk shakes his head slightly to compose himself and forces himself to concentrate. He
tightens the knot of his tie around his neck again, straightens his blazer, and advances
towards Taehyung. His gaze shifts automatically from Yejun to Jeongguk, and perhaps it was
the purple-haired boy's imagination, but the prince's face seems to light up.

“Is it my best friend's turn? Hello, Jeongguk,” he sings.

"Don’t start!" Jeongguk warns jokingly but the prince simply laughs and extends his hands.

"Wait a minute. Your tie is crooked."

"No wonder," Jeongguk growls low, frantically looking away from Taehyung's face, which is
too close to his. Not that it made him nervous, of course not.

"All ready. I think it's done," Taehyung mumbles, slowly removing his hands from
Jeongguk's chest.

Swallowing hard, Jeongguk puts a playful smile on his face to ease the tension that has
settled between them. "They could hang you near the chandeliers," Jeongguk teases, touching
the glittering medals that adorned the prince's chest. Taehyung's uniform, similar to the one
worn by the guards, though infinitely more elegant, also had golden shoulder pads and a
sword at his waist. Jeongguk is used to seeing Taehyung wearing classic and formal clothes
but not so overbearing. It all seemed a bit over the top, in his opinion.

"Look at the camera, please," the photographer makes the two look away from each other and
burst the bubble they were trapped in.

Jeongguk lifts his head and he sees not only the eyes of the man behind the camera
equipment but also all the selected watching them. He turns automatically nervous.

As sneakily as possible, Jeongguk wipes his sweat-damp hands on the back of his pants and
takes a deep breath.

"Don't be nervous," Taehyung whispers, still with a perfect smile on his lips as he calmly
looks into the camera.

"You know I don't like having everyone staring at me," Jeongguk retorts in a mutter, his smile
clearly strained and unnatural.

The prince pulls Jeongguk closer to his body and places one of his large hands on the purple-
haired boy's waist. This was probably the time when physical contact between them was
greatest, when their bodies touched in as many places as possible.

"Look at me like you can't stand me," the prince suggests, pouting playfully. It's enough to
make Jeongguk burst out laughing.

The camera shoots at that exact moment a couple of times, catching them both laughing.

"See?" Taehyung winks at him. "It wasn't that bad."

"Maybe," Jeongguk can't help but remain tense for a few more minutes as the photographer
yelled instructions and Taehyung went from a tight hug to a looser one or turned Jeongguk so
that his back was against the prince's chest.

"Excellent," the photographer praises. "Can we get just a few more on the couch?"

Jeongguk feels better now that it's almost over, and sits down next to Taehyung with the best
posture he can. From time to time, the prince would touch him or tickle him, and Jeongguk's
smile would split until he burst into giggles. He hopes the photographer managed to capture
the moments before his face scrunched up with laughter, otherwise, it would be a complete
disaster.
Out of the corner of his eye, Jeongguk notices a movement near the door of the Great Hall,
more specifically a hand waving, and almost immediately, Taehyung turns too. There is a
man in a black suit who is clearly trying to speak to the prince. Taehyung motions with his
hand for him to come closer, but the man hesitates, looking at the prince and then at
Jeongguk, evidently questioning the purple-haired boy's presence.

"You can speak in front of him," Taehyung says unceremoniously and the man approaches
and kneels in front of him.

"There has been a rebel attack west of Euphoréa, Your Majesty. Near the border," the man
announces ruefully. Taehyung sighs and lowers his head, worried. "They burned down
harvesters and killed about a dozen people."

The prince nods slowly as if associating this information with others in his head. "What does
my father say?"

"Actually, Your Highness, he wants to know your opinion," the man stares apologetically at
him.

Taehyung looks taken aback for a moment and then, he replies assertively, "Locate the troops
to the southeast. No need to go south, it would be a waste of time. Let's see if we can
intercept them."

The man rises and bows. "Perfect, sir." Then, he disappears as quickly as he appeared.

They were supposed to proceed with the photo shoot, but Taehyung seemed to be interested
in everything but that right now.

"Are you okay?" Jeongguk asks, patting the prince's back in a gesture of comfort.

He nods, the expression on his face is grim. "I keep thinking about all those people."

"I know. It's horrible," Jeongguk sighs sadly. "Maybe we should stop," he suggests.

The prince shakes his head, straightens up, smiles and takes Jeongguk’s hand. "One of the
requirements of this position is the ability to appear calm when we’re very far from that.
Please, Jeongguk, smile."

The purple-haired boy obeys by straightening up and smiling shyly at the camera as the
photographer shoots. During those last pictures, Taehyung squeezes his hand and Jeongguk
does the same. At that moment, he felt that they both had a connection, something strong and
true. At that moment, Jeongguk forgets the thoughts he had when he found out that Taehyung
had had a few dates in the past few days and hadn't told him anything. He knows that the
friendly relationship between him and Taehyung is special, that there is no reason for
Jeongguk to feel that the prince doesn't trust him. He just received a big proof when he saw
Taehyung allow the man to tell what happened right in front of him.

"Thank you very much," the photographer steals Jeongguk from his reflections. "Next
please?"
The two get up but Taehyung doesn't let go of Jeongguk's hand. "Please, don't say anything.
It's very important that you be discreet."

"Of course. You can trust me," Jeongguk squeezes the hand still trapped in his in response.

The sound of high-heeled shoes coming towards them reminds Jeongguk that they’re not
alone, although he would have liked to stay there beside Taehyung, comforting him. The
prince squeezes his hand once more with a small grin and then, he lets go.

As Jeongguk walks away, he thinks about how good it is to know that Taehyung trusts him
enough to let him know this secret. It definitely soothed the insecurities that had strangely
settled inside him over the past few days.

"Chun-ja, my dear," Taehyung greets as the caste Five girl approaches. He lowers his voice,
but still, Jeongguk can hear him. "Before I forget, are you free this afternoon?"

Jeongguk feels a tightness in his stomach, the contents of the breakfast he ate just over an
hour ago churning inside him. Maybe it was a delayed nervous breakdown.

"She must have done something horrible," Woojin insists.

"That's not what she implied," Areum counters.

Sohui pulls on the caste Seven girl’s arm. "What did she really say?"

Chun-ja had been sent home.

It was crucial for the selected to understand this specific elimination, as it was the first
isolated exclusion and that it was not motivated by a breach of rules. There was no mass exit
based on first impressions, nor a threat of self-exclusion related to fear of attacks. Chun-ja
had done or said something wrong and everyone wanted to know what.

Areum, whose bedroom faced Chun-ja's, had seen her come in and was the only person she
had spoken to before she left. Areum sighs and repeats the story for the third time.

"She and prince Taehyung had a date, as you already knew," she begins, gesturing as if she
wants to clear her thoughts. Chun-ja's date was, in fact, common knowledge. Jeongguk had
heard the prince's question, however, after the photo shoot the day before, she had bragged
about it to anyone who would listen. "Apparently, they both went to take some pictures, as
Chun-ja belongs to the caste Five and photography is one of their characteristics."

"It was her second date with the prince. That's so weird," comments Mi-Suk.
Areum continues, "She started to cry. I asked her what had happened and she said that she
was going home, that the prince had sent her away. I gave her a hug and asked her what was
that it had happened. Chun-ja told me she couldn't tell me, but I didn't understand why. Are
we not allowed to explain why we were eliminated?"

"That wasn't in the rules, was it?" Jimin asks.

"No one has told me anything about it," Mi-suk replies, and several other selected nod their
heads, sharing the same opinion.

"But what did she say?" Yejun insists.

Areum lets out another sigh. "Chun-ja told me it's better to be careful with what I say. Then,
she went into her bedroom and slammed the door. I didn’t see her anymore."

The hall is silent for a few minutes while the selected reflect.

"She must have insulted him," Woojin suggests.

"Well, if that was really the reason for her leaving, it's an injustice, as the prince claimed that
someone in this hall insulted him the first time they saw each other," Yejun complains.

Everyone starts looking around, trying to identify the culprit, perhaps hoping to get the
person - in this case, Jeongguk - to be expelled too. The purple-haired boy casts a nervous
glance at Areum, the only person aware that it was Jeongguk who had a less friendly
conversation with Taehyung.

She springs into action and changes the subject, "Did she talk about the country? About
politics or something?"

Sohui clicks her tongue. "Please! It would have to be such a boring date to start talking
politics. Has anyone here already talked to the prince about the government of the country?"

Well, technically, Jeongguk and Taehyung have already talked about the rebels and their
attacks and this indirectly relates to the country's government. No one responds though.

"Of course not!" Sohui continues. "The prince is looking for a wife or a husband, not an
assistant."

"Don't you think you're underestimating him?" Areum scoffs. "Don't you believe he wants
someone with their own ideas and opinions?"

Yejun throws his head back and laughs. "The prince is perfectly capable of running the
country on his own, he was educated for that. Besides, he has teams of people to help him
make decisions. Why would he want someone else to tell him what to do? If I were you,
Areum, I would begin to learn to keep quiet. At least until he marries you."

This Yejun guy is really unpleasant. Jeongguk wonders how Taehyung still keeps him here
when, visibly, there are few selected who tolerate him.
Mi-suk takes his side. "Which won't happen."

"Exactly," Yejun agrees with a cocky smile. "Why would he care about a Seven trying to be
smart when he can have a Three?"

"Hey!" Jimin exclaims. "The prince doesn't care about castes."

"Of course he does," Yejun speaks like a naive child is in front of him. "Why do you think
most of the expelled selected so far belong to castes below Four?"

He has a point. Except for Lee Ha-yun, the girl from caste Two expelled in the first meeting,
the remaining selected that were expelled all belong to castes lower than Four. Now, without
Chin-ja, who was from caste Five, only Kang Sun-mi, the girl from caste Six, and Areum and
Jeongguk, from caste Seven, remain in the Selection.

"I'm still here," Jeongguk says anyway, raising his hand. "If you think you've figured out how
he thinks, you're wrong."

"Ah. Look who he is. It's the boy who doesn't know when he should be quiet. A good choice
to marry the prince too," Yejun comments wryly.

Jeongguk clenches his fist, wondering if it would be worth it to punch him between the eyes.
Was that Yejun's plan? Enrage every single one of the selected until they lost their minds and
went to violence? Jeongguk was smarter than that. He had patience too. He would not give in
and fall for Yejun's game.

Before he can answer him verbally though, Jang-mi bursts through the hall door. "I got mail
for you, ladies and gentlemen!" She announces and the tension in the hall instantly fades.

They all get up, eager to take what Jang-mi has brought to them. They had been at the palace
for almost two weeks now, and apart from the time they received news from home on the
second day, this was their first contact with their families. They were allowed to send letters
from time to time to say that they're fine, but they never got answers back.

"Let's see…" Jang-mi begins, rummaging through the pile of letters, completely ignoring the
argument that had taken place seconds before her entrance. "Mr. Kwak?" She calls, looking
around the room. Woojin raises his hand and steps forward, taking the letter enthusiastically.
"Miss Yoon? Mr. Jeon?"

Jeongguk comes forward, almost running, and takes the letter from her hand. He is hungry
for words from his family. Once the correspondence is in his possession, Jeongguk retreats to
a corner of the room to enjoy a few moments alone with his loved ones. He recognizes the
small, round handwriting in an instant. It’s Ha-rin.

Dear Jeongguk,

We miss you so much! I can't wait for Sunday to arrive. I can't believe you're going to talk to
Jung Hoseok! You’re so lucky.
Jeongguk felt anything but lucky. On Sunday night, Hoseok would interview all the selected
in the Official News and Jeongguk had no idea what he could ask them, but he was sure he
would end up making a fool of himself.

It will be good to hear your voice again. In the images that play daily on the tv, we can barely
hear you, but it's good already to be able to see you. You're always so handsome! Who knew
you would look so good in those chic suits?

How is the competition going? Do you already have many friends there? Do you know news
about those who have already been expelled from the contest? Most of the selected who have
returned home already have admirers at their doors, like the sons of mayors or celebrities.
Crazy, right?

How is your relationship with the prince? Even on television, we can all see that he is
completely enchanted by you! And he's even cuter than I thought! Have you kissed him
already? I hope so because you would be so stupid if you didn't take that chance.

What?! Jeongguk starts coughing violently at the last question. Why on earth would
Jeongguk and Taehyung kiss?

I bet he gives the best kisses in the whole universe. After all, he’s a prince! I really hope he is
the kind and caring person he appears to be, I can't wait for you to tell us everything!

I wanted to tell you more but they asked us for a short note. We will look forward to your
letter soon! And a long one, with tons of details!!

Everyone at home sends you a big hug and misses you. I adore you! We all adore you, never
forget that.

With love,

<3 Ha-rin <3

So, the eliminated ones are already being grabbed by rich men. Jeongguk wasn't aware that
being a prince's leftover made them more attractive, made them a good investment.

After tucking the letter into his pants pocket, Jeongguk walks around the room, glad to see
the others selected thrilled with their families' dear words, even though they were all arguing
heatedly a few minutes ago.
And that makes Jeongguk's curiosity peak again. He wonders what actually happened to
Chun-ja and he is also interested to know if Taehyung has another date tonight. Simply
because Jeongguk wanted to see him, that's all. Obviously, tsk.

His mind began to spin for a way to talk to him and then, Jeongguk remembers the paper
tucked in his pants pocket. The second page of Ha-rin's letter was mostly blank. He tears off a
small piece and walks away. Some of the other contestants are still focused on the letters
from their family members, while others share the news they received. He takes the
opportunity to approach the desk next to some shelves with books, looking for a pen.

He writes quickly on the piece of paper,

Your Highness,

I'm poking the mole under my lip.

Jeongguk leaves the hall as natural as possible, as if he were simply going to the bathroom,
and looks both ways down the hall. It’s empty. He stays there, waiting, until a maid appears
with a tray with cups of coffee in her hands.

"Excuse me," the purple-haired boy calls her discreetly.

"Yes, Mr. Jeon?" The girl bows to him. It was amazing how all the servants in that palace
seemed to know their names. Could it be that memorizing the list of participants for the
Selection was part of their duties?

"Are you going to take this tray to the prince?" Jeongguk asks surreptitiously.

The maid smiles. "Yes, Mr. Jeon."

"Could you give this to him, please?" He hands her his folded note.

"Of course, Mr. Jeon!" She enthusiastically grabs the note and walks away with redoubled
energy. The maid was likely to read the paper as soon as she was out of Jeongguk's sight, but
the phrase was too cryptic for her to understand so, he doesn’t worry.

The palace corridors are fascinating, Jeongguk doesn't stop thinking about it. Each one was
more decorated than his entire house. The wallpaper with a subtle floral pattern, which he
could only admire when seen up close, the gilded mirrors, the giant vases with fresh flowers,
everything was breathtaking. It looked literally out of an interior design magazine. The
carpets were luxurious and immaculate, not a single hair or speck of dust in them, the
windows sparkled, and the pictures on the walls screamed art.

Jeongguk recognizes some of the paintings from being from very famous artists - like Van
Gogh, Picasso or Kim Whanki - but there were others by painters he didn't know. There were
also photographs of buildings and monuments that Jeongguk remembers seeing before on
books and magazines. From bridges, temples, iconic buildings and monuments that probably
belonged to the old Korea.

He goes further down the hall and comes across a portrait of the royal family. It looked old;
Taehyung was shorter than his mother, while now he looked like a giant beside her. The
features on his face were also visibly younger, less charged and authoritative. A wide smile
made up the boy's face with hair in the shape of brown clouds and Jeongguk loses himself a
few long seconds in that boxy smile so characteristic of the prince. He is in the middle of the
king and queen, the royal couple looking at him affectionately even though the portrait was
taken in a more formal setting.

During his entire time at the palace, Jeongguk had only seen them together at dinner and
during the Official News broadcast. Were they a private family? Didn't they like having all
these strangers in their house? Were they just here for family ties and duty? Jeongguk hoped
not, even because Taehyung had told him a few times already that he adored his parents and
that he spends a lot of happy moments with them. However, the purple-haired boy doesn't
know how to interpret this invisible family in his eyes.

"Jeongguk?"

He turns around when he hears his name. Taehyung hurries down the corridor towards him
and it's as if Jeongguk is seeing him for the first time.

The prince had taken off his jacket and has the sleeves of his white shirt rolled up. His dark
green tie was loose around his neck and his hair shivers a little as he walks, uneven because it
looked like a hand had passed through the strands a couple of times. In stark contrast to the
person in uniform from the day before at the photoshoot, Taehyung here looked younger and
more real.

Jeongguk freezes. When Taehyung finally approaches him, so close that their breaths merge
into one, the prince grabs his face tightly.

"Are you okay? Did something happen?" Taehyung demands to know.

Huh? Did something happen? Jeongguk asks himself, confused.

"What? No. Taehyung, everything’s okay," he replies, even so, not taking the prince's slightly
trembling hands from his cheeks.

Taehyung lets out a sigh of relief. The moment was so intense and sudden that Jeongguk
didn't even realize the prince was holding his breath.

"Thank God. When I got your note, I thought you were sick or something had happened to
your family. I know you got letters from them today," the prince says, removing the warmth
source from Jeongguk's face and letting his hands hover beside his waist instead.

"Oh. No, no. Taehyung, I'm sorry! I knew it was a dumb idea. I just didn't know if you were
going to be present at dinner and I wanted to see you," Jeongguk admits shyly, embarrassed
not only by the worry that he caused to the prince but also because of the words that escape
his mouth.

"Okay..." Taehyung looks confused, suspicious even. "And for what?" He continues to stare
at Jeongguk with a frown as if to make sure the purple-haired boy is really okay.

"Just to see you," Jeongguk admits in a whisper.

Taehyung freezes, looking into Jeongguk's eyes, completely enchanted. "You just wanted to
see me?" He sounds genuinely surprised, but the joy in his voice is audible. It's also
noticeable the shy smile on Taehyung's lips, who clearly tries not to let the grin split his face
into two halves.

"Don't look so shocked," Jeongguk rolls his eyes. "Friends often spend time together," his
tone hints good humor and playfulness.

"Oh, are you mad at me because I've been busy all week? It wasn't my intention to neglect
our friendship, Jeongguk," his serious and concerned tone had returned.

"No, I'm not mad," Jeongguk replies but his mind whispers, But you were. You've been pissed
off and jealous that he took the time to go out on dates with others. Jeongguk pushes that
thought away and focuses again on the prince in front of him. "I was just explaining myself.
But you seem to be busy. Get back to work and I'll see you when you get the chance."

"Actually... Mind if I stay here with you for a few minutes? There's a budget meeting up there
and I hate that sort of thing," he huffs. Without waiting for an answer, Taehyung leads
Jeongguk to a small, velvet sofa placed under a window halfway down the hall. Jeongguk lets
out a giggle as they sit down. "What's so funny?"

"You," with a smile on his face, Jeongguk says. "It's funny how your job bores you. What's
the problem with these meetings anyway?"

"Jeongguk, don’t even ask me!" Taehyung grimaces in despair. “They hang around the bush
so much. My dad does a good job of calming down the advisers, but it's so excruciating to get
the committees to move in some direction. My mom and I urged my dad to give more money
for education. We think that the more educated people are, the less likely they would become
criminals. However, my father never pushes hard enough to get the committee to withdraw
funds from areas that would do very well with fewer resources. It's exasperating!” He raises
his hands in the air to emphasize what he's just said. “And since I'm not who’s in charge, my
opinion is easily ignored.” The prince rests his elbows on his knees and rests his head in his
hands. He seems genuinely tired.

Jeongguk is beginning to know his world, but it was still as indecipherable as ever. How
could anyone reject the opinion of a future supreme? After all, Taehyung will be the king in a
few years.

"I'm sorry," Jeongguk mutters. "But try to see the bright side of things. In the future, you'll
have more voice," he slides a hand down the prince's back, trying to encourage him.
"I know," Taehyung nods. "I tell myself that, at least. But it's so frustrating because we could
change things right now if they would just listen."

"Don't get discouraged. I genuinely think you and your mother are on the right path. But in
my opinion... Education alone won't solve anything," Jeongguk confesses.

Taehyung raises his head in curiosity. "What do you mean by that?" His tone is almost
accusing and Jeongguk can understand why. After all, this is an idea the prince is defending
and Jeongguk had just rebuffed it.

He tries to explain himself better. "Well, compared to the ranked teachers and tutors that
someone like you or from a high caste has, the Five, Six and Seven's education system is a
shame. I totally agree that better teachers and installations would be excellent to them, but
what about the Eights? They're barely considered to belong to a caste at all. And aren't they
responsible for most of the crimes? They don't get any education. I think if they felt they had
something, anything, maybe that would motivate them," Jeongguk pauses to see if Taehyung
is keeping up with him. "Besides…" He hesitates. Jeongguk doesn't know if this was
something a boy born in a cradle of gold could understand. "Have you ever been hungry,
Taehyung? Not just that pre-dinner hunger you feel when you forgot to take a snack, but
really hungry? If there wasn't a single trace of food here, nothing for your father or mother to
eat, and you just know that if you took a little from people who have more in a day than you
have in a lifetime, you could all eat... What would you do? If your family was counting on
you, what would you do for someone you loved?"

Taehyung remains silent for a while. When they talked about Jeongguk's servants during the
rebel attack, they both realized the huge abyss that separated them. Now, the topic was much
more controversial and Jeongguk realizes that the prince preferred to avoid it.

"Jeongguk, I don't deny that some people's lives are hard. I'm fully aware of this and I
desperately want to help. But stealing is..." Taehyung is interrupted.

"Close your eyes, Taehyung," Jeongguk asks.

"What?" The prince looks at him with a raised eyebrow in question.

"Close your eyes," he repeats.

Taehyung hesitates, frowning in confusion, but ends up obeying. Jeongguk waits until the
prince's eyes are completely closed and his face looks relaxed before starting.

"Somewhere in this palace is someone who will share their life with you," Jeongguk begins.
He sees his mouth move, a smile full of hope. "Maybe you don't know who it is yet, but think
about all the girls and boys in that hall. Imagine who will love you the most and who you will
love back."

Taehyung's hand is beside Jeongguk's, both placed absently on the seat, and the prince's
fingers touch his for a brief second. So brief that Jeongguk wonders if he imagined the touch
or if it really happened. The shiver running down his spine must be proof enough that he
didn't dream.
Jeongguk clears his throat. "Imagine that this person depends on you. This person needs you
to cherish them and make them feel that the Selection never happened. If you had fallen by
parachute in the middle of the country and had gone from door to door, that person would
still be the one that you would find and just know. It would always be the one you would
choose," Jeongguk continues.

Taehyung's hopeful smile trembles. More than that, it starts to fade.

"That person needs you to take care of them, to protect them. What if it came to a point
where there was absolutely nothing to eat; where you couldn't even fall asleep because of the
noise in their stomach..."

"Stop!" Taehyung gets up quickly. He crosses the hallway with heavy steps and stops, his
back to Jeongguk.

The purple-haired boy feels a little uncomfortable. He was trying to make Taehyung
understand the reason behind the vast majority of robbery crimes in Euphoréa, he never
imagined the prince would be so upset.

"Taehyung, I’m sorry," Jeongguk mumbles.

The prince nods his head but continues to stare at the wall. Then, he turns to Jeongguk.
Taehyung's eyes search his, sad and full of doubt.

"That really happens? Is that true?" He asks in a broken voice.

"What?"

"Out there... Does this really happen? Are people often hungry?" Taehyung asks hesitantly as
if he's afraid of the sincere answer.

"Taehyung..."

"Tell me the truth, Jeongguk!" He begs.

"Yes, it happens," Jeongguk sighs, letting his eyes drop to the ground. "The worst-case was...
It was watching a boy who was beaten in the town square for stealing some apples."

"A boy?" Taehyung's voice comes out shrill, horrified. "How old was him?"

“He shouldn't have been more than ten years old,” Jeongguk replies, feeling shivers. It would
be an image that would accompany him forever. Not everyone in caste Seven could get burnt
bread in exchange for a dozen eggs.

"Oh my God..." Taehyung mumbles, closing his eyes momentarily. When he reopens them,
his gaze falls on Jeongguk. "Have you…" He clears his throat. "Have you ever felt like this?
Hungry?"

Jeongguk lowers his head again, which was already an answer.

"Was it that bad?" The prince insists.

"Taehyung, this will only upset you more. I’m sorry, it wasn’t my intention."

"Probably," Taehyung nods seriously. "But I'm just beginning to realize how much I don't
know about my own country. So please, Jeongguk, tell me."

The purple-haired boy sighs. "My family has been through a lot. Most of the time, when we
got to the point of having to choose, we bought food and ran out of electricity. The worst
moment I think we had was a certain winter... It was very cold and therefore, we wore loads
of layers of clothing. And yet, we could still see our own breath indoors. Most of our
livelihood comes from the eggs of the chickens that my mother produces or some vegetables
that we grow in our garden. But as that winter was especially cold, the harvests weren't the
best. So, there were also situations where I skipped meals so my sisters could eat. I don't
regret it and I would do it all over again."

Taehyung's face pales and Jeongguk then realizes that he hated to see the other man worried.
He needs to turn the story around, make it more positive.

"Since I started working as a florist, things have improved. And now the payments we've
been receiving for me being here have helped my family a lot. I'm sure they've already put
some money aside to make it last a long time." Jeongguk gets up from the couch and
approaches the prince, not moving his gaze from Taehyung's for a single second. Without any
hesitation, Jeongguk places one of his hands against the prince's pale cheek, muttering, "You
have done so much for us, Taehyung."

The prince closes his eyes again as if he can't stand the sight of Jeongguk. He is probably
imagining him hungry, cold, in the dark. Him and three other girls. Taehyung shakes his head
slightly and Jeongguk doesn't know if it's to push his thoughts away or because he's
uncomfortable with his touch, but the purple-haired boy decides to withdraw his hand and let
it fall back to his side.

"Really, Taehyung. My family has been doing really well lately. I-" Jeongguk can't finish the
sentence because Taehyung approaches and places a lingering kiss against his forehead.

"I’ll see you at dinner," is the last thing he whispers before walking away as he straightens his
tie.

Taehyung said they would see each other at dinner, but the prince is not present in the dining
room. The queen enters alone, while they all wait standing behind their chairs. All the
selected gently bow as the queen sits, only then it’s their time to settle down.
Jeongguk scans the dining room subtly looking for an empty chair, assuming the prince's
absence is justified by a date, but all competitors are present.

The purple-haired boy had spent the entire afternoon mentally repeating what he had said to
Taehyung. It was no wonder Jeongguk had no friends, he was obviously terrible.

Then, Taehyung and the king enter the hall. The prince had put his coat back on, but his cloud
of almond hair was still charmingly disheveled. He and his father continue to talk as they
approach, even though everyone hastily got up to greet them.

Their conversation seems lively; Taehyung was gesturing to underline what he was saying
and the king mechanically nodded, listening to his son, but looking a little fed up with the
subject, whatever it is. When they reach the table, king Bon-hwa, with a stern expression,
pats his son firmly on the back. As soon as he turns to the selected ones, his face suddenly
fills with excitement.

"Oh, please, ladies and gentlemen, have a seat," the king kisses the queen's forehead and
takes his place.

However, Taehyung remains assertively standing. "Ladies and gentlemen, I’m sorry to delay
our dinner but I have something to announce," he declares. All eyes turn to him. "I know you
were all promised monetary compensation for your participation in the Selection," his voice
carries a tone of commanding authority that Jeongguk has only heard once: the night he
ordered the guards to let Jeongguk go to the garden. The purple-haired boy couldn't deny that
he was much more attractive when he used his status for some purpose. "However, there was
a new allocation of funds. If you’re from caste Two, Three or Four, you will no longer
receive the funding. I know that there are no longer any competitors from the caste Five, but
the ones from caste Six and Seven will continue to receive the compensation, although at a
slightly lower value from now on."

Jeongguk could see some of the competitors with their mouths open in bewilderment. The
money was part of the deal. Yejun, for example, looks like he is ready to explode. Jeongguk
thinks that when you have a lot of money, it's normal to get used to wanting more and more
and even more, and the very idea that someone like the purple-haired boy could gain
something while the Three didn't, must drive Yejun completely crazy.

"I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience. On Sunday, I will explain everything during the
Official News. I would also like to add that this is a non-negotiable situation. If anyone is
dissatisfied with this new agreement and does not want to continue participating in the
Selection, they can leave after dinner," Taehyung finishes, sitting down and resuming the
conversation with his father.

This could only be related to their conversation earlier. It made sense, at least. It was too
much of a consequence. Jeongguk tries to concentrate on the food, but inevitably, he spends
most of his time questioning what it all meant. And it wasn't just him. There were murmurs
throughout all the dining room.

"What do you think this has to do with?" Jimin, who is sitting beside him, asks.
Jeongguk remains silent, unsure if it would be safe to mention his conversation with the
prince from earlier. Probably not.

Fortunately, Woojin hears the question as well and ends up answering instead, "Maybe it's a
test. I bet some people are here just for the money."

While listening to him, Jeongguk sees Yejun elbow Mi-Suk and tilt his head towards him.
Jeongguk turns his face away so no one realizes he's noticed. He feels sad that they think he
was here only for the money, even though, in a way, the payments were really helpful.

The selected continue to suggest hypotheses and Jeongguk gazes at Taehyung several times
throughout the dinner. Even though he wanted to get the prince's attention by poking his
mole, Taehyung never looked back at Jeongguk.

Seokjin and Jeongguk are alone in his bedroom. In the evening, he would come face-to-face
with Jung Hoseok - and the rest of the country - in the special edition of the Euphoréa’s
Official News, not to mention the fact that the others would be present all the time, watching
each other and criticizing them mentally. Yey, Jeongguk couldn't wait.

To say he was nervous was a huge understatement; he couldn't be quiet as Seokjin listed
some possible questions, things he thought the audience might like to know.

"What do you think of the palace? What is the most romantic thing the prince has done? Do
you miss your family? Has the prince ever kissed you?"

Jeongguk gives Seokjin a threatening gaze when he asks him that last question. Why has
everyone been asking him that lately? Okay, it was just Ha-rin and now Seokjin, but still!

Jeongguk had automatically responded to whatever the servant asked, trying not to think too
much, but it was pretty obvious that Seokjin had asked this last one out of pure curiosity. His
lascivious smirk proved it.

"No! For God's sake! Why are you asking that? Do I look like I've been kissed by the
prince?" Jeongguk tries to sound angry but the situation was too funny for him to be mad.

"Taehyung looks like he wants to kiss you though, but who am I to say anything..." Seokjin
talks to himself but Jeongguk always had a good hearing.

"What? What are you saying? And Taehyung? Where's the part about having to call him Our
Majesty?" Jeongguk asks completely confused.

Seokjin looks like a deer caught by a car's lights. "Huh... Nothing," the servant laughs
nervously. "Please, forget it."
“Seokjin. Spit it out,” Jeongguk insists.

"Okay, okay!" He raises his hands in the air in surrender. "I and Taehyung are friends, kind
of. Even though I'm one of the palace servants, I know him since we were both practical
teenagers since my parents also work here. And so, we became friends over time."

Jeongguk opens and closes his mouth in astonishment, now realizing the reason behind all
the teasing stares and smiles between the prince and his servant when Taehyung came to visit
Jeongguk in his bedroom. "And why didn't you tell me this before?"

"Because I didn't want you to think that it would influence anything. On one hand, I didn't
want you to think that I would tell the prince everything you might did and said and so, make
you feel unconfortable. On the other, I didn't want you to take things for granted and count on
my help to win him over," Seokjin explains, his tone slightly apologetic for his initial
suspicion.

"I feel betrayed. By both of you!" Jeongguk pretends to be outraged, but his laugh gives him
away. The truth is that he really understands Seokjin’s reasons. Jeongguk also feels grateful
for his servant promising he won’t be telling the prince anything even though Jeongguk has
nothing to hide. “But don't worry, Seokjin. Me now knowing this information won't change
anything between us, not between me and the prince."

Seokjin smiles gratefully. Not ten seconds later and Nabi and Yumi enter the bedroom with a
suit bag. Nabi looked more excited than Jeongguk had ever seen her, while Yumi had a
slightly mischievous expression.

"What's up?" Jeongguk asks as Nabi gives him an exaggerated bow.

"We finished your suit for the Official News, Mr. Jeon," she replies.

"Another suit? Why can't I wear that gray one in the closet? Haven't you done it recently? I
loved it," Jeongguk frowns, unconsciously glancing at the wardrobe.

The three servants look at each other.

"What did you guys do?" Jeongguk asks suspiciously, crossing his arms over his chest.

"We talked to the other servants, Mr. Jeon. We heard a lot of things," begins Yumi. "We know
that you and Miss Chun-ja were the only ones who had more than one date with Our Majesty,
and as far as we can gather, there may be a connection between you two."

"What? How?" Jeongguk asks, feeling expression lines form on his face as a result of his
frown.

"From what we've heard," Nabi continues. "The reason the prince sent Chun-ja out of the
Selection was that she made nasty remarks about you. The prince didn't like it and dismissed
her immediately."

"What?" The purple-haired boy puts his hand on top of his mouth in an attempt to hide his
astonishment. Then, he lets his gaze rest on Seokjin as if he's searching for confirmation. He
had just promised the servant that he would not take advantage of Seokjin being Taehyung's
friend, and he will stick to his promise, but as a friend of the prince, Seokjin must be aware of
whether this is true or not. With a pleading look, Seokjin ends up subtly nodding, confirming
the words spoken by the other two maids.

"We're sure you're the prince's favorite. Almost everyone says the same," Nabi sighs happily.

"I think you’re misinformed," Jeongguk replies, still stunned as to the real reason for Chun-
ja's expulsion. Yumi shrugs her shoulders with a pretentious grin on her mouth, not caring
about the boy's opinion. Then, he remembers how the conversation started. "But what does
all this have to do with my outfit for the Official News?"

Nabi approaches Yumi and unzips the huge bag, revealing a stunning red suit, which sparkled
in the dim light coming through the balcony window.

"Oh..." Jeongguk mumbles, leaning over to gently touch the fabric. "You really did your
best!" They accept the compliment, bowing their heads slightly. Jeongguk had really loved
the suit. It seems that, over time, his servants have come to know him better and,
consequently, made pieces of clothing that, despite still being quite exorbitant and luxurious,
were beginning to please him. "It's beautiful. But I still haven't figured out what the suit has
to do with what you were saying."

Yumi removes the clothes from the bag to hang it, thus preventing it from crumpling or
spoiling, while Nabi explains, "As we said, a lot of people in the palace think Mr. Jeon is the
prince's favorite. He praises him immensely and it's visible how much he prefers his company
over the others, and it seems that the other competitors have already noticed it too."

"What do you mean by that?"

“We create most of the suits in the sewing room, along with the fashion designers, where we
have the materials as well, and most of the other servants go there too. It seems that
practically all the contestants have ordered a lavender dress or suit for tonight and the
servants think it's because Mr. Jeon always wears that color. The others are clearly trying to
imitate you," this time its Seokjin who speaks.

"It's true," adds Yumi. "From what I heard, they didn't even want to wear jewelry. Just like
you."

"And most have also started asking for simpler dresses and suits, like the ones Mr. Jeon
prefers," says Nabi.

"That still doesn't explain why you made me a red suit," Jeongguk sighs.

"So that you stand out, of course!" Seokjin clarifies as if it's the most obvious thing in the
world. "Mr. Jeon, if the prince really likes you, you must continue to stand out. You've been
so generous to us, especially to Nabi."

They all gaze at the maid in question, who nods and continues, "Mr. Jeon is kind enough to
be a prince. That would be so wonderful!"
Jeongguk starts looking for a way out. As much as he loved the suit, at the same time, he
hated being the center of attention.

"But what if the others are right? What if Taehyung likes me precisely because I'm not
exaggerated like them? If you put me in an outfit like that, you ruin everything!" Jeongguk
argues, completely forgetting that he had called the prince by his first name, without any
honorific or formality. None of the servants' comment, anyway.

"Everyone needs to shine once in a while. Besides, we know the prince well. He'll be
mesmerized when he sees you in this suit," Seokjin speaks so confidently that Jeongguk feels
like there's nothing more to be done.

Jeongguk didn't know how to explain that all the notes the prince had sent him and the time
they spent together was just friendship. He couldn't tell them. He would make them sad, and
besides, if he wanted to stay, he needed to keep up the appearances. Also because he would
put Taehyung in an uncomfortable situation too.

"Okay. Let's try it then," Jeongguk relents with a sigh.

Nabi starts bouncing with glee until Seokjin reminds her that that was not correct behavior.
Jeongguk lets the male servant tuck the basic white shirt down his arms first, then completes
the outfit with the trousers and blazer set in a vibrant shade of red. Some details stood out,
such as light sparkles in the lapel area and in the jacket sleeves, as well as the traditional
golden pin with his identification.

Yumi's skillful hands curl his hair in a variety of positions, pulling the bangs back at the end
so that his forehead is exposed. As for make-up, Nabi does her best, opting to do something
subtle on his eyes and give it all to his lips instead. The maid applies a red lip gloss -
beautiful but, as he asked, discreet - to Jeongguk's lips, and half an hour later, he is ready.

The studio had been decorated in a slightly different way for tonight's show. The royal
family's thrones, majestic, tall and in gold, are placed to one side, as always, and the selected
seats are on the opposite one, as the last time. However, the podium is slightly off-center,
leaving the focus on two tall chairs. There is a microphone in one of them, which would be
used for each of the contestants to talk to Hoseok. Jeongguk feels sick just thinking about it.

In fact, when the competitors start to arrive, Jeongguk realizes that the studio is full of
dresses and suits in all shades of purple. Some were closer to dark blue and others closer to
purplish pink, but there is clearly a pattern. He feels immediately uncomfortable. Jeongguk
had never thought that the others selected felt threatened to the point of copying him. He
soon notices Yejun's gaze on him and Jeongguk decides to stay away from the Three the best
he can.

Jimin and Sohui pass by him, after checking their makeup and hair once more. Jimin, at least,
also stood out from the crowd: his suit was an off-white blue, giving it a degradé look, and it
went wonderfully with the blond of his hair strands. Jeongguk is happy that his friend keeps
being himself, not showing a hint of jealousy of Jeongguk and, consequently, not wanting to
copy him. As for Sohui, her dress is a shade of dark purple, just like the eyeshadow that
decorates her eyes, and it goes down in length until it reaches a pair of silver high heels.
"You look wonderful, Jeongguk," she praises, in a tone that seems to be more accusatory than
flattering.

"Thank you, Sohui. Your dress is beautiful," unlike the competitor from caste Four, Jeongguk
is sincere in his words.

She runs her hands over her body as if smoothing out imaginary wrinkles. "Yeah, I liked it
too."

Jimin runs his hand over the lapel of Jeongguk's suit blazer and whistles. With a genuine
smile, he says, "What fabric is this? You're really going to glow under the lights, Jeon."

Jeongguk returns the stretch of lips. "I have no idea. We Seven don't usually have such
elegant things," he comments jokingly, already used to commenting with Jimin on the
differences between their castes without malice. Jeongguk absently gazes at the fabric. He
had at least one more suit made of the same material, but he hadn't bothered to fix the name.

"Jeongguk!"

The purple-haired boy looks up and sees Yejun beside him. The caste Three boy smiles.

Jeongguk has to control the urge he feels to roll his eyes. "Yes, Yejun?"

"Can you come with me for a second? I need your help."

Without even waiting for an answer, the Three drags Jeongguk away from Jimin and Sohui,
leading him behind the heavy golden curtain that served as the backdrop for the Official
News.

"Take off your suit!" He orders, starting to unbutton the buttons on his lavender blazer.

"What?" Jeongguk's voice comes out in a squeak.

"I want your suit. Take it off! How difficult is it for you to understand?" Yejun grunts
disdainfully, tossing his coat to the ground.

Jeongguk scoffs, crossing his arms over his chest. "If you think I'm going to take off my suit
and give it to you, you're deeply mistaken. You're out of your mind," Jeongguk retorts,
starting to walk away to head back to the studio, but unfortunately, he can't get very far.
Yejun digs his nails into Jeongguk's arm and pulls him back.

"Shut up and take off your fucking suit. Now!"

Jeongguk remains motionless, his face set and assertive, refusing to move. Who does this guy
think he is? Yejun would have to learn that he is not the center of Euphoréa.

"If you don’t collaborate, I can rip it off by force," he suggests coldly.

"I'm not afraid of you, Yejun," Jeongguk spits out in a whisper, making a point of never
moving his gaze from the Three eyes. "This suit was made just for me and I'm going to wear
it. Next time you choose your outfit, maybe you should try to be yourself instead of me. Oh,
but wait…" He interrupts himself purposefully. Tilting his head slightly to the side, Jeongguk
continues, "If you do that, maybe Taehyung will find out what an asshole you are and send
you home, won't he?"

Without hesitating, Yejun reaches out and grips tightly the collar of his shirt, pulling it away
and, consequently, bursting the fragile buttons covering Jeongguk's chest. The purple-haired
boy is too stunned to react. However, when he looks down, he is faced with a torn piece of
white tissue, his collarbones and part of his chest completely exposed and beyond remedy.

Jang-mi's voice calling everyone to their seats is heard in a distant echo and Jeongguk steps
out from behind the curtain as bravely as he can, shooting Yejun one last infuriating look.

Jimin had saved a place for Jeongguk beside him. It's hard not to notice his shocked
expression when he sees the purple-haired boy.

"What happened to your shirt?" He whispers.

"Fucking Yejun," Jeongguk replies, completely annoyed.

Areum and Sun-mi, who were sitting in front of them, turn around.

"Did he rip your shirt?" Areum questions, scandalized too.

“Yes. He wanted me to take off my suit and give it to him. But when I denied it, he grabbed
me and pulled my shirt to shreds,” Jeongguk explains.

"Oh my God. You have to tell prince Taehyung everything," Sun-mi comments. "That boy is
a nightmare.

"I know, right?" Jeongguk nods, sighing heavily. "I'll tell the prince next time I see him." In
fact, Jeongguk tried his best not to speak negatively about any of the selected with Taehyung.
Despite the friendly relationship between him and the prince, the purple-haired boy never
wanted to influence his choice. However, Yejun is pushing all limits and Taehyung deserved
to know the real boy behind that fake sweet mask.

Sun-mi, with a sad expression on her face, says, "Who knows when that will be? Honestly, I
thought we were going to spend more time with him."

"Jeongguk, turn to me," Jimin asks. Skillfully, the boy from caste Two drags out a few pulled
strings and deftly tries to make the torn look of the shirt as natural as possible. It was
impossible not to notice the collarbones and top of Jeongguk's chest, but at least it looked like
the shirt had been purposely stitched - or rather, torn - this way.

It was almost time to start. Hoseok is reviewing his notes when the royal family finally
arrives at the studio. Taehyung is wearing a dark blue suit with a lapel pin bearing the
country's crest. He is elegant, extremely elegant, and radiates calm. Probably because,
tonight, he won't be the target of the show.
"Good night everyone," he greets the selected with a gentle smile. A chorus of «Your
Highness» and «Good evening, Your Majesty» is the answer. "As you know, I'll make a short
announcement and then, I’ll introduce Hoseok. It'll be funny because he's always the one who
introduces me!" He chuckles and the audience in the studio does the same. "I know some of
you are a little nervous, but there's no reason to. Please, just be yourself. People want to meet
you."

Jeongguk and Taehyung's eyes meet a few times as the prince speaks, but not long enough for
the purple-haired boy to guess his thoughts. Taehyung doesn't seem to notice his suit either.
Jeongguk's servants would be disappointed. He's not. Obviously not.

The prince wishes them good luck and approaches the stage. Jeongguk knew something was
up and he assumes this announcement is related to what the prince told them at dinner
yesterday. Mystery and curiosity distract Jeongguk and so, he is less nervous. His legs were
no longer shaking uncontrollably when the national anthem starts to play and the camera
focuses on Taehyung's face. Jeongguk rarely watched the Official News, but when he did, he
never saw the prince making any sort of announcements, it was always the king and queen.
So, it was likely that this was his first time to speak to the nation. Jeongguk wanted to wish
him good luck too.

"Good night, dear nation of Euphoréa," Taehyung begins, his gaze steady on the camera in
front of him, his posture erect and his voice assertive and loud. “This is an exciting night for
all of us, as the country will finally get to know better the eight remaining competitors in the
Selection. I can barely express my excitement at you being able to meet them. I'm sure
everyone will agree that any one of these incredible selected would make an excellent leader
and a wonderful prince or princess to come," he smiles amiably at every one, winning over,
with absolute certainty, not just the selected sitting there, but also everyone watching him on
television at home. "But before that, I would like to announce a new project that I am
working on that is very important to me. The contact with all these young people has exposed
the world that exists outside the palace, a world that I rarely have the opportunity to
experience. I have learned a lot about the incredible goodness and unimaginable darkness
within it, and through my conversations with the competitors, I understood the reality beyond
these walls. I have awakened to the suffering of some in our lower castes and I intend to do
something about it."

What...? Jeongguk thinks, feeling his heart start to beat faster and faster.

"It will take us at least three or four months to prepare this properly, but we hope that, next
spring, all the Provincial Service Offices would be able to offer food assistance. Any Five,
Six, Seven or Eight can go to one of them at the end of the day, to get a nutritious and
completely free meal. I would also like to inform you that these young people we see here
have sacrificed all or part of their monetary compensation to help fund this important project.
And although this assistance may not be able to go on forever, I will do everything to keep it
as long as I can," Taehyung continues, his voice wavering with emotion.

And the prince is not the only one. Hot, thick tears run down Jeongguk's cheeks, reaching his
chin and dripping into the trembling hands that rest in his lap. He doesn't even think about his
makeup because that's no longer his priority. His focus is on the enormous gratitude and
admiration he feels for Taehyung, a prince who has turned out to be a kind and generous
human being, more than what Jeongguk initially thought.

Jeongguk can't believe that Taehyung is actually doing this and that, in large part, it was
because of Jeongguk’s awareness. It was because of their difficult but honest conversation,
which made the prince see with other eyes what unfortunately happens daily outside these
high walls. If this man will become the future king of Euphoréa, the country has nothing to
worry about.

"I think no good leader can let their people starve. Euphoréa is mostly made up of these lower
castes and I’m aware that we have ignored these people for far too long. But not anymore.
And it’s for this reason that we’re going to move forward and that I ask others to join me.
Two, Three, Four... I wait for your generosity. The roads you pass through do not build
themselves. Your houses are not cleaned by magic. Your garbage is not collected by the
heavens. Your food doesn’t appear on your plates without a lot of hands working on it before.
This is your opportunity to recognize this truth and show your gratitude to all the lower caste
workers who help you so much daily. Please, whoever can, make a donation to your
Provincial Service Offices cabinet."

Taehyung pauses, taking a small striped handkerchief from his blazer pocket, passing it as
subtly as possible through the corner of his left eye. Jeongguk's heart doesn't know whether
to contract with pain at seeing the prince cry or whether to burst with warmth at his kindness.

"You were born blessed and now is the time to acknowledge that blessing. I will have more
information as the project progresses. Thank you for your attention," the prince gives a quick
bow. "But now, let's move on to the real reason for tonight's broadcast. Ladies and gentlemen,
Jung Hoseok!"

There is applause throughout the room, although it’s obvious that not everyone is thrilled
with the prince's announcement. The king, for example, claps his hands but doesn’t look
terribly excited, while the queen is beaming with pride. Also, some advisers seem divided on
the value of his idea, as do some of the selected ones, like Yejun and Mi-Suk.

Jeongguk sees Jimin surreptitiously wiping some tears from his face as well, and the purple-
haired boy feels like an idiot for having doubted some time ago that someone of such a high
caste could feel this empathy for the poorest. He was so, so, so, so incredibly wrong.

"Thank you so much for your amazing presentation, Your Majesty!" Hoseok bows, stepping
into the scene with another one of his colorful outfits, this time the choice is pink. "If your
job as a prince doesn't work out, you could always consider a television career."

Taehyung laughs as he returns to his seat, gently opening the button on his blazer to sit
comfortably. The cameras now focus on Hoseok, but Jeongguk continues to stare at
Taehyung and his parents. The purple-haired boy did not understand why their reactions were
so different.

"People of Euphoréa, we have a gift for you! Tonight, we're going to unlock the secrets of
each of these young people. We know you’re anxious to meet them and to have information
about how things are going with prince Taehyung. That's why, tonight…” Hoseok breaks off
with a lecherous smile to cause suspense. "We’ll just ask them! And let's start with..." The
master of ceremonies looks at his notes. "Mr. Seo Yejun from caste Three!"

Yejun gets up from his seat in the top row and winds down the small steps. Before sitting
down for the conversation, he shakes Hoseok's hand and smiles at him broadly.

His interview was predictable, as was Mi-suk's. They both tried to look seductive, leaning
forward several times to have the cameras film them from the best angles, like Mi-suk's
cleavage or Yejun's bare neck. Everything felt fake and forced. Jeongguk watched their faces
on the monitors as they stared at Taehyung, winking at him. Occasionally, like when Mi-suk
tried to sensually moisten her lips, Jeongguk and Jimin would gaze at each other and had to
look away right away so as not to laugh.

The others showed better composure. Woojin's voice was very soft and he seemed to cringe
as the interview progressed, but Jeongguk was aware that he was a very sweet boy. Sohui was
so nervous that, for every question the master of ceremonies asked her, she started her answer
with a giggle. Sun-mi was smart in her responses, knowing when to smile and make jokes.
Jimin was elegant, as was Areum. The main difference between the two was that Areum's
voice was so full of enthusiasm that it rose in pitch as she spoke.

Hoseok asked several questions, but there were two that didn't seem to change: "What do you
think of prince Taehyung?" and "Was it you who yelled at him?". Jeongguk is in no mood to
reveal to the country that he had been the one to preach a sermon to the future king. Good
thing, as far as everyone knew, he'd only done it once.

Everyone seemed proud to say they hadn't been the one who had yelled at the prince. And
everyone also thought that Taehyung was nice. They almost always used the same word:
nice. Yejun said he was handsome though. Sohui commented that he emanated a silent power,
which, honestly, Jeongguk found creepy as hell.

Hoseok asked some if the prince had ever kissed them and they all blushed and said no. After
the third or fourth negative answer, the master of ceremonies turns to the prince and asks,
"You haven't kissed anyone yet?"

"They've only been here for two weeks! What kind of man do you think I am?" Taehyung
replies with indignation. His words come out in a jovial tone, but he seems to squirm slightly
in his chair. From what the prince had told Jeongguk, he had never had great opportunities to
date. Does that mean he never kissed anyone before?

Areum ends her interview by saying that her stay in the palace has been wonderful, as is
meeting the prince, and then Hoseok calls Jeongguk. The others applaud when he gets up, as
they had all did to all the selected, and Jeongguk grins nervously at Areum when they cross
paths. He concentrates on his feet as he walks, but as soon as he sits down, Jeongguk notices
that it's easy to look at Taehyung over Hoseok's shoulder. The prince winks at him when
Jeongguk grabs the microphone and he immediately feels calmer. After all, Jeongguk didn't
need to win anyone over.

The purple-haired boy shakes Hoseok's hand and sits down again across from him.
"What a good choice of outfit, I must say," Hoseok starts by praising. "The red really favors
you. And the shirt...?"

"Oh, this?" Jeongguk asks while pointing at the collar of the white fabric. "You know what
they say, it's fashion,” he shrugs. “Not that I understand anything about it."

Hoseok laughs out loud. Jeongguk smiles at having managed to work around the situation,
making the entire country believe that the somewhat wild look of his white shirt was
intentional. However, he risks sending Yejun a look. The bastard doesn't even dare gaze at
him back.

"Well, dear Jeon Jeongguk. What an interesting name. Is there a story behind it?" Hoseok
asks.

He breathes a sigh of relief. This one was easy. "Yes, in fact, there is. I mean, there is no
specific meaning for my name, but many speculate that it could mean, «the pillar of the
nation». I seem to have kicked a lot my mother’s tummy when she was pregnant. She used to
say there was one hell of a fighter inside her and so, she named me after someone who would
strive to defend his people with teeth and nails, his nation. It's strange, but I must admit she
was right. I’m always defending and helping those who I love with all of me. That's one of
the main reasons my sister Ha-rin and I argue a lot. She thinks I'm too selfless," Jeongguk lets
out a few laughs.

"Oh, your sister seems like a determined woman," Hoseok laughs.

"Ha-rin? Oh, she’s too much. On top of that, we're both stubborn."

"So, you're saying you’re stubborn? And with a bit of a temper maybe?" The master of
ceremonies asks.

Jeongguk notices Taehyung covering his mouth with his hands so that his laugh doesn't reach
the entire studio. The purple-haired boy shrugs. "Sometimes."

"If you have a bad temper, aren't you perhaps the person who yelled at the prince?"

Jeongguk sighs. Looks like he's really going to have to admit this to the entire country. "Yes,
it was me. Although yelling is not the term I would use to best describe what happened. My
sisters must be the ones yelling at me right now," Jeongguk rubs the bridge of his nose in
embarrassment.

"Make him tell the whole story!" Taehyung tells Hoseok.

The master of ceremonies gazes at the prince but quickly turns to Jeongguk again. "Ah! And
what's the whole story? Can you please share it with us?"

Jeongguk tries to send a reproachful and threateningly stare at Taehyung, but the situation
was so ridiculous that it doesn't work. He really doesn't have a choice.

"On the first night of the Selection, I felt a little... Claustrophobic, let’s say, and I was
desperate for fresh air. The guards wouldn't let me go through the doors and I was literally
about to pass out there, when the prince appeared and ordered them to open the doors to the
garden for me to be able to get out," Jeongguk begins, altering a few small details of the true
story. It wasn't as if he could admit to the country, especially in the presence of the king and
queen, that he initially had no idea who their son was, right?

"Oh…" Hoseok gapes, cocking his head in curiosity.

"Yes, and then the prince followed me to confirm that I was okay. But I was so nervous that
when he spoke to me, I ended up basically accusing him of being smug and superficial, just
like this contest," Jeongguk admits with embarrassment.

However, Hoseok lets out a roaring laugh at this. Jeongguk risks looking at Taehyung and
sees that he too shudders with mirth, but the most embarrassing thing is the fact that the king
and the queen are also amused. Jeongguk doesn't turn to look at the others selected, but he
could hear some of them giggling too. Maybe now they’ll stop seeing Jeongguk as a threat.
He was just someone Taehyung found entertaining.

"And the prince forgave you?" Hoseok asks in a slightly more serious tone.

"Incredibly, yes," Jeongguk shrugs.

"Well, now that you two have made up, what kind of activities have you been doing on your
dates?" The master of ceremonies is back on the subject of the interview.

"Well, we usually take long walks in the garden. The prince knows I love to walk outdoors
and be close to the flowers. And of course, we talk," Jeongguk says. His answer seems
pathetic compared to what some of the others had said. Movies, horseback riding, golf: all
much more impressive than his story.

Then, as if turning on a neon light bulb inside Jeongguk's brain, he realizes why Taehyung
had spent the week going out on date after date. The others selected needed to have
something to tell Hoseok. Jeongguk still feels the bitter taste in his throat every time he
wonders why Taehyung didn't tell him anything, but at least now Jeongguk knows the reason
for the prince's disappearance.

"It feels very relaxing," Hoseok nods. "Would you say the garden is your favorite part of the
palace?"

Jeongguk doesn't even hesitate to respond. "Yes! Without a doubt, the gardens are beautiful.
Although the food is also divine..."

Hoseok laughs again. "Even though you're a Seven, you're still in the competition. However,
I'm asking you the same question I asked Areum: do you think that might lower your chances
of being the next prince?"

"No!" The word escapes his lips without him even thinking.

"Ah! You’re really determined!" Hoseok seems pleased to have gotten such an energetic
response. "So, do you think you'll beat everyone else then? Make it to the end?"
"No, no," Jeongguk is quick to deny it. He knows himself better than that. "It's not that. I
don't think I'm any better than the others. At all. They're all fantastic! What I mean is, I don't
think Taehyung would do that. Despise someone because of their caste, I mean."

A collective gasp of surprise is heard in the studio. Jeongguk repeats the sentence mentally,
trying to search for what he might have said wrong.

And fuck.

Jeongguk had said Taehyung and not prince. It was one thing to call him that while they
talked in private, without formalities as they had agreed. But pronouncing his name in public
without the word "prince" before was extremely informal, some might even consider it rude.
And Jeongguk had just done it, live on television.

He looks at Taehyung, trying to know if the other is upset, but the prince has a calm smile on
his lips. Taehyung isn't mad, but Jeongguk feels ashamed and just wants to hide in a huge,
deep hole. He feels his cheeks blush intensely.

"Oh, it looks like you've really gotten to know our prince better and that you two are already
too close to go by your first names," Hoseok teases playfully. "Tell us, Jeongguk, what do
you think of Taehyung?"

Jeongguk thinks the only way to save his situation is to go back to the comedy, perhaps
mocking the prince's laugh or how Taehyung didn't know how to comfort someone who was
crying. But when he looks up to make one of these comments, Jeongguk notices Taehyung's
expression.

The prince had leaned slightly forward on his throne, hands clasped to support his chin. And
his eyes... Taehyung's eyes showed that he genuinely wanted to know.

And Jeongguk couldn't make fun of him, not when he had the opportunity to say what he
really started to think, now that Taehyung was his friend. Jeongguk could not make fun of the
person who heard and understood him; the person who sent boxes of candy to his family; the
person who gave him gifts even when he had no such obligation; the person who came to
Jeongguk running, extremely worried, when the purple-haired boy called him.

A month earlier, Jeongguk had visualized the prince as a distant, rigid, arrogant, and
annoying person. Now? Now...

“Prince Kim Taehyung is the sum of all that is good. Genuine, thoughtful, funny, kind,
generous. I could honestly go on, but the list is long and I know the show has timings to
accomplish. I'm just sure he's going to be a phenomenal king. He allows his selected to wear
sweatpants and hoodies and doesn't get angry when someone who doesn't know him
misjudges him. Very wrongly, I must add," Jeongguk stares seriously at Hoseok, who smiles
kindly at his speech. Behind him, Taehyung looks puzzled. "Whoever marries him will be
such a lucky person. And no matter what happens to me, I know I will take a friend for life
and it will be an honor to be his subject." Jeongguk sees Taehyung swallow hard and he looks
down.
"Jeon Jeongguk, thank you very much," Hoseok concludes, extending his hand.

The Official News did not last much longer after that, not least because Jeongguk had been
the last selected to be interviewed. However, Jeongguk couldn't hear a thing anymore, despite
keeping his eyes fixed on the two chairs in front of him.

That interview had become a lot more personal than he'd imagined. Jeongguk didn't have the
courage to face Taehyung, even though he could sense the prince's gaze on him from time to
time. Instead, Jeongguk stood there mentally replaying everything he had said, word for
word, and trying to understand why his heart seemed to want to flee from his chest.

At ten, there is a knock at his bedroom door. Jeongguk opens it and Taehyung rolls his eyes
tightly.

"You should have a servant here at night. I don't like it at all that you're alone and
unprotected."

Jeongguk, however, ignores the prince's concerns and rushes to apologize. "Taehyung! I'm so
sorry. I had no intention of calling you by your first name in front of everyone. I was so
stupid," he slaps his palm against his own forehead.

"Do you think I'm mad about that?" Taehyung chuckles, grabbing Jeongguk's arm and
entwining it with his own. The purple-haired boy closes his bedroom door and lets the prince
lead him to the gardens. "Jeongguk, you call me that so many times that this would end up
happening. I won't deny it, I wish it had been in a more reserved setting," he continues with a
mischievous smile. "But I'm not going to punish you for that. I don't really mind."

"Really?” Jeongguk asks suspiciously.

"Really," the prince simply shrugs.

“Ugh, I felt so stupid tonight,” Jeongguk admits. "I can't believe you made me tell that story.
It was supposed to be our secret!" Jeongguk bumps his shoulder with the prince's with hardly
any force, making the prince believe he's just messing with him.

When they pass the garden doors and greet the guards, Taehyung lets go of Jeongguk's arm to
grab both of his hands instead. The prince walks backward, pulling Jeongguk with him with a
playful smile hovering on his lips. "That was the best moment of the night! Hilarious, if you
want me to be honest. My mother was so amused. In her time, the selected were even more
reserved than, for example, Woojin, and suddenly, there it was a person calling me
superficial. She loved it."

Great. Now even the queen thought that Jeongguk was an idiot. It was really great to know
that.
Taehyung lets go of one of Jeongguk's hands, grabbing just the right one, to make him cross
the garden until they reach the white wooden bandstand with the fairy already lights on,
giving a magical look to the green exterior of the palace. There is a cool breeze, but as it
brings them the scent of the thousands of flowers that surround them, Jeongguk doesn't mind
the cold. And Taehyung doesn't seem to either.

Their hands let go of each other so that they can both lean side by side against the wall that
surrounds the bandstand. The full moon shines on them, as well as the hundreds of golden
and sparkling stars, joining the lights around the palace and the bandstand that give
Taehyung's face a mesmerizing glow.

"Well, I'm glad one of us is amused by this story," Jeongguk snorts in a mock pout, sliding his
fingers across the wood.

Taehyung turns around until his back is against the wall instead, looking sideways at
Jeongguk. "You're always amusing, so get used to it."

The silence of the night settles between them. Jeongguk watches his surroundings, covered
with flowers and trees, a view he's been getting used to from spending so much time in here.
As for Taehyung, the purple-haired boy could feel the prince's gaze on him.

"Hum... What you said earlier..." Taehyung starts hesitantly.

"Which part? When I called you names, when I said that my sister and I were constantly
fighting, or when I suggested that food was my motivation for being here?" Jeongguk asks
humorously.

The prince lets out a laugh but then, the silence returns. "The part about me being a genuine,
thoughtful, funny, kind, generous person."

Oh? Did he memorize all the adjectives I said?

"What about it?" Jeongguk lowers his head and twists a corner of his blazer.

"I admire you wanting to give an air of truth to the situation, but you didn't need to go that
far," Taehyung's voice comes out low, a glimmer of disappointment on it as well.

Jeongguk lifts his head quickly, turning around so he can get a better look at the prince. How
could he think that?

"Taehyung, I didn't say any of that just because I was live on the Official News," Jeongguk
says, even a little offended by the accusation. Then, he sighs in defeat and adds, “If you had
asked me a month ago what my honest opinion of you was, my answer would have been
quite different. After all, even you know that. But now that I’m beginning to truly know you
and I’m knowing you more and more every day, I can see the real truth. You’re everything I
said and more."

Taehyung turns sideways, this time his side leaning against the wall of the bandstand. His
eyes seek out Jeongguk's, digging and digging and digging until they find the pure sincerity
that reigns in them. The prince is silent, but his mouth doesn't resist and stretches until it
forms a small, shy smile.

"Thank you," he says, at last, looking down. And what is that? Are his cheeks blushing?

"At your service, Your Highness," Jeongguk decides not to tease him about the red that grows
more and more on the other's face.

The prince clears his throat and stares at the horizon, his hair gently blowing in the rhythm of
the night breeze. "There is someone out there who will also be a very lucky person,"
Taehyung mutters.

"Hum?"

"The person you’ll fall in love and decide to share the rest of your life with," Taehyung says
blandly, stepping forward unconsciously.

Jeongguk has to scoff. "There is no one in love with me. And I doubt that will happen
anytime soon," he shrugs nonchalantly.

"Impossible. Thousands of people have seen you on television tonight and I bet they've
already fallen in love with you," he smiles. "By the way! It's impossible not to fall in love
with you when you look this pretty. The first thing I'm going to do tomorrow is order your
servants to sew up some sacks of potatoes for you to wear instead. You look beautiful. You
always do, don’t get me wrong… But tonight… Simply wow."

"Oh," this time it's Jeongguk's cheeks that decide to get colored. "This?" He points his index
finger at the red suit that covers his body. "It's nothing special."

When Taehyung doesn't say anything and keeps his gaze firmly on Jeongguk, on Jeongguk's
body, the purple-haired boy slaps him on the arm.

"Shut up, Taehyung."

The prince chuckles. "I'm not kidding. You're too handsome for your own good. When you
leave the Selection, you'll have to take some guards with you to protect you from your love
admirers. You'll never survive alone, poor thing," he jokes, feigning pity.

"What can I do?" Jeongguk sighs mockingly. "I can't help being born perfect," he shrugs,
then waves his hand in front of his face as if it's extremely tiring to be so handsome.
Jeongguk approaches Taehyung until their sides are glued together, intertwining their arms
again so that it's easier for Jeongguk to lean his head on the prince's shoulder.

"Yeah, I don't think you can help it indeed,” Taehyung mutters.

Jeongguk giggles, wrinkling his nose as he gazes at the completely dark forest. For a
moment, Jeongguk doesn't even notice that Taehyung doesn't seem to find his comment
funny.
Out of the corner of his eye, Jeongguk can sense the prince staring at him. His face is so close
to Jeongguk's that the purple-haired boy could feel the prince's warm breath against his
forehead and cheek. When Jeongguk turns to ask him why he was staring, he is surprised to
realize that their noses are millimeters away from touching, their feet are already brushing
against each other, and their hands' tingle to reach out the other. Their eyes go down and
down and down, past the curves of their noses and cheekbones, reaching their arches of
cupids, until their gazes finally stop at the final destination: their lips. Jeongguk, despite his
uncontrollable heartbeat, is surprised that they’re close enough to kiss each other.

And he is even more surprised when Taehyung leans over and does that.

Their lips touch in the briefest of seconds, just a light touch because, in a quick move,
Jeongguk quickly backs away, taking a step back. Taehyung steps back too.

"I’m sorry. I’m so sorry, Jeongguk. I didn't mean to..." He mumbles, blushing deeply.

"What are you doing?" Jeongguk asks in a stunned whisper. He brings his fingertips to his
mouth as if he still feels the gentle touch of the prince's lips on his own.

"I’m sorry," Taehyung turns away slightly, obviously embarrassed. He brings both of his
hands to his uncrowned hair - as he always appears in Jeongguk's bedroom at night - and
pulls it back in an act of frustration.

"Why did you do this?"

"It's just... What you said on the Official News... Saying I'm a kind and generous person...
And then, yesterday when you reached me first... The way you acted... I thought maybe your
feelings were starting to change. And I like you, Jeongguk, I think that’s pretty obvious,"
Taehyung turns to face him. "And... Shit, it was awful, wasn't it? You don't look pleased at
all."

The prince grimaces and Jeongguk, sometime later, will surely laugh at hearing the prince
curse for the first time. However, at this very moment, he only feels surprise, confusion and,
unexpectedly, warmth.

Jeongguk tries to change the expression on his face because Taehyung looks completely
mortified. And just as he thought, his suspicions are true.

"I'm so sorry, Jeongguk. Seriously. I've never kissed anyone before. I don't know what I'm
doing. I don't even know what it took me to get close to try to kiss you but... I just... I'm sorry,
Jeongguk," Taehyung takes a deep breath after speaking so quickly, running his hand through
his hair a few more times as he leans against the wall of the bandstand.

And oh.

Oh.

He wanted his first kiss to be with Jeongguk. There, in front of him, is the prince and future
king of Euphoréa, Kim Taehyung, embarrassed for having tried to share with Jeongguk the
first kiss of his life.

The warmth that Jeongguk was feeling before? It only increases even more. It seems that the
beginning of winter disappears completely and the night is invaded by the hottest day of
summer, by a blazing fire, by hell itself.

Jeongguk thinks of the Taehyung he knows now - a flattering man; able to give him the gift
of a bet he had lost; able to forgive him after having hurt him emotionally with all the
atrocities he had said. And that's when Jeongguk realizes something that makes him see this
whole contest differently. Jeongguk discovers that he wouldn’t mind if Taehyung kissed him.

Is he sure how he feels about the prince? Definitely not. He came to the Selection with no
expectations whatsoever, with the idea formed in his head that he would never, ever get
involved with the prince, much less fall in love. But then, how could he explain the tingle in
his hands that made him want to reach out to the prince and touch him? But then, how would
he explain the slight tremor that invaded his body every time their faces were just inches
apart? But then, how would he explain the continual desire to see him and talk to him? Of
course, Jeongguk is more than aware that they’re friends and are forming a beautiful
friendship but... What was stopping that friendship from turning into something more?

Nothing. Nothing but Jeongguk's prejudiced ideas about Taehyung, all very different from the
person he truly was.

So, in an act of boldness and confidence, Jeongguk approaches Taehyung and rubs the
prince’s forehead with his hand.

Completely confused and frowning, Taehyung asks, "What are you doing?"

"I'm erasing that memory. I think we can do better. Don't you?" Jeongguk withdraws his hand
and stands beside the prince, this time being him the one who’s taking a step forward until
their bodies are closer.

Taehyung doesn't move but smiles hesitantly. "Jeongguk, I don't think we can change
history." Despite his words, his expression is hopeful.

"Of course we can," Jeongguk says confidently. "After all, who will know besides us?"

Taehyung stares at him for a moment, clearly wondering if it's even possible. The struggle
between desire and hesitation is visible. But then, Jeongguk sees a caring confidence slowly
taking over the prince's expression as he looks him straight in the eye.

They stay like that for a few moments - eyes to eyes, breaths mingled, noses caressing each
other - before Jeongguk can remember exactly what he'd said.

"I can't help being born perfect," Jeongguk repeats in a mutter, licking his lips right away.
The move clearly catches the prince's attention.

Taehyung approaches, wrapping his arm around Jeongguk's waist until they’re without a
single bit of distance between their bodies. His nose comes back to caress Jeongguk's and
Taehyung slides his fingers over the purple-haired boy's face, very gently, as if he feared that
Jeongguk was made of porcelain and could break in front of his eyes.

"Yeah, I don't think you can help it indeed,” Taehyung whispers back.

With his hand carefully lifting Jeongguk's face towards his, Taehyung tilts his head until his
lips press against Jeongguk's in the shyest of kisses.

Something about the way he hesitates makes Jeongguk feel... Beautiful. And it’s mesmerizing
how just a touch, without any words uttered, is able to make Jeongguk understand how
Taehyung feels thrilled and elated, but also scared, with this moment. And behind all this,
Jeongguk feels Taehyung's adoration. And that only makes his poor heart pound harder, until
his blood fills every single vein in his body with warmth and desire and euphoria.

As expected from a prince, Taehyung's lips are soft and tender and touched Jeongguk's
cautiously. But when Jeongguk wraps his hands around Taehyung's neck with his trembling
fingers, something seems to light up inside the prince and boldness wins against shyness.

Their mouths move in tune, opening together to discover and venture into every millimeter
that makes up their tongues. It’s euphoric, it’s magical, it’s ecstatic, it’s just like the fairy tales
described.

When the air inside their lungs becomes thin, their mouths part, and the only sound the
gardens hear, along with the chirping of cicadas, is their panting breaths.

"Was it better?" Taehyung asks timidly.

Jeongguk, biting his lower lip, can only nod, smiling when the prince mutters a, "Thank
God."

Taehyung seems to be on the verge of unleashing pirouettes, punching the air, dancing in the
rain or singing with the birds, and in Jeongguk's chest, there is a similar feeling. Despite not
understanding it yet, Jeongguk is aware of its existence. It’s all so unexpected, so
overwhelming, so fast, so strange, so confusing, but so good. Jeongguk's face must have
given away his confusion because Taehyung gets serious.

"Can I say one thing?"

Jeongguk nods again, unconsciously stroking the strands of hair that adorn the back of the
prince's nape.

"I'm neither stupid nor naive to the point that I believe you're in love with me. I know you're
not here in the Selection under exactly normal circumstances either and you know that for me
it was never a problem," Taehyung begins. "I know you think there are others here more
suited to me and this life, and I don't want you to force you to be happy with any of this
either. I just... I just want to know if it's possible..."

It's a difficult question to answer. Is Jeongguk willing to try to live a life he never wanted? Is
he willing to stand by and watch Taehyung kindly arrange romantic dates with others to
 ensure he isn't making a mistake? Is Jeongguk willing to take on the responsibilities of a
prince? And most important of all... Is he willing to love Taehyung?

"Taehyung... As always, I will be honest with you," Jeongguk murmurs against the prince's
lips. They’re still hugging, mumbling against each other as if, this time, not even the flowers
present in the garden are allowed to share this moment with them.

"You know that's what I always expect from you," the prince replies.

"Good. Because I can't tell you it's possible for me to fall in love with you," Jeongguk looks
down, more precisely at Taehyung's trembling arms that still hold his waist.

"Oh," Taehyung's voice comes out wavering, sad even, and Jeongguk feels the prince's hands
wanting to leave his body. However, before that can actually happen, the purple-haired boy is
quicker and grabs Taehyung's hands with determination, entwining their fingers together.

"I can't tell you it's possible for me to develop romantic feelings for you," Jeongguk repeats,
this time staring at Taehyung's distorted face. "But..."

Taehyung, who was staring at the ground, not daring to stare into Jeongguk's eyes upon
hearing those words, quickly looks up. A flame of hope flares up in his eyes again.

"But…?"

"But I can't tell you it's impossible either," Jeongguk finishes, letting out a long breath that
has caught inside him.

Taehyung nods, a small smile appearing on his lips that, until two seconds ago, were turned
down in disappointment. Of course Taehyung prefers to focus on the last part, of course
Taehyung prefers to think about the possibility.

And that's why he mutters, "Okay. I can work with that," Taehyung whispers, his thumbs
moving up and down Jeongguk's waist. "You can't tell me it's possible for you to develop
feelings for me. But you can't say it's impossible either. Yeah, I can definitely work with
that."

"Great. Because I'm definitely going to be rooting for the impossible," Jeongguk admits,
sealing his words by gluing his lips back against Taehyung's.

Chapter End Notes

my twitter
my curious cat
playlist
 six
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes

VI

"So, the one we see here is called Wisteria. It's a real vine, and that means it’s a shrubby plant
that needs to climb to reach the sunlight," Namjoon explains patiently. "They come from
China and Japan and the best times for planting them are spring and autumn. An interesting
curiosity about them is that these flowers, despite their slow growth, can reach up to a
hundred years old!"

Taehyung gazes completely entranced at the lilac flowers that cover the wooden stakes that
build the bandstand, giving a romantic and noble air to the scenery.

"A hundred years? I had no idea flowers could last that long," the prince comments in awe.

"It's true," Namjoon nods. "I'm sorry, Your Majesty. I don't mean to sound invasive or
anything like that but... May I ask why the sudden curiosity with the flowers? It's not that I
don't like having you here with me and it's really a pleasure to explain everything about them
to you but I must say I'm curious."

Namjoon is the royal palace's gardener and florist. The tall, broad-shouldered man with
golden hair and a masculine face but, at the same time, jovial because of the two dimples in
his cheeks, is primarily responsible for carrying out the arrangements and bouquets that are
part of the palace's decoration, from the tables centerpieces to the hundreds of vases that run
along the long corridors. In addition, he also takes care of all the plants in the garden,
watering them and pruning instructions to the other gardeners.

"Well, let's just say having knowledge never hurts. Right?" Taehyung responds, sending him
a calm smile.

The prince follows Namjoon, who now moves from the bandstand to an area of the garden
with more bushes and flowers, prepared to continue his explanations. The gardener seems
extremely excited for someone showing interest in knowing more about the area he loves so
much and even if Namjoon has his back turned, Taehyung grins even more for reminding him
of someone.

"You’re totally right, Your Highness," Namjoon responds in agreement, bowing shortly
afterward as he stops by a patch of trumpet-shaped flowers with petals with a mix of colors
ranging from white, pink and glimpses of yellow. "These are called Pansies. They’re also
from Asia and although the ones we have here are in shades of pink, there are also in blue."
"Interesting," Taehyung nods, genuinely curious about all the facts about the pretty, tiny
plants. Taehyung points to the ones on the other side, only one meter away. "What about
those over there?"

"I'll tell you all about them, Your Majesty," Namjoon smiles, starting again another speech
about the new species of flowers that lie ahead of them.

Obviously, Jeongguk didn't tell anyone what happened between him and Taehyung a few
nights ago, not even Areum or his servants. It was his and Taehyung’s secret, with just the
wonderful, colorful flowers as their witnesses, and Jeongguk could remember it during Jang-
mi's boring classes, when he had nothing to do in the Leisure Hall or before he falls asleep.
And to be honest, Jeongguk thought about their shared kisses – both the first, awkward one
and the couple of sweeter ones that followed a few moments later – more often than he
thought he would.

Jeongguk wasn't naive enough to believe that he would fall in love with Taehyung overnight.
He couldn't even guarantee that that would happen. His heart was stubborn, even more so
with all the strings that falling in love with a prince would bring to him. However, he couldn't
deny that a part of him did want that to happen. Jeongguk considered that possibility calmly,
alone, though he felt the urge to reveal his secret more than once.

Especially four days later, when Sohui announced in the Leisure Hall, completely full of
selected, that Taehyung had kissed her.

Just as Jeongguk didn't imagine that he would think about the kiss more often than he initially
supposed, he also never thought it would hurt so much to know that Taehyung's lips could
touch others than his. Jeongguk wasn't aware of how a muscle like the heart could contract so
much, so much that it looked like it would shrink to the point that it would disappear
completely from his chest. But he was aware of this since the beginning, right? This is a
contest. It's not fair for Taehyung to wait for Jeongguk when the purple-haired boy couldn't
even promise Taehyung that he would fall in love with him. The prince had all the legitimacy
in continuing to meet the other competitors and, who knows, discovering love. Even though
that thought makes Jeongguk's throat constrict.

"Tell us everything!" Jimin insists, intertwining his fingers in a plea.

All the selected are curious, but it’s notorious that Jimin is the most enthusiastic one. In the
short time since his last date with Taehyung - Jimin had told him a few days ago that the two
of them had gone to play golf - the caste Two boy's interest in the progress of all the other
candidates seems to have grown. Jeongguk can't figure out what's behind that change but he
doesn't ask either.
Sohui doesn't need much encouragement. She sits on one of the beige sofas, spreading her
long, pink dress around her. Her back is pretty straight, especially compared to her usually
placid posture, while her hands rest in her lap. It was like she was rehearsing to be a princess.
Jeongguk swallows the urge to tell her that a kiss doesn't automatically mean she is winning.

"I don't want to go into details, but it was quite romantic," the Four caste girl brags, lowering
her head in a gesture of false shyness. "He took me up to the roof. There's a place there that
looks like a kind of balcony and is apparently used for guarding. Honestly, that part I didn't
quite understand. Anyway, we could see beyond the walls and the city that shimmered as far
as our eyes could see. The prince barely said anything; he just pulled me to him and kissed
me," her body shudders with joy.

Areum sighs dreamily, cupping her chin in his hands as she looks at Sohui. Yejun, on the
other hand, seems to want to break something. All that was left was smoke to come out of his
ears. And, as for Jeongguk, he stands there, completely still.

He repeats to himself that there is no reason why he should mind too much. After all, this is
all part of the Selection. What did he expect? For Taehyung to send all candidates home and
wait an indefinite amount of time for Jeongguk? And how could Jeongguk be sure that he
really wanted to be with Taehyung?

Honestly, he should consider this a stroke of luck. It's obvious that Yejun now has a new
target for his evil actions, and after the torn shirt episode before the Official News - which
Jeongguk had ended up forgetting to tell Taehyung - he couldn't be a hypocrite and say he
wasn't relieved by the Three choosing another victim.

"Do you think she was the only one the prince ever kissed?" Sun-mi whispers into Jeongguk's
ear.

Woojin, who is sitting next to Jeongguk, hears the question as well and interjects, "The prince
wasn't just going to kiss anyone. She must have done something right," he mutters with a
pout on his lips.

"What if he's already kissed more selected than we think and they're all keeping a secret?
Maybe it's part of their strategy," Sun-mi speculates.

"I don't think anyone who kept it a secret did it by strategy," Jeongguk counters. "Maybe
they're just reserved and want to keep the moment private for them."

Sun-mi takes a deep breath. "What if Sohui’s story is just a move? Now everyone in this
room is worried and, after all, no one can just walk up to the prince and ask him if he really
kissed her. There's no way we'll know if she is lying or not," the Four girl shrugs.

"Do you think she would do that?" Jeongguk asks thoughtfully.

"If she did, I'm just sorry I didn't think of it first," Woojin comments wistfully. "It was a good
strategy, whether it's a lie or not."

Sun-mi sighs. "This is a lot more complicated than I thought it would be."
"Don't tell me anything," Jeongguk mumbles under his breath.

"I like almost everyone in this room, but when I hear that the prince has done something with
someone, I just think about figuring out how to do it better," Sun-mi confesses. "And I don't
like feeling like I'm competing against you."

"That's more or less what I was telling Areum the other day," Woojin adds. "She's very
elegant and I think she'd make a great princess. I can't be angry with her if she has more dates
with the prince than I do, although I want the crown too."

Jeongguk's eyes meet Sun-mi's for a quick moment and the purple-haired boy realizes that
they both thought the same thing. Woojin had said crown and not prince. The caste Four boy
doesn't seem to realize his mistake - intentional or not - so Jeongguk adds, "I and Areum talk
about it all the time: how we can see great qualities in each other."

Jeongguk travels his gaze around the hall until his eyes fall on Areum, on the girl of the same
caste as his and also his friend. Suddenly, Jeongguk was no longer so jealous of Sohui, nor
angry with Yejun. They're all going through it in different ways and maybe even for different
reasons, but at least they were in this together. As the days went by, Jeongguk got used to the
presence of these people, even becoming friends with most of them. He couldn't hate them,
even though his heart was screaming and sending him thoughts about how he wasn't the only
one having special moments with the prince.

"The most important thing is to be ourselves," Jeongguk continues. "I would honestly prefer
the prince to send me away for being myself than to keep me here for acting like someone
else."

"That's true," Sun-mi agrees. "And, in the end, nine of us will have to leave. If I were the last
one, I'd like to know I had the support of the others, so let's try to support each other as well."

Jeongguk nods his head in agreement. She is right and Jeongguk knows he is capable of
doing it.

It was then that Mi-Suk bursts into the hall, when Jeongguk hadn't even noticed the caste
Three girl's absence in the first place. She looks around and squeals when she sees the
selected remaining ones, clearly getting their attention.

"You won't believe it. Just look at these hairpins!" She exclaims, pointing to the two beautiful
hair ornaments encrusted with what appear to be priceless gemstones, in various shades of
blue to match her dress. "Prince Taehyung just gave it to me. Aren't they beautiful?" She
sighs dreamily.

Her words spark a new wave of excitement and disappointment throughout the Leisure Hall,
and Jeongguk's newfound confidence vanishes in the blink of an eye.

However, he tries not to be upset. After all, he also received gifts and kissed Taehyung. But
as the hall fills with stories of romantic moments between the remaining contestants and the
prince, Jeongguk just feels like disappearing. Perhaps, today would be a very good day for
him to spend some time with his servants instead.
Jeongguk is thinking about leaving the hall and returning to his bedroom when Jang-mi
enters, looking slightly tired and excited at the same time.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" She calls, trying to get silence. "You're all here, right?" All selected
answer a yes in chorus. "Thank God!" She sighs, calming down. "I know this is breaking
news, but we just found out that the king and the queen of Japan are coming to visit us in
three days and, as you all know, we have blood ties to that royal family. Besides, the rest of
our queen's family will come to meet you at the same time, so we will have a very full house
and very little time to prepare. So, uncheck everything you planned to do this afternoon.
Classes in the Great Hall begin immediately after lunch. Don't be late, please.” And with
these words, Jang-mi leaves the Leisure Hall as fast as she entered.

Well, there goes the idea of Jeongguk returning to the calm of his bedroom. At least, this way,
his head will be occupied with preparations and etiquette, not kisses where his lips aren't the
protagonists.

Anyone would think the palace workers had months to organize everything. Despite having
been here for three weeks now, Jeongguk continued to be amazed at the professionalism of
everyone who works for the royal family.

In the gardens, gigantic tents are set up, made of white cloth and with tables of food and wine
spread all over the lawn. The number of guards present is noticeably bigger than usual, and
several Japanese soldiers, who, naturally, accompany their king and queen, joined them. And
so, men with blank but watchful eyes and weapons at their waists are deployed every ten feet.

One of the tents has thrones for the king, queen and Taehyung, as well as for the monarchs
from Japan. The Japanese queen - whose name Jeongguk is unable to pronounce even if his
life depended on it - is almost as beautiful as the queen Yuna, and both seemed to have a
pretty friendly relationship. They’re all comfortably accommodated in the tent, except
Taehyung, who is busy introducing all the selected to his relatives.

The prince seems completely delighted to see all of his cousins, special the youngest ones,
who spend their time pulling at his coat, then running away. Taehyung has brought with him
one of his many cameras and runs after the kids, taking pictures of them. All the selected
watch the scene with hearts drawn in their eyes.

"Jeongguk," someone calls. The purple-haired boy turns and sees Sohui and Yejun talking to
a woman with features identical to Taehyung’s mother. "Come meet the queen's sister," the
voice repeats, Jeongguk now identified as Sohui's. Something indecipherable in the tone of
the caste Four girl makes Jeongguk nervous about the invitation. It's not like he wants to be in
Yejun's presence either, but it would be rude for him to just ignore and turn around.
Jeongguk approaches and bows to the woman, who lets out a loud chuckle and says, "No, my
dear, I'm not the queen. You don't need to bow to me. My name is Binna. I'm Yuna's older
sister," the red-haired woman reaches out to Jeongguk and lets out a hiccup as they shake
hands. She speaks with a slight accent and there's something about her that makes Jeongguk
feel comfortable as if he's just arrived home. Binna also holds an almost empty wine glass,
which, judging by her heavy gaze, shouldn't be the first.

“Where are you from? I love your accent,” Jeongguk praises with a sincere smile on his lips.
Some of the Selection candidates from the South spoke similarly, and their voices sounded
incredibly soft and romantic to him.

"From Argenis. Right next to the coast. We grew up in a tiny house," the queen's sister
explains, putting her thumb and forefinger together and leaving little more than an inch
between them. “And look at her now! Well, look at me,” Binna adds, pointing to her dress.
"What a change."

"My parents took me and my sisters to the coast once. Even though it wasn't in the south, I
loved it," Jeongguk comments.

"Oh no, no, son," she says, waving her hand frantically. Yejun and Mi-suk seem to be holding
back their laughter. It's obvious that they think the queen's sister shouldn't be so casual. "The
beaches in the center of Euphoréa suck when compared to those in the south. Our sea is
warmer. You have to go there one day."

Jeongguk smiles and nods, thinking he would genuinely love to get to know the country
better. But it was unlikely for him to do it one day, though. Shortly thereafter, one of Binna's
many children approaches and takes their mother away. Yejun and Mi-suk burst out laughing
then.

"Isn't it hilarious?" Sohui asks.

"What? I don't know. She seemed very nice to me," Jeongguk replies with a frown,
shrugging.

"She’s so… Vulgar," Yejun comments in a derogatory tone. "You should have heard the
atrocities she said before you arrived."

"What's so wrong about her?" Jeongguk rolls his eyes.

"She should have learned some etiquette over the years. How come Jang-mi didn't get her?"
Sohui considers.

"You must be forgetting that you were also born in caste Four, just like her," Jeongguk
shoots.

Her air of superiority wears off in a matter of seconds and she seems to recognize that she is
not all that different from the queen's sister. Yejun, however, being a Three by birth, goes on
by saying, "You can rest assured that if I win, my family either learns to behave or is
deported. I would never allow myself to be embarrassed like that."
Jeongguk scoffs. When he thinks the Three can't piss him off anymore... "What did she do to
be so embarrassing after all?"

Yejun clicks his tongue. "Didn't you notice? She's completely drunk. The king and queen of
Japan are here! They should lock her in one of the halls."

Jeongguk, with a last scornful gaze at the caste Three boy, thinks he's done putting up with
him and walks away to fetch some wine as well.

Glass in hand, he looks around and, honestly, doesn't see a single place he wants to be. Even
though they are in the garden, the place is too overcrowded for him to be able to pay the
deserved attention to the flowers and the rest of the nature. The party is being beautiful and
interesting, but completely unnerving at the same time.

The purple-haired boy thinks about Yejun's words, even though they have deeply irritated
him. If he ended up living in the palace, would he expect his family to change? Honestly,
Jeongguk didn't want that. He loved them with all his heart just as they were. But did
Taehyung want him to change? Is that why he's been kissing the other contestants? Because
was something wrong with Jeongguk?

Will the rest of the days at the Selection be this unnerving?

"Smile."

Jeongguk's thoughts evaporate into thin air when he turns and sees Taehyung aiming the lens
of his camera at him. Jeongguk jumps back in surprise. He was so angry with the previous
moments that the unexpected picture was enough to end the rest of his patience, which causes
the purple-haired boy to snort and turn his back on the prince.

"Is something wrong?" Taehyung asks, lowering the camera. Jeongguk shrugs. "What
happened?"

"Today is one of those days when I don't really feel like being part of the Selection," he
replies succinctly.

Undiscouraged, Taehyung approaches and lowers his voice. "Do you need someone to talk
to? I can poke the mole in my nose right now," the prince proposes.

Jeongguk sighs and tries to put the politest smile possible on his face. "No, I just need to
think," he finally replies, making a move to pull away.

"Jeongguk," Taehyung calls in a low voice, gently grabbing the purple-haired boy's wrist. He
stops and turns to face the prince. "Did I do something wrong?"

Taehyung's worried eyes make the corner of Jeongguk's lips turn down, but even so, he
hesitates. Should he ask Taehyung about the kiss between him and Sohui? Or tell him he feels
tense around the others now that things had changed between the two of them? Should he tell
Taehyung he doesn't want to change, nor his family, just to be part of the monarchy?
Jeongguk is about to let it all out when he hears a high-pitched voice call from behind them.
"Prince Taehyung?"

They turn around at the same time and there is Yejun, now talking to the queen of Japan. It’s
obvious that he wants to continue the conversation arm in arm with Taehyung. This only
becomes even clearer when Yejun nods, inviting the prince to join them.

"Why don't you go to him?" Jeongguk whispers, letting the irritation show through his voice
again. He knows he’s being unfair, deep down inside he knows, but he can’t stop. This day is
being a big snowball of accumulation of things.

Taehyung stares at him and his expression remind Jeongguk that this is part of the contest,
that he has to do this. Jeongguk knows it too, he knows it perfectly well. Now, if his heart
also understands that he has to share Taehyung with the others... That is another diferent
conversation.

"Jeongguk..." Taehyung tries, but the other boy doesn't even look at him.

The purple-haired boy just smiles as sincerely as possible, even though he doubts the twitch
of his lips is honest. "Be careful with that one, Prince Taehyung," he makes a quick bow and
walks away, not even letting Taehyung utter another word.

Jeongguk heads towards the interior of the palace, away from the prince's giggles with Yejun
and the voices of the other competitors, when, halfway there, he comes across Jimin sitting
alone. At that moment, Jeongguk didn't even feel like being in his company, but the caste
Seven boy notices that Jimin is sitting on a bench near the entry door to the palace, right in
the blazing sun. His closest company is a silent young guard a few feet away who, with a
brief glance, Jeongguk recognizes as Yoongi.

"Jimin? What are you doing here? You're going to be sunburned," he advises in a worried
tone.

Jimin gives him a polite smile, shaking his head slightly in denial. "I'm fine here."

"No, seriously," Jeongguk insists, putting one of his hands on Jimin's arm. "You'll be the
color of queen Yuna's sister's hair. You should-"

Jimin jerks Jeongguk's hand away, but his voice remains soft as he utters, "No, Jeongguk. I
want to stay here. I prefer it this way."

There is a kind of tension in his features that Jimin is obviously trying to hide. Jeongguk is
sure the caste Two boy isn't angry at him, not least because there was no reason for that, but
there's something strange in the air about this whole situation.

"Okay," Jeongguk concedes, nodding slowly. "But try to go into the shade soon. The
sunburns hurt," he tries to hide his frustration and heads to the palace without looking back.

Once inside, Jeongguk decides to walk to the Leisure Hall. He can’t stay away from the party
for long and, at least, this hall would certainly be empty. But when he enters, Jeongguk finds
Binna sitting by the window, watching the scenes unfold outside. The woman turns to
Jeongguk when she hears his footsteps resonate on the floor and smiles at him slightly.

Jeongguk approaches her and sits down next to Binna when the woman doesn't look
uncomfortable. "Are you hiding?"

Binna smiles. "More or less. I genuinely wanted to meet you all and see my sister, but I hate
it when these things turn into state shows. It makes me tense," she confesses.

Jeongguk nods subtly, understanding perfectly. "I'm not a big fan either. I can't imagine
myself doing this kind of thing all the time."

"I bet not," she lets out a few giggles. "You're the Seven, right?" The way she asks doesn't
sound offensive. It’s more like asking if Jeongguk belonged to the club.

Jeongguk responds, "Yes."

“I remember your face. And your hair, of course. I find that hard to forget,” Binna comments
happily, stealing a laugh from Jeongguk. "You were so charming at the airport. It's the kind of
thing she would have done," Binna states, nodding her head through out the window, more
precisely to queen Yuna. Then, she lets out a sigh. "I don't know how she does it. She's
stronger than most people think."

Jeongguk watches her grab a new glass of wine and sip the contents in a shade a little darker
than her hair color.

"She seems to be very strong, but serene too," Jeongguk agrees.

Binna grins proudly. "Yes, but she's more than that. Look at her now."

Jeongguk obeys at the woman sitting beside him until his eyes fall back to the queen, who is
on her throne under some shade and watching something across the lawn. He follows the
direction of the queen's gaze and realizes that she is looking at Taehyung. The prince is still
talking to the queen of Japan, beside Yejun, while one of his cousins hangs on his leg.

"He would have been an excellent brother," Binna comments, referring to Taehyung. "Yuna
lost three babies, two before him and one after, and she's already confessed to me that she
still thinks about it. And I... And I have six kids. I feel guilty whenever I come here. I'm
afraid it looks like I'm rubbing it in her face or something... It's horrible," the woman
confesses, looking absently at the glass in her hand.

"I'm so sorry to hear that," Jeongguk lets his gaze fall to the queen regretfully. "But I'm sure
she doesn't think of it that way. I even bet she gets excited whenever you all visit her," he
assures.

Binna turns to Jeongguk. "Do you know what makes her happy?" A pause. "You guys. Do
you know what she sees in the Selection? A daughter or a son. She knows that, when this is
all over, she'll have two sons."
He looks back at the queen, who remains seated outside on her throne. "Do you think so? She
seems a little distant, to be honest. I haven't even talked to her yet."

Binna nods. "You'll see. She's afraid to get attached to you and then have to see you go.
When the group diminishes, you'll see."

Jeongguk averts his gaze from the queen and pauses it on Taehyung. Then, he looks at the
king and ends up looking at Binna again. A multitude of things goes through his mind. As
families are always families, regardless of caste. As all mothers have their concerns. As
Jeongguk actually began to see the remaining competitors as a family too, not really hating
any of them even though some of them might be quite unsuitable. Because everyone here has
to wear a mask, for some reason. And finally, how Taehyung made him a promise. Taehyung
had assured him that knowing about Jeongguk's uncertainties would not cause any change in
their friendship. Jeongguk is the one doing it because of his confused jealousy. And Jeongguk
always knew that Taehyung has the Selection and all the contestants to meet. He can't let the
flower that started to bloom between them both to wither. It’s not fair.

"Excuse me," Jeongguk starts to get up, gazing at the woman apologetically. "I need to talk to
someone."

Binna sips her wine and waves at him happily, not minding in the least about his sudden
departure. Jeongguk leaves the hall with hurried steps and returns to the blinding, hot sun of
the gardens. The purple-haired boy looks around for a moment, searching for a specific cloud
of brown hair when he sees Taehyung's little cousin chasing him with loud laughter and
falsely scary hands, the two running around a tree. Jeongguk's lips don't hold back and mirror
a grin as he slowly approaches, watching the scene fondly.

Finally, Taehyung seems to notice the presence of the caste Seven boy, even though he still
has his arms in the air in surrender in front of his cousin. He was laughing, but as soon as his
eyes meet Jeongguk's, his smile slowly begin to fade. It’s clear that the prince is searching
Jeongguk's face for a sign of his mood.

Jeongguk bites his lip and looks down. He feels ashamed, guilty even, for the way he'd
reacted earlier with the prince. It’s evident that his worrying about what will happen to him as
a member of the Selection implies processing a series of other feelings that Jeongguk has not
yet prepared for. But regardless of how he feels, whether it's the emotions directed at
Taehyung or what being chosen by a prince entails, it wasn't fair that he took it out on others,
especially on Taehyung.

He thinks of the queen. How she welcomes foreign leaders, family members and even a
group of completely unknown girls and boys, all at the same time. She can manage events
and support causes, take care of her husband, son and country, and, underlying all of this, she
is a human being who deals with her own emotions too.

Jeongguk lifts his head, staring at Taehyung with apologies mirrored in his eyes. When the
prince begins to smile slowly, Jeongguk returns the gesture, feeling his heart finally relax
inside his chest. Taehyung whispers something in the boy's ear, who immediately leaves
running after, giggling.
Afterward, Taehyung pokes twice at the mole that decorates the tip of his nose.

Jeongguk does the same but with the mole on his lower lip, believing that the flower between
them is blooming more and more and it won't be the Selection that will ruin it.

The queen's family spent a few more days with them and the visitors from Japan a whole
week. This Sunday’s Official News, in addition to the usual summary of the week at the
Selection, featured a report on international relations and measures to promote peace in both
nations.

As soon as everyone left, another visitor arrived: the peace. It had now been a month since
Jeongguk arrived at the palace and, strange as it was to admit this, he now feels completely at
home. The corners and endless corridors of that gigantic palace were no longer a mystery.
The sound of high heels or leather shoes clanging against marble, the clink of crystal glasses,
the marching guards - all this was becoming as familiar as the noise of his home front door
creaking in the windier days or the sound of his sisters giggling over boys.

Also, meals with the royal family and moments in the Leisure Hall became regular in
Jeongguk's routine, but the meanwhile moments in his day were always new. He started to
devote more time to draw, which he didn't do so much at home. Jeongguk had taken a few
weeks to discover it, but the palace library has the most varied drawing materials - from
pencils of every possible and imaginary color to graffiti of different thicknesses - and with a
request for permission at Taehyung, the purple-haired boy started to spend much of his time
there. Jeongguk has to admit that he is getting spoiled because his inspiration abounded due
to the beautiful landscapes next to the palace.

And even the Great Hall had become more interesting, as the queen had visited them at least
twice. She hadn't really talked to anyone yet, at least not in private, but she would sit in a
comfortable chair accompanied by her maids and watch the selected as they read, crocheted,
or chatted.

In general, the animosity had also calmed. Of course, Yejun continued to circle the palace
with his air of superiority, but they all eventually got used to each other. The selected finally
discovered the top of the pictures taken for the magazine's photoshoot. And it goes without
saying that Jeongguk's jaw hit the ground when he saw he was in the top three favorites.
Jimin was the first, followed by Sohui and then, him. Rounding out the top five were Areum
and Mi-Suk. Hearing this, Yejun did not speak to Mi-suk for several days, but now they seem
to have forgotten about it.

What seemed to cause the most tension between them was the information thrown into the
air. Whoever had been with the prince couldn't help but brag about their date. From the way
everyone talked, it seemed that Taehyung would end up choosing four or five partners. But
not everyone was happy with the experience.
Jimin, for example, is probably the person who had the most dates with Taehyung - apart
from Jeongguk, of course, and Areum - which made the rest of the contestants nervous.
However, Jeongguk had noticed that Jimin had never returned as radiant and excited as after
their first one. He is sure of this when they’re both walking in the garden in the late
afternoon.

"Jeongguk, if I tell you something... Will you promise not to tell anyone else?" Jimin asks,
hesitation wrapped in his voice. Jeongguk knows this is serious, not least because it was clear
that Jimin had waited until they were out of earshot of the Leisure Hall and out of sight of the
guards.

"Of course, Jimin. You don't even need to ask me that. Is everything okay with you?"
Jeongguk looks worriedly at the other boy's profile.

"Yeah, I'm fine," he quickly assures. "It's just... I need your opinion on something," Jimin's
face contorts in exasperation.

"What’s up?"

Jimin sighs loudly as he stops in his tracks, biting his lip as he finally glares at Jeongguk. "It's
prince Taehyung. I don't know if it will work..." He admits, looking down.

"Why are you saying that?" Jeongguk asks. Now that Jimin has confessed, they continue to
walk.

"Well, for starters, I don't… I don't feel anything, you know? There's no chemistry, no bond,"
Jimin begins.

"You have to give him time," Jeongguk advises. "Taehyung can be a little shy, but that's it.
Maybe the chemistry between you two won't grow so fast."

Even though Jeongguk continues to hear the voice in the back of his brain screaming to him
that it doesn’t like to imagine Taehyung with someone else - although, in the last few days,
Jeongguk has learned to better control it and get inside him that this is normal and expected
in the Selection - he can't just stop being a good friend by listening and advising Jimin.

"No... What I mean is, I don't think I like him," Jimin confesses in a low voice, as if he's
embarrassed to say how he feels out loud.

"Ah..." It's the only syllable Jeongguk lets out. This is a different situation, no doubt. "Have
you tried?"

How great, Jeongguk. What a stupid question!

"Yes, and a lot!" He responds exasperatedly. "I wait for the moment when he says or does
something that tells me we have something in common, but it never happens. I find him
beautiful and attractive, of course, but obviously, that's not enough to build a relationship, do
you understand?" He stares at Jeongguk to make sure the other boy is following him. "I
mean, I don't even know if he's attracted to me. Do you have any idea what he... You know...
What he likes?"

Jeongguk thinks for a moment. "If you mean what he likes in terms of looks... Not really. We
never talked about what he prefers in terms of physical attributes."

"And then there's this, too!" Jimin runs one of his hands through his strands of blond hair
frustratingly. "We never talk. He talks with you all the time, by what you tell, but he never
really talks with me. We spend most of our dates in silence, reading, playing golf or cards."

Jimin looks more and more worried as if he's blaming himself for feeling that way, which
causes the corners of Jeongguk's lips to curl down in concern for his friend.

"Sometimes we don't talk either. We just sit around and say nothing at all," Jeongguk tries to
comfort. "Besides, these kinds of feelings don't just happen overnight. It takes time. Maybe
you're just taking it slow, which is completely normal," he tries to reassure Jimin, who seems
to be getting more and more about to break down in tears.

"Honestly, Jeongguk, I think the only reason I'm still here is that the people out there seem to
like me so much," Jimin shrugs. "At least that's what I see in magazines. I think the prince
respects the opinion of his subjects."

Jeongguk had never thought about it, but now that Jimin has put the matter on the table, it
seems plausible. Before, he would have dismissed that opinion, but Taehyung really loved his
people. Perhaps, they had more influence in choosing the future princess or prince than
Jeongguk imagined.

"Besides…" Jimin mumbles, adding. "Everything between us seems so… Empty."

And then, tears start to stain his face. Jeongguk sighs and approaches Jimin, circling the caste
Two boy's body with his arms. Like Areum, Jeongguk also really wanted Jimin to stay, to be
in the palace with him, but if he doesn't love Taehyung and thinks that can't eventually
happen...

"Jimin, if you don't want to be with Taehyung, I think you should be honest and tell him,"
Jeongguk advises as they pull away from the embrace, gently tucking a few strands of Jimin's
hair behind his ear.

"Oh, no. I don't think I can," he shakes his head in denial several times.

"Jimin. You have to," Jeongguk, though his voice remains calm, tries to sound a little firmer.
"He doesn't want to marry someone who doesn't love him. If you don't feel anything for him
and also don't think that that's going to happen, it's only fair to tell him."

Jimin shakes his head again. “I can't just ask to leave! I need to stay. I can't go home. Not
now…” He shuts up instantly.

"Why, Jimin? What holds you here?"

For a moment, Jeongguk wonders if Jimin is here in the palace too because of a secret. It was
hard to be because of a mistake like his sister sending the candidature on the sly, that was too
much of a coincidence. But who knows? It was definitely not about the money, seeing as he
was a Two. So what could it be? The only difference in their situations is that Taehyung
knows Jeongguk's secret. And the purple-haired boy wanted to know whether or not he was
the only one who had ended up at the palace due to ridiculous circumstances.

But Jimin stops crying almost as quickly as he started. He sniffles a few times and pulls
himself together, smoothing his shirt, straightening his shoulders and turning to Jeongguk
smiling.

"You know what? I bet you're right," Jimin starts to walk away. "I'm sure that if I let more
time pass, everything will be fine. Who knows, feelings might start to show up. I have to give
it time. Now, I have to go. Woojin is waiting for me." It's the last thing Jimin says before he
practically runs to the palace.

What the fuck? What gave him? Jeongguk asks himself, looking completely astonished and
for a few long seconds at the door that gives access to the palace entrance, more specifically
at the hurried shadow in the form of his friend.

The next day, Jimin avoided Jeongguk like the plague. And on the other, too. So, the purple-
haired boy made sure to sit in the Leisure Hall at a comfortable distance so as not to leave
Jimin feeling pressured. However, Jeongguk assured to look at him whenever Jimin crossed
paths with him. Jeongguk wanted Jimin to know he could trust him. And it was obvious that
the purple-haired boy wasn't going to make him talk.

It took Jimin four days to give him a sad but meaningful smile. Jeongguk just nods. It seems
there was nothing more to say about what was going on in his heart.

That same day, when Jeongguk is sitting in the Leisure Hall feeling more bored and alone
than ever, Taehyung calls him through a servant. It would be a lie if Jeongguk said that he is
not at all overjoyed when he walks out the door on his way into the prince’s arms.

"Taehyung!" Jeongguk exclaims, hugging him tightly. The prince looks a bit flustered, and
maybe that's the reason he takes a few seconds to circle Jeongguk's waist with his arms too.

"Hello," the prince greets, nervously scratching the back of his neck after they move away
from the embrace.

And well, Jeongguk suspects where this nervousness comes from. The day they left the
reception offered to the Japanese royal family in the garden and entered the palace to talk,
Jeongguk confessed that he was having difficulty dealing with his feelings. As always, just as
he liked to act and just as Taehyung wanted, Jeongguk was sincere. Therefore, Jeongguk
asked them to take things calmly as well. He realized that Taehyung was disappointed with
that, but even so, the prince nodded and assured him that he would not break his promise
regarding the fact that things between them would not be awkward because of their kiss. For
Jeongguk, it was too difficult to decipher those mixed feelings he finally realized he has if
Taehyung acted like he was his boyfriend, specially when he clearly wasn't.
There are still eight selected in the contest, but they both know it would be foolish for
Taehyung to give his heart to Jeongguk when the purple-haired boy still didn't even know
where his own was.

"How are you today?" Taehyung asks, playing with his fingers in another nervous gesture.

Jeongguk looks away from Taehyung's hands - he's been having a hard time not looking at
the prince's long, slender fingers, especially when he admitted to Areum that he found them
attractive – and so, he stares into Taehyung's eyes instead. "I’m okay. What about you? What
are you doing here? Shouldn't you be working?"

Taehyung shrugs, sending a sly smile in Jeongguk's direction. "The chairman of the
Infrastructure Committee is sick, so the meeting was postponed. Too bad, right?" The prince
fakes a pained sigh. "And so, I'm free as a little bird all afternoon," he explains, his eyes
gleaming with excitement. "Do you have something to do?"

"You know damn well that I don’t," Jeongguk grins back, grabbing Taehyung's already
outstretched arm.

"Good because I..." Taehyung interrupts, clearing his throat right away. "I was thinking about
asking you to go on a date with me."

Jeongguk giggles. "What do you mean? We’re literally together now. As we are all the other
times."

"Yes, I know," Taehyung says, bowing his head in greeting as he passes the guards watching
the door to the gardens. Jeongguk notices that Yoongi is not one of them. "What I meant
was… Like a date," he emphasizes, clearing his throat again.

"Oh," Jeongguk looks at him with eyes so bulging they could fall out of their sockets because
they no longer fit inside. However, the surprise is replaced by nervousness and enthusiasm as
Jeongguk realizes that he and Taehyung never even had a real date. "A date. Well... I would
like that," he replies shyly.

"Yeah?" Taehyung seems surprised by Jeongguk's quick acceptance but what would the
purple-haired boy say? Lie and reply he didn't want to be with the prince? All the anticipation
of being in a more romantic and closer environment - even though every time they were
together was perfect, of course - made Jeongguk's blood vibrate.

"Of course, silly. Why wouldn't I want it?" Jeongguk squeezes Taehyung's bicep teasingly,
stealing a smile from him.

"I don't know. I mean, I know we talked about keeping our friendship for now and taking
things calmly, to see what happens..." Taehyung starts. "But at the same time, I thought I
would need to try my luck and a date was the best option I came up with to win you over."

"Taehyung," Jeongguk calls seriously. The prince stares at him with frightened eyes. "You
know we're the ones who have to win you over, right? Not the other way around," he finally
ends the suspense, chuckling when he notices Taehyung's now relieved face.
"Consider yourself lucky then, Jeongguk," Taehyung winks at him.

To ignore the fast, loud heartbeats ringing inside his chest, Jeongguk focuses on where the
prince takes him instead. Taehyung stops further away from the garden, where there aren't so
many trees and flowers, just grass and a few squares of soil. Weird. Jeongguk never noticed
these brown pieces on the ground before, which clearly do nothing to add to the aesthetics of
the garden.

"Hum... Taehyung?" Jeongguk calls out, untangling their arms. "Why are we here?"

"Well, I know we spend practically all our time together here in the gardens and you'd
probably hope for something different," Taehyung begins, looking hesitantly between
Jeongguk and the ground. "But this part of the garden looks very... Clean, don't you think?
Too clean.”

Jeongguk doesn't quite understand what Taehyung is trying to imply, but he nods anyway.

"So, I thought we could spend the afternoon planting new flowers and... I don't know. Well...
Hum... You know, to enrich the garden," Taehyung speaks clumsily, showing his
nervousness.

"Oh. You want to plant flowers?" Jeongguk asks in a tone of voice without much emotion,
now realizing why there are squares of soil on display. They’re probably recent - and that's
why he hasn't noticed before - purposely made at the prince's request.

"It's boring. It's boring, isn't it? You don't like it. You definitely don't," Taehyung starts
pacing, rubbing a frustrated hand over his face. He chooses not to do it on his hair probably
because of the silver crown that rests on the brown cloud that surrounds his head. "I'm not
good at this. Not even at planning a date. I suck."

Jeongguk doesn't know if he wants to coo with Taehyung's preciousness in worrying about a
plan for their date or if he wants to comfort him because let's face it, Jeongguk is passionate
about flowers and that's his professional field. How could he hate spending the afternoon
around them? How could Taehyung even be contemplating that?

The purple-haired boy opts for the second option.

"Taehyung. Look at me," Jeongguk approaches the prince and grabs his hands to make
Taehyung reach him too. “Planting flowers is literally a perfect date for me. How not? You
know I love them.”

"Really? Are you telling the truth or do you just want to make me feel better?" Taehyung has
a pout on his lips and Jeongguk has to control himself with all of his being not to kiss him.

Calm down, Jeongguk. Calm. Down. You were the one who asked for that too.

"Tell me a moment where I haven't been honest with you," Jeongguk challenges, looking at
him with narrowed eyes. Taehyung seems to be genuinely thinking about it, but when his
mind doesn't discover anything, his pout grows even more. "Now stop sulking and let's enjoy
our afternoon, okay? I'm excited!" Jeongguk smiles widely after kissing the prince's flushed
cheek in a thank you gesture, pulling Taehyung by the hand until they get closer to the areas
prepared to cultivate.

"Okay, I chose several types of seeds because I think the garden will be more beautiful with
new and different flowers," Taehyung shares the same enthusiasm and, without taking his
hand away from Jeongguk, approaches a cork oak tree a few meters away, taking a paper bag
with what Jeongguk assumes to be the seeds and a watering can filled with water that was
hidden at the tree trunk. Even though he has to pick up all the planting materials, Taehyung
doesn't let go of Jeongguk's entwined fingers and it makes him smile shyly at the junction of
their hands hovering by their waists.

"Yeah?" Jeongguk smiles, squeezing Taehyung's hand. "I didn't know you were that expert in
gardening and flowers," he teases.

"Jeon Jeongguk. I'm a man of many surprises, you should know that," Taehyung replies in a
mischievous tone, letting go (unfortunately) of Jeongguk's hand to place the necessary
materials on the ground.

The prince then starts rolling the sleeves of his beige shirt up to his elbows and he's not even
aware of the way Jeongguk's smile gets smaller, and smaller, and smaller, because the purple-
haired boy is more concerned at staring at the veins that decorate Taehyung's arms than keep
his lips taut.

Jeongguk only comes out of his trance when Taehyung ceremoniously kneels on the floor,
ready to literally get his hands dirty. The image in front of him shifts from seductive to sweet
because the prince doesn't think twice about smearing his gray pants with grass or soil marks,
not seeming the least bit bothered about it. For this reason, Jeongguk repeats the move,
kneeling next to Taehyung to get a look at the seed packets.

"What's the first one we're going to plant?" Jeongguk can't contain his enthusiasm anymore
and his voice comes out an octave higher.

Taehyung's smile is so wide, probably seeing the genuine interest mirrored in Jeongguk's
bright iris, that even the prince's eyes end up hiding as his cheeks are upturned, giving the
feeling that they form the shape of bread.

"I thought we could start with Myosotis," Taehyung hands the seed sachet to Jeongguk. "Did
you know that, according to a European legend, a knight in love, trying to catch one of these
flowers to offer to his beloved, fell into the river and drowned due to the weight of the armor
he was wearing? Since then, this flower has symbolized sincere and desperate love," he says
while taking a small-sized rake to open a hole to place the seeds. "That's why this flower is
also called-"

"Forget-me-not," Jeongguk completes, nodding in awe. How does Taehyung know all this?
Okay, he's a prince but Jeongguk doubts his classes cover gardening and botany. "These
flowers are beautiful, especially the blue shade of their petals."
"I thought so too," Taehyung agrees, watching Jeongguk place some seeds along the square
of soil. "Their petals are kind of velvety, am I right?"

"You are," Jeongguk nods, looking suspiciously at Taehyung. "How do you know all this?"

"What do you mean? I’m a well of wisdom when it comes to flowers," Taehyung lets the
water from the watering can fall onto the seeds now covered in soil.

"I'm sure you are," Jeongguk scoffs, bumping his shoulder against Taehyung's, nearly making
the prince lose his balance.

"How dare you push me like that!" Taehyung pretends to be indignant, starting to bring his
hands closer to Jeongguk after putting the watering can in the grass.

"Taehyung..." The purple-haired boy warns, trying to get away but without much success.
"Taeh-"

Jeongguk is stopped by an insatiable pair of hands, which don't hesitate for a second to attack
his stomach. Taehyung laughs mercilessly as Jeongguk squirms from side to side, trying to
tear the prince's hands away from the most ticklish areas of his body.

"Taehyung!" Jeongguk giggles hysterically, feeling tears already starting to form in the
corners of his eyes. "Please. Taehyung! Tae!" Jeongguk is so lost in his suffering and laughter
that it takes him a few seconds to realize that Taehyung's hands are no longer attacking his
armpits. "Thank God. You're so mean! You don't have a glimmer of pity-"

"What did you call me?" The prince interrupts.

"What?" Jeongguk laughs, not understanding what Taehyung means. "What are you talking
about?"

"Just now," the prince begins, looking seriously into Jeongguk's face. "Just now, you called
me Tae."

"Oh. I did, yeah," Jeongguk recalls, nodding. "I’m sorry. I have a habit of giving nicknames
to the people I'm close to and it just left my mouth. I’m sorry, Taehyung, I didn't mean to
offend you-"

"I liked it," Taehyung doesn't move his eyes from Jeongguk's for a single second. Until they
fall into his hands instead, which still rest on Jeongguk's knees. In a mutter, the prince
continues, "No one has ever given me a nickname before. I'm used to being called Your
Highness, Your Majesty, Prince, at the very best Taehyung... But Tae sounded really good to
me. It sounded really good. It’s different and unique."

It's funny how a prince, a member of the court, a descendant of the royal family, someone
who was born with the meaning of wealth firmly embedded within him, manages to be
pleased by something so simple. It’s funny as someone who has so much and could just snap
his fingers to get even more, can be happy and thrilled by a simple nickname.
"Well then, starting today, I don't know any prince Taehyung. Only Tae. What do you think?"
Jeongguk smiles gently, tenderly wiping away a smudge of dirt that has soiled the prince's
cheek.

"Just Tae. I like that a lot," Taehyung grins back, leaning his face towards the gentle touch of
Jeongguk's hand that still rests against his cheek. "And I really like y-"

"Your Highness?" A male voice interrupts, causing Taehyung and Jeongguk to move away
from each other and get up off the ground in a sudden movement.

The prince is looking everywhere but at the owner of the voice, preferring to focus his eyes
on the act of unrolling and rolling his shirt sleeves. As for Jeongguk, he stares curiously at
the tall man, with kind eyes and dimples on his face. He sure has a tinge of red on his cheeks
but Jeongguk tries not to think about it.

"Yes, Namjoon?" Taehyung asks, staring at the man when he doesn't add anything else for a
couple of seconds.

Oh? Is this the famous Namjoon his servants talked about a while ago? It doesn't admire him
the fascination they all seem to have for the royal palace florist.

"I'm sorry to interrupt," Namjoon clears his throat, realizing now that he's interrupted an
intimate moment between the two of them. "I saw Your Highness here next to the plantations
we have been preparing and I thought you were waiting for me to give you some more
explanations about the flowers. I hadn't noticed that you were accompanied. I deeply
apologize, Your Majesty," the man bows, hiding the embarrassment in his features with that
gesture.

Wait, what? Jeongguk heard that correctly? They’ve been preparing plantations? And more
explanations about flowers? This means that...

"There’s no problem, Namjoon," Taehyung hurries to assure. "But it's okay. I don't need… I
don't need any more help," he clears his throat. "But thank you, Namjoon."

Namjoon's eyes bulge automatically at the prince's words as if he's only now really
understanding what he's just denounced in front of Jeongguk. "Oh. Of course, Your Highness.
I'm so sorry once again. I'll just go, so if you need me, feel free to call me. Now, if you
excuse me," he bows again, this time in way of farewell.

Jeongguk and Taehyung keep silent as they watch the gardener walk away towards the
greenhouse, letting out mutters they can't hear along the way. When the man is out of their
reach, Jeongguk dares to stare at Taehyung, finding a completely reddened face and ear tips,
as well as a fugitive pair of eyes, which clearly refuses to fall on Jeongguk.

"So..." The purple-haired boy begins, feeling the tips of his lips wanting to curve upward.

"Jeongguk, no. Don't say anything-" Taehyung tries but Jeongguk doesn't listen.
"A well of wisdom when it comes to flowers, huh?" Jeongguk teases, poking Taehyung's arm
with the tip of his index finger. "Perhaps this well of wisdom is named Namjoon?" He arches
an eyebrow in defiance, smiling victoriously when Taehyung rolls his eyes and pushes him
by the shoulders.

"Shut up," the prince whimpers, running away from Jeongguk's laughter.

The rest of the afternoon is perfect, with the two lost in laughter, in more curious facts that
Taehyung memorized about the flowers they’re planting, and many, many shy touches, like
the intertwining of hands or a caress on the face. After the teasing on Jeongguk's part, his
heart really starts to digest what the whole situation that just happened with Namjoon means.

Taehyung has been asking him for help to learn more about the flowers, the species that exist
and their curiosities, just to surprise Jeongguk. That only intensifies the heat bubbling in his
blood, making every hair on his body tingle in expectation. Expectations in the future,
expectations in himself, expectations in Taehyung, expectations in a sincere and strong
friendship, expectations in perhaps something else, expectations in pure and genuine
happiness.

But the biggest expectation goes back to Jeongguk's desire for the flowers that are about to
bloom and grow to symbolize his relationship with Taehyung. And, therefore, Jeongguk will
make sure to shower them both with care so that can really happen.

With so many selected in the palace, it was only a matter of time before someone celebrated
their birthday and Areum's is this Thursday. She must have said something to Taehyung -
who never missed the opportunity to offer someone something, he was generous like that -
and the result was a celebration party not only for Areum but for all the other participants in
the Selection.

Thus, Thursday begins with a morning of madness with all the selected running in and out of
each other's bedrooms, asking what they should wear or wondering about the grandeur of the
party, as it was the first time they would have something like that.

Apparently, there was no need to bring gifts, but even so, Jeongguk thinks he should prepare
something nice for her. After all, he has known Areum for a good couple of years and the girl
has become a close friend of his as well. For that reason, he spent the last few days
surreptitiously drawing a portrait of her, sitting in a corner of the Leisure Hall to remain
unnoticed as he watched Areum laughing or chatting with the others.

Now, after Seokjin's help in choosing a gray knit sweater and a pair of black pants, Jeongguk
moves to the Great Hall, where the party will take place. Once he arrives, it's impossible for
Jeongguk not to notice the number of guards standing around the room. The purple-haired
boy knows it's all about prevention and safety but he wants to laugh at the huge number of
men in uniform. Are they expecting a rebellion or something?

The Great Hall is amazingly decorated. Special silver vases are hanging on the pale walls
with huge, pretty arrangements of yellow and white flowers - which Jeongguk easily
recognizes as gerberas, roses, and daisies - while similar bouquets grace the tables dotted
around the room, along with white linen tablecloths sprinkled with bright confetti. As for the
seats, intricate pale yellow ribbons adorn the backs of the chairs. The windows, walls and
practically everything that wasn't furniture, are decorated with garlands in the same color
tones.

On one of the tables placed in one of the corners of the hall, a red velvet cake with what
appears to be five layers waits to be cut. Next to it, despite having said it wasn't mandatory,
there is a small table already with some presents for the birthday girl.

A string quartet occupies one of the other sides of the room, making a melody of soft
ambiance music resonate through the Great Hall. There is also a photographer who walks
around the space, certainly capturing moments for the public.

The atmosphere at the party is relaxed. Woojin chats animatedly with Sun-mi and Sohui,
seeming to put his shyness aside. They notice Jeongguk's entrance and turn to him to wave
and smile. Today, everyone looks happy and friendly. Well, except for the caste Two boy, it
seems.

Jimin stands alone by one of the windows, looking more like one of several guards positioned
along the walls. Jeongguk almost approaches him to ask if everything is okay but when Mi-
suk does it first, Jimin stops any possible conversational openings. Does he want to be alone?
Maybe.

Yejun is also sitting alone at one of the tables, thoughtfully holding a crystal glass filled with
dark red liquid.

Jeongguk leans the sheet of paper against his chest, thinking again and deciding to head to
the back of the room to talk to Jimin, even though a few minutes ago he was reticent about it.

"Hey, Jimin. The party is very nice, isn't it?" Jeongguk comments, not bombarding the other
boy with questions about his state of mind so as not to shut him down.

"It really is," he replies, moving farther to the end of the sofa so that Jeongguk sits down next
to him. "I heard the prince will be stopping by later to personally wish Areum a happy
birthday. Isn't that sweet of him? I bet he'll bring her a present too."

Jimin continues in his usual enthusiastic manner but Jeongguk can see beyond that. It's just a
mask for Jeongguk not to be suspicious or ask questions. And he respects that, of course. The
purple-haired boy still wonders what Jimin's secret is, but at the same time, Jeongguk trusts
him enough to know that Jimin will broach the subject if he really wants to talk about it. So,
they only talk about other matters for a few minutes until they hear a collective clamor at the
front of the Great Hall. They turn around at the same time to see why the conversations
among the selected had stopped.
The birthday girl, with a shy smile on her lips, finally arrives at her party.

Areum had made an incredibly strategic dress choice. The selected are all dressed informally
- in short, youthful dresses and knitted sweaters or cardigans - while she is wearing a long
evening dress. But the length was the least because what really caught the attention is the
color, a shade of cream that is very close to white and that brought out the natural tan of her
skin. The blond hair of the caste Seven girl is entwined in a bun at the top of her head,
adorned with a row of yellow jewels arranged horizontally across the front, subtly suggesting
a crown. Areum looks elegant, mature, noble.

Although Jeongguk is still not sure where his heart is, as well as the fact that he adores
Areum, he can't help but feel a pang of jealousy. None of them would have a similar moment.
No matter how many birthday parties or important dinners took place from now on, it would
be pathetic to try to imitate Areum’s. His eyes stray to Yejun's angry red face, who clenches
the hand that doesn't hold the glass in a fist.

"She really looks beautiful," Jimin comments, a sigh escaping shortly thereafter.

"More than beautiful," Jeongguk adds in agreement.

The party continues and Jimin and Jeongguk spend most of their time silently observing what
goes on around them. To their surprise - and big distrust - Yejun clings to Areum, talking
nonstop, as she circles the room, thanking everyone for their presence.

Finally, Areum approaches the back of the room, where Jimin and Jeongguk find themselves
soaking up the pleasant light of the winter sun coming in through the window.

Jimin, with his usual sympathy, gives Areum a tight hug. "Happy Birthday!" He exclaims.

"Thank you," Areum smiles, returning Jimin's affection and enthusiasm.

"So, you're making twenty-two today, aren't you?" Jimin tries to confirm.

"Yes," Areum nods. "I can't think of a better way to celebrate. I'm so happy they're taking
pictures! My mom will love it. Never in my life would I have the chance to throw such a
huge and beautiful party like this one. I feel like a real princess. Everything is so beautiful!"
She comments emotionally.

Areum is right. For a Seven, it’s practically impossible to visualize a party of this proportion.
At most, they would have a more composed meal that day in form of celebration.

"It's really impressive," Yejun comments, reminding the other three of his presence. "On my
birthday last year, I had a party in shades of black and white. All it took was for a guest to
show up in a colorful outfit and he couldn't go through the door."

"Wow," Areum whispers, with an obvious touch of envy in that little word.

"It was fantastic," Yejun continues, a smug smile on his lips. "Gourmet food, dramatic
lighting and great music! Well, my family surprised me and invited Sang-hoon to sing live at
my party. I believe you all have heard of him."
It was impossible not to know who Sang-hoon was. He had at least a dozen hit songs.
Jeongguk sometimes heard his sisters watching videos of Sang-hoon on television even
though Jeongguk personally didn't love his style of music.

"He is my favorite singer!" Areum exclaims, opening her mouth and covering it with her
hands.

"Well, Sang-hoon is a great friend of my family and it's obvious we couldn't have a bunch of
bored Fives spoiling all the excitement at my party," Yejun says dismissively.

The caste Five is mainly characterized by people linked to art, from painters, photographers,
circus workers, dancers and, of course, musicians. The caste Five singers are not exactly
celebrities and idols, they only perform live when they are invited to parties or to a restaurant
or bar. In the case of Sang-hoon, the man is a Two by nature, hence he has much more
recognition. Of course, that's not why he's less or more talented when it comes to music, but
Jeongguk can't help but feel his blood boiling at the derogatory way Yejun speaks about the
people from lower castes than his.

"And what exactly do you do as a Two, Yejun?" Jeongguk asks, controlling the anger in his
tone. "I mean, I don't think you're exactly a celebrity since I've never heard of you."

"I'm a model," Yejun replies, sounding even offended as if it's something Jeongguk should
know. "Haven't you seen any of my advertising campaigns?"

"I don't think so," Jeongguk shrugs.

"Ah, well, but you're a Seven. It makes sense, I don't think you can buy magazines or have
access to the internet," Yejun ends in a mean tone, a devilish smile drawing on his lips when
he sees Jeongguk's face loosen up.

Yejun's words hurt, mostly because they're true. Jae-hwa loved flipping through magazines
when he and his sisters passed by a store, but it's not like they could actually buy them. The
only magazines they had access to were the ones that came with the newspaper, just half a
dozen pages of gossip from their caste town.

Areum has resumed her role as the party hostess and changes the subject. She, too, now has a
new frown on her face, even if it's only aimed at Yejun. Areum is a Seven too, so the words
spat out by the Three not only hit Jeongguk but her as well.

"Jeongguk, I noticed you've had that paper with you since the beginning of the party," she
points a finger at Jeongguk's chest, where the boy is still covering the portrait he made.
"What is that?"

"Ah... This?" Jeongguk also points to the drawing. "Well, I know we didn't have to bring you
any gifts and I didn't have a chance to buy you anything either but... But I thought I could do
a portrait and give it to you. Just a simple present, you know," he says hollowly.

When Jeongguk hands the drawing with trembling fingers to Areum, the girl lets out an
exclamation of surprise. Is it really that bad? Jeongguk's unsure thoughts circle in his mind.
But when she looks up from the paper and stares at Jeongguk instead, the boy allows himself
to breathe in relief. "Jeongguk... Did you do this? The draw is amazing... So realistic... It's
beautiful, Jeongguk. Thank you, I have no words."

"Oh, please, Areum... It's nothing special, I just didn't feel like giving you anything for your
birthday and therefore..." Jeongguk replied sheepishly, nervously scratching the back of his
neck.

"Nonsense! This is amazing," this time it's Jimin who exclaims, looking over Areum's
shoulder to see the drawing as well. "Wow, I had no idea you could draw like this."

"It's nothing special-" Jeongguk tries to repeat, but is interrupted when Areum starts calling
the others selected to come closer and, apparently, see the gift Jeongguk has just given her.

They all praise the portrait, being surprised by Jeongguk's hidden talent. Others begged
Jeongguk to draw them a sketch as well to take with them as a souvenir when the Selection is
over. As for Yejun, he stands beside Areum in silence, holding the glass of wine still intact.

"Tell us how you do it! What techniques do you use?" Sohui asks, genuinely interested.

"I like taking my time in the shadows, I like the effect it gives to the drawing. And of course,
the fine lines are always difficult to replicate-" Jeongguk continues to explain, noticing that
behind the small audience that has joined him is Taehyung. The prince wears a classic gray
suit and carries a pink box under his arm, credibly for Areum. The selected applaud
sympathetically and Jeongguk doesn't even know how he managed to keep his train of
thought and continue talking. All he could see was that Taehyung kept his eyes locked on the
portrait Areum proudly held. The expression was amazed and delighted on his face, which
slowly turned into a smile. A smile only for Jeongguk.

"Your Majesty…" Jeongguk greets, pricking the bubble of trance in which they have both
been trapped with a pin.

The others all hurry to turn and bow to receive the prince's entrance as well. In the midst of
all this, a shocked scream is heard.

"Oh, no! I'm so sorry, Areum!"

Some competitors looking in the same direction exclaim, and when Areum turns around,
Jeongguk understands why. The front of her beautiful dress is now all stained with Yejun's
drink. It even looks like Areum was stabbed, such is the crimson stain on her pale dress.

"I’m so sorry, I turned around too quickly. I didn't mean to, Areum. Let me help you," Yejun
apologizes. To an outsider, the Three's words may sound sincere, but he can’t fool Jeongguk.

Areum brings her hands to her mouth, starting to cry incessantly. It’s visible how much the
girl is trying to control her sobs but it’s in vain. Not to feel even more embarrassed, Areum
bolts from the hall, automatically ending the party. Taehyung goes after her, as he should,
although Jeongguk would have liked to talk to him. But Jeongguk understands, Areum needs
Taehyung more than him right now.
Yejun explains what had happened to anyone willing to listen, saying that it was all an
accident. Mi-suk agrees, affirming that she had witnessed everything and that it was just an
awful incident. However, the others selected remain suspicious. Mi-suk is his friend and from
the same caste as Yejun, it's not like her word has much value in this situation.

Jeongguk discreetly picks up the portrait he had done for Areum and which the girl had
dropped with the whole stressful moment. He can give it to her later. The purple-haired boy
turns to leave the Great Hall and return to his bedroom, but Jimin gently grabs his arm.

"Someone needs to do something about him," Jimin whispers, his features also showing a
glimmer of irritation at what has happened.

If Yejun could bring someone as nice as Chinhae to violence, find it acceptable to try to rip
Jeongguk's suit out of his body, or make someone as kind as Areum angry, that means he
needs to get out of the Selection. Not to mention the disdain with which he speaks of most
people, always feeling superior.

Taehyung has to get this boy out of the palace.

"I'm telling you, Taehyung, it wasn't just an accident," Jeongguk says firmly.

He and Taehyung are in the garden again, spending Saturday afternoon together. Jeongguk
needed to wait a full day to find a time when he could talk to the prince.

"But Yejun looked so upset and apologized a lot," Taehyung argues with a frown. "How
could it not have been an accident?"

Jeongguk sighs, trying to keep his patience. "That's what I tell you. I see Yejun daily and that
was his sly way of ruining Areum's moment of glory. He's extremely competitive."

"Well, if his intention was to take my attention away from Areum, Yejun failed sorely. I spent
over an hour with her trying to comfort her. And a very nice hour, I must say," Taehyung
comments.

Honestly, Jeongguk didn't want to hear that. Areum was perhaps one of the closest people to
him here in the palace and he didn't want to know anything that might threaten to change that.
Not until he realized how he really felt about Taehyung, at least.

"What about Chinhae then?" Jeongguk asks to change the topic of conversation.

"Who?"

"Bang Chinhae, the caste Six boy. He punched Yejun and you sent him home, remember? I'm
sure he was provoked," Jeongguk argues.
"Did you hear Yejun tell him something?" Taehyung looks skeptical.

"Well... No," Jeongguk sighs. "But everyone could see that Chinhae was not a troubled boy!
And I know Yejun. I'm telling you, Chinhae was not the kind of person to go straight into
violence. Yejun must have told him something too petty for Chinhae to react that way."

"Jeongguk, I'm aware that you spend more time with them than I do, but do you really know
them?" Taehyung asks, looking seriously at Jeongguk. "I know you like to hide in your
bedroom, here in the gardens or in the library. I dare to say you know your servants better
than any of the selected."

The prince is probably right but Jeongguk knows he is too, so he won't back down. "That's
not fair. I was right about Areum, wasn't I? Don't you find her nice?"

Taehyung grimaces. "Yeah, she's nice, I think."

"Then why don't you believe me when I say Yejun acted like that on purpose?" Jeongguk
asks in complete exasperation, bringing his hands to his hair.

"Jeongguk, it's not that I think you're lying. Understand that. I'm sure it seemed like that to
you. But Yejun has apologized and has always been nice to me," Taehyung explains, his tone
of voice starting to show some impatience too.

"I bet he is," Jeongguk mumbles under his breath, sneering right away.

"That's enough," Taehyung asks with a tired sigh. "I don't want to talk about the others right
now."

"He tried to rip my suit off, Taehyung," Jeongguk doesn't listen, continuing to complain. "In
the first Official News, do you remember seeing the collar of my shirt completely torn? It
was him! I lied when I said it had been purposely stitched that way."

"Jeongguk, I already told you I don't want to talk about him anymore!" Taehyung repeats
fiercely.

The two of them stare at each other, paused in the middle of the garden, only their breathing
uncontrolled with frustration and irritation making itself heard in that calm evening. It's
enough for Jeongguk to get even more pissed off about the whole situation. How come
Taehyung doesn't see who Yejun really is? Jeongguk huffs and lifts his hands, only to drop
them against his legs. He's so frustrated he just wants to scream.

"If you're going to act like that, I'm going to look for someone who really wants my
company," Taehyung utters with equal exasperation laced in his voice, walking away.

"Taehyung! Hey!" Jeongguk calls.

"No!" Taehyung turns again, facing Jeongguk as he speaks with more energy than he ever
imagined the prince was capable of. In the month that Jeongguk is installed in the palace, he
has never seen Taehyung raise his voice. "You sometimes forget who you are, Jeongguk. It
would do you good to remember that I’m the crown prince of Euphoréa. For all intents and
purposes, I’m the lord of this country and I will not allow you to treat me like this in my own
home. You don't need to agree with my decisions, but you have to respect them."

Taehyung turns around and walks away, strolling hurriedly towards the palace, not seeing or
not even minding the tears that start to fill Jeongguk's eyes. Until the first one just slides
down his cheek, encouraging all the others to fall too.

It's the first time he and Taehyung have argued and it hurts. It hurts a lot because Jeongguk
has never seen Taehyung angry and talking so coldly, much less directed at him. Even more
so as the topic of their fight is Yejun. Jeongguk doesn't know if he feels more sad or
frustrated about this.

Sooner or later, Jeongguk had to head to the dining room to eat his last meal of the day, even
though his stomach was completely blocked in a couple of knots.

Jeongguk doesn't look at Taehyung through all dinner, or at least he tried to. It was hard not
to when the purple-haired boy felt the prince's gaze burning his face so intensely every time
Taehyung stared at him to somehow get Jeongguk's attention. When he was weak and
relented, Jeongguk caught Taehyung gazing at him pleadingly and incessantly poking the
mole on the tip of his nose but Jeongguk looked away and didn't return the famous gesture of
communication between them.

The purple-haired boy didn't want to talk to him. He would probably just get one more
sermon from Taehyung and it was all that Jeongguk needed least at that moment.

After dinner, as soon as Jang-mi has dismissed the selected, Jeongguk just doesn't literally
run to his bedroom to not arouse suspicion. But he walks fast, with heavy steps and so angry
with Taehyung that he can barely think. Why didn't Taehyung listen to him? Did he think
Jeongguk was a liar? Or worse, did he think Yejun wouldn't be able to lie?

Maybe Taehyung was just like most of the guys and Yejun is handsome and, after all, that's
all that matters. Perhaps, that talk about wanting a soul mate was a big, round lie and all
Taehyung really wanted was someone to keep him company in bed. Jeongguk doesn't really
believe it - or at least he doesn't want to - but he needs to vent his anger somehow.

But if Taehyung happened to be that kind of person... Why did Jeongguk care? Stupid, stupid,
stupid! His exasperation only makes the confusion inside him grow and, honestly, Jeongguk
just wants to crawl under the covers and forget about this awful day.

However, after Jeongguk dismissed Seokjin, Nabi and Yumi as politely as possible, the
purple-haired boy tried everything to get to sleep but without success. It was completely
useless. He rolled over and over in bed for hours while Taehyung's stupidity and
stubbornness struggled in his head. His thoughts were so absorbing that Jeongguk didn't even
realize he's been brooding on them until well after two in the morning.

He sighs, lying on his back facing the ceiling. Only the soft moonlight came in through the
curtained windows, giving the room a dim glow. On the clock, the pointers indicated that it
was two forty-eight in the morning. His servants would have to work hard tomorrow to make
him look presentable.
 But Jeongguk just couldn't turn his brain off. If Taehyung preferred to spare Yejun and
humiliate him instead, then Jeongguk wouldn't stay in the Selection much longer. Jeongguk
knows he couldn't handle it, even though he and Taehyung harbor feelings for each other.

Never have the doubts about accepting everything that a position of prince involves have
been bigger than at this moment.

Maybe Jeongguk was mistaken. Maybe the flower he desperately wanted to bloom between
them would eventually wither instead.

Chapter End Notes

my twitter
my curious cat
playlist
 seven
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes

VII

The next morning, Jeongguk wakes up way worse than what he felt last night. Frustration is
still very much present inside him, but now, new emotions have joined, such as sadness, fear
and even guilt. Jeongguk knows he's right about Yejun, but even so, he thinks that maybe he
could have talked to Taehyung more calmly. On one hand, he understands the prince's side.
After all, all the selected only show Taehyung the most beautiful and polite side of them,
which does not mean that it’s necessarily the reality.

During yesterday dinner, Jeongguk pretended he didn’t saw Taehyung poking at his nose
mole countless times. Now, with a cool head, Jeongguk believes that Taehyung just wanted to
talk and work things out instead, not to lecture him, but Jeongguk had been too proud and
ignored. Did this only enrage Taehyung more? Did that make him think that Jeongguk wasn't
worthy enough to be his friend anymore? Is this fight between the two reason enough for
Taehyung to want to send Jeongguk home? And wasn't that what he'd always wanted since
long before he arrived at the palace? So why did the mere thought of that possibility cause
the tips of his lips to curl down in apprehension?

It's Sunday morning and, luckily, there are no schedules, no classes, no tasks, other than the
Official News later in the evening. The selected are advised to gather together at the Leisure
Hall, but honestly, Jeongguk can't stand that idea. He needs to think, maybe even ponder a
way to talk to Taehyung, and he knows he won't be able to do it surrounded by the incessant
chatter of the other competitors.

So, when his servants arrive in Jeongguk's bedroom, the purple-haired boy is quick to dismiss
them, already dressed in his comfortable sweatpants and hoodie that he was allowed to wear
on these looser days. Seokjin frowns visibly as if he can sense that Jeongguk is different than
usual, but he keeps a slight smile on his face so as not to worry them.

His initial plan is to stay in his bedroom and give the excuse that he’s suffering from a
headache, but he changes his mind. Quite honestly, he knows perfectly well the place in this
vast palace that will help him relax and get his thoughts in order, and that's exactly where
Jeongguk goes.

After notifying the two guards - one of them being Yoongi, Jeongguk notices - of his desire to
be in the garden for a while, and allowing them both to keep an eye on him for safety,
Jeongguk walks slowly through the still-wet grass from the night watering, his lungs
abounding in the scent of pine and spruce.
Unconsciously or not, Jeongguk's feet lead him to the farthest part of the garden, where the
flower plantations he and Taehyung made a few days ago are. Interestingly, it’s already
possible to observe, albeit with the need of big attention and detail, some tiny green shoots
emerging from the brown soil. Jeongguk wants to believe in the symbolism of the whole
thing, hoping that the situation between him and Taehyung isn't completely lost and will
grow and flourish again as before, just like these seeds.

Jeongguk is pulled away from his thoughts when a melodious whistle and the sound of a pair
of feet hitting the ground reach his ears, causing him to lift his head to look at the person in
question.

"Oh! Mr. Jeon," Namjoon hurries to make a low bow when he becomes aware of the other
boy's presence, dropping some of the water that was contained in the watering can he brings
with him. "Damn. I'm so clumsy," Namjoon mutters to himself, running his hand through the
brown pants he's wearing, now slightly wet. "I'm sorry, Mr. Jeon. I didn't know you were
here. I was just going to water the seeds," Namjoon indicates with a polite smile, pointing
with his chin at the brown soil squares on the ground.

"Oh. Good morning, Namjoon," Jeongguk hurries to repeat the bow in greeting. "Do you
mind if I help?"

Namjoon freezes momentarily, gazing warily at Jeongguk and then at the watering material in
his hands. "Mr. Jeon, you're one of the selected... You shouldn't have to help me with my
duties and get bored with it."

"What?" Jeongguk laughs, waving his hands in front of his chest. "Please, I really want to
help. I don't know if you’re aware, but I work as a florist too. It's not even boring for me to
help you, I promise. It would be a pleasure."

"Oh, right," Namjoon nods as if remembering that Jeongguk does indeed work with flowers
in his everyday life. "Well, I only brought one watering can, but Mr. Jeon can be responsible
for watering the seeds and I can see if the soil is firm enough for the flowers to grow
healthily."

"Agreed," Jeongguk smiles amiably, more than thrilled to help, also using the situation to
clear his mind.

The two then crouch close to the ground, putting into practice the functions distributed by
both. Jeongguk notices that Namjoon looks kind of nervous, were it not for his trembling
fingers that are groping the earth carefully.

"You also belong to caste Seven, am I right?" Jeongguk asks, trying to put the other man
more at ease. "I mean, now as you work for the royal family you're in a higher caste, but you
get what I mean."

"Yes, Mr. Jeon," Namjoon looks at him, nodding. "I was born a Seven and just like you, I fell
in love with nature since I was a little kid."
"Please, call me Jeongguk and not Mr. Jeon," the purple-haired boy grimaces at the nickname
that makes him look older than he is.

"Mr. Jeon, I don't know if that is very correct of me," Namjoon comments in a hesitant tone
of voice. "After all, you’re one of my superiors-"

"Namjoon, please. Let's make this clear," Jeongguk stands up after they both finish watering
the seeds. He shakes some remnants of dirt from his hands, looking steadily at the other man.
"I don't consider myself superior to anyone here in this palace or even anywhere else, okay? I
would really like for you to call me just Jeongguk. After all, we're both of the same caste and
everything," he finishes with a smile.

"Are you sure?" Namjoon remains reticent.

"Absolutely," Jeongguk assures, holding out his hand. Namjoon looks at Jeongguk's
outstretched fingers, slowly gluing them with his in a handshake.

"Okay, Mr.-" Namjoon clears his throat. "Okay, Jeongguk," he smiles nervously.

"So," Jeongguk begins. "Can I keep you company for the rest of the morning? I would really
like to see how this magnificent garden is handled."

"Won't I be bothering you and stealing your time?" Namjoon makes sure to ask.

"Of course not. By the way, you'll even help keep me entertained," Jeongguk chuckles,
starting to follow the other man towards the greenhouse.

"Then I'm more than happy to accept your company, Jeongguk," Namjoon grins back,
motioning with his chin to some pruning materials. "I was thinking about pruning and
tending the lemon tree first."

"Of course," Jeongguk shrugs. "Honestly, I have more practice and passion for flowers than
fruit trees, so it will be very interesting to learn from you."

"Let's get to it then," Namjoon encourages, picking up the necessary materials. Jeongguk
hurries to help him carry the objects, then follows him to the garden area where most of the
trees are planted, especially those waiting for spring to develop their fruits. "The main
objective of pruning is to remove the dead branches so that the tree sap goes mainly to the
healthier ones. This way, they can grow stronger and, consequently, produce the fruit."

“Oh, right. That makes a lot of sense,” Jeongguk nods in understanding, starting to help
Namjoon cut the tree's useless branches after his indications. "What made you come to work
for the palace, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Well, it was an opportunity in a million, to be honest," Namjoon responds with some effort,
preparing the ladder so he can reach the highest parts of the tree. "I wasn't working in any
florists or private gardens at the time but, sometimes, someone would contact me to make
special flower arrangements for events or parties. And that's what happened," Namjoon
smiles as if the memories which reach his head are so precious. "One of the queen's advisers
attended the party where my arrangements were placed and it seems that, at the same time,
they were looking for someone to work at the palace. It was a very lucky coincidence. After
that, the adviser just asked the restaurant staff where the party was taking place who had been
responsible for arranging the flowers until he got to me. And well, here I am now."

"Wow, that’s great!" Jeongguk shares genuine happiness for the other man. "But if you want
me to tell you, it couldn't have been just a very lucky coincidence. If the queen's adviser took
his time to ask about you, it's because he found your arrangements very beautiful and worthy
of being presented at the palace. And that just shows how talented you must be," he explains.

"Oh no, nothing like that, Jeongguk! That makes me so embarrassed!" Namjoon chuckles,
trying to hide his face in the lemon tree leaves.

"You don't need to be modest," Jeongguk returns with a few giggles, throwing a small branch
against the others arm. "Can I keep you company one of these days to see how you make
your arrangements? I would love to learn from someone so talented," he teases.

"Of course you can, Jeongguk," Namjoon agrees without hesitation, clearly feeling much
more at ease now than at the beginning. "I would love that."

"Great! Me too," Jeongguk grins.

In the middle of the night, Jeongguk wakes up with something shaking him and calls of his
name in his ear, until he slowly blinks and realizes someone is rocking him hard.

"What is it? What happened?" He asks, still groggy.

"Please, Mr. Jeon, you have to get up!" Seokjin's voice sounds frantic, filled with terror even.
This makes Jeongguk forget the thousands and thousands of times he asked his servants to
call him just Jeongguk and not Mr. Jeon, as he had asked with Namjoon earlier, but always to
no avail.

"What's going on? Are you hurt?" Jeongguk asks, stifling a yawn.

"No. We have to take you to the hideout immediately. We're under attack," Seokjin explains,
causing Jeongguk's head to leave the pillow so quickly it even makes him dizzy.

He's still kind of dumbfounded and he isn't sure he has heard one hundred percent right, but
he notices that, behind Seokjin, Nabi is crying.

"Did the rebels get in?" Jeongguk asks, completely incredulous. Nabi's terrified wail was the
confirmation he needed. "What do we do?"
A sudden surge of adrenaline causes Jeongguk to fully wake up and jump out of bed. As soon
as his feet hit the ground, Yumi puts on some shoes for him while Seokjin covers him with a
robe. Jeongguk was only thinking one thing frantically: Whales or Swans? Whales or Swans?
Whales or Swans?

"There's a walkway here, in the corner," Seokjin points to a part of the wall where a huge
picture of a snowy landscape hangs. "It leads directly to the basement refuge room. The
guards are there waiting for you. The royal family should already be there, as well as most of
the others selected," Seokjin explains quickly as he pulls out the frame, which causes the wall
to start to move away until it forms a small opening. It looks like a secret passage like those
described in the mystery books. But Jeongguk doesn't even have time to marvel at the
magical architecture because the servant pushes Jeongguk into the hallway, where a dimly lit
staircase is already waiting for him. "Hurry up, Jeongguk," Seokjin pushes him again, trying
to force the boy to walk and, in his panic, even forgetting the formalities he is so fond of
using with Jeongguk.

"Very well, let's go," Jeongguk looks at the three servants, motioning with his hand for them
to follow him. Seokjin and Yumi widen their eyes, looking at each other. Nabi is shaking so
badly she can barely stand up. "Come on! What are you waiting for?" Jeongguk repeats.
While they’re there, Mi-suk appears like lightning, probably from her bedroom, and runs
down the stairs.

"No, Mr. Jeon. We're going somewhere else. We have our own cave. You have to hurry
before they get here. Please!" Yumi desperately points to the passage.

Jeongguk knows that, at best, his servants would end up injured if the rebels found them; at
worst, they would be killed. And the truth is, Jeongguk can't stand the idea of someone doing
them any harm. Maybe it was even a little arrogant, but if Taehyung had tried so hard to do
everything he had done so far, maybe Jeongguk's servants started to be important to the
prince too. Even though they had argued.

Perhaps, Jeongguk is counting on too much generosity, but he couldn't just leave them there.
Enough was the panic and fear he felt for his servants during the first attack he experienced
here in the palace, he couldn't risk going through it again. If he has the opportunity to save his
servants and get them to safety, then that's what he'll do.

Dread makes Jeongguk act quickly. He grabs Seokjin by the arm and pushes him firmly. He
stumbles without actually falling, but that makes him unable to prevent Jeongguk from
grabbing Nabi and Yumi as well.

"Move! Let's go!" Jeongguk orders, pushing them down the steps ahead.

The three servants obey, descending the stairs with hurried steps. None of them have the time
or the mind to turn back and exclaim in surprise when the secret entrance closes as they pass
it.

Although, Seokjin protests the entire way. "They won't let us in, Jeongguk! This place is for
the royal family only. They'll send us away!"
However, Jeongguk didn't care what he said. Regardless of what the servants' hideout looked
like, it would definitely be no safer than the royal family's. And if they were already so close,
why hesitate?

The stairs only had small lamps every few meters and, for that reason, Jeongguk almost falls
twice in his haste. His mind is completely frantic with worry. How far would the rebels have
gone before? Did they know of the existence of these secret passages? Nabi is practically
paralyzed and Jeongguk almost has to pick her up so she doesn't fall behind.

Jeongguk can't tell how long it takes them to reach the bottom of the stairs, but that narrow
path has finally led to an artificial cave, much brighter. He can see other staircases and more
selected, all of them running towards what appears to be a door more than half a meter
thickness. Jeongguk and his servants follow.

"Thank you for accompanying Mr. Jeon. You can go now," one of the guards tells Seokjin.

Jeongguk can feel Seokjin’s eyes on him, as if they’re saying, See? I told you so! but the
purple-haired boy ignores it and replies authoritatively, "No! They're with me and they’ll
stay."

"Mr. Jeon, they have his own hiding place," the guard replies.

"Very well. If they can't come in, then neither can I. I'm sure prince Taehyung will be pleased
to know that you’re the one to blame for my absence," Jeongguk challenges. When the guard
remains impassive, Jeongguk shrugs. "Come on," he grabs Nabi and Yumi's hands. Seokjin is
so shocked he doesn't even dare move.

He starts walking, taking only a couple of steps, when an impatient sigh resounds in the small
space. "Wait! Wait! All right, come in," the guard mutters. "But if there's a problem, it's your
responsibility, Mr. Jeon."

"Absolutely," he replies with a weak bow. He turns with the three servants and enters the
shelter with his head held high.

There's a lot of movement in there. Some contestants are hugging each other, crying, while
others pray. An image identical to the one that occurred in the first attack in the dining room.
Jeongguk sees the king and the queen sitting alone, surrounded by more guards. Less than
two meters away from them, Taehyung holds Areum's hand. She looks a little shaken but,
obviously, feels calmer under his touch.

Jeongguk watches the place where the royal family is. They're the ones who, in addition to
the guards, are closest to the door. He wonders if it has to do with the idea that a captain
always sinks with his ship. The royal family will do anything to keep the palace standing, but
if it sank, they would be the firsts to die.

The small royal group notices Jeongguk's entry, mainly the three people who keep him
company. The confused expressions that mirror their faces are notorious, but Jeongguk just
gives them a curt nod and continues to walk with his head held high. If he's confident, maybe
no one will question him. At least he wants to believe it.
Well, Jeongguk was wrong.

He takes another three steps until Jang-mi appears in front of them. She looks incredibly
calm, but that's not surprising either. This situation was certainly nothing new to her.

"Oh, great! We have more people to help. Servants, go immediately fetch some water from
the reservoirs down there and start serving the royal family and the selected. Let's go!" The
woman, not as elegant and well-dressed as she always is for wearing silk pajamas instead,
orders.

"No," Jeongguk turns to Seokjin and gives him the first real order since he arrived at the
palace. "Seokjin, please bring the king, the queen and the prince something to drink, and then
come to me." He faces Jang-mi with determination. "The selected can perfectly help
themselves. They chose to abandon their servants, so they can grab the god damn water
alone. My servants will sit beside me. Now, let's go, girls," Jeongguk begins to walk, feeling
the trembling bodies of Nabi and Yumi right behind him.

He knows they were close enough to the royal family to be able to hear him. In his attempt to
show authority, he had ended up talking a little too loudly. But Jeongguk doesn't mind being
found rude; Nabi is more scared than most people there. She trembles from head to toe and
Jeongguk will not allow her to be sent in that state of mind to serve people who were not
worth half what she was worth in kindness. Perhaps, it was because Jeongguk has been the
eldest brother for several years, but he feels the need to keep them safe.

They find a small space at the back of the room. Whoever was responsible for maintaining
the hide must not have prepared it for the arrival of the selected, as there were not enough
chairs. But Jeongguk notices the water and food reserves, which seems to allow them to
spend several months in there, if necessary. Jeongguk hopes that such a move will never be
necessary.

Ahead of him is a rather strange set of people. It’s clear that many of the employees close to
the royal family had been working through the night because they’re still in suits or work
clothes. Taehyung himself is still dressed too. But all the selected are wearing nightgowns or
pajama sets, an attire suitable for sleeping in the heated bedrooms on the second floor, and
not all of them had managed to grab a robe in their haste to flee. Jeongguk himself feels a
little cold even though Seokjin has remembered to help him to put his robe on.

Several competitors gathered at the front of the cave. It’s obvious that they will be the first to
die if anyone enters, but if there was no invasion, at least they would spend a lot of time near
Taehyung. Woojin and Jimin are the ones closer to Jeongguk, paralyzed with worry.

Seokjin serves the drinks, his posture calmer and firmer despite the gravity of the situation,
while Jeongguk keeps Nabi under one arm, with Yumi cuddling her on the other side. There's
nothing pleasant to say about hiding or the attack itself, so they remain silent for a while,
listening to the general noise in the room.

The confusion of voices reminds Jeongguk of his first day in the palace when they suffered
their transformation. He closes his eyes and takes advantage of the sounds of the shelter to
imagine that moment, in an attempt to be as calm as he appeared to be that day.
"Everything’s okay?"

Jeongguk looks up and recognizes Yoongi, imposing in his uniform. His tone of voice is very
formal and he doesn't seem the least bit shaken by the situation.

Jeongguk sighs. "Yeah, thank you for asking."

They say nothing for a moment, watching people settle into the shelter. Yumi was clearly
exhausted as she ends up falling asleep while leaning against Nabi's shoulder, who is
relatively calm given the situation. She stopped crying and now remains seated, looking at
Yoongi with an expression of admiration.

"It was very honorable of you to bring your servants to here," Yoongi comments. "Not
everyone is so generous to people who are considered inferior."

"I never gave importance to castes," Jeongguk states calmly. Yoongi shows him a slight smile
and the purple-haired boy realizes that it's the first time that he and the guard talk.

Nabi takes a breath as if to ask Yoongi something, but a resounding yell echoes through the
hiding place. A guard at the far end of the room roars an order for everyone to shut up.
Yoongi then walks away with silent steps, retaking his post right next to Jimin and Woojin.

As soon as a few remnants of conversation dissipate, an unnerving silence falls over the
room.

And then, they all listen.

There clearly are people fighting over their heads. Cracks of shattered glass, wood being
thrown and screams after screams. Jeongguk searches out for something louder, like the
sound of gunfire or anything else that might reveal the origin of that group of rebels, but
nothing. Jeongguk finds himself clinging to his servants as if they can protect each other from
what might happen.

Those sounds last for hours on end. The only movements in the shelter are made by
Taehyung, who diligently goes around the space to check on each of the selected ones. When
he reaches the corner where Jeongguk and his servants are, only he and Seokjin remain
awake.

As the prince approaches, Taehyung smiles at the pile of people leaning on Jeongguk. At this
point, Jeongguk doesn't notice any trace of the anger caused by their last argument, although
he still wants to clarify what had happened. Instead, Jeongguk sees Taehyung's grateful grin.
The prince seems to be simply happy and glad that Jeongguk is okay. The wave of guilt
spreads again and hits Jeongguk's tight chest. He could have prevented things between him
and Taehyung from reaching this point if he hadn't been so sullen.

"Are you okay?" Taehyung is the first to break the silence, looking for traces of fear in
Jeongguk's face.
The purple-haired boy just nods, not quite sure of what to say. The tension caused by their
fight still hangs between them and is hard to ignore.

Taehyung then faces Seokjin, leaning over Jeongguk to be able to talk to the servant.

Jeongguk tries. He really tries with all the forces that make him up, but it's inevitable. He's
just a human. As subtly as possible, Jeongguk inhales Taehyung's perfume. The prince has
his own scent, something completely impossible to replicate, which made the fragrance even
more pleasing to Jeongguk's nose.

"What about you, Seokjin? How are you?" The prince asks in a whisper.

"I'm fine, Your Majesty," the servant responds.

"Please, Jin. Jeongguk already knows we’re friends and no one else can hear us. You don't
need to treat me with all these formalities," Taehyung rolls his eyes. "Are you surprised
you're down here?" He grins, lightening the unimaginable situation.

“No. Not with him,” Seokjin replies with a brief smile, nodding his head in Jeongguk's
direction. "Even though I tried to change his mind. But this gentleman right here is way too
stubborn."

Taehyung then faces Jeongguk again and his face is incredibly close to his. Jeongguk feels
uncomfortable. Not because of the proximity itself, but because there are too many people
leaning on him and making it impossible for Jeongguk to move. That and the fact that a lot of
people might see them. However, all Jeongguk wanted most was to lose himself in those eyes
and maybe those lips for a few seconds, to show Taehyung how groundless he feels for being
a couple of days upset with him.

But the moment passes quickly, in the blink of an eye really, and Taehyung gazes back at
Seokjin. "I know what you mean," he smiles again. The prince looks about to say something
else, but he shakes his head slightly and seems to change his mind, making a move to
straighten up.

However, Jeongguk is faster and grabs him by the arm, asking in a low voice, "Swans or
Whales?"

"Remember the day of the photoshoot?" Taehyung whispers, so close to his ear that Jeongguk
could feel the hairs on his body standing up because of the prince's warm breath against his
skin if it weren't for the frightening situation.

In shock, Jeongguk nods. Those rebels attacking west of Euphoréa, burning crops and
massacring people along the way, according to the news the man told them halfway through
the photoshoot. Locate the troops to the southeast. No need to go south, it would be a waste
of time. Let's see if we can intercept them, Taehyung ordered at the time. Those rebels, those
assassins, had been slowly approaching the palace all this time and no one had been able to
stop them. They’re murderers. They’re Whales.
"Don't tell anyone," Taehyung asks before walking away, approaching Sun-mi who is
sobbing shrunken.

Jeongguk tries to breathe slowly as he imagines ways to escape in case the rebels get to them,
but he knows he's just deluding himself. If the Whales manage to get in here, it would be the
end.

There is nothing to do but wait.

However, the seconds, the minutes, the hours take a while to pass. Jeongguk has no idea what
time it is, but people who had dozed off are now starting to wake up, and those who have
stayed awake are now starting to fade.

The noises above them didn't suddenly stop, but diminished over the hours.

And finally, everything is silent and remains so.

The door opens and some of the guards come out to investigate. They spend another couple
of hours inside the cave while the palace is inspected but then, they return.

"Ladies and gentlemen," one of the guards announce. "The rebels were subdued." An exclaim
of relief is heard from the hiding place. "We ask you all to return to your bedrooms by the use
of the back stairs. There's still a lot of confusion and some wounded guards. It’s best to avoid
the halls and main corridors until everything is in order. The selected should immediately go
to their rooms and stay there until further notice. I have already spoken to the cooks and will
be served to them some food in an hour or so. We apologize for the delay but we need as
many staff as possible in the hospital wing. Thank you."

After these words, people get up and start moving as if nothing had happened. As if it was
completely normal to ignore the guard's words about the fact that they needed reinforcements
in the hospital wing. In fact, some even look annoyed, like Yejun. With the exception of the
faces of people like Nabi, most seem to regard the attack as normal, as expected.

But well, that was anything but normal for Jeongguk.

His bedroom had been ransacked. The mattress is on the floor, the clothes have been
violently removed from the closet, and even the picture of his family hanging in the mirror
has been torn apart, the pieces now strewn across the floor. He looks for his sketchbook and
breathes a sigh of relief to find it remains intact, still kept on top of the shelf by the balcony
door. However, that doesn't make his eyes not automatically fill with tears. It wasn't just fear,
although Jeongguk was scared, it was the fact that he hated that an enemy had touched his
stuff and worse, ruined it.

It takes some time for him and his servants to get everything clean, also because they’re all
quite tired. But they eventually do. Seokjin even arranges duct tape to stick together
Jeongguk's family photograph, which makes the purple-haired boy even more emotional
about the whole situation. However, Jeongguk sends his servants to bed as soon as he picks
up the duct tape. Seokjin, of course, protests and insists on helping, but Jeongguk is unwilling
to listen. Now that he has discovered his ability to give orders, Jeongguk is no longer afraid
to use it.

Once he's alone, Jeongguk finally lets the tears run freely down his cheeks. Even though the
attack was practically gone, fear still gripped him.

Jeongguk shakily searches for the sweatpants Taehyung offered him, just like the black
hoodie, putting them on to somehow give some comfort to his body. He's so grateful that his
servants washed and ironed it. At least that way he feels a little normal. His hair is all tousled,
not only because his purple locks have a tendency to stick out all over the place while he
sleeps, but also because of the countless times his hands ran through the strands while he was
in the hiding place. However, he couldn't worry less about looking for a hairbrush and
combing his hair. Fuck it.

What's important to him now is laying out the pieces of the photograph on the bed, trying to
figure out how to put them together. Honestly, it's like having a thousand-piece puzzle in
front of him but Jeongguk was never one to give up easily. He manages to reconstruct half of
the picture when someone knocks on the door.

Taehyung. It must be Taehyung, Jeongguk thinks. Please, let it be Taehyung!

Jeongguk literally runs to open the door, hoping to seek comfort in the prince's arms, but his
face completely fades when Jang-mi is the person behind the door instead.

"Hello, dear," the woman pouts, which Jeongguk assumes is in a way of offering comfort,
and she hurries past him, entering the room. She then turns around and notices what
Jeongguk is wearing.

"Don't tell me you're leaving too?" She asks. "Honestly, this was nothing," Jang-mi makes a
gesture with her hand, indicating that the whole episode didn't matter.

Jeongguk has to contain the scoff that he's desperate to get out of the back of his throat. He
definitely wouldn't call it nothing. There were clearly wounded guards, as well as destruction
in the palace, and she considers that nothing? Jeongguk doesn't even want to imagine how
severe the attacks can become when this woman considers this specific one too little.

"No. I'm not leaving," Jeongguk replies anyway, running his hand through his hair again.
"Are any of the others going home?"

She sighs. "Yes. Mr. Kwak Woojin, so far. And prince Taehyung, bless him, told me to let go
whoever wanted to go home. Everything is being organized now. And it's funny, you know?
It's like he's been waiting for some of you to leave after this. If I were in your shoes, I'd think
twice about leaving because of a nonsense like this." Jang-mi starts circling around the room,
taking in the decor.

What the fuck? Nonsense? The woman can only be crazy!

"Did they take anything?" She asks casually.

"No, ma'am. They turned everything inside out, but I haven't missed anything yet," Jeongguk
replies, his eyes traveling around the room as if searching for something missing.

"Very well," she approaches and hands him a phone. "It's the safest line in the palace. Call
your family to let them know you're okay. But don't be too long, I still have more selected to
see."

Jeongguk looks in wonder at that tiny object. He had never had a phone as modern as these in
his hands. He had seen them in the fingers of Twos, Threes, or even Fours, but he never
thought he would ever use one. At most, the caste Seven had landlines and some phones that
didn't even have a touch screen. Hence, Jeongguk's hands tremble with emotion. He will
finally hear his family's voices! He ticks the numbers anxiously. After everything that had
happened, he finally smiles.

His mother answers after two rings. "Hello?"

"Mom?"

"Jeongguk? Jeongguk! Jeongguk, is that you?" His mother automatically starts sobbing. "Oh,
my sweet boy! Are you okay? We've been crazy with worry. A guard called us to say we
might not be able to get in touch with you for a few days and we knew those damn rebels had
managed to get into the palace. We were so scared,” her voice breaks out.

"Oh, mom! Don't cry, please! Everything’s okay, I’m okay. I promise," Jeongguk assures,
feeling his heart strangle at hearing one of the women of his life filled with concern. He looks
at Jang-mi, who seems bored, pretending not to be paying attention to the conversation.

"Jeongguk?" Ha-rin's voice is muffled with tears. She must have had a horrible day too.

"Ha-rin? You're there? I miss you so much!" He says, feeling tears well up in his eyes.

"I thought you were dead, you idiot!" Jeongguk has to smile at the (not so) offensive names
that Ha-rin usually calls him. "Jeongguk, I love you. We all love you, okay? Promise me you
won't die," she whimpers.

"I promise. Of course I promise, Ha-rin."

"Great. Are you coming home? I know I was the biggest apologist for you to stay there but
you can come back home now. I don't want you to stay there any longer if it means you're in
danger. I can't stand that idea," Ha-rin confesses between low sobs.

"Come back home?" Jeongguk tests the words out loud.

He feels so many things at the same time. Of course Jeongguk misses his family and is more
than tired of hiding and being afraid of the rebels. At the same time, he feels increasingly
confused about his feelings for Taehyung and doesn't know how to handle the whole
situation. The easiest would be to leave, of course. Going home, hugging his sisters and
parents, coming back to work and taking care of his flowers.

But still...
"No, Ha-rin. I can't go home. I have to stay here," he himself is surprised at how genuine his
words sound.

"Why?" She whimpers even louder.

"Just because," Jeongguk responds simply.

"Why?" Ha-rin counters.

"Just... Because," the purple-haired boy sighs.

Ha-rin is silent for a moment. "Are you in love with prince Taehyung?" And there's his sister,
the typical Ha-rin who only thinks and talks about boys. Well, she will be fine.

"Hum... Well, that's not it... It's just..." Jeongguk clears his throat, thinking of a way to move
around the topic of conversation.

"Jeongguk! I can't believe this!" Her giggles sound so loud that Jeongguk has to hold the
phone away from his ear to avoid going deaf. "You’re in love with prince Taehyung! You
truly are! Oh my God!"

Ha-rin exclaims so loudly that Jeongguk just knows everyone in that house can hear. And that
becomes clear when he hears his father screaming What the hell? while his mother, Jae-hwa
and Mun-hee repeat Yes, yes, yes!

"Ha-rin..." Jeongguk snorts, rolling his eyes as he rubs the area between his eyebrows. "I
didn’t say-"

"I knew it! I always knew this was going to happen!" Ha-rin exclaims excitedly. "I knew you
and the prince would get along and you would change your mind. Pretty silly ideas you had
about him, let me tell you. But that doesn't matter now. What matters is that you're in love
with the prince! And from what we see on television, he seems to like you a lot too! I'm so
happy!" She laughs nonstop. In the blink of an eye, all her fears about losing Jeongguk were
gone.

"Ha-rin, I have to go now," he decides to run from the subject. He’s too tired to think about
this now. "The others need the phone too. I just wanted to let you know that I'm fine. I'll write
soon, I promise."

"Okay, okay. Don't forget to tell me all about Taehyung and your crush in that letter of yours!
And send me more desserts, everything was so delicious! I love you!" She shrieks.

Jeongguk smiles when he can hear, despite mere echoes, the voices of his remaining family
members saying goodbye and saying they love him too. "I love you all too. Give a big hug to
everyone for me. Bye."

Jeongguk hangs up before he can no longer control the tears that threaten to fall. He missed
his family so much. After all, he hasn't heard their voices in a month and exchanging letters
isn't enough. However, as soon as their voices fade away, Jeongguk misses them even more
than before.
Jang-mi is fast. In a few seconds, she takes the phone out of his hand and heads for the door.
"Good boy. Glad you're staying here with us in the palace for a little longer," she says,
disappearing down the hall after calmly closing the bedroom door.

Jeongguk doesn't feel like a good boy at all, far from it, but he knew that as soon as he
figured out how to work things out with Taehyung, everything would be fine. Or, at least, he
thinks so.

A few hours later, Woojin was indeed gone. Jeongguk has no idea whether the speed is due to
Jang-mi's efficiency or to the caste Four boy's nervous state. Now, there are only seven of
them, and all of a sudden, it seems like everything is progressing very quickly. Still,
Jeongguk would not have been able to predict how quickly things would unfold from then on.

On the Monday following the attacks, the selected resume their routine. Breakfast is
delicious, as always, and Jeongguk finds himself wondering if the day when he will stop
enjoying those spectacular meals will ever come. What will happen for sure is the strangeness
that his stomach will feel when he returns home, where meals will be much less complete
than those served in the palace. But he can think about it later.

"Areum, isn't this divine?" Jeongguk asks, crunching a yellowish star-shaped fruit. He had
never seen anything like it until he arrived at the palace and only later did he discover that the
fruit in question is called carambola. Areum has her mouth full, chewing enthusiastically too,
but nods her head in agreement.

This morning, Jeongguk woke up filled with a warm feeling of brotherhood. Now that they
have all survived a serious rebel attack together, it seems that the small bonds that held them
together had become indestructible. Sitting next to Areum, as well as Sun-mi, who passes
him the honey with a friendly smile, Jeongguk feels good. The atmosphere reminds him of
his family dinners: lively and full of people and conversation.

Jeongguk suddenly knows that, just as Taehyung told him his mother did, he would keep in
touch with these people over the years. After all, they've become a kind of family to him
because of all the time they spend together all these weeks. Jeongguk would want to know
who they would marry and would definitely send Happy Holidays cards and flower
arrangements. And in a few more years, if Taehyung had a child, Jeongguk would call them
to find out who were their favorites in the new Selection. And surely, they would remember
what they had been through and laugh as if it had been an adventure and not a competition.

Strangely, the only person who looked kind of airy and upset was Taehyung. The prince
hadn't touched his food and, instead, is looking over the tables full of selected with a
concentrated gaze. Every now and then he would stop in mid-thought, seeming to struggle
with something, and then, continue.
When Taehyung's now more tired-than-kind eyes land on the table where Jeongguk is sitting,
the prince catches Jeongguk staring at him and gives him a faint smile. Aside from the brief
dialogue the night of the rebel attack, he and Taehyung hadn't spoken since their fight, and
there are definitely some things that still need to be said. This time, it’s Jeongguk who has to
take the initiative. He knows that.

With an expression that Jeongguk hopes to show is a request and not a demand, the purple-
haired boy subtly nudges a couple of times the mole under his lower lip with the tip of his
finger. Taehyung's expression looks tense at first as if he wasn't expecting it at all, but he
repeats the gesture nevertheless.

Jeongguk sighs in relief, only now realizing that he had held his breath in the first place. He
focuses again on the plate full of fruits with the most diverse colors, flavors and smells in
front of him as if his appetite had returned in full just with the mere expectation that he and
Taehyung will finally talk.

However, Jeongguk's melon-filled cheeks stop chewing when Taehyung stands up. The
sudden movement makes the chair scrape loudly against the marble floor and the noise is
enough to attract their attention. With all those confused and questioning faces turned in his
direction, the prince seems to wish he could sit down again without anyone noticing.

But since that's not possible, he starts talking instead. "Ladies and gentlemen..." Taehyung
gives a slight nod in greeting. He looks genuinely distressed and Jeongguk wonders more and
more what he has to say. "I'm afraid that, after yesterday's events, I was forced to profoundly
rethink how the Selection works. As you know, one of you asked to leave the palace and I
agreed. I don't want anyone here against their will. But besides that, I don't feel comfortable
keeping in the palace, under the threat of constant danger, no one with whom I am sure I have
no future whatsoever."

Across the dining room, confusion gave way to a clear and sad understanding of what was
going to happen. Whimpering murmurs and sighs are heard.

"He won't..." Sun-mi mumbles, her trembling hands nervously turning over the linen napkin
that rests on her lap.

"Yes, he will," Jeongguk replies with a sigh, already clearly sensing what will happen.

"Although it saddens me to take this attitude, I discussed the matter with my family and some
close advisers and decided to reduce the Selection to the Elite group. Therefore, from now
on, the group will be composed of just five selected," Taehyung declares, in a tone of official
voice.

"Five?" Areum exclaims.

"It's not fair," Sun-mi whispers, starting to cry silently.

Jeongguk looks around the dining room as the buzz of complaints steadily rises and falls.
Yejun seems to mentally prepare himself, as if he could fight for a spot. Mi-suk closes her
eyes and crosses her fingers, perhaps hoping that the pose would gain her some sympathy.
Jimin, who has admitted to Jeongguk that he is not in the least interested in Taehyung, looks
extremely tense. Why did he want to stay so badly?

"I don't want to drag the subject out unnecessarily and, therefore, I will proceed to dictate the
selected ones who will remain," Taehyung says, causing a wave of silence throughout the
hall. They all hold their breath, consciously or unconsciously, nervously waiting to hear their
name. "Miss Oh Areum and Mr. Park Jimin..."

Jimin sighs in relief and puts a hand to his chest. Areum rehearses a happy, nervous dance in
his chair and looks at the competitors around her, hoping they are happy for her. And
Jeongguk is obviously enthusiastic about it until he realizes that two of the five positions
have already been filled. With the argument pending between him and the prince, would
Taehyung send him home? Couldn't he see any future with him anymore? Did Jeongguk even
want him to see it? What would he do if he had to go home?

All this time, the power to decide when to leave had been in Jeongguk's hands. It’s at this
instant that Jeongguk suddenly realizes how important it’s for him to stay.

"Miss Choi Sohui and Mr. Seo Yejun..." Taehyung continues, looking at each of them.

Jeongguk shudders at hearing Yejun's name. How? Taehyung couldn't keep the Three in the
palace and send Jeongguk away, could he? In fact, Jeongguk could hardly believe the prince
would even let Yejun stay in the first place. But is this a sign of his imminent departure? The
two argued precisely because of Yejun's presence.

The purple-haired boy starts to feel his chest rising and falling faster and faster, his breaths
short and shallow. Looks like the breakfast Jeongguk just ate wants to shoot down his throat.

"And finally... Mr. Jeon Jeongguk," Taehyung looks at him and Jeongguk feels every muscle
in his body relax.

His lungs are now able to receive the necessary oxygen without difficulty, his heart no longer
seems ready to leave his chest, and the contents inside his stomach continue the process of
digestion.

Sun-mi starts to cry immediately, sobbing, and she's not the only one.

Taehyung lets out a long sigh and adds, "To everyone else, I'm so sorry. I hope, however, that
you believe me when I say I did this for your own good. I don't want to hopelessly raise
anyone's hopes or risk your lives. If anyone on the way out wants to talk to me, I'll be in the
library down the hall. Now, if you excuse me,” the prince leaves the room as quickly as
possible, almost running. The sadness and guilt in the now heavy features on Taehyung's face
are evident, for having to reduce the group to Elite so suddenly.

Jeongguk still doesn't know how he truly feels about Taehyung. He is aware that there is
something, a spark, a chemistry, a feeling, yes, but he cannot describe it in detail, let alone
identify the dimension of it. So why had he been so tense about leaving or staying at the
palace? And why does Taehyung want him there?
However, what runs mainly through Jeongguk's veins is relief. It took a serious decision like
this for Jeongguk to be aware that, after all, he really wants to stay here in the palace. Even
though his mind is still an authentic ball of yarn full of the most difficult knots, he wants to
continue with Taehyung, getting to know him and making their relationship blossom, whether
it's friendship or, who knows, love.

Not even a second has passed and Mi-suk and Sun-mi already run after Taehyung, no doubt
looking for an explanation for their expulsion. The situation is unbearably uncomfortable.

The rest of the morning is awkward. It's not that Mi-suk and Sun-mi were Jeongguk's closest
friends in the palace but, even so, he will definitely miss them. All the occupied rooms on the
second floor have their doors open and the selected run from one side to the other,
exchanging notes and collecting addresses so that they can talk to each other in the future.
They cry and laugh together, and in the afternoon, the palace becomes a much more serious
place than when they arrived.

It seems that, just now, they’re starting to really understand that they’re in a competition.

The noise of servants pacing, or doors opening and closing, is now quite small compared to
before.

Jeongguk sits at his desk reading a book while his servants clean the dust. He wonders if the
palace had always had this air of solitude, and only two selected went home. Probably the
emptiness he feels is due to the new perception of reality regarding the Selection.

Suddenly, two light knocks are heard against the wooden door. Seokjin rushes to open it,
looking at Jeongguk to make sure he is prepared to receive visitors. The purple-haired boy
nods, closing the book slowly.

When Taehyung enters the bedroom, Jeongguk jumps to his feet in a quick leap.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” he greets with a nod, looking at Jeongguk's servants. "We meet
again."

Seokjin, Nabi and Yumi bow and giggle. The prince greets them and turns to Jeongguk, their
eyes finally crossing. Jeongguk didn't even realize how eager he was to see the prince. He
stands still, beside the table, a little dazed.

"Forgive me, but I need to speak to Mr. Jeon. Could you give us a moment, please?" The
prince asks with a calm smile.

More bows and giggles between them, and Seokjin even asks the prince - in a tone more
friendly than professional - if he could bring them anything. Taehyung refuses and they
finally leave.

Taehyung has his hands hidden inside the pockets of the black suit blazer he wears today,
shifting the weight of his body on his feet from time to time in a nervous act. They remain
silent for a while. Since when did it become so difficult for them to talk to each other?
"I thought you wouldn't let me stay," Jeongguk admits in a whisper, finally breaking the
deafening silence.

"Why?" The prince asks, looking sincerely confused, was it not for his frown.

"Because we argue. Because everything between us is so weird and different. Because..."

Jeongguk sighs, looking at his fidgety feet.

Taehyung slowly closes the distance between them, searching for a trace of discomfort on
Jeongguk's face as he moves forward. When he doesn't see any traces of it, the prince holds
both of Jeongguk’s hands and takes a deep breath.

"First, let me apologize to you. I shouldn't have yelled at you that day. Much less about
another selected," his tone is completely sincere. "It doesn't justify my attitude but it's just
that some of the committees and my father are putting pressure on me on this issue and I
really want to be able to make a decision for myself. It was very frustrating to come across
another situation where my opinion wasn't taken seriously," he sighs heavily, looking at their
entwined fingers.

"No, Tae. Please, I'm the one who has to apologize," Jeongguk lets go of one of his hands
only to rest it gently against the prince's face. "I shouldn't have been so impulsive and
stubborn. I still hold my opinion about Yejun though, and I would really like you to see him
with the same eyes as I see him. But I also understand your position. And I definitively don't
want Yejun or any other selected to be a reason for us to fight. So… I’m sorry. I'm really
sorry."

"It's okay," Taehyung assures, searching for the warmth coming from Jeongguk's hand on his
cheek. “I apologized, you apologized. Everything’s okay now.”

Jeongguk allows himself to smile truly, feeling his whole body relax knowing that things are
finally okay between them again. "But... Did you mention another situation...? What did you
mean with that, if you allow me to ask...?" He questions, remembering the words spoken just
now by the prince.

"Well, you saw my choices just now," Taehyung shrugs as Jeongguk rejoins their hands.
"Jimin is the people's favorite and I can't discard that. Yejun is a very powerful young man
who comes from a family with which it would be beneficial for us to form alliances. Areum
is lovely, very pleasant to talk and to be with, and also a favorite of some committee
members. They say that she, despite being a Seven, has the aura of a true princess. As for
Sohui, she has relatives in the New Europe and, as we're trying to end this damn war once
and for all, that's something I have to consider. I was overwhelmed with opinions and
cornered on all sides in this decision."

Taehyung offers no explanation for Jeongguk's choice and the purple-haired boy hardly asks
him. But he doesn't resist. Jeongguk knows they’re friends first, but he has no political use
like the others, much less the aura of someone from royalty. He is aware of that.

Even though he can't face him, Jeongguk asks in a whisper, "And why am I still here?"
He is sure he will suffer. Deep down, Jeongguk thinks he only stayed in the Selection because
Taehyung is too kind to break his promise. The prince is probably not even attracted to him
anymore and desperately wants to send him away and-

"Jeongguk, I thought it was clear to you," Taehyung says calmly, snapping Jeongguk out of
his thoughts. He lets out a patient sigh and lifts Jeongguk's chin with his hand. When the
Seven finally looks him in the eye, Taehyung confesses, "If things were simpler, I would have
already eliminated all the others selected. I know how I feel about you. I’m aware of what
these feelings could become if you also wanted it that way. Maybe it's impulsive of me to be
so sure, but I'm certain I would be happy with you. So happy. And with that, I don't want to
pressure you at all or force you to make a decision." Taehyung's thumb gently and slowly
slides across Jeongguk's flushed cheek. "I told you and I will continue to say that I
understand how you feel and it won't change anything between us. I respect the fact that
you're still confused about all this and I promise to keep our friendship above all else. I just
wanted to be honest with you as you always are with me."

Jeongguk can feel the tears pooling in the corners of his eyes, itching to come out and wet his
cheeks, but Jeongguk holds back. Taehyung's face has an adoring expression mirrored and
Jeongguk definitely doesn't want to lose it. In fact, a glimmer of thought about Jeongguk
being able to see those features on a daily basis makes his heart race even faster than it
already is.

And maybe it's his frantic heartbeat, maybe it's the sweat that builds up on his hands, maybe
it's the emotion, sincerity and vulnerability of the moment, but the truth is, Jeongguk's feet
propel him forward until his lips crash against Taehyung's in a kiss full of I missed you so
much, and I also feel for you what you feel for me, even if I still can't fully understand it, and
I promise to fight.

And when Taehyung's lips reciprocate the kiss with the same passion, Jeongguk simply
knows that the messages he wanted to convey have reached the addressee.

"Jeongguk..." Taehyung mumbles as their foreheads meet after the kiss. "There are times
when I think we've broken down all barriers and I truly believe we have a chance. But I can't
lie and say there aren’t others where I think you just want to stay for convenience... If I was
sure that I, and I alone, was the reason you wanted to stay..." Taehyung pauses and shakes his
head as if the end of the sentence is something he can't afford to want and wish for.

"Taehyung, look at me," Jeongguk asks in a gentle tone of voice. “I want to stay. I want to
stay for you. I'm still not sure what the turmoil of feelings inside me really means, but one
thing I'm sure of. I don't want to say goodbye to you. I like to be with you even if, for now,
our relationship is just a friendship. A friendship maybe with some benefits, yeah, but a
friendship nonetheless."

The prince chuckles at Jeongguk's words until his face closes and becomes serious again. "As
I told you, I understand and respect that. You gave me a chance and I will wait for you."

"I don't want to be that selfish-" Jeongguk tries to add but the prince interrupts him by
leaving a lingering peck against his lips, which leaves Jeongguk completely stunned by the
gesture.
"And you're not. I promise. I'm aware of how you feel, so it's not like you’re making me wait
for you, okay? It’s my decision." Taehyung's hands slide through the strands of purple hair
that reach Jeongguk's forehead, pushing the locks aside. Jeongguk nods slowly, grateful. "But
that doesn't mean I won't protect myself. I need to keep knowing better and having dates with
the others because youu can suddenly decide to leave and I'll let you go if that's what you
really want, but I need to choose a wife or husband at the end of this. I'm making the best
decision possible within the limitations I've been given, but please, don't doubt for a second
that I like you. Deeply."

Jeongguk can't hold the tears anymore and hugs Taehyung's neck tightly, sobbing low.
"Taehyung... Can you forgive me? I'm sorry. I really wanted to..." He can’t finish. The prince
moves away from the embrace only to begin wiping away with his long fingers the tears that
stain Jeongguk's face.

"Forgive you for what? Our stupid fight? I've forgotten about it. The fact that your feelings
are slower than mine? I'm prepared to wait," Taehyung says with pure sincerity laced in his
voice. "Honestly, I don't think there's anything you can do that I can't forgive. Do I need to
remind you of the times you called me an arrogant and a snob?"

Jeongguk can't contain his laughter, pushing the prince lightly by the shoulders. Taehyung
chuckles too, snuggling himself in Jeongguk's body in a tight hug.

They stay like that, glued together, for a few minutes. Not talking, not showing signs of
wanting to move, just feeling the heat that each one radiates from their bodies.

Until Taehyung sighs heavily.

"What is it?" Jeongguk asks, yanking away from the hug and pulling Taehyung with him
until they’re both sitting on the edge of the mattress.

Taehyung shakes his head. "It was so fast this time..." His voice is filled with a thwarted
admiration for the rebels' talent. "I'm more and more worried, Jeongguk. Swans or Whales,
they're getting more and more determined. It looks like they won't stop until they get what
they want and we have no idea what it is." The prince looks sad and confused. "I'm afraid it's
only a matter of time before they destroy something or someone important to me..." As he
utters these last words, Taehyung looks him in the eye with apprehension. "You know, you
can still choose. If you're afraid to stay, you should say so." He pauses, clearly thoughtful.
"Or if you think you'll never be able to love me, you better tell me now. I'll let you go home
and we'll remain friends."

Jeongguk puts his arms around Taehyung's torso and rests his head on the prince's chest.
Thus, Jeongguk can hear Taehyung's accelerated heartbeat. He smiles because that's exactly
how his own chest is. Taehyung looks both comforted and surprised by the gesture. It only
takes him a second to wrap his arms around Jeongguk as well.

"Taehyung, I'm not sure what we are, but we’re definitely much more than just friends,"
Jeongguk smiles. "As far as I know, simple friends don't hug like this or kiss on the lips."
 Taehyung lets out a laugh, making Jeongguk's entire body shudder along with his. His hand,
delicate as always, caresses Jeongguk's cheek, pulling it until their gazes meet intensely.
Looking into the prince's eyes, Jeongguk feels an impossible-to-designate feeling growing
between them. Like the seeds they both planted together that began to blossom from the
ground, eager to grow and grow and grow, until they reach their peak and became a beautiful
and wonderful flower.

Taehyung's eyes slowly descend, more concretely to Jeongguk's slightly parted mouth. When
the purple-haired boy unconsciously wets his lips with his tongue, the prince's eyes seem to
dilate. Jeongguk nods slightly, noticing the clear question stamped on the prince's face, and
Taehyung moves even closer, meeting Jeongguk's lips again in a kiss with an unimaginable
tenderness.

As always, Taehyung's lips are soft. Jeongguk can taste the coffee flavor that Taehyung
probably drank before coming here. Their mouths move in tune, slowly, taking all the time in
the world to discover themselves.

"Yup. Friends definitely don't do this," Jeongguk mutters against Taehyung's lips before the
prince puts their mouths back together.

Jeongguk feels a smile against his lips, a smile that lingers for a long time, not only in
Taehyung but in him as well.

The next day, Seokjin opens the curtains, waking Jeongguk earlier than he would like, to
prepare him for a new day. As the light from the sun's rays hits his face, Jeongguk feels that
this seems to be truly his first day at the palace.

The Selection is no longer something that was simply happening out of obligation, but
something in which Jeongguk was an active part instead. He now embraces the challenge,
truly wanting to be a part of this competition. Who knew Jeongguk would come to this point?
However, he doesn’t feel the bitterness in the back of his throat or the sadness invading his
thoughts just like in the first days. No, on the contrary. He feels the excitement and happiness
to spend more time with Taehyung.

He is ready.

He belongs to the Elite now.

Jeongguk pushes the blankets off the bed, smiles at his three servants, and embraces the
morning.

Chapter End Notes

And with that, we reach the Elite stage! What are you thinking about the story so far?

my twitter
my curious cat
playlist
 eight
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes

VIII

The atmosphere in Euphoréa is serene, the sound of cicadas and the moonlight embracing the
night, and Jeongguk remains still for some time, listening to the calm breathing of Taehyung,
who is lying beside him. It has become increasingly difficult to catch the prince in a truly
relaxed and pleasing moment in the middle of so many work meetings or typical princely
chores, and Jeongguk deeply enjoys those minutes of their own, grateful that Taehyung is at
his best when they’re alone.

Since the Selection had been reduced to just five competitors, the prince had been more
anxious than when the group of twelve had initially arrived at the palace. Jeongguk suspects
it's because Taehyung thought he would have more time to make his choices. And although
Jeongguk takes a huge toll on his conscience for admitting it, he's aware that it was largely
because of him that Taehyung feels this way.

Prince Taehyung, the heir to the throne of Euphoréa, likes Jeongguk. He had already proved
it countless times with the smallest gestures, but the prince had officially said it last week. He
had also admitted that if Jeongguk could just say that he felt affection for him, as Taehyung
did, without any reservations, doubts and fears, this whole competition would already be
over. Sometimes, Jeongguk thinks about the idea, wondering what it would be like to belong
only to Taehyung.

However, Taehyung didn't belong to him. There are four more selected, girls and boys the
prince meet and whisper to, and Jeongguk still has some difficulty in knowing how to deal
with that. And then, there is the fact that if Jeongguk accepts Taehyung, it would mean
accepting a crown and a high position too, a thought that Jeongguk tends to ignore, just
because he's not sure what it would imply for him and his life. Many changes, no doubt in
that. A new routine, a new caste, a new life, a new him.

When Taehyung moves his head, inhaling through Jeongguk's hair, he considers the
hypothesis. What would it be like to simply love Taehyung?

"Do you know when was the last time I really looked at the stars?" The prince asks.

Jeongguk snuggles closer to him on top of the blanket, his purple-haired head nestled neatly
across the prince's chest. But it's the warmth that Taehyung's body radiates that keeps the
other boy warm on that cold winter night.

"Hum... No. I have no idea," Jeongguk replies.

"A tutor made me study astronomy a few years ago. He taught me that, if we look closely, we
can see that stars have different colors," Taehyung says. "And that depends on its
temperature. The bluish-colored stars are the hottest and can reach thirty thousand degrees
Celsius. Crazy, right?" Taehyung gazes at Jeongguk, the other boy humming. "The orange
and yellow ones, the most common, have average temperatures of about six thousand degrees
Celsius, and the coldest ones are red and can reach three thousand degrees Celsius."

"Wait, wait, Mr. Nerd," Jeongguk scoffs. "That's very interesting, yes, but I need to know.
The last time you looked at the stars was to study? How about for fun?"

Taehyung laughs, risking sliding his fingers along the length of Jeongguk's arm. The caresses
are so light but Jeongguk's body automatically reacts, shivering. "Fun... That's a new word for
me. I'll have to mark something between budget negotiations and infrastructure committee
meetings. Oh, and between defining military strategy, which, by the way, I suck."

"And what else are you terrible at?" Jeongguk looks at him through his lashes, making his
hand drop by Taehyung's starched shirt.

"Why do you want to know that?" The prince asks, feigning irritation. "This is going to ruin
all my chances with you."

"Shut up," Jeongguk chuckles, squeezing Taehyung's stomach, who laughs too. "Because I
still don't know a lot about you. And honestly, you seem to be constant perfection. It's good to
have proof of the contrary."

Taehyung gets up on one of his elbows and faces Jeongguk. "You know I'm not perfect."

"But you're almost," Jeongguk retorts, shrugging his shoulders as he subtly bites down on his
lower lip to keep a teasing smile from drawing across his face.

The caresses and touches continue lightly. Their knees, their legs, their arms, their fingers
that bravely travel along the lines of their skin. It’s a cold winter night, without a shadow of a
doubt, but the shivers that rose in their bodies are not due to the biting breeze.

Taehyung shakes his head with a slight grin on his lips, lying back down on the soft grass and
allowing Jeongguk to snuggle into him again. "Okay, well. I'm not capable of planning wars.
I'm terrible at it, actually," he interrupts himself, seeming to think of more. "And I think I'd be
a dreadful cook too. It's not that I've ever tried, but..."

"You never tried to cook?" Jeongguk questions, arching an eyebrow in curiosity.

"I don't know if you've noticed, Jeongguk, but the multitude of people who work to fill you
with cakes also feed me," Taehyung teases, getting Jeongguk to smack his arm in response.

The purple-haired boy lets out a laugh. At home, Jeongguk helps prepare practically every
meal. It's not that he considers himself an excellent chef, not least because he and his family
eat pretty much the same thing every day, but he can handle it.

"More..." Jeongguk asks. "What else are you awful at?"

Taehyung nods, his soft brown eyes sparkle, full of secrets. "I discovered something
recently..."

"You did? Tell me," Jeongguk mutters at the closeness between them, curiosity laced in his
voice.

"Well... It looks like I found out that I'm an absolute failure to stay away from you,"
Taehyung says in the most stern voice he can manage. "It's a very serious problem, don’t you
agree?"

Jeongguk copies the serious expression without cutting off eye contact with the prince. But
it's too much and Jeongguk can't control the boisterous, genuine laughter that escapes the
back of his throat anymore. "I can't believe it. You're so, so lame! Where did you get that
flirty line from?"

Taehyung does his boxy smile, a gesture that Jeongguk has come to realize is so rare and,
best of all, it's practically always aimed at him.

"Was it bad?" The prince chuckles, hiding his now embarrassed face in Jeongguk's cheek.
"Tell me it wasn't that bad."

"Okay... So this is going to be the first time I’m not going to be honest with you," he pauses.
"It wasn't that bad," Jeongguk lies, shaking his head in denial while trying not to giggle. "It
was the best attempt at flirt I've ever heard in my life!”

"You liar!" Taehyung gently pushes him, their laughter mingling in the night.

When their bellies can't take it anymore, a comfortable silence settles between them. The
caresses return, Jeongguk drawing circles on Taehyung's chest as the prince slowly moves his
fingertips up and down Jeongguk's arm again.

"Have you really tried?" Jeongguk mutters with a shy smile, bringing the subject up again.
"Have you ever really tried to stay away from me?" He repeats when the prince looks at him
without understanding.

Taehyung pretends to think about it. "Well, no. And don't expect me to start doing it."

"I don't want you to do it either," Jeongguk completes, closing his eyes and inhaling
Taehyung's scent mixed with that of the trees and flowers around them. Cuddled up together,
it's so easy to imagine that this could be the rest of Jeongguk's life.

They hear the sound of leaves and grass being stepped, announcing someone's arrival.
Although their date is completely acceptable, Jeongguk is a little embarrassed and quickly
sits up. Taehyung does the same as a guard appears from behind the hedge, approaching.

"Your Majesty," the heavy-faced man greets, bowing. "I apologize immensely for
interrupting, but it's not wise to stay outside for so long at this time of night. Rebels can..."

"I understand. You're right," Taehyung replies with a sigh. "Just… Just give us a minute.
We’ll return to the palace soon." The guard nods, repeating the bow, and leaves them alone
again. Taehyung turns to Jeongguk. "Another big flaw of mine: I'm starting to lose patience
with the rebels. I'm tired of dealing with them."

He stands up gracefully and extends his hand to Jeongguk to help him up. Jeongguk catches
it with a subtle frown upon seeing a rueful frustration in the prince's eyes. They had been
attacked twice by the rebels since the beginning of the Selection, once by the simply rowdy
Swans and another by the deadly Whales, and even with Jeongguk's short experience, he can
understand Taehyung's weariness.

The prince bends down to grab the blanket and shakes it, obviously not delighted that their
night has been interrupted.

"Hey..." Jeongguk mutters, making Taehyung look at him. "I had fun."

The prince just nods, his eyes locked on the red blanket.

"I’m serious," Jeongguk repeats, stepping closer to him. Taehyung takes the blanket with one
hand and puts his free arm around Jeongguk's waist. "We have to do this again. You can tell
me more interesting facts about the stars you learned in your astronomy class. I promise not
to call you a nerd," he tries to lighten the mood, smiling as the tips of the prince's lips start to
bend up.

But that smile turns into a sad one very quickly. "Sometimes I just wish things were easier,
you know? Normal," the prince confesses.

Jeongguk turns to hug him, squeezing Taehyung's neck with his arms. The prince drops the
blanket to return the gesture, his hands finding comfort on Jeongguk's waist.

"I hate to have to tell you this, Your Highness, but even without the guards, you’re far from
normal," Jeongguk teases.

Taehyung's face relaxes a little, but even so, he remains serious. "You would like me more if I
was..."

"Tae," Jeongguk sighs, looking steadily into the prince's sad eyes. "I know you have a hard
time believing it, but I really like you just the way you are. I just need more-"

"Time," Taehyung adds. "I know. And I'm prepared to give it to you. I just wanted to make
sure you really want to be with me when that time comes to an end."

Jeongguk looks away, ugly guilt creeping into his chest again, spreading like poison through
the arteries and veins that make him up. That isn't something Jeongguk can easily promise.
Even though Jeongguk, at that very moment, is tempted to swear to Taehyung that he would
be by his side in the end, he can't do that. Jeongguk can't give him false hope. He didn't want
to be that kind of person.

"Tae…" Jeongguk whispers, his heart contracting as he sees how the prince had become
disheartened by his lack of response. "I can't tell you that. At least, not right now. But what I
can promise you is that I want to be here. I want to know if there's a chance to... To..." He
stutters, not quite knowing how to express himself.

"Of there being a we?" Taehyung suggests.

Jeongguk grins, grateful that Taehyung understands him so easily. It was always such a good
thing between the two of them.

"Yes. That's exactly it. I want to understand if there's a chance we could be a we," Jeongguk
agrees.

Gently, Taehyung brushes a strand of purple hair behind Jeongguk's ear. "If you ask me… I
think the odds are pretty high," the prince nods, feeling confident.

"I think so too. It's just... Time, okay?" Jeongguk feels bad for constantly asking for this when
Taehyung doesn't have to, but that's just how he feels.

The prince nods, looking more satisfied now. And that's how Jeongguk wants to end their
night, with hope. Well, and perhaps with one more thing that has become more and more
common among them.

Jeongguk bites his lip subtly and leans towards Taehyung, pleading with his eyes. Without
any hesitation, Taehyung shortens the short distance between them and also leans in until
their lips meet again. As always, the kisses they share are warm and tender, and leave
Jeongguk with the feeling of being adored and, in a way, wishing for more. A lot more. In
fact, Jeongguk could stay there for hours, simply lost in Taehyung's lips and hands caressing
his back, but the prince backs off, too soon.

"Let's go," Taehyung says playfully, pulling Jeongguk to the palace. "We should get in before
the guards come looking for us, on horseback and spear in hand."

Jeongguk laughs, allowing their hands to meet and intertwine as is so natural between them.

As soon as Taehyung leaves him on the stairs, fatigue takes over Jeongguk. He practically
crawls to the second floor and turns the corner on his way to his bedroom. During these
silent, short steps, Jeongguk can't help but get lost in his thoughts.

Time.

Lately, Jeongguk has been asking for it a lot. He is hopeful that if he were given seconds,
minutes, hours, days, weeks, everything would somehow work out.

He hopes to be right.

♕
"No, no," Queen Yuna replies, laughing. "I only had three bridesmaids, although Bon-hwa's
mother suggested I have more. But I just wanted my sisters and my best friend, whom I
happened to meet during the Selection.”

Jeongguk looks at Jimin and Areum and is happy to see that they are staring at him too.
Before arriving at the palace, Jeongguk thought that because this competition had such a big
prize, there would be no chance the other contestants could be nice. Not to mention
Jeongguk's skepticism towards higher castes. However, Jimin and Areum welcomed him with
open arms as soon as they met, and ever since, the three of them supported each other.

And except for pretty much once, they never had an argument or a ugly fight. A few weeks
earlier, Jimin had commented that he thought he didn't want to be with Taehyung. When
Jeongguk pressured him to explain himself further, the caste Two boy shut down completely.
Jeongguk knew that Jimin wasn't upset with him, but those days of silence before they got
past the subject had been quite lonely. And even today, Jeongguk wonders what happened to
Jimin for him to have that reaction.

"I want seven bridesmaids," Areum comments with a giggle. "I mean, if prince Taehyung
chooses me and allows us to have a big, crowded wedding, of course."

"Well, as for me, I don't want groomsmen," Yejun says to annoy the Seven girl. "It's just a
distraction. And since it's all going to be filmed, I want all eyes on me."

Jeongguk is furious. They can rarely talk to queen Yuna and here is Yejun behaving like a
spoiled boy and ruining the moment.

"I would like to introduce some traditions from my culture into my marriage," Sohui adds
calmly. "In New Europe, young women wear very long veils and the groom has to give
presents to the friends of the bride, or of the groom of course, as a thank you for letting her
marry him."

"Remind me to go to your wedding, please. I love presents!" Areum intrudes.

"Me too!" Jimin exclaims in agreement.

"Mr. Jeon, you've been pretty quiet," queen Yuna draws his attention. "What do you want to
have at your wedding? Any special desire?”

Jeongguk is definitely not ready to respond and he feels his cheeks flush. "Honestly, I never
really thought about the day of my wedding. I guess the only thing I always dreamed of was
my dad handing me over to the groom. You know, the part where he takes our hand and puts
it in our future husband’s hand? Well, I think that's what I idealize the most. And seeing my
whole family in the first seats, happy and proud of me and my choice, of course," Jeongguk
explains. As embarrassing as this might sound, it was the truth.

"But everyone does that already," Yejun complains. "It's a very common tradition. It's not
even original."
Jeongguk should be pissed off that Yejun is teasing him again, but he just shrugs. "I want to
make sure my family fully supports my choice on the day it really matters."

"That's quite beautiful, if you ask me," Areum comments as she sips her herbal tea.

Queen Yuna lets out a short chuckle. "I hope your family approves. Regardless of who it is,"
she adds the last words quickly, realizing she's almost implicitly hinted that Taehyung would
be the one.

Jeongguk wonders if she truly thinks that, if Taehyung has told her about them both.

Shortly thereafter, the matter of marriage dies and the queen leaves the selected in the Leisure
Hall to go to work in her own bedroom. Yejun stands in front of the huge TV built into the
wall, apparently watching some fashion show, while Areum and Sohui start a game of cards.
As for Jeongguk and Jimin, they stay seated.

"This was fun," Jimin comments. "I don't think I've ever seen the queen talk so much."

"I think she's getting enthusiastic," Jeongguk agrees. He never told anyone what Binna, the
queen's sister, had told him about her unsuccessful attempts to have another child. Binna had
predicted that the queen would get closer to them as the group dwindled and she was right.

"You really don't have any more plans for your wedding, or you didn't want to share them?"
Jimin starts a new topic of conversation.

"I really don't," Jeongguk assures with a shrug. "I have a hard time imagining a big wedding,
you know? After all, I'm a Seven."

Jimin shakes his head in disagreement. "You were a Seven. Now, as part of the Selection, you
became a Three."

"Right, I confess I tend to forget about that," Jeongguk scratches the back of his neck,
remembering his new «label».

Jeongguk was born into a family of Sevens - farmers, builders and florists who generally
earned little money - and although he hates the caste system in general, Jeongguk genuinely
enjoys what he does for a living. It's just super weird for him to think of himself as a Three,
developing a career as a teacher, a philosopher, a doctor, a writer or even as a scientist, the
main professional areas of that caste.

"Stop worrying. There's no point in suffering in advance," Jimin interrupts as if reading his
thoughts. "You don't need to worry about that yet."

Jeongguk is ready to protest when he is interrupted by a yell from Yejun. "C’mon!" He yells,
slamming the remote on the couch before pointing it back at the TV. "Ugh!"

"Is it just me, or he’s getting worse?" Jeongguk whispers in Jimin's ear. They both stare at
Yejun, who’s repeatedly hitting the television remote until he gives up and gets up with
furious steps to manually change the channel. Jeongguk wonders if it's normal for someone to
be irritated by such trivial things.
"I think it's stress," Jimin tries to find a reason. "Have you noticed that Sohui is getting, I
don't know... A little distant too?"

Jeongguk nods and they both gaze at the two girls playing. Areum smiles as she shuffles the
cards, but Sohui examines the ends of her hair instead, occasionally pulling out a strand she
doesn't like. Her expression is kind of distracted.

"I think we're all starting to feel it," Jeongguk confesses. "It's harder to relax and enjoy the
palace now that the group is so small."

Yejun lets out another growl, getting the two boys' attention. But they immediately move
their eyes when the Three catches them staring.

“Excuse me for a moment,” Jimin asks, shifting in his chair. "I think I'm going to the
bathroom."

"I was thinking the same thing. Shall we go together?" Jeongguk suggests. "Ew, wait. I just
realized we look like two teenage girls combining to go to the bathroom together. What the
fuck?"

Jimin shakes his head, holding back his loud laughter. "You can go first then. I'll use that time
to finish my tea."

"You don’t mind?" Jeongguk stands up after Jimin shakes his head in denial. "Alright then.
I'll be right back."

Jeongguk exits the Leisure Hall and walks slowly along the magnificent corridor. He doubts
that he will ever cease to be dazzled by all the spectacularness of the palace. There is so much
art displayed along with the myriad of walls that it seemed that Jeongguk discovered a new
painting every day. He is so distracted that he bumps into a guard just around a corner.

"Oh! I'm so sorry!" He exclaims, prepared to help in case he hurt someone.

"I apologize, Mr. Jeon. I hope I didn't scare you," the guard helps him regain his balance by
grabbing his elbow.

"No," Jeongguk replies, smiling affably. "It's okay. I should see where I'm walking but I
always end up distracted by these corridors. Thank you for holding me, Soldier Yoongi."

"You don’t have to thank me, Mr. Jeon," the guard gives him a short bow.

"Well, hopefully, our next encounter will be smoother," Jeongguk jokes.

Yoongi laughs, nodding his head. "I agree. Have a nice day, Mr. Jeon."

"Thank you, you too," the caste Seven boy grins, continuing his way to the nearest bathroom.

When he returns to the Leisure Lounge, Jeongguk tells Jimin about the embarrassing run-in
with Soldier Yoongi, and advises him to be careful to see where he walks and avoid being
clumsy like Jeongguk. Jimin lets out a different laugh than what Jeongguk is used to hearing,
staring at the purple-haired boy curiously as he shakes his head in amusement.

After it's Jimin's turn to go to the bathroom, the two spend the rest of the afternoon sitting by
the windows, talking about their homes and childhood stories, while they soak up the not-so-
warm winter sun.

At that moment, it's sad to think about the future. The Selection would eventually come to an
end, and although Jeongguk knew he and Jimin would remain close - at least, that's what he
hoped - he would miss talking to him every single day. Areum is from his caste, so he knows
it will be easier to keep in touch with her. But Jimin is also one of the first true friends that
Jeongguk had ever had in his life and he would genuinely like to keep him by his side.

It's funny how things change, Jeongguk likes to think.

As he tries to stay in the present, Jimin looks out the window thoughtfully, even dreamy.
Jeongguk wonders what he might be thinking, but everything is so calm that he doesn't dare
to ask any questions.

Jeongguk's wide balcony doors are open, as is the door to the hallway, and his bedroom fills
with the sweet, gentle air that comes in from the gardens. Considering he has a lot of work to
do, Jeongguk had hoped the gentle mid-afternoon breeze would be a comfort, but it was a
distraction instead, making him yearn to be anywhere but sitting at that damn desk.

Jeongguk sighs loudly, even growls in despair, leaning back in his chair and dropping his
head back. "Seokjin," he calls in a whiny tone.

"Yes, Mr. Jeon?" The servant responds, gazing up from the shirt he has on his lap, which he
was in the middle of sewing. Without even looking, Jeongguk knows that Nabi and Yumi
straightened up, waiting to see if he needed them too.

"For the thousandth time, it's Jeongguk. Not Mr. Jeon," Jeongguk rolls his eyes. "Anyway. I
order you to discover the meaning of this report," he asks, idly pointing to the article on
military statistics on his desk. It's something every Elite member would be asked about, but
he can't concentrate.

The three servants laugh softly, probably as much at the ridiculousness of his order as at the
fact that he gave one. Leadership isn't really one of Jeongguk's strengths.

"I'm sorry, Jeongguk, but I think that is beyond my limits," Seokjin replies, clearly stifling his
smile. At least he no longer called him Mr. Jeon. Progress. Despite Jeongguk's request being
just a joke, as well as the servant response, the purple-haired boy thinks he notices a tone of a
sincere apology in Seokjin’s voice for not being able to help him.
Jeongguk still tries to use his trump card with his very wide and bright eyes, the same ones he
uses to coerce his sisters into washing the dishes or making the bed for him at home, but to
no avail. It looks like he's losing his skills.

"Okay," Jeongguk grumbles, straightening up. "I'll have to do it myself. You're a useless
bunch of servants. Tomorrow I'll ask for new ones. And this time it's for real."

The servants giggle and Jeongguk can't help but join them. It's amazing how in a space of just
over a month, the complicity between them all grew exponentially.

Jeongguk refocuses on the numbers in front of him. He genuinely starts to think that report is
false, but he's not sure. He rereads the paragraphs and tables, frowning and biting the tip of
his pen, trying to understand what that might mean.

He hears Nabi chuckling timidly and that makes Jeongguk look up curiously to find out what
it is that amuses her so much. He follows the maid's gaze to the door and there is Taehyung,
leaning against the jamb with an amused expression on his face.

"You denounced me!" The prince complains to Nabi, who continues to giggle in
embarrassment.

Jeongguk immediately pushes the chair away, not caring about the squeak it makes as it
slides across the floor, and runs into Taehyung's already spread arms.

"You read my thoughts!"

"I did?" Taehyung arches an eyebrow in doubt, accepting Jeongguk's hug.

"Please tell me we can go outside. Just for a little bit?" Jeongguk goes back to using his
pleading eyes and this time he succeeds.

Taehyung smiles, brushing a purple strand away from Jeongguk's forehead. "I have twenty
minutes before I have to go back."

Jeongguk doesn't need to hear nothing more. He doesn't hesitate to drag the prince down the
corridor, listening to the not-so-subtle and enthusiastic conversation of his servants fading
behind them.

There was no denying that the palace gardens had become their special place. Jeongguk and
Taehyung go there almost every time they can be alone.

"What is this?" Taehyung asks as they walk, stroking Jeongguk's fingertips that are now
entwined with the prince's.

"Huh?" Jeongguk looks down, not immediately understanding what the prince means. "Ah.
They're calluses. They're from handling a lot of flower arranging materials. And probably
also because of drawing. I like using my fingers," Jeongguk explains.

"I've held your hand before. How come I never noticed?" Taehyung asks himself.
"Do they bother you?" Jeongguk asks in an unsure whisper. He doubts that any of the others
selected have hands like his.

Taehyung suddenly stops walking and takes Jeongguk's hand to his lips, slowly kissing the
small, rough tips of the purple-haired boy's fingers. If Jeongguk's heart seems to have
crashed, no one needs to know.

"On the contrary. I think they're beautiful," Taehyung doesn't show a single ounce of a lie in
that sentence, saying it with the utmost certainty as his sweet eyes hover over Jeongguk's. It's
impossible for the prince not to notice the bright red that is starting to paint on his cheeks.
"I've seen the world, I admit it's almost always from behind bulletproof glass or from the top
of an ancient castle tower, but I've seen it. And I have answers to thousands of questions. But
this beautiful hand right here?" He stares at Jeongguk's fingers glued to his and then plunges
deeply into the other boy's eyes. "This hand produces the most beautiful art, unlike anything
I've ever seen. I've witnessed the delicate and passionate way you use your fingers to take
care of the flowers. And sometimes, I think I dreamed I saw the portrait that you made to
give Areum on her birthday. It was so, so beautiful. These calluses are proof that everything
was real, that your art is real."

Sometimes, the way Taehyung talks to Jeongguk is overwhelming, too romantic to believe.
It’s as if the prince let Jeongguk into his soul without hesitation, showing everything of his
own free will. But even though Jeongguk treasured Taehyung's words in his heart, the caste
Seven boy sometimes has to ignore the toxic thoughts that made him wonder if he could fully
trust them. How could he know if the prince wasn't saying the same sweet things to the others
selected? He doesn't want to think about that. Jeongguk has to change the subject because he
doesn't want to ruin the mood between them either.

"Do you really have answers to thousands of questions?" Jeongguk picks up one of the
phrases spoken in the prince's speech.

"Yes, of course," he nods. "Ask me anything, and even if I don't know the answer, I know
where we can find it."

"Anything?"

"Anything."

It's difficult for Jeongguk to think of a question like that so suddenly, let alone one that would
stun Taehyung, as he intended. Jeongguk thinks for a moment about what had most interested
him during his childhood: how planes fly, how ancient Korea used to be, how the tiny stereos
that people from the upper castes use to listen to music work.

But then, he remembers something much better and intriguing.

"What is Halloween?"

"Halloween?" Taehyung arches both his eyebrows in surprise.

Obviously, the prince had never heard of it. This does not surprise Jeongguk. He'd only seen
the word a couple of times, in that old History book he found in his parents' bedroom.
Although some parts of the book were completely ruined, with pages ripped out or destroyed,
he had always been fascinated by that holiday he knew nothing about.

"So, aren't you so sure of yourself anymore, Your Royal Cleverness?" Jeongguk mocks,
bumping his shoulder against the prince's.

Taehyung grimaces, pretending to feel annoyed. He looks at his black leather wristwatch and
takes a deep breath. "Come with me. We have to be discreet and quick," he mutters, taking
Jeongguk's hand and breaking into a very unexpected run.

Jeongguk stumbles a little due to the suddenness of it all, but there he manages to keep up
with the prince, while Taehyung leads him back to the palace with a boyish smile, from ear to
ear. Jeongguk simply loved it when Taehyung let his more relaxed side shine through; the
prince was too serious too often, masking his true age most of the time.

"Gentlemen…" Taehyung greets breathlessly as they run past the guards by the door.

"Where are you taking me, Tae?" Jeongguk gasps, desperately wanting to stop to catch his
breath.

"Come on, let's go! You're going to love this," he replies, pulling him by the arm as Jeongguk
falls behind. He ends up slowing down a bit to keep up with the purple-haired boy, but it's
obvious the prince is eager to move faster.

They head towards the north corridor, near the area where the Official News is filmed, but
they slip down a stairway before getting there instead. The steps seem to be endless and
Jeongguk can barely contain his curiosity.

"Where are we going exactly?" He asks again.

Taehyung turns and faces Jeongguk, suddenly getting serious. "You need to promise me
never to tell anyone about this room. Only a few family members and a handful of palace
guards and workers know of its existence."

Now, Jeongguk is completely intrigued. "I promise."

They reach the top of the stairs and Taehyung holds the door for Jeongguk to pass. The prince
grabs his hand again and leads Jeongguk down the corridor until they stop in front of a wall
almost entirely covered by a magnificent painting. It wasn't a landscape or a portrait, like the
typical paintings that decorate the palace walls, but an abstract art in shades of blue and red
instead.

Taehyung looks back to make sure they’re alone, then puts his hand behind the frame.
Jeongguk hears a slight click and the paiting slides towards them. He lets out a gasp of
surprise and awe while Taehyung smiles satisfied.
Behind the frame is a door that doesn't reach the floor and has a small built-in keyboard, like
a phone. Taehyung types in some numbers and there is a slight beep. The prince turns the
knob and looks at Jeongguk.

"Let me help you. The step is quite high," he takes Jeongguk's hand and motions for him to
enter first.

And Jeongguk is completely shocked. All that's left is for his chin to touch the ground.

The windowless room is filled with shelves stuffed with what appear to be old books. Two of
them contain manuscripts with curious red stripes on the spines, and Jeongguk sees a gigantic
atlas, propped against one of the walls, open to a page with a drawing of a country he cannot
identify. In the middle of the room, on a table, are half a dozen books that appear to have
been recently handled and left there for quick reference. Finally, built into a wall, is a huge
screen that looks like a television.

"What do the red stripes mean?" Jeongguk doesn't contain himself, asking in complete
wonder. He turns around, wanting to absorb everything around him.

"These are the banned books. As far as we know, they’re the only copies left in Euphoréa,"
Taehyung explains. Jeongguk turns to him, wondering with his eyes what he doesn't dare to
say out loud. "Yes, you can read them," the prince replies in a tone of voice that suggests
some discomfort, but at the same time, with an expression that seems to indicate that he was
eager for Jeongguk to ask.

The purple-haired boy cautiously approaches the bookshelf, carefully grabbing one of the
books, afraid he might unintentionally destroy that unique treasure. He flips through the
pages curiously but ends up dropping it almost immediately. He's too mesmerized by
everything.

Jeongguk turns and sees Taehyung typing something on what seems to be a television screen
built into the wall. How is he doing that? Since when it’s possible to touch and play with a
television without a remote?

"What is that?" Jeongguk approaches the prince, looking at the device carefully.

"A tablet. You’ve never seen one?" Taehyung asks distracted as Jeongguk shakes his head.
The prince doesn't seem surprised. "Basically, it works like a computer, the difference is that
it has the touch screen. Currently, few people have them. This is exclusively for the
information contained in this room. If there's anything about this Halloween thing you talked
about, this device will tell us where it is."

Honestly, Jeongguk didn't quite understand what the prince was saying, but he also doesn't
ask Taehyung to explain himself further. In a few seconds, Taehyung's little research turns
into a list of three topics on the screen.

"Oh, excellent!" Taehyung exclaims excitedly. "Wait here."

Jeongguk remains still next to the table while Taehyung looks for the three books that will
reveal to them what, after all, Halloween is. Jeongguk is hoping it's not a silly, insignificant
thing and that he wouldn't have given Taehyung all this work for nothing.

The prince carefully arranges the books on the long wooden table, starting to flip through the
pages.

The first book defines Halloween as a Celtic festival that marked not only the end of summer
but also the passage of the Celtic year, which began on November 1st. Not wanting to slow
them down, Jeongguk doesn't bother to say that he has no idea what a Celt is. The book also
says that they believed that the dead rose from the ground and took over the bodies of the
living, and for that reason, people wore dark masks to ward off the evil spirits.

During the Middle Ages, years and years later, the Church began to condemn the event, and
hence the derogatory name of the holiday. It was also at this time that some healers began to
be called witches, and for taking a stand against the dogmas of the Church, they were burned
in big bonfires. Thus, in an attempt to remove the pagan nature of the holiday, the Church
made changes to the religious calendar, making All Saints' Day commemorated on November
1st instead of May 13th.

Later, it became a holiday without any connection to religion, aimed mainly at children.
These masked themselves and walked around the city singing songs, being rewarded with
treats, which gave rise to the phrase «trick or treat», as they played pranks to win a candy in
return.

The second book defines the holiday in a similar way, except that it also mentions pumpkins
and Christianity. Jeongguk is completely ecstatic with all the new information his brain is
privileged to receive. It's all so curious and captivating.

"This is going to be the most interesting," Taehyung says, flipping through the third and final
book, which, by the way, is a much finer handwritten manuscript than the others.

"Why?" Jeongguk asks, leaning in for a better look.

"This, Mr. Jeongguk, is one of Yerin Euphoréa's personal diaries volumes."

"What?" Jeongguk exclaims, bringing his hands to his amazed mouth. "Can I touch it?"

"Of course. Let me just find the page we're looking for first," Taehyung smiles kindly. "Look!
There's even a picture!"

And there, like an apparition, an image from a completely unknown past shows Yerin
Euphoréa, in a light green, long-sleeved dress and imposing posture, with an assertive
expression on her face. Beside her, a man smiled halfheartedly at the camera. There was
something about his face that suggested he'd once been very handsome and cheerful, but the
sparkle was gone from his eyes. In fact, the man looked tired.

Surrounding the couple were three more people. The first was a pretty, vibrant teenage girl
with a wide smile, a glittering crown, and a pink dress with extravagant ruffles. She was
dressed like a princess, Jeongguk notices. The other two were boys, one of them slightly
taller than the other and both were masked in what appear to be cartoon characters, but
Jeongguk doesn't recognize them. They looked like they were about to do some pranks.

Underneath the image, there was a note, oddly enough, written in Yerin Euphoréa's own
hand. Jeongguk is shaking with excitement.

Children celebrate this year's Halloween with a party. I think it's a way of forgetting what's
going on around them, but honestly, it just seems frivolous to me. Not to mention that it's a
holiday typically celebrated in the country that attacked us. We’re one of the few families that
still have the financial means to commemorate, but this childish event seems to be a complete
waste to me.

"Do you think this is why we don't celebrate it anymore? Because it's a waste of money in her
point of view?" Jeongguk asks.

"Maybe," Taehyung shrugs. "If the date is correct, this was right after the end of the Third
World War. At that time, most people had nothing. Imagine an entire nation of Sevens with a
handful of Twos and Threes."

Jeongguk tries to imagine the scenery of their country like that, torn apart by war and then
struggling to pull itself together. It must had been hard.

"How many of these diaries exist?" Jeongguk looks at the prince curiously.

Taehyung turns around, pointing with his chin to a shelf with a row of journals similar to the
one they had in their hands. "About a dozen or so."

Jeongguk can hardly believe it. So much history in just one single room.

"Wow. This is… This is amazing, really. Thank you," Jeongguk smiles. "This is something I
never imagined seeing. I can't believe it all exists."

The prince looks radiant. "Would you like to read the rest?" He asks, pointing to the diary in
his hands.

"Yes, of course!" Jeongguk almost screams with excitement, but the responsible side of him
reminds him of what he has to do. "But unfortunately, I can't stay here. I have to finish
studying that horrible report. And you need to get back to work."

"It's true," Taehyung sighs, seeming to think of an alternative. "But you can take the book and
keep it with you for a few days."

"Am I allowed to do that?" Jeongguk's eyebrow arches in suspicion but he can't deny how
awed he feels.
"No," the prince shrugs with a smirk on his lips. "But I trust you."

And that means so much. Not only the fact that Jeongguk is able to dive directly into the
history of Euphoréa but mainly because of the gesture of enormous trust that Taehyung is
placing in him.

Even so, Jeongguk hesitates, afraid of what he has in his hands. What if he lost it? What if he
screwed it up? Surely Taehyung thought the same, but even so, he didn't think twice about
giving Jeongguk the opportunity. And the purple-haired boy knows he can be careful enough
with a gift as valuable as this.

"Okay," Jeongguk nods, accepting the diary. "But only for a night or two and then I'll hand it
back."

"Hide it well," Taehyung asks, smiling.

And that's what Jeongguk does. This was more than a book; it was Taehyung's trust.
Jeongguk tucks it into the piano stool in the corner of his bedroom, more concretely under a
pile of sheet music, a place his servants never clean because he couldn't play and, therefore,
couldn't use the huge musical instrument.

The only hands that would touch that diary would be Jeongguk's.

"I'm such a lost cause!" Jimin complains.

"No, you're not. You're doing great," Jeongguk lies.

For more than two weeks, Jeongguk had been giving Jimin painting lessons regularly and it
actually seemed that he was drawing worse and worse. The caste Two boy gives another
brushstroke on the canvas and Jeongguk can't hide his grimace.

"See! Look at your face!" Jimin exclaims. "I suck. I'd better painting with my elbows. Maybe
this drawing looked more like a person than a horse," he sighs.

"This was supposed to be a person?" Jeongguk tilts his head, trying to decipher the painting.
"Ow! Why was that?" He complains when Jimin throws the brush and glares at him
threateningly.

Jimin sighs loudly. "I give up. I’m sorry, Jeongguk. You've been very patient but I can't even
look at this canvas. It really looks like a horse instead of a human."

"Looks more like a dying flower or something like that, if I may say so," Jeongguk teases,
earning another infuriating glare from Jimin.
In the end, the two burst out laughing. Little did Jeongguk know, when Jimin asked him for
drawing lessons, that his eyes were going to suffer such painful yet hilarious torture.

"Maybe you would be better at crochet. Areum could teach you," Jeongguk suggests.

"I don't think so. With my luck, I'd end up getting caught in the ball of wool," Jimin laughs,
getting up and approaching Jeongguk's desk, where the papers they both should have been
reading had been pushed aside to make room for the tea and biscuits his servants had left for
them.

"You could always learn how to do it to put it into practice on Yejun. I would love to see him
with his mouth full of wool to stop him from talking," Jeongguk sighs dreamily.

"Don't tempt me," Jimin points a defiant finger in Jeongguk's direction. He then starts serving
tea for them both. "I'm going to miss you so much, Jeongguk. I don't know what I'm going to
do when we can't see each other every day."

"We still have time. Taehyung didn’t make his decision. You don't need to worry about that
yet," he devalues the situation.

"I don't know..." Jimin gets serious. "The prince didn't tell me directly, but I know I'm only
here because the public likes me. With most of the selected already excluded, it won't be long
before people change their minds and find a new favorite, and then the prince will dismiss
me. I’m sure of that."

Jeongguk tries to choose his words carefully, hoping that Jimin will explain to him the reason
why he has put distance between himself and Taehyung, but not wanting the boy to close up
again. "And are you resigned to that? Not staying with Taehyung, I mean?" Jeongguk asks as
indifferently as possible.

Jimin shrugs slightly. "He's not the right person. I don't mind leaving the competition, but at
the same time, I don't want to leave," he explains. "Besides, I wouldn't want to be with
someone who's in love with someone else."

Jeongguk instantly straightens, even though the gesture goes unnoticed to himself. "Who is
he in love with-"

Jimin stares at him with a triumphant look and a winning smile, as if to say, I caught you!

And how Jimin caught him.

In a second, Jeongguk realizes that the idea of Taehyung being in love with someone else
leaves him with a flurry of unbearable sensations inside his stomach and chest. And in the
next instant, when Jeongguk understands that Jimin is talking about him, the purple-haired
boy feels infinitely reassured.

Jeongguk had established successive walls, by mocking Taehyung and exalting the merits of
the others selected, but, with a single sentence, Jimin had bypassed it all.
"Why don’t you finish this, Jeongguk?" Jimin asks fondly. "You know how much he likes
you. In fact, I dare to say he's in love with you. Completely. I believe faithfully that he loves
you."

"He never said it in those words..." Jeongguk mutters with a shrug. It was the truth. Taehyung
had already told him that he had feelings for him, yes, but he never used the l word.

"Of course not," Jimin rolls his eyes as if it's obvious. "That man is trying very hard to win
you over, but whenever he gets close, you push him away. Why?"

How had Jimin noticed that? Is he really that insightful? And could Jeongguk tell him the
truth? That he had never had any interest in coming to the Selection in the first place and that,
after all, he ended up developing feelings for the prince, despite not knowing the dimension
of his emotions and what they could mean for his future?

"It's just... I'm not sure, I think..." Jeongguk trusts Jimin. He does. But it was better that he
didn't know.

The Two nods. He seems to realize that there is more to it, but he doesn't push Jeongguk. It
was almost comforting, this mutual acceptance of their secrets.

"I advise you to find a way to be sure. Soon. Prince Taehyung may not be the right person for
me, but that doesn't mean he's not an amazing man. And I would hate for you to lose him out
of fear," Jimin says, sincerity laced with every syllable he utters.

Once again, Jimin is right. Jeongguk is afraid. Fear that his feelings for Taehyung aren't as
genuine as they seem, fear of what it would mean to be part of royalty, fear of how
everything would change if he just let himself go.

"Speaking of lighter things..." Jimin changes the subject, putting down his cup of tea. "All
that talk about weddings yesterday made me think of something."

"In what?"

"Would you like to be my best man at my wedding? If I ever get married…" Jimin asks shyly.

"Well, I only accept it if you accept to be mine too," Jeongguk negotiates with a wide grin on
his lips.

"Deal!" Jimin hops up and down on the bed, making the other boy chuckle. "I wouldn't miss
your wedding for anything in this world." His tone of voice suggests that Jeongguk's wedding
will be the event of the century.

"Promise me that even if I marry an Eight in some alleyway, you'll be there," Jeongguk asks.

Jimin rolls his eyes, giving him an annoyed look, certain that such a thing would never
happen. "I promise, even if that happens."

He doesn't ask Jeongguk for a similar promise, which makes him wonder, as he's suspected
before, if there isn't some Four in his town that Jimin desires. But Jeongguk would not press
him on that matter. It was obvious they both had their own secrets, but Jimin had become his
best friend and Jeongguk would do anything for him.

"So, Mr. Yejun, are you saying that the amount is not enough and that the number of men
chosen in the next recruitment should be increased?" Hoseok asks, the debate moderator in
the Official News of Euphoréa.

The debates on the program are a test and the selected know it. Although Taehyung didn't
exactly have a deadline, the public was keen for the group to shrink; and Jeongguk sensed
that the king, the queen, and their advisers felt the same way.

If the selected wanted to stay, they had to do well wherever and whenever the royal family or
the Selection staff wanted. Jeongguk is proud of himself for having managed to read all that
horrible report about the soldiers. He remembers some statistics, so he's convinced he has a
chance of making a good impression.

"That’s exactly what I’m saying, Hoseok. The war in New Asia has been going on for so
long. I think one or two more intense recruitments would give us enough quantities to end it,"
Yejun explains his point of view.

Just hearing the Three speak, Jeongguk could feel the inside of his stomach completely turn
over. He was unable to bear Yejun. He'd gotten one of the selected expelled, had ruined
Areum's birthday party the month before, and had tried to literally rip the suit off Jeongguk's
body. His status as Three made him feel superior to all of them, even though Jimin belonged
to caste Two and, technically, he was the one in a higher position.

To be honest, Jeongguk didn't have an opinion about the amount of soldiers in Euphoréa, but
now that he knows what Yejun thinks, he decides to be completely against the idea. "I
disagree," Jeongguk puts his hand in the air, speaking in the most elegant tone of voice he can
manage.

Yejun turns to him with a quick gesture, which makes the microphone tucked into his shirt
collar threaten to fall off. With his back to the camera, he feels perfectly brave to stare at
Jeongguk intimidatingly.

Well, he's far from getting it.

"Ah, Mr. Jeongguk, do you think increasing troops is a bad idea?" Hoseok asks.

The boldness began to dissipate now and the blush in his cheeks took its place instead. "The
Two and the Three, and sometimes even the Four, can pay to avoid recruitment. So, I'm sure
Mr. Yejun has never seen what happens when families lose their only children. Recruiting
more would be a disaster, especially for the lower castes, who tend to have larger families
and need each member's labor to survive," Jeongguk explains.

Jimin, sitting next to Jeongguk, gives him a light warning tap. He ignores.

Yejun takes the lead again. "What should we do then? You're certainly not suggesting that we
should just sit back and let these wars drag on, right?"

"No. Of course I wish Euphoréa and New Asia would end the war once and for all,"
Jeongguk pauses to organize his thoughts. He looks at Taehyung as if searching for some
support, but the king, sitting next to the prince, seems annoyed and this makes Jeongguk
nervous. He desperately needs to turn the situation around, so Jeongguk says the first thing
that comes to his mind. "What if it was voluntary?"

"Voluntary?" Hoseok arches an eyebrow in surprise.

Yejun and Sohui chuckle, which only makes Jeongguk's situation worse. But then, he
seriously thinks about it. Was it such a bad idea?

"Yes. No doubt some requirements would be needed, but maybe we could get better results
with people who really want to be soldiers than with boys who just need to earn some money
and survive to return to the life full of difficulties they left behind."

A whisper of reflection runs through the studio. Apparently, his argument wasn't that stupid
and it made sense. Take that, Yejun!

"Well, that’s actually a good idea," Areum intervenes. "That way, we could also send in new
soldiers every month or two as people enlist. It could be encouraging for men who have been
in the service longer as well."

"I agree," Jimin adds, in a brief comment as was his custom. It’s clear that he is not
comfortable in these types of debates. Despite being a Two, Jimin is a boy with a very
introverted personality.

"Well, I know this might sound a little modern, but what if recruiting was open to women
too?" Areum proposes.

Yejun laughs out loud. "And who do you think would enlist? Would you be able to go to the
battlefield by any chance?" Three's tone is charged with outrageous disbelief.

Areum doesn't lose her mind, keeping her posture instead. "No, I personally don't consider
that I was born to be a soldier," she continues, addressing Hoseok. "But if there's one thing
I've learned from the Selection, it's that there are people, regardless of whether they're women
or men, who have a frightening killer instinct. So, don't be fooled by evening dresses and
elegant suits."

Jeongguk has never been so proud to be friends with Areum as he is at that moment.
 ♕

Back in his bedroom, Jeongguk allows his servants to stay later than usual to help him
remove the silver glitter that they smeared in his hair and face. At first, Jeongguk had been
startled when his servants suggested doing it for tonight’s Official News, thinking it would
get too extravagant, but after all, it turned out to be even natural, giving him an air just
brighter, not flamboyant like he had feared. The problem is that now he needs dozens of
make-up remover wipes to get that thing off.

"I liked your idea about an army of volunteers," Yumi comments as her deft fingers work.

"Me too," Nabi adds. "I remember seeing my neighbors struggling when their oldest children
were recruited. And then, when they didn't come back, it was unbearable." It was notorious
the number of memories passing through her mind. Jeongguk also had similar ones.

Bae Chae-Yeong, one of Jeon’s neighbors, had been widowed early, but she and her son Dae-
jung managed to organize their lives on their own. That is until the soldiers appeared at their
door with a letter, a flag, and meaningless condolences. The woman was shattered. She
couldn't go on with her life alone. Sometimes, Jeongguk saw her beg as Eight through the
Seven caste market, but Jeongguk had nothing to give her.

"I know," Jeongguk sighs, responding to Nabi's comment.

"But maybe the issue regarding women volunteering was a little too much," Yumi taps her
index finger against her chin thoughtfully. "Women on the battlefield seems... Tough."

Jeongguk grins at her prim expression as she concentrates on wiping the glitter off his
forehead. "I don't know. Women can be a lot braver than men-"

There is a series of knocks at the door, which startles them all.

"I have an idea," Taehyung announces, entering the room without waiting for an answer.
Apparently, they always had a date on Sunday nights after the Official News.

"Your Highness..." say the three servants in chorus, and Nabi drops some make-up remover
wipes on the floor as she bows.

"Oh! Here, let me help you," Taehyung prompts, approaching the maid.

"You don’t need to bother, Your Majesty!" She insists, blushing intensely and backing
towards the door. With much less subtlety than is undoubtedly intended, Nabi widens her
eyes at Yumi and Seokjin, imploring them with her stare to follow her.

"Ah, right. Good night, Your Majesty. Good night, Mr. Jeon," Seokjin bids farewell, pulling
Nabi with him to follow.

As soon as they leave, Taehyung and Jeongguk burst out laughing. He turns to the mirror and
continues to wipe the last traces of glitter off his face.
"They're so amusing," the prince comments.

"They admire you a lot, that's why."

The prince modestly ignores the compliment. "Forgive me for the interruption," Taehyung
says to Jeongguk's reflection in the mirror.

"No problem," Jeongguk replies absently as he sighs, relieved to finally have his face clean.
"Am I okay now?"

Taehyung nods approvingly, staring at Jeongguk for longer than necessary. Not that he minds,
anyway. On the contrary.

When he regains his concentration, Taehyung starts, "Well, this idea..."

"Yes?" Jeongguk encourages when the prince pauses.

"Remember that Halloween story?"

"Yeah. Oh, if that's because of the diary, I haven't read it yet. But it's well hidden, I promise,"
the purple-haired boy assures.

"It's okay. Nobody's been looking for it and my idea isn't about that. Anyway, I've been
thinking…" He trails off, probably to cause some suspense. Jeongguk takes advantage of that
quiet time to put all the used make-up remover wipes in the waste bin. "Why don't we have a
Halloween party here at the palace?" Taehyung suggests it as if it's the banalest thing in this
world.

Jeongguk quickly turns to him. "Are you serious? Oh! Could we?" Enthusiasm radiates from
every one of his pores.

"Would you like that?" The prince's smile also mirrors excitement.

"I would love to!" Jeongguk makes two leaps into place to emphasize his words.

"We could design masks for all the competitors in the Selection. The off-duty guards could
act as extra pairs to dance with since I'm just one and it would be unfair to make everyone
wait their turn," Taehyung rewinds all thoughts that pop into his head. "And we could have
dance lessons for the next few weeks. You've already told me that sometimes there isn't much
to do during the day. And oh! Treats!" He exclaims in a louder tone of voice. "We'll make
sweets and order the best ones there are out there too. You, Jeongguk, you're going to end the
night stuffed. I'm going to have to pull you out of there by rolling."

Jeongguk giggles at Taehyung's infectious enthusiasm. He is completely fascinated and

ecstatic about the idea.

"And we'll make an announcement. We'll tell the whole country to celebrate too, to let the
kids dress up and go knock on doors for sweets, like in the old days," the prince suggests.
"Your sisters will love it, won't they?"
"Are you asking if my sisters, three girls completely obsessed with everything that has sugar
on, are going to love it?" Jeongguk arches an eyebrow, grinning wide afterward. "Of course
they will! Everyone will!"

Taehyung seems to reflect for a moment, pursing his lips. "Do you think... Do you think they
would like to celebrate here? In the palace?"

Jeongguk stops, trying to digest and process the words uttered by the prince. "What?"

"Well, I have to meet the parents of the Elite selected and so, the siblings could also come
and we would meet at a more festive time instead of waiting-"

Taehyung is stopped by a pair of arms that reach for him. Jeongguk is so elated at the
prospect of seeing his parents and sisters that he can't contain his elation. The prince wraps
his arms around his waist and stares at Jeongguk, his eyes shining with joy. How did this
person, someone Jeongguk had imagined to be the complete opposite of him, always discover
the things that made him happiest?

"Are you serious, Tae? Can they really come?" Jeongguk asks just to be sure, but hope is
evident in his voice.

"Of course," the prince nods. "I've been looking forward to meeting them and it's part of the
competition. And besides, I think it would do you all good to see your families."

When Jeongguk is sure he won't cry, he whispers, "Thank you."

After that, the purple-haired boy's lips take on a life of their own, drooping until they hover
over Taehyung's in the shyest and grateful of kisses.

"You don't need to thank me," Taehyung smiles shyly, probably because of the unexpected
gesture. "I mean, if you're going to thank me with a kiss every time I organize a party or
invite your family... Maybe I'll do it on more often."

"Dork," Jeongguk leaves another peck against the prince's mouth. "Seriously, thank you."

"I know you love them."

"I really do," Jeongguk nods quickly.

Taehyung chuckles. "And it's obvious that you would do anything for them. After all, you
stayed here in the Selection because of them."

Jeongguk suddenly pulls away, creating space between them so he can stare at Taehyung's
eyes. There is no criticism in them, just astonishment at Jeongguk's abrupt move. But
Jeongguk cannot let it go; he has to be absolutely frank.

"Tae, they were part of the reason I stayed in the beginning, that’s true, but they're not the
reason I'm here now. You know that, don't you?" Jeongguk asks seriously. "I'm here
because..."
"Because…?"

Jeongguk looks at the prince, more concretely at his passionate face, so full of hope. Tell him,
Jeongguk. Tell him!

"Because…?" Taehyung asks again, an eyebrow arched in defiance. This time, a mischievous
smile forms on his lips, which causes Jeongguk to melt even more.

Jeongguk thinks about his conversation with Jimin earlier. It's hard for him to think of
Taehyung as his boyfriend when there are others selected the prince would meet and have
dates with. But if Jeongguk could be honest, the two of them aren't just friends.

Once again, he feels enveloped by that sense of hope, by the magical idea that they might
have something special. A rose that will grow and blossom with the most velvet and reddest
petals. Taehyung means so much more to Jeongguk than he allowed himself to believe.

Jeongguk gives him a mischievous smile and starts heading for the door.

“Jeon Jeongguk. Come here,” the prince warns. When Jeongguk doesn't obey, Taehyung
shortens the distance between them in a flash and wraps an arm around Jeongguk's waist,
pressing his chest against the purple-haired boy. "Tell me," he demands in a whisper.

Jeongguk purses his lips, teasing mirrored in his playful eyes.

"Very well," Taehyung nods with a sigh. "I will then have to use other means of
communication."

Without any warning, the prince kisses him. Jeongguk feels his body lean back a little,
completely supported by Taehyung's arms. Automatically, Jeongguk's hands find refuge
around the prince's neck, wanting to hold the man against him... And something changes in
his head.

Usually, when he and Taehyung are alone, Jeongguk manages to keep everyone out of his
mind. But today, the idea of the possibility of there being someone else in his place comes to
mind. Just the fact that he imagines someone else in Taehyung's arms, making him laugh,
kissing him like this, marrying him... It breaks Jeongguk's heart. It makes all of his insides
turn until they cause his entire body to bleed until there is nothing left.

And the worst thing is that it could simply happen because of Jeongguk. Because he still feels
confused, because he can't decipher the extent of his feelings, because he just asks for time
and time and time. And he knows that one of these days the time will run out, the last grain of
sand in the hourglass will fall, and he will have to give a final answer. And if he doesn't have
it, and if he keeps getting confused about everything, he might lose Taehyung.

Jeongguk can't stop the incessant tears running desperately down his cheeks.

"Jeongguk?" Taehyung pulls away from the kiss when he tastes something moist, hot and
salty against his lips. A soft sob escapes the back of Jeongguk's throat. "My love, what's
going on?"
 My love? Those endearing pet names, so tender and personal, involve Jeongguk. How could
he deserve someone as precious as Taehyung? And he desperately wanted to be deserving of
all those sweet names, of all Taehyung’s love, but Jeongguk knows he doesn't deserve it. Not
until he's one hundred percent sure how he feels and that he's going to make Taehyung happy,
regardless of the crown and official positions, regardless of his questions and doubts.

"I don't want to leave all this," Jeongguk sighs as the tears flow in a more controlled way.

"If I remember correctly, the first time we met, you said the palace looked like a cage," he
smiles, clearly trying to cheer Jeongguk up. His thumbs slowly slide down Jeongguk's face,
not stopping until he wipes away all traces of tears. "But we get used to it, don't we?"

Jeongguk scoffs, shaking his head slightly. "Sometimes you can be such an idiot," he lets out
a low laugh through his weak sobs. "It's not the palace, Taehyung. I don't care about the fancy
and expensive clothes, the bed or, you might don’t even believe it, the food." The prince
laughs. Jeongguk's enthusiasm for the extravagant meals presented to them was no secret.
"It's you," Jeongguk finally adds. "I don't want to leave you."

Taehyung blinks slowly, seeming to process everything. He then smiles, a smile that grows
until it covers his eyes because it’s so wide. "And I don't want you to leave me," Taehyung
hugs him again, this time being the prince hiding his face in Jeongguk's neck.

"I promise I'll give you an answer soon, Tae," Jeongguk repeats. "I promise-"

"It's okay," the prince assures, silencing Jeongguk by placing two fingers on his lips. "Time
okay?" Taehyung whispers, stroking the other's hair.

"Time," Jeongguk nods.

Time.

A word that Jeongguk honestly doesn't know if he loves or hates. A word that is increasingly
present in his personal dictionary, that progressively jumps into his mind and out of his
mouth. A word that means as much as it can mean nothing.

But, if he thinks about it, flowers also need their time to move from seed to shoot, from shoot
to stem, from stem to petals to bloom, from petals to a grown, mesmerizing flower, right?
Flowers also need seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, sometimes even months, to blossom
and show the world their true beauty.

Jeongguk wants to believe that the word time will mean all that. Only good things and
nothing more.

Time.

He’s grateful he has it.

Chapter End Notes

my twitter
my curious cat
playlist
 nine
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes

IX

"Very well, Mr. Jeon. Keep pointing to the drawings. As for the others, try not to look at me,
please," the photographer asks.

It’s Saturday and all Elite competitors have been released from the obligation to spend the
entire day at the Leisure Hall. At breakfast, Taehyung announced the Halloween party, and,
in the afternoon, the selected servants began to work on ideas for their masks, while some
photographers and film crews had arrived to record the entire process.

At this point, Jeongguk tries to look natural - even though he's aware he's doing a terrible job
of keeping his expression neutral - while his servants remain standing behind the table where
scraps of fabric, boxes of sequins, and even an absurd amount of feathers, are laid out.

The camera shoots flash after flash as they try to come up with various options. Just as
Jeongguk prepares to pose with a golden cloth next to his face, they receive a visitor.

"Good morning everyone," the prince greets, taking advantage of the open door to enter the
bedroom.

Jeongguk automatically straightens his back and feels a smile spread across his face. The
photographer takes that exact moment to capture it in a picture before addressing Taehyung.

"Good morning, Your Highness. It's always an honor. Mind posing with Mr. Jeon, please?"
The photographer asks with a professional grin on his lips.

"It would be a pleasure," the prince smiles back.

Jeongguk's servants step back, giving them space and trying not to appear in the frame.
Taehyung takes some drawings from the desk before putting himself right behind Jeongguk.
With one hand, the prince holds the draws in front of them while the other rests on
Jeongguk's waist.

That touch, innocent as it is, seems to convey a lot. See? If you let me, soon I will be able to
touch you like this in front of the whole world. You don't need to worry about anything, it
seems to symbolize.

After a few more shots, the photographer and the film crew leave Jeongguk's bedroom to
work with the next selected on their list. Jeongguk also notices that Seokjin, Nabi and Yumi
had decided to leave quietly.
"Your servants are very talented," comments Taehyung. "These are wonderful ideas. Did you
help with the drafts?"

Jeongguk looks away shyly, biting his lower lip. "Yes. I was the one who sketched some of
the masks, yes."

"This is amazing, Jeongguk," Taehyung praises, spreading out the papers on the desk so he
can stare at the drafts better. "Have you picked one yet?"

"We’re all more inclined towards the bird option. I designed this mask with a beak and some
feathers and Seokjin had the idea to add some to my suit as well. We thought it would be cute
because it's something that's very close to nature, something that I really love. What do you
think?" Jeongguk faces Taehyung to get the prince's opinion.

Taehyung sighs, tilting his head slightly to the side. "I'm sorry to tell you this, but I think
Yejun also chose something related to birds."

Jeongguk's smile disappears in the blink of an eye and it's not because the Three has identical
ideas to his. "Wait, you were with Yejun?"

The prince nods, unconcerned. "It was just a quick visit, to talk. I'm afraid I can't stay here
with you very long either," he looks apologetically at Jeongguk. "My father isn't thrilled
about any of this, but with the Selection still going on, he figured it would be good to have a
little more party. And he agreed that, considering the situation, it would be a much better way
to get to know the families."

"What situation?" Jeongguk asks, turning his back to pretend he's busy organizing the drafts.
He knows he can't hide his disheartened expression knowing that Taehyung will be with him
just for a short time.

"He's looking forward to another elimination and I have to send someone home after meeting
everyone's parents," the prince sighs. "In his opinion, the faster your families come, the
better."

Until now, Jeongguk hadn't realized that sending someone home was part of the Halloween
plans. This was supposed to be just a big party. At least that was what Jeongguk thought.

Those news makes him nervous, although he tells himself that there is no reason to. Not after
the countless conversations he and the prince have, where Taehyung assures him that he likes
him and has no intention of sending him home. Right?

Still gazing at the drawings, Taehyung absently says, "Maybe I should go finish the visits."

"Are you leaving already?" Jeongguk tries to hide the disappointment in his tone again.

"Don't worry. I'll see you at dinner."

Yeah, Jeongguk thinks. But you see everyone at dinner.

"Is everything okay?" Jeongguk can't help but ask, finally risking facing the prince.
"Of course," Taehyung replies, giving him a quick kiss. On the cheek. "I have to go now. See
you later."

And Taehyung comes out of Jeongguk's bedroom, just as suddenly as he had entered.

On Sunday, there are only eight days left until the Halloween party, which means the palace
is in complete turmoil. That night's Official News focuses on showing the preparations for the
party.

On Monday, the Elite group spends the morning with queen Yuna tasting dishes and
approving the menu for the event. It’s by far the best task the selected have had so far. At
least from Jeongguk's point of view, of course. That afternoon, however, Yejun doesn't show
up at the Leisure Hall for a couple of hours. When he finally returns, at around four or so in
the afternoon, he makes sure to announce with a big teasing smile on his lips that, "Prince
Taehyung sends you all kisses.”

On Tuesday afternoon, the selected receive the members of the extended royal family, who
had arrived in caste One town for the big party, while, in the morning, the contestants had all
been watching from the window Taehyung giving an arch shooting lesson to Jimin, in the
gardens.

Meals over these days are filled with guests who had arrived earlier, but the prince was often
absent, as were Areum and Sohui. Jeongguk feels increasingly confused and embarrassed.
After all the intense and sincere conversations he had with Taehyung over the past few days,
it was hard to bear the idea that the prince had as a first reaction to spend time with everyone
else but him.

On Wednesday, when Jeongguk seats on the white, wooden bench on the balcony of his
bedroom for two hours, wishing that Taehyung would come to his room, as usual after the
prince's budget meetings, he had practically lost hope.

Taehyung didn't show up.

Did Jeongguk do something wrong? Has Taehyung been regretful and tired of all the time
Jeongguk has been asking him?

Jeongguk tries not to think about it on Friday, as during the morning the Elite had the
obligation to receive the growing number of guests in the Leisure Hall and, in the afternoon,
there is another dance rehearsal.

Thank goodness that, as a Seven, Jeongguk chose to focus on flowers instead, as he is a very
clumsy dancer and, therefore, would never thrive in the dance world if he was born a Five.
He is definitely the worst in the salon. To Jeongguk's frustration, Yejun is extremely graceful,
as if his feet lift off the ground and take on a life of their own.

More than once, the dance instructors ask the Three to help the rest of the contestants and
that's why Sohui nearly sprains her ankle, clearly due to the wrong directions Yejun
purposely gives her. Perfidious as a snake, Yejun blames Sohui's clumsiness, of course. The
teachers obviously believe him and Sohui laughs, not giving importance to the situation.
Jeongguk admires her for not letting Yejun piss her off.

Some guards and even other palace workers, such as cooks, servants, or even Namjoon, the
palace florist, desperately want to be present at the party, while others have girlfriends and
boyfriends in their homelands and would get in big trouble if they were seen dancing with
someone else, mainly because four of the selected will soon be single again and in great
demand.

Since this is their last formal rehearsal, when Namjoon gets close enough to dance with
Jeongguk, he smiles.

"Are you okay?" Namjoon asks in a low tone as their bodies slowly sway from side to side.
"You seemed sad the last few times I saw you walking alone in the garden."

"It's just tiredness," Jeongguk lies, faking a grin.

“Are you sure?” Namjoon arches an eyebrow suspiciously. "I noticed that you no longer walk
there with the prince..."

“Yeah. Well, that’s true,” Jeongguk sighs, admitting. He then shrugs. "He's been busy with his
princely duties, I guess."

Namjoon seems to believe it, or else he just pretends he does as he grins and continues to
dance with Jeongguk silently around the hall.

This until a whimper of resonates through the space. "Ouch!"

"Oh my God! I'm so sorry, Namjoon," Jeongguk hastens to apologize, gazing preoccupied at
the other. "I didn't want to step on you. I’m so sorry," he struggles to concentrate more on the
choreography, looking at their feet to prevent the accident from happening again.

"I'm sorry to tell you this, Jeongguk, but you should focus on the flowers instead," Namjoon
laughs.

"I know, I know," Jeongguk sighs in frustration. "But I swear I'm trying!"

Jeongguk bounces around the hall like a blind moose, making up for his clumsiness and grace
with effort. Namjoon tries very gently to make him look good, slowing down a bit to keep up
with Jeongguk. It’s a gesture very sweet of him.

At least, by the end of that last class, Jeongguk knows all the steps. He couldn't promise not
to accidentally hit a guest diplomat with a forceful kick or stomp, but Jeongguk would strive
to give his best.
As he imagines the disastrous scene, Jeongguk realizes that it's no wonder Taehyung is
having second thoughts. Jeongguk would be a complete embarrassment when they visited
other countries and, even worse, when they had guests here at the palace. The purest of truths
is that Jeongguk doesn't have a single royal, graceful bone in him. He just didn't look like a
prince.

Jeongguk sighs and approaches the food and drinks table to get a glass of water. Namjoon
follows him as the rest of the selected and palace workers exit the hall, tired but glad that the
last dance class is over.

"I've been thinking…" Namjoon begins. "I'm going to have to finish some flower
arrangements for the Halloween party. Do you want to join me?"

"What? Are you serious?" Jeongguk widens his eyes, surprise running through him. A very
nice surprise. "Of course I want to!" He responds when Namjoon nods.

"This late afternoon, you know where to find me then," Namjoon smiles, waving at him
before leaving the Leisure Lounge as well.

In a few hours, he will be closer to the flowers and what his life was like before the Selection.
Good thing he still has a little time to rest his legs and feet because they’re screaming for a
break.

In the next day, Jeongguk is in line, along with the other Elite members, in the palace's
immense foyer, rocking on his tiptoes.

"Mr. Jeon..." Jang-mi whispers, which is enough for the purple-haired boy to realize that he is
behaving in an unacceptable way. As the main tutor in the Selection, the woman takes
everything they do to heart.

Jeongguk tries to stay still but it's hard to contain his anxiety and enthusiasm. He envies Jang-
mi, the palace staff and the handful of guards who are allowed to move around just for the
simple reason that they can walk and expend energy. Jeongguk knows he would feel much
calmer if he could do the same.

Maybe it wouldn't be so bad if Taehyung was already there with them, but on the other hand,
maybe that would make Jeongguk even more nervous. After all that had happened, Jeongguk
still didn't understand why the prince hadn't found time to be with him these past few days.

But thoughts of the prince quickly evaporate from his mind when Jeongguk hears someone
shouting through the palace doors, "They have arrived!"

He's definitely not the only one to let out a squeak of delight.
"Very well, ladies and gentlemen!" Jang-mi warns. "Act with manners! Butlers and maids, to
the wall, please," she guides.

And all the selected try. They really try to be the charming and majestic young people that
Jang-mi wants them to be, but as soon as Jimin and Sohui's family walk through the large
door, everything falls apart.

It’s obvious that all their parents and siblings miss them too much to even care about the
decoration of the foyer, the line made up of guards, or all the servants at their disposal. The
families storm in and Jimin runs out of the line without any hesitation.

Yejun's parents are more restrained, although they’re also visibly excited to see their son. The
Three also steps out of line, but in a much more controlled and civilized way than Jimin.

Jeongguk doesn't even notice Areum's family, who arrives shortly thereafter, because a small
figure with wide-open almond eyes and long brown hair, almost in an auburn shade, appears
like a bolt of lightning at the foot of the door, looking around.

"Ha-rin!"

The girl hears Jeongguk calling her, sees his arm in the air, and runs to him. Jeongguk's
parents, as well as Jae-hwa and Mun-hee, follow her, while Jeongguk lifts Ha-rin off the
ground to spin her through the air.

"Gguk! I can't believe it!" She exclaims excitedly, gripping Jeongguk's neck tightly. "You
look so handsome and elegant! I barely recognized you for a minute!"

Jeongguk cannot speak. He can barely see her through the tears streaming down his cheeks.
He's a sensitive guy, okay?

A moment later, Jeongguk feels his father's firm arms wrap around them both, as well as two
smaller limbs that reveal his two other younger sisters. And then his mother joins in too,
putting her shyness aside. They hug each other with such force and enthusiasm that the five-
person ball ends up falling to the ground, landing in a heap on the floor of the palace.

Jeongguk, amid so many tears and sobs coming from the throats of all the Jeon family
members - as well as the families of the others selected - can hear someone sigh and he
knows it's Jang-mi, disappointed with their behavior, but at that moment, that didn't matter at
all.

As soon as he can breathe again, he smiles, even though no one can see because all his family
members have their faces hidden in some part of his body.

"I'm so glad you guys are here. I missed you so much."

"We missed you too, son," his father replies. "We can't put into words how much we missed
you," the man kisses the back of his neck.

"And don’t make me start on how proud we are," his mother adds.
Jeongguk turns to hug his father better, now without his sisters' arms around his torso. Until
that moment, Jeongguk had no idea how much he needed to see them. He later hugs his
mother, passing to his three sisters for last.

Honestly, Jeongguk is surprised that none of the three girls demanded a detailed report of his
progress with Taehyung. But when he pulls away, he glimpses tears in Mun-hee's eyes.

"You look so pretty, Gguk. You look like a real prince," the thirteen-year-old girl mutters with
a dreamy smile. However, before Jeongguk can respond with something more substantial
than a simple grateful grin, Mun-he's mouth opens shamelessly as she looks at something
over the purple-haired boy's shoulder. "It's him."

"Hum?" He asks, gazing at her to try to decipher. When he turns back too, following Mun-
hee's line of sight, he sees Taehyung watching them from behind the grand staircase. The
prince flashes an amused smile as he makes his way to where they are, all hugging
nonchalantly in a heap on the ground.

His father straightens up immediately, followed by his mother.

"Your Highness," the man utters, his voice filled with wonder.

Taehyung goes to meet Jeongguk's father with his hand outstretched. "Mr. Jeon, it's an honor
to meet you. I've heard a lot about you," the prince then addresses Jeongguk's mother, taking
her hand and placing the lightest of kisses in there. "And you too, Mrs. Jeon."

"Your Majesty," she squeaks, a little flustered by the gesture of greeting. "Oh my God,
forgive us for this," she apologizes, pointing to the ground, where Jeongguk, Ha-rin, Jae-hwa
and Mun-hee are still holding each other.

The prince laughs carelessly. "Don’t worry about that, please. I wouldn't expect less
enthusiasm from anyone in Mr. Jeongguk's family," he smiles amiably before addressing the
three girls. Jeongguk simply knows that his family will bombard him with questions about
that specific sentence. The prince continues, "You must be Ha-rin, Jae-hwa and Mun-hee,
right?" He looks at each one of the girls, recognizing them. Jeongguk won't deny that he
doesn't feel his heart swell because the prince memorized his sisters' faces just by seeing the
photograph in his bedroom.

The three girls blush violently and Ha-rin is the first to extend her hand. She expects the
prince to squeeze it, but she gets a kiss instead, making the girl blush.

"I still haven't thanked you for not crying," Taehyung says with a happy smile.

"What?" Ha-rin asks, getting even more flustered.

"Nobody told you?" The prince inquires, amused. "Thanks to you, I got my first date with
your charming brother. I owe you one."

Ha-rin lets out a small giggle, their other two sisters smiling excitedly behind her. "There's
nothing to be thankful for, I think."
Taehyung puts his hands behind his back, returning to his polite posture. "Forgive me but I
have to go and greet the others, but please, wait here for a moment," the prince asks. "I will
make a brief announcement to everyone. And I hope to have the opportunity to talk to you
soon. I'm so glad you came."

As soon as Taehyung turns his back and takes a couple of steps towards the next family, Ha-
rin doesn't waste time to mutter, "Oh my God, Jeongguk! You won the lottery and I'm not
even talking about this gigantic palace! He’s even cuter and handsome in person, for God’s
sake!"

"Shut up, Ha-rin, or I swear,” Jeongguk sighs, embarrassed and praying all the Gods above so
the prince didn't hear his sister's enthusiastic and overly loud words. However, by the way
Taehyung shakes his head slightly as he walks, Jeongguk realizes that his prayers didn’t
work.

The prince addresses Yejun's family, by far the politest of the group. The Three's older
brothers look as stiff as the guards and his parents make an exaggerated bow as Taehyung
approaches. Jeongguk wonders if Yejun told them to do that. After all, the Three had recently
commented that he wouldn't admit his family to behave otherwise. They all look very well-
groomed, all black-haired and elegantly dressed though.

"What did the prince mean by expecting enthusiasm from us?" His mother questions in a low
voice. Bingo. He knew it. Jeongguk just doesn't guess the lottery numbers. "Is it because you
yelled at him when you two met? We saw that on television and I would have a heart attack.
You didn't do that again, did you?"

Jeongguk tilts his head, biting his lower lip. "In fact..."

"Jeongguk!"

"What? Sometimes... Sometimes we exchange ideas in a lively way?" Jeongguk tries to make
it sound good, shrugging.

A moment of silence ensues until Ha-rin bursts out laughing. She covers her mouth, trying to
stop, but the giggles continue to come out in the form of strange, high-pitched sounds. It
doesn't take long for the other two girls to join. Jeongguk's father purses his lips, but he can
see that the man is also about to lose control.

His mother is pale as a sheet. "I can't believe you yell at the prince. At the prince, Jeongguk!
You know I love you with all my heart, but he's going to be the future king of Euphoréa!
Now I just need you to say that you're going to hit the prince one of these days or
something."

He doesn't know why, but the word hit is the last straw for Jeongguk. His father and sisters
and even himself double over with laughter as his mother stares at them in disbelief.

"I’m sorry, mom. I swear I didn't mean to laugh," Jeongguk apologizes, controlling his glee.
"I never hit him nor I will, I promise." His mother seems to breathe a sigh of relief. "But I
can't deny that sometimes we have a conversation full of... different opinions," Jeongguk
shrugs. "But most of the time, we get along pretty well. I was exaggerating just to see your
shocked reaction."

"You're still the same playful boy, apparently," his mother pinches his cheek, eliciting
whimpers from Jeongguk.

"So the prince prefers people who stand up to him," his father comments. "I think I like him
better just by knowing that."

The man looks around the foyer, surveying the palace with visible fascination in his eyes, and
Jeongguk stands there quietly, trying to understand his words. For some reason, they were
unnerving. Although Taehyung is a One and can support them all - not that Jeongguk liked
him because of it, far from it! -, he suddenly realizes that there is a possibility that his father
doesn't like him. He already knows the clear opinion of his mother and sisters.

His father isn't a rebel who goes around burning houses or anything like that, but Jeongguk
knows the older man doesn’t like the way things worked. What if his problems with the
government included Taehyung? What if he says that Jeongguk shouldn't be with him?

Before Jeongguk can go too far along this line of thought, the prince climbs a few steps of the
majestic staircase in order to see them all.

"I would like to thank you again for coming. My family and I are delighted to welcome you
to the palace, not only to celebrate the first Halloween in Euphoréa after such a long time but
also to get to know each one of you a little better. I apologize in the name of my parents
because they couldn't be here to welcome you too, but I promise you will meet them very
soon," Taehyung bows. “The mothers and sisters of the Elite group are invited to have tea
with my mother this afternoon in the Great Hall. The fathers and siblings will have a drink
with my father and me in the main library. As for the selected, you’ll have to be away from
your relatives for a few hours to allow us to get to know them better. I hope you don't mind.”
A wave of giggles resounds through the foyer. “There will be a servant to accompany you, so
don't be afraid of getting lost,” the prince continues. "They will also escort you to the
bedrooms you will occupy during your stay here at the palace and will help you to dress
properly during your visit, as well as for tomorrow's party. That’s all. Please, enjoy your stay!
Thank you," Taehyung does a short nod and walks towards the king's office.

Almost immediately, a maid appears beside them. "Mr. and Mrs. Jeon? I’m here to
accompany you and your daughters to your chambers."

"But I want to be with Jeongguk!" Mun-hee protests.

"Yes, me too!" Jae-hwa joins in with a pout on her lips.

"And me!" Ha-rin adds.

"Girls, I'm sure the king has given us a room as beautiful as Gguk's. Don't you want to see
it?" Their mother encourages.
Mun-hee is the first to turn to him. "I want to live just like you and be a princess for a few
days. Just for a little. Please, please, please! Can I stay with you?" If one abandoned puppy
face is enough to make someone give in, imagine three cute girls making pleading eyes at
him.

Jeongguk sighs. He will have to give up some of his privacy for a few days, but then what?
It's impossible for him to say no to those girls.

"Okay," he huffs, feigning irritation. "Perhaps that way my servants will finally have
something to do."

His three sisters suddenly pounce on him, hugging him tightly, and Jeongguk knows
immediately that it was worth it.

“And what have you learned so far?" Jeongguk's father asks. The purple-haired boy
intertwines his arm with the older man's, still trying to get used to the image of seeing his
father in a suit. If he hadn't seen the older man a thousand times in his work clothes before,
filled with paint and cement, Jeongguk would have sworn the man was born to be a Three,
maybe even a Two. He looks younger and more elegant in those formal clothes. He even
seems taller too.

“I think I've already told you everything we've been taught about the country's history; how
Yoon Dae-seong was the last leader of the old Korea and how he ruled after the attack by the
American State of China. I've never heard of him, though. Did you?"

Jeongguk's father nods. "Your grandfather told me about him, actually. I heard he was a
decent president, but that he couldn't do much when things got worse and led to Third World
War."

Only after Jeongguk arrived at the palace did he learn the truth about Euphoréa's history. For
some reason, their country's origin history was almost always given only orally. Jeongguk
had heard many different things and none of them were as complete as the information
Jeongguk had received in the past couple of months here at the palace.

"Taehyung told me that people didn't have a lot shortly after the war," Jeongguk adds.

"He's right. That's one of the reasons the caste system is so unfair, in my opinion," his father
comments. "Nobody had much to offer in terms of help and that's why so many people ended
up in the lower castes."

Honestly, Jeongguk didn't want to discuss this matter with his father because he is aware that
the older man tends to get quite unnerved. Not that he's wrong, because Jeongguk fully
agrees that the castes are pretty unfair, but this is supposed to be a joyous visit and Jeongguk
doesn't want to waste it talking about things they couldn't change.

"Apart from a little history, most of the classes are about etiquette and manners. We’re now
talking a little more about diplomacy," Jeongguk changes the subject of conversation as
subtly as possible. "Jang-mi is being so insistent on this part, so I suspect that soon we will
have to use this knowledge in some way. Well, the selected who’ll remain in the palace will.”

"The ones who’ll remain?"

Jeongguk nods. "Looks like one of us is going home with their family. Taehyung has to
eliminate someone after meeting you all."

"You don't look happy..." His father comments. "Do you think he's going to send you home?"

Jeongguk shrugs. "I don’t know."

"You know what surprises me? You wanting to stay here at the palace in the first place,"
Jeongguk's father says. "A little less than two months ago you hated the idea of stepping on
this floor. Now you have that sulky face of yours because you’re afraid the prince will send
you back home. After all, we were all right. You ended up enjoying your stay here in
Selection."

"Believe me, there is no one more surprised by all that than I am," Jeongguk confesses. "I
never thought Taehyung would be the person that he is."

"Well, I'm not that kind of person to say «I told you so» but..." his father shrugs. "But come
on, son. By now, you must know if he likes you or not. If he does, you have nothing to worry
about, right? Besides, we see the way he looks at you every day on television, the way you
two act and talk to each other. And if he, after all, realizes that he doesn't like you, why
would you want to stay?"

"I think you're right," Jeongguk agrees.

The older man stops walking. "So, how is it?"

It's slightly embarrassing to talk about romantic matters with his father, if Jeongguk could be
honest. Still, he adds in a whisper, "I think he likes me. He says he does, at least."

His father giggles. "Then you're definitely doing fine."

"But he's been a little distant this week," the words rush out of Jeongguk's mouth before he
can even process them.

"Jeongguk, he's the prince. He's probably been busy writing laws or something," his father
tries to assure him.

Jeongguk doesn't know how to explain that Taehyung seems to be making time for the others
selected, except for him. And honestly, it's too humiliating to even talk about it.
"Maybe," he prefers to say instead.

"Speaking of laws," his father seems to notice his discomfort and tries to change the subject.
"Have you learned anything about that yet? About writing a proposal?"

This isn't a subject that Jeongguk is particularly excited to talk about either, but at least it isn't
about his love interests. "Not yet, although we’re reading a lot about it. Sometimes they’re
difficult to understand, but Jang-mi, the woman who was there at the entrance to the palace,
is a kind of guide, our tutor, or something like that. She tries to explain things to us. And
Taehyung always helps me when I ask him questions too."

"He does, huh?" His father seems satisfied with that fact.

"Yes," Jeongguk nods. “You know, I think it's important to him that we all feel that we're
capable of succeeding. He doesn't really look at us as belonging to a certain caste, but as real
people instead. And therefore, he's great at explaining things. He even…” Jeongguk pauses to
reflect. It's his own father... He’s sure it won't be a problem to talk about the book room,
right? "Listen, you have to promise not to tell anyone about this."

His father looks startled by the mention but chuckles anyway. "You can trust me, son."

Jeongguk nods. "There is a room here, a secret room full of books!" He confesses in a low
voice, looking around to make sure no one else is around. "It contains banned manuscripts
and world maps. Old maps with all the countries that existed before the war. Dad, I had no
idea there were so many countries before! And there's also an electronic object there,
apparently called a tablet. It's a kind of computer but in a television format. Have you ever
heard of it?"

"No," the man shakes his head in denial, amazed at all the information.

"It's fantastic. We write down the name of what we want to research and it searches every
book in the room until it finds it," Jeongguk explains better.

"How?" His father's eyebrows arch in surprise.

"I don't know, but that's how Taehyung found out what Halloween was. He even..." Jeongguk
looks again to both sides of the palace corridor. He knows his father won't tell anyone about
the hidden library, but telling him that Jeongguk has one of the secret books in his bedroom
might be too much.

"He even...?" The older man encourages.

"He lent me one of them so I could read it," Jeongguk whispers.

"Oh, that’s very interesting! And what have you read? Something fascinating, I suppose?"

Jeongguk bites his lip, still a little reticent. "It's one of Yerin Euphoréa's personal diaries."

Jeongguk's father's mouth gaps open for a few seconds, but he hastens to compose himself.
"Gguk, that’s amazing. And what did it say?"
"I haven't finished it yet. I was trying to figure out what Halloween was first," Jeongguk
explains.

The older man ponders Jeongguk's words for a moment and shakes his head. "And you say
you’re worried, Gguk. The prince obviously trusts you."

"I know... I, deep down, know you're right..."

"Don't be so caught up in your head and fears, Gguk. I know you tend to do that," his father
advises with a knowing smile. "So, is there a hidden room somewhere around here?" He
changes the theme of conversation when Jeongguk doesn't respond to the topic about the
prince.

"Dad, this place is crazy. There are doors and panels everywhere. If I pushed this vase, we'd
probably fall through a trapdoor," Jeongguk jokes, giggling at his father's surprised face.

"Hum," the older man thinks, joining the joke. "Then I should be very careful when I get
back to my bedroom."

"Maybe it isn’t a bad idea for you to do exactly that," Jeongguk laughs. "I need to help the
girls get ready for their tea with the queen."

"Oh, yes! The famous royal tea," he remarks. "Very well. I also have to go meet the king and
the prince that you, after all, learned to like," Jeongguk's father teases, making the boy roll
his eyes. "See you tonight at dinner. Now, what's the best way not to fall into a secret
trapdoor?" Jeongguk's father thinks aloud and steps forward with outstretched arms as if to
protect himself. As soon as he reaches the staircase, the man carefully places his hand on the
banister. Jeongguk has to restrain himself from interrupting the silence in the hallways with
his laughter. "Just so you know, this one is safe, son," his father points.

"Good to know. Thanks, dad," Jeongguk shakes his head and returns to his bedroom.

It's almost impossible for Jeongguk not to walk without bouncing. He's so happy to have his
family here that he can barely contain himself. If Taehyung doesn’t send him home after the
party, it would be harder than ever to be apart from them.

Jeongguk turns the corner towards his room and notices that the door is open.

"What was he like?" He hears Ha-rin asking as he approaches.

"Pretty. Very pretty. For me, at least. He had wavy hair that wouldn't get molded," Na-bi says.
Ha-rin giggles and the maid does the same, continuing to talk. "I ran my fingers through his
hair a few times. I think about it every now and then but not as much as I used to."

Jeongguk approaches on his tiptoes so as not to disturb them.

"Do you still miss him?" Ha-rin asks, always curious about boys.

"Less and less," Nabi admits, a hint of hope in her voice. "When I arrived at the palace, I
believed I would die of heartbreak. I used to think about ways to escape and return to him,
but, deep down, I knew that would never happen. I couldn't leave my sister, and even if I
managed to get past the walls, I'd never be able to find my way back."

Jeongguk peers through the door and there are Ha-rin and Nabi, sitting on his wide bed.
Seokjin, Yumi, Min-hee and Jae-hwa are sitting on the balcony, enjoying the wonderful view
of the royal palace's majestic gardens. The windows are open and so, the delicious breeze
enters the bedroom.

As Jeongguk had always suspected, Ha-rin fits the opulent look quite naturally, sitting on the
bed with her dress perfectly fitted to her body, while allowing Nabi to entwine her hair.

"What's it like to be in love?" His sister asks.

Jeongguk feels a little hurt. Why had she never asked him, her older brother? Is it because
he's a guy and she feels more comfortable asking a girl these questions? Well, the truth is, as
far as Ha-rin knows, Jeongguk had never loved anyone.

Nabi's smile is sad. "It's the most magical and most terrifying thing that can happen to us,"
she states simply. "You know you've found something amazing and you want to keep it with
you forever; and all the time, once you've finally got it between your fingers, you dread the
moment when you can see it slip away."

Jeongguk sighs softly. She is absolutely right. Love is a beautiful fear.

As Jeongguk doesn't want to think too much about losing things, he enters the bedroom.

"Wow, Ha-rin! Look at you!"

"Do you like it?" His sister asks, touching her delicate braids.

"It's wonderful," Jeongguk agrees. "I bet Nabi is delighted. She can't braid my hair."

The maid giggles. "I'm going to take the time you and your other two sisters are here to make
you my special little dolls. I'm going to make you as pretty as the queen,” Nabi grins at Ha-
rin.

"No one is as pretty as Gguk," Ha-rin smiles gently at her brother, melting Jeongguk's heart
completely.

"Liar," he grins back. "Now, you have to get ready. Jae-hwa! Mun-hee! It's almost tea time!"
Jeongguk calls his other sisters, who continue to talk quietly with Seokjin and Yumi on the
balcony.

Mun-hee is the first to appear in the bedroom, clapping her hands excitedly. She sits in front
of the mirror, waiting for Yumi's deft hands on her hair. Everyone has a lot of fun during
those minutes of preparation. The effervescent attitude of Jeongguk's sisters puts his servants
in a good mood and Jeongguk finds him grinning widely at the image in front of him.

Shortly thereafter, his mother appears too to ask them to confirm how she looks. And she’s
stunning, of course. She's shorter and thinner than the queen, her wrinkles and fine lines more
evident too, but she looks just as noble in her long, pink dress.

Jeongguk's bedroom is again attacked by loud and amused laughter when Jae-hwa comments,
looking at herself in the mirror, "How can I go back to wearing khaki after this?"

As requested, the selected let their families split up to meet the queen, the king and also
prince Taehyung, while the five Elite members wait in the Leisure Hall.

Before reaching the space they are so used to stay at for long hours, the selected were
infected with the good energy that shone from their relatives, anxious and nervous to meet
the royal family. Now, it’s they who are a nervous wreck, knowing that their parents and
siblings are somewhere in the palace talking with the members of the court without their
presence and, therefore, free enough to tell their most embarrassing stories or worst defects.

Jeongguk tries to distract himself from that with a book, not least because he has no worries
about his family. Yeah, surely Ha-rin, Jae-hwa and Mun-hee will be ecstatic the moment they
talk to the queen, but he adores them precisely because of their characteristic enthusiasm.

However, a small hand lands on his shoulder, drawing his attention. Jeongguk moves his gaze
from the book and directs it to Areum's face instead.

"Have you seen it?"

"What?" Jeongguk frowns in confusion, closing the book and placing it in his lap. "Have I
seen what?"

"Look! Outside!" Areum points her finger to the window a couple of meters away from them,
causing Jeongguk to follow his gaze to where the girl is staring.

The purple-haired boy gets up and shortens the distance between himself and the high
window to get a better look. He peers beyond the bushes and fountains and comes across two
male figures.

One is his father, who speaks while gesturing with his hands as if asking or explaining
something. The other is Taehyung, who seems to pause and think before answering. The two
walk slowly and, sometimes, Jeongguk's father hides his hands in the pockets of his blazer or
Taehyung puts his behind his back. Jeongguk has no idea what they're talking about, but from
the expression on their faces, it seems important.

Jeongguk looks around subtly. All the selected are still entertained chatting or playing cards,
none of them seem to be paying attention to the purple-haired boy other than Areum. He
turns back to the window.
Taehyung stops in front of Jeongguk's father and, from his face full of certainty, seems to
speak decisively. The prince is neither aggressive nor angry, far from it, but he seems
determined instead. After a pause, Jeongguk's father extends his hand. Taehyung smiles and
shakes it enthusiastically, bowing right away.

A moment later, the two seem much more relaxed and Jeongguk's father gives Taehyung a
friendly pat on the back. The prince seems to get a little tense, certainly not used to being
touched like that. But then, Jeongguk's father puts his arm around Taehyung's shoulders as
they walk, as he usually does with Jeongguk, and the prince seems to enjoy it a lot, were it
not for his affable smile.

"What the hell was that?" Jeongguk asks in a whisper.

Areum shrugs, the expression on her face completely unreadable. "It seemed to be
important."

"Yeah, it did," Jeongguk agrees, intrigued by the whole situation.

He and Areum stay near the window for another hour, waiting to see if Taehyung talks with
the father of another selected, but if the prince does, it isn't in the gardens.

The Halloween party promises to be remarkable if were not for the decorations arranged
along all the corridors of the palace and the music that leaves the space where the party is
taking place.

As soon as Jeongguk enters the Great Hall, accompanied only by Ha-rin because Jae-hwa and
Mun-hee left his bedroom earlier to arrive at the party with their parents, he stays amazed at
all that resplendent beauty in front of his eyes.

Everything is golden. The decorations on the walls, the glittering jewelry in the chandeliers,
the glasses, the plates, and even the food, everything has a touch of gold. It's just magnificent.

The sound system plays pop music, but in a corner of the room, a small band waits to
possibly play the traditional dances that the selected had learned over the past week.
Obviously, the hall is full of film crews, photographers scattered around the party to capture
every moment. The party will undoubtedly be the highlight of Euphoréa's television
programming tomorrow. Jeongguk imagines for a moment what it would be like if he were
still in the palace at Christmas.

Everyone wears beautiful masks. Jimin is dressed as an angel, in pants and a white shirt, and
a headband with a golden halo decorating his soft, blond hair. He’s dancing with Soldier
Yoongi and he even has wings made of iridescent fabric, which float behind him.
Yejun's suit is in shades of dark blue with green and yellow-crested feathers. A long plume in
the same tones is attached to his hair, indicating that it’s a peacock mask.

Areum has a bodice covered in layers of yellow, orange, and red leaves while the full skirt is
made of light orange tulle. If Jeongguk had to guess, he'd say Areum is Autumn, her favorite
season as it's the time of the year she gets to celebrate her birthday too. It's a cute idea.

Sohui's european origins had been explored to the fullest. The pink, silk dress is an
exaggerated but equally beautiful version of the restrained designs she habitually wears. The
draped sleeves are incredibly dramatic and Jeongguk is impressed by the girl's ability to walk
around with an extremely elaborate and, by the looks of it, heavy headdress.

All over the hall, the relatives and friends of the selected are all masked, and the palace
guards and workers are equally dashing. Jeongguk comes across a cowboy, a mummy,
someone in an extravagant fluorescent suit with a name tag on his lapel that reads “Jung
Hoseok” and even a guard who is bold enough to wear a short, tight, red dress. That specific
man is surrounded by girls who laugh out loud.

Many guards wear their gala uniform, preferring it instead of over an original and fun mask,
which is simply composed of creased, white pants and a blue jacket. They wear gloves but no
hat, which helps distinguish them from the guards on duty who surround and guard the hall.

"So, what do you think?" Jeongguk asks Ha-rin, but when he turns around, the girl has
already disappeared into the crowd to explore everything. Jeongguk chuckles inwardly as he
glances around the room, trying to find his sister's swirly dress. When Ha-rin had said she
wanted to go to the party with a bride mask, like the ones we see on television, she had said,
Jeongguk had thought it was a joke. But in reality, she looks absolutely enchanting in her
veil.

"Hi there, Mr. Jeon," a deep, male voice whispers in his ear.

Jeongguk turns around startled and finds Namjoon beside him with the funniest mask he had
seen tonight.

"You scared me!" He exclaims, putting a hand to his heart to calm himself while, at the same
time, laughter threatens to come out of the back of his throat. "Nice mask, Namjoon. Quite
original, I must say. I loved it."

Namjoon is dressed in light green pants and t-shirt, a basic outfit, it seems. But, actually, what
emphasizes his mask is the fact that he added a kind of hose to his chest to symbolize the
spout of the plant watering can. On his head is a strap-shaped headband, giving the palace
florist a comical air.

"I know, right?" Namjoon smiles in amusement, turning around to brag about his mask. "It
took me hours to do this," he points to the spout of the watering can.

Jeongguk bursts out laughing. "It looks amazing, Namjoon. 10 out of 10, I must say."
"I like your mask a lot too," the other man smiles, looking appreciatively at the clothes and
accessories that adorn Jeongguk's body.

"Thank you. I like it a lot too and I even helped design it," he smiles shyly.

Seokjin, Nabi and Yumi turned Jeongguk into a flower. After Taehyung warned him that
Yejun planned to wear a bird-related mask - which turned out to be true - the only alternative
that Jeongguk and his servants found ideal would be something still related to nature, but
more specifically to flowers. In fact, Jeongguk doesn't even know why the idea didn't occur
to him right away because it's undoubtedly what makes the most sense to him.

His suit is completely black but what really stands out are the countless real flowers sewn
along the sleeves, bodice and legs, in all colors and a few more. From vibrant yellow to
passionate red, from sea blue to bold green, from vivid orange to radiant pink. His servants
did an excellent job and Jeongguk is extremely grateful for their effort and dedication. A
small mask, designed by him and equally black, with golden details and some small,
festooned flowers, covers Jeongguk's eyes, giving him a mysterious look.

"It's amazing, really," Namjoon praises. "How are you? Have you been feeling better?"

Jeongguk shrugs. “I guess so. Having my family here has been a pleasant surprise. I missed
them so much and it has kept me busy."

"I can imagine," Namjoon nods, smiling calmly. "And please, don't dwell on the matter too
much. I'm sure you weren't the only one busy these last few days." Jeongguk can understand
the message behind Namjoon's words but he prefers not to say any more about it. "Well, I'll
go over to the food and drinks table. See you in a bit. And try to enjoy the party!" Namjoon
gives him a slight bow and walks through the dozens and dozens of people.

Shortly thereafter, Areum and Sohui find Jeongguk and drag him to the dance floor. As he
moves his hips, trying not to bump into anyone, Jeongguk notices his parents at the edge of
the floor talking to Areum's parents, the four elegantly dressed adults. They chose not to wear
a mask that was too flashy, but they’re still beaming.

As for his sisters, Ha-rin is dancing amusedly with one of the guards while Jae-hwa and
Mun-hee, both masked in butterflies, attack the table full of desserts and cakes at the back of
the hall, licking up their fingers as subtly as possible. Jeongguk has to hide the overwhelming
urge to laugh at them.

Jeongguk dances in a circle with all the selected – even with Yejun, who, for tonight, sounds
pleasant, which was a big surprise, but Jeongguk believes it's because of the alcohol in the
drinks or because of the contagious joy their family staying there makes -, until the music
soothes and the DJ starts talking.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the Selection, guards and palace staff, friends and relatives from
the royal family and the selected, please welcome king Bon-hwa, queen Yuna and prince
Taehyung!"
The band starts playing the Euphoréa anthem and all the guests bow to the royal family as
they enter the Great Hall. The king is apparently dressed as a king, only from another
country, were it not for the unusual colors of Euphoréa. The queen's dress is a blue so dark it
almost looks black, all decorated with glitter and little gold stars. It seems to symbolize the
night sky.

As for Taehyung, he is, comically, a pirate. He has ripped, black pants, a loose, white shirt
with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows with a suede vest over the top and even a red
headscarf on his hair. To further enhance the effect, the prince has not shaved for a day or
two, so a shadow of beard covers the lower half of his face with an inviting smile.

The DJ asks the guests to make room for the king and the queen to dance their first dance.
Taehyung stands to one side, next to Areum and Yejun, whispering something to them that
makes them shyly giggle. After that, Jeongguk notices that the prince sweeps the hall with his
eyes. The purple-haired boy doesn't know if Taehyung is specifically looking for him or not,
but he definitely doesn’t want to be caught staring at him. So he straightens the mask from
his eyes and goes back to looking at the royal couple. They look very happy.

Jeongguk thinks about the Selection and all the craziness that makes it up, but he couldn't
deny its results: king Bon-hwa and queen Yuna were made for each other. There's no
doubting that when the two stare passionately at each other, hands clasped and faces shy as
they sway to the beat of the romantic music. He looks energetic and she makes up for it with
her calm nature. She is a silent listener, whereas he always seems to have something to add.

Had they distanced themselves during their Selection, just as Jeongguk feels Taehyung
distant from him? Why had the prince not made a single attempt to see him during his
encounters with all the others selected? Maybe that was why Taehyung had been talking to
Jeongguk's father, to explain to him why he needed to send him home. The prince is an
extremely polite person and that seems to be something he would do.

Jeongguk gazes away, smiling when he sees his parents not far away, the two of them
hugging their sides. Ha-rin had discovered Jimin and found space in front of him while the
Two put his arms around Ha-rin's chest in a brotherly gesture. Their white masks glow under
the lights. It didn't surprise Jeongguk that the two had gotten so close in less than a day. Jae-
hwa and Mun-hee sway from side to side, the two girls trying to imitate the elegant
choreography that the king and the queen are showing to all their guests.

As soon as the most important couple in Euphoréa finishes their dance, the guests return to
occupy the dance floor. Guards move from side to side, easily pairing with the visitors.
Taehyung is still standing on one side of the hall, next to Areum and Yejun.

Jeongguk hoped the prince would come and ask him to dance. He definitely didn't want to
take the initiative. Controlling his nerves, Jeongguk straightens the lapel of his blazer and
walks towards the prince. He decided that he would at least give him the opportunity to invite
him.

Jeongguk crosses the dance floor intending to meddle in their conversation, but when he's
close enough to do so, he hears Taehyung turn to Yejun and ask, "Do you want to dance?"
The Three laughs seductively, of course he does, tilting his almond-haired head like it's the
most obvious thing in the world, and Jeongguk walks past them, his eyes riveted on a table
with chocolates as if it had always been his intention.

Jeongguk keeps his back to the party as he eats berry stuffing bonbons, hoping no one noticed
his scarlet cheeks. After about half a dozen songs and thirty chocolates, Soldier Yoongi
appears alongside Jeongguk. Like most guards, he preferred to wear his uniform.

"Mr. Jeon..." Yoongi greets, bowing. "Do you give me the honor of this dance?"

His voice is cheerful and warm, unlike usual, and Jeongguk is caught up in the guard's
enthusiasm. The purple-haired boy casually extends his hand.

“Absolutely, sir,” Jeongguk replies with a bow as well. "I must, however, warn you that I’m
not very good at it."

Yoongi laughs. "No problem. We'll go slow." His smile is so inviting that Jeongguk stops
worrying about his bad dance technique and happily follows him to the dance floor.

The music is lively, which, on one hand, is positive because, that way, Jeongguk doesn't need
to put into practice the difficult dance steps he learned in the last few days. They could
simply swing their arms and hips to the beat.

"It looks like you’re already fully recovered from our bump the other day," Yoongi quips.

"It was a shame you didn't hurt me," Jeongguk sighs mockingly. "If I were on crutches, I
wouldn't need to dance."

The guard chuckles. "I'm glad you’re actually funny as everyone says. I've also heard you’re
the prince's favorite," he says as if it's common knowledge.

"That I don't know," Jeongguk shrugs. Part of him is fed up with people saying that. Another
part wishes that was still true.

Jeongguk looks over Soldier Yoongi's shoulder and finds Taehyung and Yejun dancing very
close to each other. Taehyung's big, beautiful hands rest on the Three's waist as Yejun
whispers something in the prince's ear. When he finishes speaking, Yejun lets his lips hover
for a few seconds on the skin of Taehyung's neck, causing the prince to shyly laugh. The
image causes a knot in Jeongguk's stomach.

"You seem to get along well with almost everyone. I found it quite noble when, in the last
attack of the rebels, you took your servants with you to the shelter of the royal family,"
Yoongi speaks in awe.

At the time, it had been completely natural for Jeongguk to protect those three people he had
learned to adore, but to everyone else, his act was considered bold or strange.

"Couldn't leave them behind," Jeongguk explains.

The guard shakes his head in surprise. "You’re a true gentleman."

"Thank you," Jeongguk responds with a nod, feeling his cheeks blush under his eye mask.

Jeongguk is breathless after their dance, especially since his three sisters joined him and
Yoongi a short time later. He's feeling hot and with his throat dry, and so he takes a seat at
one of the many tables dotted around the room. He takes a sip of his orange drink and fans
himself with a napkin as he watches the other guests dance on the floor.

Now, Taehyung is dancing with Areum. The two look extremely happy as they spin in
circles. It's funny how, weeks ago, Jeongguk would have been overjoyed to see their
interaction. He even cheered and thought Areum would be the great winner of the Selection.
Now? Now he can't say and feel that. And this is the second time that the prince has danced
with the girl of the caste Seven while Taehyung has not yet searched for him. Not that
Jeongguk was counting it, tsk, please.

Jeongguk tries to distract himself with the party, he really tries. He must have danced with
everyone except Taehyung. Jeongguk still ponders taking the initiative once and for all and
maybe even asking the prince if he did something wrong, but when his eyes hover over
Areum's mouth, too close to Taehyung's lips as the two speak while they dance, Jeongguk
closes his eyes and turns back, leaving the Great Hall and heading outside the palace, finding
refuge and peace amidst the flowers and the dark night.

Jeongguk has no right to be jealous or annoyed by the prince's interactions with the others
selected when he's the one who doesn't make a decision, when he's the one who asks for time
after time and causes doubts in Taehyung. But the fact that the prince hasn't looked for him in
the last few days and during the party is making all Jeongguk’s emotions run high.

Jeongguk stays in the garden for a while, maybe a few minutes, maybe a few hours, he
doesn't really know. But the winter breeze, despite being cold, is a relief to cool his mind. As
well as the smell of nature, the sound of insects and the moonlight, which struggle to compete
with the music that resonates from inside the palace.

"Sir?"

Jeongguk turns around, his eyes saying goodbye to the tall trees and welcoming Taehyung's
amused gaze instead.

"What are you doing out here in the garden? And alone, for that matter?" Taehyung
questions. "I was looking for you. You’re not enjoying the party?"

Jeongguk shrugs. "I am. The party is amazing, I have no reason to complain."

"Then why are you here?" The prince insists, walking with slow steps until he reaches
Jeongguk.

Fleeing from Taehyung's questioning gaze, Jeongguk stares at his shoes that are making
incoherent circles in the grass. "Because I felt like it."

“Hum, okay. I understand. The Great Hall was getting a little hot," Taehyung nods. There is
an uncomfortable silence between them. "Do you give me the honor of this dance?" The
prince adds, extending his hand.

"We're outside, Your Highness," Jeongguk says, ignoring Taehyung's confusion expression,
surely because the purple-haired boy is treating him so formally. "There's no music here. Not
that loud at least."

Taehyung approaches him until they’re only two or three steps away from each other, still
with his hand outstretched, waiting. "And who says we need music?"

Taehyung's tender eyes, that sensation that flies from the prince's fingertips and reaches
Jeongguk, that impossible-to-define thing that he knows is there, hovering between the two,
runs through the purple-haired boy's body. As disheartened as he is, as embarrassed as he felt
earlier, when Taehyung offers his hand to Jeongguk at that moment, he can't help but accept.

Taehyung gently holds Jeongguk's hand, pulling him until their bodies don't know what the
meaning of distance is. Once again, only flowers of all colors, sizes and species bear witness
to the intimate moment in between. Despite being in the garden, the slow music that the band
started to play inside the palace makes itself heard, albeit in a distant echo.

Despite everything, Jeongguk feels a wave of calm and contentment run down his spine as
his face brush against Taehyung's, the two of them swaying in the night at a leisurely pace.
The prince doesn't look angry or annoyed. On the contrary, Taehyung presses Jeongguk so
tightly against him that the purple-haired boy can inhale the prince's perfume and feel his
short beard against his cheek.

Their hands meet, automatically intertwining as if their fingers need this gesture to truly feel.
The others find comfort in their waist and shoulders, following the sway of their bodies.

"I was starting to wonder if I would be able to dance with you," Jeongguk comments, trying
to hide his sad voice.

Taehyung, despite the other boy's efforts, notices it, pressing Jeongguk even tighter against
him. "I was saving this one for last. I spent some time with everyone, so I've fulfilled my
obligations. Now I can enjoy the rest of the night with you."

Oh. Is that why Taehyung spent most of the party so far with the others? So now he can be
with Jeongguk without worrying about needing to be shared? But what about the last week,
when Taehyung went on dates with everyone but him?

"You look beautiful, Jeongguk. Too beautiful to be in the arms of a sloppy, bearded pirate,"
Taehyung jokes, his voice soft against Jeongguk's ear, sending shivers all over his body.

Jeongguk chuckles softly, closing his eyes as Taehyung rocks him. In the prince's arms,
Jeongguk even seems to know how to dance.

"What mask could you have used to match with my beauty? A tree?" Jeongguk loves feeling
Taehyung's chest against his, especially when the prince laughs.

"At the very least, some kind of bush," Taehyung thinks.

"I would pay to see you dressed as a bush!" Jeongguk laughs.

"Next year," Taehyung promises in an almost inaudible tone of voice. If his mouth hadn't
been so close to Jeongguk's ear, the boy probably wouldn't have heard.

The words spoken by the prince leave Jeongguk confused, making him think back to what
has tormented him the last few days. "Why did you spend the whole week avoiding me...?"
Jeongguk lets his heart speak before his brain.

"What?" Taehyung pulls his head back slightly, just to be able to stare into Jeongguk's eyes.

"Yes, you’ve heard me. You've spent the last few days avoiding me and hanging out with the
others. And... I saw you talking to my dad in the gardens. I thought maybe you were
explaining to him why you had to send his son home," Jeongguk swallows hard.

"Jeongguk..."

"I get it, Tae," he looks up, staring at the prince. "Someone has to go home and I'm a Seven
and Jimin is the people's favorite..."

"Jeongguk, please, stop," the prince orders softly. "I'm a huge idiot. I had no idea you'd see it
that way. I thought you felt safe in your condition."

There is something that Jeongguk is missing because he cannot understand.

Taehyung sighs. "Do you want to know the truth? I was trying to give others a chance to
compete. From the beginning I've only looked at you, I've only wanted you. As soon as my
eyes fell on your candidature, even now I know you didn't even want to send it, I felt pulled
by you. You should know that by now. I thought you knew that."

Jeongguk is speechless. His brain tries to process what Taehyung has just said but he is
unable to form sentences and let them escape his mouth. The only reaction his body produces
is to make his cheeks blush intensely.

"When you told me there was a high probability that you would fall in love with me, I was so
relieved that part of me didn't believe it," Taehyung continues, holding firmly, but gently at
the same time, Jeongguk's jaw, to stop the other boy to not look him in the eye. "However,
like any other human being, I have fears and insecurities that I'm wrong, that you'll change
your mind at any moment. And, because of that, every day I try to look for an adequate
alternative, a safeguard, but the truth is that..." Taehyung dives deeply into Jeongguk's eyes
without any hesitation. "There's only you, Jeongguk. Maybe I'm not really searching, maybe
others aren't right for me. I don't care, honestly. I just know I want you. And it scares me. It
scares me because I see it in your eyes and in your actions towards me that yes, there is a
great possibility that there will be an us, but at the same time, I’m always waiting for you to
come back with your word and decide to leave the Selection and the palace, decide to leave
me."

Jeongguk takes a moment to catch his breath. All of Taehyung's words seem to come straight
out of a book of poetry, with fists clenched and strong, capable of sending Jeongguk to the
ground with their intensity.

"Tae, that won't happen," Jeongguk whispers against Taehyung’s neck, hiding his face when
the prince is no longer holding his jaw. "You'll understand that I'm not the right one for you."

Taehyung's lips are close to Jeongguk's ear again. "Jeongguk, you’re perfect."

Jeongguk's hands slowly climb from Taehyung's chest to his neck. And when they’re firmly
touching the warm, smooth skin, Jeongguk pulls the prince towards him until their lips meet.

Their bodies look like magnets, moving closer together until there's not a single remnant of
space between them. Jeongguk just wants to get as close physically as possible to the other
man. In the back of his mind, Jeongguk knows that anyone can see them from the huge
windows, or even if they come to get some air in the garden, but he doesn't care. At that very
moment, Jeongguk feels like the two of them are alone in the world, in their little special
bubble.

Jeongguk pulls back a bit to look at Taehyung, realizing he had to wipe the tears from his
eyes to do so. The mask didn't help either. The prince bows his head until their foreheads rest
against each other.

Taehyung takes a deep breath, closing his eyes. "I want us to take things with calm. We've
already talked about this several times. And as I've told you before, I don't want to rush you
at all." Jeongguk nods slowly when Taehyung pauses. "Please, know that my dates,
interactions and conversations with the others selected are because I have to give them an
opportunity to compete. I can't just send them all away, do you understand it, right? But that
will never change my feelings for you. Not until you ask me to," Taehyung whispers against
Jeongguk's lips. “I want it to be as easy for you to accept me as is to breathe. So, just as I
respect you and trust you, I also ask you to do the same when you see me with the others.
You must understand that I do it for safeguarding myself too. But I don't want you to forget
that whatever you need, whatever you want, you just have to say it. I'll do everything I can
for you."

Why is it so hard for Jeongguk to say the same words back? Why does his brain insist on
making everything a seven-headed beast? Why can't he just rip out and deliver his heart on a
platter like Taehyung does so many times with his?

Jeongguk is overwhelmed. The prince understands him so well. Taehyung is nothing more
than an understanding and caring human being. Despite Jeongguk's nagging doubts - yes, he
is aware of how frustrating it is - Taehyung is willing to wait, to assure him every second,
every minute, every day, and in the meantime, he would offer him everything he could.
Jeongguk begins to question himself if he deserves someone like Taehyung.

"I feel like this isn't fair to you, Tae," Jeongguk admits, letting his forehead drop to hit the
prince's collarbones instead. "I desperately want to give you something in return-"

"Believe me, Jeongguk, you give. I feel every day that you give me something in return,"
Taehyung assures, rubbing the back of the purple-haired boy's neck. "I feel it. You may not
yet be able to demonstrate it in words or even comprehend it, but I can feel it. And that is
reason enough to make me want to wait. As long as it takes you."

"You're the best person in the world," Jeongguk sobs, unnerved that he's ruining his mask and
his makeup by crying.

Saying this, Jeongguk rests his head on the prince's shoulder, and the two dance slowly, song
after song. The sound that resonates in the air is more of his sniffs, the constant breathing of
both of them, and the leaves caught in the trees swaying with the wind, but the romantic
music that keeps playing inside the palace is also noticeable. Even if it wasn't possible to hear
it, Jeongguk and Taehyung are so caught up in each other to even mind.

"Tae?" Jeongguk whispers, remembering something.

"Hum?"

"Why were you talking to my dad?"

Taehyung chuckles, a slight blush growing on his cheeks and visible even in the dark of the
garden. "Maybe... Maybe I admitted my feelings to your father and asked for his blessing,"
the prince shrugs as if it's nothing important.

"I can't believe this," Jeongguk's laughter resounds in the air. "You really are something."

"I know," Taehyung smiles smugly, starting to lean his head forward to steal one more kiss
from Jeongguk.

However, before their mouths can actually get lost in each other again, footsteps on the grass
and leaves make themselves heard. In addition, giggles from two different voices and smack
sounds from lips accompany the movement of the shadows that get closer and closer to
Jeongguk and Taehyung.

The purple-haired boy, thinking they're just some party guests who've decided to take a break
for some fresh air, doesn't care much about the situation, taking just two steps back to keep a
respectful distance from the prince.

However, when the shadows became silhouettes and the silhouettes became very detailed
persons, he feels Taehyung's arms, still resting on his waist, stiffen at the image in front of
them. And not for more, because Jeongguk himself is completely static, eyes bulging and
mouth wide open in disbelief.

"I thought I couldn't get you out of that damn party for a few minutes," one of the voices
says. Another smack sound from lips. And another. "You look so beautiful. I spent the entire
night looking at you."

"I missed you so much," the other voice replies. Another smack sound from lips. And
another. "Are you sure no one is going to find us in the greenhouse?"

"No. Everyone is too busy having fun at the party. The vast majority of the guards are there
too, I heard they were going to take the reinforcements out of the garden and put them in the
 Great Hall instead. They won't see us."

The two silhouettes stumble, getting closer and closer to where Jeongguk and Taehyung are.
The two people are so lost in the kisses they exchange that they’re still unaware of the
presence of the prince and the purple-haired boy, who continue to stare at the image in front
of them in disbelieving silence.

That is until the prince clears his throat loudly as he let go of Jeongguk's waist, drawing the
attention of the other two men.

Silence.

Just the light beat of the music coming from the party, just the wind against their skin, just the
whisper of the moonlight.

Silence.

"Soldier... Soldier Yoongi?" Taehyung stutters, taking two steps forward to make sure he's
seeing clearly and not imagining things.

Silence.

Only the separation of two hungry mouths can be heard, only the farewell of arms that longed
to touch each other’s bodies can be heard, only the stopping of their heartbeats can be heard,
only the gaps of surprise and guilt can be heard.

Silence.

Two pairs of wide-open, frightened eyes stare at Jeongguk and Taehyung.

"Jimin?" This time its Jeongguk who asks, no doubt about what his eyes show him.

And from that moment on, silence reigned in the palace.

Silence.

Chapter End Notes

my twitter
my curious cat
playlist
 ten
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes

And silence was what continued to reign in the palace for the past few hours.

The loud, joyous music ceased, the rhythmically moving feet on the floor stopped, the
laughter fueled by the fun and alcohol was swallowed up, and the interesting conversations
gave way to silent confusion instead.

Honestly, Jeongguk barely remembers last night's events. He recalls his lips touching
Taehyung's over and over again. He recalls the tender, sincere, vulnerable words the two
exchanged. He recalls being about to kiss Taehyung again when two unknown silhouettes
interrupted them. He recalls his heart falling at his feet as his hands rose to his gaping mouth
when he realizes it's his best friend who was caught with his tongue inside another man's
mouth, caught by Jeongguk and by the prince of Euphoréa himself, the man which Jimin
should be fighting for instead.

After that? After that Jeongguk's mind is an authentic thick and dark cloud, a mirage of fog.

His brain has the ability to recap some words said by Taehyung, even if wrapped in a mist,
especially now that Jeongguk sees the clock pointers move, symbolizing the passing of the
night, as he looks up at the dark ceiling of his bedroom. His head manages to repeat the
prince's firm words, like, I don't believe this, What went through your minds?, Are you not
aware of the rules? and I want to talk to you two in my father's office. Now.

However, what really attacks and reigns in his brain are Jimin's uncontrollable sobs. The loud
and incessant crying of Jeongguk's best friend, as well as the hearts of two men breaking into
a thousand pieces for being aware of what the future holds for them from now on, from a
fateful mistake at being caught. Jeongguk closes his eyes, trying to push with all his strength
the noises of sadness and the apologies of Jimin and Soldier Yoongi.

Jeongguk vaguely remembers Taehyung insisting for him to go to his bedroom, not wanting
the purple-haired boy to intrude on the serious conversation the prince would have to have
with the two traitors. Jeongguk, completely baffled by the whole situation, ended up obeying,
even though he doesn't actually remember ordering his feet to move from the garden to his
room. However, the fact that he is, at this very moment, with his body lying on the high, soft
bed, is proof enough that he somehow managed to give guidance to his limbs.

Needless to say, Jeongguk could barely sleep. If his eyes closed, it was only to relive Jimin's
tears streaming down his face and Soldier Yoongi's head hung down in shame.
Jeongguk doesn't know if his servants were aware of the situation when Jeongguk arrived in
his bedroom, but the truth is that the purple-haired boy didn't have to insist for them to leave
him alone. Maybe it was his shocked expression, maybe it was the fact that he wasn't able to
talk to anyone, but his three sisters that night also didn't keep him company as they were
supposed to, going to sleep in their parents' room instead. At first, Jeongguk was grateful for
that because he needed to be with himself to digest everything. Now, however, he begins to
wonder if it wouldn’t be easier if his three sisters were holding him right now, radiating
warmth and support under the sheets.

Outside, the sky bid farewell to the dark and sullen blue to welcome the day instead, and it’s
that image coming from the balcony windows along with his bedroom door being flung open
by his servants that makes Jeongguk realize that the night it's gone and it's time to wake up.
Not that he actually slept, anyway.

“Good morning, Mr. Jeon,” Seokjin greets, immediately opening the closet doors and
inspecting the hangers full of clothes. “I'm afraid we have to help you prepare faster today.
There is an important matter to deal with this morning.”

And Jeongguk was already expecting it. He knew that, inevitably, something would have to
be done, but that doesn't mean he's ready to witness it.

"Could you be more explicit, please?" Jeongguk asks nevertheless, looking pleadingly at the
three servants. They shift their gazes, not uttering a single word. "Does it help if I order you
to speak?"

Seokjin is the only one who dares to face him again, his eyes full of solemnity. “Our orders
come from much higher. I’m sorry, Mr. Jeon, but it will have to wait.”

Jeongguk doesn't blame them. They're just doing their job after all. As a result, Jeongguk
remains static at the foot of the bed as he allows Seokjin to help him dress and Nabi and
Yumi to put some makeup on him, just a little concealer in the area of his dark circles, clearly
to cover Jeongguk's lack of sleep. Unlike other mornings, his three servants are pretty quiet
and their mouths only open to give Jeongguk directions on raising an arm or closing his eyes.
Jeongguk prefers it like this, anyway.

However, Jeongguk can’t help but wonder at Seokjin's behavior. He never loses his
composure, even in the most frightening and unnerving situations, but today he seems to have
a sandy body, moving with his shoulders and back hunched with worry. Every now and then,
Seokjin stops and rubs his forehead, as if that can wipe the anxiety out of his face.

When Jeongguk notices his reflection in the mirror for a brief second, he comes across a
black shirt and pants. Finally, Seokjin drapes a long, equally dark overcoat over his
shoulders. He loves this color and it's usual for him to opt for garments in dark tones, but in
this case, he crosses his fingers and prays that it doesn't symbolize what the color often
represents.

Once he's ready, Nabi hands him some apple slices and a piece of bread, telling him without
words that breakfast will not be served in the dining room today. Jeongguk wants to sit down
and eat slowly, his unconscious asking him to stretch the time to the maximum, but it only
takes a bite of bread for him to realize that food wasn't his ally that day.

Finally, Yumi puts the pin with his name on his chest. The gold shines even more against the
black of his shirt but, right now, he can't find it pretty.

Right now though, there's nothing left for Jeongguk to do but face this unimaginable fate.

With trembling fingers, Jeongguk opens the bedroom door and feels himself freeze. Turning
to his servants, he mutters, "I'm scared."

Seokjin takes two steps forward until he manages to place his hands on Jeongguk's shoulders.
“Jeongguk, you’re part of the Elite now. You have to face this situation as such.”

He nods his head slightly as the servant lets go of him, slipping his fingers away from the
door and walking away. Jeongguk wishes he could say that he holds his head high as he
walks, but to be honest, Elite member or not, he is completely terrified.

Much to Jeongguk's surprise, upon reaching the second-floor corridor, he finds the others
selected waiting. They’re all dressed in black too and have the same expression on their
faces. Apprehension and fear. However, the other competitors of the Selection have an extra
emotion, namely confusion. Apparently, only Jeongguk is aware of what has happened. Yet.

Quickly scanning the others with his eyes as they descend the stairs, Jeongguk notices that
there are only four people in there. Obviously, Jimin is missing. Is this whole morning event
announcing his expulsion and the reason? Jeongguk wants desperately to believe that it’s just
that.

However, Jeongguk quickly begins to lose hope. At the bottom of the stairs, a group of
soldiers wait for the selected along with all their families. Jeongguk's parents and sisters look
nervous. Everyone does. Jeongguk gazes at them for some kind of clarification or clue, as
they seem to have been there longer, but the purple-haired boy's mother shakes her head in
denial.

Two guards escort Jimin's parents to the end of the selected line. The Two's mother is bent
over with worry and leans on her husband, whose expression is hard as if they aged years in a
single night. They’re certainly aware of what happened last night.

Jeongguk turns around as a burst of light invades the foyer. For the first time since Jeongguk
arrived, both huge, front doors are flung open and everyone is ushered outside. With
uncertain steps, the selected, their families and the guards who accompany them follow the
small circular path at the entrance, continuing along the gravel trail until they pass the huge
walls that surround the gardens. The only time Jeongguk made this route was on his arrival at
the royal palace. As the massive iron gates creak open, they’re greeted by the deafening roar
of a huge crowd.

A large wooden platform had been set up in the street. Hundreds of people, maybe even
thousands, crowd there with their children on their shoulders. There are cameras positioned
around the platform and production team members run in front of the crowd, capturing the
scene.

The selected and their families are taken to a small stand full of benches and the crowd wakes
up with screams when they appear in the public's field of vision. The shoulders of the
selected in front of Jeongguk relax as people in the street shout their names and throw
flowers at their feet. However, Jeongguk is well aware that this entire show is not a mere
show of affection for the Selection’s favorites.

Today, Jeongguk can't even have the strength to raise his hands and wave to the people
enthusiastically shouting his name. With a guard beside him, Jeongguk climbs to the middle
seat of the front row and tries to figure out what's about to happen. He is shaking so badly
that, for a moment, Jeongguk fears that the wooden benches will be destroyed by his
movements.

The crowd explodes again when the king, the queen and Taehyung appear. They too are
dressed in dark garments and have serious expressions on their faces. Jeongguk turns towards
the prince, trying to get his attention and gain a clue to the gravity of the situation and what is
about to happen there. Jeongguk waits, waits and waits, but Taehyung's face remains
impassive, his eyes nailed to the ground.

A moment later, the audience's ovations turn to sneers of disdain and vicious whistles.
Jeongguk turns to see what had made them so displeased. His stomach twist and his world
crumble before his eyes.

Soldier Yoongi is being dragged by two other guards, bound by chains around his wrists. His
lips are bleeding and his gala uniform is so dirty he seems to have spent the entire night
rolling in the mud. Behind him comes Jimin, also stuck in chains, with his beautiful angel
mask equally covered in dirt and his wings discarded. The two squint at the light and
Jeongguk wonders if they've spent the entire night trapped in the dark, cold and dirty
dungeons of the palace.

Jimin surveys the huge crowd, his gaze meeting Jeongguk's for a brief moment, before being
pulled forward again. He looks up one more time, clearly searching for someone specific, and
Jeongguk can guess who the Two is looking for. To his left, Jimin's parents cry loud, hugging
each other. His mother is uncontrollable, sobbing and screaming for her son's name, and his
father tries to soothe her, sighing words against her hair. They’re both visibly broken as if
their hearts have abandoned them.

Jeongguk stares back at Jimin and Soldier Yoongi. Despite the obvious anguish on their
faces, they both walk with a certain pride. However, the purple-haired boy knows that,
underneath, the terror of what might happen reigns. He knows that because he feels exactly
the same way.

As they’re both led to the podium, a man in a suit that Jeongguk has never seen before
approaches a small pulpit with a microphone. The crowd immediately shuts up, ready to
listen. Apparently, whatever this was has happened before and people seem to know how to
act. But Jeongguk doesn't. His body automatically leans forward and his stomach feels heavy.
Good thing he only ate a tiny piece of bread.
“Park Jimin,” the man announces. "One of the selected, a son of Euphoréa, was found last
night at the Halloween party, in a moment of intimacy with this man, Min Yoongi, a trusted
member of the Royal Guard."

The man's voice is charged with a certain inappropriate arrogance as if he is reciting the cure
for a deadly disease. The crowd hiss at the accusations and the others selected, except for
Jeongguk, all gasp in surprise at the news.

“Mr. Park has broken the vow of loyalty to our prince Taehyung. And Soldier Min essentially
stole a property of the royal family. These offenses constitute a crime of treason to the court!”
The man continues. By this time, he is already shouting, as if asking for the approval of the
crowd. And of course, they grant it.

How is it possible for them to act like this? Don't they know it's Jimin? Sweet, beautiful,
trustworthy, generous Jimin? Yes, maybe he had made a mistake and broken one of the
fundamental rules of the Selection, but nothing that deserved so much hate.

Jimin and Yoongi are violently pushed down to their knees on the wooden platform, their
heads bowed as they receive the audience's insults and screams. Behind them, the guards hold
the chains to keep them from moving. Jeongguk has never felt so helpless in his life and the
image alone is enough to bring tears to the corners of his eyes.

"This crime is punishable by death sentence!" The man announces.

What? No. No, no, no, no. A round of applause and cheers from the crowd is heard and
Jeongguk cannot understand how the people of Euphoréa manage to be so barbaric and cold.

"But in his mercy, Prince Taehyung decided to spare the lives of these two traitors. Long-life
for prince Taehyung!”

The public shouts, repeating the words. If Jeongguk had his head serene, he would have
known he was supposed to repeat the phrase or at least applaud. That's what the selected
alongside him did, as well as their families, albeit in huge shock. But Jeongguk isn't paying
attention. He cannot. All he sees are Jimin’s and Yoongi’s faces.

It was no accident that they had given the selected the seats in the front row. The Selection
staff want to show them what would happen if they made a mistake like this, broke one of the
rules, and disrespected the royal family. But from where Jeongguk is, less than seven meters
from the podium, he can see and hear everything that really matters.

Jimin looks intently at Yoongi and the soldier stares back, craning his neck to do so. Their
fear is impossible to hide, but there is also another expression on Jimin's face as if he is trying
to tell Yoongi that he is worth all that.

“I love you, Jimin,” the soldier shouts. It’s barely audible over the deafening roar of the
crowd, but Jeongguk can hear it. "We'll be fine. I promise, Jimin. We'll be okay."

Jimin is so scared he can't mutter a single word but he nods. At that moment, Jeongguk can
only visualize how beautiful he looks. His golden hair is tousled, his mask is all grimy, and
his face is smeared with makeup from crying, but God, he looks more radiant than Jeongguk
had ever seen him before.

“As punishment, Park Jimin is obviously expelled from the Selection. He broke the worst
rule of the contest by betraying the prince's trust and no longer deserves to be part of the
royal family,” the man points at the caste Two boy with disgust, then he moves on to the
soldier. “As for Min Yoongi, he is fired from the Official Guard and will always be seen with
shame for tarnishing the name of such an important position. The two are completely
prohibited from approaching the palace or any of the members of the royal family.”

Jeongguk takes a deep breath, relieved that this inhuman and cruel show is ending. In his
honest opinion, it was completely pointless to gather all these people together just to
announce their expulsion from the royal palace, but it probably has to do with keeping up
appearances and teaching the lesson to the remaining selected and palace workers.

The crowd applauds with the punishments chosen and Jeongguk just wants to get out of there
once and for all. Will he get a chance to say goodbye to Jimin?

However, when the cheers of enthusiasm from the people around him begin to dissipate and
Jeongguk's wait for someone to pick them up from the stands grows longer, the man in the
suit taps his index finger against the microphone, calling everyone's attention once again.

“Give me a couple more seconds, daughters and sons of Euphoréa, as I'm not done yet,” the
man smirks and Jeongguk feels his heart stop. “Such an act of betrayal cannot be punished
simply by expelling both of them from the palace. No,” the man shakes his head, pausing to
create some suspense. “Park Jimin and Min Yoongi, since this moment from now on, are both
exonerated from their castes. They’re now among the lowest among the lowest.”

What? No. This can’t be happening!

“To repay the shame and pain you brought to Our Majesties, you will be left homeless and
jobless. You’ll be on your own. You’ll be sent to the lands where the most disadvantaged and
poor in Euphoréa live in a community. There, you’ll realize that you should have been
grateful for what the royal family offered you during your stay at the palace, not betray them.
From now on, you two belong to caste Eight!”

The crowd applauds again, with the same ecstasy they showed on the first day of the
Selection. It’s just sick. Jeongguk wants to cry and scream and throw up. All at once. Jimin is
a Two by-born and Yoongi, as a military man, had also become one. It wasn't fair that,
because they had fallen in love with each other, they now had to go to the most suffering
caste of all.

“Oh my God,” Jeongguk hears Areum mutter, her hands covering her mouth.

Jeongguk doesn't notice his feet and legs lifting him off the bench until he runs towards
Taehyung's seat with clumsy steps. “Taehyung! Taehyung, don't do this! No! You can't do
this!”
“You must sit down, Mr. Jeon,” the guard who was watching him says, trying to pull
Jeongguk back into his seat.

“Taehyung, I'm begging you! Please! Don't do this!" Jeongguk screams again, looking at
Taehyung's neutral and impassive face. The prince does not once look at him, keeping his
eyes glued to Jimin and Yoongi figures.

“It's not safe, Mr. Jeon. Please, let me escort you back to your seat,” the guard insists, his tone
becoming less and less patient.

"Let go of me!" Jeongguk flounces, kicking the man's leg. But as hard as he tries, the guard
holds him tight.

"Jeongguk, please sit down!" He hears his mother begging in a scared voice.

When the guards release Jimin and Yoongi's chains only to send against them a bucket full of
iced water, Jeongguk starts to sob. The two begin to shiver from the cold and are forced to
take off the clothes provided by the royal family to exchange them for some old, dirty and
torn rags instead, already fallen at their feet.

“Taehyung! Taehyung! Tae!" Jeongguk expels his lungs out so loudly he exclaims. "Stop!
Don't do this! You know perfectly well how difficult it is to live in a low caste like that. I told
you!”

The prince is listening, Jeongguk knows it. The purple-haired boy sees Taehyung slowly
close his eyes and swallow hard once as if he can ignore Jeongguk's words and Jimin's cries
from his head.

"Jeongguk, please sit down!" His mother insists. Ha-rin is sitting between their parents, Jae-
hwa and Mun-hee out of sight, thankfully. Jeongguk is relieved the younger girls don't have
to witness this. Ha-rin has her face turned to the side though. Her crying is almost as painful
as Jimin's. Just yesterday, the two danced and talked animatedly at the party, clearly already
with great complicity between them.

Jeongguk looks at Jimin's parents. His mother has her head buried in her hands and his father
has his arms around her as if he can protect her from everything they’re losing right now. It's
an image that Jeongguk's eyes will never forget, it's so shattering.

"Let go the fuck out of me!” Jeongguk yells at the guard again but to no avail. "Taehyung!"
He screams. “You still have time to change this! Please, don’t make them turn in to Eights!”

His tears blur his vision, but he can see enough to know that Taehyung heard him. The
purple-haired boy looks at the others selected. Shouldn't everyone be doing something? How
can they stay still? Some of them also seem to be crying, as is the case with Areum and
Sohui. Even Yejun appears to be shaken by the image, as he is leaning forward with his
forehead resting on his hand. But none of them seem angry or indignant about the situation.
How?
The sound of Jimin crying at having to say goodbye to his family and the life he has always
had, as well as the fact that he is literally being humiliated in the public square, will haunt
Jeongguk for the rest of his life. Or the sickly echo of the crowd, applauding, as if the
suffering of others was nothing more than pure entertainment. Or the cries and sighs of the
others selected around him, just accepting it. Or Taehyung's silence and consent, which
allows all this to happen.

The only thing that gives Jeongguk some comfort is Yoongi. Though he shivers from the cold
from the winter morning mixed with the iced water the guards just sent against them, he
manages to mumble comforting words to Jimin. “We're g-going to get through t-this, Jimin,”
his teeth chatter against each other. “I l-love you.”

Jeongguk can't take it anymore. He's dressed head to toe, warm and comfortable, while the
other two are in danger of getting hypothermia. It’s not fair. Jeongguk tries to scratch the
guard, but the thick sleeves of his uniform coat protect the man. He screams when the soldier
squeezes him even tighter.

"Get your hands off my son!" Jeongguk's father yells, pulling at the guard's arms.

With that tiny space and opportunity, Jeongguk advances towards the railing that protects the
benches, jumping over it a little clumsily because of his long coat and fur shoes, but he ends
up making it.

“Jimin! Jimin!" He sobs, running as fast as he can while pulling his overcoat off him.
Jeongguk is about to get near them, ready to give Jimin and Yoongi something to keep them
warm, when he is grabbed by three guards.

It's a fight he can't win.

The fact that everyone thinks this is completely fair and normal makes Jeongguk even more
hysterical. He yells, kicks and curses at the guards, but all he manages is to lose one of his
shoes and his coat, which is left lying on the wet ground.

He is dragged to the palace at some cost and Jeongguk doesn't know if he should feel grateful
or ashamed and guilty. On one hand, he won't have to see the cruel way in which Jimin and
Yoongi will be expelled from the palace and sent to caste Eight; on the other, he feels like
he's abandoning his best friend at the worst time in his life.

If Jeongguk was a real good friend, shouldn't he have done something else? Shouldn't he
have tried harder?

"Jimin!" Jeongguk sobs, looking through his tears at the two figures who are now starting to
be escorted and shoved off the stage. “Jimin, I’m so sorry! I’m so, so sorry!"

But the crowd is so frantic and Jimin is crying so hard he doesn't hear him.

♕
Jeongguk struggles and screams all the way back. The guards have to hold him so tightly that
he knows he will be bruised, but he can’t waste time caring about it now. He has to fight.

"Where's his bedroom?" Jeongguk hears one of the guards ask and squirming, he sees a maid
passing down the corridor, leaving the dining room. Jeongguk doesn't recognize her, but she
certainly knows who he is. The maid escorts the guards to his bedroom and as they open the
door, Jeongguk hears his servants protesting the way the guards are treating him.

“Calm down, Mr. Jeon. You can't behave like this,” one of the older guards grumbles as they
toss him onto the bed.

"Get out of my room!" He explodes when the three pairs of arms are no longer grabbing him.

Nabi and Yumi run to him, both with tears in their eyes. Seokjin starts trying to clean up the
dirt his fight left on his clothes but Jeongguk pushes his hands away.

Just stare at the three servants for five seconds is enought for Jeongguk to realize that they
knew. They knew about the real punishments and didn't warn him.

"You too!" Jeongguk orders. "I want everyone out of here NOW!"

They flinch at Jeongguk's brusque words and the tremors in Nabi's frail body almost make
him regret what he said. But right now, Jeongguk needs to be alone.

“We're so sorry, Jeongguk,” Seokjin mutters, pushing the other two maids back. They knew
how close he and Jimin were.

Jimin...

“Go away,” Jeongguk asks in a whisper, turning away to hide his face in the mountain of
pillows.

As soon as the door closes, Jeongguk discards his remaining shoe and crawls into bed, not
caring that he is completely dirty. This moment also makes him finally understand hundreds
of tiny details.

So that was the secret Jimin was so afraid to reveal. He didn't want to be in the Selection
anymore because he didn't love Taehyung and he knew that wouldn't change, but he also
didn't want to leave the palace and stay away from Yoongi.

Several situations then suddenly start to make sense. The reason why Jimin was alone in
certain places or looking at doors for long periods of time was Yoongi, he was on watch
nearby. That time when the king and the queen of Japan visited the palace and Jimin refused
to leave the sun… Yoongi. He was there. It was Jimin who the guard was waiting for when he
and Jeongguk bumped into each other at the bathroom door. It was always Yoongi, waiting
quietly nearby, maybe stealing a kiss or a touch here and there, hoping for the moment when
they could really be together. And Jimin must indeed love him immensely to have been so
careless, to risk so much. Love is a responsibility that makes us irresponsible, they say.
How could this be real? It doesn't seem possible. Jeongguk knows there are punishments for
this sort of thing, they warned all the selected ones before they came to the palace, but damn
it. He never imagined that such a thing could happen to Jimin, that he would go away...

Jeongguk's stomach tightens. Would he ever see Jimin again? Where would they send him?
Would his family be able to maintain some contact with him? Would he and Yoongi still be
together? Jeongguk doesn't know what Yoongi was before recruiting made him a Two, but
everything was better than being an Eight, that’s for sure.

Jeongguk cannot believe that Jimin has become an Eight. That can't be real.

He feels so bad. He could have done more, he could have fought to help them more.
Jeongguk is a horrible friend and shame attacks him with all its force.

There was nothing to do but cry and ask Jimin for his forgiveness in the silence of his
bedroom.

Jeongguk spends the entire morning and most of the afternoon curled up in bed. His servants
brought him lunch and the smell of soup that filled the bedroom was kind of comforting, but
he couldn't touch it. Fortunately, they didn't insist on staying and left him alone with his
sadness.

He feels unable to pull himself together. Jeongguk had not only lost one of his best friends
here at the palace, but he also had to witness Jimin's huge drop in caste. Jeongguk knows how
hard it is to be a Seven, how hard it is to work hard for hours on end, without a single break,
to be able to support a family, how hard it is to be hungry. So, so hungry. He can't even
imagine what it's like to be an Eight.

Someone knocks on Jeongguk's bedroom door hesitantly. His servants aren't there to open it
and Jeongguk definitely doesn't want to move. However, after a brief pause, the visitor enters
anyway.

"Jeongguk?" Taehyung says in a low voice.

He doesn’t answer.

The prince slowly closes the door and crosses the room, stopping by his bed. "I’m sorry.
Jeongguk, I’m so sorry,” he mutters. "I had no choice."

Jeongguk remains motionless, unable to speak.

“It was either that or the death sentence. The cameras caught them leaving the party together
and followed them into the garden. They saw what we saw. They released the images without
our consent while I was going to try to resolve things in secrecy,” Taehyung explains in a
pained voice.

The prince remains silent for some time, perhaps hoping that if he stays there long enough,
Jeongguk would find something to say to him.

Finally, Taehyung kneels down beside him.

“Jeongguk? Love, please look at me,” he asks in a pleading tone. The pet name causes a knot
in the purple-haired boy's stomach. Still, he doesn't feel able to look at Taehyung. He knows
if he does, he would turn on the taps in his eyes again and flood the already damp
pillowcases. “I had to do that. I didn’t have any other choice.”

"How could you just stand there?" Jeongguk's voice sounds strange, probably from the many
hours he kept silent, just crying. "How could you not go back on that horrible decision?"

"I told you once that part of this job is to look calm, even when you're not. It was something I
had to learn to control. And you will learn too if you choose me."

Jeongguk frowns. Taehyung sincerely thinks he still wants to give up everything and be a
prince? Apparently, yes.

When Taehyung finally understands the expression on Jeongguk's face, shock invades his
face. “Jeongguk, I know you’re distressed, but please… I already told you that you’re the
only one. Please, don't do that.” Taehyung's forehead rests against the sides of the mattress.

“Taehyung…” Jeongguk responds slowly, closing his eyes. “I'm so sorry, but I don't think I
can do this. I would never be able to stand there and watch someone being treated like that
and being sent to the worst caste of all. Much less knowing it was my order. I can't be a
prince.”

Taehyung gasps, lifting his head from the mattress to face Jeongguk, who refuses to stare him
back. This is probably the closest manifestation of true sadness that Jeongguk has ever seen
in Taehyung.

“Jeongguk, you're basing the rest of our possible lives on five minutes of someone else's life.
Things like this rarely happen. You wouldn't have to do this. Please, don't let this moment
influence your decision,” Taehyung begs.

Jeongguk pushes the sheets aside, sitting up in the hope that he will be able to think more
clearly. “I… I can't even think right now,” he confesses.

“Then don't think,” Taehyung insists. “Don't let this make you make a decision about us
while you're this upset. Please,” he whispers loudly, grabbing Jeongguk’s hand. The
desperation in the prince's voice causes Jeongguk to finally look at him. “Don't give up, not
like this. Please."

The purple-haired boy takes a deep breath and nods his head. The relief on Taehyung's face is
evident. The prince sits there, clutching Jeongguk's hand like a lifebuoy.
“I… I'll leave you alone for now,” Taehyung says what seems like hours later, but it can't
have been more than a mere few minutes. "I’m… I’m sorry, Jeongguk."

He leans over as if he wants to kiss Jeongguk but the purple-haired boy lowers his eyes and
face, avoiding the prince's gesture of affection. Taehyung clears his throat, embarrassed,
before leaving the room with his shoulders slumped.

And then, Jeongguk sinks back into misery.

Later, when the balcony windows announce the beginning of the night, his servants enter the
bedroom. Jeongguk turns over in bed but it’s impossible not to notice the anguish and dry
tear marks on his face.

“Oh, Mr. Jeon!” Yumi exclaims, hugging him tightly. "Let us help you get ready for bed."

Seokjin begins stripping off his shirt and pants, quickly pulling on his hoodie and sweatpants.
Jeongguk is touched by the gesture because comfort it’s what he really needs right now. Nabi
and Yumi focus on cleaning his face and combing his hair.

The three of them sit on the edge of the bed, trying to comfort Jeongguk with their presence.
He wants to explain to them that his hurt and sadness are due more than what happened with
Jimin, that there was also a tremendous disappointment because of Taehyung's attitude and
decisions, but he restrains himself.

Then, Jeongguk's pain doubles when he asks about his parents and sisters and Seokjin tells
him that all the families had been quickly escorted back home. Jeongguk couldn’t even say
goodbye to them.

Nabi strokes his tousled, purple strands of hair, soothing him affectionately. Yumi is at his
feet and massages his legs in a comforting way. Seokjin simply presses Jeongguk’s hands
against his chest, as if feeling all that with him.

“Thank you,” Jeongguk mumbles between sniffles. “Forgive me for my reaction a few hours
ago. I was very upset."

“You don't need to apologize, Jeongguk,” Seokjin assures.

Jeongguk wants to correct him, because he has, no doubt, gone too far in the way he has
treated them, but there is another knock at the door. The purple-haired boy tries to think of a
polite way to say that he doesn’t want to see Taehyung at that moment, but when Nabi rushes
to open it, it’s Namjoon's face who appears on the other side.

“Forgive me for the inconvenience. I don't even know if I'm allowed to be here but…
Jeongguk, I wanted to check if you were okay,” Namjoon explains, nervously playing with
his fingers.

Jeongguk sketches his first smile in many, many hours, even though it's barely visible, and
nods, allowing Namjoon to enter the room. The royal family florist crosses the space until he
reaches the bed, sitting down.
“Jeongguk, I’m so sorry for your friend. I saw you a few times together walking through the
gardens and I heard he was a very special person. If you need anything, I'm here,” Namjoon's
hand lands on Jeongguk's knee and squeezes it in a gesture of comfort.

"Thank you, Namjoon," he replies in a low voice. "Your kindness and concern mean a lot to
me."

Fortunately, Jeongguk only made fantastic friends in this palace.

Hello Gguk,

I’m so sorry that we were unable to say goodbye to you. The king thought it would be safer if
the families left as soon as possible. We tried to reach you and talk to you, I swear, but they
didn’t let us.

I want you to know we made it home safe and sound. The queen has given us permission to
keep the clothes we wore during our stay there at the palace and Jae-hwa spends all her free
time in those chic dresses. I suspect that Ha-rin also secretly wishes not to grow another inch
so that she can wear her ball gown when she gets married. That cheers her up a lot about
what happened. Honestly, I don't know if I can ever forgive the royal family for forcing two of
my children to witness it live, but you know how strong Ha-rin is. It's you I'm worried about.
Write to us quickly, please.

Maybe that's not the right thing to say, but I want you to know that when you ran headlong
for the podium, I've never been so proud of you in my entire life. You were always a beautiful
and hardworking boy, you always breathed talent too, and now I know your sense of justice is
in the right place. You see clearly when things are wrong and do everything you can to end
the situation.

As a parent, I cannot ask for more.

I love you, Jeongguk. We all do. And I'm very, very proud.

Dad

How did his father always know what to say? Jeongguk wishes someone would realign the
stars so that they form the older man's words. He needed them to be big and bright, like neon
lights, so they would be visible somewhere where Jeongguk could see them in times of
darkness. I love you, Jeongguk. We all do. And I'm very, very proud.

The next day, Elite members had the option of having breakfast in their bedrooms and
Jeongguk took advantage of it. He still didn't feel ready to see Taehyung. In the afternoon, he
felt a little more composed and decided to go down to the Leisure Hall for a while. At least
there's a television and he's thirsty for something to distract him.

The selected seem surprised by Jeongguk's entry, which is to be expected. He usually hides
from time to time and if ever there was a suitable time to do so, this would be it.

Yejun is leaning back on the sofa, flipping through a magazine. Newspapers are more
common in the lower castes, with the main news in the country, while magazines are only
accessible to people with high possessions. Yejun always seems to have one on hand, and for
some reason, that irritates Jeongguk on this specific day. Sohui and Areum are sitting at a
table, drinking tea and talking, and Jeongguk walks towards one of the windows overlooking
the garden, wishing for a few moments of peace.

That wasn't going to happen, it seems.

“Look…” Yejun announces to no one in particular. "Another one of my ads."

The Three is a model, he has already made a point of bragging to everyone. But just the idea
of him standing there flipping through pictures of himself annoys Jeongguk even more.

“Mr. Jeon?” Someone calls. Jeongguk turns to find the queen in the corner, with some of her
maids around. She seems to be sewing. Shit, Jeongguk didn't even notice her presence, so he
didn't greet her. Stupid!

He hurries to salute her with a bow and she gestures for Jeongguk to approach her. His
stomach flips as he recalls not only how rudely he walked into the Leisure Lounge, but
mostly because of his behavior from the day before. Jeongguk hadn't meant to offend her, but
he suddenly fears he has done just that. The purple-haired boy feels the eyes of the others on
him, curious and thirsty to know the topic of conversation. After all, the queen usually spoke
to them as a group, rarely in private.

Jeongguk approaches with shaky steps and bows again. "Your Majesty."

“Please, have a seat, Mr. Jeon,” she says, smiling gently and pointing to an empty chair
across from her. He obeys, albeit very nervous. “You struggled a lot yesterday,” she
comments.

The purple-haired boy swallows, nodding slowly. "Yes, Your Highness."

"Are you two close friends?"

“We are, Your Majesty,” he replies, dropping his head down in sadness.

The queen sighs. “A gentleman must not behave that way. You know that, right? The cameras
were so focused on what was happening that, thankfully, they missed your behavior. Still, it's
not proper for you to lose your temper like that.”

This is not the order of a queen; it's a mother's reproach and that makes it a thousand times
worse. It's as if she feels responsible for Jeongguk and he has let her down. For the first time,
Jeongguk feels really bad for the way he reacted.
The queen reaches out and places her hand on Jeongguk's knee. He looks at the woman's
face, astonished at her casual touch. “Anyway…” She whispers, ending with a pretty smile
on her lips. "I'm glad you did."

“He's my best friend. Just like Areum, Jimin was one of my biggest pillars here at the
palace,” Jeongguk admits.

"I understand. But your friendship doesn't end just because he's not here anymore, honey.”
Queen Yuna pats his leg affectionately.

The warm gesture causes tears to well up in the corners of Jeongguk's eyes. “I don't know
what to do,” Jeongguk mutters. He almost vents everything he feels right there, but the
awareness that the others selected are looking at them like hawks makes him hesitate.

“I told myself I wouldn't get involved,” the queen states and sighs. "Even if I wanted to, I'm
not sure there's much to say." She's right. What words could change everything that had
happened? The queen leans over to Jeongguk and mutters sweetly, "Still, don't be too hard on
him."

Jeongguk knows her intentions are good, but all he wanted less right now was to talk about
her son. The purple-haired boy nods his head and stands up. She sends him a warm smile and
waves him off.

He walks away and sits next to Areum and Sohui.

"How do you feel?" Sohui asks sympathetically.

“I'm fine, I guess” Jeongguk sighs, fumbling with the hem of the tablecloth. "It's Jimin I'm
worried about."

“At least they’re together. As long as they have each other, I'm sure they'll be able to get
through this,” Areum comments.

"How do you know Jimin and Yoongi are together?" Jeongguk arches one of his eyebrows.

"Prince Taehyung told me," she replies as if it's common knowledge.

“Oh. Right,” Jeongguk mutters, disappointed.

“I can't believe he hasn't told you, especially you,” Areum makes a shocked expression. “You
and Jimin were so close. Besides, you're his favorite, aren't you?”

Jeongguk looks at Areum with surprise at her tone, and then at Sohui. Both have a worried
look on their faces, but also, perhaps, an expression of relief.

Yejun laughs. “Obviously not anymore,” he mutters, not even deigning to look up from his
magazine. Jeongguk's downfall is obviously expected.

The purple-haired boy guides the conversation back to Jimin. “I still can't believe Taehyung
put them through that. His calm throughout the process was disturbing.”
"But Jimin made a mistake," Sohui comments. There is no criticism in her voice, just a calm
acceptance as if following instructions.

Areum also gives her opinion. “The prince could have killed them. The law was on his side.
He showed mercy.”

"Mercy?" Jeongguk scoffs. "Do you think living like an Eight is a gesture of mercy?"

“If we think about it,” Sohui continues. "I bet if we asked Jimin, he'd rather be an Eight than
die."

“Sohui is right,” Areum looks at him apologetically. "I agree it was absolutely hard to watch,
but I would prefer that to death."

“Please,” Jeongguk replies with disdain, feeling the anger bubbling in his blood. “Sohui,
you’re a Four. Your father is a famous lawyer and you've spent your whole life in nice
houses, always very comfortable and with a full belly. You would never survive living like an
Eight. Homeless, cold and hungry. You'd beg to die,” he shakes his head in disappointment.
"And you, Areum... You, a Seven, should be more than aware of how horrible it is to be
poor."

The caste Seven girl hangs her head in shame. As for Sohui, she scoffs and folds her arms
under her chest. “Don't think you know what I'm capable of or not. Just because you're a
Seven, do you think you're the only person who's ever been through situations of suffering?”

“No,” Jeongguk simply replies. “But I'm sure I've faced far worse things than you have,” he
replies, his voice rising with anger. “And yet, I couldn't bear the thought of going to live like
an Eight. And I doubt you would do better.”

“I'm braver than you think, Jeongguk. You have no idea what things I've had to sacrifice over
the years. And when I make a mistake, I know how to take the consequences,” Sohui argues,
her chin lifted in confidence.

"And why the hell should there even be consequences?" Jeongguk questions, raising his
hands in the air in a gesture of frustration. “The prince spends his life saying that the
Selection is difficult for him, that it’s hard to have to choose and then, one of us falls in love
with other. Shouldn't he thank him for making his decision easier? Where is it fair for
someone to be punished like this just for falling in love? Like it's something he could avoid!"

“But the law-” Sohui tries to retort but is interrupted.

“Jeongguk kinda has a point,” Areum quickly counters, and that's the end of their organized
conversation.

From there, everyone speaks at the same time, trying to make themselves heard and justifying
why they thought that what had happened was right or wrong. It's the first time this has
happened, but it's something that Jeongguk had hoped would happen from the beginning.
With so many people together, competing with each other, it was impossible for them not to
end up arguing.
Then, in a dissonant voice, Yejun mumbles to his magazine while the other three selected
argue. “He just got what he deserved. Slut.”

The silence that follows is as intense as their discussion.

Yejun looks over his shoulder, voices suddenly muted, just in time to see Jeongguk launch
himself at him. The Three screams as Jeongguk falls on top of him, hitting a nearby coffee
table. He hears something scrape on the floor, probably a cup of tea or coffee.

Jeongguk had closed his eyes in mid-jump, and when he opens them, he is on top of Yejun,
who is trying to grab his wrists. In an animal instinct, Jeongguk takes his right arm behind
him and punches Yejun in the jaw with all his strength. The burning in Jeongguk's fingers is
almost unbearable but it's worth it just to hear the crack that explodes when it hits Yejun.

The Three immediately let out an angry grunt and starts trying to punch Jeongguk as well. He
manages to make a few scratches on his arm, which only annoys Jeongguk even more. The
purple-haired boy hits him again, this time with a slap, which cuts Three's lip.

In response to the pain, Yejun reaches for something, eventually grabbing the saucer of his
cup, and hits Jeongguk with the object sideways on the head. Off-balance, Jeongguk closes
his eyes and tries to contain his dizziness as he grabs Yejun again, ready to reciprocate. He is
so engrossed in red rage that he doesn't notice that several people are starting to try to
separate them, including guards. Jeongguk punches one of them too. He's completely fed up
with being grabbed.

"Did you see what he did to me?" Yejun yells, his arms trapped by two guards.

"Shut the fuck up!" Jeongguk spits, in the same position but in the opposite direction. "Don't
you ever dare talk about Jimin again!"

“He's completely crazy! Can't you hear him? Did you see what he did to me?" Yejun laughs.

"Let go of me!" Jeongguk exclaims, struggling against the two guards who securely pin his
arms behind his back.

“You’re a psychopath! I’ll tell prince Taehyung everything. Right fucking now! You can start
to say goodbye to the palace!” Yejun threatens.

"Silence! You two! No one is going to see Taehyung now,” the queen orders in a stern tone.
She stares at both, first at Yejun and then at Jeongguk. Her disappointment is notorious.
"Both of you, go to the hospital wing."

The area of the palace intended for medical care begins with a long corridor, immaculately
arranged, with beds against the walls. Behind each headboard, there is a curtain, which can be
pulled back to give the patient more privacy. Everywhere, there are white metal cabinets with
pharmaceutical products.

Wisely, Jeongguk and Yejun are placed at opposite ends of the corridor. The Three is closest
to the entrance and Jeongguk is near the back window. Yejun pulls the curtain around his bed
almost immediately so he doesn't have to look at Jeongguk. He can't blame him because
Jeongguk has a satisfied expression stamped on his face. Even as the nurse treated the bruised
area on the side of his head where Yejun had hit him with the glass, Jeongguk didn't grimace
in pain.

“Now, hold the ice here. It will help take out the inflammation,” the nurse explains with a
sympathetic smile.

Jeongguk returns the gesture, muttering, "Thank you."

The nurse casts a quick glance to either side of the hospital wing, apparently to make sure no
one could hear them. “You did very well, Mr. Jeon,” she mutters, an even wider smile
plastered on her lips. "Almost everyone was waiting for something like this to happen."

"Seriously?" Jeongguk whispers in a voice as low as hers. Maybe he shouldn't be smiling this
much.

“I can't tell you how many horror stories I've heard about him,” the nurse explains, nodding
toward Yejun's bed.

"Horror stories?"

"Yes. He provoked that guy who hit him a good few weeks ago.”

“Chinhae? How do you know that?" Jeongguk asks surprised.

“Prince Taehyung is a good man,” she says simply. “He insisted for Chinhae to be seen here
before returning home. That boy told us what Yejun said about his parents. It was something
so disgusting I can't even repeat it,” the nurse grimaces.

“Poor Chinhae,” Jeongguk sighs. "I knew it had been something like that."

“There was another girl who showed up here with her feet bleeding after someone shoved
shards of glass into her shoes during the night. We can't prove it was Yejun, but who else
would do such a despicable thing?” The nurse rolls her eyes.

“I haven't heard anything about it,” Jeongguk frowns, disgusted by the gesture.

“She was afraid they would do something even worse to her. I think she preferred to remain
silent. And Yejun… He beats his servants too. Just with his hands, but they show up here
every now and then to ask for ice,” the nurse says.

"What? No!" Jeongguk brings his hands to his mouth, completely stunned by the information.
All the servants he already met are loving. And even if they weren't, nothing justifies
aggression.

“Suffice it to say that your reactions, Mr. Jeon, are common knowledge. You’re a hero around
here,” the woman winks at him.

Jeongguk certainly doesn't feel like one.

“Wait,” he says suddenly, looking intently at the woman in front of him. "You said the prince
asked for Chinhae to be seen before he left, right?"

“Yes, Mr. Jeon,” she nods. "He cares a lot about you all and wants you to be cared for."

"What about Jimin?" Jeongguk doesn't hesitate to ask, getting up from the bed so he can sit
up straighter. “Has he been here too? How was he when he left?”

Jeongguk sees the nurse's mouth open, about to release consonants and vowels, but before
she can actually speak, Yejun's spoiled voice echoes through the room.

"Taehyung, my dear!" He exclaims as the prince walks through the hospital wing door.

Jeongguk and Taehyung exchange a brief look before the prince approaches the Three's bed.
The nurse walks away, leaving Jeongguk alone and anxious to know if she has, in fact, seen
Jimin.

Yejun's pitiful voice is unbearable. Jeongguk feels blood trickling through his ear canals just
from having to hear the Three. He also listens to Taehyung mutter a few words of sympathy,
comforting the poor thing, before leaving Yejun’s bed.

Taehyung comes around the curtain and stares at Jeongguk, then approaches him with an
exhausted expression. “You're lucky my father banned the cameras in the palace, otherwise
we would have a hard time because of your actions," the prince runs a hand through his hair
in exasperation. His left-hand holds the silver crown with purple crystals. "How am I going to
justify this, Jeongguk?"

“You can always send me home,” Jeongguk scoffs, shrugging.

"What? Of course not,” Taehyung responds quickly, pain shooting across his face.

"What about him? Are you going to send him home?" The purple-haired boy asks, nodding
his chin in Yejun's direction.

“Not either,” the prince sighs when Jeongguk rolls his eyes in response. “You guys are all
unnerved after what happened and I can't blame you for that. I don't know if my father will
accept this excuse, but that's what I'm going to say.”

Jeongguk pauses. “Maybe you should tell him it was all my fault. Maybe you should just
send me away once and for all.”

“Jeongguk… You're exaggerating.”

"Am I? Look at me, Taehyung,” Jeongguk lets out a sad laugh. He feels a lump growing in
his throat, but he fights to speak. “I know from the start that I don't have what it takes to be a
prince, but I thought I could, I don't know, change or find a way to make things work. But
I've already realized that I can't stay here. I can’t."

Taehyung sits on the edge of his bed. “Jeongguk, you may hate the Selection and you may be
furious about what happened to Jimin, but I know you like me enough not to abandon me.
Am I wrong?" The prince's words sound confident but looking into his brown eyes, Jeongguk
sees the fear and trembling they mirror.

With a sigh, Jeongguk takes his hand. “You’re not wrong. But I also like you enough to tell
you when you're making a mistake.”

Pain is stamped on Taehyung's face and he squeezes Jeongguk's hand tighter as if he can keep
him there and prevent Jeongguk from disappearing. A little hesitantly, the prince leans over
and mutters, "It's not always this difficult and I want to show it to you, but you've got to give
me time. I can prove to you that there are good things in this life, but you have to wait. You
need to trust me.” Jeongguk takes a deep breath with his eyes closed. He’s ready to contradict
Taehyung but the prince interrupts him. “For several weeks, Jeongguk, you asked me for time
and I gave it to you without hesitation and without asking questions because I have faith in
you. Please, I need you to have a little faith in me too.”

Jeongguk doesn't know what Taehyung could show him that would change his mind, but it
was impossible for him not to give the prince some time, especially after when he did it for
Jeongguk.

Nodding slowly and running his thumb over Taehyung's soft, beautiful hand, Jeongguk
responds, "Okay."

The prince smiles, even though it's a practically invisible glimmer of a smile. "Thank you."
The relief in his voice is obvious. "I have to go now, but I'll be back soon to see you."

Jeongguk nods again, letting the prince place a long kiss against his forehead. After that,
Taehyung gets up and leaves the hospital wing, but not before making a quick stop to say
goodbye to Yejun too.

The purple-haired boy is staring at the prince as he leaves, asking if it would be a bad idea to
trust him.

Both Jeongguk's and Yejun's injuries were negligible, and after an hour, they were sent back
to their bedrooms. They were discharged at different times so as not to leave the hospital
wing together, and thankfully.

The next morning, Jeongguk runs away from his thoughts, from all that encompasses Jimin,
guilt, disappointment, and especially, Taehyung, preferring to pretend to be amnesic instead.
It was easier that way and he needs to give his mind a break.

He feels pleasantly distracted, enjoying the cloudy winter day through the wide windows of
the Leisure Lounge when the sound of a stack of papers placed on the table in front of him
brings him back to the real world.
Jeongguk looks up and stares at Yejun, still sporting a swollen lip. The Three points to one of
the gossip magazines, which is open to a two-page article. It doesn't take him even a second
to recognize Jimin's face, even though it was contorted by the humiliation and pain of the
punishments.

“I think you should see this,” Yejun says simply, before walking away.

Jeongguk isn't quite sure what the other meant by that, but he's so eager to know something
about Jimin that he immediately dives into the report.

Of all the great traditions of our country, perhaps none is faced with such exhilaration as the
Selection. Created especially to bring joy to a saddened nation, it seems that everyone is still
a little inebriated at the unfolding of the great love story between a prince and his future
princess or prince. When Yerin Euphoréa took the throne and her eldest son, Nam-gil, died
suddenly, the entire country mourned the loss of such an enigmatic and promising young
man. When her youngest son, Su-jin, was appointed successor to the throne, many questioned
whether he would be ready, at age of eighteen, to even receive training for that position. But
Su-jin knew he was ready to enter adulthood and decided to prove it through the greatest
commitment of a lifetime: marriage. In just a few months, the Selection for Yerin Euphoréa's
youngest son was born and, with the contest, the country's morale was raised with the
possibility of a normal girl becoming the first princess of Euphoréa.

However, since then, we have been forced to question the effectiveness of competition.
Although based on a romantic idea, some say that it’s unfair to force a prince to marry
someone of lower status, although no one can deny the perfect composure and beauty of our
current queen, Kim Yuna.

Some of us still remember the rumors about Boram Euphoréa, who would have poisoned her
husband, Prince Byung-ho, great-grandson of Su-jin Euphoréa, a few years after their
marriage, and then agreed to marry his cousin, Kim Ki-woo, thus keeping the royal line
intact.

Although such a rumor has never been confirmed, what we can certainly say is that, this
time, the behavior of the selected in the palace is simply scandalous. Park Jimin, now an
Eight, was caught with a guard kissing him on the sly at the Halloween ball, which had been
announced as the highlight of the Selection’s programming. The splendor of the party was
totally overshadowed by Mr. Park's reckless behavior, leaving the palace in full turmoil the
next morning.

But in addition to Mr. Park's unjustifiable actions, the remaining young women and men still
in the palace may also not be so worthy of the crown. An anonymous source told us that some
of the Elite members constantly argue with each other and rarely strive to fulfill their
obligations. Everyone remembers the elimination of Bang Chinhae, a few weeks after the
start of the Selection, for deliberately attacking the charming Seo Yejun, a model of caste
Three. And our source also confirms that this was not the only case of physical confrontation
in the palace within the Elite, which leads this journalist to question the group of young
people chosen for Prince Taehyung.
When we asked for a comment on these rumors, our king Bon-hwa replied only: “Some of the
selected ones come from less polished castes and are not familiar with the expected behavior
in the palace. Evidently, Mr. Park Jimin was not prepared for a life as One. My wife
possesses a specific and indefinable quality that makes her a rare exception among the lower
castes. She has always sought to elevate herself to the level befitting a queen and it would be
an enormous challenge to find someone more suited to the throne than her. But in the case of
some of the members of the lower castes, who remain in the current Selection, we would lie if
we said that we weren't already expecting this.»

Although Oh Areum is a girl from the caste Seven, she always displayed the utmost elegance
and politeness in public. Hence, we are forced to deduce that our king refers to Jeon
Jeongguk, the only other selected from such a low caste. Mr. Jeon's performance in the
Selection has been reasonable. He's handsome enough, but not quite what Euphoréa expected
for a new prince. Occasionally, his interviews on the Official News are fun, but we need a
new leader, not a comedian.

We also hear disturbing reports that Mr. Jeon tried to free Mr. Park during his punishment,
which, in the eyes of this reporter, makes him complicit in Mr. Park's treacherous activities by
being unfaithful to our prince.

With Mr. Park already out of first place, one question remains: who should be the new
princess or prince?

A quick survey from our readers confirmed what we already suspected. We congratulate Mr.
Seo Yejun and Mrs. Oh Areum on their tie for first place in our analysis. Mrs. Choi Sohui is
in third place. From a long distance away, Mr. Jeon Jeongguk appears in fourth and
(unsurprisingly) in the last place.

I think I speak for all of Euphoréa when I encourage prince Taehyung to timely and carefully
choose a good princess or prince for us all. We narrowly avoided a great disaster when Mr.
Park exposed his true nature before the crown was placed on his head.

Prince Taehyung, regardless of who you love, make sure they’re worthy. We want to love them
too!

Jeongguk runs from the hall, not caring in the least for the confused and curious looks of the
others selected and the guards. Clearly, Yejun wasn't doing him a favor; he was showing
Jeongguk his place. Why is Jeongguk even uncomfortable with this? The king expected his
failure, the public didn't want him, and Jeongguk is sure he wasn't capable of being a prince.

He climbs the stairs quickly and silently, trying to remain unnoticed. There was no way of
knowing who the hell was the anonymous source in the palace who’s reporting the events of
the Selection to the press.
“Mr. Jeon,” Seokjin greets, surprised to see him enter the bedroom. "I was sure you would
stay at the Leisure Hall until lunch."

"Can you all please leave?"

"I’m sorry?" Nabi asks, starting to walk away from the desk where she was cleaning the glass
top.

Jeongguk takes a deep breath, trying not to lose his temper. His servants are not the ones to
blame. “I need to be alone. Please?"

Without saying a word, the three bow and leave the room. Jeongguk approaches the shelves
by the high windows on the wall. He would try to distract himself until he didn't think about
it anymore, and drawing and painting would be the perfect solution.

However, when he sits up in bed with his back against the cushioned, massive headboard, his
eyes hover for a brief second on the piano, which reminds him of something. Yerin
Euphoréa's diary! With all the recent events, Jeongguk had completely forgotten that it was
hiding in there. That would definitely be an excellent distraction.

He gets up from bed and puts his sketchbook and graffiti on the desk, approaching the piano.
Jeongguk returns to the same position on the bed, watching the old pages as he flips through
them.

The diary opens to the page with the Halloween photograph, as the rigid photo naturally acts
as a bookmark. He rereads the little note:

Children celebrate this year's Halloween with a party. I think it's a way of forgetting what's
going on around them, but honestly, it just seems frivolous to me. Not to mention that it's a
holiday typically celebrated in the country that attacked us. We’re one of the few families that
still have the financial means to commemorate, but this childish event seems to be a complete
waste to me.

Jeongguk looks at the image again, focusing specifically on the three children, remembering
the words written in the magazine article. One of them died some time later and the other was
the one who started the Selection. As for the girl, how old was she? What would her function
be? Did she enjoy being the daughter of Yerin Euphoréa? Did that make her very popular?

He turns the page and realizes that this is not a new entry, but a continuation of the message
about Halloween. This, he had not yet read.

I thought that, after the American invasion, we would see the mistakes we had made. It
always seemed obvious to me, especially lately, that we had become quite lazy. In fact, it's no
wonder the United States managed to attack us, just as it's not surprising that it took us so
long to organize ourselves after the crash. We lost that spirit that drove people to cross seas,
walk through devastating winters, and civil war. We got lazy, and if it weren't for the fact that
I took the initiative to prevent the big collapse because of the warnings of my American
relatives, the United States would have taken control of our country.

In recent months, in particular, I have felt the desire to donate more than money to the war
effort. I want to lead. I have ideas and, having contributed so generously, maybe now is the
time to introduce them. We need a change and I can't help but wonder if I'm not the only
person capable of making it.

Jeongguk shivers. He can't help comparing Taehyung to his ancestors. Yerin Euphoréa looks
inspired; she was trying to take something out of joint and make it whole again. The purple-
haired boy wonders what she would think of the country these days if she was still alive.

That night, Jeongguk sneaked out of his room after his servants had him ready for bed, and
made his way to the gardens. The guards who protected the door only nodded when they saw
him, more than used to the presence of the Seven boy in that place.

He walks silently across the grass, his toes covered in fluffy slippers and his arms by a warm
coat. Winter is finally coming with all its strength and the cold is already starting to be
unbearable. However, even that didn't stop Jeongguk from wandering the paths of bushes and
flowers.

And apparently, he's not the only one.

The greenhouse lights are strangely turned on for that time of night and, with curiosity,
Jeongguk walks there. Weary gasps and tired sighs are the first things that reach Jeongguk's
ears, followed by the image of Namjoon standing at a tall wooden table surrounded by
flowers, wire and some pliers.

“Namjoon? What are you doing here so late?” Jeongguk asks, approaching the other florist.

"Oh, Jeongguk?" Namjoon looks away from the job at hand to greet the other boy. "I got
some last-minute flower arranging orders, so I had to stay working late."

"Do you need some help?" Jeongguk volunteers, already starting to pull his coat off his back
so he can roll up the sleeves of his pajama top.

"No! I don’t. It's late and you should be resting,” Namjoon's gloved hands wave in denial in
front of him.
“You already know that I don't mind helping you. In fact, it's a favor you're doing me. I
wasn't getting any sleep and that way I'll be able to distract myself,” Jeongguk admits,
looking curiously at the various flowers spread out across the table.

“Hum, okay, if you say so. But you can leave anytime you feel tired, okay?” Namjoon makes
him promise. “Do you see that flower arrangement up ahead already made? We have to make
ten more. I've already prepared two, so it’s eight to go. Between us two, I believe it will be
faster.”

“Okay, let’s do it,” Jeongguk agrees, picking up a pair of pliers and a piece of wire he needs
to get started.

"How have you been?" Namjoon ends up asking a few seconds later, his gaze locked on the
flowers in his hands.

“Okay, I guess. I miss Jimin. And Yejun showed me a magazine article today about the
Selection's favorites,” Jeongguk shakes his head, the words written in the report wanting to
attack his mind again. “I don't know if I want to talk about it, though. I'm so sick of that guy.”

“I don't know what it specifically said in the article,” Namjoon begins. "But I think that, with
Jimin gone, the prince won't be sending anyone home for a while, don’t you think?"

Jeongguk shrugs. He knows the audience is looking forward to getting another elimination,
but what happened to Jimin had been more dramatic than anticipated.

“Hey,” Namjoon gives him a light elbow in the ribs, getting his attention. "Everything will
work out."

“I know,” Jeongguk sighs, nodding. His hands deftly copy the ready-made flower
arrangement in front of them. “It's just that I miss Jimin so much. And I'm confused.”

"Confused about what?"

“About everything, actually. About what I'm doing here, who I am. I thought I knew…”
Jeongguk pauses, sniffling. "I can't even explain it."

That seems to be Jeongguk's problem lately. All his thoughts are confused and he feels unable
to organize them.

“You know who you are, Jeongguk,” Namjoon says firmly, setting the pliers down on the
workbench to face Jeongguk instead. “You don't have to change for anyone. Anyone who
likes you likes you for the exact way you are, not for an expectation of what others think you
should be. Never forget that." Namjoon's voice is so sincere that, for an instant, Jeongguk
faithfully believes the words.

"Can I ask you a question, Nam?" Jeongguk asks, the nickname slipping from his lips. He
looks at the other florist, ready to apologize, but Namjoon just smiles amiably, nodding his
head. "It's a little weird, but if I didn't need to marry someone to be a prince, if it was just a
job I could do, do you think I would be able to?"
Namjoon doesn't hesitate to respond. "Of course. Honestly, a lot of people hope for that to
happen.”

"What? Seriously?" Jeongguk arches both his eyebrows in surprise. "Are you sure? Why are
you saying that?"

“Well, I think I and a lot of other people see you as a metaphor of change. Your clever
comments in the Official News, your dislike for many of the country’s rules, your
appreciation and empathy for the underprivileged and your courage to show when you don't
agree with something… I find that quite praiseworthy. You would be an excellent prince,
which would certainly symbolize a wave of hope for change, for something better," Namjoon
explains. "You don't seem to be a calculating person like them either."

Jeongguk is really surprised by the other's reasoning. However, there is a specific phrase that
stands out more for his attention. “Calculating? Who? Why?"

Namjoon sighs, cutting off part of the lime from a yellow rose. “As a royal palace worker, I'm
everywhere, Jeongguk. I hear things through the guards, the servants, sometimes even from
some of the king's closest members,” he begins by saying, speaking in a lower tone of voice.
“There is a lot of agitation in the South, in areas with a high concentration of lower castes.
According to the senior guards, these people never really agreed with Yerin Euphoréa's
methods and there have been conflicts in the region for a long, long time. According to some
rumors, this is partly why our king was so attracted to the queen. She came from the South
and his choice calmed the people for a while. But it looks like it's not that much anymore.”

“Hum, I see. But that still doesn't explain what you mean by «calculating person»,” Jeongguk
insists.

Namjoon hesitates, taking a deep breath. "The other day, before this whole Halloween thing, I
was in the palace workers' dining room. Some of the king's advisers were talking about
southern rebel sympathizers. They asked one of the butlers to take some letters safely to the
mailroom. And Jeongguk… There were, without a shadow of a doubt, hundreds and
hundreds of letters. Hundreds of families who would be demoted from caste for not reporting
something or for helping someone the palace considered a threat."

"What…?" Jeongguk gasps, staring openmouthed at the other man.

“I know,” Namjoon sighs sadly.

"Do you think Taehyung knows about this?"

Namjoon's face twitches. "Honestly, I don't know. To me, the prince seems to be a genuinely
good man, he never gave me reasons not to believe that. However… One side of me thinks
he has to know," Namjoon looks apologetically at Jeongguk as if he knows that this is not at
all the answer he wants to hear. "It's not long before he has to rule the country alone, after all.
But I can't be sure," the other florist finishes and Jeongguk tries to digest the words, organize
his thoughts and calm his racing heart for the worst reasons. "Don't tell anyone, please,"
Namjoon asks. "A slip like this could cost me my job."
 “Of course, Namjoon. Don’t worry. What were we talking about, exactly?" Jeongguk frowns,
feigning confusion. Namjoon smiles at him.

Deep in Jeongguk's heart, he didn't want to believe that Taehyung had agreed to this, but it
seemed unlikely that he wasn't aware of what was going on. After all, the prince was
supposed to align with all decisions.

The question here was… Would Jeongguk be able to do the same?

Chapter End Notes

my twitter
my curious cat
playlist
 eleven
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes

XI

Jeongguk watches Taehyung during breakfast the next day. His oatmeal flavored with
cinnamon and lemon is practically untouchable as he wonders how much the prince might
know about the people who are losing their castes in southern Euphoréa. Taehyung looks in
Jeongguk's direction only once, but honestly, he seems more interested in something close to
Jeongguk than him.

Toward the end of the meal, even though Jeongguk's bowl is nearly full, the king
ceremoniously rises from his seat at his table, making all the selected focus their attention on
the monarch.

“Since there are so few of you left now, I thought it would be a pleasant idea for us to have
tea tomorrow night, before the Official News. Since one of you will be our future daughter or
son-in-law, the queen and I would like more opportunities to talk with you and learn about
your interests,” the king announces.

Jeongguk is immediately nervous, mostly remembering the king's words in the article he read
in the magazine a couple of days ago. Relating to the queen is one thing, but Jeongguk isn't
so sure what to think about the king. While the others selected stare anxiously at the
monarch, the purple-haired boy takes a sip of his orange juice.

“Please, show up an hour before the Official News, on the first-floor living room. If you don't
know where it is, don't worry. The doors will be open and there will be music playing. You’ll
hear us before you see us,” the king concludes with a laugh. The others selected giggle too.

Shortly after, the competitors of the Selection begin to go to the Leisure Hall. Jeongguk sighs,
following them. Sometimes, that room makes him feel claustrophobic. Usually, he tries to
talk to people or use his free time to read or draw. However, today was going to be a Yejun-
style day; Jeongguk would sit in front of the television and mentally switch off.

This was easier said than done, though. The selected seem especially conversational today.

"What do you think the king wants to know about us?" Areum chatters.

“We just have to remember everything Jang-mi taught us about posture and etiquette,” Sohui
comments.

“I hope my servants manage to prepare a decent new suit for tomorrow night,” Yejun
complains, looking annoyed.
“I think I would like the king to grow a beard,” Sohui says thoughtfully. Jeongguk looks over
his shoulder and sees the girl stroking an imaginary stubble on her chin. "I think it would
look good on him."

What the hell?

“Yes, I agree,” Areum nods politely, before continuing.

Jeongguk shakes his head and tries to concentrate on the show on the television instead of the
ridiculous chatter of the other three selected, but despite his efforts, Jeongguk cannot
disconnect from the conversation.

By lunchtime, Jeongguk is already a nervous wreck. What could the king want to tell him, to
the boy from the lowest caste who still stands in the competition? What could he possibly
want to talk to Jeongguk, the boy he expects so little from?

King Bon-hwa was right. Jeongguk hears the soft melody of the piano as it travels down the
corridors long before he finds the living room. The musician who's playing is good, definitely
talented, but that isn't surprising either from someone who works for the royal palace.

Jeongguk hesitates before entering. During the night - when he practically got just an hour of
sleep, by the way -, Jeongguk decided he would take breaks before speaking, thinking
through each word. Jeongguk is determined to prove to the king he is wrong. Him and that
stupid magazine reporter. Even if he loses the competition, Jeongguk refuses to go home like
a failure. He himself is surprised that it suddenly means so much to him.

The purple-haired boy enters and the first thing he sees is Taehyung, standing at the back of
the room, talking to Jung Hoseok. The master of ceremonies drinks wine instead of tea and
suddenly, he loses Taehyung's attention. The prince stares at Jeongguk and the purple-haired
boy almost swears that Taehyung's lips form a «wow».

He turns his head, blushing from his hair to toes, and walks away. However, Jeongguk's eyes
are stubborn and risk a new gaze at the prince and that's when Jeongguk notices that
Taehyung is watching his every move. It's hard to think rationally when Taehyung stares at
him like that.

King Bon-hwa talks to Sohui in one corner, while queen Yuna talks to Yejun in another.
Areum walks casually across the hall and Jeongguk watches her as she walks past Taehyung
and Hoseok, smiling warmly at them both. She says something that makes them mutually
laugh. When she starts walking again, the girl gives Taehyung a flirty look over her shoulder.

After that, she approaches Jeongguk. “You're late,” Areum scolds him playfully.

Jeongguk scratches the back of his neck. "I was a little nervous."
“Ah, you have nothing to worry about! It was fun.”

"Seriously? You already talked to him?” If the king has already chatted to at least two girls,
Areum and now Sohui, Jeongguk has even less time to prepare than he thought he had.

“Yes,” Areum nods, tilting her head toward two chairs for Jeongguk to follow her. “Sit down
next to me. We can have tea while you wait.” Areum leads him to a table and a maid appears
immediately, placing tea, milk and sugar in front of them.

"What did he ask you?" Jeongguk subtly insists.

“Actually, it was more of a conversation. I don't think he's exactly looking for information. It
seems more like he wants to get to know better our personalities. And guess what, I even
made him laugh once!" Areum says elatedly. "It went really well, I think. So you have
nothing to worry about. You’re naturally funny. If you talk to him like you do to everyone
else, everything will be fine.”

Jeongguk nods his head before taking his cup of tea to his mouth. Areum makes the situation
look simple. And maybe it even is. Perhaps, the king just needs to compartmentalize. When it
comes to dealing with threats to the country, he has to be cold and decisive, in order to act
quickly and with determination. But this is just tea with a group of young adults. He doesn't
need to be that way with them.

The queen has moved away from Yejun and is now speaking softly to Sohui. The expression
on the caste Four girl's face is one of adoration. King Bon-hwa asks Yejun to come closer and
the Three offers him a seductive smile. It's a little disturbing. Where are his limits?

Areum leans over to touch Jeongguk's suit, whispering amazed, “This fabric is fantastic. With
your hair, you even look like a sunset.”

“Thank you,” Jeongguk says, blinking. He looks down unconsciously, taking in the light blue
gradient with the beige and yellow mixed of his blazer and straight pants. Putting his hair
together, Jeongguk really gave an air of one of those rare and exotic sunsets, where pink and
purple mix with blues and oranges. When he faces Areum again, the light reflects off her
necklace, causing a silvery explosion on the girl's neck that blinds him for an instant. "My
servants are very skilled," he says, trying to not grimace.

“Without a doubt,” she doesn't hesitate to agree, letting out a low giggle afterward. "I like
mine, but if I become a princess, I'll steal yours!" She laughs again, maybe considering her
words as a joke, or maybe not. In any case, the idea of Jeongguk's servants sewing her clothes
upsets him. Still, Jeongguk forces a smile.

"What’s so funny?" Taehyung's voice interrupts them as he approaches.

“Conversation of selected,” Areum replies in a teasing way. She's really excited today, it
seems. “I was trying to calm down Jeongguk. He's nervous about going to talk to your
father."

Jeongguk facepalms himself mentally. Thank you, Areum. Thank you.

"What? Why are you nervous?” Taehyung rests his hand on the back of the chair where
Jeongguk is sitting. “You have nothing to worry about. Be natural, be you. You already look
fantastic,” the prince gives him a relaxed smile. He is clearly trying to reopen the lines of
communication between the two.

"That's what I said!" Areum exclaims. They exchange a quick look and Jeongguk has the
feeling the two are like a team. Honestly, it’s weird to witness that interaction.

“Well, I'll let you get on with your conversation of selected. I’ll see you later,” Taehyung
gives them a slight bow and goes to stay next to his mother.

Areum sighs, her chin resting in her hands as she watches the prince walk away. “He's really
amazing,” she comments with a dreamy exhalation, flashing Jeongguk a quick smile before
she gets up to go talk to Hoseok.

Jeongguk is observing that elaborate dance in the room: pairs that form to talk, then split up
to find new partners. He's even happy when Sohui joins him in his corner, although she
doesn't say that much.

His cup of tea is already empty when the chair where the king is sitting clatters against the
wooden floor as the man gets up. He announces, “Oh, ladies and gentlemen, time seems to
have flown by. We have to go down.”

Jeongguk looks up at the tall, wooden clock placed in the opposite corner of the living room.
The king is right; they have about ten minutes to go down to the studio where the Official
News is going to take place and get ready.

How Jeongguk feels about coming to be a possible prince, about Taehyung or everything
else, doesn't seem to matter. The king evidently thinks that Jeongguk is such an unlikely
candidate that he doesn't even want to take the time to talk to him.

Jeongguk was excluded, sitting there with a cup of tea in his hand for an entire hour, perhaps
even on purpose, and no one even noticed.

He holds up during the Official News. Or, at least, he tries to. He doesn’t hear a single word
said but he thinks he hangs on. He hangs on until he dismisses his servants when he reaches
his bedroom, even though the three of them insist on helping Jeongguk, as usual.

But as soon as he is alone in his room, with his curved back, his curled limbs and his head
buried in the pillows, Jeongguk falls apart.

He doesn't know how he's going to explain this reaction when Taehyung comes knocking on
his door, a common gesture between the two after the Official News, but it doesn't matter.
The prince doesn’t even appear. And Jeongguk can’t help but wonder who he is with.

♕
His servants are a blessing. They don't ask about his puffy eyes or the damp pillowcases, they
just help him calm down. Jeongguk allows the three of them to pamper him, grateful for the
attention and affection. They really are wonderful to Jeongguk. Would they be like that with
Areum if she wins the Selection and takes them with her?

Jeongguk watches them as he thinks about it and is surprised to notice what appears to be
tension between them. Yumi looks fine, maybe just a little worried. But Nabi and Seokjin
seem to avoid looking at each other, talking only when it's really necessary.

The purple-haired boy has no idea what's going on and doesn't know if he should ask either.
After all, they never intrude on his rages and sorrows. Therefore, Jeongguk thinks it’s most
correct to do the same for his servants.

He tries not to let the silence bother him as they comb and dress him for a long day in the
Leisure Hall. Jeongguk wanted more than anything to wear something comfortable and basic
but this seems like a bad time to do so. Since he would go down, Jeongguk wants to make it
look like a real gentleman. Points for him for the effort. And for wearing this shirt so tight
too.

As he settles down for another day of tea and books, the others chat about the night before.
Well, everyone except Yejun, who has more gossip magazines on his lap to read. Jeongguk
wonders if the one in the Three's hands says anything about him. He's controlling his hands to
keep them from taking it when Jang-mi enters the Leisure Hall with a large pile of papers in
her hands. Great. More work.

"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen!" She sings. "I know we don’t have class until later in
the afternoon but today the queen and I have a special assignment for you."

“Yes,” says the queen, approaching them with her white, knee-length dress. “I know it's a
little short of time, but we're going to have visitors. They will tour our country and stop here
at the palace to meet you all.”

“As you know, the queen is usually in charge of receiving the most important guests.
Everyone saw the elegance with which she received our friends from Japan,” Jang-mi
gestures towards the queen, who smiles discreetly. “However, the visitors we will receive
from Portugal and Italy are even more important than the royal family from Japan. And we
thought this visit would be an excellent exercise for everyone, especially as we have been
focusing a lot on diplomacy lately. You’ll work in teams to prepare a reception for your
respective guests, which will include meals, entertainment and gifts.”

Jeongguk swallows hard as Jang-mi continues.

“It’s very important for us to maintain current alliances, as well as forge new ones with other
countries. We have guides that describe the proper etiquette for interacting with these guests,
as well as instructions indicating what to avoid when preparing events in their honor. The
execution of the tasks, however, is in your hands,” Jang-mi finishes, offering the word to the
queen.
“We want the situation to be as fair as possible,” says the female monarch. “And I think we
did a good job, giving you all the same task. Yejun and Sohui, you two will organize the
reception for our Italian guests. Areum and Jeongguk, you will stay with the Portuguese ones.
Visitors from Italy will arrive on Thursday and those from Portugal will be received on
Friday.”

There's a moment of silence while they digest it all.

"Does that mean we only have four days to prepare this?" Yejun squeaks.

“Yes,” Jang-mi replies serenely. "But the queen does this work alone and sometimes with
even less time."

The panic in everyone's eyes is noticeable.

"Can we see the papers, please?" Areum asks, holding out her hand.

Instinctively, Jeongguk does the same. Within seconds, the four selected are devouring the
pages.

“It's going to be difficult,” Areum comments. "Even with the extra day."

“Don't worry,” Jeongguk assures, his eyes traveling over the words on the papers. "We'll
win."

The caste Seven girl lets out a nervous laugh. "How can you be so sure?"

“Because,” Jeongguk says, resolute. "I will not allow Yejun to do better than me."

It takes them two hours to read all the paperwork and an extra one to digest what is written
there. There are so many different things to consider, so many details to plan and pay
attention to. Jang-mi had claimed she would be there for them, but Jeongguk suspects that if
they ask her for help, she will think they aren't capable of doing a good job on their own. So
that's out of question.

The preparation is going to be a challenge. They can't use yellow flowers because it's
associated with envy and they have to pay special attention to gray because it's associated
with bad luck. Wine, food and everything else must be sumptuous. Luxury is not seen as
ostentation but as a palatial posture instead. If things aren't good enough, guests might leave
with a bad impression and with no desire to visit Euphoréa again.

And, on top of that, the basic things they've learned in the last two months with Jang-mi -
speaking clearly, adopt a straight posture, and present correct table manners - have to be
adapted to a culture that Jeongguk and Areum had no knowledge of, beyond what is in the
paperwork given to them, of course.
It's incredibly intimidating.

Jeongguk and Areum spend the day taking notes and discussing ideas, while the other two
selected do the same at a nearby table. As the afternoon progresses, the groups begin to
complain more and more about who was left with the worst situation, which, after a while,
actually became kind of fun.

“You two at least have one more day to work,” Sohui points out.

“But Euphoréa and Italy are already allies. The Portuguese guests can hate everything we
do!” Areum grunts.

"Did you know that we have to use dark colors in our reception?" Yejun laments. “It's going
to be a very… Hard event.”

“But we wouldn't want it to be a soft thing either,” Sohui says, fanning herself. She laughs at
her own joke and Jeongguk smiles before continuing the conversation.

“Well, ours has to be super festive. And you're all going to have to wear your best clothes and
jewelry,” he instructs. "We all have to make a great first impression and appearances are very
important."

"That's good! At least I can look handsome in one of these dumb things,” Yejun sighs,
shaking his head.

Deep down, it's obvious that everyone is struggling. After all that had happened to Jimin and
after Jeongguk was somehow dismissed by the king, he feels a strange relief knowing that
they all suffer together. But he'd be lying if he said he could get through an entire day without
going into paranoia. He is convinced that one of the others - cough cough, Yejun, cough
cough - would try to sabotage his and Areum's reception.

"Are your servants trustworthy?" Jeongguk asks Areum over dinner.

"Very. Why?" The caste Seven girl arches an eyebrow as her soup spoon hovers in the air.

“I think maybe we should keep some things in our bedrooms instead of leaving them in the
Leisure Hall. You know, so others don't try to use our ideas.”

She seems to stop to think for a second, agreeing with a nod right away. "Good idea.
Especially since we’re the second ones and it might seem like we copied them.”

“Exactly,” Jeongguk nods, running the linen napkin over the corners of his mouth.

“You’re so smart, Jeongguk. No wonder prince Taehyung liked you so much,” she smiles,
continuing to eat right away.

Jeongguk can't help but notice her casual use of the past tense. Perhaps, while Jeongguk
worries about how well he could be as a prince, at the same time he feels completely
uncertain about wanting to be one, Taehyung is already forgetting him.
However, he convinces himself that she is just trying to feel more confident about her
position with Taehyung. Besides, it had only been a few days since Jimin and Yoongi had
suffered those punishments.

That wouldn't be enough time for Taehyung to forget everything he promised and told
Jeongguk, would it?

The sharp sound of a siren suddenly interrupts Jeongguk's peaceful sleep. It's such a different
noise that he can't immediately understand what it's about. All Jeongguk knows is that his
heart is raced in his chest due to the sudden surge of adrenaline coursing through his body.

In less than a second, the door to Jeongguk's bedroom bursts open and a guard rushes in.

“Mr. Jeon? Mr. Jeon, you need to get up immediately!” The tall, broad-shouldered man
commands.

"Why? What is happening?" He asks dazedly, obeying anyway and pushing back the sheets.

“Get up, Mr. Jeon! Where are your damn shoes?”

Shoes. That means Jeongguk has to go somewhere. Only then does the sound start to make
sense.

Taehyung had once told him that there is an alarm for when the rebels invade the palace, but
that it had been completely destroyed in a recent attack. It must have finally been fixed.

“They're here,” Jeongguk says shakily, finding his shoes under a chair and quickly pulling
them on his feet. “I need my robe,” he points to the bed and the guard picks up the fluffy
piece of fabric, handing it to Jeongguk.

“You must hurry, Mr. Jeon,” the guard warns. "I don't know if they’re close already and I
came here to confirm that all the selected are heading to the hideout."

Jeongguk nods, grateful for the gesture and wishing the guard can get to safety too. He runs
to the secret passage at the end of the corridor, the place where the soldier told him to go,
touching the wall with trembling hands until a door opens and gives way to the cold, dark
staircase.

There's nothing left to do but run and that's what Jeongguk does. He walks as fast as he can,
descending the staircase that leads to the shelter reserved for the royal family.

Swans are a nuisance and Whales are deadly. Jeongguk hopes those he runs from are more
interested in harassing than killing.
The cold increases as Jeongguk go down the stairs. He wants to put on his robe but he is
afraid of tripping. He immediately feels safer when he sees the dim light coming from the
shelter.

Jeongguk jumps off the last step and can see a silhouette that stands out among the guards:
Taehyung. Even though it's late, the prince is still dressed in beige suit pants and a white
shirt, slightly rumpled but still presentable. This time, no crown adorns his cloud of brown
hair.

“You're here,” Taehyung sighs in relief as his eyes fall on Jeongguk.

"Am I the last one?" He asks, pulling on his robe as he approaches.

“No,” the prince replies. “Sohui is still out there. And Areum too.”

He genuinely wishes they both are okay and show up at the shelter as soon as possible.
Jeongguk looks back into the dark corridor, which seems to have no end. In both directions,
Jeongguk can distinguish the structures of three or four staircases that come from secret
points inside the palace. They’re all deserted.

If anything Taehyung told him is true, his feelings towards Areum and Sohui are limited. But
there is no doubt that his eyes express the sincerest concern for them.

The prince rubs his forehead and cranes his neck as if that will help him see in the darkness.
The two look over each other's shoulders, watching the stairs, as the soldiers' bustle around
the thick door, clearly eager to close it.

Suddenly, Taehyung takes a deep breath and puts his hands on his hips, as if he's pondering
something. Then, without any warning, he closes the distance between himself and Jeongguk
in a tight hug. Jeongguk can't resist pressing the prince against him either.

“I know you're probably still angry with me, but I'm so glad you're here. Safe,” Taehyung
murmurs against the side of his head, where he deposits a brief kiss there.

The prince hadn't touched him like this since Halloween. It had only been a week, but for
some reason, it felt like an eternity. Perhaps because too much has happened since that fateful
night.

“I'm glad you're safe too,” Jeongguk reciprocates.

Taehyung squeezes him tighter, putting one of his hands on the back of Jeongguk's head.
Suddenly, he exclaims, "Sohui!"

Jeongguk turns and sees the slender silhouette of the caste Four girl descending the stairs. He
breathes a sigh of relief at the sight of the selected but where is Areum?

“You two should go inside,” Taehyung gently insists. “Jang-mi is waiting for you.”

“We'll talk soon,” Jeongguk agrees.

The prince gives him a slight smile, full of hope, and nods his head. Jeongguk heads for the
shelter with Sohui close behind. When they enter, he notices that the girl is crying. The
purple-haired boy rests his arm around Sohui's shoulders and she does the same with
Jeongguk, resting her small, thin arm around his waist, happy to have company.

"Where were you?" He asks.

“I think one of my maids is sick. She took a little time to help me. And then I felt so scared of
the alarm that I was confused and couldn't remember where to go. I pushed four different
walls before I found the right one,” she shakes her head at her forgetfulness.

“Don't worry,” Jeongguk comforts the girl as he hugs her. "Now you’re safe."

She nods to herself and tries to calm her breathing. Of the four selected, Jeongguk ventures to
say that she is the softest about this kind of thing.

As they advance into the shelter, Jeongguk sees the king and the queen sitting together, both
in robes and slippers. The king has a small pile of papers in his lap as if he is going to take
the time down here to work. Beside him, a maid is massaging the queen's hands, and they
both have serious expressions on their faces.

"So, you come alone this time?" Jang-mi quips, drawing Jeongguk's attention.

“My servants were not with me,” Jeongguk replies, suddenly concerned for the safety of
Nabi, Yumi and Seokjin.

Jang-mi smiles sympathetically. “I'm sure they're fine. Come, this way.”

Jeongguk and Sohui follow the woman to a row of makeshift beds leaning against an uneven
wall. The last time he had been there, he noticed that the people who took care of that space
were not prepared for the chaos of the presence of all the selected ones. Things have
improved since then, but it wasn't up to date yet. There are five beds instead of only four. At
least Jimin is safe from these rebels' attacks.

Yejun is curled up on the mattress closest to the king and the queen, although the beds
designed for the selected are still at some distance away from them.

“I would like you to sleep. You all have a week of hard work ahead of you and I don't want to
see you exhausted planning the receptions,” Jang-mi leaves when she's finished speaking,
probably to go in search of Areum.

Jeongguk and Sohui sigh. He can’t believe they’re going to make them go on with the whole
reception thing. Are the attacks no longer unnerving enough? He and Sohui split up and head
to neighboring beds. The girl quickly ducks under the blankets, clearly exhausted.

"Sohui?" Jeongguk calls in a low voice. She opens her eyes. “If you need anything, let me
know, okay?”

“Thanks,” she smiles.

"You're welcome."

Sohui turns to the other side and seems to fall asleep in a few seconds. Jeongguk is sure of
that when she doesn't even move with all the noise coming from the door. The purple-haired
boy looks back and sees Taehyung carrying Areum in his arms to the shelter, with Jang-mi
right behind him. As soon as the three enter, the door is locked by the group of soldiers.

“I tripped,” Areum explains to Jang-mi, who stirs worriedly around her. "I don't think I broke
my ankle, but it hurts a lot."

“There are bandages at the bottom of the shelter. We can at least bind her foot with
bandages,” Taehyung instructs.

Jang-mi walks away quickly, passing by the selected beds on her way to the medical supplies.
“Sleep! Now!" She orders in a firm voice.

Jeongguk lets out a sigh and he's not the only one. Sohui is clearly asleep but Yejun seems to
be quite annoyed. Jeongguk then recomposes himself. If his behavior is, in any way, similar
to the Three’s, Jeongguk needs to change. Though he doesn't want to, he crawls into his bed
and turns to the wall.

Jeongguk tries not to think about the guards fighting up there, or his servants who might not
have arrived quickly enough at their shelters. He tries not to worry about the coming week or
the possibility that the rebels are Whales and are trying to kill everyone up there while
they’re down here, safe and resting.

However, Jeongguk ends up thinking about all of that. It's inevitable for his pensive head.
And it's so exhausting that he ends up falling asleep on his hard, cold mattress.

Jeongguk doesn't know what time it is when he wakes up, but it must have been quite a while
since they arrived at the shelter. He turns on the thin mattress and looks at Sohui, who is still
sleeping peacefully.

The king rereads his papers, going through them so quickly that he seems to be furious with
them. The queen has her head resting on the back of the chair, hanging slightly to one side.
She looks even more beautiful when she sleeps.

Yejun is also awake, propped up on one elbow and watching something on the other side of
the hiding place. The Three's eyes shoot angry sparks, which are usually reserved primarily
for Jeongguk.

Curious, the purple-haired boy follows Yejun's gaze to the far wall and his heart constricts at
the image of Taehyung and Areum. The two are sitting side by side and the prince has put his
arm around Areum's shoulders, while the girl keeps her legs curled against her chest as if
trying to keep warm, even though she's wearing a robe. Her left ankle is wrapped in gauze
and it doesn't seem to be bothering her. She and the prince talk in low voices, with smiles on
their faces.

Jeongguk definitely doesn't want to see that, so he turns over again in bed, pulling the blanket
up to his head in an attempt to keep the thoughts of what he just saw outside.

When Jang-mi touches him on the shoulder to wake him up, a couple of hours later,
Taehyung had already left the hiding place. And Areum too.

When Jeongguk reaches the top of the stairs, which had led him to a safe retreat the night
before, it's more than obvious that was the Whales who had been there. In the small hallway
that leads to Jeongguk's room, there is a pile of wreckage, which the purple-haired boy has to
navigate through to get to his door.

As usual, by the time they are able to let out of the shelter, the worst part of the damage is
gone. This time, however, it seems that the palace employees have not yet managed to handle
everything, which has forced the selected and the royal family to spend the entire day
underground. Still, even if selfishly, Jeongguk wishes for a second that they had tried a little
harder because he sees a group of servants rubbing some giant letters against a wall saying,

WE ARE COMING

The phrase repeats itself along the corridor, sometimes written in mud, sometimes in ink, and
on one occasion it appears to have been written in blood. Jeongguk feels chills run down his
spine and he wonders what that phrase means.

As he stands there, stunned by his surroundings, his servants run to catch up with him.

"Are you okay, Mr. Jeon?" Seokjin asks.

Jeongguk is startled by his sudden appearance but as soon as the image of the three emerge in
front of him, the purple-haired boy finally seems to breathe, knowing they’re all okay. "Hum,
yeah. I’m okay. I'm glad you are too.” He goes back to looking at the words on the wall.

“Come on, let's take care of you,” Yumi insists.

He obediently follows them, still a little stunned by everything he's seen and too confused to
do anything. The three work deliberately, as they do when they want to soothe him with the
routine of dressing him. Something in their steady hands - even Nabi's - is comforting.
When he is ready, a butler picks him up to escort him outside, where they will apparently be
working this morning. Jeongguk wonders if it's because it's easier to forget about broken
glass and creepy graffiti under the winter sun in the gardens.

Even Taehyung and the king are standing at a table in the exterior of the palace with their
advisers, going through stacks of documents and apparently making decisions. In a cloth tent,
the queen reads some papers too, indicating various details to a nearby maid.

Next to her, Yejun and Sohui discuss plans for their reception, seated at a white, metal table.
They’re so engrossed in what they’re working on that they seem to have completely forgotten
about the difficult night.

Areum and Jeongguk seat a little further behind in a similar tent, but their work is proceeding
slowly. She doesn't even show a glimmer of pain from her ankle, even though it's still
attached. In fact, a happy smile never leaves her lips for a single second. Because of that, it's
been difficult for Jeongguk to concentrate on anything as, at the same time, he struggles to
get the image of the tender moment shared between Areum and Taehyung last night out of his
mind. He looks at the girl now and then, more than he should, watching her underline some
of the documents Jang-mi had given them and scribble notes in the margins.

“I think I've figured out how we're going to distribute our food menus,” Arem comments, not
looking up from the paper, but managing to get Jeongguk's attention.

“Oh. Great."

Jeongguk lets his eyes wander towards Taehyung. The prince seems to be trying to look
busier than he really is. Any attentive person would figure out that the king is pretending not
to hear his comments. Jeongguk doesn't understand that. If the king is concerned for his son
to be a good leader, what he has to do is truly teach him, rather than stop him from doing
things out of concern or fear.

Taehyung moves some papers and looks up as if sensing Jeongguk's insistent gaze on him.
The prince waves shortly. Just as Jeongguk was about to raise his hand, he sees Areum
waving enthusiastically in response.

Oh right, the girl is sitting right besides him. Jeongguk refocuses on the papers, trying to fight
the blush he feels on his face.

"Isn’t he so handsome?" Areum asks no one in particular. However, as the two tables are
close to each other, Yejun and Sohui can hear it.

"Yes, of course, he is,” the girl from Yejun's group agrees.

“I wonder what our kids would look like with his hair and my eyes,” she comments dreamily.
Jeongguk controls the urge to scoff.

"How's your ankle?" Sohui asks.

“Oh… That,” she sighs. "It hurts a little but the doctor said I should recover by the time of
reception."

“Thank God! That's good,” Sohui smiles amiably.

Areum opens her mouth to possibly thank her, but then, she quickly looks away when
something catches her eye. Jeongguk follows the direction of her gaze as subtly as possible
and notices that Taehyung has approached the table with food and drinks that the butlers have
prepared for them.

“I'll be right back,” Areum says quickly, before limping over to Taehyung's side faster than
Jeongguk would have thought possible with one foot attached.

Jeongguk can't help but stare. Yejun had approached them as well and the three are now
talking calmly as they grab some water and mini ham sandwiches. The caste Three boy says
something and Taehyung laughs. Areum seems to be smiling too, but she is clearly upset that
Yejun has interrupted her moment, which prevents her from feeling genuinely amused.

Surprisingly, Jeongguk is almost grateful to Yejun at that moment. He might be a thousand

things that annoy Jeongguk, but he is also practically impossible to intimidate. Well,
Jeongguk needs to be a bit like that too.

The king yells something to one of his advisers and Jeongguk instinctively turns his face
towards him. The purple-haired boy doesn't quite understand what he's said, but the monarch
looks irritated. Before Jeongguk can think more deeply about what could be causing the king
such annoyance, an alarm sounds inside the palace.

"Rebels!" One of the guards who is watching the garden screams. "Run!"

"What?" Another guard asks, completely confused.

“Rebels! They’re inside the palace! They’re coming!”

The soldier's words remind Jeongguk of the threat he had seen on the walls that morning: WE
ARE COMING.

Things then start happening very quickly.

The servants escort the queen towards the far side of the palace, some of them pulling her by
the hands to move faster, while others run diligently after the women to protect her from
possible attack.

Yejun's red suit glows as he runs after the queen, correctly deducing that this is probably the
safest place to go. Taehyung lifts Areum in his arms because of her injured foot and, turning
around, places her in the lap of the nearest guard.

"Take her!" He orders. "Run!"

And the fiercely loyal guard runs, carrying Areum in his lap as if she weighs nothing.
"Taehyung, no!" Areum yells over the guard's shoulder, looking at the prince.

Jeongguk hears a violent bang coming from inside the palace and screams. When several
soldiers pull their weapons out of their dark uniforms, Jeongguk realizes what that sound is.
Two more shots are heard and the purple-haired boy feels himself freezing, seeing the stream
of people running desperately around him.

The guards push people to the sides of the palace, forcing them out of the way, while a crowd
of individuals, dressed in coarse trousers and stout coats, run out of the palace and towards
the garden with backpacks and bags bursting. Another shot is heard. And another.

Finally, realizing that he needs to move, Jeongguk turns around and runs without stopping.

With the rebels leaving the palace, it seemed logical to run away from them. But that entails
heading towards the large forest with a bunch of insurgents behind him. Even so, Jeongguk
runs anyway, slipping a few times because of the humidity in the grass.

"Jeongguk!" The purple-haired boy hears Taehyung screaming for him. “Jeongguk! No!
Come back! Don’t go there!"

He risks looking back and sees the king grab the prince by the collar of his coat, forcibly
dragging Taehyung away. Even from that distance, Jeongguk can see the terror mirrored in
Taehyung's eyes as he stares at him. Another shot reverberates in the air.

"Stop!" Taehyung screams. “You'll shot him! Stop fire, stop fire!"

There are a few more bangs and Taehyung keeps yelling orders until Jeongguk is too far
away to understand them.

The caste Seven boy runs across the open field and then realizes that he is alone. Taehyung
had been detained by his father and any guard would be after the rebels instead. All Jeongguk
can do right now is run to save himself.

Fear makes him fast, adrenaline makes his blood pump in his ears, and Jeongguk is surprised
at how easily he avoids the undergrowth as he enters the forest. The soil is surprisingly dry
and solid, cracked from several months of drought. Apparently, the numerous sprinklers that
exist in the palace's trimmed gardens do not exist here. Despite his pants, he vaguely feels his
legs being scratched, but that doesn't slow him down to assess the severity of his injuries.

Sweat drips down his back and beyond, making his burgundy shirt stick to his chest as he
moves. In the woods it's colder, getting darker at each step, but Jeongguk feels hot. At home,
Jeongguk has a habit of running, not only for exercise but also because he enjoys the pain of
exertion. However, he has been in the palace for over two months, not exercising as regularly
and eating real food for the first time, which makes him now feel the consequences. His lungs
burn, desperate for air, and his legs throb, but he still runs.

Once he's deep enough in the forest, Jeongguk looks back to see if the rebels are close. He
definitely can't hear them because of his uncontrolled gasping, and when he looks, he doesn't
see them either. He decides this is his best opportunity to keep quiet before they notice his
colorful shirt in the middle of the dark woods.

Jeongguk only stops when he finds a tree big enough to hide. As soon as he gets behind it, he
notices a low branch that he can grab onto to climb. He takes off his slippery shoes, leaving
only his black socks on, and throws them away, hoping that doesn't lead the rebels to him. He
climbs up, though not too high, and leans his back against the tree trunk, curling up as much
as he can.

He struggles to slow down his breathing, afraid the sound will give him away, but even after
he does, there is only silence for a while. Jeongguk figures he managed to leave them behind.
Still, he doesn't move, waiting to be sure.

Seconds later, a rustle resounds in the silent forest, making Jeongguk stop breathing.

“We should have come at night instead,” someone says. A girl, he quickly recognizes from
her timbre.

Jeongguk presses himself closer against the tree trunk, praying that no branches will snap.

“They wouldn't be in the exterior at night,” a man replies.

From the noise of their breaths and footsteps, the two of them are still running, or at least
trying, and it seems they’re having difficulties.

“Let me take some,” the man offers. They seem to be closer to the tree where Jeongguk is
hiding.

“I can do it,” the woman says determinedly.

Jeongguk holds his breath and watches them pass right under the tree. When Jeongguk thinks
he is safe, the girl's bag tears and a pile of books fall to the forest ground. What the hell is she
doing with so many books? And how had she got them?

"Fuck!" She curses and kneels to catch them. She is wearing a denim jacket with a kind of
embroidered flower on her back.

“I told you to let me help,” the man sighs.

"Shut up!" The girl gives him a shove on the legs and, by that playful gesture, Jeongguk
realizes that there is a lot of affection between the two.

Someone whistles in the distance, making Jeongguk's heart race wildly again.

"Is it Dal?" She asks.

“Looks like,” the man bends down and helps her pick up some of the books.

“Go get him. I'll be right behind you,” she assures.

The man hesitates but then nods, kissing her forehead before running away. The girl gathers
the remaining books, using a knife to cut the handle of the bag and tie them together.
Jeongguk finally feels relief calming his veins as she gets to her feet with a grunt and
prepares to move on.

However, the girl shakes her hair back from her shoulders and, purposefully or not, looks up.
Of course, she sees Jeongguk.

No silence or stillness can help him now. If he screams, will the palace guards show up in
time? Or are the rest of the rebels too close for it to make a difference?

They stare at each other for a few seconds, Jeongguk with fear and suspicion and the girl just
curious. He expects her to call her other friends, wishing, at the same time, that whatever they
had planned for him doesn't hurt too much. But, surprise of the surprises, the girl doesn't
make any sound, except to let out a low laugh, amused by the whole situation.

There's another whistle, a little different from the last, and they both look towards the sound,
on the east side of the forest, before facing each other once more.

And then, in the most unexpected of possible actions, the girl puts one of her legs over the
other and lowers herself in a graceful bow. Jeongguk is staring at her open-mouthed,
completely stunned. The girl gets up, smiling, and runs towards the whistle. The purple-
haired boy watches her until the flower embroidered on her denim jacket disappears into the
bushes.

What the hell was that?!

When it seems that more than an hour had passed, Jeongguk decides he can descend the tree.
He stands next to the big plant though, realizing he doesn't know where his shoes are. He
circles the tree trunk, trying to locate his dark brown moccasins, but to no avail. Giving up,
Jeongguk decides that perhaps he should try to find the route back to the palace.

Looking around him, it becomes evident that that’s not going to happen. Jeongguk is
completely lost.

Jeongguk sits at the foot of the tree with his legs tucked against his chest, waiting. His chin
quivers violently, making his teeth chatter, such is the freezing cold, and he can barely feel
his hands, but his mother taught him that waiting was always the right thing to do when you
get lost. At least that gives him time to think about what had happened.

How was it possible that the rebels were able to enter the palace two days in a row? Two days
straight! Had things gotten that much worse out there, since the beginning of the Selection?
Based on what Jeongguk had seen when he was still in his hometown and what he had lived
in the palace, these attacks are exceptional.

Despite the strong, quality fabric, some parts of Jeongguk's pants are ripped, showing
glimpses of red scratches. He also has a medium bruise on his arm that, honestly, he doesn't
quite know how he got it. He's so thirsty, and as he settles down against the tree trunk, he
feels exhaustion weighing on his head and shoulders from the emotional, mental, and
physical strain of that long day. He leans his head against the tree and closes his eyes. He
doesn't want to sleep, but that's what happens.

Sometime later, Jeongguk wakes up to the unmistakable sound of footsteps. Several steps. He
immediately opens his eyes, leaning against the tree trunk as much as possible, even though
the wood is already creasing his back painfully. The forest is darker than he remembers. How
long had he slept?

His first impulse is to climb back up into the tree and he runs behind the trunk, ready to do
so, stepping on the rebel girl's torn bag. But then, Jeongguk hears his name being called.

“Mr. Jeon!” Someone said. "Where are you?"

“Mr. Jeon! Jeongguk!” Another voice calls.

Then, after a while, Jeongguk hears someone order in a loud voice. “Look clearly to all sides.
If they killed him, they could have hung him or tried to bury him. Pay attention."

“Yes, sir,” the men respond in unison.

Jeongguk peeks out from behind the tree, concentrating on the sounds. He squints, trying to
make out the silhouettes moving in the shadows, still wary of making sure they're here to
save him. But one of the familiar outlines finally gives him that certainty.

A faint ray of sunlight illuminates Taehyung's tired and worried face and Jeongguk starts to
run.

"I'm here!" He screams. "I'm here!"

Not caring in the least who is watching them, Jeongguk runs straight into Taehyung's arms,
catching the prince by surprise. It looks like Taehyung still doesn't want to believe what his
eyes are seeing. But as soon as Jeongguk's arms wrap around his neck, the prince sighs in
relief.

"Thank God. Thank God, you're okay,” Taehyung mutters against the purple-haired boy's
hair. “Jeongguk, I died twenty times today. I was so scared to find your inanimate body out
there.”

"I’m okay. I'm okay, Tae,” Jeongguk comforts the other man when he hears a low sob escape
his throat. "I’m here. You’re here.”

"Are you hurt?" Taehyung asks, wiping a tear that escaped the corner of his eye with his coat
sleeve. He stares at Jeongguk's face intently, looking for traces of wounds, then moving on to
his body.

"A little. I have a few scratches on my legs but nothing serious,” Jeongguk says.

A second later, the bubble between him and Taehyung bursts when they are surrounded by
several guards who sigh in relief.

“Mr. Jeon,” the guard who commands the group begins, repeating the question from earlier.
"Are you hurt?"

“Just substantial wounds. Nothing important,” he shakes his head.

"Did the rebels try to harm you?" Another guard asks.

"No, they didn't catch me."

The group of soldiers seems a little shocked. "I don't think any of the other selected would
have been able to run faster than them."

Jeongguk smiles, finally calm. "Well, after all, I’m a Seven."

Several guards laugh, including Taehyung. “Let's take him back,” the prince puts his arm
protectively around Jeongguk's waist. “Keep watching. They can still be around.”

“Yes, Your Highness!” They all exclaim in unison.

As they walk, with a group of guards in front and behind them, Taehyung talks to him in a
low voice. "I know you're quick and smart, but I was terrified."

“I lied to that guard,” Jeongguk confesses in a whisper.

"What?" Taehyung turns his face, staring at the caste Seven boy's profile.

“They caught up to me,” Jeongguk admits. “The rebels. They caught up to me.” Taehyung
looks at him, horrified. Before he can ask questions, Jeongguk adds, “They didn't do anything
to me, but a girl saw me. She bowed to me and then left.”

"She bowed?" The prince's eyebrows draw together in confusion.

“I was surprised too,” Jeongguk shrugs. “She didn't look angry or threatening. In fact, she
just looked like a normal girl, around our age or so.”

Jeongguk thinks about Taehyung's comparison of the two rebel groups, and he's sure that girl
was just a Swan. There was no aggressiveness in her, just the desire to do her job. And there
was no doubt that last night's attack had been carried out by the Whale rebels. The fact that
the attacks were not just followed, but carried out by different groups, mean anything? Did
the Swans watch them, waited for them to get exhausted for then, finally attack? The thought
of them constantly stalking over the palace causes a wave of nausea in Jeongguk.
At the same time, the attack had been almost funny. Did they just walk in through the front
door? How? Did they have any helpers from inside the palace? How many hours were they
inside collecting the treasures of the royal family? That reminds Jeongguk of something.

“She had a pile of books,” the purple-haired boy says.

The prince nods. “This is not the first time that books have disappeared from the palace.
Which just makes my theory more sense in my head. I don't believe they steal them to make a
fire, even if they live in a cold part of Euphoréa.”

“Yeah, that makes sense,” Jeongguk mutters. If he needed fuel, there were easier places to get
it than in the palace. And the way the girl was so desperate to get the books makes him sure it
was more than that. He can’t be sure it is related to Taehyung's theory that the Swans are
looking for something specific, but it makes more and more sense each day.

It takes almost an hour of slow, steady walking for them to finally return to the palace.
Taehyung smiles slightly as he looks straight ahead and Jeongguk mimics him, taking in the
view. The palace glows in the weak late-afternoon sun and the windows are all lit up.
Jeongguk had never seen the palace like this. It's beautiful.

For some reason, Jeongguk had thought they would all be there, waiting for him at the back
door. But they’re not. Nobody is.

Taehyung takes Jeongguk to the hospital wing so the doctor can treat the shallow scratches on
his legs, while another guard is sent to communicate to the rest of the royal family that he has
been found alive.

Apparently, his return is a non-event. If it wasn't for Taehyung, maybe Jeongguk would still
be there, waiting for someone to find him, in the dark and cold. And maybe the king would
tell his soldiers to give up, believing that Jeongguk hadn't escaped the rebels alive.

He doesn't know what to think about it.

Eventually, Taehyung receives a warning from one of the butlers, in what Jeongguk believes
is a message from the king because of Taehyung's fearful and frustrated face. He's sure of that
when the prince tells Jeongguk he needs to leave him for now.

And that's how Jeongguk finds himself alone in a hospital bed with his legs linked, ending up
falling asleep from the heavy exhaustion of the day.

Jeongguk hears someone sneeze.

He opens his eyes, a little confused for a moment, until he remembers where he is.
Fortunately, it is not the darkness and coldness of the forest that welcomes him, but the
hospital wing of the royal palace instead. Thankfully. Jeongguk blinks and surveys the room,
looking for the source of that sound.

“I didn't want to wake you up,” Taehyung says quietly. "Try to go back to sleep."

The prince is sitting in a chair beside his bed, so close that if he wanted to, he could rest his
head beside the purple-haired boy's elbow.

"What time is it?" Jeongguk's voice comes out a little hoarse as he rubs his eyes.

"Almost two."

"In the morning?" He asks. The prince nods as he looks at Jeongguk intently. “What are you
doing here, Tae? Do you ever sleep?"

“I sleep. I'm just often tense,” Taehyung tries to joke but his voice is laced with sincerity.

"Prince duties?" Jeongguk rises a little higher on the bed, leaning his back against the
mountain of pillows.

The prince gives him a slight smile. "More or less."

Silence settles in as the two stand there, not quite knowing what to say. When Jeongguk
spotted Taehyung in the forest earlier, the events and arguments of the past few days were
forgotten and put aside because, at that moment, only the sight of the prince in front of him
mattered. And Taehyung, apparently, had done the same.

However, now that things have calmed down and reality has set in between them, the strange
atmosphere that has lingered between them since the Jimin incident returns.

“You know, I thought of something today, in the forest,” Jeongguk starts.

Taehyung's smile opens. "Yeah?"

Jeongguk nods. "It was about you."

The prince steps closer, his tender, brown eyes locked with Jeongguk's. "Tell me."

"Well," the purple-haired boy begins. "I was thinking about the way you acted yesterday
when Areum and Sohui still hadn't reached the hideout. You were so worried. And today, I
saw you try to run after me when the rebels showed up. In fact, you were the one who found
me with the group of soldiers. You never gave up on searching for me in that forest.”

“I would never,” Taehyung frowns. “And I tried to go after you. I swear I tried. I'm so sorry,”
the prince shakes his head, embarrassed that he hasn't done more.

“I'm not upset, Tae,” Jeongguk explains. “That's the point. When I was out there alone, I
thought about how you would probably be so worried and how you care about the others
selected too. I'm not going to pretend I know how you feel about each one of us, but I know
you and I aren't exactly at our best terms right now.”
Taehyung chuckles. "We've had better days, yeah."

“But even so, you ran after me. You assigned Areum to a guard because she couldn't run. You
try to keep us all safe. Everyday. So why would you hurt one of us?”

The prince remains silent, inspecting Jeongguk's face, not sure where he is going.

“I understand now, Tae. If you care that much for our safety, you couldn't have wanted to do
that to Jimin. I'm sure if you could, you would have stopped it.”

Taehyung closes his eyes as if in pain, nodding almost imperceptibly. "In a blink of an eye,"
he whispers.

"I know. Now, I know,” Jeongguk reaches for his hand, slowly intertwining their fingers.

"Do you remember when I told you I had something to show you?" Taehyung's eyes seem to
glow again, showing the tenderness and sweetness they’re so used to mirroring.

“Yes,” Jeongguk nods.

“Don't forget about it, okay? It will be soon. This position requires a lot and not always
pleasant things. But sometimes… Sometimes we manage to do something good.”

Jeongguk doesn't quite understand what Taehyung means, but he nods anyway.

“But I think it will have to wait until you guys finish this project. You’re a little late,” the
prince tilts his face slightly, looking apologetically at the caste Seven boy.

"Ugh!" Jeongguk lets go of Taehyung's hand and covers his eyes in a gesture of frustration.
He had completely forgotten about the reception. “Are they still going to make us do that?
We had two rebel attacks and I spent most of the day lost in the forest. We’ll screw it up.”

The prince looks at him sympathetically. "I think you’ll have to make an effort."

Jeongguk lets his head fall back onto the pillow. "It's going to be a disaster."

"Don’t worry. Even if you don't do as well as the others, I don't have the courage to send you
away.”

Something about that sentence sounds weird. Jeongguk sits down again, this time more erect.
"Are you saying that, after this reception project, one of us can be expelled?"

Taehyung hesitates for a moment, evidently not knowing how to respond.

"Taehyung?"

The prince sighs. “I have two weeks until the next expulsion. And this project carries a lot of
weight. You and Areum are in the most difficult situation: a new relationship between
countries, more traditions to keep in mind and, although they have a very festive culture, the
Portuguese guests can be very difficult to please. If we add to that the fact that you barely had
time to work…”

Jeongguk wonders if it will be possible to notice his face run without a drop of blood.

“I can't help but if you need anything, please say so. I'm incapable of sending either of you
home,” Taehyung finishes.

When they had their first argument, a stupid fight over Yejun, Jeongguk had thought a piece
of him had died because of Taehyung. And then, when Jimin left so suddenly, he thought it
had happened again. He was sure that whenever something blocked their relationship, there
were pieces of his heart that crumbled. But Jeongguk was wrong.

Here, in the hospital wing bed, Jeongguk's heart truly breaks for the first time for Kim
Taehyung. And the pain is indescribable. It's overwhelming, not only because it bumped into
Jeongguk unexpectedly, but because it's something Jeongguk never imagined feeling.

Until that moment, Jeongguk had managed to convince himself that everything he had seen
between Taehyung and Areum was just his imagination, but now Jeongguk is sure. The
prince likes her. Maybe as much as he says he likes Jeongguk.

And the worst? The worst thing is this was what Jeongguk wanted. Since the first day his feet
touched the extremely clean and shiny tiles of the palace, Jeongguk has been rooting for
Areum to be the great winner of the Selection, the true princess of Euphoréa, the owner of
Taehyung's heart. He, perhaps, was the main driver for the relationship between Taehyung
and Areum to become this close and accomplice, until it reached what it is today.

Jeongguk nods at the offer of help on the project, unable to say anything else.

He tells himself to get his heart back, that this fragile, sensitive cardiac muscle can't belong to
Taehyung. He and the prince had started all of this as friends and maybe that was all they
could be: good friends. But then why does Jeongguk feel completely crushed? Why does his
heart seem to have popped out of his chest, fallen to the ground and still been stepped on with
all strenght? Because it's all his fault. Everything.

“I should go,” the prince says. “You need to sleep. You had a very long day.” Jeongguk just
nods, incapable of saying anything. Taehyung gets up and straightens his suit. “I wanted to
tell you so many things. I really thought I lost you today.”

The purple-haired boy shrugs. "I’m fine. Really."

“I know that now,” Taehyung sighs. “But for several hours today, I was forced to prepare
myself for the worst,” he pauses, pondering the words. “Usually, among all the selected,
you’re the one with whom it is easiest to talk about. But I have a feeling that maybe that's not
the best thing to do right now.”

Jeongguk bows his head, nodding slightly in agreement. It’s impossible for him to try to talk
about feelings with someone who obviously has a crush on someone else.
 “Jeongguk… Look at me,” the prince asks, softly.

Jeongguk relents, staring into those eyes he discovered he likes so much.

"It’s all right. You know I'm willing to wait. But... I just want you to know that I can't find
enough words to express how relieved I am to have you here, safe. I've never felt so grateful
for anything,” the prince confesses and, once again, nothing stands out more in his voice than
pure sincerity.

Jeongguk is silent, staring at a spot on his lap, completely stunned as he always does when
the prince touches the deepest spots in his heart. A part of Jeongguk worries about how easily
he believes Taehyung's words.

When, for a few seconds, Jeongguk remains silent, Taehyung nods as if he was already
expecting that lack of words. He sighs quickly, muttering one, "Good night, Jeongguk."

Chapter End Notes

my twitter
my curious cat
playlist
 twelve
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes

XII

It's Tuesday night. Or Wednesday morning. Honestly, it's so late that Jeongguk can't even tell.

Areum and he had worked all day looking for samples of fabric suitable for tablecloths and
curtains, choosing their clothes and jewelry, selecting the tableware set, creating a draft of the
menu, and listening to a linguistic teacher instruction them phrases in Portuguese, in the hope
that they would absorb some of the language. Jeongguk has the advantage of having taken a
Spanish class in high school, which helped him catch things faster; the two languages are
similar. Areum is simply doing her best to keep up.

Jeongguk is exhausted, his eyelids are so heavy he wonders how they can even be open right
now, but his brain can’t say the same. His mind is wide awake and can only think about
Taehyung's words. What had happened between him and Areum, after all? Why was she
suddenly so close to him? Indeed, it was Jeongguk, from the beginning, that pushed
Taehyung to get to know the caste Seven girl better, but the two seemed to maintain a
relationship identical to that of the prince with any other selected. That, until now. So, should
Jeongguk be this worried?

But it's Taehyung.

And as much as Jeongguk tried to pull himself away, as much as the rational and fearful side
of him yelled not to take the risk because he would get hurt in the end, Jeongguk knows he
still has feelings for Taehyung. His heart screams yes, yes, yes every time he’s in the prince's
presence. Jeongguk is not ready to give up completely. He hopes Taehyung isn't either.

As he thinks through everything that has happened, in an attempt to unravel all his problems,
it seems that everything can be divided into four categories. Jeongguk's feelings for
Taehyung; Taehyung's feelings for him; the prince's feelings for Areum or even another
selected; and Jeongguk's feelings about becoming, in fact, a prince.

As strange as it seems at that moment, among all the things that were swirling in Jeongguk's
head, the part of being a prince seemed to be the most accessible part to solve. At least in this
matter, he has something the others don't have. Jeongguk has Yerin Euphoréa.

He walks to the piano stool, picks up the diary, and desires from the bottom of his heart to
find some words of wisdom and motivation there. Yerin Euphoréa was not born in a royal
family, which means she must have been forced to adapt, which suits Jeongguk's situation.
Based on what it said in her message about Halloween, Yerin Euphoréa was already
preparing for a big change in her future.
Jeongguk pulls the covers up to his waist, shielding the words from the world, and dives into
the text.

I want to embody the good old Korean ideal. I have a beautiful family and I have monetary
possessions, and these two things fit in with this image because I didn't get them from anyone.
Anybody who sees me now knows I've worked hard for what I have.

But the fact that I was able to use my position to give so much at the beginning of the war,
when others didn't or couldn't, made me go from anonymous billionaire to philanthropist.
Still, I can't rest. I need to do more, to be more. It’s Yoon Dae-Seong who still rules, not me,
and I need to think of a way to give people what they need without being seen as a usurper.
There will come a time when I will be the leader and I will be able to do what I think is right.
For now, I will follow the rules and go as far as I can like this.

The passage, though specifically undated, appears to have been written when President Yoon
Dae-Seong was still in power, sometime at the beginning of the World War and perhaps even
before Yerin informed the country that they would be attacked by the United States of
America.

Jeongguk tries to gather some wisdom from those words. Yerin Euphoréa says to use their
position. She tells to play by the rules. She asks to not be afraid. Maybe that should have
been enough for Jeongguk, but it isn't. Not a tiny bit. If Yerin Euphoréa couldn't help him,
there's only one other person Jeongguk can count on.

He sits at his desk, takes a piece of paper and a pen, and writes a short letter to his father.

Between last-minute details and a lot of stress, Wednesday passes by flying, and swiftly,
Areum and Jeongguk arrive at the reception of the other group on Thursday wearing a sober
black dress and suit, respectively.

"What’s the plan?" Areum asks as the two walk down the hall.

Jeongguk thinks for a moment. He doesn't like Yejun and obviously wouldn't mind seeing
him fail, but he doesn't want the Three to do it on such a large scale, not least because Sohui
isn't to blame for his behavior.

“Be polite but not helpful. Pay attention to Jang-mi and the queen so we know what to do.
Absorb as much as we can… And work all night to make our reception even better
tomorrow,” Jeongguk says.
“Okay,” Areum nods, taking a deep breath. "Let's go."

They’re punctual, a fundamental feature of Italian culture, and the other group is already
completely lost. It was as if Yejun had sabotaged himself. While Sohui is dressed in a
respectable black dress, like Jeongguk and Areum, Yejun's suit is practically white. If
someone gave him a bouquet of flowers or a necktie, it looked like it could be his wedding.
Not to mention the revealing cut and the first buttons of his shirt being wide open. Most
Italian female guests wear long sleeves in their dresses and men opt for a tight shirt and tie.

Sohui, as Jeongguk remembers, had been in charge of the flowers and had forgot the detail of
Chrysanthemums being traditionally used at funerals. All the arrangements are being hastily
removed, with Namjoon in one corner discreetly adding yellow roses in place of the others as
quickly as possible.

It's intimidating trying to communicate with Italian women, especially when Jeongguk has so
many Portuguese sentences on his mind. However, through some mimicry and slurred
English words, Jeongguk tries to be as hospitable as possible, realizing that Italians are very
friendly.

It quickly becomes clear that the real threat of disaster is Jang-mi and her clipboard. As the
queen graciously helps Yejun and Sohui welcome the guests from Italy, Jang-mi circles the
hall and her shrewd hawk's eyes don't miss a single thing. Even before the reception ends, the
woman seems to have pages and pages of notes. Areum and Jeongguk quickly realize that
their only hope is to make the woman fall in love with their reception.

After a pleasant afternoon in the company of the Italians, a hellish night comes with last-
minute preparations, where Jeongguk and Areum can barely sleep due to anxiety.

But finally, Friday arrives.

Areum goes to Jeongguk's bedroom early in the morning and the two dress together, with the
help of their servants. They aspire to look identical enough to make it clear that they’re
responsible for the event, but not too similar to the point of looking silly. It's kind of fun to
have so many people in his room, actually. Their servants meet more casually and chat
animatedly behind them as he and Areum work out the last few details. It kind of reminds
Jeongguk of when his family was there.

Hours before the guests arrive, Jeongguk and Areum head to the hall to check everything out
one last time. Unlike the other reception, they will dispense the placeholders and let guests sit
wherever they want, not wanting to cause anyone any discomfort. The band arrives a few
minutes later to rehearse at the venue, and luckily, the fabrics he and Areum chose seem to
provide great acoustics.

Jeongguk straightens Areum's necklace as they both practice their phrases for the last time.
The girl from caste Seven sounds very natural when she speaks Portuguese. She practiced
hard.

“Thank you,” she says.

“Obrigado,” Jeongguk responds in his best Portuguese accent.

“No, no,” Areum turns to him. “I'm thanking you. You did a fabulous job and… I don't know.
I genuinely thought you might give up after what happened to Jimin. I was afraid I would
have to do everything by myself, but you worked a lot. You were excellent,” she smiles
slightly.

"Thanks. You did a great job too. I don't know if I would have survived if I had been forced
to work with Yejun. You made it almost easy,” Jeongguk honestly admits. Despite his internal
conflicts over the girl's relationship with Taehyung, Jeongguk continues to like her a lot and
can't underestimate how tireless Areum was in preparing this reception. Regardless of
everything that has plagued him these past few days, Jeongguk is happy to have partnered
with her. “And you’re right. It's been hard without Jimin, but I wouldn't give up. That's not
what he wanted for me, I'm sure. And I believe our reception will be amazing.”

Areum bites her lower lip and stays thoughtful for a moment. Then, quickly, as if she feared
losing her courage, she asks, “So does that mean you're still in the competition? Do you still
want Taehyung?”

It's not as if Jeongguk doesn't know what they're all doing here in the palace, but none of the
others selected have broached the subject like this to this day. He is caught off guard for a
second and wonders if he should even answer her. And if so, what to say?

“Good morning!” Jang-mi chirps, hurrying into the hall. Jeongguk has never been so grateful
to see that woman. “It's almost time. Are you guys ready?”

Behind her appears the queen, exuding a serene calmness that counteracts Jang-mi's energy.
She surveys the hall, admiring their work, and it's a huge relief to see the female monarch
smile.

"Almost ready," Areum waves her hands to drive away her nervousness. "We only have to
deal with a few final details. One of them, in particular, requires the presence of Jang-mi and
Your Majesty, actually.”

"Oh. It does?" Jang-mi exclaims curiously.

The queen then approaches them, with her expectant brown eyes - which Jeongguk noticed
are as tender and sweet as Taehyung's - full of curiosity and a great hint of pride. “This is
beautiful. And you two look amazing,” she praises.

“Thank you, Your Highness,” Jeongguk and Areum bow in unison.

The lilac clothes, almost touching the light blue, were Jeongguk's idea. For Areum, her maids
designed a long, elegant dress in lavender with a few touches of gold, notably on the belt that
accentuates her slender waist and on the straps of the dress. As for Jeongguk, he's wearing
straight-cut pants in the same color and a white shirt with several golden highlights along the
fabric, matching the buttons and cufflinks. Festive and pretty, matching each other but not
exactly alike, and without exaggerating.
“Maybe you noticed our necklaces," begins Areum, picking up the delicate, thin gold thread
with a flower-shaped pendant in the same shades of purple of her dress. The idea of both
wearing a piece of matching jewelry came from Areum and Jeongguk immediately liked it.
"We thought that if they looked similar, this would help people identify us as the hosts."

“That's an excellent idea,” Jang-mi praises, taking notes on her clipboard with quick fingers.

Jeongguk and Areum exchange a discreet but victorious smile.

“And since you're also hosting this reception, we thought you should also use one,” Jeongguk
finishes as Areum takes the little boxes from the table.

"No! I can’t believe it!" The queen exclaims, bringing her hands to her chest in surprise.

“For… For me?” Jang-mi asks, her mouth slightly open.

"Of course!" Areum says sweetly, handing the jewels to each of the women.

“Both of you helped us a lot. This project belongs to you too,” Jeongguk adds, smiling.

It’s noticeable that the queen is moved by their gesture, but Jang-mi is absolutely speechless.
Jeongguk suddenly wonders if anyone in the palace has ever paid the deserved attention to
her. Yes, they came up with the idea only yesterday, and mostly as a way to pull Jang-mi to
their side, but now Jeongguk is happy that they did it for more than that. Jang-mi can be
demanding and intimidating, but she tries really hard to teach them everything she can in
order to help the selected. Jeongguk then decided that he should, from now on, try to thank
her more often.

A butler approaches them to let them know that their guests have arrived, and with a slight
nod, Areum and Jeongguk stand on either side of the door to welcome them as they enter.
The band automatically starts playing ambient music with Portuguese guitars, creating a
melody that Jeongguk has learned belongs to the typical musical genre of the country called
Fado, and the servants circulate around the hall with the appetizers.

It’s now. It’s happening. And Jeongguk and Areum are ready.

Yejun and Sohui approach them first, surprisingly punctual. As soon as the Three sees their
décor - the walls covered with swaying golden fabrics, the imposing and shimmering
centerpieces of tables, the abundance of flowers, which, of course, can never be lacking
anywhere where Jeongguk touches - the annoyance is evident in Yejun’s eyes. Sohui,
however, is too excited to be upset.

"Wow! It smells like a garden in here,” she comments, sighing and almost dancing around the
hall.

“Too much, if you ask me,” Yejun adds in a sneer. "They're going to leave people with
headaches." Only the Three to be able to find something bad in something as beautiful as the
space decorated by flowers.
“Try to sit at different tables, please,” Areum suggests. “The Portuguese guests are here to
make friends.”

Yejun makes a click with his tongue as if that irritates him. Jeongguk wants more than
anything to tell him to control himself; he and Areum performed their best behavior at the
Three's reception as well. But then, Jeongguk hears the chatter of the guests approaching the
corridor and decides to forget about Yejun.

The Portuguese monarchy is even younger than that of Euphoréa. According to the dossier
that Jeongguk had read, they had been rejecting Euphoréa's attempts at friendship for decades
and this is, therefore, the first time they have visited them. This meeting is basically the first
step towards a closer relationship with a rising government.

It's scary to think about it, until the moment they walk through the door and their sympathy
and humor put an end to Jeongguk's worries. Every single them kiss Jeongguk and Areum on
both of their cheeks and shout, "Olá!" in form of greeting. Jeongguk happily tries to match
their level of enthusiasm.

He grinds up some of the Portuguese phrases he's memorized such as, “É um prazer
conhecer-vos” which means "It's nice to meet you" or “Estamos muito felizes por ter-vos cá”
that means “We’re so happy to have you all here", but the visitors are so kind and giggle at
his mistakes while, at the same time, help him correct them. Their English is impressive and
they all exchange compliments about Areum and Jeongguk's clothes and hairstyles.
Everything indicates that the two made a good impression with the guests, at least in terms of
appearance, which already helps Jeongguk to visibly relax.

During most of the party, Jeongguk is next to Matilde and Sofia, two cousins of the princess
from Portugal.

“This is delicious! There is no wine like ours, I must say, but this one is not far behind,”
Matilde declares, lifting her glass of red wine.

“I'm glad you like it,” Jeongguk replies, afraid he's sounding too shy. They speak quite loudly
and enthusiastically.

“You have to try it, Jukook,” Matilde insists.

“Oh my God,” Sofia bursts out laughing. “You're mispronouncing his name! It doesn't read as
Ju, but as Jan instead. Janguk. Am I right?" The woman looks at Jeongguk for affirmation.

In fact, neither of them pronounces his name one hundred percent correctly but well, Sofia is
the closest. He doesn't mind anyway. It was also not easy for him to get the correct
pronunciation to say their names. Still, so as not to demoralize them, Jeongguk smiles and
nods. "Yes. You can pronounce it like that. But don't worry, my name can be quite difficult to
say and I don't take that to heart.”

“I'm so sorry, Janguk,” Matilde tries to redeem herself. “But seriously, you have to taste this
wine.”
The purple-haired boy hasn't had a drink since the Halloween party and, to be honest, alcohol
isn't something that gets much of his attention either, but he doesn't want to sound rude. So,
Jeongguk accepts the glass she offers him and takes a sip.

His taste pupils receive their own party in Jeongguk's mouth with the pleasant taste. The wine
is really amazing. The champagne he's used to drinking is all bubbles, but the intense red
wine has several overlapping flavors, each gaining prominence in their own time.

“Wow… This is really great,” Jeongguk sighs with a satisfied smile.

“Now, tell me…” Sofia catches his attention. “This Taehyung guy is very handsome. How
can I participate in the Selection?"

“By filling out a mountain of papers, I suppose,” he quips.

"Only that? Where is my pen?" Matilde looks around her, stealing laughs from Sofia and
Jeongguk.

The other Portuguese woman intervenes, “I want some of those papers too. I would love to
take Taehyung home with me.” Sofia winks at Jeongguk.

He giggles. "Believe me, things are a little confusing around here."

"Well, it looks like someone needs a little more wine," Sofia insists.

"No doubt!" Matilde agrees, and they both call a butler to fill Jeongguk’s glass.

"Have you ever been to Portugal?" Sofia asks, nibbling on a quite appetizing egg tart.

Jeongguk shakes his head in denial. "Before the Selection, I had never even left my province
in the caste Seven."

"Then you have to go to our beautiful country one day!" Matilde exclaims. “You can stay at
my house whenever you want. You’re always welcome, Janguk.”

“You always get the visitors. That’s not fair,” Sofia rolls her eyes, complaining. "He stays
with me!"

Jeongguk feels the wine warming his interior and the enthusiasm of the two Portuguese
women is making him so joyful.

"So, is he a good kisser?" Matilde asks suddenly.

He chokes on the wine, starting to cough violently. He tries to control the situation by
chuckling as he pushes the glass away, but they catch his expression, even though Jeongguk
is trying not to reveal too much.

"How well?" Sofia demands to know, sharing knowing smiles and gazes with Matilde. When
Jeongguk doesn't respond, laughing dryly, she waves her hand. "Drink some more! C'mon!"
She exclaims.
Jeongguk points an accusing finger at them, realizing what they’re trying to do. "You two are
going to get me in trouble!"

They tilt their heads back and laugh loudly and Jeongguk can't help but imitate them. It's a
breath of fresh air to have someone in the palace who isn't competing for the same man and
who can manage to have a genuinely interesting and fun conversation. Even so, Jeongguk is
aware that he cannot get too involved to remain lucid and demonstrate good posture at the
reception that is far from end.

He gets up before he ends up unconscious in the middle of the floor. “He is very romantic.
When he wants, that is…” That's Jeongguk's answer. The two Portuguese clap their hands
and laugh as he walks away with a smile on his lips at their joy.

After drinking two glasses of water and eating some Portuguese classic desserts, Jeongguk
picks up a wicker basket full of red carnations, a flower he found to be quite important for
Portugal. Somewhere in the 1900s or so, hundreds of years ago, the Carnation Revolution, or
also called the April 25 Revolution, was a historic landmark for the country of their guests,
which brought down the dictatorial regime in their country. Jeongguk had read in the
documents given by Jang-mi that it was one of the most memorable dates for the Portuguese
people and, therefore, he and Areum thought it made perfect sense for them to offer a red
carnation as a gift for their presence. There is nothing better than offering the flower that
represented this important revolution, with the hope of also symbolizing an offer of peace and
union between them and Euphoréa.

The whole room cheers on their feet, starting to sing a song that Jeongguk and Areum don't
recognize but that, to their ears, is very beautiful. And for the eagerness of the guests, the
music seems to be quite remarkable. Out of the corner of his eye, Jeongguk sees Jang-mi
taking notes as she taps her foot in the rhythm of the music.

When the flowers are all distributed and the guests are back to eating and drinking, Areum
proposes a toast to the queen and Jang-mi for their help, to which the guests all applaud in
unison. When Jeongguk raises his glass to, this time, toast for the Portuguese guests, they all
squeal with joy, taking a sip of the scarlet liquid.

The band changes the style of music, now resounding a melody that is more upbeat and
danceable, and that's exactly what the entire hall does. Perhaps the scene of the day is Areum
on top of a chair dancing in a way that makes her look like an octopus.

Queen Yuna is sitting in a corner of the hall, happily chatting with the queen of Portugal. The
king and Taehyung are not in sight, probably in the library talking and taking drinks with the
Portuguese men.

Jeongguk feels a surge of accomplishment and is so absorbed in the scene that he almost
jumps in fright when Sohui starts talking to him.

“Yours is better,” she says reluctantly but sincerely. "You two really set up an amazing
reception."
Jeongguk smiles. "Thank you. I was worried for a while. We had such a difficult start at the
beginning of the week.”

"I know. And that makes it all even more impressive. Looks like you've been working for
weeks,” the caste Four girl looks around the hall, gazing wistfully at the brightly colored
decor.

The purple-haired boy puts a hand on her shoulder. “You know, Sohui, yesterday anyone
could see that you were the one who worked the most in your group. I'm sure Jang-mi will
make sure prince Taehyung finds out about that.”

"Do you think so?"

“Of course,” Jeongguk assures in nodding. “And I promise that if this is some kind of
competition and your team loses, I'll tell Taehyung myself that you did a great job.”

Sohui narrows her already small eyes. "Would you really do that?"

“Yeah, of course. Why not?" Jeongguk shrugs with a smile.

She shakes her head in denial. “Jeongguk, although we've had a few disagreements before, I
really admire you for being who you are. Honest and altruist, but you have to be aware that
we’re all in a competition.” Jeongguk's smile disappears in the blink of an eye. “I wouldn't lie
or speak bad about you, but neither would I make the effort to tell the prince if you had done
something right. I couldn't,” Sohui shrugs.

“It doesn't have to be like that,” Jeongguk looks down at his feet, sighing.

She shakes her head again. "It does. This is not just any prize, Jeongguk. It's about a husband,
a crown and a future. And you're probably the one with the most to lose or gain from it.”

Jeongguk stands there, motionless and completely stunned. He thought they were friends.
Except for Yejun, Jeongguk had learned to like all the others selected and see a friendship in
them, even though he had always been closer to some than to others. Has he been blind all
this time and hasn't been able to see the ferocity with which the others are fighting?

“That doesn't mean I don't like you,” she continues with a sigh when she sees Jeongguk's
reaction. "Because I do, a lot. But I can't root for your victory.”

He nods, still trying to digest her words. It's obvious that Jeongguk isn't as mentally involved
in this as she is. And probably like everyone else is. One more thing that makes him doubt his
ability to carry out this position.

Sohui smiles at someone approaching behind Jeongguk. He turns and sees the Portuguese
princess walking towards them.

“Forgive me. Can I steal a minute to talk to the host, please?” The princess asks in her
charming accent.
The girl of caste Four bows and gracefully returns to the dance floor. Jeongguk tries to get
that conversation out of his head and focus on the person he has to impress instead. “Princess
Leonor, I'm sorry we haven't had many opportunities to talk,” Jeongguk apologizes, bowing.

"Oh no! You've been so busy, Jeongguk,” she waves her hands in denial in front of her chest
and wow. She is the first guest who gets his name right. He’s impressed. "My cousins loved
you!"

Jeongguk laughs. "I’m glad. They’re so funny."

Leonor pulls him to one of the corners of the hall, more reserved. “We have hesitated to
establish links with Euphoréa. Our people are more… Free than yours.”

The purple-haired boy nods. "That’s visible."

“No, no,” she denies sternly. "I mean, concerning individual freedoms. We have more than
you. Do you still keep the castes?"

Jeongguk suddenly realizes that this is more than friendly conversation and he nods.

“We watch it, of course. We see what happens here: the revolts, the attacks, the rebels. Your
people don't look happy,” she comments.

Honestly, Jeongguk isn't sure what to say. “Your Majesty, with all due respect, I don’t know if
I’m the best person to discuss this matter. I have no control or power over anything.”

Princess Leonor holds his hands. "But you could have."

A shiver runs through Jeongguk’s body. Is she really saying what Jeongguk thinks she is? He
remains static, not knowing what to say, as he stares at the woman in her twenties, with long,
straight, dark brown hair, green eyes, and freckles on her face.

“We saw what happened to that boy. The blonde one…?” She whispers.

“Jimin,” Jeongguk nods. "He's my best friend."

The princess smiles. “And we saw you. There aren't many images, the film crews were busier
recording their faces. But we saw you run. We saw you fight.” Her gaze is identical to what
queen Yuna had shown him that morning. It contains unmistakable pride. “We’re very
interested in establishing links with a powerful nation if that nation can change. Informally, if
there is anything Portugal can do to help you win the crown, let us know. You have our full
support.” She puts a piece of paper in his shirt pocket and smiles. Before pulling away, she
whispers, “And one more thing. Never change your hair. It's amazing.”

When she turns around, she shouts something in Portuguese that Jeongguk doesn't recognize
but that makes the entire hall vibrate with joy. Their enthusiasm is contagious.

Their reception lasts much longer than the first one and Jeongguk suspects it's because their
guests are too happy and having such a good time to want to leave. Still, despite being so
long, it seems to pass in a blink of an eye.
Hours later, with his body heavy but with a satisfied smile on his lips, Jeongguk returns to his
bedroom, completely exhausted. He's too full to even think about dinner, all the delicious
typical Portuguese food he's had filling his stomach, and although it's not that late, the idea of
him going to bed already is very tempting.

But before he can look at the high, ostentatious mattress, Seokjin approaches him with a
surprise. Jeongguk exclaims and receives the letter with a beaming smile. He has to recognize
that the palace postmen work very quickly.

Jeongguk unceremoniously rips the envelope open and walks out onto the balcony to absorb
both his father's words and the last rays of sunlight.

Dear Jeongguk,

Soon, you must write a letter to your sisters. When they saw that this was just for me, they
had such a big pout on their lips for two days. I must confess that I was also a little surprised.
I'm not sure what I expected, but it certainly wasn't what you asked me.

First of all, it's true. I spoke with prince Taehyung when we visited you and he was quite
clear about his intentions towards you. I don't think he's a person capable of insincerity and I
believed (I still believe) that he has very strong feelings for you. I think if the process were
simpler, he would have chosen you by now. Part of me thinks the delay is about you. I know
you, Gguk. You're my son. Am I wrong?

The simple answer is yes. I approve of Taehyung, and if you want to be with him, you have my
full support. If you don't want it, you still have it too. We all adore you deeply and what we
most want is for you to be happy. Perhaps that means living in a majestic palace rather than
our modest little house. For me, there is no problem with that.

As for your other question, I also have to answer yes. Jeongguk, I know you don't see your
potential, but you have to start considering it. For years and years, we've told you that you
have enormous talent, but you only started to believe it when your orders for flower
arrangements started to increase. I remember the day you saw that you had the whole
Christmas week full and you realized it was because of your artistic hands and special eye to
create beautiful flower arrangements, and you were so proud of yourself. It was as if you
suddenly realized everything you were capable of doing.

So, I truly believe you have the ability to lead, Gguk. You have a good head resting on your
shoulders; you want to learn; you are very convinced of what you believe; and for me, most
importantly, you have empathy and compassion. That's something the people of this country
desperately crave more than you can imagine.

If you want the crown, Jeongguk, take it. Accept it because it must be yours. Do not fail to
follow your heart for this fear.

And yet… If you don't want that burden, I would never blame you. I would welcome you home
with open arms. We would all do it.
I love you

Dad

Tears run silently down Jeongguk's cheeks. His father really thinks Jeongguk is capable of
accepting this crown. He is the only one. Well, him, Namjoon and Princess Leonor.

Princess Leonor!

Jeongguk had completely forgotten about the note. He reaches for the small piece of paper in
his shirt pocket and pulls it out. It's a phone number. She hasn't even written her name but he
assumes it's the princess's own contact. He has no idea how much she is risking by doing this.

The purple-haired boy holds that piece of paper and his father's letter in his hands. He thinks
of his dad, the princess and Namjoon's conviction that he could be a good prince, change
Euphoréa for the better. But he also remembers the last place in the public poll in that shitty
magazine. He even recalls Taehyung's mysterious promise earlier in the week.

Jeongguk closes his eyes and tries to search deep inside his heart.

Will he be able to do this himself? Will he be able to be the next prince of Euphoréa,
alongside Taehyung?

The day after the Portugal reception, the selected meet in the Leisure Hall after breakfast. The
queen, who has gotten into the habit of spending the morning with them these past few
weeks, is away and none of them know what that means.

“I bet she’s helping Jang-mi write the final report,” Sohui hints.

“Maybe she’s with a hungover,” Areum suggests, pressing her fingers against her temples.

“Just because you are, doesn't mean the queen is too,” Yejun shoots.

“Maybe she’s not feeling well,” Jeongguk says. "She gets sick easily."

Areum nods. "Why is that?"

"She grew up in the South," Yejun explains. “I hear the air and water in there aren't very
clean. Maybe it's because of the way she was raised. It looks like it's all awful in these parts
of the country,” he comments disdainfully.
“She's probably just resting,” Jeongguk intervenes, trying to ignore the Three's comment.
“The Official News will happen today instead of tomorrow and I'm sure she just wants to be
prepared. And it's kind of smart of her. It's not even ten and my body is already asking for a
nap.”

“Yeah, we should all get a little more sleep,” Sohui agrees in a tired tone.

“Wait,” Areum interrupts. “You don't think they're going to talk about the reception in the
Official News, do you? Is that why they moved to today instead?”

Yejun moans. “I hated that stupid thing. You and Jeongguk were just lucky.”

Areum scoffs. “You're kidding, right? Do you have any idea-"

The Seven girl is silent when a butler stops at Jeongguk's left side, revealing a small, folded
note on the tray he's holding. Jeongguk feels their eyes on him as he hesitantly picks up the
note and reads it.

"Is it from Taehyung?" Areum questions, trying not to show her interest. And failing so
badly.

“Yes,” Jeongguk replies, not looking up.

"And what does it say?" She insists.

“He wants to talk to me for a moment,” Jeongguk frowns, also confused by the nature of the
note.

Yejun laughs. “Looks like someone is in trouble,” he sing-songs.

Jeongguk takes a deep breath, maturely ignoring the Three's comment for the hundredth time
that morning and rising to follow the butler. "I think there's only one way to find out."

“Maybe he'll finally send him home. It's about time,” Yejun whispers, in a voice loud enough
for Jeongguk to hear.

"Do you think so?" Sohui asks, with a little extra enthusiasm.

Jeongguk feels chills run through his body incessantly. Maybe Taehyung was really going to
kick him out. If he wanted to talk to Jeongguk or spend some time in his company, wouldn't
he have told him with other ways? It’s the first time he has received such a formal note from
the prince.

However, the purple-haired boy tries to keep his head up, walking behind the butler until he
meets Taehyung, who is waiting for him by a window. The palace servant walks away and
Jeongguk approaches the prince shyly. Taehyung doesn't look angry, but tense instead.

Jeongguk prepares for the worst. "Hey."

Without even returning the greeting, Taehyung grabs his arm. “We have fifteen minutes. You
can't tell anyone what I'm going to show you. Understood?" Startled and confused, Jeongguk
nods his head. "Very well. Let's go,” Taehyung orders, holding tightly to Jeongguk's hand to
direct him.

They quickly climb the stairs to the third floor. The prince looks back and forth, probably to
see if someone is following or watching them. What is all this secrecy? Taehyung gently
pulls him along the corridor until they reach two white doors.

“Fifteen minutes,” Taehyung reminds him.

“Fifteen minutes,” Jeongguk nods in understanding.

The prince takes a key from his pants pocket and unlocks one of the doors, holding it open
for Jeongguk to enter ahead of him. The bedroom is large and bright, more so than the one
where Jeongguk is currently staying, with plenty of windows and two doors leading to a
balcony along the pale gray wall. There is a huge bed, a gigantic wardrobe and a table and
chairs, but other than that, the room is empty. If Jeongguk thought the bedroom assigned to
him was overkill, this one is even more. Opulence and enormity scream from every corner of
the space, even if there is no art on the walls or pieces on the built-in shelves. Even the
painting is a little insipid.

“This is the next princess or prince's suite,” Taehyung tells in a low voice.

Jeongguk widens his eyes. He wasn't expecting this at all.

“I know it doesn't seem like a big deal now. It's up to the princess or prince to choose the
decor and when my mother moved to the queen's suite, this room was emptied,” Taehyung
explains.

Queen Yuna, Taehyung's mother, had slept here. Jeongguk feels something magical in the air
of that bedroom.

Taehyung comes up behind him and starts pointing. “These doors open onto the balcony. And
there,” the prince indicates across the room. “It's the doors to the princess or prince's private
office. Here,” he reveals a door to their right. “It's the door to my own bedroom. Princes
cannot be too far apart from each other.”

Wait. This is new. If he stays with Taehyung, won't they sleep in the same bedroom? Just this
thought makes Jeongguk's cheeks blush.

The prince approaches the wardrobe. “Behind this piece of furniture is the exit to the secret
shelter. You can also access other places in the palace from here, but that's the main purpose,”
he sighs. "This isn't very orthodox, but I thought it was worth it."

Jeongguk frowns, confused not only with everything being shown to him but also with the
smile Taehyung has on his face when he places his hand on a hidden knob. Both the
wardrobe and the panel behind it move forward and the prince's smile only gets bigger when
he stares into the space behind the piece of furniture.
“Very punctual, I see,” Taehyung comments.

The space between Jeongguk's eyebrows gets even more charged because what the hell is
Taehyung saying? Is he talking alone? Wait. Has he been drinking?

However, before he can open his mouth and ask what's going on, a different voice answers.

"Wouldn't miss it for a thing."

Jeongguk's heart stops, as does the inflow and outflow of oxygen from his lungs. That voice
can't belong to whoever he thinks it belongs to. It's not possible. It’s not. Even so, Jeongguk
takes a hesitant step forward to see what the huge piece of furniture and Taehyung's smiling
face hide.

And there, dressed in very simple and basic clothes and with short, blond hair, is his best
friend.

"Jimin?" Jeongguk whispers, his heart slowly starting to thump. One beat, two beats, three
beats. He's dreaming, isn't he?

The other boy doesn't hesitate and runs to meet Jeongguk with his arms outstretched. "I
missed you so much!" Jimin exclaims against his ear, squeezing him in a crushing embrace.

The two fall to their knees on the floor with the impact of the hug. Jeongguk is so shaken that
he can't stop crying and asking over and over what the hell Jimin is doing there.

When Jimin's small, soft hands wipe the traces of tears that stain Jeongguk's face - even
though he himself is crying too - the purple-haired boy finally calms down, smiling widely at
the image of his best friend.

Taehyung clears his throat slightly, drawing their attention. “You have ten minutes. I'll be
waiting outside, in the corridor. Jimin, you can go back the way you came in the end.” The
blond-haired boy nods in promise and the prince smiles at the image of the two friends
reunited, leaving them alone.

“I don't understand,” Jeongguk begins, closing his eyes and shaking his head as if he still
finds it difficult to believe. “Shouldn't you be in the communities of the Eights in the South?
Where is Soldier Yoongi?”

Jimin smiles at his confusion. "We've been here all along, Jeongguk." That simple phrase
makes Jeongguk's jaw hit the ground. Jimin giggles. “I just started working in the kitchens.
Yoongi is still waiting for the prince to direct him somewhere, but it looks like he will soon
be working in the stables.”

"What?" There are so many questions swirling in Jeongguk's head that he doesn't even know
where to start.

"It’s true! Look at me,” Jimin slides his hands over his face and body for emphasis. "I’m fine.
We're both fine. We’ve been treated very well by the prince.”
“I still can't believe it,” Jeongguk confesses in a whisper. “How did this happen in the first
place? You and Yoongi?”

Jimin sighs dreamily. “Honestly, I can't even explain how it happened. It just did. It all started
on a day when I couldn't sleep because I was missing my family so much. I ended up leaving
my room and was going to ask the kitchen servants for a glass of hot milk when I ran into
Yoongi. He was so considerate to me, Jeongguk… I immediately felt at ease with him and we
talked for hours that night. No one has ever made me laugh so much,” Jimin grins at the
memory, his eyes nailed to the wall behind Jeongguk as if visualizing the scene in his mind.
“From then on… From then on, things started to evolve. When I realized, I would wake up
wondering when I would get the chance to see him. I started going from the Leisure Hall to
the bathroom several times because I found out that he did most of the watch shifts at the
door to the gardens and so, I would have to pass that way. I started to forget about the
Selection and Taehyung and spent my time thinking about ways to see him and be with him
instead.”

Jeongguk stares at him in surprise. All this and Jeongguk suspected nothing. Nobody did.
And the worst thing is that Jimin had to fall in love in silence, harbor such beautiful feelings
for not being able to scream it out loud.

“Until I found out he felt the same way about me,” Jimin says. “We agreed to meet in the
bathrooms next to the Leisure Hall, a very unromantic place, I know, but it ended up
becoming our place. That dawn, he kissed me. At first, Yoongi was completely pale, seeing
life passing through his eyes for fear of having done the wrong thing. However, I kissed him
back with even more ferocity. And that's when it hit me and I understood that I was in love
with him. Madly. From then on… From then on it was sneak meetings, stolen kisses, subtle
touches… Until the night you and Prince Taehyung saw us,” he sighs. “Honestly, we were so
stupid and not too cautious. Of course we were going to get caught, how did we think not? I
guess the fact that we both drank alcohol at the party didn't help. But do you know
something?" Jimin pauses, looking with a radiant gleam in his eyes at Jeongguk. "I don’t
regret it. I don't regret getting caught. A huge weight came off my shoulders and at least, this
way, we can live our love without being hidden.”

Jeongguk smiles too, wiping away a single tear that has escaped the corner of his eye.
“Jimin… I can’t even imagine how this period was not easy for you. I wish I could be there
for you. You know I wouldn't judge you.”

“I know, Jeongguk. I know,” Jimin hurries to assure, squeezing Jeongguk's trembling hands.
“It wasn't because I didn't trust you that I didn't tell you. I didn't do it because I didn't want to
put you at risk. I didn't want you to choose between me and Taehyung. It wasn't fair for you
to carry this burden on your shoulders too.”

Jeongguk nods, more relieved by the reassurance, bringing Jimin's hands to his cheeks. "Does
that mean Taehyung kept you and Yoongi here in the palace this whole time?"

His best friend nods. "The prince was afraid that someone could hurt us if he left us to our
own devices. He was startled by the morbid enthusiasm of the crowd the day our
punishments were announced.” Jeongguk closes his eyes as he remembers that painful day.
“So he kept us here. We have new names and Yoongi is growing a beard. And I, as you may
have noticed, cut my hair,” Jimin points to the top of his head. “So, in a little while, we will
pass unnoticed. Not many people know we're here at the palace either, just some of the cooks
I work with, one of the nurses, and Taehyung, of course. I don't think even the guards know,
as they would report directly to the king and he would definitely not be happy if he finds out
about this.”

What? So does that mean Taehyung is doing this on the sly? He's helping Jimin and Yoongi
without the king's knowledge? Before Jeongguk can air these questions, Jimin continues.

“The prince has given us one of the special rooms for the palace workers. They’re just a few
minutes from here, close to the royal family's property. The apartment is small, practically
only has space for our bed and some shelves, but at least it's clean and it's ours.”

"Wait a second. Our bed? Does that mean you and Yoongi live together and sleep together?”
Jeongguk asks surprised. He thought that each of them would have their own bedroom.

Jimin giggles. "Yes. We live and sleep together, Jeongguk. We’re now officially boyfriends.”

Jeongguk settles down, digesting the information. “I couldn't be happier for you, Jimin.
Seriously."

“Thank you,” Jimin pulls him back into a hug. “I’m really happy. I mean… The thought that I
might never see my parents again breaks my heart. But I also know that the further away they
get from me, the better. The shame I put them through was enough.”

It’s obviously painful for him to say that, but Jeongguk understands why. If he were to
suddenly become an Eight, the biggest favor he could do his family would be to disappear.

Jimin shakes his hand to push away the sad thoughts and changes the topic of conversation.
“So, what about you? Tell me about your days here in the palace.”

"Honestly?" Jeongguk looks at him through his lashes, sighing afterward. “I've been feeling
very lonely without you. Areum… I don't know, things are getting weird. And I miss you,” he
confesses as he plays with the string bracelet around Jimin's wrist.

“I miss you too,” Jimin smiles sadly. "Lots of. Maybe when you're a prince, I can come here
all the time.”

Jeongguk lets out a bitter laugh. "I don't know if that will happen."

"Why not?" Jimin asks with a face full of confusion "You're still his favorite, right?" He asks
Jeongguk, to which he just shrugs. "What happened?" Jimin's voice is filled with worry and
Jeongguk doesn't want to reveal that it all started with his expulsion. It's not Jimin's fault.

“Stuff,” Jeongguk responds simply, earning an eye roll from his best friend.

“Jeongguk. Don’t fuck with me. What’s up?"

The purple-haired boy sighs. “After your punishments… I was furious with Taehyung. It took
me a while to realize that he would never do such a thing if he could avoid it.”
Jimin nods quickly. “He tried so hard, Jeongguk. Believe me. And when he couldn't return
the situation, he did everything he could to improve our condition. Don't be angry with him.
It’s not fair."

“I'm not angry anymore…” Jeongguk admits with a sad sigh. “But I don't know if I want to
be a prince either. I don't know if I would be able to do what he did, you know? And then I
saw a poll in a magazine that Yejun showed me.” Jimin's expression turns to one of
displeasure at the mention of the Three's name. “People don't like me, Jimin. I'm in last place.
I don't know if I have all the necessary requirements. I was never a good option and I feel like
I'm falling. And now…” Jeongguk swallows hard, looking at the ground. "Now I think
Taehyung likes Areum."

“What?! Areum? When the hell did that happen?" Jimin frowns.

“I have no idea when they became this close and I don't know what to do. Part of me thinks
it's a good thing. Areum would definitely be a better princess than me. And if Taehyung
really likes her… I want him to be happy,” Jeongguk closes his eyes, trying to push away the
images of the two together, happy and in love. “He has to eliminate someone very soon.
When he called me today, I thought I was going home.”

Jimin laughs, stopping when Jeongguk's expression remains earnest. "Wait. Are you serious?
You’re so ridiculous, Jeongguk! If Taehyung didn't feel something for you, do you think he
would put himself at risk to organize this meeting for both of us? And I tell you more, if he
didn't like you, he would have sent you home a long time ago. You know that. The reason
you're still here is that he refuses to give up his hope.”

Jeongguk lets out a strangled laugh. Sometimes, he's not so sure about that. But before he can
respond, a faint knock sounds on the bedroom door, reminding them that the short ten
minutes are up.

“I wish we could talk more, but I have to go,” Jimin laments. "Taehyung took advantage of
the guards' shift change to do this."

“I don't mind that it was a short time. It was so good to see and talk to you,” Jeongguk says
sincerely. "I'm happy to know you're okay."

Jimin pulls Jeongguk into his arms once more, squeezing him in a hug. “Don't give up yet,
okay? Promise me.”

Jeongguk nods with his chin resting on his best friend's shoulder. "I promise. Maybe you
could send me a letter or something once in a while?”

"It might be possible. We'll see," Jimin moves away from the embrace. "If they had asked me,
I would have voted for you. I always thought it should be you."

Jeongguk blushes, not knowing what to say to this. “Go, go away. Say hi to your boyfriend
for me.”
Jimin smiles that grin of his capable of competing with the sun and winks at him. “Don't
worry, I will. I love you, Gguk!”

“I love you too, Jimin,” Jeongguk smiles genuinely, watching his best friend lightly approach
the furniture until he finds the knob. He turns around to blow Jeongguk a last kiss and
disappears along the secret paths of the palace.

Jeongguk quickly leaves the bedroom and finds Taehyung waiting for him, sitting in the
hallway. As soon as the prince hears the door rattle, he looks up from his little book, with a
smile on his lips, and Jeongguk sits down beside him.

"Why didn't you tell me anything?" Jeongguk starts, bumping his shoulder against
Taehyung's.

“First, I needed to make sure they were safe. My father doesn't know I did this, and until I
realized I wouldn't put them in danger, I had to keep it a secret. I hope to get you and him to
see each other more often, but it will take me some time,” Taehyung explains with apologetic
eyes.

As if automatically, Jeongguk feels the weight on his shoulders disappear, as if all the
cement-covered bricks he carried with him, full of worry and fear, had crumbled at once. The
happiness of seeing Jimin and knowing he is safe and well, the certainty that Taehyung is as
generous as he always thought he was, and the general relief that this meeting between him
and the prince wasn't about Jeongguk's expulsion are overwhelming.

“Thank you,” the purple-haired boy whispers.

“You don't need to thank me,” Taehyung smiles shyly, closing his pocketbook.

Jeongguk doesn't know what else to say. Although the weight has slipped off him, the tension
between him and Taehyung still exists.

Shortly thereafter, the prince coughs. “I know you’re averse to playing the difficult parts of
this role, but there are many opportunities here. I think you could do fantastic things for
Euphoréa, Jeongguk… I know you see the prince in me now instead of just Taehyung, but
that would eventually happen if you ever really chose to be mine. I love that you're the only
person who look at me as a person and not as a member of the court, but I also have to be
realistic and be aware that I have a role to play in this country.”

Jeongguk turns his head, looking Taehyung in the eyes. "I know."

“It’s like I can't read you anymore,” Taehyung confesses in a whisper, his eyes traveling over
Jeongguk's face. “In the beginning, I used to be able to see when you didn't really care about
me; and then things changed between us and you stared at me differently. Now… Now there
are times when I think that feeling is still there and others when it feels like you're far away.”
His face is full of doubt and sadness, the lines on his forehead growing gloomier and his eyes
less bright.
But he's right. Jeongguk understands what Taehyung means. So he nods, waiting for the
prince to continue.

“I'm not asking you to tell me you love me. I'm not asking you to suddenly decide that you
want to be a prince and be by my side. I just need to know if you still want to be here. If you
still think there might be an us.”

This is the ultimate question. Jeongguk has always wondered if he is capable of playing the
role, serving the country, and being seen as a prince. The responsibility and the sudden
change in his life had always been factors that scared him. However, despite this uncertainty,
he couldn't say he wanted to give up. Not when his heart keeps beating like crazy inside his
chest every time Taehyung is present, every time Taehyung looks or smiles at him, every time
Taehyung touches him. And seeing this generosity moved Jeongguk's heart. He can’t lie.

Perhaps the flower, even if it’s slightly withered and yellowish, may be able to rise and bloom
again. After all, winter is usually always harsh for plants, but spring eventually comes, right?

Taehyung has his hand resting on his own leg and Jeongguk slides his fingers through the
prince's. Leaning forward, Jeongguk only stops when his lips shyly touch Taehyung's, in a
kiss they both definitely missed sharing. In a kiss that says so much, even though no vowels
and consonants are flying through the air.

"Is this answer enough?" Jeongguk mumbles, still with his eyes closed and his mouth close to
Taehyung's. Even though his eyelids don't allow Jeongguk to see the prince's expression, he
just knows the other is smiling.

Unexpectedly or not, Taehyung's response comes again not in the form of letters, but in
another kiss instead.

Jeongguk returns to the Leisure Hall after a brief visit to the bathroom to refresh his flushed
cheeks. No one says anything to him until he sits down, but afterward, it's Areum who plucks
up enough courage to break the silence.

"What happened?"

He looks not just at her, but at all the attentive faces. “I'd rather not say,” Jeongguk shrugs.

As Jeongguk's face is still swollen from crying a whole river when he saw Jimin, an answer
like this is enough to imply that meeting prince Taehyung was not good; but if it was
necessary to protect Jimin, Jeongguk doesn't care.

What bothers him is seeing Yejun purse his lips to hide a smile and the exchange of hopeful
looks between Sohui and Areum.
The competition is deeper than Jeongguk imagined.

The selected are spared the embarrassment of having to deal with the results of their
receptions in the Official News. The visits of their foreign friends are mentioned in passing,
but the events themselves are not communicated to the public. It’s not until the next morning
that Jang-mi and the queen talk to the contestants about their performance.

“We have entrusted you with an arduous task, which could have gone terribly wrong,” Jang-
mi pauses, making the selected hearts stop in fear. “However, I'm pleased to tell you that both
teams did very well,” the woman looks at them as if she's still evaluating them.

All the selected sigh and Jeongguk feels Areum's hand grab his. Although he is still confused
about her and Taehyung, Jeongguk knows he couldn't have done any of this without her.

“To be honest, one event was a little better than the other, but everyone should be proud of
what they did. We received letters of gratitude from our old Italian friends for the gracious
reception,” Jang-mi says, looking at Yejun and Sohui. “There were some slight mishaps but
our guests, in general, say they enjoyed the party a lot. And as for the two of you…” Jang-mi
now refers to Jeongguk and Areum. “The guests from Portugal had a lot of fun. They were
very impressed with the attention you two paid to music, gifts and food and made sure to
discover which wine you served. So, congratulations! It would not surprise me if Euphoréa
gained a wonderful new ally because of this welcome. You guys deserve an applause.”

Areum lets out an exclamation of joy as Jeongguk breathes a sigh of relief, happy that it's all
over and even more that he beat Yejun’s ass.

Jang-mi continues to talk about the report she will write to deliver to the king and the prince
but assures none of them has anything to fear. As she speaks, a maid slips through the door of
the Leisure Hall and runs to the queen, whispering something in her ear.

“Of course they can,” the queen hurries to confirm, rising suddenly from her chair and
stepping forward.

The maid quickly steps away and opens the door to the king and Taehyung. The visit of the
two male members of the royal family is unexpected, as they are rarely in the Leisure Hall,
busier in the office or in the libraries instead. As soon as they enter, the selected rise and bow,
but they don't seem to mind the formalities.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we apologize for interrupting your morning, but we have urgent
news,” the king informs.

“I'm afraid there has been a development in the war in New Europe,” Taehyung firmly warns.
"The situation is so severe that my father and I will leave immediately to see if we can help in
any way."

"What happened?" The queen asks, putting her hands in her chest in a gesture of concern.

“It seems that the visit of Portugal and Italy here in New Asia was not well interpreted by
many people from other countries and the situation in New Europe became complicated. But
nothing to worry about, my dear,” the king assures confidently. But the statement cannot be
that sincere, as they both have to leave so quickly.

Taehyung approaches his mother and the two exchange brief words in low voices before she
gets up on her tiptoes and tenderly kisses her son on the forehead. He hugs her tightly,
moving away a couple of seconds after. The king then starts reciting a series of instructions to
the queen, while Taehyung says goodbye to each one of the selected.

Yejun completely jumps to Taehyung’s body and explodes in the worst display of fake crying
Jeongguk has ever seen. This makes him remember Mun-hee, when she was younger and
thought that tears brought, like a magic trick, all the toys and food she wanted. When
Taehyung tries to walk away, the Three gives him a loud kiss on the cheek, which Taehyung,
most politely and subtly possible, cleans as soon as he turns his back on Yejun.

Sohui and Areum are so close to Jeongguk that he can hear the farewells between them and
the prince.

“Call your family and tell them to give us a chance,” Taehyung asks Sohui. "Tell them that
our meetings with Italy and Portugal were with good intentions and that we can all unite to
end this World War once and for all."

Jeongguk had almost forgotten that the main reason Sohui was still in the palace, at least
according to Taehyung, was because of her family ties to the leaders of New Europe. He
wonders if the fact that the war is getting worse would cost her place.

“If you can get me a phone, I'll talk to my parents and see what I can do,” Sohui promises.

Taehyung nods his head and kisses her hand, moving closer to Areum next. She immediately
entwines her fingers with the prince's.

"Are you going to be in danger?" Areum asks quietly, her voice shaky.

"I don’t know. On our last trip to New Europe, the situation was not so tense. I can't be sure
this time,” Taehyung sighs, looking down, more concretely at their intertwined hands.

The prince's voice is so affectionate that Jeongguk thinks they should have this conversation
in private. Maybe it would also help control the bleeding his heart is suffering right now.
Areum gazes up at the ceiling and sighs, and in that short second, Taehyung looks at
Jeongguk. He moves his eyes away quickly.

“Please, be careful,” she whispers. A tear slides down her face.

"Don’t worry. I'll do my best,” Taehyung gives her a silly military salute, which makes
Areum chuckle a little. He then kisses her cheek for a long time and whispers in her ear,
“Please, try to distract my mom. She’s always very worried in these kinds of situations.”

Taehyung pulls away to look at her and she nods her head. As soon as they stop touching
each other, a tremor runs through Areum's small body. The prince's hands shake for a
moment too, as if he wants to hug her, but instead, Taehyung takes a step back and walks
towards Jeongguk.

As if Taehyung's words last week weren't enough, here's physical proof of the relationship
between him and Areum. Apparently, there is something very sweet and real between them.
Just looking at Areum, hands covering her face, is enough proof of how much she likes the
prince. Either that or she's an amazing actress, but Jeongguk quickly dismisses that
assumption.

"Try not to get in trouble while I'm gone, okay?" Taehyung asks teasingly.

From the conversations that Jeongguk had witnessed between the two, the prince doesn’t
have the habit of joking and teasing Areum like this. Does that mean anything?

“I don't know if I’ll be able to do that. But I promise to behave as best I can.” Jeongguk raises
his hand in an oath.

Taehyung laughs. "I hope so. One less thing to worry about.”

"And I? Should I be worried?”

The prince shakes his head. “In principle, we should be able to appease whatever is going on
in New Europe. My father manages to be very diplomatic and-"

“You're such an idiot sometimes,” Jeongguk rolls his eyes, seeing Taehyung's frown deepen.
“I want to know about you, not the war. Should I worry about you?”

His face becomes very serious, which does nothing to help Jeongguk's poor heart to calm
down. One more fear for his list, it seems. Nothing new.

"It's going to be quick, I hope…" Taehyung swallows once and that's when Jeongguk realizes
how scared the prince is. Taehyung clears his throat. "Jeongguk, before I leave…" He
whispers, locking his gaze with Jeongguk, who begins to feel his heart wanting to run away
from his chest. "I want you to know that everything-"

"Taehyung!" The king yells, interrupting the prince. Taehyung raises his head waiting for his
father's orders. “We have to go. Now."

The prince nods, sighing sadly. "I have to go. Goodbye, Jeongguk. Keep yourself safe,
please,” he utters in a low voice and brings the purple-haired boy's hand to his lips. In doing
so, Taehyung notices a handmade bracelet that decorates Jeongguk's wrist, made of a lilac
rope and that he has been wearing since his teenage years. The prince watches it with a
confused look, but then he tenderly kisses Jeongguk’s hand.

The eyes of the others selected are riveted on the king and the prince as they leave, but
Jeongguk focuses on the queen instead. Her whole body looks weak, bent over. How many
times had she watched her husband and son depart into full danger? How many times has she
had her heart in her hands, waiting for the moment when they would return?

As soon as the door closes behind her family, queen Yuna blinks a few times, takes a deep
breath and straightens, regaining her posture. “Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen, but this
sudden news is going to require a lot of work on my part. I should go to my room to help me
concentrate.” It's clear how hard she is trying to control herself. “How about if I ask for lunch
being served here so you can eat at your will? In the evening, I will join you in the dining
room.” All the selected nod. “Excellent,” she says in a shaky voice. Then, she turns and
finally leaves the Leisure Hall.

Jeongguk knows the queen is strong. Despite being a Four by birth, a caste not very rich but
not exactly disadvantaged either, the queen grew up in a modest neighborhood and worked as
an assistant in a veterinary clinic, one of the specialties of the caste, until she was chosen for
the Selection. And then, after becoming queen, she had lost pregnancy after pregnancy before
finally giving birth to a child. Of course she would return to her room as a lady, as her
position demanded, but Jeongguk is aware that she would cry as soon as she was alone.

When the queen leaves the hall, Yejun does the same. Jeongguk then decides that he doesn't
need to stay either. He prefers to go to his own bedroom instead, to be alone and reflect.

And of course, that reflection is characterized by continually thinking about Areum. How had
she and Taehyung suddenly become so close? Not so long ago, the prince made him promises
and recited the most beautiful words. Did everything change overnight? Could it be that the
reason this happened was the countless moments Jeongguk asked for time, after time, after
time?

Jeongguk hopes not.

He genuinely hopes not.

He doesn't know what to do if that's the truth.

A few hours later, Jeongguk bows to the queen as he enters the dining room, but she doesn't
even notice. He looks at Sohui, the only one already there, and she just shrugs. The purple-
haired boy sits down as Yejun enters and is equally ignored. Finally, Areum appears, who sits
beside Jeongguk, but with her eyes fixed on queen Yuna.

The female monarch seems to be in her private world, looking at the floor or, from time to
time, at Taehyung and the king’s chairs, as if something is missing. And well, it is.

Butlers start serving food and all the selected start eating. Areum, however, remains attentive
to the main table, her fork absently playing with the rice on her plate.
"Did something happen?" Jeongguk whispers.

She nods, pensative. “It seems that Sohui called her distant family to get a clearer idea of
what was going on and for her relatives to meet Taehyung and the king as soon as they
arrived in New Europe. But Sohui says they haven't arrived," Areum explains in a low tone.

"They haven’t arrived? But it’s been hours already," Jeongguk frowns.

Areum nods. “What it’s weird is that the king called when they landed. Both he and
Taehyung talked to queen Yuna. Apparently, they were okay and said they were already in
New Europe, but Sohui's family keeps saying they aren’t.”

Jeongguk's forehead receives hundreds of lines of expression, trying to understand the words
spoken to him. "What does this all mean?"

"I don't know," Areum shrugs. "The king said to the queen that they arrived. So how can they
not be there? It doesn't make sense."

"Hum…" Jeongguk mumbles, not quite sure what to add. Why would Sohui’s family not
know the king and Taehyung were there? And if they weren't really in New Europe, where
would they be?

Areum leans closer to him. “There's something else I'd like to talk to you about,” she
whispers. "Can we go for a walk in the gardens after dinner?"

“Of course,” Jeongguk replies, eager to hear what she has to say.

The two quickly finish their plates. Jeongguk doesn't know the topic of conversation, but if
Areum wants to talk outside, it's because secrecy is a requirement. The queen, barely
touching the food in front of her, gets up to leave the dining room after dismissing them.

Even though the nights are getting colder and colder, it's wonderful to walk across that soft
grass, lifting his face to the starry sky.

“It's been a while since I've been out here,” Jeongguk comments, closing his eyes and letting
the cool breeze fan the strands of his purple hair.

"You usually come with Taehyung, don't you?"

“Hum, hum,” he unconsciously replies but then immediately wonders how she knows that. Is
it public knowledge? It’s true that walks through the garden constitute the majority of his
dates with the prince, but they’re almost always at night when the selected are already locked
up in their bedrooms. Jeongguk clears his throat, trying to change the subject. "So, what did
you want to talk about?"

She stops under the shade of a tree and turns to face the purple-haired boy. "I think you and I
should talk about Taehyung."

With a frown, Jeongguk asks, "In what way?"

She shifts nervously, rocking her weight with her toes. “Well, I was prepared to lose. I think
we all were, except maybe Yejun. Even if you, from the beginning, kind of pushed me to the
prince and wanted me to be the winner, it was obvious that the prince wanted you. Everyone
saw it,” she blurts out suddenly, leaving Jeongguk completely baffled. "And then all that
happened with Jimin and things changed."

Jeongguk didn't quite know what to say, much less how to react to Areum's strange behavior.
"So, are you telling me you're sorry you got ahead of me or something?"

"No!" Areum exclaims. “I see he still likes you. I'm not blind,” the girl rolls her eyes. “I'm
just saying that I think maybe we're tied at this point. And you know I like you, Jeongguk.
We've known each other since we were kids, we went to the same school, we're from the
same caste… I think you're an amazing person and, regardless of the outcome, I don't want
things to get unpleasant between us.”

“So this is…?”

She presses her hands together, trying to find the right words. “This is me willing to be
completely honest about my relationship with Taehyung. And I hope you can do the same.”

Jeongguk folds his arms, thoughtful for a moment. Then he nods, asking the question he so
longed to ask. "When did you guys get so close?"

The expression in her eyes turns dreamy and Areum twists a wave of her blond hair. “I think
right after what happened to Jimin. Maybe it sounds silly, but I made him a card. Everyone
was worried about Jimin and the soldier he was involved with, that no one stopped to notice
how sad the prince was at being betrayed like that. So, as I have a habit of making a card
every time my family or friends are sad, I decided to customize one for him. Anyway, he
loved it. He also confessed to me that no one had given him a gift yet.”

What? Oh. Wow. After all that Taehyung had done for him, Jeongguk never really
reciprocated?

“He was so happy that he asked me to sit with him in his bedroom for a while and-” Areum is
interrupted.

"You’ve seen his bedroom?" Jeongguk asks, trying to hide the shock and the huge pang of
disappointment that jabs at his heart over and over again.

"Yes… You didn’t?" Areum arches both her eyebrows, hiding them behind her bangs such is
her surprise. Jeongguk's silence and the fact that he looks at a spot in the tree behind her seem
to be answer enough. "Oh…" She is embarrassed. "Well, you didn't miss anything. It's dark,
has a rack of guns and a jumble of photographs strewn across the wall. It's nothing special,”
she shrugs, trying to downplay the situation. “Anyway, after that, he started visiting me pretty
much whenever he had a free moment. It all happened very quickly.”

Jeongguk lets out a sigh. “He told me, more or less,” he confesses. "He made a comment
about needing both of us here."
“So…” Areum bites her lip, looking thoughtfully into the moonlight. "Are you sure he still
likes you?"

But didn't she already suspect that? Does she need to hear it from my mouth?

"Areum, do you really want to know all this stuff?" Jeongguk sighs, squeezing the bridge of
his nose.

"Yes! Of course I do. I want to know what my position is,” Areum demands. “And I will also
tell you anything you want to know. We don't control it, but that doesn't mean we have to feel
lost and suspicious all the time.”

Jeongguk takes a few steps back and forth, smoothing the grass with the soles of his shoes as
he tries to make sense of it all. Honestly, he doesn't know if he's brave enough to ask
Taehyung about Areum. This way, not least because the two are friends — Jeongguk thinks
they are, at least — it will certainly be easier. On top of that, because Areum herself is
volunteering to tell him what he wants to know.

But Jeongguk has the feeling that he doesn't know the whole truth about his own position in
the palace and, more importantly, in the prince's heart. Even so, he replies, “I believe he
wants me to stay for a while. But I think he wants you here too."

Areum nods as if she already knew the answer. "That's what I thought."

"Did he kiss you?" Jeongguk blurts out, not holding back the words eager to leave.

The girl of the caste Seven smiles, embarrassed. "No. I never took the initiative for fear of
being too soon.”

"Oh. Okay. But had he tried?" Jeongguk insists, holding his heart in his palms, waiting for an
answer as to whether he drops it on the floor or keeps it back inside his rib cage.

“No,” Areum quickly denies. “He often kisses my hands or my face. I think it's lovely,
actually,” she says enthusiastically.

Jeongguk nods, looking at the grass. It seems like his heart, for now, can return to its house
inside Jeongguk's chest.

"Wait…" She interrupts herself, hesitating. "Did he… Did he kiss you?"

The irrational part of Jeongguk wants to brag about being Taehyung's first kiss. The jealous,
hot-headed part of him wants to explain how the flowers seem to bloom as if the touch of
their lips were spring itself. But Jeongguk is not like that. And he much less wants to
purposely hurt Areum.

"More or less. It's hard to explain,” he decides to respond ambiguously.

Areum grimaces. "No, it's not. Did he kiss you or not?”

“It's complicated,” Jeongguk sighs.

“Jeongguk, if you're not going to be honest with me, this is a waste of time. I came here to be
sincere. I thought it would be good for both of us if we were friendly with each other.”

The purple-haired boy looks at her, wringing his hands, trying to think of a way to explain
himself. “I want to be your friend, Areum. I mean, I thought we were already.”

“And we are,” Areum sighs, reining in the emotions from earlier.

“The problem is that it's hard for me to share my intimacy. I appreciate your sincerity, but I'm
not sure I want to know everything, even if I did ask though,” Jeongguk adds quickly,
noticing she's about to start talking. “I already knew he had feelings for you. I can see it. But
I think I need things to be vague for now,” he admits. "I don't know if I'm ready to discover
the nature and immensity of things between you two."

Areum smiles slightly. “I can respect that. Could you do me a favor, though?”

“Of course,” Jeongguk nods, waiting.

She bites her lip and looks away for a moment. When she turns back to Jeongguk, he can see
traces of tears in her eyes. “If you, somehow, are sure he doesn't want me, could you let me
know? I don't know how you feel, but I love him. And I would like you to tell me if it's not
reciprocal. If you know for sure, of course.”

Jeongguk stops breathing. It seems that the pointers of the clock stop moving and time
freezes. Areum just admitted that she loves Taehyung. Love. She had said it out loud, boldly,
courageous. Areum loves Taehyung.

He nods slowly, the four letters that form that special word resonating incessantly inside his
brain. "If he ever tells me for sure, I'll let you know."

Areum smiles shyly. “And can we maybe make another promise? Not messing with each
other on purpose? I don't want to win that way and I don't think you want that either.”

Jeongguk scoffs. “I'm no Yejun,” he says with a sneer at which Areum chuckles. "I promise
to be loyal."

"Good. Me too,” she wipes her eyes and straightens her red dress. Jeongguk can easily see
how elegant she would look with the crown on her head.

“I have to get going,” he lies, starting to walk towards the palace. "Thank you for talking to
me."

“Thanks for coming. I’m sorry if I was too nosy.”

“That’s okay,” Jeongguk forces a smile. "Have a good night."

“Good night, Jeongguk,” Areum waves a hand, walking back through the garden.

He turns around as quickly as he can without being impolite and heads for the palace. Once
inside, he picks up his pace and runs upstairs, wanting to hide from reality.
 Jeongguk reaches the second floor and heads for his bedroom, his thoughts in a great whirl.
But his mind is distracted by a piece of paper on the floor, an unusual thing in the typically
immaculate palace. It's on the corner to his door; therefore, Jeongguk assumes that it must be
for him. To be sure, he squats down, picks up the paper and reads it.

Another rebel attack this morning, this time in the east. The death toll has now surpassed two
hundred and at least one hundred people have been injured. Once again, the main demand
seems to be to end the Selection, requiring the end of the royal line.

Jeongguk feels his body freeze. He scans both sides of the paper looking for a signature or a
date. Another attack this morning? Even if the note is a few days old, it's still scary. And the
requirement is the end of the Selection. Is that the purpose of the recent attacks in the palace
as well? Were they trying to get rid of the selected? If so, is that the reason for both the
Swans and the Whales to attack?

The purple-haired boy doesn't know what to do. Was he even supposed to have seen this
note? Was it deliberate, or did one of the royal family's guards or advisers drop the piece of
paper in here without noticing? Either way, Jeongguk won't risk it and will not talk about it
with anyone. He just hopes that the people who should know about this have already been
informed.

He decides to leave the paper on the floor, pretending not to see it in the first place.
Hopefully, a guard would pass by and send the note to the right place. If they found out that
Jeongguk had read it, he could be in trouble.

So, he looks in all directions down the hall and enters his bedroom, pretending nothing has
happened. But his mind can’t.

Chapter End Notes

my twitter
my curious cat
playlist
 thirteen
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes

XIII

For the next two days, Jeongguk eats all the meals in his bedroom, thus managing to avoid
Areum until Wednesday at dinner. He thought that, by this time, he would no longer feel so
embarrassed.

Unfortunately, he was wrong. Clearly wrong.

They smile discreetly at each other, but Jeongguk can't speak. He almost wishes he was
sitting at the other end of the table, between Yejun and Sohui. Almost.

Before dessert is served, Jang-mi runs in as fast as her high heels allowed. She curtsies
extremely briefly and then approaches the queen to whisper something in her ear.

Queen Yuna lets out an exclamation and runs out of the dining room with Jang-mi, leaving
the selected alone. They had been taught to never raise their voices, probably the first rule of
etiquette they had to apply, but this time they couldn't control themselves.

"Does anyone know what's going on?" Yejun asks, unusually concerned.

"You don't think they're hurt, do you?" Sohui whispers in horror.

“Oh, no,” Areum mumbles, laying her head on the table.

Remorseful for leaving the other girl in tears, Sohui rushes to say, “They’re okay, Areum. I’m
sure. Here, have some pie."

Jeongguk can't utter a single word, afraid to even think about what that might mean.

"What if they were captured?" Areum grieves aloud.

“I don't think people from New Europe would do that,” Sohui says, although her concern is
evident. Jeongguk doesn't know if she's worried just because of Taehyung's safety or if it's
because any aggression from the people she had ties with could ruin her chances in the
Selection.

"What if their plane crashed?" Yejun asks quietly. The Three looks up and Jeongguk is
surprised to see genuine fear written across his face. It’s enough for everyone to be silent.

What if Taehyung had died?

Queen Yuna returns a few minutes later, with Jang-mi close behind, and all the selected look
at them anxiously.

To their great relief, the queen looks radiant. “Good news, ladies and gentlemen. The king
and the prince are returning home tonight!” The female monarch sing-songs.

Sohui claps her hands, while Areum and Jeongguk drop back into their chairs. He hadn't
realized how tense his body had been during those few minutes.

Jang-mi adds, “Given that they had some pretty intense days, we decided not to have big
celebrations. Depending on when they leave New Europe, we might not even see them until
bedtime.”

Honestly, who cared about that? As long as Taehyung was safe and sound, that’s the most
important thing.

“Thank you, Jang-mi,” the queen says patiently. “Now, if you excuse me, ladies and
gentlemen, I have work to do. Please, enjoy your desserts and have a good night,” she
continues. Then, she turns and leaves the dining room so quickly it's like she barely touches
the floor.

Areum also leaves the hall moments later. Maybe it’s to prepare a welcome card for
Taehyung, who knows?

Jeongguk quickly finishes his meal, the almond pie tasting better with this good news, and
goes back upstairs. As he walks along the corridor towards his bedroom, Jeongguk caught a
glimpse of reddish hair and the billowing black skirt of a maid's uniform disappearing
towards the stairs on the opposite side. It’s clearly Nabi and she seems to be crying. She
appears to be so determined to go unnoticed that Jeongguk decides not to call her. But what
had happened?

Rounding the corner towards his room, Jeongguk sees that the door is wide open. With
nothing to muffle their voices, Seokjin and Yumi's argument spills into the hallway, where
Jeongguk overhears.

"Why are you always so picky about her?" Yumi complains.

“And what did you want me to say? That she can have everything she wants?" Seokjin
retorts.

"Yes! What would be the harm in simply saying that you trust her?"

What the hell was going on? Is this why they seemed so far away from each other lately?

"She dreams too high!" Seokjin accuses. "It would be dishonest of me if I gave her false
hope."

Yumi's voice is full of sarcasm. “Oh, and everything you told her was so decent. You’re just
bitter!”
"What?" Seokjin reacts.

“You heard me. You’re just bitter! You can't stand that she can be closer to what you want
than you," Yumi yells. "You always looked down on Nabi because she didn't grow up in the
palace as you did. Why aren't you content with what you are, instead of stepping on her to
feel better with yourself?”

"That wasn't my intention!" Seokjin exclaims in a choked voice.

The contained sobs are enough to silence Yumi. They would also have detained Jeongguk.
Seokjin crying seems an impossibility. He's always so restrained and assertive.

"Is it so bad that I want more than this?" He asks, voice muffled by tears. “I have a lot of
respect and friendship for prince Taehyung and his family and I know my position in the
palace is an honor. And I'm happy to do my job, but I don't want to do it for the rest of my
life. I want more. I want a partner. I want…” Seokjin is finally overcome with sadness.

Jeongguk's heart breaks into thousands of pieces. The only way for Seokjin to get out of this
job is to get married. But it's hard to meet someone walking through the palace corridors
looking for a servant to have a romantic relationship with. Jeongguk can understand that he
feels trapped.

Jeongguk sighs, composing himself, and enters the bedroom.

“Mr. Jeon,” Yumi bows which Seokjin is quick to imitate. Out of the corner of his eye,
Jeongguk sees the servant feverishly wiping away his tears.

Considering Seokjin's pride, Jeongguk doesn't think it's a good idea to say he noticed that, let
alone that he overheard their conversation from the hallway. They’re also always so
respectful of Jeongguk's privacy. So, the purple-haired boy passes by them as if he hadn't
noticed anything and approaches the mirror instead.

"How do you feel?" Yumi tries to start a conversation.

“A bit tired,” Jeongguk lies, starting to unbutton his shirt. “I think I'll go to bed right away to
take a nap. You know what? Why don't you go get some rest too? I can take care of myself
today and you deserve a break.”

"Are you sure, Mr. Jeon?" Seokjin asks, making an effort to keep his voice steady. The fact
that he doesn't insist on helping Jeongguk is enough for him to realize how bad the servant is
feeling.

“Absolutely,” Jeongguk nods. "See you tomorrow."

They need no further encouragement and leave Jeongguk's bedroom. He genuinely hopes that
this time alone will be enough for them to feel better and, who knows, to figure out a way to
resolve the issues between them. Jeongguk hates the idea of any of his three servants
suffering.
As soon as Jeongguk has shed his shirt and pants and puts warm pajamas on his body, the
purple-haired boy lies down on the bed and stays there for a long time, looking at the ceiling
and thinking about Taehyung at the same time.

It's still all a bit vague and fuzzy but Jeongguk can’t push the overwhelming feeling of
happiness he felt the moment he found out that Taehyung was okay and back to Euphoréa.
And then, there is a part of Jeongguk that wonders if the prince had thought of him during the
time he was gone.

Because, the truth is, Jeongguk had been thinking about Taehyung all along.

Jeongguk rolls on the bed for what seems like endless hours, restless. Around one in the
morning, the purple-haired boy decides that since he can't fall asleep, it's best to be
productive. Maybe reading will help him. He turns on the bedside lamp and takes out Yerin
Euphoréa's diary, hidden in the piano.

He flips through some messages written during the fall and chooses a February entry.

Sometimes, the simplicity with which it all happened almost makes me want to laugh. If
someone ever wrote a textbook on how to overthrow the government of a country, I would be
the protagonist. Or maybe I can write it myself. I'm not sure what I would consider being the
first step, since you can't force a foreign invasion, let alone easily obtain secret information
about these same attempted attacks. But I would certainly encourage any other candidate
leaders to get scandalous amounts of money by any means possible.

A fascination with money would not, however, be enough. It’s necessary to have it and be able
to use it to subdue others. My lack of political experience was not a problem when it came to
obtaining allegiance. In fact, I would say that avoiding that sector altogether may have been
one of my strongest points. People don't trust politicians. And why would they? Yoon Dae-
Seong has been making empty promises for years, hoping that one will eventually come true,
but there is absolutely no way that will happen. He couldn't even control the country at the
start of the war, for God's sake.

I, on the other hand, offer the idea of something else; no guarantees, just the slight optimism
that change might come. It doesn't even matter, at this point, what that change might be.
People are so desperate they don't care. They don't even think to ask.

Perhaps, the key is to remain calm while others panic. Dae-Seong is so hated for the way he
reacted to the start of the attacks that he has practically handed me the presidency without
anyone regretting it. There are already people screaming in the streets to honor me for the
courageous and noble way I have responded to the security of our country.
I say nothing, do nothing, and just smile pleasantly and gratefully, while everyone else
around me slumps hysterically. A glance at our still cowardly president beside me is enough
to make sure I'm better off on a podium or greeting a prime minister. And Dae-Seong is so
desperate to have someone people love by his side that I’m sure it will take only a couple of
quietly worded agreements for me to come to govern everything.

This country is mine. I feel like a girl facing a chessboard, playing a game she's sure she's
going to win. I'm smarter, richer and far more qualified in the eyes of a country that loves me.
I can do what I want and there's no one to stop me. So, what to do next?

I feel it's time to bring the system down. This pathetic republic is already broken and barely
functioning. The real question is, who do I line up with? How do I turn this into something
people beg for?

I have an idea. My daughter won't like it, but I don’t care about that. It's about time she was
good for something.

Jeongguk closes the book tightly, feeling confused and frustrated. Is there something he
doesn't understand? Take down which system? Submit people? Is Euphoréa's structure not a
necessity but a convenience instead?

He thinks about rummaging through the book to find out what has happened to Yerin's
daughter, but Jeongguk is already so disoriented that he thinks it's best to postpone it. Instead,
he goes out onto the porch in hopes that the scent and ripple of flowers will be enough to
calm his mind and lull him to sleep.

The purple-haired boy looks up at the sky, trying to process it all, but he doesn't even know
where to start. Jeongguk lets out a sigh and lazily scans the garden until he stops at a white
spot.

Taehyung walks outside through the perfectly trimmed grass. He's finally home and it's like
Jeongguk's chest has increased in size such is his relief. The prince has a white shirt outside
his slacks, slightly rumpled, and he doesn't wear a coat or a tie. What is he doing out there so
late and in this freezing cold? Jeongguk notices that the prince wears one of his cameras
around his neck. Taehyung is probably having a rough night too.

Jeongguk hesitates for a second, wondering whether or not to interrupt the prince's moment
of calm and distraction, but his heart eventually speaks louder.

"Pssst!"

Taehyung stiffens, looking frantically from side to side, probably scared at the idea of being a
rebel. Jeongguk calls out to him again, waving his arms until the prince sees him. A surprised
smile lights up Taehyung's face and he waves back. Hoping he can see it, Jeongguk nudges
his mole. Taehyung does the same. Jeongguk points to the prince and then to his bedroom.
Taehyung nods his head and holds up a finger to indicate that it would take him a minute. In
response, the purple-haired boy nods and goes back inside.
Jeongguk puts on the black hoodie Taehyung had given him over the satin nightgown of the
pajama set and runs his fingers through his wild, purple locks, wanting to look a little more
presentable. When he starts to wonder why Taehyung is taking so long, he knocks on the
door.

The purple-haired boy runs to open it and is greeted by Taehyung's camera lens, which
registers his shocked smile. Jeongguk's expression changes, manifesting an eye roll instead,
and the prince catches it too, chuckling.

“You’re such a dork. C’mon, come in,” Jeongguk orders gently, grabbing him by the arm.

Taehyung obeys, still with a wide grin on his lips. "I’m sorry. I couldn’t resist it."

“You took your time,” Jeongguk accuses innocently, sitting down on the edge of the bed.
Taehyung sits beside him, keeping enough distance so they can face each other.

“Yeah. I had to go to my bedroom first,” Taehyung carefully places the camera on Jeongguk's
bedside table. He then turns to Jeongguk with a giggle, without concretely explaining the
reason for his deviation.

“Oh, okay. How was your trip?" Jeongguk asks. The prince is not wearing one of his typical
crowns, so Jeongguk puts his hand on Taehyung's hair to fix his locks, disheveled because of
the wind. Or it's just a poor excuse to touch the prince, but no one needs to know that.

“Weird,” Taehyung confesses with a sigh, tilting his head slightly to the side for Jeongguk to
continue the caresses. “We ended up going to the most rural part of New Europe. My father
said it was a local dispute, but when we got there, everything was fine,” the prince shakes his
head. “Honestly, it didn't make any sense. We spent a few days walking around ancient cities
and trying to talk to the natives. My father was very disappointed with my language domain,
or rather lack of it, and insisted that I need to study more. As if I haven't been working hard
already these days,” he concludes, closing his eyes as Jeongguk’s fingertips gently slide
down his cheeks, tainted pink from the chilly weather.

“That's a little weird indeed,” the purple-haired boy mumbles.

“To be honest, I think it was some kind of test. Lately, he's been making me pass a few at
random times, and I'm not always aware that they're happening. Perhaps, this had to do with
making decisions or dealing with unexpected situations. I'm not sure,” Taehyung shrugs. "In
any case, I'm sure I failed."

Jeongguk is ready to deny this line of reasoning and ensure that Taehyung sure made a good
job but Taehyung interrupts him by timidly interlacing his fingers with Jeongguk's, thus
taking the purple-haired boy's hand away from his face.

“He also wanted to talk about the Selection. I think he thought the distance would do me
good, that it would give me another perspective or something. Honestly, I'm tired of everyone
talking about a decision that's up to me,” Taehyung rolls his eyes, pulling Jeongguk's hand
until he gets even closer to the prince. Their knees rub against each other and the prince's
eyes dig deeply into Jeongguk's shy ones.
The purple-haired boy is sure that the king's idea was to take Jeongguk out of Taehyung's
head. He had already noticed the way king Bon-hwa smiled at the others selected during
meals or greeted them with a wave in the corridors. With Jeongguk, that never happened.

"And did it work?" Jeongguk starts, clearing his throat. “The distance, I mean. Did it help
you get another perspective?"

Jeongguk is ready to lower his head and, consequently, his gaze, fleeing from Taehyung's
eyes. However, as if reading his thoughts, the prince holds Jeongguk's chin, keeping their
gazes fixed on each other.

"What do you think?" Taehyung mutters, his eyes descending from Jeongguk's brown iris to
his slightly parted, pink lips, stopping there not so subtly.

And not knowing who leans in first, their lips meet in a hurried kiss, completely different
from usual. It's as if their mouths express what they've both felt in the last few days when
their bodies and souls have been apart, desperately wanting to touch and touch and touch, to
make up for the lost time.

To this day, neither of them has been bold enough to touch places other than their faces,
necks or hair, but it seems like today is a day of firsts. While Jeongguk's hands grip
Taehyung's arms as if they are lifebuoys, the prince's brave fingers grip Jeongguk's waist and
thighs, pulling him and pulling him and pulling him until Jeongguk's brain lights up and
understand the other boy's intentions.

In a quick gesture, Jeongguk's legs come to life and fit perfectly on either side of Taehyung's
waist, making the purple-haired boy sit on the prince's lap. The warm contact is welcome, the
heat surpasses the freezing cold from winter and their mouths don't part for a single second,
making their bodies forget they even need oxygen to survive.

Taehyung's hands find refuge in Jeongguk's thin waist, slowly uncovering the sides and back
of his body. Goosebumps grow and spread over the purple-haired boy's skin and he can't
control the low moan that escapes from the back of his throat towards Taehyung's open lips.

This only seems to make the prince bolder, who leans forward and forces Jeongguk to arch
his back backward, and lashes out fiercely at Jeongguk's mouth with his tongue. Jeongguk
has no idea what it is that gave Taehyung to kiss him so passionately but he definitely doesn't
complain because the purple-haired boy's lips and tongue reciprocate the gesture with the
same eagerness.

However, when Jeongguk's hands venture to wander around Taehyung's neck, down the
inside of his shirt until he meets the prince's back, Taehyung abruptly pulls away, breathing
hard and gently holding Jeongguk's wrists, preventing him from going on.

His eyes are full of lust and desire and Jeongguk has said many times that one of the things
he likes most about Taehyung is, without a doubt, his tender and sweet eyes, but Jeongguk
has to admit that when his pupils are dilated in pleasure like this, it makes the hairs on
Jeongguk’s body stand.
Taehyung places Jeongguk's hands in his lap, stroking the soft area with the pads of his
thumb. The prince's eyes widen as if he's remembered something, and Jeongguk is sure of it
when Taehyung scrambles under him to pull a small string of lavender beads from his pants
pocket.

The prince clears his throat, his eyes now free of desire and filled with shyness instead. “As I
told you, we walked through several cities and I saw this in a street store owned by an old
lady. It's purple,” he adds, pointing out the obvious. “It reminded me of you. Not that I need a
bracelet to remember you but-”

Jeongguk interrupts him by placing a light peck against Taehyung's mouth, letting out low
giggles when the prince starts to blush. “I love purple. I love the bracelet. Thank you,” he
whispers.

The purple-haired boy's eyes fall on the small bracelet as the prince tightens it around his
wrist. A few days earlier, Taehyung was on the other side of the world and saw this in a
store… And that made him think of Jeongguk. Well, his heart is beating like crazy and maybe
it's not because of the make-out session they just shared.

“I didn't find anything for anyone else. So, could you keep this just between us?” Taehyung
asks.

Jeongguk nods. "Sure."

“You were never one to brag about yourself either,” the prince murmurs, now stroking the
bracelet.

The purple-haired boy can't stop looking at the piece of charms. It's so discreet, handcrafted
and with polished purple stones. It can’t be considered jewelry and that’s why Jeongguk loves
it even more. Jeongguk reaches out and slides his index finger over one of the oval beads and
Taehyung makes Jeongguk's hand shake in an attempt to scare him, making him laugh
instead.

Slowly, Taehyung grabs Jeongguk's wrist again, pulling him until that piece of anatomy
hovers in front of the prince’s mouth. He leans over and gives the lightest and most
affectionate of kisses over that particular area of Jeongguk’s skin. And there it is, blooming
like a flower in the middle of spring, despite all the worries: hope.

The hope that drives away the heavy shadows that haunt Jeongguk's heart and makes him
miss Taehyung. Even though they are only inches apart, even though their mouths shared the
most intimate and intense kisses. Jeongguk desperately wants to erase everything that had
happened since Halloween, go back to that night and cling to Taehyung's arms as they danced
alone, in the silence and darkness of the night in the garden.

But even if Jeongguk allows himself to be everything his father says he is, everything
Namjoon and the princess of Portugal claim he is capable of… He can't be Areum. Areum is
better. Areum is the favorite of the public, of the advisers, of the king himself.

He feels so tired, so unnerved, so confused, that he starts to cry without even realizing it.
"Jeongguk?" Taehyung asks hesitantly. "What’s wrong? I thought you liked the bracelet.”

"I don’t understand."

"What don't you understand?" The prince speaks softly. Their faces are so close that there is
no need for the words to be spoken in a louder tone of voice. Mentally, Jeongguk notices that
the prince reacts much better to people crying now.

“You,” the purple-haired boy admits. "Right now, I feel very confused about you."

He wipes a tear from his face and, with great gentleness, Taehyung wipes the remaining ones
on the other side. Once the salty, hot drops disappear, Taehyung keeps his hand there,
stroking Jeongguk's face kindly.

“Jeongguk,” he begins seriously. “Anytime you want to know anything about me, what's
important to me or who I am, all you have to do is ask.”

The prince looks so sincere that Jeongguk almost asks. He almost begs Taehyung to tell him
everything: if he had always seen Areum as a possibility, if he agrees with his father's
opinion, and why this small but perfect bracelet had made him think of Jeongguk.

But how could the purple-haired boy be sure of the truth of his answers? His heart might
desperately want to blindly trust the prince but there's something in his brain that makes him
cautious and keep himself safe, away from suffering.

“I don't know if I'm ready for that yet,” Jeongguk confesses in a whisper.

After a moment of reflection, Taehyung looks at him. "I understand. At least I think so. But
when you're ready, I'll be here. I hope you know that.”

Taehyung doesn't pressure him. Instead, the prince slowly stands up, releasing Jeongguk's
hands with an effort, taking his camera to head for the door. Taehyung takes one last look at
Jeongguk before disappearing into the hallway, leaving Jeongguk surprised by the pain he
feels when he sees him leave.

"Private lessons?" Jang-mi asks with both her eyebrows raised in surprise. "I mean, several
classes a week?"

“Yes, if it's possible,” Jeongguk nods.

For the first time since his arrival, Jeongguk is truly grateful that Jang-mi exists. He knew the
woman couldn't resist having someone willing to absorb her every word; and if she gave
Jeongguk extra work, that would be a great way to help keep him busy.
Right now, thinking about Taehyung, Yerin Euphoréa's diary and the others selected is too
much for Jeongguk. The protocol is clear, the steps to present a law are methodical. These are
things he can deal with right now.

Jang-mi looks at Jeongguk, still a little dazed, before sending him a huge, proud smile.
Hugging the purple-haired boy awkwardly, she exclaims, “Oh, this is going to be wonderful!
Finally, one of you understands how important this is!” She backs away slightly without
letting him go and faces Jeongguk. “When do you want to start?”

"Hum... Now?" Jeongguk tilts his head to the side in question.

The woman is bubbling with joy. "Of course! Let me go get some books.”

Jeongguk immerses himself in studying, grateful for the words, facts and statistics that Jang-
mi puts into his head. When he is not with Jang-mi, Jeongguk is reading something she has
indicated during the countless hours he spends in the Leisure Hall, trying to ignore the others.
Jeongguk works and works and works and is excited the next time the four selected have a
class together.

When that moment comes, Jang-mi starts by asking them questions about their passions.
Jeongguk writes that his passions are his family, the flowers, and then, as if the word urgently
asked to be written, the justice.

“The reason I ask this is that the queen is usually responsible for some kind of commission,
which is aimed at the benefit of the country. For example, queen Yuna started a program to
teach families how to care for their members with physical and mental problems," Jang-mi
explains. "Many of them end up on the streets when families no longer know how to take
care of them, and the number of Eights increases to uncontrollable levels. Statistics over the
past six years show that her program has helped keep the numbers down, thus making the
general population safer."

"Do we have to develop a program of that kind?" Sohui asks, looking nervous.

“Exactly, that will be your new project,” Jang-mi confirms. "In two weeks, you will be
invited to present your ideas and a proposal for the implementation of your project in the
Official News."

Sohui squeals and Yejun rolls his eyes. Areum seems to be imagining something already. Her
instant enthusiasm makes Jeongguk nervous. He remembers that Taehyung mentioned an
elimination soon. Could it be related to this project?

"Is this going to help us in anything?" Yejun asks with some disdain. "I would rather learn
about something really useful to us." Jeongguk can see, behind the arrogant tone, that this
project intimidates him.

Jang-mi looks completely shocked. “This will be useful to you, of course! Whoever the new
princess or prince is will be responsible for a philanthropy project.”
Yejun mumbles something and starts playing with a pen. The fact that he wants the job
without it including any responsibility annoys Jeongguk.

I would be a better prince than him, Jeongguk thinks. Even though it was unconsciously,
right then and there, he realizes that there is some truth to it. Jeongguk doesn't have Yejun's
money and fame, Sohui's contacts or Areum's elegance and poise, but at least he cares. Isn’t
that quality not worth anything?

For the first time in quite some time, Jeongguk feels real excitement overtake him. Here is a
project that will allow him to demonstrate the one thing that sets him apart from the others
selected. He's determined to work hard and maybe be able to produce something that could
really make a difference. Perhaps, Jeongguk will end up losing anyway; maybe Jeongguk
isn't even interested in winning, but he would be as close as he could get to a prince and with
that, he'll make a truce with the Selection.

It's useless. As much as Jeongguk tries, he can't even come up with an idea for his
philanthropic project. The purple-haired boy thinks, searches, reads and thinks again. He asks
his servants for help, but they don't have great suggestions either.

To make matters worse, it's clear that Areum is already ahead into her presentation. She
spends her days at a table in a corner of the Leisure Hall reading for hours, and when she isn't
with her nose stuck in a book, she is furiously writing something in a notebook.

Fuck.

Sunday arrives and Jeongguk wants to tear his hair out of his head when he suddenly realizes
that he has only one week left and he still has no idea. During the Official News, Hoseok sets
the framework for the next week television show, explaining that some brief announcements
will be made and that the rest of the evening will be devoted to their presentations. Jeongguk
feels his forehead sticky with sweat.

He catches Taehyung staring at him during an announcement the king is making about the
country's economy. The prince raises his hand and pokes the mole in his face and Jeongguk
doesn't hesitate to return the gesture, noticing that Taehyung looks more relieved after that.

Jeongguk is always restless as he waits for the prince to arrive at his bedroom, absently
running his hands through his hair and pacing the room.

Taehyung knocks quickly on the door before entering, as is his custom. Jeongguk stands up,
approaching the prince to receive him, who places a tender kiss against Jeongguk’s cheek.

"How are you?" Taehyung asks, crossing the room.

"Sincerely? Nervous,” Jeongguk plays with his fingers.

"It's because I'm so handsome, isn't it?" The prince arches an eyebrow in defiance, the
beginnings of a smirk on his lips.

Jeongguk laughs at Taehyung's understanding face. “How did you find out? I should look
away from you,” Jeongguk replies, stepping into the teasing. "Actually, it has more to do with
the philanthropic project."

“Oh…” Taehyung mumbles, sitting down on the high mattress and leaning his back against
the headboard. Jeongguk follows him, letting his legs rest in the prince's lap. “You can show
me if you want. Areum did.”

Jeongguk feels demoralized. Of course. Of course she has finished her project already.

“I don't even have an idea yet,” Jeongguk confesses in a low voice, trying to get his legs off
the prince to sit normally. However, Taehyung stops him by placing his hand on top of
Jeongguk's ankle.

“Don't feel bad about it. I can understand it's an unnerving project,” Taehyung tries to console
him. Jeongguk looks at the prince in a way that suggests Taehyung has no idea. “What do you
consider important? There must be something that actually touches you and that you would
like to change or improve,” Taehyung says, running his fingertips down Jeongguk's calf.

How can he be so calm? Doesn't he notice that Jeongguk is about to explode with
nervousness and anxiety?

“I've been thinking all week and nothing has occurred to me,” Jeongguk sighs, letting his
head fall back until it rests against the headboard.

The prince laughs softly. “I thought you would be the one who would resolve this project
more easily. I know Areum is also a Seven, but I think you went through more difficulties in
life than the other three selected together. At least from what you told me.”

“That may be true, yes, but I never knew how to change anything. That's the problem,”
Jeongguk focuses his gaze on Taehyung's hand. “I can see it all… The Sevens who get hurt
by doing heavy jobs and then are demoted to Eights because they can no longer work. The
girls who walk in the streets at night, burying themselves for almost nothing in lonely men's
beds. The children who never have enough: enough food, enough warmth, enough love,
because their parents work their asses off. I can remember my worst days, I can remember my
sisters' worst days… But think of a concrete way to do something about it?” Jeongguk shakes
his head in exasperation. "What can I say or do about the matter?"

Jeongguk looks at Taehyung, hoping to find an answer in his eyes. The prince nods slowly,
sighing. “Jeongguk, I’m sure that, deep inside your heart, you know what causes you would
be completely willing to fight for. Just think with your heart and defend it with all your
strength, as you always do.”

His words seem to make sense, Jeongguk knows that, but they don't help him automatically
think of something, as he expected.
“This isn't really what I wanted to talk about tonight with you,” Taehyung adds.

"What did you have in mind then?" Jeongguk snuggles against the prince.

Taehyung stares at him like he's crazy. "You, of course."

"About me? What, exactly?"

Their faces are so close, breathing the same air. Even so, the prince changes his position,
pulling Jeongguk with him until they don't realize where the legs of one begin and the arms
of the other end. Leaning forward as if to tell him a secret, Taehyung's eyes mirror shyness
and travel over Jeongguk's face hesitantly.

"Do you still like me?" The prince blurts out in a whisper, letting his gaze fall somewhere on
Jeongguk's face, fleeing from his eyes.

"What? Tae… What the hell is that question? I thought the answer was obvious. I mean, I'm
literally cuddling you right now,” Jeongguk mutters.

"I don't know… It's just that…" Taehyung takes a deep breath. "Well, I thought once you saw
that Jimin is okay, things would change. I was sure you would find a way to get back to liking
me like before. But I don't know, it looks like that didn't happen. Even being together,
exchanging kisses, caresses and touches…" Taehyung emphasizes his words by sliding his
fingertips down Jeongguk's leg. "You seem so far away. We seem distant from each other.
And I don't like it," he mumbles sadly.

Avoiding looking at him, Jeongguk replies, “My problem is not with you, Taehyung. It's with
the job, with the crown. I thought you knew that,” he shrugs.

“But after Jimin…”

Jeongguk looks up. “After Jimin, things continued to happen. I think I understand what it
means to be a prince one minute and then, the next one I don't know. I'm not like the others.
Areum may also be a Seven, but she is completely different from me. And Yejun and
Sohui… The others, honestly, I don't even know why they haven't bought access to the top
yet. And you, Taehyung, were raised like that. You have to understand that this is a very
drastic change for me.”

The prince nods, maintaining his infinite patience. “I understand all that, Jeongguk. That's
part of the reason I wanted to give you time. But you also need to think about my situation.”

“And I do,” Jeongguk retorts.

“No, not like this. Not like I am part of the equation. Think about my dilemma: I don't have
much more time,” Taehyung admits. “This philanthropic project will be the springboard to
another elimination. Astute as you are, I'm sure you've already figured that out.”

Jeongguk bows his head. Of course he thought about it.

“So what do I do when there are only three selected? Do I give you more time? When there
are only two left, I will be forced to choose. And at that point, if you're still thinking about
whether or not you accept the responsibility, the job, me… What do I do then?” Taehyung
stares at Jeongguk expectantly, as if he is genuinely waiting for an answer.

The purple-haired boy bites his lip. “I don't know,” he replies in a wobbly whisper.

Taehyung shakes his head with slight disappointment. "This is unacceptable, Jeongguk. I
need an answer. I can't send away someone who really wants this, who wants me, if in the
end, you'll give up."

Jeongguk feels more and more agitated. “So what you want is for me to give you an answer
right now, is that it? Honestly, I don't even know what question I'm answering. If I say I want
to stay, does that mean I want to be chosen? The winner? Because that I don't know,” he pulls
away from Taehyung's body, gesturing frustratingly with his arms.

“You don't have to say anything right now, but you need to decide by the next Official News
whether you want this or not,” the prince pauses, meeting Jeongguk's startled eyes. “I hate the
fact that I’m giving you an ultimatum, but you're not being very fair with my only chance,”
Taehyung takes a deep breath before continuing. “That wasn't the way I wanted the
conversation to go either. Maybe I should go.”

Jeongguk can tell in Taehyung's voice that he desperately wants Jeongguk to ask him to stay,
to tell him that everything will be okay between them.

However, the pride, stubbornness and confusion that makes Jeongguk's thoughts tangle in a
difficult knot to unravel cause him to mutter instead, "Yeah, I really think you should."

Taehyung shakes his head, annoyed and frustrated, and gets out of the bed fluidly. "Okay. If
that's what you want,” he crosses the bedroom with quick, furious strides. Before heading out
the door, Taehyung mutters in a fully audible tone of voice to Jeongguk to hear, "I'll see what
Areum is up to."

Jeongguk comes down late for breakfast the next day. He didn't want to risk running into
Taehyung or any of the others selected alone.

He feels like screaming. Mondays are always quite monotonous and having to spend the
whole day at the Leisure Hall is an injustice. Mainly because Jeongguk is doomed to watch
Areum once again immersed in her presentation. The others are also reading things - notes or
reports - which makes him feel sick. Jeongguk quickly needs an idea. In any case, tonight he
will have to get to work.
As if reading his thoughts, Jang-mi approaches Jeongguk. "How's my best student doing?"
The woman asks in a low voice so the others don't notice.

“Great,” Jeongguk puts on the most forced smile he can manage.

“How is your project going? Do you need some help filing some rough edges?" She offers.

File out edges? How can Jeongguk tune what doesn't even exist yet?

“It's going really well. You'll love it, I'm sure,” he lies.

She tilts her head slightly to the side, narrowing her eyes. "You're making suspense, is that
it?"

“You could say so,” Jeongguk smiles.

"Very well. You've been doing a great job lately. I'm sure it will be fantastic,” she encourages,
patting him on the shoulder before moving away.

Yeah. Jeongguk is in big trouble.

The minutes pass so slowly that it's almost a kind of torture. When lunchtime finally arrives,
Jeongguk excuses himself and lies that he’ll go to the bathroom before heading to the dining
room. In fact, he walks towards the garden, just to get some air for ten minutes. Maybe the
flowers and nature will bring inspiration with them.

Jeongguk sits on one of the stone benches under a tree, resting his head in his hands. His
mind is racing, thinking of all the possible hypotheses he can use for his project until a
shadow hangs over him.

“Jeongguk? Is everything okay?" Namjoon asks, sitting down on the bench beside him.

“I don't know how I can answer that question,” Jeongguk sighs, lifting his head from his
hands to look at the royal palace florist.

"What’s wrong?"

“We have a project to present and I don't know what to do. I can't think of anything, I feel
nervous and I can't sleep,” he replies. It's so easy to talk to Namjoon.

"What does this project consist of?" Namjoon asks, placing the gardening supplies he carries
with him on the ground.

“We have to present a plan that features something good for the country. Like queen Yuna's
work with people with physical and mental disabilities,” Jeongguk explains.

“Seems to be interesting,” Namjoon nods.

“I thought it would too, but I can't get any ideas. What would you do?” Jeongguk looks at
Namjoon hopefully.
“Honestly… I don't know. It's a great opportunity to do something good but there are so
many possibilities…” Namjoon replies apologetically. “I think my best advice is for you to
think about what you consider is the most unfair thing that happens in our country, that you
have already experienced and think it should be changed…”

Jeongguk grunts in frustration. “I'm so confused. Even if I go home, someone might end up
using my idea. That's why I want it to be good. I want to help people somehow,” the purple-
haired boy explains.

“Jeongguk, that thought alone can do amazing things for you, believe me,” Namjoon assures.
"I'm sure something will pop into your mind."

He sighs, nodding with little faith. "I really hope so."

Jeongguk draws. Jeongguk takes a shower. Jeongguk tries to take a nap. Jeongguk spends
part of the early evening in the silence of his bedroom. Jeongguk sits on the balcony,
enjoying the appearance of the darkness and silence. But none of that makes a difference.
Time continues to pass and he still has nothing for his project.

He spends hours lying in bed trying to sleep and also without success. As much as he
struggles against it, Taehyung's words and his ultimatum resonate incessantly in Jeongguk's
mind, as if the doubts about the subject of his presentation weren't already enough. And then,
he wonders if that even matters, since he's sure he'll be sent home as soon as he appears in the
Official News with nothing to show.

The purple-haired boy sighs and pushes away the blankets. He had been avoiding reading
Yerin Euphoréa's diary again; he is afraid that the texts cause more doubts than solutions. But
maybe something about it indicated a direction, a topic to talk about in the Official News.

Besides, even if nothing there helped him, Jeongguk needs to know what happened to Yerin's
daughter. He flips through the book in search of the face of the girl he remembers seeing in
the Halloween photo, finding her now more grown-up, standing next to a man who appears to
be much older. Maybe it’s just Jeongguk's imagination, but she seemed to have been crying.

Aera, my eldest daughter, finally married prince Arthur Frederik from the United Kingdom.
She cried all the way to the church until I made it clear to her that if she didn't pull herself
together for the ceremony, she would pay dearly afterward. Her father is not happy and I
suspect that Su-jin, my youngest son, is angry now that he realized his sister didn't want to do
this. But Su-jin is smart. I think he'll fall for it and accept the situation as soon as he sees all
the possibilities I've given her. And Nam-gil, my middle son, is so helpful. I would like to be
able to take whatever he had in his blood and inject it into the rest of the population.
There is something to be said about young people. It’s the generation of Nam-gil and Su-jin
that has helped me the most to get where I am. Their enthusiasm is unwavering and they are
a much more interesting audience to listen to than the frail old people who insist we are
going the wrong way. I wonder if there is a way to silence them forever without tarnishing my
name.

In any case, the coronation is scheduled for tomorrow. Now that the UK has achieved our
powerful union as an ally, I can have what I want: a crown. I think it's a fair exchange. Why
settle for the title of president of Euphoréa if I can be the queen instead? Through my
daughter, I will become noble.

All parts are in place. The day after tomorrow, there will be no turning back.

Yerin Euphoréa sold her own daughter. The son of a bitch sold her daughter to a man the girl
hated just to get everything she wanted.

Jeongguk's first impulse is to close the diary again, forget about everything. But he forces
himself to flip through it, reading random passages. In one place, there is a sketch of a
diagram of the caste system, initially intended for six levels instead of eight. On another
page, Yerin planned to change people's surnames to separate them from their pasts. One
specific line makes it clear that Yerin intended to punish her enemies by placing them in
lower ranks and reward her loyal ones by assigning them higher castes. Jeongguk wonders if
his ancestors simply had nothing to offer or if they were against it. He genuinely hopes it was
the second option.

All his life, Jeongguk had been led to think that Yerin Euphoréa was a heroin, the woman
who saved the country amid world war, when they were all on the brink. Clearly, she was just
a power-hungry monster. What kind of woman manipulated people with such determination?
What kind of mother sells her own daughter for her benefit?

The purple-haired boy rereads the older notes in a new perspective. Yerin had never said she
wanted to be a big family woman; he just wanted to look like one. She would play by the
rules of Dae-Seong, the president before her coronation. She used her children's peers to gain
support. Yerin Euphoréa was clearly playing a game from the start.

Jeongguk feels disgusted. He gets up and starts walking in circles around the bedroom, trying
to put all those pieces together in his head. How could an entire history have been forgotten?
How was it possible that no one talked about the ancient countries? Where is all this
information? Why doesn't anyone know?

He walks to the balcony, hoping the strong wind will take these thoughts from him. It seems
impossible. Surely someone must have disagreed, someone must have told their children the
truth. And maybe they really did. Jeongguk always wondered why his father never let him
talk about that worn-out History book that was hidden in his parents' room. Why is the
history of Euphoréa not printed, it just goes from mouth to mouth? Perhaps because if it was
written that Yerin was a heroin, people would revolt. But if it was all just speculation, where
some insisted that things were a certain way while others denied it, how could anyone cling
to the truth?

Does Taehyung know about this?

Suddenly, a memory comes to Jeongguk's mind. Not long ago, he and Taehyung exchanged
their first kiss. It had been so unexpected that Jeongguk had pulled away, leaving the prince
embarrassed. So when Jeongguk realized that he wanted the prince to kiss him after all,
Jeongguk suggested that they simply erase that memory and create a new one.

Jeongguk, I don't think we can change history, Taehyung had said. To which Jeongguk
replied, Of course we can. After all, who will know besides us?

Jeongguk's intention at the time was to make a joke, to relieve the tension installed. If he and
Taehyung stayed together, they would remember, for sure, what really happened, no matter
how stupid it was. They would never replace it with a more perfect story for the sake of
appearances.

But the entire Selection is made up of appearances. If someone were ever to ask them
questions about their first kiss, would Jeongguk and Taehyung tell the truth? Or would they
keep that detail a secret between them? When they died, no one would know, and that
fragment of time, so important to their identity and relationship, would be lost.

Is it that simple? Tell a story to a generation and repeat it until it is accepted as a fact? How
many times had Jeongguk asked someone older than his parents what they knew about
Euphoréa or what their parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents had seen? Zero. They
were old, after all. What could they know? Jeongguk remembers thinking about this at the
time. It had been rather arrogant of him to simply ignore them. He feels ridiculously stupid
right now.

But the important point is not how Jeongguk feels about all this; the important thing is to
know what he is going to do with this information.

Jeongguk had spent his entire life trapped in a hole in their society. By winning a comfortable
life in a beautiful house, Yerin Euphoréa had robbed most of the country of the possibility of
them might even try to do the same one day.

Taehyung had told him a few days ago that if Jeongguk wanted to know who he was, he just
needed to ask. The purple-haired boy is afraid to face the possibility of Taehyung being such
a person, but he has to know. If Jeongguk has to decide between staying in the Selection or
going home, he needs to know exactly what kind of person the man he has strong feelings for
is.

Jeongguk places his robe on over his pajamas, puts on some fluffy slippers and leaves the
room, passing by an unknown guard in the corridor.

"Is everything okay, Mr. Jeon?" He asks, surprise and concern mixed in his voice.

"Yes. Don’t worry. I'll be right back,” Jeongguk warns.

The soldier looks as if he wants to say something more, but Jeongguk walks away so quickly
the man doesn't have time to. He climbs the stairs to the third floor, towards the royal family's
quarters. He remembers Jang-mi warning them that it's strictly forbidden for the selected to
move around in that zone of the palace but Jeongguk is sure Taehyung won't mind.

However, unlike the other floors, there are guards on the landing, preventing Jeongguk from
simply going to Taehyung's bedroom door.

“I need to talk to the prince,” Jeongguk tries to sound firm.

“It's late, Mr. Jeon,” the guard on the left observes.

“The prince won't mind, I'm sure,” he assures.

The guard on the right gives a pretentious little smile. "I don't think the prince needs more
company right now, Mr. Jeon."

Jeongguk frowns thoughtfully, mentally repeating the phrase.

Oh.

Taehyung is with another selected.

Obviously, Jeongguk's treacherous mind immediately thinks that Areum is sitting in the
prince's room, talking, laughing or perhaps sharing the first kiss between her and Taehyung.
Jeongguk involuntarily shudders at the thought.

A maid appears in the hallway with a tray in her hands, walking past him to descend the
stairs. Jeongguk steps out of the maid's path, trying to decide whether he should urge the
guards to let him through or just give up.

When he was about to open his mouth again, one of the men interrupts him. "Go back to bed,
Mr. Jeon."

Jeongguk feels so helpless that he just wants to yell at them or do something. But it wouldn't
do any good; therefore, the purple-haired boy leaves. He hears one of the soldiers, the one
with the cocky smirk, mutters something as Jeongguk walks away, which makes him feel
even worse. Are they making fun of him? Or pity him? Jeongguk doesn't need that. He
already feels bad enough alone.

When Jeongguk returns to the second floor, he is surprised to see the maid who has passed
him, kneeling as if she is fixing her shoe, but obviously not doing any of that. Seeing
Jeongguk, she lifts her head, takes her tray and approaches him.

“He's not in his bedroom,” the maid whispers.

"Who? Taehyung?" Jeongguk tries to clarify.

The woman nods. "Try downstairs."

Jeongguk smiles and nods his head in surprise. "Thank you."

The maid shrugs. “He's nowhere where you can't find him if you look. Plus,” she adds, her
eyes filled with wonder. "We like you."

The maid walks away, heading quickly to the first floor. Jeongguk wonders for a moment
who exactly that «we» was referring to, but for now, her simple act of kindness is enough.
Jeongguk stands for a moment, leaving some space between himself and the maid, and then
goes downstairs.

The Great Hall is open but empty, as is the dining room. Jeongguk inspects the Leisure Hall,
but Taehyung isn't there either. He asks the guards at the door and they assure him that the
prince has not gone into the gardens. Jeongguk then checks some of the libraries and living
rooms, before concluding that Taehyung and Areum should have already separated or gone
back to their respective rooms.

Giving up, Jeongguk rounds a corner and heads for the back staircase, which is closer than
the main one. He doesn't see anything but, as he approaches the steps, Jeongguk hears the
distinct sound of a whisper. He slows his pace, not wanting to be a nuisance and not sure
where that sound is coming from.

Until he hears another whisper.

And a seductive giggle.

And a burning sigh.

The sounds become clearer and it's easy for Jeongguk to be sure where they're coming from.
He takes another step, looks to the left and is faced with two silhouettes embracing each other
in the gloom. As soon as the image is contoured and Jeongguk's eyes adjust to the darkness,
his body turns completely paralyzed.

Taehyung's brown hair is unmistakable, even in the dark. How many times had Jeongguk
seen him like this in the dim light of the gardens? But what he had never seen before, he had
never imagined before, was that hair being stroked by Yejun's long, slender fingers.

Taehyung is practically pinned against the wall by Yejun's body. The Three has his free hand
resting on the prince's chest while his lower members, clothed in mere satin pajama shorts,
reveal his long, tanned legs, which entwine with Taehyung's. Yejun pulls away slightly, only
to slowly fall against Taehyung, apparently to tease him.

Jeongguk waits for Taehyung to tell him to back off, to tell him that Yejun is not who he
wants. But Taehyung doesn't do that. Instead, the prince allows the Three to continue
whispering seductive words in his ear, Taehyung giggling at his displays of affection.

Taehyung's hands, which a couple of days ago were lovingly touching Jeongguk's skin, now
hold Yejun's waist, while the Three begins to leave a trail of kisses from the prince's cheek to
his neck. Yejun lets out another obnoxious giggle when Taehyung closes his eyes and smiles,
tilting his head to the side to allow Yejun's eager lips to continue to drop kisses down his
throat.

As Yejun is no longer ahead of Taehyung, Jeongguk is right in his field of vision. The purple-
haired boy thinks about running away. He thinks of disappearing, of evaporating from that
palace and stopping only when he is miles, miles, miles away. Instead, Jeongguk stays there,
unable to get his brain to send the move orders to the rest of his body.

And then, as if he sensed it, Taehyung opens his eyes and sees him.

As Yejun repeatedly kisses his neck, Taehyung and Jeongguk just stare at each other, both
with different emotions mirrored in their eyes. With no longer the satisfied smile on his lips,
the prince is suddenly petrified. The shock in his eyes forces Jeongguk to finally move.

Yejun had not seen him. Therefore, Jeongguk silently retreats, not even daring to breathe or
blink. When he's sure he's far enough away for them to hear him, Jeongguk breaks into a run,
darting past the guards and butlers who work through the night. Tears well up before
Jeongguk makes it to the top of the main staircase.

He straights up and walks quickly to his bedroom. Jeongguk won't allow himself to cry in the
hall, with so many curious eyes there. He pushes away the worried guard and enters, sitting
on the bed with his face turned towards the balcony. In the silent calm of his room, Jeongguk
feels his heart contract painfully inside his chest, droplets of blood leaking out, hitting the
floor until there was not a single trace of life left inside him.

You’re such an idiot, Jeongguk. So, so, so stupid.

It doesn't take long before there's a fearful knock against the wooden door and Taehyung
enters without waiting for an answer. The prince storms across the room, apparently as angry
as Jeongguk is. How dare he?!

Before Taehyung can utter a single word, Jeongguk confronts him. "You lied to me."

"What?" Taehyung looks incredulous. "When?"

"When didn't you?” Jeongguk accuses, not caring in the least that his voice has started to rise.
“How is it that the same person who made me a thousand and one promises and asked me to
tell him how I feel could even want to be caught in a hallway with someone? Someone like
him, on top of that!"

“What I do with him has absolutely nothing to do with my feelings for you,” Taehyung
clenches his jaw.

Jeongguk scoffs, rolling his eyes. “You're kidding me, aren't you? Or is it because you're
going to be the next king that it makes it acceptable to have women and men suck your neck
whenever you wish?”

Taehyung looks outraged. "No! That's not what I think at all.”

"Why him?" Jeongguk asks, looking at the ceiling. Maybe because right now he doesn't want
to face Taehyung, maybe to keep the tears from running down his cheeks. "Why, out of all
the people on the planet, would you want Yejun?"

He risks looking at the prince, waiting for an answer, but Taehyung shakes his head and looks
around the room, evading the question.

“Taehyung, he is an actor, a fake. You have to be able to see that, underneath all that make-up
and seductive little smiles is a guy who just wants to manipulate you to get what he wants,”
Jeongguk spits.

The prince lets out a dry laugh. "I know that."

His calm disarms Jeongguk. “So why…” But Jeongguk already has his answer.

Taehyung knows. Of course he knows. He had been raised here. Yerin Euphoréa's diaries are
probably his bedside reading. Jeongguk doesn't know why he ever thought otherwise.

He had been so naive! Whenever he thought there was a better option than him for the royal
job, Jeongguk thought it would be Areum. She's charming and patient and a million other
things Jeongguk isn't. But he saw her alongside a different Taehyung.

For the man Taehyung has to be to follow Yerin Euphoréa's example, the only person here
who could keep up with him is Yejun. No one else would be so happy to keep the country at
their feet.

“That's enough,” Jeongguk says, waving his hands. “Did you want a decision? Well, there
you have it. For me, it's over. I'm tired of The Selection, I'm tired of the lies, I'm tired of
feeling insufficient all the damn time. Oh my God, I can't believe I was such an idiot,” he
laughs wryly.

“It's not over, Jeongguk,” Taehyung quickly contradicts and his posture is as expressive as
their words. “Right now, you're furious and that's compromising your decision-making
power. But it's not over.”

Jeongguk lets out another raucous laugh, grabbing his hair with the feeling that he's about to
pull them all out by the roots. “Are you delusional? You know I hate Yejun and I just saw him
kiss your neck and who knows what else! Do you think I can forget that image?"

“For God's sake Jeongguk! You never let me talk!" Taehyung says exasperated.

The purple-haired boy scoffs. “And what can you say to justify that? Send me home. I don't
want to stay here anymore.”

Their exchange of words had been so quick that the prince's sudden silence is startling.

"No."

Jeongguk is furious. Wasn't that exactly what he had asked Jeongguk a few days ago? To
make a decision?
"Kim Taehyung, you're just a child with a toy he no longer wants but he can't stand for
someone else to have!" Jeongguk accuses, gesturing with his hands.

With his natural calm, Taehyung responds, "I understand you're angry, but-"

Jeongguk interrupts the prince by pushing him. "I'm more than pissed off!"

Taehyung remains peaceful. “Jeongguk, don't call me a child. And don't push me.”

“And what are you going to do? Huh?” Jeongguk insists on pushing him again.

Taehyung grabs his wrists without hesitation and pins his arms behind his back. Jeongguk is
sure the prince can see the anger brimming in his eyes and good. Jeongguk wants him to
challenge him. Jeongguk wants a reason to hurt him in the same way Taehyung did.

But there's not a glimpse of fury in Taehyung. Instead, Jeongguk feels that hot electric spark
that has been missing for a long time between them. Taehyung's face is just inches from
Jeongguk's. The prince's brown eyes try to read him, perhaps to know how he would be
received, perhaps not even caring.

Even though everything right now is wrong, Jeongguk still wants him. His body still
desperately wants him and it’s proof of that through the way he reacts. Jeongguk's lips part
before he even realizes what's happening.

But then, Jeongguk shakes his head to organize his thoughts and backs off, approaching the
balcony. He can't fall into temptation. He can't allow his heart to be crushed on any more than
it already is.

Taehyung doesn't react when he walks away.

Jeongguk takes a few deep breaths before facing him again. "Are you going to send me
home?" He asks in a low voice.

Taehyung just shakes his head in denial, unwilling or unable to speak.

“Then, get out,” Jeongguk asks in a whisper, turning away so as not to give the other boy the
satisfaction of seeing him cry.

He waits a few long, difficult seconds before he hears the door rattle. As soon as Taehyung
leaves, Jeongguk falls to the ground, his back sliding through the balcony window as he starts
to sob.

So, Taehyung and Yejun are similar. Everything about them was for show, to keep up
appearances. And Jeongguk now knows that the prince would spend the rest of his life with
sweet little words, making people believe how wonderful he is while keeping them stuck
where they are. Just like Yerin Euphoréa did.

As angry as he is with Taehyung, Jeongguk is even angrier with himself. He should have
fought more. He should have done more. He shouldn't be sitting there feeling defeated.
He wipes the tears away with his trembling hands and analyzes the situation. He didn't want
anything to do with Taehyung anymore, but he's still here. He wants nothing more to do with
the competition, but he still has a presentation to make. The king and many other members of
the team close to him may think that Jeongguk isn't strong enough to be a prince and maybe
they’re right, but Jeongguk still has a streak of faith in himself. Just like his father, the
princess of Portugal and even his friend Namjoon.

Jeongguk is no longer there to win. So how could he leave with a big impact?

When Jang-mi asked him what Jeongguk needed for his speech, the purple-haired boy told
her he wanted a small table to put some books and an easel for the poster he is making. She
was particularly excited about the poster as Jeongguk is the only one there with a real artistic
experience.

He spends hours writing his speech on note cards so he doesn't forget anything, marking
snippets from books to reference throughout the presentation, and rehearsing in front of the
mirror to get past the parts that worried him most. He tried not to think too much about what
he was doing, otherwise, his whole body would start to shake.

Jeongguk asks his servants to make him an outfit for the night in the Official News that will
give him an innocent look.

“When you say it like that, it looks like we've been making you walk around in your
underwear,” Seokjin starts joking.

Jeongguk chuckles. "That's not it. You know I love all the clothes you've made me so far. I
just want to look particularly… Angelic.”

Nabi smiles to herself. "I think we can arrange that."

They must have been working like crazy, because when the big day of the Official News
arrives, Jeongguk only sees Yumi, Nabi and Seokjin when there is only an hour left to the
start of the program and the three enter the bedroom, excited about the suit. This one is white,
diaphanous and luminous, adorned on the right side with a long stripe of purple tulle. The
pants fall in a way that makes Jeongguk look like a cloud and the blazer is so tight it makes
his waistline stand out. He feels beautiful in that suit, grateful for their hard work because it
will probably be the last set of clothes that Jeongguk will wear made by them.

It was difficult to keep his plan a secret, but Jeongguk managed it. When the selected asked
him what he was doing for his presentation, Jeongguk just said it was a surprise. He got some
skeptical stares with that answer, but honestly, he didn't mind in the slightest. Jeongguk also
asked his servants not to touch anything on his desk, not even to clean, and the three of them
respected that, leaving Jeongguk's notes facing down.
Nobody knew.

While his servants help him look good, Jeongguk gazes at the mirror and is absolutely sure
he is alone in this. And it's better this way. He doesn't want anyone - not his servants, not the
others selected, not Namjoon, the person Jeongguk most wanted to tell about what he planned
to do for his presentation - to get into trouble because of him. It only remained for him to get
everything in order.

Jeongguk is scared, but there are many reasons to do this. Everyone deserves better.
Jeongguk, his family, Jimin and Yoongi, Namjoon and even his servants. They are all
detained because of Yerin Euphoréa's plans. Jeongguk would think of them all.

He enters the studio for the Official News, taking with him a stack of marked books and a
folder with his poster. The layout of the space is the same as usual: the seats of the king, the
queen and Taehyung are on the right, near the door, and the seats of the selected ones are on
the left. In the middle of the scene, however, where there is usually a pulpit for the king to
address the nation or a set of chairs for interviews, there is a space for their presentations.
Jeongguk notices the table and easel he requested, but also a screen that he concludes is
useful for someone to pass slides on. It's impressive. He wonders who could have managed to
go so far.

Jeongguk sits in the last free chair, unfortunately beside Yejun, and puts the folder beside
him, keeping the books in his lap. Sohui also has a few books with her, while Areum is
looking up, appearing to be mentally reciting her presentation. Yejun checks his makeup,
futile as ever.

Jang-mi is present too, as is sometimes the case when they have to debate some matter she
has instructed them about, and this time, she seems extremely restless. This is probably the
occasion when the selected have worked hardest to date and everything they did would be
reflected in her.

He swallows hard. Jeongguk had forgotten about Jang-mi. Well, it's too late now.

“You’re all so beautiful, ladies and gentlemen! Incredible!" The woman praises them when
she approaches. "Now that everyone is here, I want to explain a few things. First, the king
will make some announcements and then Hoseok will present the theme of the night: your
philanthropic projects." Jang-mi, normally a palace-hardened practical machine, is thrilled.
She almost bounces as she speaks. "I know you guys have been rehearsing. Each has eight
minutes and if anyone has any questions for you, after you finish, Hoseok will moderate
them. Remember to stay alert and composed. The country is looking forward to seeing you!
If you get lost, take a deep breath and move on. You’ll do amazing. Oh, and you’ll make your
presentations in the order you’re seated, so Lady Sohui will be first one and Gentleman
Jeongguk the last. Good luck to everyone!"

Jang-mi walks away to re-check all the details and he tries to calm down. The last. It might
be an advantage, honestly. Sohui is probably worse off having to be the first one. Jeongguk
looks at her sideways and he notices that the girl has started to sweat. It must be torture for
her to have to concentrate this way.
He can't help but stare at Yejun. Apparently, he doesn't know that Jeongguk saw him with
Taehyung the other night and he wonders why the Three never told anyone about it. The fact
that he kept this information to himself makes Jeongguk think that perhaps it wasn't the first
time.

That thought only makes the situation worse.

"Nervous?" Jeongguk asks, watching the Three scratch at his cuticles.

"No. This is a stupid idea and nobody really cares. I'll be glad when it's over. And I'm a
model,” Yejun says, finally looking at Jeongguk. "I know perfectly well how to stand before
an audience."

“You’re a master at the art of appearances, indeed,” the purple-haired boy mutters, focusing
his attention on an indifferent spot in the studio setting. Even so, Jeongguk can feel Yejun's
mind working to discover the insult implied in the sentence. The Three ends up scoffing and
gives up.

The king enters minutes later, with the queen on his arm. The two talk in low voices and the
subject seems to be very important. Taehyung enters a moment later, adjusting his cufflinks
as he walks to his seat. He looks so innocent, so clean in his dark blue suit. Jeongguk tries to
remind himself that he knows the truth.

And then, Taehyung gazes at him. Jeongguk decides he won't be intimidated by looking
away; so he faces the prince too. A little hesitantly, Taehyung takes his hand to his nose,
subtly poking the mole there, but Jeongguk slowly shakes his head, denying the desire to
meet the prince later. He doesn't notice the sad expression on the prince's face as Jeongguk
gives in and looks away.

Jeongguk gets cold sweats all over his body when the presentations start.

Sohui proposes a pen pal-style letter exchange program between members of the upper castes
and people from New Europe. She suggests that this will help to strengthen ties between
countries, thus contributing to an end to the war. Jeongguk isn't quite sure that it would really
make any difference, but it's a way of reminding Taehyung and the audience why she's still in
the palace. The queen asks her if she knows anyone in New Europe who is open to
participating in the program, to which Sohui says yes.

Areum's performance, as expected, is impressive. She wants to improve the public school
system, an idea that Jeongguk knows will surely touch the queen and Taehyung’s hearts. She
uses the screen to project photographs of one of the schools in the caste Seven province,
which had been sent to her by her parents. The tiredness on the teachers' faces is evident, as
well as the lack of neat facilities, and one of the photographs also show a classroom where
four children are sitting on the floor due to the lack of chairs. It's nothing Jeongguk has never
seen. Not only because he went to an identical school, but also because his sisters go through
the same situation.

The queen asks her dozens of questions, which Areum promptly answers. Using copies of old
reports on financial problems, she even finds a way to get the money needed to start the
project and comes up with ideas for further funding.

When she sits back down in her seat, Jeongguk notices Taehyung giving her a smile and a
nod of approval. Areum's reaction is to blush and fix her eyes on the lace of her yellow dress.
It's really cruel of Taehyung to play with her like this, considering his intimacy with Yejun.
But Jeongguk won't interfere anymore. Let the prince do as he pleases.

Surprisingly, Yejun's presentation is interesting, even if a little manipulative. He suggests that

there should be a minimum salary for the lower castes, according to a gradual scale based on
degrees. However, to obtain these diplomas, the Eights, Sevens, Sixes and even some Fives
would have to attend school… For which they would have to pay… Which would benefit the
Three, as these are the authorized teachers. Of course, as a Three by birth, Yejun would profit
from that, and he has no idea that those from the lower castes would have to work twenty-
four hours a day to make money to pay that. No one would have time to get these degrees,
which means the salary would never change. The idea sounds nice, but it would never work
on practical levels.

Yejun returns to his place and Jeongguk shudders as he gets up. For a brief second, he still
ponders pretending to pass out. But he wants this to happen. He just doesn't want to face the
consequences.

Jeongguk places his poster - a diagram of the castes - on the easel with trembling fingers, and
arranges the books in order on the table. He takes a deep breath and grips the notes tightly,
surprised to discover, as he starts, that he doesn't need them.

It’s now.

“Good evening, Euphoréa. Today, I address you not as a member of the Elite, not as a recent
Three or a Seven by birth, but as a citizen, an equal. According to their caste, the experience
of each one in this country is influenced in a very specific way. I can confirm it myself. But it
was only recently that I discovered how deep my affection for Euphoréa is. Despite having
been raised at times without food or electricity; despite seeing the people I love being forced
to assume, with little hope of change, the positions assigned to them at birth; despite seeing
the abysmal differences between me and the others because of a number, even though we're
not that different...” Jeongguk looks at the others selected. “Despite all this, I love this
country.”

He automatically changes the notecard, knowing where each one ends and begins.

“What I propose would not be simple. I’m aware of that. It could even be painful and difficult
to adapt, but I sincerely believe it could be beneficial to the entire country,” Jeongguk takes a
deep breath, preparing to utter the phrase that would change everything. "I propose that we
eliminate the castes."

In the studio where the Official News is being recorded, several exclamations are heard.
Jeongguk prefers to ignore them so as not to lose not only his train of thought but especially
his courage.
"I know there was a time, when our country was young, when assigning these numbers
helped organize something that was on the verge of disappearing. But we are no longer that
country. Euphoréa is much more now. Allowing people without the talent to have countless
privileges and repressing those who could be the brightest minds in the world, in the name of
an archaic system of organization, is cruel and just makes it impossible for us, as a nation, to
be better, to grow.”

Jeongguk mentions a poll published in one of Yejun's discarded magazines, taken shortly
after they debated the volunteer soldiers, where sixty-five percent of people thought it was a
good idea. Why take people away from that career completely?

He also cites an old report, which the selected had studied, about standardized tests in public
schools. The article was obviously biased, claiming that only three percent of the Sixes and
Sevens demonstrated high levels of intelligence and that, with such a low level, it was
obvious that they should stay where they were. Jeongguk's argument is that the country
should be ashamed to limit these people to cleaning, serving or collecting garbage when they
could be performing heart surgery instead.

Finally, the terrifying task is almost over. Jeongguk wonders if the cameras can film the
incessant tremors that invade his body.

“Perhaps our country is flawed, but we cannot deny its strength. My fear is that, without
change, this force will stagnate. And I love our country too much to let that happen. I have
too much hope and resilience to let that happen,” Jeongguk swallows hard, grateful that he, at
least, managed to finish. “Thank you for your time,” Jeongguk finishes, turning slightly to the
royal family.

The situation is bad. Very bad. Taehyung has an indecipherable expression stamped on his
face, like the day of Jimin and soldier Yoongi’s punishments. The queen looks away,
apparently disappointed. The king, however, glares at Jeongguk.

Without even blinking, he addresses the purple-haired boy. "And how do you suggest we
eliminate the castes?" King Bon-hwa challenges with a scoff. "Do we simply remove them?"

"Well, yes. I don't know, maybe,” Jeongguk stutters.

“And don't you think that would cause riots? Complete chaos?” The king insists. "Wouldn't
that allow the rebels to take advantage of the general confusion?"

Honestly, Jeongguk hadn't thought through that particular part well. He could only think how
unfair everything is.

“I believe that the creation of the castes created considerable confusion. But we passed it. In
fact,” Jeongguk reaches out to reach the stack of books on the table. "I have a description
right here."

As Jeongguk starts looking for the right page in Yerin Euphoréa's diary, the king gets up.

"The transmission was interrupted?" He screams.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” someone from the production team responds.

Jeongguk looks up and notices that the lights that normally indicate that the cameras are on
have gone out. With some gesture that had gone completely unnoticed for Jeongguk, the king
had interrupted the transmission of the Official News.

“Point them to the ground,” the king stares at the cameras, which are immediately turned face
down. He storms over to Jeongguk and snatches the diary out of his hands. "Where did you
get this?"

"Father, stop!" Taehyung approaches them nervously.

"Where did he get this, Taehyung?" The king insists. When the prince remains silent, the
monarch shouts, "Answer me!"

"It was me!" Taehyung confesses, stepping in front of Jeongguk. “We wanted to know what
Halloween was. Yerin wrote about it in her journals and I thought Jeongguk would like to
read more.”

"You idiot!" The king roars. “I knew I should have already given you this for you to read.
You’re completely lost. You have no idea of your own duty!”

What? Oh, no. Taehyung, after all, hadn't read Yerin Euphoréa's diaries? Fuck. Fuck, fuck,
fuck.

“This boy is leaving the palace today,” King Bon-hwa orders. "I'm tired of him!"

Jeongguk tries to shrink, to distance himself as much as possible from the king without being
obvious. He tries not to even breathe too loudly. He turns his face slightly to the selected
ones, focusing on Yejun for some reason. Jeongguk expected the Three to be smiling smugly,
but he looks nervous instead. The king had never acted like that. At least not in front of them.

“You can't send him away. It's my choice and I say Jeongguk stays,” Taehyung states in an
oddly calm tone.

“Kim Taehyung, I am the king of Euphoréa and I say-”

"Could you stop being the king for five minutes and just be my father instead?!" Taehyung
interrupts him with a scream. “The choice is mine. You could do yours and I want to do mine.
No one leaves the palace without me saying so!"

Jeongguk sees Areum lean against Sohui. Both seem to be shaking.

“Yuna, take this where it should be,” the king asks, throwing the book into the queen's hands.
She remains there though, nodding her head but not really moving. "Taehyung, I want to talk
to you in my office."

Jeongguk looks at the prince and maybe it's his impression, but he seems to see a shadow of
panic pass through Taehyung's eyes.
“Or…” The king starts by suggesting. “I can just talk to him,” the monarch concludes,
pointing in Jeongguk's direction.

"No!" Taehyung responds immediately, pushing Jeongguk further behind his back. "That
won’t be necessary. Ladies and gentlemen,” he adds, turning now to the selected. “Why don't
you go to your rooms? Dinner will be served to you there tonight,” Taehyung pauses, facing
only Jeongguk now. In a whisper, he says, “Jeongguk, perhaps you should pack your bags.
For precaution."

The king smiles, a sinister behavior after his recent outburst. "Excellent idea. Come on, son.”

Jeongguk stares at Taehyung, who looks defeated, impulsively grabbing the prince's wrist.
“Tae… I… I'm sorry-” Jeongguk is so, so embarrassed. And regretful.

The prince opens his mouth to say something but ends up shaking his head and leaving the
studio, walking after his father. Areum twists her hands, looking at Taehyung. Jeongguk can’t
blame her. Something about it all looks extremely threatening.

When a hand appears in front of Jeongguk's face, he is so startled that he instantly recoils.

“I won't hurt you,” Hoseok says in a tender tone of voice. "I just want to help you get up."

With the whole situation, Jeongguk didn't even notice the moment when his legs gave out and
caused him to fall to the ground. Jeongguk gives his hand to Hoseok, surprised that his legs
are shaking so badly.

“He must love you a lot,” Hoseok comments, as Jeongguk catches up.

The purple-haired boy can’t face the Master of Ceremonies. Love? Taehyung loving him?
"Why do you say that?"

Hoseok lets out a sigh. “I've known Taehyung since he was a child. He never faced his father
like this.”

The Master of Ceremonies then walks away, instructing the filming team not to say anything
about what they had seen and heard there that night. The queen, despite the king's orders, is
still there, looking thoughtfully at Jeongguk.

“Your Highness…” Jeongguk begins, thinking he should at least apologize to the female
monarch. “I am so sorry. I wasn't trying to… I just…”

“I know, my dear,” the queen nods in understanding.

Further elaborating on his justifications would only put Jeongguk at risk of making things
worse. So, he makes a final deep bow to the queen and slowly leaves the studio, struggling
with the disaster he has wrought.

♕
The last thing Jeongguk expected to see when entering his room was a round of applause
from his servants. He stands there for a moment, genuinely moved by their support and
comforted by the radiant pride in their faces.

As soon as they stop leaving him shy, Seokjin pulls him into a hug, surprising the purple-
haired boy with the gesture of affection. "Very well said, Jeongguk!"

The purple-haired boy sees in his eyes such joy at what Jeongguk had said that, for a second,
he doesn't feel so awful.

“I can't believe you did that! Nobody ever defends us!" Yumi adds.

“Prince Taehyung has to choose you!” Nabi exclaims. “You’re the only one who gives me
hope."

Hope.

A word that Jeongguk has been receiving lately and that he still hasn't quite demystified the
meaning.

Right now, he needs to think and the only place he can do it is in the gardens. Although his
servants had insisted for him to stay, Jeongguk leaves his bedroom, taking the longer path and
descending the back stairs at the other end of the hall. Aside from the occasional guard, the
first floor is deserted and silent. Thankfully. It looks like the rest of the palace must be
buzzing with activity after everything that had happened in the last hour.

As Jeongguk passes by the hospital wing, a door opens and he runs into Taehyung, who drops
a sealed metal box. The prince moans after their collision, though they haven't crashed that
hard.

"What are you doing outside your room?" Taehyung asks, slowly bending down to pick up
the box. Jeongguk notices that the metallic object has the prince's name engraved on the side.
He wonders what Taehyung would keep in the hospital wing.

“I was going to the garden to help me find out if what I did was stupid or not…”

Taehyung seems to be having difficulty standing up. He scoffs, "Oh, I can assure you it was
stupid."

"Do you need help?" Jeongguk asks, temporarily ignoring the subject of his presentation as
pain flashes across Taehyung's face constantly.

“No,” the prince quickly denies, avoiding Jeongguk's gaze. “I'm going to my bedroom. And I
advise you to do the same.”

“Taehyung…” The calm request in Jeongguk's voice makes Taehyung look at him. “I'm so
sorry. I was furious and I wanted... I don't even know anymore. And you were the one who
said that there were advantages to being One, that it was possible to change things.”
He sighs in exasperation. “But you, Jeongguk, are not One.” Silence settles between them.
“And even if you were, have you never paid attention to the way I do things? Discreetly and
gradually. That's how it has to be for now. You can't go on full national television to complain
about the way things are done and expect support from my father, or anyone else.”

"Forgive me!" Jeongguk repeats, feeling the tears from earlier coming back. "I'm so, so
sorry."

The prince pauses for a moment. "I don’t know if-"

Both hear the scream at the same time. Taehyung turns around and starts walking towards the
sound, to which Jeongguk follows him, trying to decipher the noise. Is someone fighting? As
they approach the intersection between the main hallway and the doors to the garden, they
see a crowd of guards running into that area.

"Sound the alarm!" Screams someone. "They went through the gates!"

“Get your weapons ready!” Another guard yells over the noise.

"Alert the king!"

And then, like a swarm of bees, several small, fast things fly into the hallway through the
glass doors and windows. A guard is hit and falls backward, slamming his head against the
marble that produces a disturbing crack. The blood gushing from his chest makes Jeongguk
scream in horror. Taehyung instinctively pulls Jeongguk behind his back.

"Your Majesty!" One of the guards calls, running towards them. "You need to go downstairs
immediately!"

The soldier turns Taehyung sharply and pushes him. The prince screams and drops the metal
box again. Jeongguk looks at the hand the soldier had touched Taehyung with, imagining that
he must have stuck a knife in his back, judging by his scream. All Jeongguk sees is a thick
ring on the guard’s thumb instead. Jeongguk hurries to grab the box by the side handle,
hoping not to destroy anything inside, and runs towards where the guard is trying to lead
them.

“I can't do it alone,” Taehyung grunts, breathing hard.

Jeongguk looks at him and notices that the prince is sweating. Something very serious is
happening with him.

"Yes, sir. Let me help you,” the guard offers helpfully, putting Taehyung's arm over his
shoulders. "This way."

The soldier drags Taehyung to a corner that seems to have no way out. Jeongguk wonders if
the man will leave them there until the guard taps an invisible button on the wall, opening yet
another of the palace's mysterious doors. It's so dark inside that Jeongguk can't see where it
will lead, but Taehyung enters without hesitation, his back arched.
“Let my mother know that Jeongguk and I are safe. Do this before anything else,” the prince
asks.

"Yes, sir. I'll come to pick you up personally when the attack is over," the guard promises,
running back into chaos.

The siren sounds. Jeongguk genuinely hopes that there is still time to save everyone.
Taehyung grabs Jeongguk's hand and pulls him inside so he can close the door, leaving them
in complete darkness. The shelter is so stiff that Jeongguk can't even make out the sound of
the alarm. He hears the prince rub his hand on the wall until he finds a switch that lights the
room in a dim orange glow.

Jeongguk looks around and surveys the space. There are some shelves with gray plastic
packages and another with some thin blankets. In the middle of that tiny space is a wooden
bench that can seat about four people and, on the far wall, a small washbasin and what
appears to be a very basic toilet. There are several hooks nailed to one of the walls, but
nothing hanging. The entire room smells of the metal of what the walls seem to be made of.

“At least this is a good one,” Taehyung comments, staggering to the bench.

"What’s wrong with you?" Jeongguk can't contain his worry anymore.

“Nothing,” the prince answers in a low voice, resting his head on his arms.

Jeongguk sits down beside him and sets the metal box down on the bench, looking around the
room once more. "I assume they must be Whales."

Taehyung nods. Jeongguk tries to calm his breathing and erase from his mind what he has
just seen. Will that guard survive? Could anyone even survive something like that?

Jeongguk wonders how far the rebels could have gone during the time it took them to hide.
Had the alarm been quick enough to alert the others?

"Are we safe here?" Jeongguk asks.

“Yes,” the prince assures. “This is one of the shelters for the servants. If they're in the kitchen
or in the store, they're pretty safe. But those in the palace carrying out their tasks may not
have enough time to get there, that's why we have some of these hiding places around the
first floor of the palace. These are not as safe as the large royal family shelter, where we have
long supplies, but they are good for an emergency.”

"Do the rebels know about the existence of these shelters?"

“Maybe,” Taehyung shrugs, wincing after making the gesture. “But they cannot enter while
the shelters are in use. There are only three ways to get out. With a key, you can activate them
from the outside or from the inside.” The prince taps his pocket, implying that he could take
them out if necessary. “Or else, you have to wait two days. After forty-eight hours, the doors
open automatically. The guards check each of the shelters as soon as the attacks are over, but
there's always the possibility that they'll miss one and, without the delayed opening
mechanism, someone could be trapped here forever.”

Taehyung takes some time to explain everything. He is clearly in pain and only the image is
making Jeongguk's chest constrict. The prince leans forward and snorts when that movement
seems to make whatever it is that is hurting him worse.

“Taehyung? Please… What's going on?” Jeongguk begs for an explanation, feeling his heart
pounding furiously with worry.

“I can't… I can't take it anymore. Jeongguk, will you help me take off my coat?” Taehyung
asks, closing his eyes.

He extends his arm and Jeongguk is on his feet in a flash to help him slide the dark blue
blazer down his back. Taehyung lets it fall behind him unceremoniously and moves to the
buttons on his white shirt. Jeongguk starts to help him, but Taehyung interrupts, wrapping
Jeongguk's hands in his.

“Right now, your ability to keep secrets isn't the most impressive. But this is one you'll have
to take to the grave. Yours and mine. Promise?” Taehyung looks at him expectantly.

Jeongguk hurries to nod, though he doesn't quite understand what the prince means by that.
Taehyung lets go of his hands slowly and Jeongguk unbuttons his shirt with trembling
fingers. The purple-haired boy wonders if Taehyung had ever dreamed of him doing this.
Jeongguk has to admit that he had.

Jeongguk had once seen a sculpture, hundreds of years old, depicting an athlete throwing a
disc. At the time, he had thought that only an artist could create that: make someone's body
look so beautiful. But he was clearly mistaken. Taehyung's chest is as sculpted, tanned and
defined as any piece of art Jeongguk has ever seen. Taehyung is the artwork itself.

But this mesmerizing view ends when Jeongguk begins stripping Taehyung's shirt from
behind. Or trying to. The white fabric is glued to the prince's skin and makes a wet, sticky
sound as Jeongguk tries to pull.

“Slow down, please,” Taehyung asks between quickened breaths.

Jeongguk nods and goes behind Taehyung to try that side instead, and that's when his heart
stops. The small organ that symbolizes life falls to his feet as Jeongguk's eyes process the
image in front of him: the back of Taehyung's shirt is soaked in blood.

Unable to control himself, Jeongguk lets out a horrified exclamation and stands still for a
moment, trying to process that. But then, suspecting his bewilderment would only make
things worse, Jeongguk goes back to work. He has to help Taehyung. As soon as he removes
the shirt from the prince's skin, Jeongguk hangs the piece of fabric on one of the hooks,
taking a deep breath to regain control.

Jeongguk stares at Taehyung's back. A bloody cut rips his skin from his shoulder to his waist,
slicing through another that also bleeds. This, in turn, passes over another that seems to have
healed for some time, which crosses another one where the skin is already wrinkled. There
seem to be six recent cuts on Taehyung's back, on top of many others, too many to count.

Blood slowly trickles down Taehyung's tanned skin, seeming to ironically symbolize the way
Jeongguk feels internally.

How did this happen? Taehyung is the prince. He is a nobleman, a sovereign, a human being
apart from all others. He is above everything, sometimes even the law. So how is he covered
with scars?

And then, that's when Jeongguk remembers the king's gaze that night. And Taehyung's effort
to hide his fear. That could only be the explanation, there were too many coincidences. How
can a parent do this to their child?

Jeongguk walks away again, sober now, intending to find a cloth to stop the blood and clean
the wounds. He goes to the sink and is happy to see it works, even though the water is ice as
cold.

Jeongguk takes a deep breath and tries to calm the incessant tremors that run through his
body, approaching Taehyung to help him. “This might sting a little,” He warns in a choked
voice.

“That’s okay,” the prince answers in a whisper. "I’m used to it."

The purple-haired boy takes the wet cloth and gently passes it over the large cut on
Taehyung's shoulder, deciding that he will work from top to bottom. The prince shakes a little
at the contact but bears it in silence. How long has Taehyung been suffering from this to be
able to control the pain?

When Jeongguk moves to the second cut, Taehyung starts talking. “I've been preparing for
this night for years, you know?” He sighs, pausing for a few seconds. "I was waiting for the
day when I was strong enough to face my father."

Taehyung is silent for a moment and some things then start to make sense: the reason why a
person who works mainly at the desk has such respectable muscles; why he is always half-
dressed and ready for any unexpected event; the reason why someone calling him a child and
pushing him makes him so angry.

Jeongguk clears his throat. "And why did you face him?"

The prince pauses. "I was afraid that if he didn't have me, he would go after you instead."

Jeongguk's hands are forced to stop for a moment, his body too stunned to move. Tears
threaten to fall, a single drop even slides down his face, but Jeongguk tries to hold them back.
He has to stay strong and in control. For Taehyung.

"Anybody knows?" Jeongguk asks.

"No."
“Not even the doctor? Or your mother?"

“The doctor must know, but he is discreet. I asked him to be,” the prince begins. “And I
would never tell my mother, nor give her any reason to be suspicious. She would have a huge
heartbreak and I couldn't bear to see it. She knows my father is demanding and strict with me,
but not to this point. I can handle it.”

Jeongguk bites his lower lip, continuing to clean the cuts.

"He's not like that with her," Taehyung assures quickly as if reading the purple-haired boy's
thoughts. "My mother is capable of being the only person my father doesn't dare to raise his
voice even once."

“Hum…” Jeongguk mumbles, not knowing what else to say. Of course he is relieved to know
that the king doesn't mistreat the queen, but with the image in front of his eyes, it's hard to
keep his heart from breaking into a thousand pieces.

“Fuck, it burns,” Taehyung huffs as Jeongguk wipes the rag once more over the bruised skin.
Jeongguk stops for a moment, giving him a few seconds for Taehyung to catch his breath.
After a couple of minutes, the prince nods his head for Jeongguk to continue. "These things
take a while to stop hurting, especially when we're determined to take care of them alone."

"What was the reason for the others?" Jeongguk asks, the words echoing in his mind from the
first moment he encountered the wounds. Then, as if absorbed that he's talked too much,
Jeongguk shakes his head. "I’m sorry. You don't have to answer that. It was impolite of me to
ask."

Taehyung shrugs his sane shoulder. “Things I said. Things I did. Things I know."

Jeongguk's hand stills, falling helplessly into his lap. “Things I know…” He adds, no longer
able to control the incessant, hot tears that trickle down his cheeks. “Tae, I…”

He lets out a sob that makes him lose control. Jeongguk's entire body shakes violently with
shock and hurt. It's as if he was the one who did this to Taehyung and the guilt is too
poisonous to run through his veins.

Taehyung doesn't turn around, but his hand reaches out and finds Jeongguk's knee. "Don’t say
that. I don’t blame you. I could never." When Jeongguk doesn't respond, only to sob and cry
even more, Taehyung adds with a weak smile, "How are you going to finish taking care of
me if you're crying?"

Jeongguk lets out a weak laugh through his tears and wipes his face, not caring in the least
that his fingers and white suit have a few bloodstains. The purple-haired boy just cleans
everything as tenderly as possible, trying not to hurt Taehyung.

"Do you think there are any bandages around here?" Jeongguk asks, looking around the
shelter.

“In the metal box I brought,” Taehyung points with his chin.
While the prince remains seated, calming his breath, Jeongguk unzips the box, looking at the
abundance of items. He sighs softly, reading the labels until he finds a disinfectant solution, a
product that seems to relieve pain, and the white bandages. Jeongguk steps behind the prince
again, kneeling on the floor and preparing to apply the medications.

“This is probably going to hurt,” Jeongguk warns again, concerned for the other boy's well-
being.

Taehyung just nods, as if he's already prepared for what's coming. When the disinfectant
solution touches his skin, Taehyung growls once but then remains silent. Jeongguk tries to be
quick and careful, attempting to make the prince as comfortable as possible.

When he starts putting the ointment on the wounds, it becomes clear that whatever it is helps
the pain. The tension in Taehyung's shoulders fades as Jeongguk works, which makes him
feel relieved. In a way, it's as if Jeongguk is repairing some of the damage he's done. This
causes him to close his eyes for a couple of seconds and swallow hard.

Taehyung lets out a relaxed chuckle. “I knew that, sooner or later, my secret would come out.
I've been trying to make up a good story for years for when the day comes. I was hoping to
find something plausible as I already knew my partner would see the scars, but I'm still
blocked. Any ideas to let someone know you're disgusting for having your back covered in
scars?” He lets out another laugh, this time shakier and huskier.

Jeongguk shakes his head frantically, even though the prince can't see. “Tae… You're not
disgusting. You could never be. If anything, these scars only make you more beautiful, more
perfect. I hate that you think that way…” The purple-haired boy lets out another weak sob,
placing a tender, lingering kiss against Taehyung's shoulder to emphasize the words he will
utter next. "You’re beautiful. All of you. Never doubt that, please.”

Even though the prince doesn't respond verbally, he can see Taehyung's body shudder a little,
and this time it looks like it's not from the pain. Jeongguk leans over again, trailing feather-
light kisses across the uninjured skin, in order to not only enhance his opinion of the
mesmerizing beauty of the man in front of him but also to somehow help alleviate the pain.

When the bandages are in place, Jeongguk mutters, "I think I'm done."

Taehyung twists and bends a little on the bench, moving very carefully. He turns to look at
Jeongguk with an expression filled with gratitude. “It's excellent, Jeongguk. Better than what
I've ever done. Thank you."

“Please, don't thank me for this,” Jeongguk mutters.

The prince stares at him for long moments and the silence between them grows. What could
they say? Jeongguk's eyes insist on descending to Taehyung's chest, eager and curious, but he
knows he has to stop that.

“I'll go wash your shirt,” Jeongguk volunteers as an excuse, ducking into the corner of the
shelter, rubbing his shirt with his hands as he watches the water turn a rusty color before
 flowing down the pipe. The blood won't come out all the way, but at least it gives Jeongguk
something to do.

When he's done, Jeongguk wrings out the shirt to drain off the excess water and hangs it back
on one of the wall hooks. When he turns around, Taehyung continues to stare at him.

Slowly, Jeongguk sits beside the prince on the bench, smoothing the sweaty hair off
Taehyung's forehead and eyes with slow, tender fingers.

"Why don't you ever ask me the questions I want to answer?" Taehyung interrupts the silence
with his voice, heavier and deeper than usual.

“I didn't know I did that,” Jeongguk replies simply.

"But you do."

"Well, then what did I not ask that you want to answer?" Jeongguk retorts, looking intently
into Taehyung's brown eyes.

The prince takes a deep breath and carefully leans forward, resting one of his hands on
Jeongguk's face. "Don't you want me to explain to you about Areum and Yejun? Don't you
think you deserve that?"

Chapter End Notes

my twitter
my curious cat
playlist
 fourteen
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes

XIV

Jeongguk crosses his arms, trying to protect himself from what he has been wanting to know
for so long while, at the same time, he is aware that he’s not ready to face reality.

“I heard Areum's version of what happened between you two, how you got closer. As for
Yejun… Ugh, I'd rather never talk about him again, honestly,” Jeongguk rolls his eyes, hiding
his grimace.

Taehyung laughs. “You’re so stubborn. I'll miss that.”

The purple-haired boy is silent for a moment, just staring at the prince. “Does that mean it's
over then? I'm out of the Selection?”

“Jeongguk… You know I don’t want that but I don't know if I could prevent you from
leaving,” Taehyung sighs. “My father made it very clear that he wants to see you outside the
palace. You know very well that this is not my wish. I mean, I hope you know that... But I
also can’t be sure if I can stand to see you here suffering at my father's hands. Honestly, I
don't know what he's capable of anymore." Another sigh. "Wasn't that what you wanted,
anyway?" He faces Jeongguk.

“I was furious,” Jeongguk shakes his head in denial, whispering. “So furious. I… I tend to be
impulsive and act without thinking… I don't…” He looks away, not wanting to cry again.

“There's nothing to be done about it now,” Taehyung begins moments later. “It was an
irresponsible act on your part, I won't deny it… But that doesn't change the way I feel about
you,” the prince confesses. Apparently, Taehyung has decided that Jeongguk needs to hear
what he has to say, whether he likes it or not, whether he's prepared to face it or not. The
prince had finally cornered him and Jeongguk had no choice but to listen to everything
Taehyung wants to tell him. “There was a time when I honestly thought you were mine,” the
prince confesses in a whisper.

Jeongguk looks at him in surprise, not at all expecting to hear those words. Taehyung has his
eyes fixed on the ceiling.

“If I could, I would have asked for your hand in marriage already. I really thought about
doing it at the Halloween party. But I didn't do it because I wanted you to be one hundred
percent sure of what you wanted. I'm supposed to have an official event, with my parents,
guests and the cameras, but I was going to propose in private, when you were ready, and only
give the reception afterward. I know how much you hate being the center of attention and, if
you chose me, I wanted that moment to be special and romantic, just ours.”

Jeongguk closes his eyes, feeling a couple of tears warm his face, still stained by the previous
ones. Taehyung doesn't hesitate to clean each one of them.

“I even had a speech prepared with all the promises I wanted to make to you. I would
probably have forgotten about it and made a fool of myself with nerves instead. But that
doesn't matter now,” Taehyung lets out a dry laugh. He pauses slightly. “When you pulled me
away… I panicked. I genuinely thought there was a good chance I could get rid of this crazy
contest and end it with someone genuine, with someone who saw me beyond the stupid
crown, with someone who truly cared about me. However, after what happened with Jimin, I
found myself feeling like I was on the first day of the Selection again, only now my options
were much more limited. I felt that I had lost you and that I would have to make a choice that
was not the one I genuinely wanted. I felt desperate,” Taehyung confesses, pulling away from
Jeongguk's eyes to stare at some spot in his pants instead. “And then, Areum came to me. So
humble, just wanting to see me happy, and I wondered how I hadn't seen that side of her until
now. From the beginning, you tried to show me that she would be a great candidate, and I
was also aware of how nice and attractive she was, but after all, there was something more in
her this whole time.”

The purple-haired boy puts his feet up on the bench, tucking his chin into his knees and
hugging his legs. That's exactly what Jeongguk wanted to run away from. From the truth
coming out of Taehyung's mouth. From the reality exposed by Taehyung's heart and feelings.

“I don't think I was really looking. Why would I do that if I already had you?” Taehyung asks
rhetorically, staring at Jeongguk deeply.

The purple-haired boy closes his eyes, burying his face deeper into his legs, trying to hide
from the excruciating pain. Jeongguk had ruined everything.

"Do you love her?" Even in the midst of the agonizing pain, Jeongguk asks meekly. He isn't
able to face and see the expression on Taehyung's face, but the long pause makes him
understand that there is something profound between the two. Nothing he wasn't already
aware of, anyway.

"No. I don't love Areum,” Taehyung finally replies. “It's clearly different than what you and I
had. It's calmer, maybe friendlier, yes. But it's constant. I can rely on Areum and know,
without any doubt, that she is dedicated to me. As you can see, there are very few certainties
in my world. The fact that she is comforting and something stable in my life is reassuring.”

Jeongguk nods, still avoiding looking Taehyung in the eye. All he can think about is that
Taehyung had talked about them both in the past and only had praise for Areum. Jeongguk
wants to have something bad to say about her, something that would harm her a little in his
eyes, but Jeongguk doesn't. He couldn’t. Areum, in addition to being his friend, is a lady. She
did everything right from the start and the purple-haired boy is surprised how Taehyung
preferred Jeongguk to her. For a while, at least. Areum is the perfect princess for him.
“I can understand that,” Jeongguk nods again. “She gave you the security I couldn't. But why
Yejun?” He asks, finally facing Taehyung. “If Areum is so wonderful…”

Taehyung nods, apparently embarrassed by the matter. But the idea of talking about it had
come from him; therefore, it’s because he must already have some explanation in mind. The
prince gets up, carefully straightening his back, and begins pacing.

“As you know, my life is full of stressful situations that I honestly prefer not to reveal,”
Taehyung says apologetically. “I live in a state of constant pressure and tension. I'm always
being watched, judged, commented on… My parents, our advisers… There are always
cameras in my life and now you're here too,” the prince explains with a gesture towards
Jeongguk, symbolizing all the selected. “I'm sure you've already felt limited because of your
caste, but try to imagine how I feel. There are things I saw, Jeongguk, and things I know; and
I don't think I'll ever be able to change them.”

Jeongguk understands it. Of course he does. Just because the two have completely different
types of life, from opposite ends, doesn't mean that Taehyung hasn't gone through a lot too.
Now that Jeongguk started to unravel the prince's layers, he really understands that.

“I assume you're aware of the fact that my dad should, theoretically, resign when I'm twenty-
five, basically when he thinks I'm ready to lead. But do you think he's ever going to stop
pulling strings backstage? That will never happen as long as he lives,” Taehyung scoffs. "And
I know he's terrible, but I don't want him to die... He's my father, after all."

Jeongguk again shakes his head in affirmation. His heart aches for everything Taehyung went
through.

“And, by the way, he influenced the Selection from the start. When my parents let me see the
submissions and choose my contestants, I really thought I would have more of a hand in the
contest. But apparently, I was sorely mistaken,” Taehyung shakes his head in disappointment.
"If you look at the selected that are left, everything becomes very clear." The prince starts
counting the competitors on his fingers. “Sohui is extremely docile, which makes her my
dad's favorite because, according to him, I'm way too willful. The fact that he likes her so
much makes me have to fight the urge to hate her,” he grimaces. “Plus, she also has allies in
New Europe, even though I'm not sure they'll be of any good. This war…” Taehyung thinks
about something and then shakes his head.

There seems to be some detail about the war that Taehyung doesn't want to tell Jeongguk but
the boy can't judge him. He's been showing that he's not good with secrets, even if it wasn't
intentional.

“And she's so… I don't even know how to describe it. I knew from the beginning that I didn't
want someone who would agree with everything I said or someone who would just obey and
worship me. I hate that! I try to contradict her and she relents. Every. Single. Time! It's
extremely frustrating. It's like Sohui doesn't have a personality of her own,” Taehyung
complains, gesturing as much as possible considering the bandages on his back.

He takes a deep breath to calm himself. Jeongguk had never realized how much Sohui
irritated him. Taehyung is always so patient with everyone.
Finally, Taehyung faces him. "You. You were my choice. From the beginning, since my eyes
fell on your candidature... You were my only choice. You were the hope, you were the reason
for me not to be completely depressed about the Selection. Or do you think I was overjoyed
to have twelve strangers in my house fighting for me?” The prince snorts. Jeongguk didn't
know that Taehyung felt that way about the contest. The Selection is basically a must for all
princes, Jeongguk knows that, but he wasn't aware that it was a punishment for Taehyung
instead. “My father was not enthusiastic when he saw you, he thought you didn't have much
potential, but so far, you haven't done anything to make him angry. In fact, I even think he
wouldn't mind if I chose you as long as you were well behaved in his eyes. He used your
recent actions to point out my flaws in judgment and insists he will have the final say from
now on.”

And that final say is characterized by the expulsion of Jeongguk from the palace. He knows
that. His proposal to eliminate the castes had been enough for the king.

Taehyung shakes his head, tearing Jeongguk from his thoughts as well. "But that's another
story. The others, Jimin, Areum, and Yejun, were chosen by advisers. Jimin was one of the
favorites, as is Areum,” the prince lets out a sigh. “Areum would be a good choice. I know
that… We talk and laugh, and I've already tried to get closer to her, at least to find out if we
have… Chemistry,” he confesses, looking apologetically at Jeongguk, who feels another kick
against his ribs. "But I can’t. I can't get intimate with her because every time I try… It's not
her eyes I'm looking for, it's not her hands I long to touch me… Anyway, that doesn't matter
now,” Taehyung interrupts, shaking his head to push those thoughts away.

Jeongguk doesn't know what to feel, whether to be happy about it or not. His head is full of
questions and answers that don't seem to make sense. What's he supposed to think about all
this?

“As for Yejun…” Taehyung continues. “He is very influential, a celebrity of his own. He
looks good on television. And it seems logical that someone practically at my level would be
my final choice. I know you hate him but I have to admit I like him, if only for his tenacity.
Yejun, at least, has personality. But I’m perfectly aware of how manipulative he is and that he
is doing his best to make the most of this situation. I know that, when he smiles at me or
touches me, it's the crown he has in his heart.”

The prince closes his eyes tightly as if what he is about to say is the worst part, as if he feels
so ashamed that he can't get the words out while facing Jeongguk.

“He's using me, so I don't feel guilty when I use him too,” Taehyung confesses in a painful
whisper. “I know this is something really horrible to say, believe me, I know. But… Is it so
bad that I want to spend fifteen minutes without worries? Just… Feeling good? Pretend for a
while that I'm not a prince, that I'm just a young adult enjoying life? Pretend someone really
loves me, beyond the crown, the money, the fame, the status?" Taehyung finally looks at
Jeongguk. "And I would much rather be in your arms because you're the only person I can
really be with, touch and kiss… But you barely talk to me… You can judge me if you want,
but I can't apologize for wanting a little bit of normality in my life. Even if it's completely
without feelings."
The prince looks deeply into Jeongguk's eyes, awaiting his disapproval and judgment and, at
the same time, hoping it doesn't arise. “I get it, Tae. I can understand it,” Jeongguk swallows
hard, speaking sincerely even as the images brewing in his brain make his blood run cold.
“Would you choose him then? Yejun, I mean?”

Taehyung returns to sit beside him, moving with care. Jeongguk can't even imagine how
much his back must be hurting. And just the impotence of not being able to wrest this
suffering from him makes Jeongguk ache too.

“If I had to, I would choose Yejun over Sohui. But that won't happen unless Areum decides to
leave,” Taehyung explains with sad eyes.

“Areum is a good choice. I always thought so,” Jeongguk smiles even as a tear escapes the
corner of his eyes. This time, not even Taehyung is able to clean it. "She will be a much
better princess than I ever would be."

The prince lets out a few giggles. “She is less instigating, I have no doubt about that. God
knows what would happen to the country with you ahead,” Taehyung smiles teasingly,
probably in an attempt to dissipate the tension and sadness that has settled between them.

Jeongguk laughs too, nodding in agreement. "I would probably ruin it."

Taehyung's smile turns into one of sadness and of wishing things were different instead.
"Perhaps, Euphoréa needs to be ruined."

The two of them remain there, in absolute silence, their eyes wandering for a long time over
their faces, as if they wanted to memorize every feature.

Jeongguk imagines how their world would be if it was ruined. They can't get rid of the royal
family, because they couldn't make them be something else, but maybe they could change the
way they do certain things. Positions could be by election rather than inherited. And as for
the castes… Jeongguk was sincere in his presentation. He would really love to see them
disappear forever.

"Can you do me a favor?" Taehyung's deep voice interrupts the stillness.

"What?"

“Well, I shared a lot of things with you tonight that are very hard to admit. I was wondering if
you could answer a question for me,” the prince asks hesitantly.

His face is so sincere that Jeongguk can’t refuse. As if he could refuse anything from the man
sitting across from him. He hopes not to regret whatever it was, but Taehyung had been more
honest with Jeongguk than what he deserves at this point.

“Yes, whatever you want,” Jeongguk nods.

Taehyung swallows hard, seeming to formulate the question carefully in his head. After
locking his gaze with Jeongguk's, he asks, “Were your feelings for me really true? Were you
sure about them at least?"
Taehyung's gaze is too intense and Jeongguk wonders if the prince is able to see the answer
there, with large, colorful letters mirrored in Jeongguk's eyes. All the emotions he had fought
from day one, because Jeongguk thought Taehyung was something that, after all, he isn't; all
the feelings he could never name.

Jeongguk lowers his head. “I know when I thought you were responsible for what happened
to Jimin and Yoongi, I was devastated,” Jeongguk starts by admitting. “Not just because of
what had happened, but because I didn't want to think that you could be that kind of person.
The kind of person I've always envisioned as a prince would be, not the person I realized you
weren't when I truly got to know you. I was scared to death that, after all, I was right from the
start.”

Taehyung nods silently, waiting for Jeongguk to continue.

“I know that when you talk about Areum or when I think of the image of Yejun touching you
like that… I feel my heart bleeding until there's not a single drop left and my insides all mix
in a big knot. I can barely breathe when I picture you next to someone else,” Jeongguk
confesses. “And now… Now I wonder if I would have said yes right away if you had asked
me to marry you at the Halloween party,” the last words are said in a whisper. It's too hard to
think about that, what could have been.

“I also know that I never knew what to think about your dates with the others selected, even
though my rational side knows you have no choice but to do so," Jeongguk continues. "And
the fact that you're a prince… The fact that understanding, accepting and admitting my
feelings are directly involved with a job, a crown, a status… That was, perhaps, the most
difficult. Even with everything you've told me tonight, I think there will always be parts of
you that you'll keep to yourself. But despite everything…” Jeongguk takes a deep breath,
looking into Taehyung's eyes as he nods his head. He isn't able to utter those words out loud
but he wants to believe that Taehyung is perfectly capable of seeing them, there, hovering in
a cloud between them. If Jeongguk say them out loud, how would he be able to leave the
palace?

“Thank you,” Taehyung responds. "At least now I'm sure that, for a brief moment during our
time together, you and I felt the same way."

Jeongguk's eyes sting, threatening to overflow with more incessant tears. Taehyung had never
really told him that he loved him, just like Jeongguk had never too, and he wasn't exactly
saying it now either. Yet, the words are so, so close. He can feel it.

“I was such an idiot,” Jeongguk says with a sob. He had fought with all his might against the
tears, but he can't take it anymore. “I let the crown scare me and make me not want you. I
told myself you weren't really that important to me. I was always thinking that you lied to
me, or betrayed me, that you didn't trust me or that you didn't care about me enough. I let
myself believe that I wasn't important to you," the purple-haired boy pauses, staring at
Taehyung's beautiful and expressive face. "Now… Now, just by looking at your back, I know
you'd do anything for me. And I screwed up. I just screwed everything up…”

Uncontrollable, Jeongguk lets his sobs and incessant crying be swallowed up by Taehyung's
arms, which squeeze him securely and gently. Taehyung hugs him in silence, stroking and
kissing Jeongguk's hair from time to time.

Jeongguk just wished he could erase everything and just have that moment, that brief second
when he and Taehyung know how much they mean to each other. Even if they still can't put a
word to that multitude of feelings, even if their hearts are too scared to admit it, they know.

“Please, Jeongguk… Don't cry. I would spare your tears for the rest of my life if I could,” the
prince's voice breaks out as well, implying that even he is tearing up.

“I'll never see you again, Tae… And it's all my fault,” Jeongguk closes his eyes tightly, never
wanting to let go of those arms.

Taehyung hugs him even more. "No, I should have been franker."

“I should have been more patient,” Jeongguk retorts.

“I should have asked for your hand in marriage at that party,” Taehyung mutters painfully.

“I should have let you do it,” Jeongguk replies a few seconds later.

Taehyung chuckles, even though it's a sad laugh. Jeongguk looks at his face, not knowing
how many more smiles he would be able to see. The prince's fingers wipe the tears away
from Jeongguk's cheeks and he stands there, eyes locked with the purple-haired boy's.
Jeongguk stares at him too, desperately wanting to remember this moment.

“Jeongguk… I don't know how much time we still have together, but I don't want to spend it
with regrets for the things we didn't say or do,” Taehyung murmurs, stroking his face gently.

“Me neither,” Jeongguk agrees without hesitation, turning his face into Taehyung's palm,
kissing it. Then he kisses each fingertip, slowly, lovingly. The prince slides that same hand
through Jeongguk's purple hair and pulls his face towards his lips.

Jeongguk will miss these kisses, so peaceful, so safe, so full of all the most beautiful feelings
that exist on the planet. It's not like his presence makes Taehyung's world any better. No, the
prince kisses him as if Jeongguk is his own world. There are no explosions or clichéd
fireworks, but a fire that burns slowly instead, from the inside out, and makes every inch of
Jeongguk's body scream, pull, beg for Taehyung. It's as if, even in the nonexistent space
between their mouths, a flower sprouted with all its strength, coloring their bodies and
nourishing them with life.

They switch positions on the bench as quickly as possible so their mouths don't have time to
miss each other. Taehyung remains seated after they push the bench until it’s leaning against
the wall so that his back remains quiet and not in danger of getting further hurt, while
Jeongguk sits carefully on the prince's lap, hugging his arms around Taehyung's neck and
shoulders.

The prince slides his nose all over Jeongguk's face, past his chin, his neck, his shoulder and
then covers that same path with kisses until it returns to Jeongguk's lips, who runs his fingers
through Taehyung’s silky hair.
They kiss for minutes that taste like hours, ignoring lips that tingle or lungs begging for air.

Boldly, Jeongguk lets his hands free themselves and travel over Taehyung's chest, feeling the
prince's bare skin constrict and shiver beneath his fingertips. Their eyes are filled with
passion, desire, lust and something else. Something else that they’re aware of existing but
that they prefer to contain within themselves. Or show it in another way rather than through
words.

Jeongguk's mouth slowly descends, enjoying Taehyung's tanned and warm skin, leaving a
trail of open, wet kisses along the length of his chest, shyly reaching one of his nipples.
Taehyung responds by taking his big hands to the back of Jeongguk's thigh, slowly moving
up as if asking for permission.

Jeongguk hopes that the fierce attack on his mouth is response enough, and as their tongues
dance in tune as if an orchestra playing the most beautiful of songs were there with them,
their hands became more curious, touching and appreciating their bodies.

Jeongguk's jacket has been unceremoniously discarded, falling to the ground with a sound
that is completely muffled by their gasping breaths. Even so, Jeongguk feels the heat running
through his body, from the length of his spine to his cheeks, descending further south, south
and south, and this causes Jeongguk's hips to move involuntarily, causing friction between
the most sensitive points of both.

Their lips part when Taehyung moans low, surprised by the rush of pleasure that a simple
movement sent him. “Jeongguk… I… I never…” The prince babbles, his cheeks turning a
deeper shade of red.

“Tae,” Jeongguk calls. “Taehyung, look at me,” he insists, gently holding the prince's chin so
their eyes meet. “We don't have to do anything, okay? I’m sorry, I didn't mean to make you
uncomfortable. I let myself go, but I know we can't do anything. You’re the prince and I
know you shouldn't get involved with anyone like this other than your future partner-”
Jeongguk is interrupted just as he prepares to leave Taehyung's lap.

The prince firmly grips his slim waist, preventing him from moving. He shakes his head.
"Who said that?"

"Well… Hum… The history?" Jeongguk tilts his head slightly to the side.

Taehyung scoffs. “You know what? I'm fed up with being told what people expect me to say
or do. I guess I'm perfectly capable of creating my own history, don't you think?”

“Tae…” Jeongguk replies, still reticent.

“I… I want to do this. I really want to do this with you. I've wanted it for a long time, believe
me,” Taehyung confesses, staring at the tip of Jeongguk's nose, probably to get away from the
other boy's curious and surprised eyes. "This, if you want it too, of course... I know it may
not be the best circumstances, but being with you like this, even for the last time, even as a
goodbye... Let me show you how important you are to me since the very start."
Jeongguk, not knowing how to control his frantic heartbeat, leans over, joining his lips to
Taehyung's in a long kiss. The meeting of their mouths seems to be answer enough and words
don’t need to be said as their hands discover each other's clothes, unfastening buttons and
flies with fingers that are hesitant and trembling but anxious at the same time.

"How do we do this?" Jeongguk asks breathlessly, tilting his neck to the side to allow
Taehyung's lips and tongue more access. "We don't have lube so-"

The kisses against his throat are interrupted when Taehyung turns to face him, with red
cheeks and an embarrassed smile. “Hum… Inside the metal box… I…” Taehyung stutters,
looking at the object on the floor. He clears his throat. "I have a bottle of lubricant there."

Jeongguk gasps, surprised by the information. How could he not have noticed that when he'd
rummaged through the metal box looking for the bandages? Perhaps because he was too
preoccupied with the wounds in front of him.

"You have- What?" Jeongguk tries to make sure he heard right.

"Yes," Taehyung nods, embarrassed from his toes to the top of his head. “I… I couldn't just
ask my servants, you know? And… Well, I asked a nurse I trust if I could get a bottle. To…
To use it, you know… Anyway,” Taehyung shakes his head, running away from Jeongguk's
teasing smile. "I kept it in the metal box so my servants wouldn't find it in my bedroom when
they clean it."

“Oh, okay…” Jeongguk nods, more enlightened. "So... You want... Are you really, really sure
about this?"

“Yes,” Taehyung responds quickly, blushing when Jeongguk giggles at his eagerness. "Of
course. I've never been so sure about anything."

“Neither do I,” Jeongguk assures, stealing one, two, three pecks. "Neither do I, Tae."

“I've never… I've never done this before, Jeongguk. But I want it to be special. I want to
make you feel good. I want to show you how important you are to me. You'll have to be
patient with me though,” the prince laughs, feigning nonchalance, but the purple-haired boy
can see that he feels insecure and nervous.

“It's not like I'm an expert either,” Jeongguk tries to lighten the mood, stealing a shy smile
from Taehyung. “How do you want to do this? Do you have any preferences or…?” When
Taehyung frowns, in doubt about what Jeongguk had asked, the purple-haired boy smiles
calmly. “Maybe it's easier to be you inside me. I don't want to cause you even more pain
besides your injured back either.”

Taehyung chokes, coughing violently because he wasn't expecting Jeongguk's less than
innocent words at all. Jeongguk smiles at the adorable image of Taehyung's scarlet cheeks.
“Okay… Well… Hum… Okay,” the prince nods frantically.

“You’re so cute,” Jeongguk giggles. However, these are interrupted in the blink of an eye
when Taehyung stares at him intently. "What?"
“You’re beautiful,” the prince's eyes roam over Jeongguk's naked body, barely covered by
underwear. “All of you. You're just… Breathtaking, Jeongguk.”

Not knowing how to handle the compliment, Jeongguk crashes his lips against Taehyung's,
kissing him passionately. He kisses, bites, licks, discovers all the possible and imaginary
corners of the prince's mouth, intoxicated by all those sensations that make his body seem to
be on fire.

Jeongguk is extremely careful not to touch Taehyung's bandaged back, focusing on

worshiping the prince's body in other ways, as he runs his hands over his neck, chest,
stomach and arms, feeling Taehyung's skin warm up as his fingertips leave a trail of
goosebumps.

His mouth discovers the sensitive area that is Taehyung's neck, passionately sucking on a
specific spot close to his ear and that makes Jeongguk's toes curl only from the guttural
sounds coming from the prince's throat. Taehyung's hands move up and down Jeongguk's
spine, pulling him further, and further, and further, until their still clothed members slide
together deliciously over and over again.

Unable to take it any longer, Jeongguk gets up on shaky legs from Taehyung's lap, leaving the
prince completely gaping and frantic staring at the movement of black boxers sliding down
Jeongguk's muscled legs.

Even though Taehyung's eyes exude an intensity capable of making anyone feel intimidated,
Jeongguk feels confident, appreciated and adored instead, which makes him approach
Taehyung's waist to repeat the gesture and discard his underwear too.

The two, now completely vulnerable, stare deeply into each other, allowing their eyes to
travel over each other's bodies, discovering and appreciating.

“Oh my God…” Taehyung mumbles, closing his eyes in pleasure when Jeongguk returns to
sit on his lap. “You… You really are beautiful. Stunning. Perfect. It doesn't matter how many
linguistic classes I have taken in my lifetime, even if they were with the most professional
tutors in all of Euphoréa. Clearly, it wasn't enough for me to find the words to describe how
beautiful you are, Jeongguk."

The purple-haired boy smiles shyly, trying to hide his flushed cheeks as he leans over to take
the lube bottle out of the metal box. Taehyung gently kisses his collarbones while Jeongguk
lets their members meet pleasantly, sending electric currents through both their bodies.

"Are we really going to do this?" Jeongguk asks hoarsely.

"I want to. Tell me you want it too before my heart runs out of my chest," Taehyung mutters.

"I do, Tae," Jeongguk kisses his forehead. "I do."

“I feel so lucky,” Taehyung mutters, watching Jeongguk deposit a generous amount of lube
on the prince’s fingers. "Of course I've dreamed about it countless times but... But being
lucky to have you like this, to touch you like this..." He kisses Jeongguk's cheeks at the same
time the purple-haired boy directs Taehyung's hand towards his entrance.

Because it's been so long, the invasion is painfully strange, but Taehyung's kisses all over his
face help to distract him, as well as the sounds coming from the back of his throat.

“You’re so special to me, Tae,” Jeongguk confesses, intoxicated by the pleasure that finally
set in when Taehyung, after a couple of minutes, added one more trembling finger inside him.
"I know I wasn't the best at demonstrating it, or even saying it, but-"

“Shhhh,” Taehyung shuts him up with a kiss on the lips, making his fingers slide in and out
slowly. “I know, Jeongguk. I know."

When the third finger fills him, Jeongguk feels completely overwhelmed. Too many
sensations, more than the physical ones honestly because he doesn't know how to handle with
Taehyung's gaze, and his head is spinning as best it can. He already let go of Taehyung's wrist
a few minutes ago, when the prince showed to have enough mastery to open him up by
himself. And honestly? The frown of concentration and Taehyung's burning eyes almost
make Jeongguk lose himself there at that very moment.

"Does it feel good? Am I hurting you?" Taehyung asks uncertainly. "All I want least is to hurt
you, Jeongguk. Please, let me know if I'm doing something wrong-"

“You’re not, Tae. You’re doing so good,” he moans low. “I'm ready. I want you,” Jeongguk
warns, kissing Taehyung hungrily.

Taehyung nods frantically, withdrawing his fingers from inside Jeongguk. “I… I don't have
condoms. I-"

“You’re clean, aren't you? You never…” Jeongguk asks without finishing the sentence, subtly
touching Taehyung's ribs. “I took tests before joining the Selection. It's obvious I haven't
been with anyone since. I haven't been with anyone for quite some time, actually.”

“I am clean,” Taehyung guarantees, nodding. "I just… I feel nervous."

Jeongguk's eyes meet the prince's. “Tae, I meant it. We don't have to do anything.”

"But I want to! I really do,” Taehyung assures again. “I couldn't ask for something more
special. I want you.”

Jeongguk smiles shyly, finding the same grin in Taehyung when their mouths touch once
more.

Without their eyes separating once, Jeongguk lets himself go down Taehyung's length, feeling
his body contract in the best way when he bottoms out.

Most flowers crave water and sun, the most important factors in their growth and blooming.
Jeongguk? Jeongguk didn't know how much he needed to have his body connected to
Taehyung in this way to finally feel like blossoming, as if the prince symbolized the burning
sun and Jeongguk was Icarus himself. But Jeongguk isn't afraid of getting burned, and his
fingertips beg to touch the warm skin that is Taehyung's, now with a light sheen of sweat.

Their bodies move in unison, in a slow but passionate rhythm, as if they want to delay this
dizzying intimacy as long as possible. At that moment, there is no Selection, there are no
castes, there are no crowns, there is only Jeongguk and Taehyung, two people who feel so
much for each other but don't know how to verbalize it. Maybe their bodies have words of
their own and, by throwing moans and holding hands, they manage to express.

In a selfish thought, not even the rebel attack that is going on over them dawns on their
minds. Just the kisses, the touches, the connection, the intimacy.

“I will never forget you,” Taehyung mutters against Jeongguk's lips at the same time that a
sharp thrust makes Jeongguk throw his head back. “You drive me crazy. Oh my god.”

Their intertwined hands clench tightly together like a lifebuoy, a precise security to keep
them adrift in the ocean of pleasure and passion that runs through their bodies.

The thrusts become more frantic, as do their panting breaths, and when Taehyung touches
him in the right way, Jeongguk lets himself go, closing his eyes tightly to contemplate the
white, the universe, a garden immersed in flowers of all colors, the euphoria.

“I will never forget you, Tae. Never,” Jeongguk leans his cheek against Taehyung's, stroking
his hair while the other boy tries to reach his peak too.

It doesn't take the prince long to join him, moaning slurredly right next to Jeongguk's ear. He
is, for a moment, afraid of getting hard again because of that single sound. Both of them are
now sweaty and slightly sticky with their bodily fluids. But even so, the smiles and passion
don't leave their faces for a single second.

Jeongguk and Taehyung remain in that position for a few more minutes, their foreheads
touching each other as their breathing calms and the ecstasy sets in. They exchange a few
more kisses, this time calmer and deeper, until Jeongguk gets up and looks for another cloth
to clean them both.

With the blankets neatly folded on the shelves, Jeongguk improvises a bed. Why is he just
thinking about this now? He doesn't know either. The two lie down slowly, both satisfied and
happy, and hug each other, eyes immersed in each other. Their hearts beat as one, their chests
pressed together, rising and falling in sync, and it's as if that moment is theirs alone, where
the rest of time stopped and the world ceased to exist.

"It was perfect, Jeongguk... It was..." Taehyung begins, running his fingertips over
Jeongguk's face, looking for the right words to describe it.

"It was us," Jeongguk completes, pulling him in for another slow kiss.

Their eyes stray to each other, hoping to show what can't be said out loud.
Eventually, they say goodbye to that moment full of deep intimacy and dress up, waiting for
the attack to end. While the guards don't pick them up as promised, they return to snuggle
into each other in the pile of blankets. It's visible in both their tired eyes that sleep was trying
to close their eyelids, but Jeongguk doesn't want to sleep even for a second. He doesn't want
to risk closing his eyes and, when he wakes up, this moment evaporates, and he suspects
Taehyung doesn't either. So, they talk instead.

“Can I write you?” Taehyung asks, stroking up and down Jeongguk's arm.

He stops to think for a moment. "Maybe it's better to wait a few months... Maybe you won't
even miss me."

“As if,” the prince lets out a forced laugh.

“If you write me… You have to tell Areum. I don't know if your future partner would be
happy to find out that you're still in contact with me,” Jeongguk whispers.

“I guess you're right,” Taehyung huffs. He doesn't explain if that means he will tell her or if
he simply wouldn't write Jeongguk, but at that moment, the purple-haired boy didn't want to
know.

It’s hard for Jeongguk to believe that he could have these intimate and special moments every
single night for the rest of his life, if his heart and mind weren't the mess itself. His expulsion
from the palace and their separation are mainly due to that stupid book.

Jeongguk lets out an exclamation and opens his eyes, lifting his head from Taehyung's chest.
The book! "Tae, what if the rebels are looking for the diaries?" Jeongguk proposes,
supporting his weight on one elbow.

Taehyung moves a little, still not fully awake. His eyes remain closed. "What do you mean?"

“That day, when the rebels came after me in the forest, I saw them as they passed me. Do you
remember me telling you that?” This seems to catch the attention of the prince, who now
opens his eyes and listens intently. “The girl dropped a bag full of books. The guy she was
with had a bunch of them too. They're stealing books, that's for sure. What if they're looking
for a specific one?”

The prince frowns thoughtfully. "I was already suspicious that they were looking for
something, yes... But Jeongguk, what exactly was in that diary?"

"A lot of things. It talked about how Yerin Euphoréa basically stole the country, how she
imposed castes on the people. It was horrible, Tae,” Jeongguk grimaces in discomfort.

"What? I… I had no idea,” Taehyung puts a hand to his forehead. “But the Official News was
interrupted. Even if that's what they're looking for, the rebels have no way of knowing what it
was or what it's about. Trust me, after your presentation, my father will make sure the diaries
are better protected than usual.”

“But that's got to be it,” Jeongguk insists, feeling a yawn interrupt his words. "I just know."
“Stop,” Taehyung asks, kissing Jeongguk's cheek slowly. “Don't worry about it now. As far as
we know, they just love to read.”

Jeongguk grunts at his attempt at humor. He pauses, taking a deep breath. “I honestly thought
I couldn't make things worse…”

“Shhh,” Taehyung pulls him by the hands until Jeongguk's head curls back into the curve
between the prince's shoulder and neck. His arms around Jeongguk's torso bring him back to
earth. “Don't worry about it now. Please. I don't blame you for anything. Can we just enjoy
the beautiful moment we just shared? Maybe you should sleep."

“But I don't want to,” Jeongguk denies like a toddler, though he snuggles closer to Taehyung.

The prince closes his eyes again. "Me neither. Even on a good day, sleeping makes me
nervous.”

Jeongguk feels a pang in his heart. He can't imagine Taehyung's constant state of worry,
especially if he thinks that Taehyung’s own father is the one responsible for keeping him in
this anxiety.

Taehyung lets go of Jeongguk's hand to search for something in his pants pocket. Jeongguk
opens his eyes, curious about the gesture, although the prince keeps his closed. They were
both about to fall asleep, allowing the post-orgasm fatigue to take them, but Taehyung grabs
Jeongguk's hand again and starts tying something around his wrist.

“Seokjin found the bracelet lying on the floor of your bedroom…” Taehyung swallows hard.
Jeongguk recognizes the feel of the purple oval stones the prince has brought him from New
Europe as soon as the bracelet touches his skin. “I don't know how but he guessed right away
that I was the one who offered it to you. I realize you took it off because you were upset with
me but I've been carrying it in my pocket since the moment Jin handed it to me. I'm a
miserable romantic, don't you think? I was going to keep it but I want you to have something
mine with you forever.”

Jeongguk feels his eyes fill with tears again, looking regretfully at the bracelet. When he
wants to, he can act impulsively. Good thing Seokjin found the bracelet and made it go back
to where it should never have left.

“Thank you, Tae. I don't need the bracelet to remember you forever, but thank you.”

“I'm the one who has to thank you, Jeongguk. I’m the one,” he murmurs the words against his
forehead, kissing him right away.

They no longer say anything to each other, letting the comfortable silence embrace them.

♕
The sound of the heavy creaking door wakes Jeongguk a couple of hours later and the light
that invades the shelter is so intense that he has to cover his eyes with his arm.

"Your Majesty?" Someone asks. "Oh my God! I found the prince! He’s here!" The person
screams. "He’s alive!"

A wave of guards and butlers sweeps through the shelter, shaking everything around them.
Taehyung gets up slowly from the makeshift bed, trying not to show that he feels pain in his
back.

"Couldn't get down to the shelter below, Your Highness?" One of the guards asks, helping the
prince get to his feet. Jeongguk looks at his name: Lee. The purple-haired boy isn't sure, but
he appears to be one of the highest-ranked soldiers.

"No. I asked another guard to let my parents know that Jeongguk and I were safe. I told him
to do that first,” Taehyung explains as he tries to fix his hair. It's not that it’s yelling Hey, I
just had sex! but it’s also not perfectly arranged as it normally is. However, only once is it
visible on his face that the gesture hurts him.

"Which soldier?" Guard Lee questions with an arched eyebrow.

The prince sighs. "I can't tell. I'm not sure of his name,” he looks to Jeongguk for
confirmation.

"Me neither. But I remember noticing that he wore a ring on his thumb. It was grey, pewter or
something like that," Jeongguk explains.

Guard Lee nods. “It was soldier Kai. He didn't survive,” the man sighs sadly. "We lost about
twenty-five guards and twelve palace workers."

"What?" Jeongguk brings his hand to his mouth in horror.

Now, now the perfect and unreal bubble where Jeongguk and Taehyung got lost for a few
hours breaks. As they lost themselves in each other, between kisses and bold touches, there
were people fighting, there were people dying. Jeongguk doesn't regret it and from
Taehyung's eyes, he's sure the prince doesn't either, but it's intriguing how they could forget
about everything for a while.

Jeongguk tries to swallow the guilt down his throat. He prays that his servants and Namjoon
are safe. He couldn't handle that pain right now. He had been so absorbed in Taehyung's arms
that he hadn't even thought to worry.

“What about my parents? And the other Elite members?” Taehyung asks.

“Everyone is fine, sir,” the guard assures. "But your mother is in a hysterical state for not
knowing about you."

"Has she left the shelter yet?" The prince leads Jeongguk out of the refuge, his hurried steps
probably due to a desire to comfort his mother.
“Everyone left already. We missed some of the small shelters and we were now doing a
second inspection in hope of finding you and Mr. Jeon, sir,” the guard politely explains.

“I'll go meet with her right away,” Taehyung warns, gently letting go of the end of Jeongguk's
back to step back.

However, he stops, completely immobile. Jeongguk follows his gaze and is faced with
destruction, with chaos. The same sentence as last time is scrawled on the wall.

WE ARE COMING

The walls are covered with the phrase, over and over again and in every possible way.
Furthermore, the level of destruction is, once again, huge. Jeongguk had never really seen
what the rebels did in the first place because, by the time they let the selected out of the
shelters, the servants had already cleared most of the destruction. He only knew about the
damage in the hallway near his room but it has nothing to do with what his eyes are
witnessing right now.

Huge, dark red stains on the rug announce the spot where someone, perhaps a helpless
servant or a brave guard, had died. The windows are shattered, leaving only shards of glass
exposed. There are broken bulbs, some of them flashing intermittently as if they refuse to
give up. The walls have scary perforations, making Jeongguk wonder if the rebels would
have seen people fleeing to the shelters and then had been hunting them. How close to death
had he and Taehyung been the night before?

“Mr. Jeon?” A guard catches his attention, causing Jeongguk to return to the present. “We
took the liberty of contacting all of your families. It seems that there was an attack on Mrs.
Sohui's house, in a direct attempt to end the Selection. They’re attacking your families to
force you out.”

"No! It can’t be!" Jeongguk feels his body shaking, a giant dizziness almost knocking his
senses out. Taehyung holds him tightly around his waist to prevent him from passing out in
the middle of the hallway.

"They're all safe now, don't worry, Mr. Jeon. We only had the report of the attack on Mrs.
Sohui but, to prevent, we’re already dispatching some palace guards to protect them. Also,
the king insists that none of the selected should leave the paalce. He is sure you’re all safer
here,” the guard recites the monarch's orders.

"What if they want to?" Taehyung challenges. "We can’t arrest the selected here against their
will."

"Of course, sir. It's best to talk to the king about that,” the guard replies, looking embarrassed
and not quite sure how to deal with the differences of opinion.
“It won't be necessary to protect my family for much longer,” Jeongguk says, in an attempt to
ease some of the tension. "Tell them I will soon return home." The sad expression on
Taehyung's face goes unnoticed by him.

“Yes, Mr. Jeon,” the guard bows.

"Is my mother in her room?" Taehyung asks.

"Yes, sir."

"Very well. Tell her I'll see her in a few minutes, please,” the prince asks. "You’re dismissed."

The guard repeats the bow before heading up the stairs. Jeongguk and Taehyung are alone
again. The silence becomes heavy and they know perfectly well why.

It's time.

Taehyung takes his hand, intertwining their fingers for the last time. “Don't be in a hurry to
leave the palace. Say goodbye to your servants and the rest of the selected, if you would like
to. And eat anything you want. I know you love and will miss the food.”

Jeongguk smiles, trying to hide the tears from his heart. "Okay, I will."

Taehyung moistens his lips, supporting his weight on each of his feet, causing him to sway
restlessly. His eyes hover on their clasped hands, a look of sadness and a desire to never let
go. But this is the time. It's goodbye.

“You changed me forever, Jeongguk,” Taehyung begins in a whisper. “You taught me so

many things, made me look at the world with different eyes… I will never forget that. I will
never forget you."

Jeongguk slides his free hand across Taehyung's chest, adjusting his dark blue blazer. His
eyes are already blurred with tears but he gives the prince a smile anyway.

“Don't poke your mole with anyone else. That is only mine,” Jeongguk tells him, stroking the
tip of Taehyung's nose gently.

“Many things are yours alone, Jeongguk. Many things."

Jeongguk swallows hard, closing his eyes briefly to keep the tears from staining his face.
“You should go see your mom. I have to go too..."

Taehyung nods. “So… Goodbye, Jeongguk.”

Jeongguk stares at the prince for as long as possible, still not believing that this will be the
last time he can lose himself in these tender eyes, which look like a river of chocolate, as
sweet as sugar. "Goodbye, Taehyung."

The prince nods to himself, slowly turning his back and taking three steps towards the grand
staircase. Jeongguk automatically feels the tears running down his cheeks, reaching his chin
and falling to the marble floor, making a deafening noise as if they weighed tons.

Jeongguk looks at Taehyung's back, now not so bent over from the pain, at least not the
physical one, but his shoulders are slumped forward slightly, as is his head. He expects to see
the prince climb the steps, disappear into the immensity that is this palace, bid farewell to that
shadow that has become so familiar.

However, that doesn't happen.

That doesn't happen because now, instead of facing Taehyung's back, Jeongguk finds his face
instead, getting closer and closer and closer, until he doesn't see anything because he is
forced to close his eyes and receive the impact that is Taehyung's kiss on his lips.

They stay there, both lost in each other, intoxicated with each other's mouths, in the middle of
the palace, indifferent to whoever might pass by and witness. They couldn't care less. At that
moment, they just want to enjoy the immense garden that grows and blooms until it reaches
the sky, caressing the clouds and the sun, a phenomenon that happens whenever their lips
meet and dance in tune.

“I knew this was going to make it more difficult but…” Taehyung mumbles breathlessly as
he reluctantly separates from Jeongguk. “But I couldn't let you go without kissing you one
last time. Even though that thought itself is destructive… I just... Couldn't.”

“I'm going to miss you so much, Tae,” Jeongguk clings tightly to the lapel of the prince's
coat, desperately wanting him not to move.

But eventually, it happens.

“And I will miss you, Jeongguk. Never doubt that,” Taehyung lets his eyes slowly roam over
all the features that make up Jeongguk's face, appreciating, memorizing, adoring. Then, he
leans in until his mouth lightly touches the skin of his forehead, leaving a tender kiss there.
“Please, be happy. For me."

Without saying anything else, the prince moves away from Jeongguk altogether, walking
hurriedly along the stairs, not once looking back. Jeongguk wonders if Taehyung doesn't do it
because it's too painful. And even if it is, Jeongguk keeps his gaze locked on the prince's
back, following him until his body is just a blur, a nonexistent shadow. Until his tears run and
run and run down his cheeks. Until they stop after so much time had passed, until there isn't a
single hot, salty drop left inside him.

Inevitably, Jeongguk climbs the long staircase as well, making his way to his bedroom. He
hates goodbyes and today is reserved for that. Each step is torture, as much for what he has
just lost as for what he fears he will find. What if the attack also caused him to lose Seokjin,
Nabi and Yumi? And Namjoon?

The purple-haired boy reaches the second floor, finding destruction everywhere. But even
with shattered glass, torn paintings on the floor, cut rugs and furniture drawers thrown against
the walls, it’s still possible to recognize the place that Jeongguk considers to be the most
beautiful he has ever seen. Although the time and money needed to restore all this are beyond
what he can imagine. This time, the rebels were exhausting.

As Jeongguk approaches his bedroom, he hears the clear sound of someone crying. Is it
Nabi? Probably.

He lets out a sigh that had been trapped inside him since the beginning of the attack, happy
that she is alive but terrified of the reason that makes her cry. Jeongguk mentally prepares
himself and rounds the corner towards his room. Which, very soon, would no longer belong
to him.

With red faces and swollen eyes, Yumi and Nabi pick up the broken glass from the balcony
doors. Yumi pauses to take a deep breath and calm down. But what really surprises Jeongguk
is Seokjin, who is sitting in the corner, crying in Namjoon's arms. So the owner of the loud
crying that was heard in the hallway is him. What the hell? What image is this?

However, Jeongguk doesn't waste too much time pondering the matter because, right now, the
most important thing for him is that the four people closest to him in the palace - other than
Taehyung, obviously - are safe and sound.

“The guards will find them… I'm sure they're okay,” Namjoon tries to comfort Seokjin,
running his fingers through his hair.

Jeongguk is so relieved that even he bursts into tears. “You guys are okay,” his chin quivers.
"You are all okay."

Namjoon lets out a huge sigh of relief and his tense shoulders relax. Seokjin looks up at the
sound of Jeongguk's voice but the sob that comes out of the back of his throat is even louder
than the previous ones.

“Mr. Jeon? Jeongguk?" Seokjin asks as if seeking confirmation, and in the next instant, he
runs to him. Close behind are Nabi and Yumi, and even Namjoon, enveloping Jeongguk in a
giant, tight hug.

“Oh, this is not right,” Seokjin seems to remember.

“Fuck the right thing. I'm too happy that you're all okay to care about etiquette,” Jeongguk
mutters against Yumi's cheek.

And they all start laughing, happy to be safe.

“Where have you been? And prince Taehyung? Is he safe? The guards have been looking for
you everywhere,” Seokjin asks as he leads him to the mattress to sit down, although the bed
is in a terrible mess with the duvet shredded and pillows stabbed and dropping feathers on the
floor.

“We were in one of the servants shelters on the first floor. The guards didn't check it right
away. Taehyung is safe too,” he assures.

“Oh thank God,” Seokjin breathes in relief, bringing his hand to his chest.
“He saved my life,” Jeongguk says. “I was on my way to the garden when the rebels arrived.
If I were outside…”

"Oh, no!" Nabi covers her mouth with both hands, horrified at the possibility.

“The important thing is that you’re here. With us, safe,” Namjoon smiles.

"Don't worry about anything," Yumi frantically waves her hands. “We'll get this room
straightened out in no time, and as soon as you're ready to go downstairs, we have a fantastic
new suit. And we can-"

“That won't be necessary,” Jeongguk interrupts. He swallows hard, wondering how he's going
to release the bombshell. “I will come home today. I'll just wear a simple outfit and leave in a
few hours.”

"What?" Seokjin babbles, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. "But…
Why?"

“It didn't work out,” Jeongguk replies simply, shrugging.

Seokjin frowns. "No. It can’t be. Taeh-” the servant interrupts himself. “Prince Taehyung,” he
corrects, continuing, “He was pretty sure of himself. I know that."

“Well…” Jeongguk sighs in defeat. “It seems that that is not enough. Many other factors
influence my stay here at the palace."

Namely the king, Jeongguk thinks.

“I really thought that Mr. Jeon would win…” Nabi confesses, breathing sadly. "From the
start. And after everything you said last night on the Official News… I'm sure you had the
public's affection. I can't believe you’re going home.”

“That's very kind of you, Nabi, but I'll be okay,” Jeongguk smiles, trying to reassure her.
“From now on, please, if there is anything you can do to help Areum, please do it. For me."

“Of course, Mr. Jeon,” Yumi prompts.

“Anything for you,” Nabi reaffirms.

Namjoon coughs. "If you don't mind, could you give us a moment?" He asks, which makes
Jeongguk frown in curiosity. “Jin, maybe you can go get some clean towels and stuff. Mr.
Jeon has to go home like a real gentleman, don’t you agree? Yumi, maybe you can bring
some food?”

The two servants nod in agreement.

"And Nabi, do you need some rest?"

"No!" She exclaims, straightening up. "I can work."

Namjoon smiles kindly. "Very well."

“Nabi, go to the studio and finish Mr. Jeon’s suit, please. We'll meet you there soon to help. I
don't care what they say, Mr. Jeon. Your departure will be with style,” Seokjin says, turning
to the purple-haired boy at the end.

"Yes, sir!" Jeongguk mimics a sentinel gesture, making everyone laugh.

When the three servants leave Jeongguk's bedroom, Namjoon approaches him. “Are you
really leaving? There's nothing we can’t do to prevent that?" Namjoon asks, glaring at him
apologetically.

Jeongguk sighs, looking at the ground. "It seems that my audacious act with Yerin Euphoréa's
diaries deserves to bear the consequences."

“I can't believe you had her diaries in your possession…” Namjoon whispers, still surprised.

“Believe me, I really wanted to tell you. But I couldn't,” Jeongguk intertwines his fingers
nervously.

"I understand. Don't worry about it,” Namjoon smiles reassuringly. "So… Prince Taehyung
kicked you out because of that?"

Jeongguk sighs again. “It wasn't quite like that. It was the king who sent me home. Even if
Taehyung asked me to marry him right this second, it wouldn't do any good. The king has the
final decision and so, I’m leaving.”

Namjoon grunts softly, squeezing the bridge of his nose. "You can’t! Are you sure there’s
nothing we can do?”

Jeongguk is surprised by the reaction of the royal palace florist. He's so outraged at the
purple-haired boy's expulsion. "No, Nam. Unfortunately, the king is too pissed off with me to
be able to face me one more single second here in the palace."

“This is going to be so strange and lonely without you,” he admits, sighing sadly. “We really
thought you were going to win this. You deserved to win. There are no other plausible
candidates for the crown.”

Jeongguk clearly does not share that opinion. How can there be so many people who consider
him a good future prince? Don't they watch the thousand and one mistakes that Jeongguk
does?

However, so as not to prolong the topic of conversation, Jeongguk says, “I’ll write you. I'd
hate to lose contact with you, Nam.”

“I will look forward to receiving your letters. And I want you to send me photos of the flower
arrangements you make! I know you have a lot of talent but I'm curious.” Namjoon comes
over and hugs him, almost smothering him.

"I'll miss you, Nam."

“Me too, Jeongguk,” Namjoon sighs against his purple hair.

The royal palace florist takes a step back, nodding his head with a sad smile on his lips but
saying nothing more.

After he heads for the door, Jeongguk stands there for a long time, not sure what to do,
waiting for his servants to come back and dress him one last time.

Honestly, from the first second that Jeongguk's face appeared on the television at the
announcement of the chosen selected, he had never imagined feeling his heart so tight with
sadness at having to leave the palace, at having to abandon The Selection.

Jeongguk adjusts the lapel of his blazer. "Isn't this too luxurious for the occasion?"

"Not at all!" Yumi insists.

“You look amazing, Mr. Jeon,” Nabi praises, Seokjin nodding in agreement right behind her.

It's late afternoon, but they had put Jeongguk in an evening suit. It's purple, obviously, and
quite majestic. The sleeves are covered in a floral pattern in shades of lilac, white and black,
and he also carries a long cape over his arm, for when he leaves the plane. A raised collar of a
black cashmere turtleneck protects his throat from any breeze, and his servants have combed
his hair so elegantly that Jeongguk is sure he has never looked so handsome in the palace
before. For a moment, Jeongguk wishes he could see queen Yuna, convinced that even she
would be impressed by his attire.

“I don't want to take any longer,” Jeongguk sighs. “It's hard enough to leave like this. I just
want the three of you to know that I’m immensely grateful for all you have done for me. I'm
not just talking about maintaining my bedroom clean and dressing me up, but mostly about
keeping me company and caring. In you, I saw much more than servants. I see you as friends.
I will never forget you.”

"I know goodbyes are always sad but you weren't supposed to make me cry like this!" Nabi
exclaims with a sob.

“And we will always remember you, Jeongguk,” Seokjin promises.

Jeongguk nods, a shaky smile on his lips, and starts fanning the air in front of his face to
prevent the tears from reappearing. “There, there, enough tears for a day. Please, tell the
driver I'll be off in a few minutes. I just need one more moment.”

“Of course, Mr. Jeon,” Nabi gives a little bow.

"Is it still wrong of us to hug each other?" Yumi asks, looking at Jeongguk and then Seokjin.
The male servant rolls his eyes, smiling right away. "Like I care!" He exclaims and the three
gather around Jeongguk for the last time, trapping him in a hug.

“Be careful with yourselves,” Jeongguk asks, closing his eyes tightly.

“Mr. Jeon too,” Yumi says.

“You were always a true gentleman,” Seokjin adds.

The two walk away, but Nabi is still hugging him. "Thank you," she whispers, uncontrollable
tears staining her rosy cheeks. "I’ll miss you."

“Me too,” Jeongguk places a kiss on her forehead.

Reluctantly, Nabi lets go of Jeongguk and the servants approach the door slowly altogether.
The four face each other sadly, not wanting this moment to actually happen. But it's
unavoidable, and the three servants bow to him one last time, low and long, and Jeongguk
waves his hand to them. Then, they all leave the bedroom.

So many times Jeongguk wanted to leave the palace. Even in the last few days that has
happened. But now that the moment is approaching, just a few seconds away, Jeongguk
dreads it. He'll miss his servants, his friend Namjoon, walking the long corridors, eating the
appetizing meals, and even the selected. Of course, he will mostly miss Taehyung.

To think that it all started with Jeongguk having no idea what the prince's face would look
like until they became close friends. And now… And now the beautiful flower that grew
between them will soon wither.

Jeongguk walks out to the balcony, looking out over the gardens he immediately fell in love
with one last time. He sees that special place in the grass, the place where he and Taehyung
first met and talked for hours in the dark night. He can't explain why, but something deep
inside Jeongguk expected to find Taehyung there.

But the prince is not there. And why would he be? He has more important things to do than
sit in the gardens thinking about Jeongguk. The purple-haired boy touches the bracelet on his
wrist. But Taehyung will think about him, even if from time to time, and that comforted him.
Regardless of everything else, what they feel for each other is real. What had happened in the
last few months, the way their bodies had gotten lost in each other last night… That was real.
And Jeongguk will never regret it or forget about it. Never.

Jeongguk steps back, closes the bedroom door, and heads into the hallway. He walks slowly,
taking in the beauty of the palace for the last time, even though it is slightly damaged by the
attack from a few hours earlier, with broken mirrors and chipped decorations.

He remembers walking down the main staircase for the first time, just a couple months ago,
feeling confused and out of place. At the time, there were still so many selected in the palace.

When he reaches the front doors, he pauses for a moment. He's gotten so used to being
behind those huge blocks of bricks and concrete that it almost feels wrong to walk past them.
What will Jeongguk find out there? Is he prepared for the change his stay at the palace had
brought him? Soon, he will find out.

Jeongguk takes a deep breath and grabs the doorknob, ready to turn it and face the outside.

However, footsteps crashing against the marble, higher and closer in each second, make
themselves heard. Jeongguk, frowning, turns scared and curious about the reason for the
noise, until the motive appears before his eyes.

“Jeongguk! Jeongguk, wait!”

The purple-haired boy's heart - even when he thought it was impossible after so many times
he felt it - falls at his feet, violently beating on the pale marble floor.

"Tae?" He mutters awkwardly. The prince is panting, probably from running, and a wave of
warmth heats Jeongguk's blood because Taehyung is injured, has back pain, and yet, he came
looking for Jeongguk one last time with so urgency.

The prince quickly approaches Jeongguk, his eyes rising and falling appreciatively over the
purple-haired boy's body. “Wow. You…” Taehyung clears his throat, finally meeting
Jeongguk's shy eyes. "You look absolutely stunning."

“Thank you,” Jeongguk smiles, touching the fabric of his last suit.

There is silence between them as they stand there, facing each other. Maybe this is just that:
the last chance for them to lose themselves in the immensity of each other's eyes, in the
features that characterize their faces, simply in each other's presence.

Until, suddenly, Taehyung seems to come out of the trance in which he was momentarily lost
and clears his throat, seeming to remember what he came to do in the first place. "I talked to
my father."

"Huh... Okay…?" Jeongguk tilts his head slightly to the side in confusion.

“He was quite glad I didn't die in last night's attack. It seems that the fact that I was hiding in
a shelter other than the royal family's really scared him,” Taehyung begins. “As you might
have guessed by now, the perpetuation of the royal line is very important to him. And that's
when I explained to my father that I almost died because of his temper and I said you were
the one who found us a shelter in time.”

"What?" Jeongguk frowns. “But it wasn't me. I didn't…"

“I know,” a smile begins to play on the prince's lips. "But he doesn't need to know that, does
he?"

Jeongguk slowly starts to return the knowing smile, staring with a new gleam at Taehyung's
eyes.

“Afterwards, I told him that I reprimanded you because of some of your recent behaviors.
Again, he doesn't need to know that's not true, but you could act like it if you wanted,”
Taehyung shrugs.

Jeongguk doesn't understand why he will need to act like something has happened since he
would be on the other side of the country, but he agrees nonetheless by nodding.

"Given that, as far as he knows, I owe you my life, and so, my father acknowledged that my
desire to keep you here may be partly justified, provided - I quote his words - you behave
your best way possible and learn your place,” Taehyung finally explains, plucking the air
from Jeongguk's lungs.

He stands there looking at the prince, still not sure he's listening properly. Jeongguk is
completely stunned.

"Do you want me to explain it again?" Taehyung, feeling the confusion stamped on
Jeongguk's face, suggests.

“Please,” he nods.

Taehyung takes his hand gently. “You would stay here as a member of the Selection and
continue in the competition, but things would be different. My dad will probably be tougher
on you and he'll do his best to hurt you. I think this can be fought, but it will take time. You
know how relentless he is. You have to prepare yourself.”

Jeongguk mutters, "I think I can do that."

“Great because I couldn't just let you go without a fight first. I couldn't,” Taehyung leans in
until his forehead collides with Jeongguk's, their eyes locked on each other. “But there's
more…” He pulls away, looking at the rug as he tries to organize his ideas. “Jeongguk, I hope
there is no doubt for you that you won my heart from the start. I hope you know that by now.
Especially after the special moment we shared last night.”

When the prince looks him in the eye, Jeongguk can see in every part of the prince and feel in
every part of himself how true that is.

“I know, Tae. I know."

"But... But I can't be a hypocrite and tell you that you have my absolute trust right now."

Jeongguk is appalled. "What?"

The prince sighs. "I showed you many of my secrets and defended you in every way possible,
but when you're not happy with me, you act irresponsibly. You exclude me, blame me, or,
even worse, you try to change the entire country."

Oh. This one was pretty rough. But Jeongguk deserves to hear this, he thinks.

“I need to know that I can trust you. Really, truly trust you,” Taehyung's hands hold
Jeongguk's face. “I need to know that you’re able to keep my secrets, trust my reasoning and
not hide things from me. I need you to be completely honest with me and stop questioning
my every decision. I need you to have faith in me, Jeongguk,” Taehyung asks, his eyes
mirroring sincerity.

Of course it hurts Jeongguk to hear all that but he knows the prince is right. Lately, what has
Jeongguk done to prove to him that Taehyung can trust him? Everyone around the prince
pressures him or pushes him towards something. Can't Jeongguk just stand by him? Support
and understand him?

Jeongguk wrings his hands nervously. “I have faith in you. And I hope you see that I want to
be with you. I want to do my best to prove to the world, but especially to myself, that I
deserve you. That I deserve to be the owner of your heart and accompany you like a true
prince."

Taehyung nods. "I know."

“But you could also have been more honest with me,” Jeongguk confesses.

"Perhaps. And there are things I want to tell you, but many of them are of such a nature that I
cannot reveal them if there is even the slightest chance that you will not be able to keep a
secret. I need to know you can do this. And I need you to be completely frank with me,” the
prince asks.

Jeongguk takes a deep breath, preparing to respond, but he doesn't have a chance to do so.

“Taehyung? Ah, there you are,” Areum calls, appearing in the hallway. "Luckily you're okay.
I was worried when I didn't see you at the royal family shelter. I didn't have a chance to ask
you before if tonight's dinner is still standing either."

The prince looks at Jeongguk as he replies, “Of course. We'll have dinner in your bedroom.”

"Excellent!" Areum claps her hands in excitement.

That hurt. Jeongguk can’t lie. He wonders if it will ever stop hurting. Probably not. But
looking at Taehyung's face, Jeongguk notices. He realizes that, at that very moment,
Taehyung's eyes are trying to say, This is what I'm talking about. I need you to trust me, not
to doubt my feelings for you when I'm with the others, to have faith in me and my own
choices.

“Jeongguk? Are you really leaving?” Areum asks, approaching them both. He could see a
glimmer of hope in her eyes.

Looking once more at Taehyung, who has a brief smile of contentment on his lips, Jeongguk
replies, “No, Areum. Not today."

"Oh. That's good!" Areum sighs and gives him a quick hug. Jeongguk wonders how much of
that embrace is for appearances, for Taehyung, but it doesn't really matter. Areum may be the
toughest competitor for him, but she's also one of the closest friend he has in the palace right
now. “I was really worried about you last night too. I'm glad you're okay.”
"Thanks. I was lucky to…” He almost says he was lucky to have Taehyung's company, but
bragging would probably have ruined the little trust he had built in Taehyung in the last ten
seconds. So, he coughs and adds, "I was lucky the guards got there so quickly."

"Thank God. Well, see you later," she smiles at Jeongguk, turning to the prince afterward.
"And I'll see you tonight."

Areum walks away, almost jumping down the corridor, more cheerful than Jeongguk had
ever seen her. He thinks that if he saw the man he likes putting him above his old favorite, he
would jump too.

“I know you don't like this but… I need to do it, Jeongguk. If something happens between us,
if you let me down… Areum is my best bet,” Taehyung grimaces as if saying that didn't
please him at all.

“It doesn't matter,” he says decisively, shrugging. “I won't let you down. I promise." He leans
on his toes until he places a quick kiss on Taehyung's cheek and walks up the stairs without
looking back, feeling Taehyung's eyes locked on his body.

A few hours before, Jeongguk thought he had lost Taehyung forever, but now that he is aware
of what the prince means to him, now that he can define a name and an immensity for the
feelings bubbling in his chest, Jeongguk will fight for Taehyung. The others selected do not
know what awaits them.

As Jeongguk climbs the main staircase, he feels a new feeling flowing through his veins:
courage. Perhaps he should be more concerned about the challenge he will have to face, but
the king has no room in his thoughts when he can only think about how he would eventually
make it through. For Taehyung. For them.

Perhaps the monarch sensed Jeongguk's joy, or perhaps he was already expecting him,
because when Jeongguk reaches the second floor, king Bon-hwa is there, halfway down the
hall.

The man approaches slowly, in a clear demonstration of control and attempt to intimidate.
But Jeongguk remains with his chin up, eyes locked on the king. When the male monarch
stops in front of him, Jeongguk bows.

"Your Majesty."

“Mr. Jeon, looks like you're still with us,” the king spits.

“Looks like it,” the purple-haired boy just says.

A group of guards passes them, bowing to the king before continuing.

“Let's talk about business,” he utters in a grim tone. "What do you think of my wife?"

Jeongguk frowns, surprised at the turn of the conversation. However, he candidly responds,
“I think the queen is amazing. I have no words to describe how wonderful she is.”
The king makes a gesture of agreement. “She is a rare woman indeed. Beautiful, of course,
and also humble. She's shy, but not to the point of being a coward. Obedient, good-natured,
and an excellent conversationalist. It seems that even though she was born into a sufficiently
poor caste, she was made to be the queen.” The king pauses and stares at Jeongguk, noticing
the look of astonishment on his face. "The same cannot be said about you."

Jeongguk tries to remain calm and thoughtful.

The king continues, “Your appearance is… Average. A little pale, with extravagant hair and a
decent figure, I think, but it's nothing compared to Yejun. As for your temper…” The man
takes a deep breath. “It's rude, you think you’re funny and the only time you can do
something serious you use it to break the structure of our nation. You’re completely reckless
and impulsive. And that's not counting your posture and mediocre way of walking. Areum is
much more charming and pleasant.”

Jeongguk presses his lips together, forcing himself not to cry. As if Jeongguk didn't already
know all this.

My dad will probably be tougher on you and he'll do his best to hurt you. You know how
relentless he is. You have to prepare yourself. Jeongguk repeats Taehyung's words over and
over again, trying to cling to them as if they were a lifebuoy.

“And, of course, there is no political advantage to having you in the family. Although your
caste is low enough to inspire the country, we already have Areum for that. Not to mention
your contacts are simply non-existent. Sohui, however, was very helpful on our trip to New
Europe.”

Jeongguk wonders how this could be true if the king and Taehyung had not even contacted
the Sohui’s distant family. Maybe if something happened that he doesn't know about, or
maybe the king is exaggerating to make him feel bad. If that's the goal, king Bon-hwa is
doing an excellent job.

His cold, arrogant eyes lock into Jeongguk's. "What are you doing here then?"

Jeongguk swallows hard. "I think you should ask Taehyung that."

“I'm asking you,” the king tilts his head to the side in defiance.

“He wants me to stay,” Jeongguk answers firmly. “And I want to be here. As long as these
two desires are true, I will stay.”

The man forces a smile. "How old are you? Twenty-one? Twenty-two?"

“Twenty-two,” Jeongguk replies.

“I suppose you don't know much about men, as you'd expect, since you're here,” the king
spits. What the hell? What does he mean by that? Jeongguk is literally a man. “Let me tell
you they can be quite fickle. Maybe you shouldn't cling too much to your affection for
Taehyung, as it only takes a single moment for his heart to be taken away forever.”
Jeongguk squints, not liking the direction of the conversation at all.

“I have eyes all over the palace, Mr. Jeon. I know there are others selected who offer my son
more than you can imagine. Do you think someone as simple as you have a chance around
them?" The king scoffs.

Others selected? In plural? Is he trying to say that there is more than what he saw in the
hallway between Taehyung and Yejun?

No.

No, no, no, no.

Don't go there Jeongguk!

The hours he and Taehyung spent lost in each other last night wasn't a lie, an illusion. They
happened and Jeongguk could feel in every second of it the nature of their feelings for each
other. He can still feel it.

My dad will probably be tougher on you and he'll do his best to hurt you. You know how
relentless he is. You have to prepare yourself, Jeongguk thinks back to the words spoken by
the prince earlier.

Jeongguk can’t fall into the trap. He's already lost too much by letting his insecure thoughts
and doubts win. He won't allow that to happen again. He needs to be smarter than that.

Jeongguk has to decide in his heart that he trusts Taehyung. Truly.

“If that's true, Taehyung will send me home when he thinks he should and Your Highness has
nothing to worry about,” Jeongguk replies firmly.

"But I do worry!" King Bon-hwa screams. Then, he lowers his voice. “If, by some act of
stupidity, Taehyung ends up choosing you, your activities could cost us everything.
Centuries, generations of work ruined because you think you’re a god damn hero!”

He gets so close to Jeongguk that he is forced to take a step back, but the king mimics the
gesture, leaving almost no space between the two. His voice is low and rough, much more
frightening than his screams.

“You're going to have to learn to bite your tongue. Otherwise, we will be enemies. And
believe me, you don't want to be my enemy, Mr. Jeon,” he threatens.

One of the king’s enraged hands is circling his throat, not too hard not to leave marks, just an
intimidating gesture. The king could undo Jeongguk right then and there if he wanted, no one
would even question it. Even if there was someone around, what would they do? No one
would protect Jeongguk from the king.

He tries to sound calm, taking deep breaths through his nostrils. "I understand."
“Excellent,” the king smiles, taking his hand from Jeongguk's neck. “Then I'll let you unpack.
Have a good afternoon, Mr. Jeon."

Jeongguk stands there, only noticing that he is trembling when the king walks away
completely. When the man told him to bite his tongue, Jeongguk assumes it means not even
considering telling Taehyung what happened. So, for now, Jeongguk would keep his mouth
shut. He bets this is a test to see how far the king can put pressure on him. Jeongguk then
decides to be unbreakable.

And while the purple-haired boy thinks about it, something changes inside him. He is
nervous, yes, but also completely furious.

Who that man think he is to give Jeongguk orders? Yes, it's the king; but in reality, he is just a
tyrant. Somehow, the monarch had convinced himself that if he kept everyone around him
oppressed and silent, he was doing them a favor. How could it be a blessing to live in a
corner of society? How could it be good to have limits for everyone in Euphoréa except him?

Jeongguk thinks of Taehyung hiding Jimin in the depths of the kitchen. Even if Jeongguk
doesn't stay there very long, he knows that Taehyung will do a better job than his father.
Taehyung, at least, can feel empathy and compassion.

He continues to breathe slowly until he controls his nervous heartbeat, and as soon as he
recovers, Jeongguk continues on his way.

Jeongguk enters his room and when he is faced with the silence and stillness, he hurries to
press the button to call his servants. Faster than Jeongguk could have imagined, Seokjin,
Nabi and Yumi run into the bedroom, out of breath.

“Mr. Jeon?” Seokjin asks in surprise, blinking his eyes over and over to confirm that what he
is seeing is true. "Is there a problem?"

Jeongguk smiles. "No. I mean, I don't think so. Unless me staying at the palace is an issue,”
he shrugs, trying to feign nonchalance.

Nabi lets out a little shriek. "Seriously? That means you’re not leaving the Selection?"

"No. I'll stay,” Jeongguk confirms.

"But how?" Seokjin asks. “I thought you said…”

"I know, I know. It's hard to explain honestly,” Jeongguk sighs. “Taehyung is important to me
and I will fight for him,” he says decisively.

Seokjin smiles, looking at him knowingly as if he's happy that Jeongguk finally admitted out
loud what he just said.

"This is so romantic!" Yumi exclaims, her hands pinned to her chest as Nabi starts jumping
and clapping her hands in excitement.

"Shhhh," Seokjin intimates, in a severe tone.

 Jeongguk thought the servant would be thrilled and so, he doesn't understand his sudden
seriousness. That is until a devilish grin plays across Seokjin's lips.

"If Mr. Jeon is going to win, we need a plan."

The purple-haired boy smiles too. He had never met people as organized as his servants. With
these three friends by his side, it's impossible to lose.

Chapter End Notes

So... Opinions? 👀
my twitter
my curious cat
playlist
 fifteen
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes

XV

It must be after one in the morning. Taehyung isn't sure.

Even so, before he reached the kitchen, dozens and dozens of people were still working,
either preparing ingredients for the next day's meals or cleaning. Taehyung dismissed them
not only because he wanted the palace workers to have the rest they deserved, but also
because he needed a moment alone.

The palace is huge, with corners and corridors perfect for someone to hide and take a moment
alone, but for some unknown reason, Taehyung liked to come to the kitchen. Maybe it was
the background noise of the refrigerators, maybe it was the scent of freshly baked bread,
maybe it was the calm that comes after the chaos of a busy day.

Besides, Taehyung loves a good hot chocolate before bed. He's always been battling
insomnia head-on, more than ever now, and the warm, sweet drink that soothes his stomach is
often a big help. Not to mention that it makes him feel normal, even if just for five minutes,
when he takes the milk, chocolate powder, whipped cream and a mug to prepare the drink
himself.

Irrelevant, many might think. But for Taehyung, a prince used to not getting his hands on any
household chores, no matter how simple, is a giant step. Honestly, the hot chocolate tastes
even better because of that.

Taehyung is sitting on one of the metal counters, letting himself be irresponsible and
inelegant for a few minutes. After all, no one is there to see him, is there? Why should he sit
in a chair, with his back straight and his arms resting elegantly on the table? His shirt is also
slightly open, the top two buttons unbuttoned, as is his tie, which rests beside him.

He found a glass jar filled with cinnamon and chocolate chips cookies and of course, his
sweet mouth couldn't resist. If his mother or his personal servants saw him eating this, they
would definitely scold him, explaining that he has to avoid eating chocolate so as not to stain
his pretty face with pimples.

Screw the pimples.

His legs sway back and forth absently as his eyes close as he chews on the delicious biscuit.
This until Taehyung gets startled, almost dropping the cookie on the floor, when a silhouette
enters the kitchen.
He breathes a sigh of relief when he recognizes it. "Jesus Christ! You scared me!"

“You should see your face. You looked like a deer caught in a car's headlights,” Seokjin
laughs, approaching the fridge. “What are you doing here so late? Hard night?"

Seokjin - even if a servant, is the closest to a friend Taehyung has - is more than used to
seeing Taehyung in the kitchen at this time of night. Like Taehyung, the servant also has
trouble falling asleep, seeking the help of a glass of water or a mug of warm milk.

“You can say that,” Taehyung shrugs, sighing.

“Is something wrong? I thought you were happier these days. You know… Since Jeongguk
ended up staying here at the palace instead of returning home,” Seokjin asks. "Your face at
least told me that."

The prince feels his cheeks flush. Lately, since Taehyung and Jeongguk shared that special
night where they were supposed to say goodbye to each other forever, many people asked
him what happened to make him walk so radiant. Starting with his mother who, when
Taehyung went to her bedroom to let her rest assured that he was alive after the attack, she
asked him why he was all disheveled and with his clothes so wrinkled. Passing on to his
servants, who instead of warning him not to eat so many sweets, praised his skin. Taehyung,
at that moment, realized that the theories about sex and good skin were true, after all. And
finally, even Areum, at their dinner that very evening in her own room, asked him if the
reason he was grinning from ear to ear was because of her. Taehyung couldn't just admit that
no, that it was due to Jeongguk's kisses and ardent touches instead, which made him reach for
the sky and float on fluffy clouds, so the prince ended up trying to lower his smile and nod,
saying that dinner was great.

Inside, Taehyung was ecstatic, elated, happy. So, so happy. He can't describe how amazing
that moment was. Not for the pleasure, or at least not just because of it, but for all that
connection and intimacy it symbolizes. What happened between him and Jeongguk was
unplanned but Taehyung would repeat that moment without even batting an eye. In fact, he
really hopes to be able to repeat it soon. That's if Jeongguk so wishes too, of course.

Taehyung hopes so, especially now that he really thinks the purple-haired boy who owns his
heart is more secure about his feelings and is willing to fight for him.

The prince feels giddy. That is when he's not busy with everything else. And thinking about
his father, his cold words and pressure to finish the contest, Areum and even the others
selected, makes Taehyung sigh, drawing Seokjin's attention.

“Of course I'm happy he stayed,” Taehyung confesses, rolling his eyes when Seokjin sends
him a knowing smile. “Things are just… I don't know,” he sighs. "Difficult."

Seokjin nods, instantly understanding. "Problems with your father?"

Taehyung doesn't even hesitate. Seokjin, even though is a palace worker and Jeongguk's
personal servant, can distinguish the times when he has to be professional and when he
simply has to be Taehyung's friend. Respect and friendship is always very clear in Seokjin's
mind and the prince cherishes that in the other man.

Because of that, Seokjin is aware of the tension between Taehyung and his father. Of course
not to the extent that Jeongguk knows, especially when it cames to the scars permanently
marked on his back. In fact, no one else knows about it. And thinking about that specific
moment in the shelter, it was so easy to tell Jeongguk. A fault of Taehyung's part maybe,
letting go and being vulnerable when, at the same time, he couldn't trust Jeongguk a hundred
percent yet. He wants it, he wants it so much, but it's time for Jeongguk to also make him
believe he deserves it.

The prince sighs again, finishing his hot chocolate. “My father has been pressuring me a lot.
Every single day he asks me if I've made my decision, leaning me towards all the selected
except…”

“Except Jeongguk,” Seokjin finishes speaking for him.

Taehyung nods. “I’ve been spending time with the others because my own father invites them
for dates for me. I feel tired of it all.”

"Why don't you say your choice once and for all then?" Seokjin asks, not an ounce of
judgment or pressure, just pure curiosity. As if he knew from the beginning that Taehyung
took his choice long time ago.

The tip of the prince's index finger circles the rim of the mug. "It's not that easy. At least not
now. After what happened with the Official News… My dad wouldn't let that happen. Even if
the choice is mine," Taehyung snorts. "He is determined to do everything to show me that
Jeongguk is not worthy of the crown or of the royal family when I couldn't care less about it.
Can't he see that what I'm looking for is someone worthy of my heart?"

Seokjin nods, sighing softly. “Taehyung, you know he likes you. You have to know that.”

“Most of the time… Yes, I know that,” Taehyung rubs his temples. "I just wish things were
easier."

“You were never one to give up,” Seokjin insists, taking a seat beside him at the counter.

Honestly, Taehyung loves these moments. Where, in the silence and late at night, there are no
princes, no servants, no statutes or orders. There are only two friends, of identical ages,
chatting casually on a gigantic kitchen counter. Normality.

“I never was,” Taehyung shakes his head in agreement.

“And Jeongguk is definitely not the kind of person who gives up easily either.”

Unconsciously, Taehyung smiles at the mention of the other boy's name, mostly because he
agrees. Jeongguk is really not the kind of person who gives up.

Seokjin grins too. “You two just have to keep not giving up. Especially not on each other."
 ♕

The selected are in the Great Hall, their eyelids heavy from the hours spent in yet another
etiquette class, when bricks start to fly in through the window. Sohui immediately drops to
the ground and, whimpering, crawls towards the side door. Yejun lets out a shrill scream and
breaks off to the back of the hall, narrowly escaping a shower of shattered glass. Areum grabs
Jeongguk by the arm, pulling him along, and the two run towards the exit of the hall.

"Fast!" Jang-mi yells, waving her hand so the selected rush to the door.

Within seconds, the guards line up by the windows and start shooting. The loud bursts of
bullets piercing the air echo in Jeongguk's ears as they flee. It doesn't matter if the rebels
bring weapons, rocks or other threats; anyone who showed any degree of aggression in the
vicinity of the palace would die. Honestly, these attacks are starting to wear down everyone's
patience. They’ve been so recurrent.

“Ugh, I hate running in these shoes,” Areum grumbles, her long dress wrapped around her
arm and her eyes fixed on the end of the hall.

“One of us is going to have to get used to this,” Yejun comments, breathing hard.

Sohui, even if through her frightened tears, rolls her eyes. “If it's me, I’ll start wearing
sneakers every day. I'm tired of fearing falling in these heels and spraining an ankle.”

"Talk less and run more!" Jang-mi screams.

"How do we get downstairs around here?" Sohui asks.

"What about Taehyung?" Areum whimpers, out of breath.

Jang-mi doesn't respond. The selected follow her through a maze of corridors, looking for a
way to the basement, as they watch the guards pass them, running in the opposite direction.
Jeongguk admires them, imagining the courage it takes for them to run into danger in order to
protect others.

"Here it is!" Jang-mi exclaims in relief, pushing a secret panel into a wall.

They all start frantically descending the stairs, with Sohui and Jang-mi in the lead.

“For God's sake, Sohui! Hurry up! It looks like you're stepping on eggshells!” Yejun yells.

As they make their way through the darkness of the cold, cramped stairwells, Jeongguk tries
to mentally count the hours they will waste, hiding like rats. Lately, the rebel attacks have
been more and more recurrent, which makes them spend most of their days closed in these
shelters. It starts to become more tiring than frightening, honestly.
The selected, with Jang-mi in front, continue walking and the sounds of their escape drown
out the sounds of gunfire coming from the floor above, until a male voice echoes above them.

"Hey! You! Stop!" The voice commands.

Areum and Jeongguk turn at the same time, looking until they clearly make out a silhouette
in an official uniform.

"Wait!" Areum tells the others who’re walk ahead. "It's a guard!"

Everyone stops on the steps, out of breath. A few moments later, the soldier catches up to
them, also panting. “I apologize, ladies and gentlemen. The rebels fled as soon as we started
shooting. I think they didn't feel like fighting today,” the long-bearded man explains.

Jang-mi takes a step forward. Smoothing her dark blue dress with her hands, she speaks for
the selected, “Has the king decided it's safe? If not, you’re putting the lives of these young
people at great risk.”

“The head of the guard approved, Mrs. Jang-mi. I’m sure that Our Majesty-”

“You don't speak for the king,” Jang-mi interrupts him decisively. "Come on, let's continue."

"Are you serious?" Jeongguk butts in, face mirrored with exasperation. "We will get down for
nothing."

The woman stares at the purple-haired boy in a way that would even deter a rebel, and that
makes Jeongguk close his mouth. Jang-mi and he had built a kind of friendship when she,
unknowingly and with her extra lessons, had helped Jeongguk not to think about Taehyung
and the Selection a few days ago. But after his little joke (not so funny and even less a joke
but whatever) in the Official News, their friendship seems to have disappeared. Well,
understandable.

Turning to the guard and ignoring Jeongguk, Jang-mi declares, “Get an official order from
the king and we'll go back upstairs. Now let’s keep walking, ladies and gentlemen.”

Jeongguk and the guard exchange a look of frustration, but they end up walking away,
heading in opposite directions.

Jang-mi doesn't show a glimmer of remorse when, twenty minutes later, the same guard goes
to the shelter just to warn them that they can now return upstairs.

Jeongguk is slightly annoyed by the lost time and the tiredness of descending and climbing
endless steps, but at least his leg workout of the day was complete. Exiting somewhere on the
first floor, Jeongguk finds his way back to his room, feeling his feet throb in his leather shoes.

His servants are not present, but on the bed is a small silver tray with an envelope. Jeongguk
immediately recognizes Ha-rin's handwriting and rips open the envelope, devouring his
sister's words.
Gguk! Hi! How are you? We miss you so much.

We received the news that you would return home but, luckily, you ended up changing your
mind. I say this because I don't believe it was prince Taehyung who would send you home. I
can be wrong but… That seems unlikely because every time I turn on the TV, I see how he
looks at you. He definitely wants you there.

Although I find your absence strange, although I miss jumping on you early in the morning to
wake you up, although I have a lot more housework to do now that you're not here, I'm happy
that you're still in the Selection.

I've always known you would go far. And you said no! Remember? I already know your
stubborn ass. You have to trust your little sister more.

I hope you’re happy too.

I got a glimpse of that when you made your presentation on the Official News. Despite the
nervousness mirrored in your eyes, happiness was also there, the certainty that you were
doing the right thing, even if covered by fear. Even if you, most likely, didn't see it.

I never doubted how brave you are, Jeongguk. But you've been giving me more and more
evidence of that. Every day I pat myself on the back for putting you in the Selection. You,
Jeongguk, would make such a good prince. I’m so proud to be your sister and it’s an
inspiration to follow in your footsteps. Now, I’ll just stop being lame.

Mun-hee and Jae-hwa are here by my side, watching me writing you and asking me to send
you a big, tight hug. I hope you feel it. Please, write us when you can!

With love,

Your sisters who adore you

His heart, every day, seems to want to explode from how much Jeongguk misses his sisters,
his family. But there are days, particularly those when he wakes up lower down or when he
gets these letters, when he can't contain himself.

Sometimes a strong impulse screams in his ears and almost convinces him to go home, to his
mother's warm kisses, to his father's comforting arms, to his sisters' energetic laughter.

But he’s here. In the palace. In the Selection. And sometimes, even if less often now, there’s
still a voice asking him: why? Outside, the rebels attack relentlessly, and inside, the king's
cold words destroy Jeongguk's confidence. And the cameras, which come and go, steal pieces
of his life to entertain people.
His only safe haven is, obviously, Taehyung.

His sister is right. Jeongguk is happy. He is immensely happy when he is with Taehyung, in
his arms, kissing him, talking to him, touching him, breathing the same air as him. Since
when did Jeongguk become this type of person? Well, he doesn’t know.

Jeongguk can't lie and deny that he often feels trapped on all sides like he's missing out on
everything that has always been important to him. But he swallows his tears. He is tired of
crying.

Instead, Jeongguk starts to think of a plan. The only way to solve all this is to end the
Selection once and for all. And although he occasionally still questions his willingness and
ability to be the next prince, Jeongguk no longer has any doubt that he wants to belong to
Taehyung.

And for that to happen, Jeongguk can’t sit idly by. He has to fight and conquer Taehyung’s
heart and trust again to win this stupid contest.

Once and for all.

Jeongguk can barely breathe, so he knows that trying to eat will be a waste of time. But the
sacrifice will be worth it. He needs to make progress and fast.

According to the king, the others selected are throwing themselves at Taehyung – he
definitely meant physically - and the monarch also said that Jeongguk is too simple and
unpretentious to have any chance of beating them in that field. Jeongguk really doubts that
Taehyung was involved with any of the others selected - or anyone else, in that matter - as he
was with Jeongguk that night. He really doubts that the prince's hands have roamed another
body, that the prince's lips have kissed another skin surfaces, that the prince's moans have
been swallowed by another half-open mouth, that the prince-

Jeongguk, stop! Stop, stop, stop! Don't go that way! Your clothes are already too tight.

However, Jeongguk didn't want Taehyung to ponder even looking at others that way, to desire
and worship them as he desired and worshipped Jeongguk in that bubble of intimacy of their
own. Not that Jeongguk really believed the prince would, but the king's words could be
poisonous no matter how hard he fights them.

And as if his relationship with Taehyung wasn't already complicated enough, there's still the
issue of Jeongguk having to regain his trust. Completely fair, the purple-haired boy knows
that. However, he doesn't know if that means not asking questions or the other way around.
And although Jeongguk was sure that, physically, Taehyung didn't go that far with the others,
he wanted to make it clear that he's just as interested - or even more - in him as the rest of the
selected.

Never before had he tried to be seductive - all the intimate moments he and Taehyung shared
had come naturally - but there is always a first time for everything, right?

He takes a deep breath, lifts his head, and walks into the dining room as elegantly as he can.
Jeongguk purposely arrives a couple of minutes late, hoping that everyone is already seated.
His calculations are right. But the reaction is even better than he expected.

Jeongguk bows, feeling his thigh muscles tighten against the stiff fabric of his pants. His
outfit is all black, in fact, consisting of a dark turtleneck sweater snug in the right places
(cough cough chest and arms cough cough). But the central accessory of the whole look is an
equally dark leather corset, which accentuates Jeongguk's waistline in a dizzying way, he has
to admit - even if the piece of cloth will keep him from taking more than three mouthfuls of
dinner.

He's sure his servants worked magic to make him look this sexy. Seokjin, Nabi and Yumi
were surprised by the request, as it’s not recurrent for Jeongguk to ask for something like this,
but the servants took it as a challenge. And how well they took it.

Jeongguk straightens up after the greeting bow and faces Taehyung. The prince has stopped
chewing and the fork drops from his hand, slamming hard against the plate.

With a hidden victorious smile, Jeongguk heads for his place, just beside Areum.

"Frankly, Jeongguk!" She whispers in a judgmental tone.

The purple-haired boy tilts his head towards her. "What?" He asks, feigning innocence.

The girl puts down her cutlery and glares at him. "You look… Slutty."

Jeongguk scoffs, shaking his head in denial as if he refused to feel let down by his supposed
friend's disdainful words. "And you, Areum, are simply jealous."

He clearly hits very close to the target, because Areum blushes a little before resuming
violently eating. Jeongguk, meanwhile, eats a few bites of the salad, feeling extremely tight.

When the butlers serve dessert - creme brûlée - Jeongguk decides to stop ignoring Taehyung,
who, just as he expected, has his eyes on Jeongguk. The prince immediately raises his hand
and pokes the mole on the tip of his nose, smiling when Jeongguk shyly repeats the gesture.
The purple-haired boy sends a quick glance at king Bon-hwa and tries not to smirk. The
monarch is visibly irritated that Jeongguk has managed to get away with one more trick.
Jeongguk: 1, King Bon-hwa: 0!

Jeongguk excuses himself to leave before everyone else, purposely allowing Taehyung to
admire his curves from behind, and hurries back to his room.

As soon as the purple-haired boy closes the door, he immediately unzips the corset, desperate
to breathe and feel his insides again.
"How was it?" Yumi asks, running to help him.

“He looked stunned,” Jeongguk says, smirking. "Well, everyone looked."

Nabi lets out a squeal and Yumi and Seokjin share a victorious smile.

"Is the prince coming tonight?" Seokjin asks.

“Yes,” Jeongguk nods. "I'm not sure at what time, but he'll show up for sure."

He sits on the edge of the bed, lightly rubbing his stomach while he can still feel it.

Seokjin makes an apologetic face. “I'm sorry you need to be uncomfortable for a few more
hours, but I'm sure it will be worth it,” the servant winks at him.

Jeongguk smiles carefree, not wanting to give the impression that he doesn't mind the
discomfort at all. He had told his servants that he wanted to get the prince's attention, but he
hadn't confessed that he was hoping that, with luck, the corset and maybe a little more would
quickly end up on the floor.

"Do you want us to stay here until the prince arrives?" Nabi asks, brimming with enthusiasm.

“No, just please help me close this thing again,” Jeongguk asks, getting up from the bed.

Yumi grabs the strings. "Hold your breath, Mr. Jeon."

Jeongguk obeys, and as he is squeezed once more by the corset, he thinks of a soldier
preparing for war. The armor is visibly different, but the goal is the same.

Tonight, Jeongguk will bring down a man.

Jeongguk opens the balcony doors and lets the air scent his room. Although it's the beginning
of December, the cool breeze is welcome and tickles his skin. Maybe he just feels too hot.

In the recent days, due to the countless number of rebel attacks, the selected are no longer
allowed to go out into the gardens, at least not without a pair of guards accompanying them,
and so his balcony, for now, will have to do.

He walks around the bedroom placing and lighting candles, trying to make the space more
inviting. Thinking about it now, the first time between him and Taehyung wasn't what he'd
idealized in his head and dreams. He had never imagined getting lost in Taehyung's body in a
small metallic hiding place. Not that Jeongguk regrets it, at all, but from now on, things
could be more romantic, right? Perhaps, the effort would also show Taehyung that Jeongguk
is trying. At least that's what he expects.
As soon as he hears the knock on the door, Jeongguk extinguishes the match and hurriedly
throws it under the bed. He sits down on the soft mattress, picks up a book and stretches his
legs in a seductive gesture. Now, of course, Taehyung, I always look like this when I’m
reading.

Taehyung enters and Jeongguk gracefully lifts his head, noticing his surprised and curious
expression as he surveys the dimly lit bedroom. When the prince finally turns to him,
Taehyung slides his eyes over Jeongguk’s tight waist accentuated with the corset.

“Oh. Here you are,” the purple-haired boy pretends not to have been patiently waiting for the
prince for the last two hours, closing the book and standing up to greet him.

Taehyung leaves his trance behind and closes the door, stepping forward with his eyes fixed
on Jeongguk's curves. The prince leans forward and ferociously kisses Jeongguk's parted lips,
stealing sounds of surprise from him by the sudden gesture.

As they pull away, Taehyung's heavy gaze travels over Jeongguk's body as he mutters, "I
wanted to tell you that you look mesmerizing today."

"Oh, this?" Jeongguk looks down too, slipping his hands around his waist casually. "It's just
some rags that were hidden in the back of my closet."

“Glad you got them out of there then,” Taehyung smiles smugly, stealing another kiss.

Jeongguk intertwines his fingers with Taehyung's and pulls him until they’re both sitting on
the edge of the bed. "I haven't seen you much lately."

The prince lets out a sigh and responds, “I know. I’m sorry. Things are a little tense because
we lost so many people in last week's rebel attack and you know what my father is like. We
have sent several guards to protect your families as a precautionary gesture and therefore, our
forces are diminished. So my father is even worse and hard to put up with than usual.”
Another sigh. Jeongguk looks at him intently. “And he's also been putting pressure on me to
finish the Selection, but I'm resisting. I want to have time to think things through.”

The prince's gaze seems to mean, I want to give you time to prove to me that I can choose you
instead. Jeongguk nods, stroking the back of Taehyung's hand with his thumb. "Of course. I
understand that. In fact, you’re the one who should control the Selection, not your father.”

“Exactly,” Taehyung lets his head drop to rest on Jeongguk's shoulder, their hands still
intertwined in the purple-haired boy's lap. "I know I've said it a thousand times, but it drives
me crazy when people pressure me."

“I know,” Jeongguk murmurs against the prince's silky hair, placing a light kiss there.

Now that comfortable silence has settled between them, Jeongguk is trying to figure out a
way to move this forward without seeming too obvious. As if the romantic atmosphere
throughout the room wasn't enough.
"Tae?" Jeongguk starts, getting a murmur in response. “I know it sounds silly, but my
servants have given me a new perfume today. Do you think it's too strong?” He asks, bending
his neck slightly so Taehyung can sniff.

Still with his face resting on his shoulder, Taehyung turns his head slightly, nuzzling the skin
of Jeongguk's throat with his nose. "No. It's great, I like it,” he whispers, with his warm, deep
voice against Jeongguk's neck, making him shiver.

The prince must have noticed it because Jeongguk feels a cocky smile glued to his throat. On
purpose, Taehyung leans in even more, starting a trail of light kisses along the length of his
neck until the kisses become bolder, open and wet. Jeongguk swallows hard, trying to contain
the low moans that threaten to escape from the back of his throat.

“I'm glad you liked it,” Jeongguk tries to sound as normal as possible. "I really missed you."

Jeongguk feels Taehyung's hand creep up his back, the prince's fingertips hovering curiously
over the corset as if investigating it. Jeongguk tilts his face to the side and there is Taehyung,
plunging his eyes into Jeongguk's, and their lips are millimeters apart.

"Did you miss me a lot or just a little?" Taehyung whispers, fixing his eyes on Jeongguk's
mouth. That gaze, combined with a voice as deep and silky as velvet, are messing with the
rhythm of Jeongguk's heart.

“A lot,” Jeongguk replies, whispering as well. "Really, really a lot."

He leans forward, wanting Taehyung to kiss him. And the prince seems to be confident
enough to fulfill his wishes.

Taehyung pulls Jeongguk to him with one hand and slides the other down his spine, causing
them to fall backward onto the bed. Jeongguk's body wants to melt into the toe-curl kiss, to
reciprocate the passion, but the tight clothing stops him. He then remembers his plan and
suddenly feels nervous again. Why does he feel this way when this isn't the first time he's
been intimate with Taehyung? Why does he feel this way when usually there is no
nervousness but butterflies in his belly and fire burning his skin instead?

Jeongguk slides his hands down Taehyung's arms and leads his fingers to the clasp of the
corset on his back, hoping that would be enough. When it doesn't seem like it, he repeats the
gesture with the prince's other hand, moving it until it rests in the curve of his ass.

Taehyung's hands stop there, the prince seeming more focused on devouring Jeongguk's lips
and tongue, and the purple-haired boy is about to ask Taehyung to do something when the
prince bursts out laughing.

"What's so funny?" Jeongguk asks, horrified, trying to think of a way to discreetly check his
breath. Could it be that the two times he brushed his teeth weren't enough?

“You, Jeongguk,” Taehyung responds with a wide grin, stealing a peck from him.

"Excuse me?" Jeongguk frowns, trying to control his breathing.

“I always imagined what it would be like when you tried,” the prince laughs again. “In fact, I
even wondered if you would ever do it. Mainly because, after our night a few days ago, I
realized that, with you, things don't need trying. That everything with you seems to be natural
and spontaneous and that just makes everything better. So, it was funny and unexpected to
see you prepare all this.”

Jeongguk feels cold, completely mortified.

“Don't get me wrong,” Taehyung leans in, giggling low against Jeongguk's neck. “Everything
looks very romantic and beautiful, believe me. And you… You look amazing. But
Jeongguk,” the prince pulls back just to look him in the eye. "That night was the best night of
my life." Jeongguk's soul leaves his body with the abrupt shift in emotions. He had never
wished so much to have an instruction manual on how to calm his frantic heart. “You had
your face streaked with tears, your hair was sweaty and your shirt stained with my blood. And
yet, you were the most beautiful person my eyes were lucky enough to see. You still are, it
doesn't matter what you're wearing. By this, I mean that… You don't need to try to seduce me
with these kinds of things… You alone are enough."

“But…” Jeongguk tries to argue but Taehyung interrupts him with another peck, smiling
against his mouth.

"I mean it." Another peck. “I’m sorry but I have to go now. I have some documents to review
before bed. See you tomorrow,” Taehyung says apologetically, kissing the other boy again,
who can barely reciprocate because he's so baffled.

And so, in the blink of an eye, Taehyung leaves. Jeongguk is still lying in bed, paralyzed,
alone, cold, but above all, embarrassed.

How could Jeongguk think he could do this? Taehyung knows Jeongguk’s character and
personality by now and this… This is not him.

The purple-haired boy gets up, walks up to the mirror and stares at his outfit. The tight
clothes are nice and the corset is sexy, yes, but it's too much for Jeongguk. Perhaps, not even
Yejun would have gone that far. His hair is too perfect, his makeup too heavy.

Taehyung realized what Jeongguk was trying to do as soon as he entered.

Jeongguk sighs, goes around the bedroom to blow out the candles, and wonders how he's
going to face Taehyung the next day.

He thought about saying he's sick to his stomach. Or with a crushing headache, where he
could only stay closed in his room, in the dark and in the silence. Anything, honestly, just to
get rid of breakfast.

But then Jeongguk thinks of Taehyung and how he always says to act bravely. That's
definitely not one of Jeongguk's strengths - at least, from his perspective - but if he can at
least get down to the dining hall, if he’s simply present, maybe the prince will give him some
credit.

Hoping to erase at least part of what he's done last night, Jeongguk asks his servants to dress
him in the most discreet outfit he has in his closet. Just by that request, they automatically
realized that it would be better not to ask him anything about the night before. The white knit
sweater isn't as tight and the black slacks are straight cut. It's casual and minimalist, the
complete opposite of yesterday’s clothes.

Jeongguk can barely look at Taehyung when he enters the dining room, but at least he can
maintain his posture. When the purple-haired boy dares to glance at him, after he’s seated, the
prince is already staring at him with a wide grin, a glimmer of teasing and humor on his face.
Taehyung winks at him as he chews his waffle and Jeongguk lowers his head again, ignoring
the blush on his cheeks and pretending to be more interested in his red velvet pancakes.

“Glad to see you in normal clothes today,” Areum comments.

“Glad to see you in such a good mood today,” Jeongguk rolls his eyes.

"What was on your mind?" She sneers through clenched teeth.

Jeongguk lets his cutlery settle on the plate before facing Areum. "I don't have the slightest
patience for this, Areum. Leave me alone, please.”

For a moment, it looks like Areum is ready to react to Jeongguk's comment, but she stops
herself, taking a deep breath and probably believing he's not worth the effort. She straightens
up in her chair and continues to eat.

Jeongguk realized how wrong he was yesterday. In fact, he thought of nothing else all night.
Taehyung was right. They had sex before and it happened as spontaneously as possible. Yes,
they thought it would be a form of saying goodbye to each other, but they also believed
faithfully that it was something they both desperately wanted, which wasn't for mere
momentary desire or a plot of seduction. Far from it. No candles, tight or low-cut clothing, or
seductive whispers in the ear were required. No. What is simply needed between the two of
them is always sincerity. Sincerity and the strong feelings that bubble between them.
Jeongguk just didn't realize that sooner.

Despite being extremely embarrassed, Jeongguk couldn't deny that he was immensely giddy.
Taehyung's words also soothed his heart and that's the most important thing. Not the
disdainful words of the king and the little monkeys he tries to cram inside Jeongguk's head.
Once again, the purple-haired boy didn't keep strong enough to trust his instincts and, above
all, Taehyung.

But he is learning to.

Jeongguk risks another stare at the prince and, although he isn't watching the purple-haired
boy, Taehyung continues to restrain himself so as not to show the satisfaction he feels while
cutting his waffle. Jeongguk is about to faint, fake a tummy ache or anything else to get him
out of that prince's teasing smile, when a butler enters the hall. The man brings with him a
black envelope on a silver tray and bows before placing it in front of king Bon-hwa.

The monarch takes the letter and quickly reads it. “Damn the French people!” He grumbles.
"I’m sorry, Yuna, but it looks like I'll have to leave in an hour."

"Another problem with the trade treaty?" The queen asks calmly.

"Yes," he sighs, rubbing his temples in a gesture of frustration. “I thought we had all this
sorted out months ago. We must remain firm in this matter,” the king stands up, tossing his
napkin onto his plate and starting to head for the door.

"Dad!" Taehyung calls, getting up from his seat as well. "Do you want me to go with you?"

In fact, Jeongguk had found it strange that the king did not bark any orders to his son to
follow him when he rose, as this is his usual method of giving instructions. Instead, king
Bon-hwa turns to Taehyung with a cold look and an even more cold voice. "When you're
ready to behave like a king, you can participate in what a king does."

And, without saying anything else, he leaves the dining room.

Taehyung stands still for a moment, shocked and embarrassed by his father's decision to
criticize him in front of everyone. When he sits down, the prince shrugs and forces a smile,
facing his mother. “To be honest, I didn't really feel like taking a long trip either,” he
comments, joking to ease the tension. The queen smiles, caressing his cheek for a brief
second, and all the selected ignore it too.

Yejun and Sohui finish breakfast and excuse themselves to head to the Leisure Room. When
only Areum, Jeongguk, and Taehyung remain at the table, after the queen has also left to help
with the decisions for the meal menu of the following week, Jeongguk looks up at the prince.
The two poke their moles at the same time, as if it were telepathy, and smile subtly. Areum
seems to be purposefully taking her time to eat as if she understood something in the air, but
eventually, she also ends up leaving, albeit with slow, shuffling steps.

Jeongguk and Taehyung get up as soon as the door closes, finding themselves in the middle
of the dining room, not caring about the maids and butlers lifting the dishes and platters
around them.

“It's because of me he doesn't take you,” is the first thing Jeongguk says, sighing sadly.

"Maybe," Taehyung teases, smirking. When Jeongguk remains staring at the ground, the
prince sighs. "Believe me, it's not the first time he tried to put me in my place and, in his
mind, there are thousands of reasons to do it. It wouldn't surprise me if, this time, the main
reason was spite. He obviously doesn't want to lose control, but the closer I get to choose a
partner, the more likely that is to happen. Although we both know he will never completely
let go of the reins."
“Maybe you should send me home for good,” Jeongguk shrugs, letting the tip of his right
index finger play absently with a protruding vein in Taehyung's hand. "He will never let you
choose me."

Jeongguk still hadn't told Taehyung how his father had cornered and threatened him in the
middle of the hallway after the prince convinced him to let the purple-haired boy stay. King
Bon-hwa had made it very clear that Jeongguk must keep silent about that conversation and
he didn't want to irritate the monarch even more. At the same time, Jeongguk hates to hide it
from Taehyung.

“By the way,” Jeongguk adds, crossing his arms. "After last night, I don't know why I still
haven't escaped from the palace."

Taehyung bites his lip, trying to contain his smile. "I'm sorry I laughed, but seriously, what
else could I do?"

“Well, I don’t know, what do you think? I had a lot of ideas last night,” Jeongguk mutters,
still embarrassed by his attempt to seduce Taehyung. "Ugh, I feel so stupid!" He adds, hiding
his face in his hands.

“Stop,” Taehyung smiles gently, pulling a reluctant Jeongguk into his arms. When the purple-
haired boy's nose brushes the prince's throat, he allows his eyes to close just to inhale that
scent he loves so much. “Don’t doubt me, it was very tempting. Especially after knowing
how good you make me feel,” Taehyung laughs when Jeongguk grunts embarrassedly,
slapping him on the chest. "But you’re not like that, Jeongguk."

“But shouldn't I be? Shouldn't this be part of my performance in the Selection? Seduce you?”
Jeongguk whispers, his face still hidden in the crook of the prince's neck.

"Don't you remember our night at the shelter?" Taehyung asks. Jeongguk loves when
Taehyung says our or us. But as if he could forget about that moment. “I guess you cleaning
my scars can't be seen as an attempt at seduction or flirt, but see where we ended it,” he says
playfully. Jeongguk gives him a light slap again. “If we decide to repeat that moment, I don’t
want it to happen just because you’re feeling pressured to do it due to the competition. I don't
want it to be forced. Nothing between us is like that, right?”

Jeongguk turns his face away to meet Taehyung's sincere eyes. He leans up to press his lips
against Taehyung's, smiling when the prince's hands find shelter on his waist. "Let's forget
about it. Promise you won't make fun of me anymore because of this," Jeongguk points an
(unthreatening) finger in the direction of the prince's face.

“I promise,” he smiles widely. "Besides, you and I have a project to put into practice."

"We have?" Jeongguk arches one of his eyebrows.

"Yes. And with my dad gone, it's a good time to start thinking about ideas,” Taehyung says,
stroking the sides of Jeongguk's body.
"Okay," the purple-haired boy responds, thrilled to be a part of something that is just between
the two of them.

The prince sighs, making Jeongguk anxious about what he is planning. "You're right. My
father doesn't approve of you. But he may be forced to give in if we can get one thing.”

"What?"

Taehyung wanders his gaze over Jeongguk's face as if he's purposely creating suspense. "We
have to make you the people's favorite."

Jeongguk rolls his eyes in exasperation. “Is that what we're going to work on? Tae, we'll
never be able to make that happen. A few weeks ago, I saw a poll in one of Yejun's
magazines after I tried to save Jimin. People hate me.”

“That's not true,” the prince shakes his head with a frown. “That's impossible. Furthermore,
opinions change. Don't let that specific moment let you down.”

Jeongguk still thinks it's hard, but what could he say? If this is his only option, Jeongguk has
to at least try.

“Okay,” Jeongguk nods. "But I'm telling you now that I doubt it will work."

With a roguish smile on his lips, Taehyung approaches and kisses him, slow and long. "I say
it will."

Jeongguk enters the Leisure Hall with his mind focused on Taehyung's plan. The queen has
not yet arrived and the other three selected are gathered by the windows, giggling.

"Jeongguk, come here!" Areum calls urgently.

Even Yejun turns around with a smile and motions for him to join them. Despite being a little
suspicious about what he might find, Jeongguk approaches the group.

"Oh my God!" He exclaims.

"Right?" Yejun sighs, his elbow resting on the marble railing.

Half of the palace guards are bare-chested, running around the garden. Not surprisingly,
soldiers clearly get plenty of exercise to stay in shape. And of course, he is extremely loyal to
Taehyung, but it's hard to make his eyes ignore that sight of so many muscular men.

“That blonde one…” Areum comments. “Well, at least I think he's blonde. They have so
short hair!"
"Oh, oh! I like this one,” Sohui mutters, as a bald, sharp-jawed soldier runs right in front of
their window.

Areum lets out a giggle. "I can't believe we're doing this!"

"Look at that one over there, with the green eyes!" Yejun points to another soldier.

"What about you, Jeongguk?" Areum asks. “Someone you found cute?”

“Huh? I don't know,” he shrugs. "They all seem to be very nice."

Yejun scoffs. "Nice?" He repeats. “You must be enjoying it too! They're like… The hottest
guys I've ever seen.”

Jeongguk shrugs again. Yes, they look good but there's no need to exaggerate either. "It's just
a bunch of guys bare-chested."

"You talk like it's something very banal!" Yejun shakes his head. "It's not every day that we
get to see these guys practically naked."

"I honestly don’t care. Taehyung looks much better bare-chested than all of them together,”
Jeongguk says.

"What?" Areum squeaks, her eyes wide open and staring at him.

He only realizes what he said a second after the words escape his mouth. Fuck. Fuck my
gigantic mouth! When will I learn to think before I speak? Three pairs of eyes are fixed on
him.

"When were you and Taehyung bare-chested?" Yejun wants to know, his eyes narrowing.

"We didn't… That… That didn't happen… I wasn’t…" Jeongguk stutters, looking everywhere
but at the three selected.

"But he was?" Areum asks, scandalized. “How would you know that if you hadn't seen it? Is
that why you dressed like that last night?”

Yejun lets out an exclamation. "You whore!"

Jeongguk clenches his fist, ready to repeat the gesture that happened between him and the
Three some time ago. "Excuse me?!"

"What were you expecting?" Yejun retorts, crossing his arms. "Unless you want to tell us
what happened and explain why we're wrong to call you that."

But there is no way to explain the matter. Undressing Taehyung hadn't exactly been a
romantic moment - not at first, of course - and Jeongguk couldn't just tell them that he had
been helping Taehyung with the wounds on his back, which had been specifically caused by
the king. Taehyung had spent his life keeping this secret. Not that Jeongguk would ever do it,
but if he betrayed him now, it would be the end of their relationship. For good.
And Jeongguk much less would tell that he and Taehyung had sex. It was a special and
important moment just for the two of them, no one else had to know. He didn't want them to
know.

Therefore, Jeongguk must quickly think of a way to reverse the situation he had gotten
himself into with the others selected.

However, before he can actually come up with an excuse, Yejun interrupts him by saying,
"Well, I haven't seen him bare-chested yet," he begins, running a hand through his hair and
deciding to feel proud for what he is about to say. "But I've had enough good times with him.
The best time was in the hallway one night," the Three looks at Jeongguk with a teasing
smile. "We just repeated how exciting it was to know we could get caught."

No.

Jeongguk, no.

You won't believe that.

Yes, Yejun and Taehyung were together that night but you know why. You know what really
happened. Don't let his words poison your mind. Yejun will try to mess with your head.

"Has everyone been naked with Taehyung?" Sohui asks scandalized.

"I didn’t!" Areum denies. "I didn't even kiss him! We just talk, watch movies or play games,
basically."

"Seriously? You didn't kiss him not even once?" Sohui asks, shocked. Jeongguk remembers
when she, a couple of months ago, entered the hall with the news that Taehyung had kissed
her. The image in his mind still made his insides lurch but he now decided to trust the prince.

Finally, the Three turn to Jeongguk. He remembers the king's words when he hinted that
perhaps the others were willing to be far more promiscuous than Jeongguk. But now he
knows that this is just another of the king's weapons, an attempt to make Jeongguk feel
insignificant. Well, that is no longer possible. Not because his son makes Jeongguk feel
anything but insignificant.

So, he decides to be honest. It's time for him to start playing too, isn't it?

“Taehyung's first kiss was with me,” he pauses when three surprised exclamations are heard
in the Leisure Hall. “I didn't want anyone to know. I won't deny it, after that we had more
moments… Intimate.” Jeongguk facepalms himself mentally. Great, Jeongguk. Other words
to say that you've spent minutes on end with your tongue down the prince's throat. Great.
"And, in one of those times, Taehyung was shirtless." Okay, it's not the real truth, but it's not
completely untrue either. It may be enough for the selected to be satisfied.

It’s not.

“So he was shirtless! Did the piece of fabric fly from his head like magic?" Yejun scoffs.
When Jeongguk remains silent, he insists, "Did he take off his shirt, or did you?"
“I think it was both of us,” Jeongguk replies reluctantly.

After a few tense moments, Areum takes up the conversation again. "Very well. Now, we all
know each other's position.”

"Which are?" Sohui rolls his eyes.

Nobody answers.

“I just wanted to say…” Jeongguk begins. "That all the moments between me and Taehyung
are very important to me and that I really like him." Liking is not enough to describe it, but
they don't need to know that for now.

"And by that, you mean what? That we don't like him?" Yejun roars.

“I know you don't,” the purple-haired boy scoffs.

"Son of a bitch. How dare you?”

“Yejun, it's no secret that you want someone with power. You might even like Taehyung
slightly, but you're not in love with him. What you want is the crown,” Jeongguk accuses
assertively.

Without denying it, the Three turns to Sohui. "What about her? I've never seen a shadow of
emotion in Sohui!"

“I’m a reserved person. You should try it someday,” she replies, clenching her fists. “I may
not be completely in love with the prince, but I respect him. Love can come later.”

Areum speaks sympathetically, "That sounds a little sad."

“It's not,” Sohui shakes her head in disagreement. "There are things more important than
love."

Everyone stares at Sohui, digesting her words. It’s for love that Jeongguk has always fought
and still fights for his family. And now, although it still slightly scares him to think about it,
he is sure that all actions related to Taehyung - even the most idiotic ones - are also motivated
by that specific feeling.

“Well, I admit it. I love Taehyung,” Areum confesses. "I love him and I want him to choose
and marry me."

Her words bring Jeongguk back to the discussion and he feels like disappearing through a
hole in the ground. Areum has admitted this to him before, but it will never cease to be
uncomfortable and painful to hear it. What did he start with that slip of having seen Taehyung
bare-chested? If they knew that it was even much more than that...

“Very well, Jeongguk. Confess,” Yejun demands.

He feels cold and hot at the same time and begins to breathe with difficulty. Jeongguk had
already managed to understand the extent and meaning of his feelings, but that doesn't mean
he's ready to let them out. Much less when he hasn't done it with Taehyung yet.

Jeongguk takes a while to find the right words, but he ends up answering, "Taehyung knows
how I feel and that's all I care about."

The Three predictably rolls his eyes at Jeongguk's response but doesn't press him further. No
doubt he fears that if he insisted, Jeongguk would do the same to him. And the answers from
both are clearly very different.

The four selected stand there, looking at each other. The Selection had been running for
almost four months and now they can finally see the true contours of the competition.

Shortly thereafter, the queen enters and wishes them a good morning. After the selected greet
her with a bow, they all depart. They seek the corners of the room and retreat into themselves.

Maybe it all was supposed to come down to this. There are four people and a prince, and
three of them will be returning home shortly, with little more than an interesting story about
how autumn and winter went.

Jeongguk wrings his hands nervously as he circles the downstairs library, trying to organize
the words in his mind. Jeongguk knows he has to explain to Taehyung what just happened
before he hears him from the others' mouths, but that doesn't mean he isn't looking forward to
the conversation.

“Knock, knock,” Taehyung sing-songs, stepping inside. When he notices the worried
expression on Jeongguk's face, the prince's smile fades. "What’s wrong?"

“Please, don't be angry with me,” Jeongguk warns as the prince approaches.

Taehyung moves more slowly and the worry on his face turns to caution instead. “Hum… I'll
try.”

Jeongguk nods, more to himself than anything else, and takes a deep breath. "The others
know I saw you shirtless." Noticing the question forming in the prince's head, Jeongguk adds,
"I didn't tell them anything about your scars!" He swears. “Although, quite honestly, I felt
like it. They think we were in the most complete hot make-out session!”

Taehyung smiles smugly. “Well… It ended up like that, didn’t it? I mean, it was much more
than just a make-out session, if I remember quite well.”

"Oh my God. Kim Taehyung, shut up!” Jeongguk pushes him lightly by the shoulders, not
holding back his grin either. "Right now, they hate me."
Taehyung's eyes continue to sparkle as he stretches his arms to hug him. “If it's any comfort
to you, I'm not angry. I honestly don't care as long as you keep my… Secret,” Taehyung
mutters against the other boy's hair. “But I have to admit I'm a little shocked that you told
them that. How did the subject come up?”

Jeongguk grunts, burying his head in the prince's chest. “I don't know if I can tell you.”

“Oh, come on,” Taehyung whimpers. “I thought we were building mutual trust.”

“And we are,” Jeongguk hurries to agree. “It's just that this is too embarrassing…”

Taehyung pulls away from the hug, doing a puppy abandoned look. How is Jeongguk
supposed not to melt right there and now?

“Okay, okay! Stop!" Jeongguk presses Taehyung's pout with his hands, stretching his mouth
until he forms a smile instead. “The guards were out in the garden running. Bare-chested.
And…"

“You were all watching the show,” the prince chuckles.

"Aren't you upset about this?" Jeongguk frowns.

“Of course not,” Taehyung laughs. "And then?"

“Perhaps it escaped me that you and your bare-chested are much better than all those guards
together,” Jeongguk blurts out, hiding his face again in the prince's neck.

Silence. Taehyung's hands, which caressed Jeongguk's spine, pause.

When the purple-haired boy moves from his favorite hiding place to face the prince's
expression, Taehyung has a grin on his face. The happiness and giddiness in every one of his
features are visible and the blush on Jeongguk's cheeks and tips of ears only grow more.

"So I'm hotter than that bunch of strong, very muscular guards?" Taehyung arches an
eyebrow in defiance, his smile turning into a smirk instead.

Jeongguk rolls his eyes, letting Taehyung pull him further against his body. “I didn't exactly
say those words but…”

“You're so cute,” Taehyung lets out youthful giggles and Jeongguk's heart turns to an
acrobatic gymnastics expert. When the prince bends down to steal one, two, three, four,
endless pecks from Jeongguk's lips, he's sure his heart won't take it. “Okay, so they know you
saw me partially undressed. Though, again, it was much more than that,” Taehyung teases,
earning a grunt from Jeongguk. "Anything else?"

The purple-haired boy hesitates, closing his eyes as Taehyung's mouth builds a trail of kisses
down his cheeks. “They also know I was your first kiss. And I know everything you've done
and haven't done with them. I mean, at least what they decided to tell."
Taehyung suddenly pulls away, letting Jeongguk's head drop to the side in surprise. "What?"
His gaze becomes more distant and even cold, a glimmer of bewilderment mirrored in them.

“After I blurted out the no-shirt story, we all started pointing fingers at each other and ended
up deciding to be honest," Jeongguk admits, nervously playing with his fingers. Why is
Taehyung looking so upset?

The prince runs a hand down his face, nearly dropping his golden crown to the ground with
the frustrating gesture, and takes a few steps across the library as he processes the
information. “So I don't have any privacy anymore? Nothing? All because the four of you
decided to compare scores?” He scoffs and his exasperation is evident.

"Why are you acting like this?" Jeongguk frowns, genuinely confused. "For someone so
concerned with honesty, you should be grateful."

Taehyung suddenly stops and faces him. "Grateful?"

“Now everything is black and white. We all have a sense of each other's position and I, for
one, feel glad,” Jeongguk shrugs.

The prince rolls his eyes. "You do?"

"Yes!" Jeongguk raises his hands in the air. “You can't imagine how insecure I feel all the
damn time! Why do you think I did that last night? Do you have any idea how embarrassed I
felt for a few moments?”

Taehyung lets out a mocking laugh and starts walking again. "Please, Jeongguk, you've said
and done so many stupid things that I'm surprised you're still able to feel embarrassed."

Silence.

Perhaps it was because Jeongguk had received a less eloquent education. Perhaps it's because
Taehyung's eyes widen in regret instantly. But the truth is, it takes him a moment longer to
feel the full impact of those words. But this delay doesn't make his body not react when he
takes two steps back, as if his chest had been hit by invisible bullets.

Jeongguk swallows hard, nodding as if settling each of Taehyung's uttered words in his mind.
Words that everyone said about him except Taehyung. Until now, apparently.

“Well, I should go,” Jeongguk says in a low voice, unable to face Taehyung. "I'm sorry I
blurted out the no-shirt story."

“Jeongguk… No... That's not what I wanted…”

"No. That’s okay, Taehyung,” Jeongguk babbles, turning away. He starts to walk away
towards the library door, feeling so small that he asks if the prince even notices it. "I'll pay
more attention to what I say from now on."

With his head down and his stomach churning, Jeongguk returns upstairs, not sure if he wants
Taehyung to follow him or not.
The prince doesn't.

When Jeongguk arrives in his bedroom, he finds Seokjin, Nabi and Yumi changing the sheets
and dusting the shelves. He takes his sketchbook and the pencil case.

“Hi, Mr. Jeon,” Nabi greets. "Would you like some tea?"

"No, thank you. I'll just sit on the balcony for a while. If anyone comes looking for me, just
say I'm resting, please,” Jeongguk asks.

Seokjin frowns but nods. "Of course."

Jeongguk spends most of the afternoon drawing and painting, trying to capture the most
realistic details of the splendid garden in front of him. The hours go by and he doesn't even
notice it, but honestly, as long as he managed to avoid the others selected and Taehyung,
Jeongguk didn't care what he did.

Why does it seem like he and Taehyung take one step forward and, a few days later, take
three back? Why can't things be simpler between them?

With the king gone, they’re allowed to take their meals in their rooms and that's what
Jeongguk does. Still on the balcony, not caring about the cold, Jeongguk is halfway through
the pepper and lemon chicken when someone knocks on the door.

Jeongguk is sure it’s the prince. Maybe he's being immature and proud, something he should
have learned by now that it wasn't fair to behave like, but even so, Jeongguk doesn't feel able
to see Taehyung at that moment. So, he grabs Seokjin and heads for the bathroom.

“Nabi, Yumi,” Jeongguk whispers. "Tell him I'm taking a shower."

“Huh? A shower?" Yumi arches her eyebrows in confusion.

"Yes. Don't let him in,” Jeongguk instructs.

"What's wrong?" Seokjin asks as Jeongguk closes the door and leans against it to listen.

“Shhh,” Jeongguk whispers. "Can you hear anything?" He inquires.

Seokjin also leans the side of his face against the door, waiting to hear some intelligible
sound. Jeongguk can decipher Nabi's muffled voice, but when he puts his ear precisely to the
crack, he can hear the conversation much more clearly.

“Mr. Jeon is in the bath, Your Highness,” Nabi replies calmly. It is, in fact, Taehyung.

“Oh… I was hoping he was still eating. I thought maybe we could have dinner together,”
Taehyung says and Jeongguk can detect the disappointment in his voice.

“Mr. Jeon decided to take a shower before eating,” Yumi speaks with a slight hesitation in her
voice, clearly uncomfortable with the dishonesty. Jeongguk instantly feels bad for making his
servants go through this.
"Oh, I see. Well, maybe you could ask him to call me when he's done, please?” The prince
requests. "I would like to talk to him."

“Hum… It might be a long bath, Your Majesty,” Nabi justifies.

"Yes. Hum… He needed a big cleaning,” Yumi adds and Jeongguk hears Seokjin sneering
beside him.

Taehyung pauses, perhaps suspicious of the whole situation. “Oh. Very well then. So can you
please tell him I was here and that he can call me if he wants to talk? Tell him not to worry
about the time; I’ll come."

“Of course, Your Highness,” Nabi assures.

There is such a long silence that Jeongguk begins to think the prince has already left. He is
mistaken.

“Thank you,” Taehyung finally adds. "Good night."

“Good night, Your Majesty,” Yumi and Nabi say in unison.

Jeongguk hides for another couple of seconds to make sure he's really gone. When the
purple-haired boy leaves, accompanied by Seokjin, Nabi is still by the door. He looks at his
three servants and notices the questions visible in their eyes.

“I just want to be alone tonight,” Jeongguk replies vaguely. “By the way, I think I'm ready to
go to sleep. If you can take my dinner tray, I'll appreciate it. I'll get ready for bed.”

"Do you want one of us to stay?" Seokjin asks. "In case you wish to call the prince?"

Jeongguk can see the hope in his eyes, but he has to disappoint Seokjin. "No. I just need to
rest. I can see Taehyung tomorrow.”

Despite the notorious frown, Seokjin nods, respecting Jeongguk's request.

It's weird for Jeongguk to crawl into bed knowing there are unresolved issues between him
and Taehyung, but honestly, he didn't know what to say to him at that moment. Impulsive as
he is, Jeongguk would probably answer something bitter and, the next day, he would regret it,
still with the memory of Taehyung's words in his mind and heart. Maybe it was better this
way, at least that's what Jeongguk wanted to believe.

They've gone through so many ups and downs, through so many attempts to make their
relationship real. However, it’s obvious that, for this to happen, there is still a long way to go.

♕
Jeongguk is awakened abruptly before dawn. The light coming from the big balcony window
is still pitch black but the gleaming from the hallway invades his bedroom anyway, making
Jeongguk rub his eyes and sit up in the bed just as a guard bursts in.

“Mr. Jeon, wake up, please,” he begs.

"What happened?" Jeongguk asks, starting to pull the sheets back. Unfortunately, he is
already used to this routine due to the constant rebel attacks.

“An emergency. They need you down there,” the guard explains, standing awkwardly at the
bedroom door.

However, the way the guard speaks reveals that it’s something other than an already recurrent
rebel attack. Jeongguk feels immediately cold as if all the blood has been drawn from his
body with a single suck. His family is injured. Or worse. They died. That was it, wasn't it?

The palace had sent guards and warned the people in the selected homes that this could
happen, but the rebels are too dangerous. After all, they managed to get to Sohui's family.
The attack was, thankfully, no big deal, just some damage as a threat, but regardless, their
families are no longer safe.

Jeongguk, on shaky legs, doesn't even bother looking for his robe or slippers. He runs down
the hall, the guard immediately behind him, and runs down the stairs as quickly as he can,
nearly slipping twice on the marble steps.

When he gets to the first floor, Taehyung is there, in what appears to be giving directions to
another soldier. Jeongguk runs to him, forgetting everything that happened the day before.

"Are they okay?" Jeongguk asks breathlessly, trying not to cry. “Is it serious?"

"What?" The prince asks, giving him an unexpected hug anyway as Jeongguk throws himself
into his body.

“My parents, my sisters! Are they okay?" The purple-haired boy's voice comes out wavering.

Immediately, Taehyung grabs Jeongguk’s shoulders to push him away so he can face him.
“They’re okay, Jeongguk. Your family is okay. I’m sorry. I should have figured that would be
the first thing you'd think of,” the prince explains with apologetic eyes.

Jeongguk almost starts to cry with the relief he feels.

Taehyung looks a little confused, but continues, "The rebels are in the palace."

After all, this had always been a warning of an attack? Why is everyone so calm then?

"What?" Jeongguk squeaks, looking frantically around him. "Why aren't we going to the
shelters right now?"

"They're not here to attack us," Taehyung says simply as if he's only announcing today's
weather.
“What the hell? So why are they here?” Jeongguk asks completely confused.

Taehyung lets out a sigh, shrugging. “It's just two Swan rebels. They didn't come armed and
specifically asked to talk to me… And you.”

"What? With me? Why me?" Jeongguk is sure that he will have expression lines permanently
etched on his forehead from now on such is the frown on his forehead.

“I'm not sure, but I'm going to talk to them and I thought I should give you the opportunity to
join in the conversation as well,” Taehyung explains.

Jeongguk looks down, more concretely at his clothes, and runs a hand through his shaggy
purple hair. "I'm in my pajamas."

Taehyung smiles gently. “I know, but this is going to be very informal. They won't mind your
outfit, I'm sure.”

"Do you want me to talk to them?" Jeongguk inquires, remembering their exchange of words
from ealier.

“The choice is yours, Jeongguk. But I must confess I'm curious as to why they want to talk to
you specifically. And I don't know if they'll tell me if you're not present.”

Jeongguk nods, considering the situation. He honestly isn't sure if he wants to talk to the
rebels. Weapons or no weapons, they're probably far more lethal than Jeongguk will ever be.
But if Taehyung thinks he's capable, why wouldn't Jeongguk try?

“Okay,” Jeongguk agrees, straightening up. "Okay."

“No one is going to hurt you, Jeongguk. I won't let that happen. I promise,” Taehyung takes
his hand and holds it, squeezing Jeongguk's fingers lightly. Next, the prince turns to the
guard. "Go ahead. Keep the holster open, just in case.”

“Of course, Your Highness,” the soldier replies and then escorts them to the Great Hall,
where two people are standing right in the middle, surrounded by more guards.

The guests clearly look out of place, the clothes and the dirt visible on them contrasting all
the shine and lust throughout the entire space.

"Was it really necessary to call your guard dogs?" One of the two rebels scoffs.

The man, certainly no older than his early thirties, is tall, thin and blond. His boots are
covered in mud, and his outfit looks like something a Seven would wear: coarse brown pants,
tied with dozens of pins to fit him, and a patched shirt under a threadbare leather jacket. A
rusty compass hangs from a long chain he wears around his neck, moving from side to side
when the rebel moves. He has a rough appearance but not scary, which Jeongguk, honestly,
didn't expect.

But even more unexpected is the fact that the rebel is accompanied by a girl. She also seems
his age and wears boots; however, as if she wanted to look disinterested and stylish at the
same time, the female rebel is wearing black leggings and a skirt made of the same fabric as
the other's pants. She has a confident posture, with her hips thrust out and a mocking smile on
her lips, despite being surrounded by guards.

Even if Jeongguk hadn't recognized their faces, he would have remembered the girl's coat. It's
a denim jacket and on the back, it has a huge, embroidered flower. To make sure Jeongguk
knows who she is, the girl bows to him. Again. Jeongguk lets out a sound between a laugh
and a gasp, stunned by everything that's happening.

"What?" Taehyung asks in a whisper, squeezing Jeongguk's hand.

“I'll explain to you later,” he mumbles back.

Confused but calm, Taehyung slides his thumb over Jeongguk's hand once, twice, three times
to comfort him and directs his attention back to their guests.

“We came to talk in peace,” the man rebel begins. “We’re unarmed and have been searched
by your guards. We know that, in your eyes, it will not be appropriate to ask for privacy, but
we have matters to discuss with you that no one else should listen to."

"What about Jeongguk?" Taehyung asks, arching an eyebrow.

“We want to talk to him too,” is the girl who answers.

"For what purpose?" The prince does not hesitate to question.

“I insist,” the man replies, almost petulantly. “That we have to talk away from them,” the
rebel stresses, stretching an arm mockingly around the room.

“If you think you can harm him…” Taehyung begins, stepping aside so that Jeongguk
somehow gets behind the prince's back in a protective gesture.

“I know you don't believe us and maybe you even have a reason to, but we have no intentions
to harm you two. We just want to talk,” the rebel responds in a calm tone.

Taehyung reflects for a moment, not breaking eye contact with the two guests for a second.
He ends up nodding slowly, turning to one of the guards. "You. Please, bring a table and four
chairs. Then, everyone, step aside and make room for our visitors.”

The soldiers obey and the four remain silent for a few uncomfortable minutes. Jeongguk
doesn't know how to interpret the girl's curious gaze and pretentious smile on him.

When the table is finally removed from the pile in the corner and placed in the center of the
Great Hall, with a pair of chairs on either side, Taehyung gestures with his hand to the two
rebels to sit down. The guards walk away, forming a silent circle around the room and
keeping their eyes fixed on the two rebels, as if ready to fire at the slightest threat or request
from the prince.

The four are finally seated and the rebel extends his hand towards Taehyung. "Don't you
think it's time for us to make the introductions?"
 Taehyung looks at him suspiciously, but relents, equally stretching his arm. "Kim Taehyung,
your sovereign."

The rebel lets out a dry chuckle. "It’s an honor, Your Majesty."

The prince ignores the mocking tone but Jeongguk manages to notice that Taehyung is
clenching his jaw. In fear, in confusion, in hesitation, in anger, perhaps.

"And you are…?" Taehyung tilts his head to the side, waiting for the answer.

An answer neither he nor Jeongguk were ready to hear.

"Ki-tae Euphoréa, at your service."

Chapter End Notes

my twitter
my curious cat
playlist
 sixteen
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes

XVI

There is so much silence and tension that Jeongguk swears to be able to reach out his hand
and grab it from how much palpable it is. It's as if, no matter how gigantic the Great Hall is,
the air is escaping all the way through the half-open windows, leaving only a fog of
confusion. Or maybe Jeongguk is still sleeping and the events of the last few minutes were
just a dream. Yeah, that must be it.

However, when Taehyung turns his head and their eyes meet, as if questioning, Did you hear
what I did?, Jeongguk realizes that, after all, he is pretty awake.

And as if the man can read their thoughts, the rebel, apparently called Ki-tae Euphoréa,
laughs and adds, “Yes. You heard me well. I’m an Euphoréa. By birth. She will be by
marriage, sooner or later,” Ki-tae explains, indicating the girl sitting next to him.

“Min-ji,” she introduces herself. “And, obviously, we know everything about you,
Jeongguk.”

The purple-haired boy, who until now kept looking at the exchange of words between
Taehyung and the rebel as if it were a ping-pong game, is surprised when the girl addresses
him. Much less did he expect to hear those words.

The rebel girl, Min-ji, smiles, and Jeongguk reciprocates, deciding not to verbally respond.
He can't guarantee he trusts her, but there is something that makes Jeongguk like her.

“So, my father was right,” Taehyung sighs, intertwining his fingers and letting them fall onto
the tabletop. Jeongguk looks at him, even more confused. So that means Taehyung knew that
there were direct descendants of Yerin Euphoréa out there? “He said that one day you would
come after the crown,” the prince concludes.

“I don't want your crown,” Ki-tae guarantees with a sneer.

“Great because I intend to rule this country,” Taehyung retorts assertively. "I was raised for
this and if you thought you would be able to steal that from me just because you’re claiming
to be a descendant of Yerin Euphoréa..."

"I'm not interested in your crown, Taehyung!" The rebel exclaims. "Destroying the monarchy
is more like the Whales thing. Us…” He points to himself and Min-ji. "We have other goals."

Jeongguk and Taehyung look at each other again, as if they want to telepathically read each
other's opinion on all this. Ki-tae watches them for a moment as if he's sizing them up or
trying to decide where to start.

Taehyung, perhaps to remind them who is in charge in here, breaks the silence. "Would you
like a cup of tea or coffee?"

Min-ji immediately straightens up in her chair, beaming. "Coffee?"

The prince does not contain a smile at her enthusiasm and turns to call one of the guards.
“Please ask one of the maids to bring some coffee. And, for God's sake, make sure it's
strong.” When the soldier walks away and leaves the Great Hall, Taehyung focuses again on
Ki-tae. “I have no idea what you want from me. It seems that you made sure of showing up
precisely while everyone was sleeping in the palace, and I suppose you want to keep this visit
as secret as possible. So, please, say what you want. I can’t promise I’ll give it to you, but I’ll
listen.”

Ki-tae nods and leans forward, placing his hands on the table. “We've been looking for
Yerin's diaries for decades. We knew they once existed, and we've recently gotten
confirmation from a source I can't reveal.” He looks at Jeongguk. "It wasn't through your
presentation in the Official News, just so you know."

Jeongguk sighs, relieved. As soon as Ki-tae mentioned the diaries, Jeongguk immediately
started to panic mentally, preparing himself for when, later, Taehyung would add that fact to
the list of stupid things he had already done. It was already bad enough that he acted
impulsively and used it in his presentation, Jeongguk didn't need any more fuel on the fire.
However, Jeongguk wonders then, if it was not through him, who gave this information to the
Swan rebels?

“We never wanted to overthrow the monarchy,” Ki-tae adds. "Despite having emerged in a
very corrupt way, we have no problem with having a sovereign as a leader, especially if that
leader is you."

Taehyung remains still but Jeongguk, knowing him minimally already, can discern a wave of
pride rising in his eyes. “Thank you,” the prince nods.

“What we want are other things. Some specific freedoms," Ki-tae continues. "We want public
positions to be assigned by election and, above all, we want the end of the castes."

Ki-tae says it like it's all so easy. Not that Jeongguk isn't one hundred percent in agreement
with what he asks, but if the rebel had seen Jeongguk's presentation being interrupted in the
Official News almost two weeks ago, he should have known by now that things,
unfortunately, don't work like that.

“You talk like I'm already the king,” Taehyung replies, running a hand over his face in a
gesture of frustration. "Even if it were possible, I can't just give you what you want."

"But are you open to the idea?" Ki-tae insists.

The prince lifts his hands, then drops them on the table along with a sigh. “Right now,
whether or not I'm open to anything is irrelevant,” he states, leaning forward. "I’m not the
king."

Ki-tae lets out a sigh too and looks at Min-ji. The two seem to communicate without the use
of words and Jeongguk is impressed by their natural intimacy. Here they are, in a very tense
situation, which they had gotten themselves into, suspecting that they might not be able to get
out of it, and their mutual feelings are completely transparent. Jeongguk has to take his hat
off to that.

“Speaking of kings,” Taehyung adds. “Why don't you explain to Jeongguk who you are? I'm
sure you'll do it better than me.”

Jeongguk realizes right away that this is Taehyung's way of trying to buy some time to think
of something to get control of this situation, but honestly, he doesn't mind. The purple-haired
boy is dying of curiosity.

“That's an interesting story,” Ki-tae promises, and the energy in his tone indicates that the
narrative will be exciting. “As you know, Yerin had three children: Aera, Su-jin and Nam-gil.
Aera had an arranged marriage to a British prince. Poor thing, even being the oldest of the
three, for being a woman she had no alternative. Nam-gil, the eldest son, died, and because of
that, Su-jin inherited the throne. The Selection started with him, when he married a girl from
the caste Five. Years and years later, his great-grandson, Byung-ho, was found dead, where
there were rumors that his wife, Boram, also a princess chosen through the Selection, had
poisoned him. She ended up marrying Kim Ki-woo, Byung-ho's cousin, and since then, the
Kims have been the name of the royal family. There should be no more Euphoréa’s
descendants. Supposedly.” Jeongguk nods, all this information nothing new to him. He
remembers reading about it in a magazine article. Ki-Tae smiles, adding, "But we exist."

"We?" Taehyung inquires in a calculated tone as if he expects to get specific amounts.

Ki-tae just nods. The sound of footsteps announces the arrival of the maid. Taehyung subtly
puts a finger on his lips, fearing that Ki-tae would dare to say more in her presence.

The woman in her forties sets the tray down on the table and serves them their coffee quickly
but deftly. Min-ji immediately grabs her cup, eager to be filled. Jeongguk holds his one too,
hoping the bitter taste would help keep him awake.

Before he can actually take the first sip, Taehyung passes him the sugar bowl, as if he knew
that Jeongguk can only happily drink his coffee with two tablespoons of sugar. The gesture
makes his heart miss two beats.

"You were saying…?" Taehyung tries to resume the conversation, drinking his strong coffee
and urging Ki-tae to go on.

“Nam-gil never died,” Ki-tae reveals, without any emotion on his face. What? One more lie?
“He knew what his mother had done to take over the country. He knew that his older sister
had been practically sold to marry a man she hated just so Yerin could get a relationship with
the crown, and Nam-gil also knew that the same was expected of him. He never let his
frustration and anger show, mainly because he was visibly Yerin's favorite son, but he
couldn't accept it and so he fled, leading everyone to believe he was dead.”
"How? Where did he go?" Jeongguk asks, speaking for the first time since they sat down.

“He hid with friends and relatives, eventually setting up a camp in the North, together with
people who shared his ideas. In there, the climate is colder and more humid, and it’s so
difficult for a person to settle down, so that’s why no one risks stepping a foot in there. We
live in peace most of the time because of that,” Ki-tae explains. His face remains neutral until
Min-ji elbows him in the ribs, a little shocked. It’s at that moment that the rebel comes to his
senses, realizing what he has just revealed. He sighs, letting out a dry laugh as he pinches the
bridge of his nose. “Well, it looks like I just gave you the coordinates to invade us. I just want
to remind you, prince Taehyung, that we never killed any of your people and that we avoid
hurting them at all costs. Our goal has always been, solely, to end the castes once and for all.
For that, we needed proof that Yerin is the woman we've always been told she was. We have
that evidence now and Jeongguk has given us enough clues to feel like we could explore it if
we wanted to. But we don't want to. Unless if necessary.”

Taehyung takes another couple more sips of his coffee and puts the cup away. He shrugs. “I
honestly don't know what you want me to do with this information. You’re a direct
descendant of Yerin Euphoréa, but you don't want the crown. You came looking for things
only the king could grant, but you asked for an audience with me and one of the Elite
members. My father isn't even in the palace.”

“We know,” interrupts Ki-tae. "The moment was chosen on purpose."

Taehyung nods as if he's been waiting for this confirmation. "If you don't want the crown and
you only ask for things that are not within my reach, why are you here?"

Ki-tae and Min-ji gaze at each other, perhaps preparing to present their main request. Even
Jeongguk leans forward slightly.

“We have come to make these requests, prince Taehyung, because we know you’re a sensible
man. We've been watching you all your life and we can see it in your eyes. I can see it right
now,” Ki-tae smiles slightly.

Jeongguk tries not to be noticed as he studies Taehyung's reaction to these words. He, too,
clearly see the sensible, coherent, and empathetic man that Taehyung is. Jeongguk always
saw it from the moment he really let himself see it.

“You don't like the castes either,” Ki-tae stares at Taehyung, without a hint of doubt in his
words. “You don't like the way your father runs the country with an iron fist. You don't want
to participate in wars that you know are just distractions. Above all, you want to achieve
peace during your lead.” The rebel tilts his head slightly, intertwining his fingers and cupping
his chin there. “We think that when prince Taehyung becomes the king, things can really
change. And we've been waiting for that for a long time. We're prepared to wait a little longer
if necessary. The Swan rebels are willing to promise you to never attack the palace again and
to do what they can to stop or delay the Whales. We see many things that you and the
hundreds of guards across the country can't see. We would pledge allegiance to you, without
any hesitation, if you were available to give us a sign of your willingness to work with us
towards a future that will finally give the people of Euphoréa the opportunity to live their
own lives.”
Jeongguk can almost hear the machinery inside Taehyung's mind working exhaustively. The
prince doesn't seem to know what to say, so the purple-haired boy decides to speak instead.
“After all, what do the Whale rebels want? To simply kill us all?”

Ki-tae shakes his head in a way that indicates neither agreement nor denial. “Partly yes, of
course, but only so that there is no one to fight them in the end. A huge part of the population
lives under oppression and this growing group of rebels believes they can govern the country
by their own means. Jeongguk, you’re a Seven. I believe you know people who hate the
monarchy,” Ki-tae arches one of his eyebrows.

Jeongguk senses Taehyung's gaze on his profile, even though the prince is trying to be
discreet. Looking down, Jeongguk nods slightly in confirmation.

“Of course you do. Because when we're at the bottom, the only option we have is to blame
those at the top. In this case, they have a valid reason; after all, it was someone of the caste
One who condemned them to a life without much hope of improvement," the rebel shrugs.
"The commanders of the Whale rebels have convinced their followers that the way to regain
what they believe is theirs is to take it directly from the monarchy. But some people have
defected to the Whales rebel command and are now with me, on the Swans side instead. It
has been confirmed to me that, once in power, the Whales have no intention of distributing
the wealth. When has this ever happened historically anyway?”

This is too much information for Jeongguk's sleepy brain. He must have only slept about
three hours tonight and the coffee, while it’s helping to keep him awake, is making him
restless too. How is he going to digest all this important new information?

“The Whales' plan is to destroy Euphoréa, seize power, make a bunch of promises and keep
everyone in the same place. For most people, the situation will definitely get worse. The Six
and Seven will not ascend, except for a chosen few, of course, whom the rebels will
manipulate for appearance's sake. The Twos and Threes will have all their possessions
confiscated, which will make a lot of people from the lower castes feel revenged, but
actually, it won't solve anything," Ki-tae explains. "If no pop stars are spewing out those
stultifying songs, there will also be no studio musicians working for them, no staff around
setting up concert stages, no shopkeepers selling albums. Taking a person off the top destroys
thousands below."

Well, the rebel has a point. Honestly, Jeongguk had never thought of things that way.

Ki-tae pauses, looking consumed with worry. “It will be like having Yerin again, but worse.
The Whales are poised to be more bloodthirsty than the royal family could ever be and the
chances of the country's recovery are slim. It will be the same old oppression, with only a
new name… And your people, prince Taehyung, will suffer more than ever.”

The rebel stares at Taehyung, wanting to convey his message with his eyes. There seems to
be some understanding between them, something that perhaps stemmed from the fact that
they were both born to lead.

“All we need is a sign and we will do everything we can to help you change things, in peace
and with justice. Your people deserve a chance,” Ki-tae ends.
Taehyung looks at the table, staring at his hands on the marble top for a few seconds.
Jeongguk can't imagine the struggle inside his head.

"What kind of sign?" The prince ventures to ask, albeit a little hesitantly. "Money?"

“No,” Ki-tae replies, stifling his laughter. "We have more resources than you think."

"How is that possible?" Taehyung's surprised voice resounds in the Great Hall.

“Donations,” the rebel simply explains.

Taehyung nods but Jeongguk is once again surprised. Donations indicate that there are people
- who knows how many - supporting them. How big are the Swan rebel forces if these
supporters are considered? How many in the country want exactly what these two had come
to boldly ask for?

“If it's not money…” Taehyung says thinly. "What do you want?"

Ki-tae blinks one, two, three times. And then, he tilts his head towards Jeongguk. "Choose
him."

Once again, the silence becomes deafening, seeming like those too high-pitched sounds
invading their eardrums, and makes itself felt in the Great Hall.

Jeongguk subtly shakes his head, looking down, knowing perfectly well how Taehyung will
react to that.

And he was right.

“I won't tolerate anyone else telling me who I should and shouldn't marry! You’re playing
with my life!” Taehyung suddenly gets up from his chair, slamming his hands against the
table.

Jeongguk looks up in time to see Ki-tae get up too. “And the palace has been playing with
other people's lives for decades, centuries even! Grow up, Taehyung. You're the prince. If you
want the damn crown, keep it. But that privilege brings responsibilities.”

The guards are cautiously approaching, alerted by Taehyung's tone of voice and Ki-tae's
aggressive posture. From where they are, Jeongguk is sure they can hear everything that is
being said.

“You will not choose my future partner. Period,” the prince asserts assertively.

Showing not the least bit of discouragement, Ki-tae steps back and folds his arms. "Very well.
We have another option if this one doesn't work."

The prince scoffs. "Who?"

The rebel rolls his eyes in exasperation. "After how calm you reacted the first time, do you
think I'll tell you?"
"Oh, leave it!" Taehyung grunts.

“This one or any other, it doesn't matter. We just need to know that you will choose a partner
who agrees with the plan,” Ki-tae says.

“My name is Jeongguk,” the purple-haired boy says fiercely, standing up and looking Ki-tae
in the eye. “I'm not This One. I'm not a toy in your little revolution. You talk a lot about
allowing everyone to live the life they want in Euphoréa. But what about me? And my
future? Aren't we part of that plan?" He scans the faces of Ki-tae and Min-ji, waiting for an
answer. Both are silent. Jeongguk notices the guards surrounding them, tense. Jeongguk
lowers his voice and continues, “I'm all for ending the caste system, but I'm not something
you can play with. If it's a puppet you're looking for, there's a person upstairs so in love with
him that they'll do anything in exchange for a marriage proposal. And the other two…
Between duty and prestige, they would also play the game, that I’m sure. Talk to one of them
instead.”

Without asking permission, Jeongguk turns his back on them and walks away, strolling as
firmly as possible in his pajamas and bare feet.

“Jeongguk! Wait!" Min-ji calls. Jeongguk has already left the Great Hall when the rebel girl
catches up with him. "Please, give me just a minute!"

"What do you want?"

“We're so sorry,” the girl says after catching her breath. “We thought you two were in love.
We had no idea that we were asking for something he would object to. We were sure he
would agree. At least in this part.”

Jeongguk swallows the large ball of fuzz in the form of pain at Taehyung's refusal, even if
indirectly, that has caught in his throat. You have to act and speak with your head, Jeongguk.
Not with your heart. You have to trust him.

He takes a deep breath. “You don't understand. He's fed up with being manipulated and
pressured with the Selection… You have no idea what Taehyung has been through,”
Jeongguk feels tears welling up and he blinks to keep from crying. He definitely won't cry
and show himself vulnerable in front of a rebel.

“I know more than you think,” Min-ji says confidently. “Maybe not everything, but a lot.
We've been following the Selection closely and the two of you seem to have been born for
each other. He looks so happy beside you. Furthermore, we know that you saved your
servants.”

Jeongguk takes a second to understand exactly what that means. What is the connection?
Who the hell is watching them in the palace at their request?

“And we saw what you did for Park Jimin. We saw you fight. And then, your presentation a
few days ago,” Min-ji breaks off to laugh. “Excuse me for the expression, but you have balls.
It would help us to have such a brave person with us.”
Jeongguk shakes his head. There is that word again. Courage. “I wasn't trying to be a hero.
Most of the time, I don't even feel brave at all.”

"And then what? It doesn't matter what you think of your character; it only matters what you
do with it. You, more than the others selected, act on what is right before thinking about the
consequences for yourself. Prince Taehyung has great candidates up there, but they won't get
their hands dirty to change things. Not like you,” Min-ji smiles slightly.

The purple-haired boy closes his eyes and shakes his head again. “A lot of what I did was for
selfish reasons. Jimin is important to me and my servants are too.”

The rebellious girl takes two steps forward, coming closer. "And these actions had no
consequences?"

“Of course they did,” Jeongguk confirms.

“And most likely, you knew it would prejudice you. But even so, you acted to help those who
could not defend themselves. That, Jeongguk, is special.”

This is definitely a different compliment than Jeongguk is used to hearing. He can handle his
father saying he's a good candidate for the crown, Taehyung saying he's the most beautiful
person he's ever seen, or Namjoon saying his flower arrangements are mesmerizing. But this?
It's almost overwhelming.

“To be honest, after a few things you've done, it's unbelievable that the king would let you
stay. All that story in the Official News…” Min-ji lets out a low whistle.

Unexpectedly, Jeongguk lets out a chuckle. “He was furious. Believe me."

"I was impressed to see you get out of there alive!"

“It was by a thread, to tell you the truth,” Jeongguk sighs. "And almost every day, I feel like
I'm millimeters away from being shooed back home."

“But prince Taehyung likes you, right? He has to. If not, you would no longer be here. The
way he protects you…”

Jeongguk smiles subtly. “There are days when I'm sure and others when I have no idea.
Today is not a good day. And, to tell you the truth, yesterday wasn’t either.”

She nods as if she understands. After all, she is in a relationship. She must have gone through
some ups and downs too. "Well, anyway, we're still rooting for you."

“For me and for other,” Jeongguk corrects.

“It's true,” Min-ji shrugs. Once again, the rebellious girl doesn't give any clues about the
other favorite pick.

“What was that idea of bowing to me in the forest? Was it to make fun of me?" Remembering
this event from a few weeks ago, Jeongguk asks.
She smiles. “I know it may not seem like it, especially the way we act sometimes, but the
royal family is really important to us. Without it, the Whale rebels will win. And if they take
over… Well, you heard what Ki-tae said,” she shakes her head like she wants to shoo that
possibility from her mind. “In any case, at that moment in the forest, I was sure that I was
facing my future prince. So, I thought you deserved at least a bow.”

What? How could she, at that time, have thought so confidently that Jeongguk would be the
next prince? Especially when he thought the exact opposite. Her reasoning is so silly that it
makes Jeongguk laugh once more.

“You can't imagine how good it is to talk to someone who isn't my opponent,” Jeongguk
admits.

"Are you getting a little fed up?" she asks, showing an expression of sympathy.

“The fewer people there are, the worse it gets. I mean, I knew there would come a point
where it would be like this, but… I think this has less and less to do with trying to be the
person Taehyung can choose, to ensure that others are not chosen instead. I don't even know
if it makes sense.” Jeongguk rubs his temples.

She nods in understanding. "It does. But that's what you signed up for, isn't it?”

Jeongguk scoffs. What does he have to lose right now if he tells the truth? “Actually, no. I
was, in a way… Encouraged to send my candidature. I didn't want to be a prince."

"Really?" Strangely, Min-ji doesn't look all that surprised.

“Really,” Jeongguk nods.

She smiles widely. "Not wanting the crown means you might be the best person to wear it."

Jeongguk stares at her and is convinced by the rebellious girl's sincere gaze that she fully
believes in it. He doesn't know how to face this opinion. He wanted to ask more questions,
but Taehyung and Ki-tae exit the Great Hall, both looking surprisingly calm. They too must
have talked in this period of time. A guard follows them at a distance.

When Ki-tae's eyes find Min-ji, it's as if everyone can see how much it cost him to be away
from her, even if it was only for a few minutes. Maybe that was the only reason she had come
tonight.

“Is everything alright, Jeongguk?” Taehyung asks.

“Yes,” he replies. Jeongguk's ability to face the prince was gone. Once again.

“You should get ready, it's almost breakfast time,” Taehyung comments. "The guards are
sworn to secrecy and I would like you to do the same."

"Sure,” Jeongguk simply agrees. The prince looks sad at Jeongguk's cold manner, but how is
he supposed to act at that moment?
“Mr. Euphoréa, it was a pleasure. We'll talk again soon,” Taehyung assures, extending his
hand to Ki-tae. So it seems that the conversation they had when Jeongguk and Min-ji left the
Great Hall was very useful.

The rebel returns the compliment naturally. “If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask.
We’re really on your side, Your Highness.”

“Thank you,” Taehyung nods once.

“Let's go, Min-ji. Some of these guards seem to be hungry to pull the trigger.”

She laughs, staring at the purple-haired boy right away. “See you soon, Jeongguk.”

He nods his head, sure there's a good chance he'll never see her again and he’s, surprisingly,
sad about that. The rebellious girl passes by Taehyung after a short bow and lets Ki-tae take
her hand, pulling her towards the exit. With a guard escorting them, the two guests walk
through the wide-open palace doors, leaving Jeongguk and Taehyung alone in the foyer.

The prince looks at him as if he wants to say something. However, Jeongguk anticipates and
mumbles a farewell as he points to the stairs, starting to walk away instead.

Jeongguk really tries to be rational, Jeongguk really tries to trust Taehyung, Jeongguk really
tries not to put too much thought into it, but the truth is that Taehyung's quick objection to
choosing him only reinforced the hurt of his words the day before in the library.

The purple-haired boy had thought that after their night in the shelter - where not only their
bodies connected, but mainly their souls and hearts - there was some kind of new
understanding between them. But it seems that everything is just as or even more confused
than before.

At the Leisure Hall, the atmosphere is heavy. Queen Yuna is sitting in a corner, writing what
appear to be letters, and every now and then Jeongguk notices her looking up to gaze at the
selected.

After their last conversation, they're all trying to avoid doing anything that forces them to
interact with each other. Yejun is lying on the couch with a stack of magazines in his lap.
With great intelligence, Areum has taken up her diary and is, once again, writing next to the
queen. Sohui is reading a book in an armchair by the window. As for Jeongguk, he has his
sketchbook hidden between his legs, wanting to draw something but not actually doing it.

But in this way, none of them need to make eye contact.

He tries to concentrate on the way the pencil tip slides like butter across the notebook paper,
but most of the time Jeongguk wonders who the Swan rebels wanted for a princess or prince
if they couldn't have him.

Yejun is very popular and it would be easy to get people to follow him. Jeongguk wonders if
they already realized how manipulative he is. Maybe they did since they know so much about
Jeongguk. Is Yejun, after all, more than what Jeongguk thinks?

Areum is sweet and, according to that poll some time ago, she is one of the people's favorites.
Even though she is a Seven, she has an air of nobility. Something Jeongguk never thought he
had. Maybe that was her biggest attraction: she's not perfect, but she's extremely charming.
Honestly, there are days when even Jeongguk wants to follow her.

The one he least suspects is Sohui. She admitted that she doesn't love Taehyung and that she's
in the palace just out of duty. Jeongguk had honestly thought that when she spoke of duty, she
meant her family or her distant relatives in New Europe, not the rebel Swans. Plus, she's so
calm and stoic. She didn't seem to show any streak of rebellion.

And that's why Jeongguk is suddenly almost sure she's their favorite. Sohui seems to try to
compete as little as possible and has already openly confessed her indifference towards
Taehyung. Maybe she didn't need to try because, after all, she has a silent army of supporters
to hand her the crown.

"All of you. Come here,” the queen says suddenly, making Jeongguk's reveries evaporate.
She pushes the table away from her and stands up as the selected approach her nervously.
“There is some problem. I can tell. What happened?"

The selected look at each other. Nobody wants to explain what's going on.

But of course, that is until the always perfect Areum confesses, “It's just that, Your Highness,
we've recently become aware of how intense this competition is. We now know each other's
position concerning the prince and, at this moment, it's difficult to absorb all of this and
continue to talk as if nothing happened."

The queen nods, understanding. “I've been in your shoes and I know how difficult it is. You
doubt everything you do and you doubt everything he does. You start to wonder about every
conversation, you start to try to interpret every sigh between sentences or every look. It's
exhausting.”

It seems that, instantly, a weight is lifted from their shoulders. There is someone who
understands them.

“Know, nonetheless, one thing. However much tension there is between each of you now, it
will cost you double when one of you leaves. No one will ever be able to understand this
experience unless those who went through it, the Elite mainly. You can argue and fight with
each other, but that's what all sisters and brothers do. These people,” the queen points to each
of them. “They'll be the ones you’ll call almost every day for the first year, whenever you're
filled with fear of making a mistake and in need of support. When there are parties, the names
of the selected are the ones that will be placed at the top of the guest list, right after your
family. Because that's what you are now. You’ll never lose the bonds you built.”
The selected look at each other introspectively. If Jeongguk becomes the prince and there is a
situation where he needs someone with a rational perspective, he would call Sohui first. If
Jeongguk argued with Taehyung, Areum would remind him of all the good things about him.
As for Yejun, Jeongguk isn't quite sure, but if there's anyone who can tell him to gain courage
about anything, it would be the Three.

“Take as long as it takes,” the queen advises with a faint smile on her lips. “Adjust to where
you are and let the rest flow. It’s not you who choose him; it’s he who chooses you. It makes
no sense to hate others for it.”

"Your Majesty, do you know who prince Taehyung most desires?" Yejun asks. For the first
time, Jeongguk hears a hint of concern in his voice.

The queen blinks a few times, looking hesitant. “No,” she eventually confesses. “Sometimes
I think I would be able to guess, but he never told me directly and I also don't understand all
of Taehyung's feelings. I know who the king would choose, but that's all.”

"Who would Your Highness choose?" Jeongguk blurts out and, shortly thereafter, preaches a
mental sermon to himself for being so direct.

The female monarch smiles fondly. “Honestly, I'm trying not to think about it. I would be
devastated if I started loving one of you as a daughter or a son and then, lost you. I couldn't
stand it.” Jeongguk looks down. He doesn't know if the queen had said that to comfort them
or not. "I can say that I would be happy to have any of you in my family." Jeongguk lifts his
head and sees the queen stare at each of the selected. “But for now, we have work to do.”

They stay silent, taking in her wisdom. Jeongguk had never stopped to look at the
competitors of the last Selection, where queen Yuna participated. He never searched for
pictures or anything like that. He knew a few names, in large part because the women who
commissioned his flower arrangements talked to each other as Jeongguk worked. He had
never made much of it; they already had a queen, and even as a child, the idea of Jeongguk
becoming a prince had never crossed his mind. Far from it. But now Jeongguk wonders how
many of the women who visited the queen, or who had come to the Halloween party, had
been her opponents before they became her closest friends.

Yejun is the first to step away, returning to the comfort of the velvet sofa. It seems that queen
Yuna's words didn't mean that much to him. For some reason, as silly as it is, that’s the last
straw for Jeongguk. All the events of the past few days begin to weigh heavily on his heart
and Jeongguk feels like he's about to burst. It's too much for him to be able to process, digest,
and handle in a short amount of time.

“Excuse me,” the purple-haired boy mumbles, bowing, before quickly heading for the door.
He doesn't have a plan. Perhaps he can lock himself in the bathroom for a few minutes or
hide in one of the countless rooms downstairs. Or maybe he would just go up to his bedroom,
he would ask his servants to leave and he would cry until he ran out of breath. He doesn't
remember crying as much in his life as he has these past few months.

Unfortunately, the universe seems to be plotting something against him.

Just outside the Leisure Hall, Jeongguk finds Taehyung pacing, as if he were trying to solve a
puzzle. The prince sees him before Jeongguk has a chance to flee or return to the hall.

“I was deciding whether I would ask you to come here and talk to me or not,” Taehyung is
the first to interrupt the silence and the long seconds in which the two just faced each other.

"Do you need something?" Jeongguk asks.

Taehyung remains still, trying to gather the courage to say something that is clearly driving
him crazy. "So… Is there a person completely in love with me?"

Jeongguk frowns. Crossing his arms, he tries to figure out where the hell this question is
coming from until Jeongguk remembers what he said to the rebels in their conversation that
morning. He meant Areum, of course.

“Yes,” Jeongguk simply replies.

"Not two people...?" Taehyung's eyes are fixed somewhere on the ground and his voice
comes out hesitantly.

Jeongguk almost shortens the space between the two, eager to shake the prince by his
shoulders because he still needs an explanation. Did Taehyung still not realize how Jeongguk
feels? Okay, he never said it by those words but still! He desperately wants to scream. Does
Taehyung not remember the moment between them at the shelter?

But honestly, Jeongguk also needs confirmation right now. What happened to make him so
insecure so quickly?

The king. The hints about what the selected had done and his praise about the others' merits
made Jeongguk feel belittled, however much he tried to fight against it. And that was
compounded by all of Jeongguk's missteps with Taehyung this week. If it wasn't for the
Selection, they would never have met, but it looks like, as long as the contest lasts, there's no
way the two of them can be sure about anything.

“You said you didn't trust me,” Jeongguk accuses. “The other day, you made a point of
humiliating me and, a few hours ago, the simple suggestion of choosing and marrying me
infuriated you. I’m sorry if I don't feel very secure about our relationship right now.”

“You forget that I've never done this before, Jeongguk,” Taehyung says emotionally but not
angrily. “I don't even know how to maintain a normal relationship and I only have this
opportunity to get it right. Of course I'm going to make mistakes.”

“I don't care about the mistakes, Tae,” Jeongguk retorts. “It's the uncertainty that worries me.
Most of the time, I have no idea what's going on.”

The prince is silent for a moment, and Jeongguk realizes that the two have reached a very
important crossroads. They left a lot of things unspoken, but they can't go on like that for
much longer. Even if they do get together in the end, it seems these moments of insecurity
and doubt will come back to haunt them.
“We're always doing the same thing,” Jeongguk mutters in a sigh, completely exhausted from
this whole game. “We get close to each other, but then something happens and everything
falls apart. You said you were so sure of your decision, but now you seem to be incapable of
making it. If you like me as much as you've always said you did, why isn't this all over yet?”

Even though Jeongguk has just accused Taehyung of not caring about him, the prince's
frustration dissolves into sadness.

“Because half the time I was wondering if your feelings for me could turn into something
more and the other half I was always afraid that you would ask me to leave,” Taehyung
replies, making Jeongguk's heart, once more, bleed until there is not a drop of blood left.

“And what about me? Didn’t I have no reason to doubt? You treat Areum as if she is heaven
on earth and then, I see Yejun kissing your neck…”

“I already explained that to you,” Taehyung lets out a tired sigh.

"Yes, you did, but it still hurts me."

“It also hurts me to see how quickly you shut yourself down, Jeongguk. Why do you do
that?” Taehyung raises his hands in a gesture of exasperation.

"I don’t know. But maybe you should stop thinking about me for a while.”

No.

Jeongguk, no.

That's not what you want.

Why the hell are you always acting this impulsively?

He swallows the urge to contradict what he's just said, but he ends up preferring stubbornness
and pride instead. The silence is abrupt.

“What… What does that even mean?” Taehyung asks and Jeongguk can see the prince's
Adam's apple quivering up and down.

Jeongguk shrugs, staring at the ground. “There are three more selected here. If you're so
worried about your only opportunity, maybe you should make sure you're not wasting it on
me.”

Jeongguk turns his back and walks away towards some random place for him to hide for a
few minutes, furious with Taehyung for making him feel this way… And furious with
himself for making things so much worse.

♕
The palace has literally transformed before Jeongguk's eyes. Almost overnight, sumptuous
Christmas trees, from the typical green pines to those filled with fake snow, began to delimit
the corridors of the palace. There are also wreaths hanging on the stairs, and all the flower
arrangements have been modified to include sprigs of holly or mistletoe. Namjoon had done
a wonderful job. Jeongguk, without a shadow of a doubt, would ask for some advice because
not only is Christmas the time where he gets the most requests, but it's also the flower
arrangements he likes to work with the most. Jeongguk misses doing it.

He wonders if the palace will be able to make snow. Perhaps, if he asked Taehyung, the
prince would do it.

Or maybe not.

A couple of days passed. Jeongguk tried not to be disappointed that Taehyung was doing
exactly what he told him to do. But as things cool down between them, Jeongguk feels
regretful for being so proud. See? This is what you get when you talk without thinking! He
wonders if he is destined to say the wrong thing, to do the wrong thing, all the time.

Jeongguk had gotten into the habit of walking around the palace in the afternoon. With the
garden out of bounds, the Leisure Hall became more stifling every day, and Jeongguk
preferred to discover every corner of the royal palace a thousand times over.

And it’s on one of these walks that Jeongguk feels the change. It's as if an invisible switch
has been turned on everyone in the palace. The soldiers are more immobile and the servants
move faster. Even Jeongguk feels suddenly strange as if he isn't as welcome as he was
moments before. Before he realizes what feeling is this, Jeongguk sees the king turning a
corner with a small entourage behind him.

And then, it all makes sense. His absence had made the palace more welcoming, but now,
with his return, everyone is once again subject to his whims and orders. It’s no coincidence
that the Swan rebels feel more confident with Taehyung.

Jeongguk bows as the king approach him. The man raises his hand, still advancing, and the
men following him stop as he continues, giving room for the conversation between the
monarch and Jeongguk.

“Mr. Jeon, I see you're still here,” the king begins, even as his smile contradicts his words.

"I am, Your Majesty."

"And how have you been, in my absence?"

“Silent,” Jeongguk smiles falsely.

“Good boy," the king starts to walk away, but remembers something and turns back. "I was
informed that among all the others selected, you’re the only one who still receives money for
your participation. Areum voluntarily abdicated her compensation practically as soon as
payments were suspended for whoever was Two, Three, or Four.”

This does not surprise Jeongguk. Of course, coming from the caste Seven, Areum and her
family don't live in the best of possibilities, at least not until she joined the Selection, but
giving up on the compensation was a smart move. As an investment, which, in this case, is
symbolized with a loss, with the goal to gain something bigger later on. Very smart.

"I think it's time to end this, don't you think?" The king announces, awakening Jeongguk
from his ramblings.

He can’t lie and say he is not disappointed. The monetary compensation for his presence in
the palace is the only way Jeongguk can help his family right now. He's sure that, four
months after he joined the Selection, was enough for his parents and sisters to be smart
enough not to waste all the money and save some of it, but even so, the feeling of
helplessness at not being able to do more for them in this aspect invades Jeongguk's body.

“Unless, of course, Mr. Jeon is here only for the money and not for liking my son,” the king's
eyes pierce Jeongguk, daring him to thwart his decision.

“You're right,” Jeongguk nods, hating the sound of his words. "You can stop the payments.
It's the fairest to do."

The purple-haired boy notices the disappointment mirrored in the king's face at not getting a
more intense reaction. "I will deal with the matter immediately."

He walks away and Jeongguk stands there, trying not to feel sorry for himself. In fact, it
really is the fairest thing to do. What would it look like if he was the only one receiving the
payments? This would all end sooner or later. He sighs, heading to his bedroom. The least he
can do right now is write home and let his family know the money will stop coming.

Jeongguk opens the door and, for the first time, his servants completely ignore him, as if they
haven't even noticed he's there. Seokjin, Yumi and Nabi are in a corner bent over a pair of
pants, which they appear to be working on, as they discuss the progress of work.

“Nabi, you said you were going to finish this hem last night,” Seokjin says. "You even left
early because of it."

“I know, I know,” Nabi scratches the back of her neck. “Something else came up. I can do it
now,” she looks pleadingly at the other two servants. Nabi is already a bit sensitive by nature
and Jeongguk knows that sometimes Seokjin's assertive ways intimidate her.

“Many things have come to you in the last few days,” the servant observes.

Yumi holds out her hands. "Let’s all keep calm. Give me the pants, before you ruin
everything.”

“I’m sorry,” Nabi bows her head. "Let me take the pants now and I'll just hem it."
"What's wrong with you?" Seokjin asks with an arched eyebrow. "You've been acting so
weird lately."

Nabi looks at the servant, petrified. Whatever her secret is, she seems terrified of revealing it.

Jeongguk coughs lightly. The servants immediately turn to him and bow. “I don't know what's
going on,” he begins, approaching the three of them. “But I very much doubt it's worth it for
you to argue about it. It's just a pair of pants.”

Seokjin, still angry, points a finger at Nabi. "But she…"

Jeongguk silences him with a slight wave of his hand. It works so easily that even he is
surprised. “No arguments between you, please. Nabi, why don't you finish this in the atelier
downstairs? That way we can all have some time to think,” Jeongguk proposes.

Nabi happily grabs the pants, so grateful for the opportunity to escape that she almost runs
out of the room. Seokjin watches her leave with a sulky expression. And what is that? A
pout? Jeongguk has to contain his laughter. Yumi looks worried though, but she promptly
goes back to work without another word.

It only takes Jeongguk a couple of minutes to realize that the atmosphere in his bedroom is
too heavy for him to concentrate. He already feels a more negative aura himself, so this isn't
helping. He takes a sheet of paper and a pen and goes back downstairs.

He wonders if he made the right decision to spare Nabi. Maybe they would get past whatever
was going on between them alone. Perhaps, Jeongguk's meddling had ruined everything. He
hopes not, he was just trying to help.

The purple-haired boy stops in front of the Leisure Hall. That doesn't seem like the best place
to be right now either. He follows the main corridor until he finds a discreet corner, where
there is an armchair made of fabric in green and yellow stripes, practically hidden behind a
huge vase of a monstera deliciosa. The large window overlooks the garden and, for a
moment, the palace doesn't look so small anymore. Jeongguk watches the birds fly outside,
missing the times when he could walk through the soft, green grass. Missing, mainly, his
dates with Taehyung there.

He sighs, pushing the happy memories out of his mind to try to think of the best way to let
his parents know that they won't be getting any more checks instead. But just as the tip of the
pen starts to slide across the paper, Jeongguk hears a voice.

“Taehyung, can't we have a real date? Outside the palace?” Jeongguk immediately recognizes
Areum's voice.

The purple-haired boy can hear the smile in the prince's voice as he replies, "I would really
like that, but even if things were calm, it would be complicated."

“I wanted to see you in a place where you weren't a prince,” Areum whines softly.

“But I'm the prince anywhere,” Taehyung chuckles.

"You know what I mean."

"I know. I'm sorry, but I can't give you that. I think it would be nice to see you all in a place
where you weren't part of the Elite, but this is my life,” Taehyung sighs. His tone of voice
becomes sadder. “Would you regret it? There is a possibility that things will be like this for
the rest of your life. Beautiful walls, but walls anyway. My mother rarely leaves the palace
more than once or twice a year.”

Through the dense foliage of the plant in the vase next to him, Jeongguk looks at them
passing in front of him, but they don't see him there. The fact that Jeongguk curled his legs
against his chest to be able to write the letter to his parents, makes him go even more
unnoticed. It's not that he wants to hear the conversation between the two of them, but what is
he supposed to do?

“And if you think the public is invasive right now, it'll be a lot worse when you're the only
person they'll have to watch. I know your feelings for me are very deep… I can feel it every
day. But what about all the other parts of my life that I will bring with me? Would you be
willing to put up with it?" Taehyung asks, trying to be sure of Areum's intentions.

They seem to have stopped somewhere in the hallway. Jeongguk can't see them - he doesn't
even dare move to try to - but Taehyung's voice hasn't diminished in intensity or volume.

“Kim Taehyung,” Areum begins. “You talk like it’s a sacrifice for me to be here. I’m grateful
every day for being chosen. Sometimes I try to imagine what it would be like if we had never
met. I'd rather lose you now than spend a lifetime without you.” Her voice had started to
tremble. She didn't sound like she was crying, but it was close to it. “I want you to know that
I desire you even without the fabulous clothes or the huge salons. I want you without the
crown, Taehyung. I just want you."

Taehyung is speechless for a moment and Jeongguk can imagine the prince hugging Areum
or wiping away the tears that might be sliding down her face at this point. He closes his eyes.

“I can't even describe what it means to me to hear this. All I want most is to know that all that
matters is me and just me,” Taehyung confesses.

“And only you matter,” Areum repeats.

There is another moment of silence between them. Jeongguk feels his heart beating violently
inside his chest and clearly not for the best reasons. After a confession as beautiful and
romantic as this one, there always comes that special moment when the two people cannot
contain the desire to get closer, to touch, to kiss.

And that's what Jeongguk is waiting to hear in the middle of the silence, along with the
thousand pieces of porcelain that make up his heart shattering on the floor.

He holds his breath, masochistic enough to want to distinguish the slightest of sounds.

But that's not what he actually hears.

“I’m sorry, Areum. I don't…” Taehyung clears his throat. “I’m sorry." Silence. "Can we
continue with our walk?" The prince adds.

More silence.

"Of course. Of course, Taehyung,” Areum replies and even Jeongguk manages to unravel
what sounds like disappointment in her voice.

The silence continues to reign between them, this time without the giggles or the whispered
conversations. The only thing that can be heard is Taehyung and Areum's footsteps echoing
against the marble floor, diminishing as they walk away down the corridor.

What just happened? Jeongguk wonders. Did they kiss? Why does Jeongguk always have to
be in the wrong place at the wrong time to witness these interactions? Does fate like to see
him suffer? It seems like it.

Jeongguk stands still for a few more moments, afraid to even breathe and someone finds him,
even though he was already there in the first place and with no intention of listening to the
others' conversations.

Then, he picks up the paper and pen again, hoping to distract himself, and he easily finds the
words to.

Dear mom, dad, Ha-rin, Mun-hee, and Jae-hwa,

I hope you're all okay. There is so much to do these days that I need to be brief. In an attempt
to prove my devotion to Taehyung, and not to the luxuries of being part of the Elite, I gave up
from the monetary compensation for my participation. I know I'm letting you know at the last
minute, but I'm sure, with everything we've received so far, there's not much more we might
need until I’m able to get back home.

I hope you’re not too disappointed by the news. I miss you every day and hope we can see
each other soon.

I love you all.

Jeongguk

♕
The Official News is lacking in content, following a week that the public would regard as
banal. After a brief update from the king about his visit to France, the broadcast passes to
Jung Hoseok, who now interviews informally the rest of the Elite, with questions about
subjects that don't seem important at this stage of the competition.

But come to think of it, the last time they were asked about things that really mattered,
Jeongguk suggested dissolving the castes and he almost got kicked out of the competition
because of that.

"Mr. Yejun, have you seen the princess or prince's suite already?" Hoseok asks, in a jovial
tone. Jeongguk smiles inwardly, grateful that he is not the target of that particular question.

Yejun's perfect grin becomes even wider and he casually runs a hand through his hair before
replying. “Not yet, Hoseok. But I hope, without a doubt, to deserve that privilege. Of course,
given that king Bon-hwa has provided us with the most beautiful rooms, I’m unable to
imagine anything better than what we already have. The… Hum… The beds are so…” Yejun
starts to stutter a little as he notices two guards rushing into the studio.

The sofas where Yejun, Jeongguk, and Hoseok are sitting are arranged in such a way that he
can see the soldiers quickly approaching the king, but Areum and Sohui, who have their
backs turned, try to discreetly look back, without success.

“… Luxurious. And it would be more than I could have imagined…” Yejun tries to continue,
though not really focused on his response.

In any case, he doesn't need to be concentrated because the king immediately rises and
approaches, interjecting the Three. "Ladies and gentlemen, forgive me the interruption, but
this is an urgent matter." The king holds a sheet of paper in one hand while the other
straightens his red tie. His expression is controlled as he speaks. “Since the birth of our
country, rebel forces have been a curse in our society. Over the years, their attacks on the
palace, not to mention to the average citizen, have become increasingly aggressive.
Everything indicates that they have reached unprecedented levels of lowliness. As is well
known, the four remaining youngsters in the Selection represent a wide range of castes:
Three, Four, and Seven. We’re very honored to present such a diverse group, but this fact
gave the rebels a strange new boost.”

The king looks at the selected over his shoulder before continuing.

“We’re prepared for attacks on the palace and when the rebels assault the people, we respond
as best we can. I wouldn't worry at all if I thought that, as your king, I would be able to
protect you, but…” He pauses, taking a deep breath. "The rebels are attacking following the
order of the castes."

The man's words hang in the air. With an almost friendly gesture, Jeongguk and Yejun
exchange confused looks. What the hell does this mean?

“They have long wanted to end the monarchy. The recent attacks on the family of one of
these young people have already demonstrated how far they’re willing to go and we have sent
soldiers directly from the palace to the protection of Elite families. But now, that's not
enough,” the king continues. "Those who are Three, Four or Seven, that is, of the same caste
as one of the remain selected, may be subject to a rebel attack for that reason alone."

Jeongguk immediately covers his mouth with his hand and hears Yejun gasp.

“From today on, the rebels intend to attack members of the caste Three and proceed
downwards,” the king adds, in a solemn tone.

It's sinister but insightful on the part of the rebels. If they couldn't get the selected to leave the
Selection and the palace for their families, they would make the country demand it instead.
The longer they stay in the competition, the more people will hate them for putting their lives
at risk.

“It is indeed sad news, Your Majesty,” Hoseok breaks the silence.

The monarch nods his head. “Of course we will try to find a solution as quickly as possible.
But we were informed of eight attacks today in five different provinces, all against the caste
Three, resulting in at least one death.”

The hand that had been paralyzed over Jeongguk's mouth drops to his chest. People had died
because of them. People had died because of them.

“For now,” King Bon-hwa continues. "We advise you to stay close to home and take all
possible security measures."

“Excellent advice, Your Highness,” Hoseok nods in agreement and then turns to the selected.
"Is there anything you want to add?"

Sohui simply shakes her head in denial, too stunned to speak.

Areum takes a deep breath. “I know the Threes are the targets now, but your homes are safer
than most of the lower castes. If you can receive a family from a poorest city, that would be a
good idea.”

Yejun nods. “Stay safe. Please, do as the king says.”

The Three gazes at Jeongguk when he finishes and the purple-haired boy realizes he needs to
say something too. Whenever he felt a little lost in the Official News, Jeongguk used to look
at Taehyung, as if the prince could give him some silent advice or a supportive smile.
Following that habit, Jeongguk searches for the prince's tender eyes, but all he sees is
Taehyung's brown hair and frowning forehead as he stares at the ground.

It's obvious that Taehyung is concerned for his people, but the issue goes beyond protecting
the citizens of Euphoréa. He knows that the selected, because of this, can leave him.

And shouldn't they? How many of the caste Seven people could lose their lives because
Jeongguk is sitting here, illuminated by the palace studio's floodlights and surrounded by
dozens of armed guards?
But then... Why did he, or any of the others, have to bear this burden? They aren't the ones
killing people. Jeongguk remembers everything Ki-tae and Min-ji told them the other night
and he immediately realizes that there is only one thing left to do.

Lifting his chin and looking directly at the camera with the red light flashing, Jeongguk
assertively says, “Fight. Fight because what the rebels want to do is intimidate you. They're
trying to scare you into making you do what they want. But if they do, what kind of future do
you think they have to offer you? These people, these tyrants, will not suddenly stop being
violent. If you give them power, they will become a thousand times worse. So fight. Fight as
hard as you can.”

Jeongguk feels the blood pulsing inside his veins and the adrenaline electrifying him as if he
himself is more than ready to attack the rebels and defend Euphoréa. Honestly, he's so fed up.
The rebels keep people terrified and murder families. If a Whale rebel were in front of
Jeongguk at that moment, he would not run away.

Hoseok starts talking again, but Jeongguk is so mad that all he can hear is his heart pounding
in his ears.

When he finally calms down, long minutes later, the cameras are already turned off and the
lights dimmed. Taehyung approaches his father and mumbles something to which the king
shakes his head. The selected get up, ready to start leaving the studio.

“Go to your bedrooms, please,” Taehyung asks gently. “Dinner will be served to you there
and then, I will talk to each one of you.”

When Jeongguk passes them, the king touches him with a single finger. This small gesture is
enough for Jeongguk to realize that the monarch wants him to stop.

“What you said wasn't very smart,” the king mutters through clenched teeth.

Jeongguk shrugs. “What you’re doing is not working. If we keep this up, soon there will be
no one for you to govern.”

The king scoffs, gesturing with his hand to dismiss Jeongguk, annoyed with him once again.

Taehyung knocks lightly on the door before he enters. Jeongguk is already in his pajamas,
reading in bed - or pretending he can even absorb a sentence - and has begun to doubt
whether the prince would still come.

“It's late,” Jeongguk whispers, even though there's no one else there who could be bothered
by the sound invading the night.
Only the bedside lamp illuminates the bedroom and despite the dim orange beam, Jeongguk
can clearly see the marks of exhaustion and worry drawn on the prince's face.

"I know. I’m sorry,” Taehyung mumbles back, sitting down on the edge of the bed, a
considerable distance from Jeongguk. The room becomes suddenly colder than it was before.
“I had to talk to everyone else before and it was quite exhausting. Sohui was very shaken.
She feels very guilty. I wouldn't be surprised if she gave up within a day or two.”

Although Taehyung has admitted more than once to his lack of interest in Sohui, Jeongguk
realizes that this it’s quite painful for him. The purple-haired boy curls his legs against his
chest, hoping that Taehyung will see it as a signal for him to come closer. He does.

"What about Areum and Yejun?"

When their backs are leaning against the headboard and their shoulders subtly rub against
each other, Taehyung continues, “Areum is almost too optimistic. She is sure that people will
be careful and that they will protect themselves. I'm not so sure, as we have no way of
predicting where or when the next rebel attack will be. Whales are spread all over the
country. But she remains hopeful. You know how she is."

“Yeah,” Jeongguk sighs.

Taehyung takes a deep breath and continues, “As for Yejun, he’s fine. He's worried, of
course, but as Areum pointed out, the Three are probably the safest. And he's always so
determined,” the prince chuckles to himself and stares at a spot on the ground. “Apparently,
what worries him most is that I might feel annoyed if he stays, as if I could blame him for
preferring to be here instead of coming home.”

Jeongguk lets out a sigh. “I can understand his concern though. It's a valid question. Do you
want a partner who doesn't worry that his subjects are being threatened?”

Taehyung looks at him. “You are worried. But you don’t care about people in the same way
as the others selected do.” He shakes his head and smiles. "I can't believe you told them to
fight."

Jeongguk shrugs. "I think it's time for us to stop feeling too much shrunken and fearful."

“You’re absolutely right. I don't know if that will deter the rebels or make them more
determined, but there's no doubt that you changed the game,” Taehyung nods.

Jeongguk tilts his head so that he can face the prince directly. "I don't know if I would call a
game a group of people trying to randomly kill the population."

"No, no!" Taehyung replies quickly, waving both of his hands in front of his chest in a
gesture of denial. “I can't even think of a word vile enough to describe this situation. I was
referring to the Selection."

"Oh." Jeongguk continues to stare at him, trying to decipher the thoughts running through
Taehyung's head.
“For better or worse, the audience has truly gotten a glimpse of your character tonight. They
could see the boy who protects his servants and who faces kings when he thinks he's right. I
bet everyone will see with new eyes the moment you ran to help Jimin.” Taehyung grins,
almost like he's proud. “Before this, you were just the selected that yelled at me when we first
met. Tonight, you've become the boy who isn't afraid of rebels. From now on, people will
judge you differently.”

Jeongguk shakes his head, still half dazed by what he has just heard. "That wasn't my
intention."

“I know,” Taehyung's smile breaks further. “I had a plan to show people who you really are,
but after all, you did it yourself and on impulse. And I don't even know why I didn't even
think about it before. This is typically yours." There is an expression of amazement in his
eyes as if Taehyung should have been waiting for something like this all along. "Anyway, I
think you said what should be said. It's time to do more than just hide.”

The purple-haired boy looks down at the duvet, sliding a finger along the seams until he
reaches Taehyung's fingers. He wants more than anything to hold the prince's hand and seek
comfort and warmth in the intertwining of their fingers, but Jeongguk holds back. He's glad
that Taehyung approves of what he said in the Official News, even if it wasn't with that
intention, but the way the prince speaks as if all that was one of Jeongguk's peculiarities… It
makes his chest tight.

“I'm tired of arguing with you, Jeongguk,” the prince breaks the silence. Jeongguk looks up
and sees the sincerity in Taehyung's eyes as he continues. “I like the fact that we disagree. In
fact, God knows how it's one of the things I appreciate most about you, but I don't want to
fight with you any further. Sometimes I have a bit of my father's temper. I admit it. I’m aware
of that and I’m sorry. I’m really sorry for what I said the other day. I let my temper and
frustration speak for me but nothing I said is true. It was just a stupid impulse and I hated
myself for hurting you with those words. I’m sorry. I try to fight it, but sometimes it's still
here. And you…” He pauses to chuckle. "When you’re angry, Jeongguk, you’re a force of
nature!"

He shakes his head, remembering probably at least a dozen things at the same time as
Jeongguk: the whole caste story, Yejun's sore lip when he badmouthed Jimin, the dramatic
words for Taehyung to kick him out of the palace. Jeongguk never considered himself
temperamental, but apparently, he is. Perhaps, he had never received a trigger to act that way
until now.

"I won't deny it and say that hearing you say that, especially you, hurt me a lot. But I forgive
you, Tae. After all, I know what it's like to be impulsive," Jeongguk jokes. Taehyung smiles
and Jeongguk does the same, feeling a remnant of warmth pushing away the winter chill.

“I want you to know that I continue to try to be fair to others. Sometimes I feel anxious about
some of the things I feel or things I have to do, but I want you to know that I keep looking at
you too... Always. I think by now you've figured I can't help myself doing that,” Taehyung
shrugs, looking so young at that moment.
Jeongguk wants to say the right thing, wants the prince to know that he still wants Taehyung
to look at him too. But nothing seems to sound good, so Jeongguk lets himself fall into
temptation and intertwines his fingers with the prince's, hoping it's answer enough. They
stand there, silently, looking at their hands, which are shaped like two pieces of a puzzle that
belong to each other.

Things aren't easy between them and they probably never will be. Jeongguk is sure that there
is a long way to go and that, along with it, there will be attitudes and words spoken by each
one of them that will hurt the other. But as long as they realize that and try the hardest to
change and be better, that's what matters, right? They will find a way.

Taehyung absentmindedly plays with the purple bead bracelet, looking very focused on it,
and spends some minutes stroking the back of Jeongguk's hand with his thumb. The purple-
haired boy ends up taking the risk and gets even closer, putting his face on Taehyung's neck
and placing the briefest of kisses against his throat.

It's good for them to have a moment of calm, just the two. Jeongguk missed Taehyung like
crazy.

"Why don't we spend the day together tomorrow?" Taehyung interrupts the comfortable
silence, taking Jeongguk's hand to his mouth, brushing his lips over the purple-haired boy's
knuckles.

Jeongguk smiles, closing his eyes. "I think I would like that."

"So, in short, more guards?"

"Yes, dad. So much more,” Jeongguk laughs against the phone, though the situation is far
from funny. But his father has a way of making even the most difficult matters light. That's
why Jeongguk enjoys talking to him so much. “We’ll all continue here in the palace. For now,
at least. And even though the rebels say they're starting with the caste Three, don't let anyone
get careless. And also warn our neighbors to protect themselves.”

“Gguk, everyone knows how to be careful. But after what you said in the Official News, I
think people will be braver than you think.” Jeongguk can sense the proud smile on his
father's face.

“I hope so,” the purple-haired boy looks at his shoes absently, and a funny memory flashes
into his memory. Right now, his feet are covered in black leather boots, studded with silver
jewels on one side of it. Four months ago, he had been wearing grimy and torn sneakers.

“You make me so proud, Gguk,” his father continues. “Sometimes I'm surprised by the things
you say, even though, unconsciously, I've always known you're this kind of person. You were
always stronger than you think.” His voice is so sincere that it makes Jeongguk feel the heat
spread through his entire body. No opinion is more important to him than his family's.

"Thanks, dad," Jeongguk says. "Does that mean you weren't disappointed with the end of the
payments? You got my letter, right?"

"Of course not, Gguk!" his father reinforces as if sensing the doubt and insecurity in
Jeongguk's voice. "Even before you joined the Selection, your mother and I always told you
that you did a lot for us. I'm not going to lie and say these checks didn't make us any looser in
money terms, but don't worry about them ending. We understand why and we also think it's
the fairest. Here at home, we have everything oriented. Please, don't worry about us and
focus on the Selection and in your duties. I mean, not all princes would say something like
that on live television."

Jeongguk rolls his eyes, even though it's impossible for the other man to see. "Dad, I'm not a
prince."

“Well, it's just a matter of time,” his father retorts in a playful tone. "By the way, how is
prince Taehyung?"

“He's fine,” Jeongguk replies, wringing the hem of his shirt. There is silence, Jeongguk's
father aware that there is something else he wants to add. "I really like him, dad."

"Yes?"

"Yes."

"Why exactly?"

Jeongguk finds himself smiling and sighing. "Partly, I think it's because he makes me feel
like myself."

"Have you ever felt like you weren't yourself?" His father jokes.

“No, that's not it,” Jeongguk laughs. “How am I supposed to explain? I was always very
aware of my caste. Even after coming to the palace, I remained obsessed with it for some
time. Was I a Seven or a Three for being turned in a selected? Did I want to be One? But now
I don't think about it so much. And I guess it's because of him.” When Jeongguk finishes, his
father hums. “He does a lot of nonsense things, no doubt about it,” Jeongguk continues,
stealing a low chuckle from his father. “But when we're together, I feel like I'm Jeongguk.
Not a caste or a project. And actually, I don't think of him as superior either. He's just him and
I'm just me.”

The purple-haired boy's father is silent for a moment, making Jeongguk nervous. "That seems
very good to me, Gguk."

He allows himself to breathe in relief. It's still weird to talk about his love interests with his
father, but the man is the only person in Jeongguk's house who seems to see Taehyung more
as a person than a celebrity. Not that his mother and sisters do it with malice though. But no
one else would understand the situation like his father.

“Yeah… But it's not perfect,” Jeongguk adds, just as Jang-mi peeks through the door. "I feel
like there's always something that goes wrong and I don't know how to avoid it."

The woman gives Jeongguk an intense look and moves her lips until she forms the word
«breakfast». He nods to let her know he got the message.

“But that's not necessarily bad. Mistakes mean it's real,” his father says gently.

“I'll try to remember that,” Jeongguk smiles. “Now I have to go, dad. I'm late for breakfast.”

“Oh, no! That can't be. Go fill that belly of yours,” his father jokes, making Jeongguk laugh.
“Take care of yourself, Gguk. And write quickly, we all miss you.”

"I will. I love you, dad.”

"And I love you."

The selected leave right after breakfast, but Taehyung and Jeongguk remain in the dining
room. The queen passes by Jeongguk and winks at him, causing his cheeks to blush violently.
However, the king appears right behind her and his threatening stare is enough to make any
trace of color disappear from Jeongguk's face.

Once the two are alone, Taehyung quickly gets up from his seat and approaches Jeongguk,
intertwining their fingers and pulling him to stand up as well.

“I was going to ask you what you want to do today, but our options are quite limited,”
Taehyung gazes apologetically at him. “No gardening, no horseback riding, no walks in the
garden. Nothing out there.”

Jeongguk sighs. "Not even if we take a bunch of soldiers?"

“I'm sorry, Jeongguk,” the prince sends him a sad smile. "Security measures. How about a
movie? We can see something that has spectacular views.”

“It's not the same thing,” Jeongguk pouts. “But okay. Let's make the most of this day
together.”

“That's my boy,” Taehyung grins, letting Jeongguk pull him towards the outside of the dining
room.
Something in Taehyung's words makes Jeongguk feel better, like they're in this together.
Jeongguk has not felt that way for a while.

They walk hand in hand along the corridor, heading for the staircase leading to the movie
theater, when Jeongguk hears a musical tinkle against the window.

This morning, the sky had awakened sullenly, shades of grey carrying the clouds and the
infinity. But now, heavy, in-tune drops fly from the heavens and beat rhythmically against the
windowpanes, leaving Jeongguk mesmerized. He always loved the rain.

"It's raining!" Looking like a child on Christmas Day, Jeongguk exclaims. He lets go of
Taehyung's hand and puts it against the glass instead, as if he wants to be outside receiving
that blessing from nature.

Over the months he had spent in the palace, it had never rained and Jeongguk wondered if it
would ever happen. Now that he can see the rain, Jeongguk realizes how much he's missed it.
In a metaphorical sense, Jeongguk missed the passing of seasons and how it symbolizes
things changing.

“It's so beautiful,” Jeongguk whispers, letting his eyes be flooded by the start of that beautiful
storm.

Taehyung stands behind him, his arms around Jeongguk's waist in a hug from behind. His
chin is tucked into Jeongguk's shoulder and Taehyung's voice resonates directly against the
purple-haired boy's right ear. "Only you to see beauty in something that spoils most people's
day."

“I wish I could touch it,” Jeongguk sighs dreamily.

“I know you would like to, but we just can't-” Taehyung interrupts himself. Jeongguk turns to
him, trying to figure out why he stopped in mid-sentence. The prince looks to both sides of
the corridor and Jeongguk feels obliged to do the same. With the exception of a couple of
guards, they’re alone. “Follow me,” Taehyung whispers, taking Jeongguk's hand again. "I
hope they don't see us."

Jeongguk smiles, more than ready for whatever adventure the prince has in mind. He loves it
when Taehyung acts like this, all jovial and carefree.

They go up the stairs with wool steps in the direction to the fourth floor. For a moment,
Jeongguk feels nervous, fearing that Taehyung will show him something like the secret
library. That experience had not ended very well for Jeongguk.

However, they advance just halfway up that level, passing by a soldier who makes the rounds
on that floor. Between whispers and accomplices giggles, Taehyung pulls him into a large
living room that Jeongguk had never been in and leads him to a water-green wall, beside a
large but unlit fireplace.

The prince fearlessly thrusts his arm through the opening in the fireplace and, of course, he
finds a secret peg. How many hiding places, entrances and exits are there in this palace?
Taehyung pulls on the doorknob and moves a panel on the wall that leads to - guess what -
yet another secret stairway.

“Don't let go of my hand,” Taehyung orders gently.

As if that's too hard to obey, Jeongguk thinks. He follows Taehyung down the dimly lit stairs
until they find another door. Taehyung unlocks the simple padlock and opens it until the
silence is broken by the rain gently beating against the white stone floor.

Ahead of them, a curtain of tears from the sky paints the infinite in grey, hugging the confines
of the palace.

"Are we on the roof?" Jeongguk asks over the noise.

Taehyung nods, smiling at Jeongguk's enthusiasm to enjoy the downfall. Both are under the
awning that protects the entrance to the roof patio. Finally, Jeongguk can feel the open air
entering his nostrils.

Completely intoxicated, Jeongguk steps forward until his hand is embraced by the drops of
water, which fall rhythmically into his palm. The thick, warm droplets accumulate and begin
to run down his arm, reaching his rolled-up shirt sleeve. Jeongguk hears Taehyung burst out
laughing before pushing him completely under the rain.

Jeongguk only has time to gasp.

"What?" Taehyung asks between his beautiful boxy smile as if he can read the question on
Jeongguk's perplexed face. "You told me you wanted to touch the rain, right? I just fulfilled
your wish,” he giggles.

It doesn't take a lot of seconds for Jeongguk to be completely soaked. He lets out an
exclamation of surprise mixed with a grunt but it doesn't take long for him to react in
revenge, grabbing Taehyung's arm and laughing hard when the prince tries to resist.

With both of them now quickly drenched, Taehyung's hair falls in almond-colored strands
above his eyes and Jeongguk can't resist reaching out his hand and pulling the strands back.

The prince still grins widely as he gently pushes Jeongguk to the edge of the wall. “Look…”
He whispers into the purple-haired boy's ear.

Jeongguk draws his attention away from the rain cascade and notices the real sight for the
first time. He lays still, his lungs without a breath of air in the surprise of that grandeur.
Jeongguk, marveling, contemplates the city that stretches out before him. The web of the
streets, the geometry of the buildings, the mountains painted in the distance, the set of colors,
which even attenuated by the gray tone of the rain, are stunning.

He feels connected to it all as if Euphoréa belongs to him in some way.

"I don't want the rebels to occupy this place, Jeongguk," Taehyung says over the rain as if
he's read the purple-haired boy's thoughts. "I don't know how many deaths have occurred, but
I'm sure my father is withholding information from me. I assume he's afraid I'm going to stop
the Selection to end this.”

"Is there any way to find out the truth?" Jeongguk asks, letting Taehyung's arms find support
in his body.

The prince thinks for a moment. “I think if I could get in touch with Ki-tae, he would know. I
could send him a letter, but I'm afraid my father will find out. And because of that, I don't
know if I could even get him back into the palace again.”

Jeongguk tilts his head slightly to the side, admiring the infinite hugging Euphoréa. "What if
we were the ones to go to him?"

Taehyung laughs, the sound melodious and warm against Jeongguk's smiling cheek. "And
how do you suggest we do it?"

Jeongguk shrugs, joining the teasing. "I'll think about it."

For a moment, they stay silent, just enjoying the calm the storm brings. Until Taehyung turns
his face slightly, looking at Jeongguk. “It's nice to be able to speak out loud. I’m always so
attentive to what I say. That's why I like to come here, I have the feeling that no one can hear
me. Only you."

Jeongguk grins, closing his eyes when he feels Taehyung's lips against his temple. "Then say
anything."

He makes a satisfied smile. "Only if you say too."

“Deal,” Jeongguk replies, happy to get into the game.

"What do you want to know?" Taehyung asks, tightening his arms even more around
Jeongguk.

The purple-haired boy rests his hands on top of Taehyung's, which rests comfortably on
Jeongguk's stomach. He decides to start with an important but impersonal question. "Did you
really not know about the diaries?"

“No,” Taehyung doesn't hesitate to deny it. “But now I know everything. My dad made me
read them all after the Official News. If Ki-tae had come here two weeks ago, I would have
thought he was lying about everything. But not now. It's shocking, Jeongguk…” The prince
shakes his head. “What you read was just the beginning. I want to tell you everything but… I
still can't.”

“I understand,” Jeongguk nods, squeezing his hands.

The prince looks at him with a determined gaze. This until it’s replaced by a smug smile
instead. "When are you going to wear that corset again?"

Jeongguk grunts, trying to pull away from Taehyung's embrace but the prince, as if expecting
this reaction, just squeezes his arms even tighter. "You bastard, you promised never to talk
about this again!"

“I promised? I don't remember,” Taehyung laughs even harder when Jeongguk starts pinching
him. The laughter of both starts to end but the smiles remain. Until Taehyung utters the
following words, "Areum tried to kiss me."

“Oh,” is the only thing Jeongguk's mouth can verbalize. He is grateful that Taehyung is
hugging him from behind, not having as much access to see the sad expression that took
place on his face.

“It was a couple of days ago but I didn't… It didn't really happen. I couldn't do it,” Taehyung
admits, his whispers lost in the rain. “But it seemed fair to tell you. We promised to try to
establish better communication to improve our trust in each other, right?”

So Taehyung is telling him about what happened - or rather, what didn't happen after all - in
the corridor between him and Areum. Jeongguk will not be a hypocrite and deny that a big
weight has flown off his back. Even as the moment was propitious for it after Areum's
beautiful confessions, Taehyung didn't kiss her. They didn't kiss. That means something,
right? It has to.

"Why didn't you do it?" Even so, Jeongguk risks asking, praying that Taehyung can't feel his
heart beating violently against his chest. It seems impossible as Taehyung's chest is leaning
without a single snatch of distance against Jeongguk's back, but he likes to believe it is.

“You know perfectly well why,” is the only thing Taehyung answers. The prince tilts his head
until it touches the side of Jeongguk's face, their warm, wet cheeks touching.

“I hate that things are like this,” Jeongguk admits, closing his eyes.

"I know. But that's how they are,” the prince sighs.

"That doesn't make them fair."

Taehyung laughs dryly. "And when was anything in our lives fair?"

He's right.

“I shouldn't tell you…” Jeongguk begins. “And if you let it slip that you know, he'll get even
worse, I'm sure, but… Your father has been telling me a few things. And he also ended the
payments to my family. The others no longer received them, so I think it was the fairest thing
to do anyway.”

“I'm sorry,” Taehyung says. He lifts his face slightly and stares at the city, plunging those
sweet brown eyes into the corners of Euphoréa. Jeongguk is temporarily distracted by the
way the prince's wet shirt clings to his arms. "I don't think that can be remedied, Jeongguk."

“You don't have to,” he hurries to explain. “I just wanted you to know what's going on. I can
handle the situation.” He may still be at the beginning of the path of how to stop feeling
intimidated by the king, but Jeongguk is confident he'll make it. He has to.
“You’re too strong for him. My father doesn't understand you,” Taehyung reaches for his
hand and Jeongguk gladly offers it.

Jeongguk tries to think of anything else he wants to know, but some of his toxic thoughts
relate everything to the selected and he doesn't want to screw things up again between him
and Taehyung. Besides, knowing that Taehyung and Areum didn’t kiss after all is enough to
calm his troubled mind. This moment is being too perfect to be ruined by stupid things and
Jeongguk wants to focus on that.

Taehyung gazes at Jeongguk's wrist, hugged with the purple pendant bracelet, and this seems
to give him an idea to break the silence. “Do you…” Taehyung looks up at Jeongguk,
seeming to rethink the question. "Do you want to dance with me?"

"Why the hell do you always ask me to dance when there's no music?" Jeongguk tries to joke,
turning to face Taehyung better.

The prince's eyes travel over every feature of Jeongguk's face, a slight smile hovering on his
lips. "Because I don't need music when I have you in my arms."

Jeongguk never considered himself a cheesy person but how does he say that to his own
heart, who beats uncontrollably with Taehyung's sweet and romantic words? The poor heart
muscle hasn't had a second of rest since it realized it belongs solely to the man in front of
Jeongguk.

But when Jeongguk thinks deeply about Taehyung's words, he can understand. Of course he
can. Why will they need music when their eyes, passionately traveling across their faces,
discover and memorize every feature as if they were notes on a musical staff? Why will they
need music when their hands reach their burning skin and touch it like they’re the strings of a
precious guitar? Why would they need music when their hearts beat as one, creating the most
beautiful melody ever?

"I suck at dancing but how am I supposed to refuse when you're looking at me like that?"
Jeongguk tries to calm the frantic pounding inside his chest by making a joke.

Taehyung's boxy smile reappears, dazzling Jeongguk with its brilliance and genuineness. The
prince pulls the purple-haired boy towards him and places a hand on Jeongguk's waist. He
joins his fingers with Taehyung's and the other hand rests on the prince's chest, right over his
also violent beating heart.

They sway slowly, barely moving, but it's as if the world has stopped around them to watch
them dance. Jeongguk lets himself breathe in the natural fragrance that Taehyung radiates, his
nose gently brushing against the prince's neck while the other leans his cheek against
Jeongguk's temple.

When Taehyung squeezes him a little tighter, as if he wants to eternally keep Jeongguk in his
arms, he feels that all the mistakes and doubts between them have been erased and that only
the essence of their relationship remains. A relationship that started with them being mere
strangers, passing to a beautiful friendship, and coming to the understanding that their souls
can't stay away from each other.
They’re opposites in many ways, but at the same time, they’re also very similar and
understand each other like no one else. Jeongguk can't say their relationship was a fate work -
at best, it was his sister Ha-rin's work - but it feels stronger than anything Jeongguk has ever
felt before. It's a warm feeling that invades and finds home in his chest, but it also manages to
freeze his body completely. It's an intoxicating sensation, making his blood pulse in his veins
and passion electrify through his spine. It's pure, sincere, beautiful, them.

Jeongguk looks up at Taehyung, placing the hand that rested on his chest on the prince's face
instead, guiding him down until their mouths breathe the same air and meet. Taehyung’s lips,
wet but always soft as if it was clouds of cotton candy, touch Jeongguk's, sending an electric
current down his whole body. Despite the deafening roar of rain on the terrace, the entire
world suddenly seems silent. Even the trees, shrubs and flowers a few floors below them stop
receiving the incessant drops against their leaves and petals, giving full attention to the
couple lost in each other's lips.

Jeongguk feels there is not enough Taehyung, not enough lips, not enough skin, not enough
space, not enough time.

After so many months of trying to reconcile what Jeongguk wanted with what he expected,
he realizes then - at that precise moment that Taehyung created just for them, when it seems
like nothing else exists - that it was useless, that it never made sense. All Jeongguk can do is
move on and hope that whenever they drift apart, they can find some way to get back to each
other.

And they have to. Because…

Because…

Despite all the time it took Jeongguk to get to this precise moment, when it finally happens
it's fast, like a rocket taking off from inside his chest and reaching his brain, creating erratic
synapses with the same three words over and over and over.

Because Jeongguk loves Taehyung.

For the first time, Jeongguk can feel it solidly. He can feel it in every inch of his skin,
escaping through every pore, moving in his fingertips. Jeongguk is not holding the feeling at
bay, sticking on to the insecurities, the doubts and all the «what ifs» that come with it.
Jeongguk isn't moving towards Taehyung's affections while keeping one foot on the door in
case the prince lets him down. No, not anymore.

Jeongguk simply lets the feeling arise and invade him completely, lifting each of his body
hairs in vibrant energy and filling his chest with hot air like a balloon, filling, filling and
filling until it bursts and spreads all over his body the addictive feelings that make him shiver
in anticipation.

Jeongguk loves Taehyung.

He feels unable to pinpoint exactly what makes him so sure and secure, but he knows it, at
that moment, as surely as he knows his own name, the age of his sisters or what color the sky
is. Jeongguk simply knows that spring has finally found him and made the flower that used to
grow inside him bloom in the most beautiful and true way possible.

The question is, does Taehyung feel the same?

Taehyung breaks the kiss and faces Jeongguk. "You look so cute when you're all disheveled."

Jeongguk timidly grins but looks down, embarrassed by Taehyung's praise which is now
accompanied by his awareness of his feelings. He lets out a nervous laugh. "Thank you. For
that, for the rain and for not giving up on me.”

The prince slides his fingertips down Jeongguk's cheek, reaching his nose and chin. “You’re
worth it, Jeongguk. I don't think you're aware of that, but for me, you're worth it.”

Jeongguk's heart feels like it is about to explode and create a fireworks display inside his
chest. At this moment, Jeongguk just wants everything to end. His world revolves around a
new axis now and he can see that it has to happen. The Selection needs to end and he needs
to win. If not… He doesn't know how he will survive.

Taehyung leans over and kisses him on the tip of his nose. "What do you think about we go
dry off these clothes to see the movie?"

“Sounds perfect to me,” Jeongguk replies with a long peck against the prince's smiling lips.

For now, Jeongguk decides to carefully hide his love for Taehyung in his heart, still a little
afraid. Jeongguk needs to give Taehyung time for him to naturally realize that he can really
trust Jeongguk and that the purpled-hair boy is one hundred percent in this, in their
relationship. So, admitting the feelings aloud can perhaps be rash in this aspect, leading
Taehyung to be carried away by the emotions and not being rationally sure about everything.
Jeongguk wants the prince to be totally sure.

Taehyung had given him time, days in the form of «I'm not sure», weeks full of «What does
this mean?», and months of begging for «Please, wait for me», so Jeongguk is perfectly
capable of giving Taehyung that same amount of time. The double, the triple, whatever he
needs.

Jeongguk tries to wring out his shirt and pants, hoping to get rid of the excess rain, but it
doesn't work. The small trail of water behind him is unavoidable.

“I vote for an action movie,” Jeongguk says as Taehyung closes the roof door. They start
going down the stairs, with Taehyung in the lead.

“I vote for a comedy movie,” the prince smiles over his shoulder.

“Given that you pushed me into the rain and made me get all wet,” Jeongguk pointedly points
to his clothes glued to his body. "I think I have more voting power."

“As far as I know, you wanted to feel the rain,” Taehyung teases, smiling at Jeongguk's loud
giggles. “But it seems fair to me. An action movie will be then.”
 The prince is still laughing as he pushes the panel that gives them access back to the living
room, but he stops seconds later. Jeongguk looks over his shoulder to understand why and
that’s when he sees king Bon-hwa standing there as if he's been purposely waiting for them,
pissed off as always.

“I suppose this was your idea,” the king accuses, looking angrily at Taehyung.

“Yes,” he admits, looking down.

"Do you have any idea of the danger you have exposed yourself to?" The king inquires.

“Dad, there are no rebels lurking on the roof,” Taehyung replies, trying to sound reasonable,
but the soaked clothes take away part of his credibility.

“One bullet well fired at the target is enough, Taehyung,” the king leaves the words hanging
in the air. “You know that we have few guards, as we sent them to watch over the homes of
the families of the Elite members. And dozens of those sent out deserted. We’re vulnerable.”
The king now stares at Jeongguk intensely. "And why is he always in on everything that
happens lately?"

The two remain there, silent, knowing there is nothing they can say. Taehyung seems to want
to do it but remains silent. Jeongguk doesn't judge him because even he himself is holding
back so he doesn't cause any more problems. And he is not afraid of the repercussions that he
himself may have, but of the consequences that Taehyung may suffer instead.

“Go change your clothes. You're in a lamentable state,” the king orders a few seconds later.
"You have work to do."

“But I took today's day-” Taehyung tries to argue but is interrupted. A simple stare from his
father indicates to Taehyung that all his plans for this day are canceled. “Very well,” he nods,
relenting. Jeongguk tries to hide his disappointment that the day he had reserved with
Taehyung will end so soon but he understands. It's not the prince's fault.

King Bon-hwa takes Taehyung's arm and pushes him out of there with some strength, leaving
Jeongguk alone in the middle of the living room. Taehyung looks over his shoulder, even
with some difficulty, and forms the word «I’m sorry» with his lips, silently. Jeongguk
reciprocates with a slight smile, trying to convey that everything is fine. All he least wants is
for Taehyung to feel guilty about this.

Jeongguk is not afraid of the king. Nor the rebels. And now that he finally knows how much
Taehyung means to him, Jeongguk is sure that everything will turn out okay. There are things
so much stronger and more powerful than fear. Jeongguk now knows that.

Chapter End Notes

I don't know if anyone catched this before but there is a reason why I called the rebels
Swans and Whales. Swans because of my favorite BTS song (Black Swan) and Whales

🥰
because of Whalien 52! Maybe it's not an interesting fact for you guys but I thought it
was cute to share!

my twitter
my curious cat
playlist
 seventeen
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes

XVII

It wasn't easy for Jeongguk to justify why he was completely drenched from head to toe, but
his bright eyes, rosy face, and an ear-to-ear grin were enough for his servants to understand
that it was for a good reason.

After enduring the exchange of victorious smiles and stares between his three servants as
they help Jeongguk switch clothes, the purple-haired boy heads to the Leisure Hall, happy to
pass the corridor windows and see that it's still raining. Now, whenever the skies decide to
paint the city with its incessant, methodical drops, Jeongguk will remember Taehyung. For
him, the rain was already something special, but now it has become even more so.

Although Jeongguk and Taehyung managed to escape from reality for a while, as soon as
they got out of their bubble, the tension that the rebels' ultimatum had placed on the Elite
members was back on its heels. All the selected are inattentive and nervous.

Sohui silently paints her nails at a nearby table, and every now and then Jeongguk can see the
girl's hands shake slightly. She cleans up the missed brushstrokes and tries to continue the
work. Yejun has a book in his hand, but his eyes remain fixed on the window instead, lost in
the falling rain. None of them can do even the simplest task.

"How do you think things are out there?" Areum asks, pausing for a moment her embroidery
on a pillow. The two are sitting on the same beige sofa.

“I don't know,” Jeongguk sighs. “But I don't think they made such a big threat for then to do
nothing at all,” he notes, letting the pencil move by itself in the sketchbook. Jeongguk is
trying to transfer from his mind to the paper the sight of Euphoréa embracing the rain he
experienced a few hours ago on the roof of the palace.

"Do you think they're hiding the death numbers from us?" Areum questions.

"It's possible. That could influence us. And if we give up, the rebels win.”

Areum starts her embroidery again. "I'll stay in the Selection, whatever it takes."

The way she delivers the words suggests to Jeongguk that they are specifically addressed to
him, as if Jeongguk needed to know that she will not give up on Taehyung.

“Me too,” Jeongguk promises.

 ♕

The next day is very similar, although Jeongguk has never before been disappointed to see
the sunshine. The sun symbolizes hope and joy, and that's everything the selected don’t feel
right now with the issue of this attacks. The worry they sense is so intense that they have to
make a huge effort to stay quiet. Jeongguk wishes he could run, channel that energy into
something, but the gardens are still blocked.

After lunch, they return to the Leisure Hall, but not everyone at the same time. Sohui picks
up a book while Jeongguk sits down in order to continue his drawing, but Areum and Yejun
are absent. The Seven girl appears maybe ten minutes later, her arms full of things. She sits
with different colored papers, stickers, sparkles, and a collection of glitter pens.

"Are you going to make your postcards?" Jeongguk asks.

“Yes, I need to occupy my head,” Areum replies, shrugging. Jeongguk nods, trying to focus
back on his drawing, but it's hard when Areum stands frozen for a long time with a red pen in
her hand, hovering over the paper. Suddenly, she lets the drawing materials fall onto the table.
“I don't know what I'm doing,” she finally blurts out. "I know there are people in danger, but
I love him and I don't want to leave!"

“The king won't let anyone die,” Sohui tries to comfort her.

“But people have already died,” Areum doesn't seem to want to argue, she's just worried. The
frown on her brow hadn't disappeared from her face in the last couple of days. "I just need to
think about something else."

“I bet Jang-mi would find us some work to do to entertain us,” Jeongguk suggests, trying to
lighten the mood.

Areum lets out a laugh. "I'm not that desperate." She touches the tip of the pen against the
paper and traces a smooth curve. It's a start. "Everything’s gonna be okay. I’m sure."

Whether she tells that to comfort Sohui and Jeongguk or to comfort herself, Jeongguk isn't
sure, but he nods anyway.

He rubs his eyes and gazes at his sketchbook. Jeongguk needs to do something else, he's been
in the same position for a couple of hours now and his back starts to show signs of it.

“I'm going to one of the libraries. I'll be right back,” he warns and Sohui and Areum nod
absently, trying to stay focused on their tasks, and Jeongguk gets up and leaves the Leisure
Hall.

The purple-haired boy walks down the corridor to one of the rooms at the far end of the floor.
On those shelves, there are some books that Jeongguk wants to read. Until he entered the
Selection, Jeongguk knew he liked to read but that it wasn't something he did regularly. Not
only did he not have the money to buy books, but his work and helping his family kept him
busy enough to even have time to do so. But now, with more than three gigantic libraries in
this majestic palace and with books on the most diverse themes, Jeongguk has taken the
opportunity to read as much as possible. In fact, there are many books about botany and
gardening and Jeongguk loves to learn more about flowers.

He silently opens the library door and quickly realizes he is not alone. From the muffled
sounds, it seems like someone is crying. Jeongguk searches for the source of the noise and
finds the person he least expected to find here. Yejun, with his knees hugged to his chest, is
sitting on the wide windowsill.

Jeongguk is immediately uncomfortable. What kind of image is this? Yejun doesn’t cry. Until
that very moment, Jeongguk didn't even believe the Three was capable of it. The only thing
to do is to leave and give him that moment of privacy, but Yejun sees Jeongguk as he wipes
his eyes.

"Ugh!" Yejun whimpers, turning his face so Jeongguk doesn't see him in his most vulnerable
state. Well, that’s too late. "What do you want?"

"Nothing. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt or something, I've just been looking for a
book,” Jeongguk walks quickly towards one of the shelves, searching for a random
manuscript just to get out of there quickly.

“Then take it and go. You always get everything you want anyway.”

Jeongguk is motionless and unresponsive for a moment, his hand gripping the spine of a
psychology book, confused by Yejun's words. The caste Three boy lets out an irritated sigh
and gets up. Grabbing one of his many magazines, Yejun tosses it towards Jeongguk, who
manages to catch it before it falls to the ground, even if awkwardly.

“See with your own eyes. Your little speech in the Official News has put you on top. They
love you!” His voice sounds furious, accusing even, as if Jeongguk had purposely planned
this.

The purple-haired boy turns the magazine over and sees that half the page is filled with
photographs of the four remaining selected with a chart beside them. Above the image, an
elegant headline asks, «Who do you want for the future queen or king?».

Next to Jeongguk's face, a wide line shows that 39% of people are rooting for him. It's not as
high as he thought it should be for whoever won the Selection, but it's much higher than the
others.

Around the graphic are some public opinions. Yejun is considered perfectly noble, although
he is in third place. Sohui is seen as very elegant, but only 8% of the population supports her.
Areum also has a considerable percentage, almost reaching Jeongguk, but the opinions next
to his picture catch his attention, making him want to cry.

«Mr. Jeon is just like what a king should be: a fighter. We don't just want him, we need him!»
Jeongguk stares at the words, rereading the sentence over and over again. "Is this… Is this
true?"

Yejun snatches the magazine from his hand with a grunt. “Of course it's true. Go, marry him,
see if I care. Be a prince. Everyone will love it. The poor little Seven gets the crown in the
end.”

The Three starts to walk away. Yejun's bad mood had spoiled the most incredible news that
Jeongguk had received throughout the Selection. The support of the public, showing him they
trust him to run the country.

“I don't understand why this is so important to you. I'm sure that there will be a lot of secret
admirers after you! And you’ll continue to be famous when this is all over,” Jeongguk
accuses.

“A finished celebrity, Jeongguk.”

"You’re a model, for God's sake!" Jeongguk exclaims exasperated. "You have everything!"

"But for how long?" Yejun replies. And then he repeats, more quietly now, "For how long?"

"What do you mean by that?" Jeongguk asks, in a softer tone. “Yejun, you’re beautiful.
You’ll be a Three for the rest of your life.”

The other boy was already shaking his head before Jeongguk had even finished speaking.
“Do you think you're the only one who's ever felt limited by your caste? Yes, I’m a model but
I was just lucky to become a celebrity. You know very well that being famous is
characteristic of caste Two instead. How long will my fame last, Jeongguk? Do you think I'm
good at the other professions of my caste? I don't have what it takes to be a doctor or a
scientist. I can't be a writer. I don’t know how to teach. Therefore, when my face and body no
longer fit, I will be forgotten. I have maybe five years left. Ten, if I’m that lucky.” Yejun
stares at him. “You spent your entire life in anonymity. I can see that sometimes you miss it.
Well, for me, I spent my life in the spotlight. It may seem like a silly, futile fear to you, but
for me it's real: I don't want to lose it.”

“Well… Actually, it makes sense,” Jeongguk smiles gently at him.

"It does?" Yejun asks in surprise, wiping his cheeks.

Jeongguk approaches and stops beside the Three. "Yes. But… Yejun, do you like Taehyung at
least a little?”

Yejun tilts his head, pausing to think. “Well… He's cute, I think,” he says with a smile.

Jeongguk reciprocates. "He is. That I know."

"I know you know. It was a blow to my plans when I found out how far you two had come. I
thought I had him in the palm of my hand, making him dream of more,” Yejun admits.

“That's not how you win someone's heart,” Jeongguk looks apologetically at him.
Yejun shrugs. “I didn't need his heart,” he confesses. “I just needed Taehyung to want me
enough to keep me. It's okay, it's not love. I need fame more than love.”

Yejun's speech, in Jeongguk's eyes, is a little sad. In his point of view, there is nothing more
important than love. But Jeongguk grew up surrounded by it, disguised in his mother's hugs,
in his father's advice, in playing games with his sisters, or even while making his flower
arrangements. What about Yejun? Did he grow with love too? Apparently, all he knows are
the photographs, the flashes, the lights, the fame. Jeongguk, in a way, can understand what
the Three means. It’s everything he knows all his life.

For the first time, Yejun is not Jeongguk's enemy. He sees it now. Yes, Yejun was and still is
an intriguing competitor, but it was all out of desperation. Yejun simply felt that he had to
intimidate the selected to keep them away from something that most of them wanted but that
Yejun felt he needed.

“First of all, you need love,” Jeongguk argues. “Everyone needs it. And it's okay to want
fame at the same time.” Yejun rolls his eyes but doesn't interrupt him. "Secondly, the Seo
Yejun I know doesn't need a man to be famous."

The Three lets out a laugh at this. “I've been a little fierce, I admit it,” he concedes, more
amused than embarrassed.

"A little? You ripped my shirt!" Jeongguk accuses, reciprocating the teasing.

"At the time, I needed it!"

And suddenly, it all sounds funny to Jeongguk. All the arguments, the angry stares, the little
tricks, even their fight - it all seems like a big, round joke. The two of them stand there for a
moment, laughing over the past few months, and Jeongguk feels the anger and frustration he
once felt for Yejun dissipate.

Surprisingly, Yejun's laugh quickly fades and he looks away before speaking. “I've done so
many things, Jeongguk. Horrible, shameful things. Partly it was because I didn't quite know
how to react to the pressure of all this, but mostly it was because I was determined to do
anything to win the crown, to win Taehyung.”

Jeongguk is a little surprised at himself when he puts his hand on Yejun's shoulder to comfort
him. “Honestly,” he begins. “I think you don't need Taehyung to achieve anything in life.
None of us need it. You have the guts, you have the talent and, perhaps most importantly, you
have the ability. Half the people in this country would give anything to have what you have.”

“I know,” Yejun nods. “It's not that I'm not aware of how lucky I am. It's just hard to accept
the possibility of, I don't know, being less than that.”

“Then don't accept that. Fight for it,” Jeongguk says simply, smiling when the other boy
beams too.

"I never had a chance, did I?" Yejun asks, looking intently into Jeongguk's eyes. "It was you,
from the beginning."
“It wasn't just me,” Jeongguk admits. “Areum too. She's also on the run.”

“Do you want me to break her leg? I can make it happen,” Yejun suggests, but by the tone of
his voice and the sparkle in his eyes, Jeongguk knows he's joking. He hopes so, at least.

“Do you want to go back to the Leisure Hall with me? It's been hard to get through these days
and you actually add something different to the mood,” Jeongguk asks.

“Not now,” Yejun sniffs. “I don't want the others to know I cried,” he mutters and gives
Jeongguk a pleading look.

The purple-haired boy smiles. "Not even a word. Promise."

"Thanks."

There's a silence between them as if one of them feels they should say something else. That
moment when Jeongguk could finally see the real Yejun was important to him. Obviously,
Jeongguk is not naive enough to believe that he will be able to truly forget everything the
Three had done to him, but at least now Jeongguk understands it.

With nothing else to add, Jeongguk waves his hand, leaving Yejun alone in the library for a
few more moments. Only after closing the door does Jeongguk realize he had forgotten to
bring a book. Oh well.

And then, Jeongguk remembers the graphic on the glossy magazine paper, with his smiling
face and that huge number beside it. He can't wait to tell Taehyung. He has to poke his mole
during dinner to tell him the news.

After all, Taehyung was right. Even though it wasn't on purpose, they managed to get the
public to see Jeongguk's true potential and character. Only the king is missing.

Jeongguk is brushing his teeth after dinner when Jang-mi knocks on his bedroom door. He
hears Seokjin greeting her, then Yumi and Nabi, and when Jeongguk finishes drying his face
on the towel, he returns to the room.

“Oh, Mr. Jeon! I'm sorry to show up in your bedroom at this hour but I have a phone call for
you,” Jang-mi explains, holding the electronic device in her hand.

"A call? From whom? Is everything all right?" Jeongguk straightens up instantly, worry
flowing in his blood. It’s unusual for him to receive calls, much less at this time of the night.

“It's from your family, more specifically your sister Ha-rin,” Jang-mi tells and when
Jeongguk's face loses all trace of blood, turning pale, she hastens to add, “But she’s okay!
Nothing happened to your family. We usually don't accept calls from the relatives of the
selected, much less this late in the night, but your sister seems very upset. She explained that
she is scared about the rebel attacks and begged me to let her talk to you. I couldn't say no.”
Jang-mi smiles at him slightly and hands him the cell phone.

Jeongguk breathes a sigh of relief, knowing now that everything is okay with his parents and
sisters. “Thank you, Jang-mi. I really appreciate your gesture.”

“No need to thank me, Mr. Jeon. I’ll just ask you to hand the phone over to one of the maids
downstairs when you're done. I have some things to do and I can't stay here and wait for you
to finish,” Jang-mi starts backing away towards the bedroom door.

“Of course, I’ll do that,” Jeongguk promises, holding the phone to his ear as the woman
leaves the room. “Ha-rin? Hey, are you there? Is everything okay?"

"Hello, Jeongguk."

The purple-haired boy freezes. He looks around him, searching for his servants’ eyes, but
Seokjin is preparing his pajamas on the bed while Yumi and Nabi tidy up the makeup
removers and skincare products. The three of them are distracted.

Subtly, he slides the balcony door open and lets the cold embrace his warm body, then closes
it. He leans on the wall, absently watching the wind ruffle the tree branches and the flowers
below.

“You’re not Ha-rin,” he notes.

"I'm not. But I had to say I was,” the voice on the other end of the call says.

"How did you make Jang-mi believe in you?" Jeongguk questions, speaking in a low tone so
the conversation doesn't fly in directions it shouldn't.

“Well, I have my ways. Pretending to be a poor little girl frightened by the rebel attacks and
her brother's well-being is one of them. Jang-mi has a heart made of butter, it seems,” the
voice laughs. “As soon as I started crying after she told me they don't accept calls at this
hour, she changed her mind right away. And here I am.”

“I must admit it was insightful,” Jeongguk smiles slightly. “And bold. It was risky for you to
call to the royal palace. What do you want, Min-ji?”

Jeongguk can almost visualize the smug smile on the rebel girl's lips. “I think we should talk
about the Whale rebel attacks in the last few days and their ultimatum. This can’t go on and
we have to do something to get around the situation. We need to know what prince Taehyung
thinks about this.”

The purple-haired boy lowers his voice even more, looking over his shoulder to confirm that
his servants are still busy. "Taehyung and I had already thought about it. We need all the
information you can give us. But with the king in the palace, it was difficult to find an
opening to call you. And even more hard will be getting you guys in here again.”
"I and Ki-tae guessed so," Min-ji begins. "So, we thought you'd be the ones to pay us a little
visit this time instead."

"And how are you planning on doing that?" Jeongguk asks. “It won't be easy either. It will be
difficult to get to choose a pair of trustworthy guards to accompany us. Most of them, if
picked poorly, will run and tell the king what we’re doing the next minute.”

Min-ji chuckles. “Calm down, Jeongguk. I have the perfect solution for this. You just have to
trust me.”

“I don't know if I'm in a position for that if I can be honest,” Jeongguk confesses.

The rebellious girl sighs. "I understand your hesitation, but believe me, this will even be a
gesture of trust for you and prince Taehyung realize that I, Ki-tae, and the other Swan rebels
are with you, on your side."

Jeongguk takes a deep breath. Trust isn't something you can earn overnight, much less when
you're part of a group of people they apparently don't know anything about. However, for this
to work, Jeongguk knows they have to try. If it goes wrong… He guesses that will be a
problem for later.

"Very well. What do you propose then?”

“On Friday night, someone will show up in your bedroom. That person, of my great trust,
will help you and prince Taehyung out of the palace and take you to our establishments
without you being caught,” Min-ji explains.

"Are you sure that will work? That sounds risky to me,” Jeongguk comments, nervously
fiddling with a button on his shirt.

“Jeongguk… I always saw you as someone brave. Since when is something risky for you?”
Min-ji taunts with a mockery tone.

Since my life and the life of the man I love are at risk, Jeongguk wants to respond. But he
swallows hard, thinking of the comments and percentage displayed in the magazine next to
his name he saw earlier instead.

“Very well,” Jeongguk agrees, nodding even though the rebel girl can't see him. “Is this
person who is going to help us, by any chance, the same one who has been sharing the palace
information with you? The person who has been your eyes and ears here?”

Min-ji laughs. "Goodbye, Jeongguk."

♕
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Taehyung asks as they change clothes in Jeongguk's
bedroom. The process is taking a long time, especially for the purple-haired boy, who gets
distracted by allowing his eyes to travel down Taehyung's long, bare legs. Who thought it
would be a good idea for them to dress in the same place?

He shakes his head slightly and tries to concentrate. “We need to know what's going on. Min-
ji assured me that we will be safe,” Jeongguk guarantees.

Typical low-caste jeans and a grey cotton sweater are too baggy on Taehyung and Jeongguk
approaches to help him roll up his pants a few times to find the prince's feet. Taehyung looks
like someone completely different, maybe even younger, for not wearing his usual classic
clothes. However, Taehyung is still stupidly handsome even when he’s wearing these old,
ripped jeans.

Miraculously, Jeongguk had found perfectly folded clothes outside his bedroom the day after
the phone call with Min-ji, and it didn't take him long to understand their purpose. Who had
left them there is the biggest question.

“You seem to trust this girl,” Taehyung comments but Jeongguk can't decipher his tone quite
well. Maybe he's just anxious.

“I can't say what but there's something about her that conveyed sincerity to me from the start.
I can't say I trust her blindly but I have a good impression on her,” Jeongguk stands up after
helping Taehyung put on his boots. "Trust me."

Taehyung makes a sound similar to a sigh. "I still think you shouldn’t come."

“Taehyung, I’ll go. I want to,” Jeongguk says firmly. "Are you ready?"

“These pants are so heavy. Why do you like them so much?” Taehyung asks, looking at his
legs.

“Because I find jeans or sweatpants a lot more comfortable than the classic, immaculate
trousers we wear in here,” Jeongguk laughs.

The prince smiles at the explanation, shortening the path that separates him from Jeongguk.
Taehyung puts his hands on his waist, pulling him closer. “Listen… What we're going to do is
very dangerous. If anything happens, I want you to run. Don't try to go back to the palace.
Find a family to hide you in the night.” He takes a step back and stares at Jeongguk's face
with a worried expression.

Jeongguk tilts his head until his lips touch the prince's cheek. “Right now, asking a family to
hide me is almost as dangerous as facing the rebels. People may be pissed off that we don't
abandon the competition.”

“If the article Yejun showed you is correct, people might be proud of you,” Taehyung smiles,
this time it being him kissing Jeongguk's cheek.
The purple-haired boy wanted to disagree with Taehyung, but a low knock on the door
interrupts them. The clock on the nightstand strikes almost two in the morning and the faint
sound resonates in the silence of the bedroom as if it were a twenty-floor building
construction instead. The eyes of the two stare at each other, as if communicating by
telepathy and saying, It’s now. The time has come.

Jeongguk separates from Taehyung's body and hesitantly walks to the door to open it. On the
other side is the person who will help them and who has been helping the Swan rebels for
who knows how long.

With trembling fingers, Jeongguk turns the knob and opens the door, facing the person he
least expected to find on the other side. Even the prince is surprised as his exclamation joins
Jeongguk's in the stillness of the dawn.

"Are you ready?" The person asks in a whisper, entering and closing the wooden door
silently.

“What… What are you doing here? Is it you?” Jeongguk manages to mumble, looking with
bulging eyes at the person in front of him.

Dressed in baggy, brown pants full of pockets, a long-sleeved, dark blue cotton sweater, and a
black beanie on his head, Namjoon smiles at him with the typical dimples that don't allow
mistakes of not recognizing him.

“We can talk about it later. Now we have to hurry,” Namjoon continues to mutter, looking
alternately at Jeongguk and Taehyung.

“Just… But… Oh my God,” Jeongguk stutters, rubbing his eyes as if he still can't believe it.

“You were the one who passed on some personal information about what was going on here
at the palace to the rebels? You were the one who talked about Yerin's diaries, about my
romantic connection with Jeongguk, about his character… Was it you...?” Taehyung inquires,
taking three steps forward until he is closer to Namjoon.

“Your Highness,” Namjoon sighs, gazing apologetically at him. Taehyung remains persistent,
not looking away. The royal palace florist finally nods slowly. "Yes, I was the one who gave
them some information."

"Are you a Swan rebel then?" Jeongguk manages to ask.

“Yes, I am,” Namjoon admits, fleeing the prince's scolding gaze. “But I swear, all my
intentions towards the royal family have been sincere since the first day I set foot in this
palace. I mean, to prince Taehyung especially. As you may already know, we Swans rebels
are not big supporters of the way the current king handles things in Euphoréa.”

"How…?" Jeongguk still feels his chin scraping the ground as his mouth is gaping in
surprise.
"I and Min-ji have been friends since we were just kids. She, Jeongguk, also once belonged
to caste Seven. She never met her father because he died in an accident at work and her
mother ended up passing away with liver problems a few years later. Being an only child and
with no one else to look after her, Min-ji became an Eighth, going from a poor caste to an
even worse one. It was there that she met Ki-tae, the man who welcomed and helped her. I
think you can understand their reasons for being against the caste system.”

Jeongguk doesn't know what to say. Is Min-ji a Seven too? Was that why Jeongguk
immediately felt a huge connection with the rebel girl?

"You’re aware that you could suffer serious consequences for this, aren’t you?" Taehyung
asks in an authoritative tone, causing shivers even in Jeongguk.

“I know,” Namjoon doesn't hesitate to nod. “But, once again, I assure you that I never shared
information that I didn't think was intended to help Euphoréa improve and grow. But, Your
Majesty, I don't think now is the ideal time for us to discuss this matter, is it? We have
schedules to keep if we want the plan to go as we intend to.”

Taehyung takes a deep breath, nodding in understanding. "Very well. We will have time to
talk about this later. I hope,” the prince mumbles the last part over to himself. "So, how are
we going to get out of the palace?"

“The plan is very simple,” Namjoon begins, moving closer to them so he can speak in an
even lower voice. “Twice a week, a truck is sent to buy supplies for the palace. Sometimes,
the kitchen orders less stuff for that week and then the truck has to go out again to pick up
what's missing. Usually, it's the kitchen staff and some guards who go. Luckily for you, my
connection with some of them is pretty close,” Namjoon smiles in victory, approaching the
bedroom door and opening it, letting a soldier about their age and with dark skin enter. "This
is soldier Choi and he's going to be a valuable help to us tonight."

"No one will suspect anything?" Jeongguk asks fearfully.

Namjoon shakes his head. “These outings are almost always at dawn. If the chef says the
team needs more eggs for breakfast, then someone better pick them up before the morning
comes.” Jeongguk and Taehyung gaze at each other. “Soldier Choi, who happens to be a great
friend of mine, is responsible for driving today's truck and will make us join him subtly.”

Jeongguk is baffled by the ability of Namjoon, Min-ji, Ki-tae, and who knows who else to
organize this short-term plan. Or perhaps, they've been doing this for years, probably even to
infiltrate the palace, and no one has ever noticed anything before.

“The place they're in isn't the best part of town, but it's close enough to the food storage area
to not arouse suspicion,” Namjoon explains. "It would have been a lot worse if they had
traveled all the way north."

“Very well,” private Choi speaks for the first time. He stretches two identical black beanies
towards Jeongguk and Taehyung, motioning with his chin for the two to put them on their
heads. “Hide your hair inside your beanies. It's important not to stand out, especially you, Mr.
Jeon. You and your purple hair.”
Jeongguk and the prince obey. He hides the locks of hair and looks at Taehyung. "How do I
look?"

The prince contains a laugh. "Great, actually."

Jeongguk gives him a playful punch in the arm, before turning to listen to the instructions
from Namjoon and the guard. He notices the small, satisfied smile on Namjoon's lips as if he
is genuinely happy to watch the interactions between Jeongguk and Taehyung. And the
purple-haired boy doesn't doubt that. Although Namjoon is apparently linked to the Swans,
Jeongguk is sure that all these months of friendship weren't a lie. After all, who insisted for
the two to get to know each other better and become friends was Jeongguk, not Namjoon. So,
the purple-haired boy is calm about the royal palace florist's intentions towards him. He
remains extremely surprised, but he has always trusted Namjoon and there is something in
his heart that tells him he can continue to do so.

“Follow us,” Namjoon whispers, nodding to soldier Choi as if the two can communicate
telepathically.

Sneaking through the silent hallway, Namjoon and soldier Choi lead Jeongguk and Taehyung
up the steps that head to the gigantic shelter reserved for the royal family. Instead of going for
the big, steel doors, the four of them quickly cross the length of the palace and climb another
spiral staircase. Jeongguk thinks they’re walking towards the first floor, but eventually, they
enter into the kitchen instead.

Jeongguk is immediately hit by the surrounding warmth and the sweet aroma of baking bread
and cakes. For a moment, the purple-haired boy closes his eyes and it’s like he feels at home.
Without knowing why, Jeongguk expected something cooler, more professional, like the large
bakeries that exist in the elegant area of Euphoréa. Instead, the wooden tables and
countertops are covered in vegetables ready to be prepared, giving a homely aura to
everything. He notices fluorescent post-its in various places, reminding whoever is on the
next shift what to do. On the whole, the kitchen is cozy despite its dizzying size.

“Keep your head down,” soldier Choi whispers to Jeongguk and Taehyung.

The two keep their eyes fixed on the ground, leaning against one of the counters with the
guard in front of them protectively, as Namjoon calls out, "Ma-ri?"

"One minute, darling!" Someone yells back. The woman's voice is deep and has a slightly
southern drawl. Jeongguk feels heavy footsteps approaching, and even though his heart is
pounding frantically, he avoids looking up at the woman's face.

"Namjoon, my darling, how have you been?"

"I’m fine, thank you. I hope you are too. Well, I just found out there's an order for soldier
Choi to pick up and I came to see if anything is needed for the greenhouse," Namjoon speaks
calmly as if he has his speech perfectly memorized. "The other day, while we were both
working on the strawberries, your husband told me that we needed more bags of soil. Maybe
I should take the ride from soldier Choi to go get it.”
"I don't remember my husband commenting about that, Namjoon."

"Oh? That’s weird. I was sure…”

“You better go anyway,” she hurries to say, without any hint of suspicion or concern in her
voice. "We don't want something missing."

"Well seen. We won't take long,” Namjoon replies and Jeongguk can hear his smile. The
purple-haired boy listens to the slight jingle of a bunch of keys as Namjoon picks them up.
"See you later, Ma-ri. Go get some rest, it's late. I'll hang the keys on the hook when we get
back.”

"Alright, dear. And come visit me sometime. It's been a long time since you showed up to eat
my cinnamon cookies.”

“I will,” Namjoon promises.

The royal palace florist continues to walk and they follow him in silence. Jeongguk grins
inwardly. One of the steps is completed.

They turn a corner and go up a wide ramp until they reach a pair of wide doors. Namjoon
unlocks and opens them, inviting the dawn darkness to enter through the back of the palace.
Awaiting them, in the sweet open air of Euphoréa, is a big, black truck.

“There's nothing you can hold onto, but I think you two should go in the back,” soldier Choi
advises.

Jeongguk looks at the huge cargo space. Good thing he doesn't suffer from nausea. He hopes
Taehyung doesn't either. At least, they won't run the risk of being recognized along the way.

The purple-haired boy heads to the back of the vehicle, where Namjoon is already opening
the doors. Even with the significant height, Jeongguk and Taehyung climb and enter the truck
without difficulty, coming across some crates and a sort of metal shelf along the side. The
prince steps ahead of Jeongguk, inspecting the area first.

“We can sit here, Jeongguk,” Taehyung says, pointing to the corner. "We can lean against the
metal shelf."

“We'll try to drive without too many bumps,” soldier Choi promises.

The prince nods. Namjoon gives them a solemn look before closing the doors. The two hear
the soldier and Namjoon climb into the front of the truck, starting the vehicle's engine.

In the middle of the absolute darkness, Jeongguk finds Taehyung's body and leans against
him.

"Are you afraid?" Taehyung asks, entwining their trembling fingers.

“No,” Jeongguk denies.

"Me neither."

But Jeongguk is sure they’re both lying.

Jeongguk isn't able to quantify how many minutes, maybe even hours, they've been stuck in
that vehicle, but he's perfectly aware of every move the huge truck makes. Taehyung, in an
attempt to keep them steady, pressed his back against the shelf and entwined his legs and
arms with Jeongguk, locking him in place. But even so, at every turn, the two of them slip on
the metal floor.

“I don't like not knowing where I am,” the prince growls, trying to keep them balanced once
more.

"Is it strange that I feel more at ease on my way to a rebel lair than when we had to receive
the guests from the Portuguese royal family?"

Taehyung laughs. "Only you."

It's hard to talk with the deafening roar of the engine and the screeching of wheels; therefore,
Jeongguk and Taehyung are silent for a while, just hugging each other tightly. In the dark, the
sounds seem louder and Jeongguk can sense the prince's hard panting against his face.

Jeongguk takes a deep breath, trying to ignore the warm puffs of breath coming from
Taehyung’s mouth that threatens to make him shiver, - Because this is not the time, Jeongguk.
Control yourself! - and smells something like coffee in the air. He can't tell if it's the remnant
of some scent on the truck or if they're passing by a shop on the road at the moment.

After what seems like a long time, Taehyung puts his lips next to Jeongguk's ear and
murmurs, "I know I said I wish you were safe at home, but I'm so happy you're here with me
too."

Jeongguk remembers reading a few weeks ago a book about the so-called Olympic Games, a
sporting event where several athletes from all countries competed against each other in the
most diverse modalities. He remembers being especially curious about the marathons, where
runners covered miles and miles in such a short amount of time. But now, thinking of
Taehyung saying I wish you were safe at home as if he considered the palace also Jeongguk's
home, or even the confession of being happy that Jeongguk is there beside him, the purple-
haired boy wonders if his heart wouldn't be a good bet for the Olympics. From the way it
frantically pounds inside of his chest, Jeongguk could swear the tiny organ could run a
hundred kilometers in the blink of an eye.

As Jeongguk is lost in the thousands of butterflies floating in his stomach, Taehyung adds,
"But promise me, if necessary, you'll run."
“Tae. I won't leave you by yourself-”

“Jeongguk. Please,” Taehyung begs.

In the darkness, it's hard to discern the features of the prince's face, let alone his eyes, but the
soft, gentle voice is enough for Jeongguk to relent. Maybe he won't be much help to
Taehyung in case something really bad happens.

“I promise,” Jeongguk mumbles back.

The truck goes over a sharp bump and Taehyung automatically grabs Jeongguk. The purple-
haired boy feels their noses touching in the darkness and the urge to bend his face and kiss
Taehyung comes with unexpected suddenness. The prince presses Jeongguk against him until
their breaths mingle, signaling the closeness of their faces.

Taehyung slides his nose over Jeongguk's cheek, bringing his lips almost together. Just as
Jeongguk could smell coffee and hear every tiny creak in the dark, the lack of light makes
Jeongguk focus on the tiniest touch against his skin, making it feel like the prince's fingertips
are burning him in the best way.

But just before their mouths can meet, the truck comes to an abrupt halt, hurling them both
forward. Jeongguk hits his head against the wall and what is this? Are Taehyung's teeth in his
ear?

“Ugh,” the prince grunts in pain. Jeongguk feels him trying to straighten up in the dark. "Are
you okay? Are you hurt?”

“No,” Jeongguk replies, fixing the beanie on top of his head. "I’m fine." If he hadn't been so
eager to kiss Taehyung, Jeongguk would have laughed at their figures.

As soon as the truck stops, they start to move slowly in reverse. A couple of seconds later, the
truck stops again and the engine is switched off. Taehyung changes his position and for
Jeongguk, it looks like he's now crouched down, facing the door, as if he's ready to defend
them if necessary. Jeongguk puts himself in a similar position and Taehyung reaches back
with his hand, trying to comfort the purple-haired boy as if the prince wants to focus on
Jeongguk's fear instead of his own.

The orange beam from the street lamp that enters the truck as the lorry door opens is intense
and Jeongguk narrows his eyes when he sees a silhouette.

“We're here,” soldier Choi announces. "Follow me closely."

Taehyung gets up and extends his hand to Jeongguk. The prince lets go of Jeongguk’s fingers
only to jump out of the truck and then, he lifts his arms to help Jeongguk down, going back to
intertwine their hands.

The first thing the purple-haired boy notices is a large brick wall, blocking them in the alley,
and then, an intense smell of something rotting. Definitely not a street that Jeongguk would
want to walk alone. Much less at night.
Namjoon is immediately ahead of them, intently looking around. He and soldier Choi start
walking towards the back entrance of a building and Jeongguk and Taehyung keep close
behind them. The walls surrounding them are high and remind Jeongguk of the buildings in
his town, with the fire escapes snaking along the sidewalls, though this specifically doesn't
look like a residential area.

Namjoon lets his hand slam against a grimy white door and waits. Jeongguk's senses were
never as sharp as they are now, looking for the slightest noise or movement. He knows that
Taehyung feels the same from the constant grip of their hands.

A couple of seconds with the flavor of eternity later, someone opens just a crack, through
which they can see a small rusty chain that protects whoever is inside. But Jeongguk
recognizes Ki-tae's eyes before the door closes almost immediately afterward. When it’s open
again, Ki-tae pushes it all the way back and quickly ushers them inside.

“Hurry up,” he signals in a low voice.

The interior is barely lit and cold, but the presence of a teenage boy and Min-ji in the gloomy
hallway is enough to calm Jeongguk. He realizes that the rebel girl is just as anxious as they
are and Jeongguk can't contain himself, crossing the room to hug her. Min-ji returns the
embrace without hesitation and Jeongguk is happy to discover that he has made an
unexpected friend.

"Did somebody follow you?" She asks.

It’s Namjoon who answers. "No, you can rest assured."

"Nam!" Min-ji exclaims, smiling, and runs to hug him too. The royal palace florist lifts her
slightly off the ground, returning the gesture with equal euphoria. “I'm happy to see you, even
if the conditions aren't the best. I missed you."

“I still can't believe you guys know each other and are friends,” Jeongguk chimes in, still
surprised by the image of closeness in front of him.

Min-ji continues to grin, now putting her arm around Namjoon's waist. “We've known each
other forever. I hope this was enough to show you that we trust you,” she now gazes at
Taehyung, who stands still beside Jeongguk. "You may have already realized that we took a
great risk in letting you know that Namjoon is part of our team."

“He’s part of your team and he has been giving you information about my family,” Taehyung
adds in an accusatory tone.

Ki-tae sighs. “Please, don't blame Namjoon. He was always an exemplary worker for the
palace, wasn't he?” Taehyung neither confirms nor denies, remains impassive. “Honestly, we
were the ones who went to him first and insisted for him to help us. Namjoon had always
been a follower of our ideals, even when working for the royal family, but he never did
anything that could endanger you and your people. I can promise you that, as I have already
promised you, Your Majesty, that the Swans have never done anything to hurt or kill your
people.”
It all makes sense now, Jeongguk thinks. The times Namjoon encouraged him to stay in the
palace and believed he would be an exceptional leader; the time he told Jeongguk about the
hundreds of letters that would leave the palace and would be sent to the families who
supported the rebels; the disappointment and frustration when Jeongguk was supposed to
return home and leave the Selection… Namjoon has always demonstrated that he is against
the rules of king Bon-hwa and now everything is clearer.

“It's just hard to swallow that a palace worker for years was on your side,” Taehyung admits.

“Better on the Swan side than on the Whale’s,” Min-ji notes and Jeongguk looks at
Taehyung, seeing the agreement and, to some extent, relief in his eyes for that matter.

“Well, I'm afraid we don't have time to discuss this. We should be quick,” Namjoon advises.

Ki-tae nods and looks at his girlfriend, who directs Jeongguk to a table. The space is small
and dimly lit, a single unladen lamp hovering above them. The walls are insipid, with a few
bits of white paint peeling off, and there are no much decorations other than a couple of
chairs and a couple of cardboard boxes. There are two more metal doors and Jeongguk
mentally wonders where they would lead. Taehyung sits beside the purple-haired boy with
Ki-tae, Namjoon and the younger boy on the other side.

"How serious is the situation?" Taehyung asks. "I have a feeling my father is hiding the truth
from me."

Ki-tae shrugs, surprised that Taehyung starts the conversation. “As far as we know, the
numbers are low. The Whales are causing the usual chaos, but in terms of the attacks
specifically targeted at caste Three, it seems there were fewer than three hundred people.”

Jeongguk lets out an exclamation, looking horrified at the rebel. Three hundred people? How
can that be considered low?

“Jeongguk, it's not that bad if you think about it,” the prince comforts him, once again
holding his hand.

“He's right,” Min-ji agrees, with a warm expression. "It could have been a lot worse."

“That's what I expected of them: that they would attack from the top first, going down after. I
suppose they will go further very soon,” Ki-tae intervenes. “Apparently, the attacks are still
focused on caste Three, but we’re on the lookout and will let you know if, or when, that
changes. We have allies in all the provinces of Euphoréa and they're all on alert, but they can't
do much more without exposing themselves, and we all know what would happen if they
were discovered.”

Taehyung nods, more serious than ever. They would obviously die. "Should we give in?" The
prince suggests. Jeongguk gazes at him, surprised by the proposal.

“Believe us,” Min-ji says. "They won't get any better if you give up."
“But there must be something else we can do,” Taehyung insists, rubbing the sides of his face
to drive away his frustration.

“You guys have already done something that gives a lot of strength. Well, he did,” Ki-tae
nods in Jeongguk's direction. “As far as we know, farmers bring their axes whenever they
leave the fields, seamstresses walk down the street with scissors in their hands, and even the
Twos carry pepper sprays with them. No matter the caste, everyone seems to have found a
way to arm themselves, just in case. Prince Taehyung, your people don't want to live in fear
and are trying not to. They’re reacting.”

Jeongguk feels a sudden urge to cry. Perhaps, for the first time in the entire Selection, he did
something well.

Taehyung squeezes his hand under the table, also proud. “That’s a comfort. Still, it doesn't
seem enough.” Jeongguk nods. He's happy to hear that people didn't conform, but there has to
be a way to end this once and for all.

Ki-tae sighs. “We have been wondering if there is any way to attack them in return. They
don't fight with combat training; they just go after people. Our supporters are afraid to be
identified, but they’re everywhere. And they could be our main source in the event of a
surprise attack. In a way, we've already formed a kind of army, but we're practically unarmed.
We don't have any chance of beating the Whales when most of our members fight with bricks
and rakes.

"You need weapons, is that it?" Taehyung questions.

“It wouldn't be bad,” Ki-tae shrugs.

The prince stops to think about it. “There are things you can do out there that are simply
impossible for us in the palace. But I don't like the idea of sending any of my subjects on a
mission to eliminate the Whales. It would be certain death.”

“It's possible,” the rebel admits.

"There is also the detail that I can’t guarantee that you will not use against me the weapons I
supply."

Ki-tae lets out a sarcastic chuckle. “I don't know what else to do to prove to you that we're on
your side. We've already shown you our devotion but still, I understand your hesitation. All
we ever wanted is to see the end of castes and we are ready to support you in that. I have no
intention of ever harming you, Taehyung, and I think you know that.” He and the prince stare
at each other for a long moment. "If you didn't know that, you wouldn't be here right now."

"Your Highness," Namjoon intrudes. "Even though it's not my role in the royal palace, I
willingly volunteer to train with the soldiers in something more in the realm of hand-to-hand
combat."

Taehyung nods slightly with his head before turning back to Ki-tae. “This is something I need
some time to think about. Maybe I can offer training, but I can't arm you. Even if I was
absolutely sure of your intentions, I can't imagine what my father would do if he found out
that there is a connection between us.”

Unconsciously, Taehyung tightens his back muscles. It’s such a subtle move but enough to
get Jeongguk's attention. The prince has certainly made this gesture several times since
they've known each other, but it's only now that the purple-haired boy realizes what it really
means.

"I understand it and we’re willing to give you that time. For now, I think you should leave.
We don't want to push our luck. I'll give you some news as soon as I have more information,
but for now, everything seems fine. Anyway, as fine as we could hope,” Ki-tae hands a paper
to Taehyung. “It’s our phone number. You can call us in case of emergency. Micah will
handle it.” The rebel points to the teenager who has remained silent the entire time. The boy
purses his lips and gives a slight nod. Something about his posture suggests he's both shy and
determined.

"Very well. I will use it with prudence,” Taehyung puts the piece of paper in his pocket. "I
will contact you soon."

The prince gets up and Jeongguk does the same as he looks at Min-ji. She walks around the
table and approaches him. “Be careful on the way back. And that phone number is for you
too,” the rebel girl smiles. "That way, I don’t need to impersonate your sister again."

“Thank you,” Jeongguk gives her a quick hug.

After the longer farewells between the rebels and Namjoon, he, Jeongguk, Taehyung and
soldier Choi meet again outside in the cold of Euphoréa's dawn.

Jeongguk is distracted by taking one last gaze at their strange friends, before they close and
lock the door behind them, and that’s why he’s startled by Namjoon's threatening voice.

"Stand away from the truck immediately."

Jeongguk turns to see what Namjoon means, as they are still a good few steps away from the
vehicle. And that's when he realizes that Namjoon isn't talking to Jeongguk, Taehyung, or
even soldier Choi.

A handful of men hover around the truck. They all have dirt stains on their skin and are
covered in old, torn clothes. One of them has a spanner in his hand and looks like he's about
to try to steal one of the tires. There are two others in the back, trying to open the metal
doors.

“Give us food and we'll leave,” one of the men says. He looks younger than the others,
maybe Taehyung's or Namjoon's age. His voice is cold and desperate.

At the palace, when he and Taehyung got into the truck, Jeongguk hadn't noticed that the
vehicle has a huge Euphoréa crest on the side. At that moment, in front of that little group of
ragged men, it seems like a ridiculously stupid mistake. How come they didn't think about it?
And although he and Taehyung aren't dressed in their usual clothes, it won't help if the men
get closer. The men will definitely recognize them if they stare into their faces.

“We don't have food,” Namjoon says calmly. "Please, step back."

“How well they train their puppets,” one of the men comments, flashing an amused smile,
where Jeongguk can notice a few missing teeth. "What were you before they turned you into
this?"

“Stand away from the truck,” Namjoon orders once more.

“You must not have been a Two or a Three. These never accept to work for the royal family.
Say there, pretty boy, what were you?" The toothless one challenges, getting closer.

Through his peripheral vision, Jeongguk detects movement in soldier Choi, who has stayed
away from Namjoon, possibly to protect the prince. Even with Namjoon facing the men
directly, Taehyung will always be the first priority in the eyes of the guards, of course.

“Move. Away. Now,” Namjoon growls through his teeth. He extends one hand in front of him
while bringing the other subtly to his waist. In the blink of an eye, a modern black gun is
embraced by Namjoon's callused hands, who points it without any hesitation at the men's
smirking faces.

Jeongguk exclaims loudly, taking two steps back in fear. Since when does Namjoon walk
around with a gun tucked in his pants?!

The man stops, shaking his head. "You don't know who you're messing with, boy."

"Wait!" One of the others exclaims, pointing towards Jeongguk. "It's him! He is one of the
selected ones!”

In a gesture of reaction, Jeongguk looks in the direction of the speaker, completely

unmasking him. Now his face is uncovered, illuminated by the dim light from the streetlamp.
Fuck.

"Grab him!" The younger man yells.

Before Jeongguk can even think about reacting, Taehyung pulls him back protectively. In a
blur, he sees soldier Choi standing in front of the two, also with a gun ready to fire. The men
run and start to fight, trying to snatch the pistols from Namjoon and private Choi hands, and
Jeongguk is so caught up in that moment out of a movie - mainly because he never imagined
Namjoon capable of fighting like that - that Taehyung grabbing and pulling him by the arm
frights him. They move quickly, the purple-haired boy trying hard not to trip, and in a flash,
Taehyung and he are at the brick wall, trapped. One more big and round fuck.

“I don't want to kill you,” Jeongguk can hear Namjoon say again. “Leave. Go away and let us
proceed.”

The toothless one lets out a sinister laugh and holds his hands up in front of him as if he
doesn't want to hurt them. Suddenly, with a movement so fast that Jeongguk barely sees it,
the man drops his hands to his waist and pulls a gun out of the waistband of his pants.
Namjoon fires and there are more shots in response.

"Come on, Jeongguk!" Taehyung insists, shaking him frantically.

Where are we going? He thinks, his heart pounding in terror. What the hell is going on?
Jeongguk looks at the prince and finally notices that Taehyung has laced his fingers together
to make a foothold for Jeongguk. Suddenly understanding his intentions, the purple-haired
boy places his trembling foot in Taehyung's hands and the prince propels him upwards, while
Jeongguk grabs the dirty wall for balance. He manages to reach the top with some effort and
that's when he feels a strange sensation in his arm as he lifts himself up.

Jeongguk ignores it, preoccupied with other aspects at this point, and crawls over the wall,
lowering himself as far as possible, before dropping to the cement floor on the other side. He
falls sideways, sure he has hurt his hip or leg, but Taehyung asked him to run in case there
was danger and that's what he does.

Jeongguk doesn't know why he thought Taehyung would come right after him, but when the
purple-haired boy reaches the end of the street and there's no sign of the prince, it lights up in
his brain. Taehyung didn't have anyone to help him climb the wall. Fuck, fuck, fuck! How
could you leave him there, Jeongguk? Is he okay?

He's ready to run his way back and help Taehyung, but at that moment, the strange feeling in
his arm starts to burn. When Jeongguk dares to look down, he sees something wet appear
through a tear in his shirt sleeve.

And then, the pain becomes agonizing.

It's as if electrical currents from hell itself rise and fall along his arm. Jeongguk tries to
contain the moans of pain and the cries of despair, but without much success.

Jeongguk has been shot.

There were guns and Jeongguk had been there, in the middle of the exchange of bullets, but it
doesn't feel real. Still, there's no denying when the intense pain only increases with each
passing second. The amount of blood isn't pretty either, but covering the wound with his hand
only makes the ache worse. Jeongguk has to bite his lower lip hard to keep from screaming
when he presses on the cut.

He looks around. The city is completely silent as if not even ghosts roam around. Of course,
it is. The curfew had been given a long time ago. He is so used to the palace life that
Jeongguk has forgotten that the outside world stops at midnight. Even so, the getaways or
delays in getting home are recurrent, but now with the attacks, people maybe be even grateful
for the curfew, staying safe in their houses instead.

If a soldier shows up, Jeongguk will be taken to prison. Absolutely, no doubt in that. How
would he explain this to the king? What excuse is he going to make for a gunshot wound?
Jeongguk resumes walking, keeping himself in the shadows. He has no idea where to go,
doesn't even recognize a single street or alley. He wonders if it's a good idea to return to the
palace, but even if it was, Jeongguk doesn't know how to get there. And the searing pain in
his arm only makes his mind go into a great fog. It's hard to think.

He goes down a side street, narrow and between two buildings. There's nowhere else to go;
so Jeongguk walks through the dimly lit alley and hides behind some garbage cans. The night
is chilly but that hasn't stopped the metal crates from giving off a horrendous smell. Between
the rot and the pain, Jeongguk feels ready to throw up.

Jeongguk peels off his right sleeve, trying not to irritate the wound more than necessary. His
hands are shaking violently, from fear or adrenaline, maybe both, he can't say for sure, and
just the movement of bending his arm makes him want to scream. Jeongguk bites his lip,
trying to stifle the sound as much as possible, but even so, his muffled moans echo in the
night.

"What happened?" A faint little voice asks, startling him.

He jerks his head up, looking for the source of the sound. Jeongguk sees two bright, curious
eyes in the depths of the alley.

"Who's there?" He asks, his voice shaky.

“I won't hurt you,” the girl promises, crawling closer. "I'm having a bad night too." She,
whom Jeongguk would give about fifteen years old, steps out of the shadows and approaches
to look at his arm. She lets out an exclamation at what she sees. "It seems to be hurting a lot."

“I was shot,” Jeongguk confesses, close to tears.

"Shot?" Jeongguk nods. The girl looks at him hesitantly, as if she's thinking about running
away. “I don't know what you did or who you are, but nobody messes with the rebels. You
should know that.”

"Excuse me?" Jeongguk lifts his head to face her.

“I haven't been here for a long time, but I know the only people who have guns are the rebels.
Whatever you've done to them, don't do it again.”

Jeongguk hadn't thought of that during the assault on the truck. Nobody can have guns unless
they are a soldier, and only a rebel could get around the law. Even Ki-tae had just said that
the Swans were practically unarmed compared to Whales. But Jeongguk wonders if Ki-tae
was armed tonight. Well, Namjoon definitely was.

"What's your name?" The girl asks, pulling Jeongguk out of his reverie.

“Gguk,” he replies, avoiding giving full and real information about him. He can’t trust no one
in here.

“I'm Sam. Looks like you're new as an Eight. Your clothes are still very clean,” she notes,
looking intently at Jeongguk's body. The girl carefully turns his arm, looking at the still
bleeding wound as if she could do something, although they both know she can’t.

“More or less,” Jeongguk counters.

“You can starve around here if you're alone. Do you have somewhere to go?"

Jeongguk winces with a fresh stab of pain. "Not exactly."

She nods her head. “I lived alone with my father. We were Six. We had a restaurant, but my
grandmother made a kind of rule that my father, when he died, would have to leave it to my
aunt and not to me. I think my grandmother was afraid my aunt would stay with nothing or
something like that. Turns out, my aunt always hated me. Why? I don’t even know. She got
the restaurant, but she also got my custody. Of course, she didn't like that at all.”

Sam's sad story is, ironically, a good distraction for Jeongguk's pain. Whether or not that was
her purpose from the start, the purple-haired boy is grateful.

“Two weeks after my father died, she started being violent with me. I had to steal food
because she said I wasted all that was inside the pantry and that I was going to bankrupt her
for it when I only ate two meals a day. I couldn't take it anymore,” she sighs sadly. “I still
thought about going to a friend's house, but my aunt could find me there and so I ran away. I
took some money out of her wallet, but not enough, and even if it was, it got stolen on my
second night here.”

Jeongguk watches Sam intently as she speaks. He can see, beneath the growing layer of dirt,
a girl who was once healthy and well cared for. She's trying to be strong now. She had to be.
What else could she do? As long as the caste system still exists, not only adults but also
hundreds of children who lose their parents will end up as Eights, with no prospects for the
future. Jeongguk's heart constricts just thinking about it.

“I met some girls this week. We work together and share the profit,” Sam continues, her eyes
vacant and staring at the filthy floor beneath them. “If you can ignore what you're doing, it's
not that bad. I mean, sometimes. I need to cry after. That's why I was hidden in there,” the girl
points to another garbace can on the other side of the alley. “If the others saw me crying, they
would make my aunt look like a saint. Ji-Eun says they're just trying to toughen me up and I
better learn fast. But it still hurts…”

Jeongguk's stomach twists, creating a knot practically impossible to unravel. This girl must
be Mun-hee or Jae-hwa's age, no older than that, and she's already been forced to choose this
kind of life. If he wasn't crying from the hurt in his arm before, now he is. But the pain from
the bullet, though persistent, is replaced by another one instead. Out of compassion and anger
for what is happening to this girl.

“Anyway, you’re pretty. I can see that. And I know they would be happy if you join us. There
are guys working with us too,” she suggests.

In just a few weeks, Sam had lost a family, a home, and she had lost herself as well. Her
proposal makes Jeongguk's bile rise in his throat. Yet, here she is in front of him, a boy who
has been chased and shot by rebels, someone who could mean danger, and still, she has good
intentions to him.

“We can't take you to a doctor, but we have things that can ease the pain. And they know a
guy who can make the stitches for you. You'd have to pay him with work later, of course,”
she looks apologetically at Jeongguk.

He shakes his head, unable to speak. It's too much. He tries to concentrate on his quick,
ragged breathing. Although Sam distracted him, the conversation doesn't completely
eliminate the pain.

"Not very talkative, are you?" Sam asks with a slightly arched eyebrow.

“Not after getting shot,” Jeongguk manages to utter.

The girl laughs and her easy chuckle makes the purple-haired boy grin too, a little. Sam
finally sits beside him for a while and Jeongguk is glad he is not alone at the moment.

“If you don't want to come with me, I understand. It's dangerous and… And a little sad,” she
sighs.

"It is. I... Can we just be silent for a while?" Jeongguk asks.

“Of course,” Sam nods without hesitation. "Do you want me to stay with you?"

“Please,” Jeongguk mutters. He closes his eyes, leaning his head against the wall behind him.
He feels disgusting and dirty, the sweat coming from the effort of putting up with the pain
gluing his beanie and the strands of hair that have escaped from it to his forehead. But even
so, Sam just sits there, beside him and quiet, supporting him.

It seems like an eternity has passed, although, in reality, it shouldn't have been even twenty
minutes. The pain becomes more and more intense and Jeongguk starts to get desperate.
What if the wound becomes infected? What if he loses too much blood? He desperately
wants a doctor's help but where the hell was he going to find one? But worst of all is his
desperate concern for Taehyung. Is he okay? Safe? Alive?

They were outnumbered, but at least Namjoon and soldier Choi were armed. If the rebels
recognized Jeongguk so quickly, could they do the same with the prince? If so, did they do
anything to him? Did they hurt him? Did they kidnap him? Did they kill him?

Jeongguk doesn't know what to think. He tries to remain quiet, but his chest rises and falls
frantically. He tries to convince himself that there's nothing to be worried about, faithfully
believing that Taehyung is fine - he has to be - because it's all he can do to focus on himself.

But if at this moment Taehyung is dead, his body somewhere limp in one of these alleys-

Jeongguk shuts out his thoughts and straightens up, tilting his head slightly. "Shhhh!" He
orders even though Sam hasn't made a single noise. "Did you hear that?"

Both pay attention to the street, trying to distinguish the lowest sound.
"Gguk!" The sound is muffled, but they can understand that someone is screaming from afar.
“Where are you Gguk? It's Tae!"

Jeongguk's heart beats in relief, blood pounding in his veins again. He scrambles to his feet
and hobbles to the end of the alley, with Sam right behind him. The truck is going down the
street at a snail's pace with several heads peeking through the windows, searching.

Jeongguk quickly turns to the girl. "Sam, do you want to come with me?"

"What? Where?" Her eyes bulge.

"I promise you that you will have a decent job and food and that no one will be violent
against you,” Jeongguk doesn't tear his gaze from hers.

Her frightened eyes fill with tears and relief. “If that’s true, I don't care where where you're
taking me. I'll go with you.”

Jeongguk extends his good hand. His sweater sleeve is still hanging from his injured arm.
The two walk slowly down the street, keeping close to the buildings.

"Tae!" Jeongguk yells when they get close enough to the vehicle. "Tae!"

The gigantic truck halts, skidding, and Taehyung is the first to jump out of it like a maniac,
with Namjoon and soldier Choi close behind. Jeongguk instinctively lets go of Sam's hand
when he sees Taehyung's arms opening, letting the prince comfort him in the best way.

"Oh my God. You’re alive. My love, you’re alive,” Taehyung murmurs moments before
tightening his arms around Jeongguk's body, hugging him and, consequently, touching his
wound, causing Jeongguk to shriek. "What’s wrong?" The prince takes two steps back
automatically, looking at him worriedly.

“I got shot,” Jeongguk cuts to the chase, grimacing when Taehyung's face turns completely
pale.

Namjoon approaches and separates them, grabbing Jeongguk's arm to see for himself. He
breathes a sigh of relief. “It could have been a lot worse. It was just a graze. However, we
need to take him back and find a way to treat him. I suppose we don't want the doctor
involved in this…?" He directs his gaze to Taehyung, who remains motionless and
unresponsive.

“I don't want him to suffer…” Taehyung manages to mumble, his eyes never leaving the
injured area of Jeongguk's arm.

"Your Highness!" Sam exclaims in surprise, dropping to her knees. Her shoulders start to
shake, indicating she is crying.

“This is Sam,” Jeongguk introduces them, pointing to the girl who is now getting to her feet
and staring adoringly at the prince. “Can we take her to the palace? She needs our help.”

“Of course we can,” Taehyung doesn't hesitate to agree.

“You're safe now,” soldier Choi extends his hand to Sam, directing her to the truck.

Taehyung carefully circles Jeongguk's waist, accompanying him to the rear of the vehicle. “I
was sure it would take us all night to find you,” he confesses, worried.

“Me too, but I was in too much pain to get very far. Sam helped me,” Jeongguk explains.

“Then we'll take good care of her. I promise."

Taehyung, Sam, and Jeongguk climb into the back of the truck and the metal floor against the
purple-haired boy's back feels strangely comforting at that moment. It's enough for
Jeongguk's eyelids to close as they speed back to the palace.

In a state of near unconsciousness, with one foot already touching another dimension,
Jeongguk falls asleep, but not without swearing he heard Taehyung mutter against his hair, "I
don't know what I would do with my life if I lost you."

It's Namjoon who lifts Jeongguk from the truck and hurriedly carries him into a tiny room he
doesn't recognize. The space is smaller than the bathroom in his bedroom and contains two
narrow beds and a chest of drawers. There are some photographs on the wall, especially of
flowers and nature landscapes, which give it a certain personality. Other than that, the room is
quite empty, although it's now completely crammed with Namjoon, Jeongguk, Taehyung,
soldier Choi and even Sam, occupying every inch possible.

Namjoon lays him down on one of the beds as gently as possible, but his arm continues to
throb.

“We should call the doctor,” soldier Choi says, but everyone can tell he's not quite sure of his
own suggestion.

Calling the doctor of the royal palace implies telling the whole truth or inventing a
preposterous lie, and neither of these options appeals to Jeongguk. How would they justify
Jeongguk getting shot? No one was going to let this matter drop, not resting until they found
the reason and the responsible for that.

“Don't call the doctor,” Jeongguk pleads in a weak voice. “I'm not going to die because of
this. I'm just going to have a big, ugly scar. We just need to clean it up,” he concludes with a
grimace of pain.

“You're going to need to take something for the pain,” Taehyung kneels on the floor beside
the bed, gently brushing the sweaty strands of hair back.

It breaks Jeongguk's heart to see Taehyung in this state. The prince seems to have aged ten
years, expression lines mark the frown on his brow and his eyes are filled with tiredness and
worry. If Taehyung wasn't Jeongguk's greatest source of comfort right now, he would be able
to kick him out of the room just to spare Taehyung from seeing him in this state.

“The wound can infect. The alley was really dirty and I touched it,” Sam confesses, feeling
guilty.

A stab of fire pierces Jeongguk's cut, making him close his eyes and squirm on the thin
mattress. Even so, with difficulty, he asks, "Seokjin. Call Seokjin."

Namjoon nods quickly. “Soldier Choi, go call Seokjin and bring a first-aid box. Try to be as
discreet as possible. We're going to have to get by without a doctor. And we need to take care
of her too,” Namjoon adds, indicating Sam with a nod.

For the first time in the last hour and a half, Taehyung finally looks away from Jeongguk's
injured arm and gazes into Sam's apprehensive face instead. “Are you a criminal? A
fugitive?”

“Not that kind of criminal. Fugitive yes, but no one is looking for me and I've never hurt
anyone,” the girl twitches her fingers nervously.

Taehyung ponders her words before nodding. “Welcome aboard then, Sam. Go with soldier
Choi to the kitchen and tell Mr. Pin that you’re going to work with him by order of the
prince. Also, tell him I’m asking him to come immediately to the palace workers' wing.”

“Mr. Pin. Yes, Your Highness,” Sam bows deeply and follows the guard out of the room,
leaving Jeongguk alone with Taehyung and Namjoon.

"How did you escape?" Jeongguk asks.

"Ki-tae, Min-ji, and Micah heard the shots and came to help us," Taehyung tells. "He wasn't
kidding when he said he would never hurt us," the prince pauses and the expression in his
eyes becomes suddenly sad and distant. "Micah didn't survive."

Even though he didn't know the teenager, Jeongguk feels his eyes fill with more tears. That
boy had died for them tonight. Jeongguk feels as guilty as if he himself had taken the boy’s
life away. He wants to wipe the tears from his face, but he forgets to use his healthy arm,
which makes him cry out in pain.

“Easy there, Jeongguk!” Namjoon says gently. Normally, Jeongguk doesn't even blink at the
lack of formality between the two of them, not least because it was Jeongguk who asked
Namjoon months ago for the florist to stop calling him Mr. Jeon. However, he notices
Taehyung's confused expression.

The surprise doesn't last long though, as the prince prefers to focus again on Jeongguk's face,
running his hands gently through Jeongguk's hair and face. "Everything will be okay. You’ll
be okay.”

Jeongguk nods his head, closing his eyes to receive the welcome warmth from Taehyung's
fingertips and pressing his lips together to stop crying and trembling.
They stay silent for what seems to be a long moment, but maybe it was just the pain
stretching the minutes.

"Why are they taking so long?" Namjoon grunts, leaving the room without bothering to warn
them.

Taehyung watches him leave and turns back to Jeongguk, placing a feather-light kiss against
the purple-haired boy's wet cheek. “I feel so useless. I have no idea how to help you.”

“Believe me, just being here with me and alive is everything to me,” Jeongguk mutters,
believing the sincerity in his voice is enough to shine through. “Besides, we're all worried.
You're doing fine. You're much better off with people crying than you were a few months
ago,” he tries to tease, remembering an old conversation of theirs.

Taehyung lets out an incredulous laugh and leans his forehead against the side of the
mattress. “You're lying there, with a bloody wound on your arm, and you're trying to comfort
me. You do not exist."

“If you ever decide to write me a love letter, you can start that way,” Jeongguk quips,
smiling.

The prince grins back. "Can I do something for you?"

"Can you hold my hand?" Jeongguk asks shyly. "But not too hard."

Taehyung places his fingers in Jeongguk's palm, letting their hands meet as usual, happy to
connect like two pieces of a perfect puzzle.

“I probably won't,” Taehyung begins. Jeongguk turns his face slightly so he can get a better
look at him. “Write you a love letter, I mean. I try to avoid embarrassment whenever
possible.”

Jeongguk sighs heavily. “You can't plan wars, you can't cook and you refuse to write me love
letters…” He teases.

“My list of flaws keeps growing,” the prince sighs too, shaking his head in fake
disappointment at himself. Taehyung continues to gently stroke Jeongguk's hand with his
thumb. He is immensely grateful for the distraction.

"That's okay. I'll have to keep guessing your feelings since you refuse to write me a card.
With a purple pen. And with little hearts making dots on the i’s.”

"Which would be exactly how I would do it," Taehyung feigns seriously. Jeongguk chuckles
at the expression on the prince's face but stops as soon as the movement increases the ache.
"But I don't think you need to guess my feelings," Taehyung comments in a whisper.

“Well…” Jeongguk starts, noticing that he has more and more difficulty breathing. "Actually,
you never said it out loud."
Taehyung opens his mouth to protest but shuts up. His eyes rise to the ceiling as he seems to
mentally review their story, searching for the moment when he declared his love for
Jeongguk.

In the shelter, during that rebel attack, that had been insinuated in different ways and from
both sides. It was present in the way they kissed, the way they touched, the way they breathed
each other, the way they let the words be replaced by their intense and passionate stares.
Also, over the past few months, Taehyung had let the feeling show through in dozens of
romantic gestures, Jeongguk could now see it. But the words themselves had never surfaced.
Not between them, at least. Jeongguk would have definitely remembered and made it the
reason to never question Taehyung again. It would also be enough motive for confessing his
feelings as well.

The prince has no opportunity to add anything else because there is a commotion behind the
door.

"Jeongguk?" Seokjin is the first to enter, his voice announcing him an instant before his
worried face appears. Taehyung gets up and moves away to give the servant space, letting go
of Jeongguk's hand. Seokjin concentrates on the wound, touching it gently while checking its
severity. "You will need stitches. I don't know if we have anything to completely anesthetize
you," he assesses, frowning at the amount of blood staining the sweater.

"I’ll be alright. Just do the best you can,” Jeongguk nods. Just Seokjin's presence calms him
down.

“Someone bring me some boiling water. The first-aid kit should have antiseptic, but I also
need water.”

“I'll go get it,” a new male voice is ready to obey, also with a worried expression.

“Jimin…” Jeongguk whimpers, losing all his control. And only then does the light shine
inside his head and Jeongguk realizes Mr. Pin's story. Of course, he and Yoongi couldn't keep
their surnames while they're hidden right in the king's beard. It was smart, whoever's the idea
was, to bring Park and Min together until they formed a new surname: Pin.

“I'll be right back, Jeongguk. Hang on,” he hurries off, but Jeongguk feels extremely relieved
just knowing he'll have his best friend around.

Seokjin calmly absorbs the shock of Jimin's presence and of course. Nobody knew about
Jimin and Yoongi unless he and Taehyung! But Jeongguk blindly trusts his servant and, on
top of that, Seokjin is also Taehyung's friend. He would never dare tell anything that happens
in this room to the king or anyone else.

The servant removes a needle and a thread from the first-aid box. It's a comfort to know that
he's agile with the tools, he has made almost all of his clothes. Jeongguk's arm will be a piece
of cake.

Incredibly fast, Jimin returns with a jug of boiling water, a pile of towels, and a bottle full of
a golden liquid. He places the jug and the soft towels on top of the dresser and opens the
bottle as he approaches Jeongguk.

“It's for the pain,” he looks apologetically at Jeongguk, lifting the purple-haired boy's head so
he can drink it.

The liquid stings a little as it slides down his throat, and Jeongguk coughs a few times as he
swallows. Jimin urges him to take a couple more sips and Jeongguk does, hating every drop.

“I'm so glad you're here,” he whispers as Jimin wipes some remnants of the drink from the
corner of his lips.

“I'll always be where you need it, Jeongguk. You know that,” Jimin smiles and Jeongguk
doesn't know if it's the effect of the alcohol or not, but his chest fills with warmth. "What the
hell were you guys doing?"

“It seemed like a good idea,” Jeongguk replies with a grimace.

His expression automatically becomes understanding. “Jeongguk, I'm sorry to tell you this
but you often just have bad ideas. Great intentions, but bad ideas.”

Jimin is right and Jeongguk is aware of it. However, the fact that the blond-haired boy is here,
even if it's to tell him that Jeongguk had been an idiot, makes the whole situation less
horrible.

"Do these walls muffle the sound well?" Seokjin asks.

“Yes,” Namjoon replies. “My apartment is also close to the guards who work on the night
shift. None of them must be in their quarters at this hour. We're lucky.”

“Great,” Seokjin says. “Okay, I need everyone to leave so I can concentrate. Mr. Park, I'm
going to need space, but you can stay.”

Jimin nods, determined. "I won't be in the way, Seokjin."

Soldier Choi is the first to leave, accompanied by a hesitant and concerned Namjoon.
Taehyung is the last one. He tries to stay but Seokjin is decided. His gaze reminds Jeongguk
of the day he told the prince that he had already starved: sad to know and devastated that he
couldn't remedy the situation. Jeongguk waits for Taehyung to get out of the room before
finally breaking his face into grimaces of pain. He was restraining himself so as not to worry
Taehyung even more.

The door closes and Seokjin immediately starts to work. During the minutes that Namjoon
and Taehyung said goodbye and wished good luck and for everything to go well, Seokjin had
prepared the utensils he would need and all he had to do was reach out to Jimin for the boy to
understand that the servant is asking for the bottle of golden liquid.

“Drink,” the servant orders, lifting Jeongguk’s head.

Jeongguk prepares for it. He has to take the bottleneck out of his mouth several times because
of his coughs, but he manages to swallow a good part of the liquid. Or at least what Seokjin
considers sufficient.

“Here,” he hands Jeongguk a pale blue towel. "Bite this when it hurts." Jeongguk nods his
head even as shivers of fear run down his spine. “The stitches won't hurt as much as the
disinfection. I can see the dirt from here; so I'll have to clean it up really well,” Seokjin sighs,
looking back at the wound. “You'll have a scar, but I'll try to make it as small as possible.
Fortunately, the weather is cold and the long sleeves will hide it as it heals. Nobody will find
out about this. And since Mr. Jeon was with the prince, I will ask no questions. Whatever you
two did, it must have been important.”

“I think it was,” Jeongguk replies, but no longer quite sure about it.

Seokjin wets a towel with the boiled water and holds it a few inches from the wound.
"Ready?"

Not really. Of course Jeongguk is not ready. But he has to be and that's why he nods.

The purple-haired boy bites the towel in hopes of being able to stifle his screams. He's sure
everyone in the hallway can hear him, but probably the only ones to witness his suffering
firsthand are Namjoon, Taehyung, and soldier Choi. He can't even think about the prince's
worried face at that moment because it looks like Seokjin is pricking every nerve in his arm.
Jimin has to sit on top of Jeongguk to keep him from thrashing and kicking.

“It's almost there, Jeongguk,” Jimin promises. “Think about something good. Think about
your family.”

Jeongguk tries. He struggles to bring to mind his sisters' sly laugh, his father's knowing smile,
or his mother's attempted jokes, but nothing lasts longer than five seconds. As soon as
another wave of excruciating pain appears, their silhouette disappears.

But luckily, that eye-rolling suffering comes to an end. As soon as he finishes cleaning the
wound, Seokjin starts sewing it up. His servant was right: it didn't hurt as much as the
disinfection. Jeongguk can't tell if it's because the stitches are actually less painful or because
the drink has finally started to take effect. In fact, the bedroom walls don't seem so clear
anymore. And is that a spinning frame?

The next thing Jeongguk sees are the others coming back into the room. They talk about the
situation, about Jeongguk. Who should stay there, who should leave, what they would say
when morning dawned in the sky, so many details that Jeongguk is unable to contribute.

In the end, it's Taehyung who picks him up to take him to his bedroom. Jeongguk feels too
groggy, but even so, his mind manages to question how on earth they manage to get there
without getting caught.

"How do you feel?" the prince asks, clearly trying to hide his wavering tone.

Jeongguk sighs as his back is kissed by the soft mattress of his bed. “Your eyes look like
chocolate,” he mumbles with small giggles.
Taehyung smiles. “And yours look like the morning sky. The reason why I wake up every
day.”

The purple-haired boy feels himself disappearing into the dark, his body lighter now, but his
heart is beating fiercely inside his rib cage.

Jeongguk wakes up with a searing headache as if shrill screams don't stop yelling inside his
brain for a single second. He groans softly and rubs his forehead in an attempt to soothe the
uncomfortable feeling, but the movement gives him a sharp pain in his arm. Oh yeah, I got
shot.

“Here,” Nabi says in a gentle voice, sitting on the edge of the bed to give him two pills and a
glass full of water.

Jeongguk slowly sits up, leaning on one arm to accept the maid's offer, his head still
throbbing. "What time is it?"

“Almost eleven,” Nabi informs. “We told them that Mr. Jeon was not feeling well and that
you weren’t going down for breakfast. If you feel up to it, we can probably get you ready in
time for lunch with the rest of the Elite.”

Jeongguk doesn't like the idea of hurrying or even eating, but maybe it's better to get back to
his usual routine. The huge risk they took last night is becoming more and more evident and
he doesn't want to give anyone any reason to suspect that something has happened. Jeongguk
thinks he can hide his injured arm's lack of movement.

The purple-haired boy nods in agreement and lets Nabi help him up. His legs aren't as firm as
he would have liked, but Jeongguk still heads for the bathroom to say goodbye to the
remnants of sweat and blood from last night. Seokjin helps him, after returning to the
bedroom with more pills, while Nabi and Yumi are busy making the bed and choosing a set
of clothes that aren't too tight and uncomfortable in the arm area.

“Are you feeling better, Jeongguk? You scared us last night,” Seokjin asks, drying the purple-
haired boy's hair gently with a soft towel.

“I’m sorry for the fuss I caused,” Jeongguk mutters. “I think I'm as good as possible. You
were a big help last night. Thank you, Seokjin.”

“Oh, that was nothing,” the servant smiles, a slight blush growing in his cheeks. “We’re ready
to do whatever it takes to help. You just have to ask.”

Jeongguk isn't quite sure what he's offering, but the purple-haired boy would accept any help
that would allow him to make it through the next few days.
“Ah, before I forget, prince Taehyung stopped by. Several times, actually. He's really worried
about you. He tried to stay here until you woke up, but I convinced him to do his usual
routine. I'm guessing you want to keep what happened lowkey,” Seokjin explains, hanging up
the wet towel. “Namjoon also came to see how you were doing. Both asked for you to tell
them how you feel as soon as you can.”

Jeongguk nods. "I will do that. Thank you for informing me."

Gently, Seokjin grabs his arm to carefully examine the wound, peering under the bandages to
check the process. “It doesn't appear to be infected. If we keep the wound clean, I think it will
heal pretty well. I wish I had done a better job, though. You’re going to have a mark,” he
laments.

"Don’t worry, that’s okay. All good people have a scar,” Jeongguk smiles as he remembers
Taehyung's back. He has permanent marks of his courage. It’s an honor for Jeongguk to join
him.

After dressing with the greatest slowness and care in the world, Jeongguk is feeling
emotional just by looking at Seokjin, Nabi, and Yumi, who look ready to do whatever he
asks. Jeongguk had always been close to his servants, had always trusted them. However,
something had changed the night before. It was the first time his bonds had been tested. And
the next morning, in broad daylight, they remain there, strong and steady. Jeongguk doesn't
know how to prove to them that his loyalty is as strong as theirs, but he hopes that,
eventually, some opportunity will arise.

In the dining room, if Jeongguk concentrates enough, he can lift his fork to his mouth without
grimacing. But it takes an extraordinary effort, to the point that it makes him sweat like a
river in the middle of the meal. He then decides to just nibble on the bread. Jeongguk doesn't
need his right arm to hold it.

Areum asks him about his headache - that must be the story that's been circulating - and
Jeongguk replies that he feels much better after the tea and the medication his servants have
given him, even though, in reality, his arm and his head are impossible to ignore. It’s no
longer the currents of pain that spread through Jeongguk's arm every second like lava burning
his veins, but rather an uncomfortable numbness instead. It remains painful on a certain level,
of course it does, but it’s tolerable and able to be hidden from others. And when there are no
more questions on the subject, Jeongguk realizes that no one has noticed anything unusual.

Of all that had happened in the Selection so far, Jeongguk never imagined getting shot. And
well, he hadn't even imagined pretending he'd never suffered from that in the first place
either. In another life, he may have devoted himself to an acting career.
As soon as their trays are taken from the dining room, Jang-mi enters and asks for the
attention of the selected. “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to shine again. In a week, there will
be a small official tea party and, of course, you’re all invited.”

Jeongguk sighs, worried about who will they receive this time. Don’t get him wrong, he
loved hosting the Portuguese guests, but preparing everything was quite complicated and
stressful. Honestly, he doesn't know if he has the stomach to do it with his arm in this state.

“You will not be responsible for preparing the party, but you will have to be on your best
behavior as everything will be filmed,” Jang-mi continues.

Jeongguk breathes in relief, visibly more excited about it. It doesn't seem difficult, being that
way.

“Each of you will invite two people to the reception. They will be your personal guests and
that will be your sole responsibility. Choose carefully and let me know by Friday,” she asks
before leaving the dining hall, all the selected a little confused in their seats.

Deep down, they know this is another test. Who among them all has the most impressive or
most valuable contacts? Maybe it was Jeongguk's paranoia, but he automatically feels that
this task was specifically targeting him. The king must be searching for ways to remind
everyone that he is useless.

"Who’re you going to choose, Yejun?" Areum asks.

The Three shrugs. "I don't know yet, but I guarantee they will be fantastic."

If Jeongguk had at his disposal Yejun's list of friends and acquaintances, he wouldn't be
nervous either. As for Jeongguk, who could he invite? His mom?

Yejun turns to the purple-haired boy and his tone is warm. "Who do you think you will bring,
Jeongguk?"

He tries to hide his shock. Although they had that heartfelt outburst in the library, this is the
first time the Three has addressed Jeongguk as something close as a friend. He coughs and
replies, “I have no idea. I don't think I know anyone who could be a suitable guest honestly.
Maybe it's better not to bring anyone,” he sighs. But then he thinks better, facepalming
himself mentally because maybe he shouldn't have been so blunt about being at a
disadvantage. Not that the others aren't perfectly aware of that, anyway.

“If you can't find anyone, let me know,” Yejun says. “I’m sure that I have more than two
friends who would like to visit the palace and I can guarantee that you have at least an idea of
who they are. If you want, of course.”

Jeongguk looks at the Three, wanting to ask what his trick is, but when Jeongguk glares at
him, he gets the impression that there's none. And he's sure Yejun discreetly winks at him so
Sohui and Areum don't see. Yejun, the tireless fighter, is rooting for Jeongguk.

“Thank you,” he expresses gratitude, feeling truly content.

Yejun shrugs, clearly not used to exchanging kind words. "You're welcome. If there's going to
be a party, it better be good.”

The Three leans back in his chair, smiling to himself. Jeongguk is sure that Yejun sees this
event as his last chance to make a big appearance. Part of Jeongguk, the empath and selfless
side, wants to tell Yejun not to give up, but he can't. In the end, only one of them will stay
with Taehyung and Jeongguk will fight with all his strength to be him.

Interestingly and fortunately, ideas invade Jeongguk's mind more quickly than when it was
time to prepare his presentation for the Official News. In the afternoon, Jeongguk had already
outlined a plan, but it depended on one important thing: the help and, above all, Taehyung's
permission. This time, Jeongguk will do things well.

He is sure the two will meet before the end of the day; therefore, he doesn't worry too much
about searching for the prince. Taehyung must be with the king, working on his duties as a
royal member, and Jeongguk doesn't want to bother him. For now, he feels his body tired and
heavy, maybe from all the painkillers and antibiotics, and that's why he returns to his
bedroom.

Seokjin is there, waiting, with more pills and water. His calm with the whole situation is
incredible and Jeongguk, every time he looks at him, feels gratitude running through him like
waves.

“I'm in debt with you,” he says, taking the medicine.

“No, don't say that,” Seokjin protests, gesturing with his hands.

"Yes! Yesterday, things could have been very different if you hadn't been there.”

The servant gently takes the glass from his hand and smiles, "I'm glad you're okay."

He heads to the bathroom to pour out the last remnants of water and Jeongguk follows him.
“Is there nothing I can do for you? Nothing at all?" Seokjin pauses in front of the porcelain
washbasin. He looks like he has something in mind. Jeongguk, suspecting it, insists, “Really,
Seokjin. I would be very happy to reciprocate your help and dedication.”

The servant lets out a sigh, turning slowly until his back rests against the sink. "Well...
There's one thing, actually."

“Please, tell me,” Jeongguk encourages.

He looks up. “But you can't tell anyone. Nabi and Yumi would never leave me alone. And
Prince Taehyung wouldn’t either,” Seokjin mumbles embarrassed. The other two maids are in
the sewing room, choosing fabrics to prepare the next outfits for Jeongguk.
"What is it?" The purple-haired boy frowns.

“It's very personal,” Seokjin starts wringing his hands, something he rarely does, and that's
when Jeongguk realizes it's important.

"Okay, let's talk about it then," Jeongguk urges, putting his healthy arm around Seokjin's
shoulders and ushering him over to the table for them to take a seat.

Seokjin crosses his ankles and puts his hands in his lap. “You know, I’m asking this because
you seem to get along so well with him. And he seems to take you very seriously as well.”

"Are you talking about Taehyung?" The purple-haired boy frowns. "I thought you two were
also close friends-"

"No. It's not Taehyung,” Seokjin mutters, and a deep blush covers his cheeks.

"I don’t understand."

The servant takes a deep breath, pausing before he says, "It's Namjoon."

Jeongguk blinks, several times even, staring at Seokjin as if he's grown another head. He
definitely hadn't expected this, much less seeing the servant's face and ears painted in a
vibrant scarlet.

"Ooooooh!" Jeongguk exclaims, more surprised than he can express.

"You think I don't have a chance, do you?" Seokjin makes a subtle pout.

“It's not that,” Jeongguk replies, shaking his head.

“Of the few times he came here to visit you, Namjoon always speaks about you with such
delicacy and admiration. I thought… If you talk with him about me… Or maybe find out if
he has a girlfriend or a boyfriend…”

But what a fun surprise. Seokjin interested in Namjoon?

Jeongguk bites his lip, trying to contain his smile. "I'll try, but I can't promise anything." Oh,
Jeongguk will definitely try.

“Oh, I know,” Seokjin hurries to assure. “Don't worry about it if you can't. I've been repeating
to myself that it won't happen, but I can't stop thinking about him.”

Jeongguk reaches across the polished wooden table and rests his hand on Seokjin's. "I will
try. I promise."

The servant smiles but bites his lip anxiously. "But please, don't tell the others."

Jeongguk squeezes his hand, returning the grin. “You always kept my secrets. I will always
keep yours.”
 ♕

After a brief poke at the mole on his lower lip at dinner, Taehyung knew that Jeongguk would
be waiting for him later that night.

The purple-haired boy sits in front of the mirror, willing the minutes to pass faster. While
Yumi brushes his hair, humming softly to herself, Seokjin and Nabi place some new flower
arrangements along with the bedroom furniture.

When Jeongguk had been chosen for the Selection, he had desperately wanted to go back to
that life, to his job as a florist. He always wanted a world filled with the flowers he loves so
much. But now, no matter which way his life might turn, Jeongguk has another perspective,
and, looking in the mirror, he realizes that it doesn't make him bitter. At least not as he
thought it would. Flowers are and always will be a big passion of his, but Jeongguk learned
to see this as a part of who he is and not everything he is. He has several possibilities in front
of him, regardless of how the Selection evolves. He doesn't think he's going to want to quit
working as a florist, but he can try other things, right? Lately, Jeongguk has realized that he
is, in fact, more than his caste.

Taehyung's light knock on the door interrupts his thoughts. Yumi puts down the brush and
goes to open it.

“Good night,” the prince greets as he enters and she responds with an elegant bow.

The prince's eyes meet Jeongguk's as if they've been searching for each other all this time and
they finally meet, and the purple-haired boy, for a moment, wonders again if Taehyung can
understand what Jeongguk feels for him, if that is as real to the prince as it is to him.

“Your Highness…” Nabi and Seokjin salute too, in a low voice. The three prepare to leave
the room when Taehyung makes a gesture with his hand to stop them.

"I'm sure Seokjin told you both what happened last night so that you can serve Mr. Jeongguk
in the best way possible. I want to thank you for your dedication and discretion," Taehyung
says, looking carefully at each of the servants. "I'm aware that I have placed you in a
compromising situation. If anyone asks you questions about what happened, feel free to send
them to me. It was my decision and you can't be held responsible for any consequences."

“Thank you, Your Highness,” Nabi says.

Jeongguk had always felt that his servants had a deep devotion to Taehyung, but now he feels
it goes beyond the simple obligation. In the past, it had seemed to him that the highest level
of loyalty was reserved for the king, but now Jeongguk wonders if that is even true. More and
more, he sees little things that make him think people prefer his son instead.
Perhaps, Jeongguk is not the only one to regard King Bon-hwa's methods as barbaric and his
ideas as cruel. Perhaps, the rebels aren't the only ones supporting Taehyung. Maybe there are
other people out there who want something more. People who don't have that much voice or
power to do so.

His servants bow again and get out of the bedroom, leaving Taehyung and Jeongguk alone.
The purple-haired boy slowly gets up from the dressing table, smiling shyly when Taehyung
seems hesitant about him even moving.

“I'm okay, Tae,” Jeongguk insists, taking the prince's hand already outstretched and eager to
touch him.

“If I'm not mistaken, you got shot last night. You can't blame me for being worried,”
Taehyung's eyes fall more on Jeongguk's arm than on his own.

“It wasn't a real gunshot wound. It was just a graze,” Jeongguk tries to assure him.

"I won't forget your muffled screams while Seokjin sewed you up. And the blood staining
your shirt while I was bringing you here," Taehyung closes his eyes as if visualizing those
images in his head. "C'mon, you should be resting."

The prince leads Jeongguk to the bed and he lies down, letting Taehyung arrange the pillows
on his back. The prince also covers him with the fluffy blankets before lying on top of them,
facing Jeongguk. His eyes and face are still lined with worry and exhaustion but also filled
with gratitude that he can just be there, staring at Jeongguk and stroking his hair, sometimes
letting his fingers rest on the purple-haired boy's cheeks.

“If something had happened to you…” Taehyung mutters painfully, leaning closer to kiss
Jeongguk's lips, as if touching him is all it takes to remind him that the purple-haired boy is
there, with him.

“But nothing happened,” Jeongguk sighs against Taehyung's mouth, breathing in the same
warm, sweet air.

The prince pulls away slightly and rolls his eyes. “Of course it happened! You came home
bleeding. We almost lost you in the street!”

“Listen, Tae, I'm not upset about my choice,” Jeongguk argues, trying to calm him down.
Even though the position isn't very conducive to doing so because he's on his back, Jeongguk
rests a hand on the prince's restless face. “I wanted to go, I wanted to hear it for myself.
Besides, I couldn't let you go without me.”

“I can't believe our lack of preparation,” Taehyung scoffs. “We were so stupid. Going out in a
palace truck with just one guard and the palace florist. I'm still surprised by this one, by the
way. And apparently, there are rebels walking in the streets, simply. Since when they don’t
hide? Where did they get the weapons and guns? I feel so lost, powerless,” the prince vents.
“I'm losing my country, a little bit every day. And I love Euphoréa. And I almost lost you too
and I-"
“Shhh. But you didn't lose me. I'm here. I’m right here,” Jeongguk whispers, pulling
Taehyung's face until their mouths meet again. How he wished his arm was okay so he could
hug him tightly to comfort him.

Taehyung halts and his frustration turns into something different. He again places his hand on
Jeongguk's cheek. "Last night, you said something... About love."

“Yes, I remember,” Jeongguk tries to hide the blush growing at the tips of his ears and
cheeks.

“It's weird how we can think we said something when in reality we never said it,” Taehyung
mutters. Jeongguk smiles shyly, feeling that the three words he's been longing to hear will
come up in the next sentence. He's been waiting so long for this and eventually— “It's also
weird when we think we've heard something, when in reality we've never heard it,” the prince
adds instead.

Jeongguk's smile fades and his heart starts to pound like a jackhammer inside his chest. The
prince is right. "I know what you mean," he swallows hard and watches Taehyung remove his
hand from his face to intertwine his fingers with Jeongguk's instead, aware that they're both
focused on that movement. "Perhaps for some people, it's difficult to confess it. As if they
were worried that they might not make it to the end," Jeongguk adds.

Taehyung lets out a sigh, moving their clasped hands until they rest on his chest. “Or perhaps
it’s hard to confess it when we're worried that someone might not want to make it to the
end…”

Jeongguk shakes his head. "That is not-"

“That's okay,” Taehyung interrupts, depositing a long peck against Jeongguk's half-open
mouth.

Despite everything they've said and done at the shelter, everything they've confessed to each
other without using words, and everything that's firmly resolved in Jeongguk's heart, those
three little words are the scariest thing for them. Because once pronounced, they could never
be withdrawn.

Jeongguk doesn't fully understand Taehyung's reasons for hesitating, but he knows his. If the
prince ends up choosing to stay with Areum after Jeongguk has opened his heart, he would
certainly be hurt, but he would hate himself even more. It's a risk Jeongguk is too afraid to
take. He can't even think about that possibility. He doesn't even know if he could get past it.

The silence is making them both visibly uncomfortable by the nervous gestures of their
fingers, and when it becomes unbearable, Jeongguk adds in a hopeful tone, "Maybe we can
talk about this when I'm feeling better?"

Taehyung sighs, closing his eyes after leaning his forehead against Jeongguk's. "Of course. It
was inconsiderate of me. I’m sorry."
 "No, no. Please, don't apologize,” Jeongguk closes his eyes too, inhaling the prince's scent. "I
just think we're both overwhelmed with what happened yesterday."

“You're right,” Taehyung agrees, placing his hand on Jeongguk's waist to bring their bodies
even closer.

“Besides, there's something else I wanted to ask you,” Jeongguk says, feeling content with
the warmth coming from the prince's limbs entwined with his own.

"What is it?"

“I had an idea about my guests for the next reception, but I need your approval,” Jeongguk
explains. Taehyung stares at him, confused. “And I want you to know everything I intend to
discuss with them. I don't know if that doesn't involve breaking several laws, so I won't do it
if you say no.”

The prince's face looks surprised, even pleased, by Jeongguk's consideration. Intrigued,
Taehyung stands up, leaning on one arm, to face and hear Jeongguk better.

"Tell me everything."

Chapter End Notes

my twitter
my curious cat
playlist
 eighteen
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes

XVIII

As Jeongguk and his two guests enter the Great Hall, the photography and filming team ask
them to move closer to a pale blue background with gold glitter so they can mark that
important moment.

Jeongguk's servants made him a charming outfit, consisting of a pair of classic lilac pants and
a half-sheer, white tulle shirt, with a lace collar that hugs his neck. On top, Jeongguk
completes the look with an equally soft blazer to obviously hide his bandaged arm.

However, even though Jeongguk looks very handsome himself, he is completely

overshadowed by his two guests, who hug him on each side for the pose.

“Mr. Jeon,” the woman at the side of the camera calls. "We remember princess Leonor from
when the Portuguese royal family visited the royal palace, but who is your other guest?"

The Portugal princess looks completely stunning, with a silver crown on top of her head,
filled with pink jewels to match the long, elegant dress that hugs her body. Princess Leonor is
also wearing high-heeled shoes and a small silver bag, all of her radiating grace. Jeongguk
smiles kindly at her before turning to face his other guest, equally as pretty.

“This is Min-ji, a very dear friend of mine,” Jeongguk responds sweetly. Min-ji grins at him,
looking absolutely magnificent in her knee-length dress in a bright blue fabric, with beige
strappy sandals and a touch of makeup that brings out the beauty of her face. “One of the
lessons I've learned in the Selection so far is that moving forward means reconciling our life
before the palace with the future that awaits us. I hope to take a new step today to unite these
two worlds.”

Some of the people around them utter pleased and curious exclamations at Jeongguk's phrase
as the cameras continue to take shots, capturing their presence.

“Excellent, ladies and Mr. Jeon,” the photographer praises. “You can now enjoy the party.
We'll take some informal photos later.”

"Sounds fun!" Jeongguk exclaims, clapping his hands before motioning for his guests to join
him.

Taehyung had made it clear that, especially on this day, Jeongguk really needs to be
impeccable. The purple-haired boy wants to show himself to be the example of what an Elite
member should be, but it's hard for him to try to be so perfect.
When the three are away from the film crew, Min-ji giggles. "A little less, Jeongguk, or
you're going to start dropping rainbows out of your eyes." Although their friendship is recent,
Jeongguk loves the fact that Min-ji can understand exactly what goes on behind his mask.

Princess Leonor adds with a humorous grin, “She's right. Actually, you seem a little too
excited.”

Jeongguk takes a deep breath and discreetly shakes his arms and hands as if to ease the
tension. "I’m sorry. It's just that today is a very decisive day.”

Min-ji puts an arm around his waist as they advance across the hall. From the few times
Jeongguk has been with the rebel girl, he has managed to realize that she is quite touchy. He
doesn’t mind a bit. “After everything you and prince Taehyung have been through, I very
much doubt he'll send you home because of a simple party,” Min-ji comments.

“That's not quite what I meant, but we'll talk about it later,” Jeongguk turns to be able to face
them. “For now, it would be a big help to me if we could blend in with the other guests. Once
things calm down, we all need to have a very serious conversation.”

The Portugal princess gazes at Min-ji with some suspicion in her eyes and then, she looks at
Jeongguk again. "What kind of friend are you introducing me to?"

“A very valuable one, princess Leonor. I can guarantee you that. I'll explain everything later,”
Jeongguk assures.

As far as they are concerned, the princess and Min-ji make Jeongguk shine. They spread
around the room and chat politely with all the guests, making themselves known. Jeongguk
also strives to be friendly to everyone present, genuinely enjoying getting to know the vast
majority of them.

As a princess, Leonor is probably the best guest at the party, and Jeongguk reads in Areum's
eyes the wish to have remembered that sooner. But of course, unlike Jeongguk, she has no
connection with the Portuguese royal family. Princess Leonor herself had given Jeongguk a
phone number so he could contact her whenever he needed it.

No one knows who Min-ji is, but everyone quickly gets in her good graces due to her friendly
smile and cheerful jokes. Even more, when the guests hear Jeongguk's explanation about
reconciling the past and the future - a phrase that Taehyung had specifically pointed out to
him - everyone thinks the idea is spectacular.

The other Elite members' choices are quite predictable. Powerful but predictable.

Two very distant cousins of many degrees came from New Europe, dressed in traditional
attires, walk through the hall beside Sohui, representing her ties to the nation's leaders.

Areum had chosen a teacher from one of the caste Seven elementary schools - possibly to
emphasize her project presented in the Official News a couple of weeks ago - and her mother.
Jeongguk dreads the moment his family hears about this. When his sisters found out that they
had a chance to be at the palace, Jeongguk would no doubt receive a letter from them full of
protests.

Yejun, taking his word for it, brings two undisputed celebrities, albeit at different levels.
Sang-hoon, a well-known singer from caste Two and who, allegedly, sang at one of Yejun's
birthday parties because the singer is close to his family, is dressed in an extravagant suit,
fitted with a pattern that is plainly confusing to the eyes. The second guest is a doctor, Chae-
won, known mainly for her hundreds of scientific articles. A smart bet, marked by music and
science.

“Princess Leonor…” Queen Yuna greets, approaching Jeongguk and his two guests who are
again on his side. "What a pleasure to see you again."

The two exchange kisses on the cheeks before Leonor responds, “The pleasure is all mine,
Queen Yuna. I was delighted when I received Jeongguk's invitation. Our last visit was so
enjoyable.”

The queen smiles. “I'm glad to know that. But I'm afraid today will be a little more calmer.”

“Oh, I don't know about that,” the Portugal princess replies, pointing discreetly to one of the
corners, where Areum's mother and Yejun's doctor are talking in a loud, animated voice. "I
bet those two will still earn me at least one funny story to tell to my people."

They all laugh, but Jeongguk manages to detect some anxiety in the queen's eyes.

“I think I should go introduce myself,” she comments.

“Always an example of courage,” Jeongguk quips.

Queen Yuna grins. “Please, feel free to have fun. We'll talk later, I hope.”

Jeongguk nods and the queen steps away to greet the rest of the guests. The doctor looks
amused looking at Areum's mother, who is bulging her eyes, grabbing and sniffing all the
canapés on a nearby table.

The purple-haired boy inspects the salon. He smiles automatically as his eyes fall on
Taehyung, who is talking to Sohui's cousins. Everyone seems busy, eating or chatting happily,
so Jeongguk decides this is a good time for what he's been planning.

“Come with me,” he whispers to princess Leonor and Min-ji, heading to a small table at the
back of the Great Hall. As soon as they’re seated, a maid comes to serve them berry tea.
When they’re finally alone, Jeongguk heads forward, hoping for things to go well. "Min-ji,
first of all, I'd like to say that I'm really sorry about what happened to Micah."

The rebel girl sighs, looking down. “We all know that things can… End up like this. But I
think he was proud. He always wanted to be a hero,” she sends him a sad smile.

“Still, I'm so sorry,” Jeongguk gazes apologetically at her. "Can we do something?"

"No, there’s no need. We've taken care of everything. Trust me, he wouldn't have chosen a
different ending,” Min-ji insists.

Jeongguk thinks of that shy teenager in the corner of the room that night. He had come
forward willingly to fight for Jeongguk, for Taehyung, for all of them. Courage really hides
in the most extraordinary places.

He returns to the main subject. “Well, Min-ji, as you can see, Leonor is the princess of
Portugal. She visited us a few weeks ago,” Jeongguk informs, looking from one to the other.
“And, at the time, she made it clear that Portugal would like to be one of Euphoréa's allies if
certain things change."

"Jeongguk!" The princess scolds, putting her hands in front of her mouth in shock.

The purple-haired boy raises his hand, trying to calm her down. “Please, princess Leonor,
trust me. Min-ji is a friend, but I haven't met her here at the palace. She is one of the leaders
of what we call the Swan rebels.” Leonor straightens up in her chair, while Min-ji gives a
slight nod, confirming what Jeongguk had said. “She helped us recently and lost someone
close because of it. His name is Micah,” Jeongguk explains.

“I'm so sorry,” she places a delicate hand over Min-ji's calloused one in an attempt to comfort
the rebel girl. Then, the princess turns again to face Jeongguk, curious to see how it all fits
together.

“This conversation has to stay between us, but I thought we could talk about some subjects
that will be useful to us all,” Jeongguk clarifies in a whisper.

"Do you intend to overthrow the king?" Princess Leonor asks.

“No,” Min-ji assures, shaking her head in denial. “We want to align ourselves with prince
Taehyung's reign and work towards eliminating the caste system. Maybe, doing that even
during his government. He seems to feel more compassion for his people.”

“He does,” Jeongguk confirms without hesitation.

“So, why attack the palace then? And all those people?” Leonor accuses bluntly.

Jeongguk gets ready to explain. “They’re not like the Whales, another type of rebels who are
much more violent and relentless. The Swans don't kill. Sometimes, they apply justice, but
when they deem it necessary.”

“Yes, we try to help those who are punished for stealing food because they have nothing to
eat, we free innocents from jail who are only there because the guards wrongly suspected
they have something to do with the rebels, we take in orphans... Well, things like that,” Min-
ji intervenes.

“They have already invaded the palace, but never with the aim of killing. Just looking for
evidence that King Bon-hwa's leadership is not the best,” Jeongguk adds.
Princess Leonor lets out a sigh. "That doesn't really bother me, but I just don't understand
why you wanted me to meet her."

“Neither do I,” Min-ji confesses.

Jeongguk takes a deep breath. "The Whale rebels are increasingly aggressive. In recent
months, their attacks have intensified, not only against the palace but also across the country.
They’re merciless. I fear, as does prince Taehyung, that they’re about to set up an offensive
from which we will not be able to recover. Their plan to kill according to the caste of the
Elite members is very drastic and we all fear that the situation will get even worse.”

“It has already got worse,” Min-ji sighs, speaking more to Jeongguk than the princess of
Portugal. “I was very happy and grateful for your invitation, but nervous because I could
bring you more news. The Whales have already started to attack the caste Four.”

Jeongguk raises a hand to his mouth in horror, shocked that the rebels are progressing so
quickly. "Are you sure?"

“Absolutely,” Min-ji nods. "The numbers changed yesterday."

After a moment of silence full of concern, princess Leonor asks, "Why are they doing this?"

Min-ji turns to her, ready to respond. “To frighten the Elite and force the selected to leave the
palace. To scare off the royal family in general. Apparently, the Whales think that if they
manage to interrupt the Selection and isolate Taehyung, they will only need to get rid of him
to finally take power.”

“And that's the real concern. If the rebels manage to take power, Taehyung won't be able to
offer you anything as a king. The Whales would only further oppress the people.”

Leonor nods, also with a mask of worry under her face. "And what do you propose then?"

Jeongguk thinks cautiously, trying to carefully advance his idea. “Min-ji and the other Swans
have better opportunities to stop the Whale rebels than any of us here at the palace. They
manage to know their steps more easily and have already fought them a few times. The
problem is that they don't have training or guns.” Both wait, still not fully understanding
where Jeongguk is going. He lowers his voice and continues, “Taehyung can’t embezzle the
palace’s money to help them buy weapons. The king would notice it in a blink of an eye.”

“I see,” princess Leonor finally says.

“The non-negotiable condition is that these weapons would only be used to stop the Whales.
Never against a soldier or any government staff,” Jeongguk adds, looking directly at Min-ji.

“That wouldn't be a problem,” she replies without hesitation.

Jeongguk can see in the rebel girl's eyes that she’s being sincere, and deep in his heart,
Jeongguk already knew it. If she truly wanted it, Min-ji could have kidnapped Jeongguk
when she found him in the forest or chosen not to rescue them in that dark, dirty alley a few
days ago. But her goal, like Ki-tae's, had never been that.
Princess Leonor drums her fingers on her lips, thinking. Jeongguk is aware that they’re
asking for a lot, but he doesn't know how to go any other way.

“If anyone found out…” She begins.

"I know. I've thought about that,” Jeongguk nods in understanding. In fact, if the king ever
knew, turning him to an Eight would not be enough for Jeongguk.

“If we could only guarantee that we wouldn't leave a single trace…” The princess of Portugal
is still thoughtful, waving her fingers close to her mouth.

“It would have to be in cash. It's harder to follow,” suggests Min-ji.

Leonor nods and places her hands on the table, her posture always extremely elegant and
worthy of a princess. “Jeongguk, I told you that if I could do something for you, I would. We
need strong allies and if your country is taken over, I fear we will only gain one more
enemy.” Jeongguk sends her a sad smile. The princess then turns to Min-ji. “I can get the
money today, but it would have to be converted.”

The rebel girl smiles. "We have the means to do that."

Through his peripheral vision, Jeongguk sees a photographer approaching. He subtly picks up
his cup of tea and whispers, "Camera."

“I always thought Jeongguk was a real gentleman. I think we sometimes ignore these
characteristics because we see the Sevens only as field workers. But look at queen Yuna.
She's so much more than a Four too,” Min-ji says sympathetically. Jeongguk and Leonor nod
their heads.

“The queen is an amazing woman. It's been a privilege to live with her,” Jeongguk comments
with a wide grin.

"Who knows if you won't stay with her forever!" The Portugal princess exclaims, winking at
him with a sly smirk.

"Smile, please!" The photographer asks, and the three of them wears their best posture,
hoping to hide their dangerous secret.

The day after princess Leonor and Min-ji have left the royal palace, Jeongguk often finds him
looking over his shoulder, in all directions. That feeling doesn't leave him alone and a voice
in his unconscious whispers to him constantly that someone had overheard their conversation
and learned everything that Jeongguk had delivered to the Swan rebels in just one afternoon.
Jeongguk repeats to himself that if anyone had heard anything, he would have been arrested
by now. And since he's enjoying a nice breakfast with the other Elite members and the royal
family, Jeongguk has to believe that everything is fine. Besides, he knows that Taehyung
would defend him if necessary.

After a good dose of pancakes and a latte, Jeongguk goes back to his bedroom to brush his
teeth. He doesn't understand how the remaining selected go straight to the Leisure Hall. Plus,
after breakfast, Jeongguk's intestines give him a signal and he needs the privacy of his
bathroom. Don't judge him.

When Jeongguk is washing his hands, someone knocks on the door. He's alone with Nabi and
the maid goes to the door to see who it is while he finishes. A moment later, Nabi sticks her
head through the bathroom door and whispers, "It's prince Taehyung."

Jeongguk quickly turns his head to look at her. "Oh. He’s here?" She nods with a wide smile.
Jeongguk drops the towel and runs his fingers through his purple hair, trying to keep it in
place. "Can you escort me to my bedroom and then sneak out to leave us alone, please?"

“Of course, Mr. Jeon,” Nabi giggles knowingly.

Taehyung is standing by the door, swaying his weight from side to side in an unusually
hesitant attitude, waiting for an invitation to enter. He has a small golden box in his hands,
where he nervously drums his fingers.

“I'm sorry for interrupting. Can we talk?" He asks as soon as Nabi closes the bedroom door.

“You aren’t interrupting anything, Tae. Come in, please," Jeongguk pulls him by the hand
until they both sit in the white metallic chairs arranged on his porch. It's such a beautiful day
today, even for winter, for them not to take advantage of the sun's rays.

“I wanted to talk to you first,” Taehyung begins. "I wanted to explain it to you before the
others started bragging."

Explain? For some reason, the prince's words make Jeongguk worried. If others have a
reason to brag, it's because he was excluded from something, right?

"What do you mean?" Jeongguk asks anyway, trying not to sound too anxious.

The prince hands him the box with trembling fingers. “I'll explain, I promise. But first, this is
for you.”

Jeongguk grabs the box, frowning in curiosity and confusion, and unfastens the gold
glittering bow on the front to open it. The purple-haired boy inhales so deeply that he thinks
he takes out all the morning air.

Inside the box are a pair of small, silver piercings and a breathtaking bracelet. The two pieces
are a perfect match, simple yet elegant, with intertwined lilac and white stones, so bright they
almost dazzle Jeongguk. Are these diamonds?
“Taehyung… Oh my God… I… I loved it…” Jeongguk babbles, unable to look away from
the jewels. “But I can't accept it. It's too much…”

“On the contrary, you have to accept it. It's a gift and it's part of the tradition that you wear
them in the Condemnation.”

"In the what?"

The prince shakes his head. “Jang-mi will explain everything to you later, but the thing is that
the prince traditionally offers jewelry to the members of the Elite to be used in the ceremony.
There will be plenty of state figures in attendance and you all need to look wonderful,” he
explains. "And unlike the jewels that all the selected have received so far, these are all real
and for you."

Jeongguk smiles. Of course, the palace wouldn't give them real jewelry to wear. He wondered
several times how many selected had taken things home, thinking that if they hadn't won the
prince, they had at least gotten some money in jewelry.

“They’re beautiful, Tae. Just as I like it. Thank you,” Jeongguk leans in to kiss him, feeling
the prince's boxy smile against his lips.

When their faces move away, Taehyung holds up a finger. “You don't need to thank me, but
that's part of what I wanted to tell you. I personally chose the gifts for each one of you and
my intention was for them to all be the same. However, I know you like more subtle and
simple pieces. For that reason, the others received diamond necklaces that catch anyone's
attention, while you received more discreet earrings and a bracelet instead.” Taehyung holds
Jeongguk's hand, sliding his thumb over the handmade bracelet he offered the purple-haired
boy a few weeks ago. “I'm glad to see you’re still wearing the one I brought you from New
Europe, but it's not suitable for the Condemnation. Try this one to see how it looks.”

Jeongguk lets the prince unfasten the purple pebbled bracelet and watches him place it on the
table. Taehyung then takes the jewel out of the box and his fingers tickle Jeongguk's skin as
he tightens the metal clasp. When the prince takes his hands away from his wrist, Jeongguk
almost loses his breath again at the beauty of his gift.

“It's perfect, Tae. Really,” Jeongguk responds in complete awe.

“I was hoping you thought that,” Taehyung smiles. “And that's exactly why I needed to talk
to you. I decided that I would spend the same on all of you. I wanted to be fair.” Jeongguk
nods in understanding. “The problem is that you have a much simpler taste than others. And
besides, you have a bracelet instead of a necklace. I ended up spending half on you compared
to what I spent on the others, and I wanted you to know before you see what I gave them. I
only did it because I wanted to give you something you would really like and not because of
your condition or anything like that,” the prince looks nervous as he explains, but his face
just shows sincerity.

“Thank you, Tae. It's exactly how I would like and I very much appreciate your gesture of
coming to explain it to me," Jeongguk leans in again until his lips hover for a long time over
Taehyung's. As always, the prince looks entranced by the gesture.
“I was afraid of hurting you,” Taehyung confesses.

“Not at all. I loved it."

The prince's grin grows even wider. “But since I still wanted to be fair, I had an idea.” He
takes a small white envelope from the pocket of his gray blazer. "I thought maybe you would
like to send the difference to your family."

Jeongguk's mouth is so open in disbelief that his chin might be brushing the flowers below.
"Are you serious?"

"Of course I am. I wanted to be impartial and I thought this would be the best way to deal
with the difference. And I was also hoping it would make you happy,” Taehyung puts the
envelope in Jeongguk's hands and he takes it, still in complete shock.

“Tae… You didn't need to do this,” Jeongguk mutters, feeling the corners of his eyes tear up
at the gesture. The Selection made him more emotional than he thought he was.

"I know. But sometimes the important thing is what you want to do and not what you need to
do,” Taehyung whispers, letting Jeongguk dip and get lost in the depth of his eyes.

The two stare at each other for long seconds, feeling as if nothing around them exists. Just
them. And that's when Jeongguk realizes that Taehyung does a lot of things for him just
because he just wants to do them. Taehyung had offered him the hoodie and the sweatpants
when he supposedly couldn't wear them in the palace, brought him a bracelet from across the
world… He’s sure Taehyung loves him. Right? But then, why not say it? And why doesn’t
Jeongguk confess it too?

We’re alone, Tae. If you say it, I’ll say it too.

Nothing.

“I don't know how to thank you, Tae,” Jeongguk ends up interrupting the silence.

“Just hearing you say you liked it’s enough,” the prince clears his throat. "I'm always
interested in knowing how you feel."

Oh? Is that so?

“Well, I feel very grateful. As always."

Taehyung lets out a sigh, looking a little bit disappointed even. “I'm glad you like it,” he
forces a smile, staring at the horizon ahead of them. “Well, I have to go. I still need to give
the gifts to the others.”

“Okay,” Jeongguk nods, also dissatisfied with himself. Why the hell does he have to be so
proud?

The two get up together and Jeongguk follows Taehyung to the door. Before leaving, the
purple-haired boy grabs Taehyung's hand and pulls him until their bodies are glued together
enough for their mouths to meet. Jeongguk hopes his kisses will say more than he ever will.

"Thank you," Jeongguk whispers against the prince's mouth.

With a more genuine smile and a slight blush on his cheeks, Taehyung nods before closing
the door, walking away to go visit the other selected.

Jeongguk sits in his bed and stares at his amazing gifts again. He can't believe that something
so beautiful will be his forever. The purple-haired boy swears to himself that even if he
returns home and all the money runs out and his family is completely ruined, he will never
sell these jewels or the bracelet that Taehyung had brought him from New Europe. He would
keep them with him, no matter what.

“The Condemnation is pretty simple,” Jang-mi explains to the selected the following
afternoon as they follow her to the Great Hall. “It's one of those things that seems a lot more
challenging than it really is. Above all, it has a symbolic meaning. It will be a big event.
There will be several magistrates present, not to mention members of the extended royal
family, and there will also be enough cameras to drive you crazy,” she continues to talk over
her shoulder.

So far, it seems anything but simple. The selected round a corner and Jang-mi throws open
the doors of the Great Hall. It doesn't even look the same. In the center of the space, queen
Yuna herself is instructing some men who’re raising rows of bleachers. In another corner,
someone discusses which rug should be used and Namjoon, along with another man, decide
what the most suitable flower arrangements are. Jeongguk now gazes at Namjoon with new
eyes. Royal palace florist by day, Swan rebel by night, it seems.

Apparently, no one thinks Christmas decorations should stay, and several butlers are
removing the mistletoe from the walls or dismantling the big pine tree. There is so much
going on right now that, honestly, Jeongguk had almost forgotten that Christmas is coming.

At the back of the hall, a stage had been set up with steps at the front and three huge thrones
in the center of the platform. To the right of them are four smaller stages with space to
accommodate just one seat each. They’re beautiful but also isolated from everything else.
That alone is enough to decorate the Great Hall and Jeongguk can't imagine what the end
result will be when everything is ready.

“Your Majesty,” Jang-mi greets with a bow that all the selected imitate.

Queen Yuna approaches, her face lit with an enthusiastic smile. "Hello, ladies and gentlemen.
Jang-mi, what have you already explained to them?"

“Little thing, Majesty. I was aware that you wanted to tell them all the details.”
“Excellent,” the queen claps her hands. “Ladies and gentlemen, let me clarify your next task
in the Selection process.” She motions to the selected for them to follow her along with the
Great Hall. "Condemnation is a symbol of your submission to the law. One of you will be the
new princess or prince and, one day, queen or king. We live according to the law and it will
be your duty not only to comply with it but also to enforce it. So," she cuts herself off,
stopping and turning to face them. "We're going to start with the Condemnation."

All the selected remain silent, staring intently at the monarch.

“A criminal, usually a thief, will be brought to you. These are cases where the penalty would
normally be a few whips or descend in the caste if that applied, but instead, these men will
spend some time in jail. And it will be you who will condemn them,” she explains. The queen
smiles at the puzzled faces of the selected. Jeongguk is pretty sure all the blood has drained
from his face. “I know it sounds cruel, but it's not. These men have committed crimes and,
instead of suffering physical punishment, they will pay their debt in time. The whips are not
much better. You'll be doing them a favor,” she finishes encouragingly.

As much as the queen tries to make it sound normal or even merciful, Jeongguk is still not
comfortable with it. Those who steal are usually poor people, with no money to eat or feed
their children. The Twos, Threes, and Fours who break the laws, sometimes far worse, escape
punishment by paying their debt with cash. The poor pay with their bodies or with time
instead. But it seems that people who are more than Fives easily forget that.

Jang-mi and queen Yuna rehearse with the selected the entire process of the ceremony, over
and over, until their lines come out perfect. Jeongguk tries to pronounce his words with the
grace that Sohui or Areum have, but the result is always monotonous.

Jeongguk doesn't want to send anyone to jail.

As soon as they are dismissed, the others selected all make their way to the door but
Jeongguk hesitantly addresses the queen instead. She's just finishing talking to Jang-mi and
Jeongguk should take that moment to think of something more eloquent to say, but as soon as
Jang-mi walks away and the queen moves to Jeongguk, he just collapses.

“Please, don't make me do this,” Jeongguk asks in a pleading tone.

"Excuse me?"

“I can submit to the law, I swear. And I'm not trying to be difficult or misbehaving, but I'm
incapable of sending a man to jail. He didn't do anything to me,” Jeongguk shivers in
discomfort.

With a kind expression, the queen touches the purple-haired boy's face. “Yes, they did, my
dear. If you become a prince, you’ll be the personification of the law. When someone breaks
even the tiniest of rules, it's like being stabbed for you. The only way to stop the blood is to
act against those who have already hurt you so that others don't follow suit."

"But I'm not the prince!" Jeongguk exclaims exasperated. "No one is hurting me."
She grins sympathetic and lowers her head towards him, whispering, "You’re not a prince
today, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was just a matter of time." Queen Yuna steps back and
winks at him.

Jeongguk lets out a sigh, starting to get desperate. Not even the message behind her words
can cheer him up. “Please, bring me someone else then. Not just any thief, who probably
stole just because he was hungry." The queen's expression hardens as if she's losing her
patience. Jeongguk adds, “I don't mean that stealing is acceptable. I know it isn't. But bring
me someone who's done something really bad. Bring someone who killed, bring me the
person who murdered the palace guards in the last rebel attack. That person should be in jail.
And I will say it willingly. But I can't do this to a starving Seven or an Eight. I can’t."

He realizes that the queen wants to be kind to him, but it's also visible how adamant she is in
this matter. “Allow me to be quite frank with you, Mr. Jeongguk. Among all the selected,
you’re the one who most needs to do this. People have seen you run to prevent punishment of
those who betrayed the royal family, suggest the end of castes on a national television
broadcast, and encourage people to fight when their lives are in grave danger.” Her sweet
face is now full of seriousness. "I'm not saying it was a bad attitude, but it gave most people
the impression that you're a little impulsive and out of control."

Jeongguk wrings his hands nervously, knowing this would end with him doing the
Condemnation, regardless of what he says and implores.

“If you want to stay, if Taehyung is important to you,” she pauses, giving Jeongguk time to
reflect. “You have to do this. You need to show that you can be controlled and obedient.”

"And I can be those things!" Jeongguk guarantees with an exclamation. “I just don't want to
put anyone in jail. That's not the role of a prince. It’s the judges who do this.”

Queen Yuna pats him on the shoulder. "You’re capable of doing it. And you will. If you want
Taehyung, you have to be perfect. I'm sure you know that some people oppose you."

Your husband, Jeongguk wants to respond. He nods his head.

“So, do it,” she finishes assertively.

The queen withdraws with determined steps, leaving Jeongguk alone in the Great Hall. He
approaches his seat, almost a throne, and repeats his line once more.

Jeongguk tries to convince himself that it's not that important. People spend their lives
breaking the law and going to jail to bear the consequences. It’s going to be one person
among thousands. And Jeongguk needs to be perfect.

Perfection is his only option.

♕
On the day of the Condemnation, Jeongguk is a nervous wreck. The pain in his arm is even
forgotten due to the anxiety and the fear of tripping or forgetting what to say. Even worse,
Jeongguk is afraid of failing.

The only thing he doesn't need to worry about is his clothes. Jeongguk's servants had to
consult the chief seamstress to create an appropriate attire for him, although Jeongguk felt
that such a simple term as appropriate wouldn’t be the best way to describe it.

Once again, and in keeping with tradition, the clothes are all white and gold. For the first
time, Jeongguk wears an almost knee-length white tunic with a golden belt, an outfit inspired
by those worn by the royal ancestors. The pants are tight and also white, with a gold stripe on
each side. It's ironic how much Jeongguk looks like an angel when he's actually going to send
someone straight to hell.

Seokjin takes the olive branch that Jeongguk has to carry and gently places it on his injured
arm. He doesn't need to wear a lot of bandages anymore, just a big band-aid, and the wound
is healing very well, thankfully. However, his servants made a point of sewing a tunic with
opaque fabric, to ensure that everything goes unnoticed.

The selected must place the olive branches at the king's feet, as a symbol of peace to their
supreme and their intention to respect the law.

“You look so handsome, Mr. Jeon,” Nabi praises. Jeongguk couldn't help noticing how
calmer and more confident she's been lately.

He smiles at her. "Thank you. I wish you were all there.”

“Me too,” Yumi admits with a sigh.

Always correct, Seokjin turns his attention back to Jeongguk. “Don't worry, Mr. Jeon. You
will do everything perfectly. And we'll be seeing everything with the other servants.”

"You will?" It's encouraging, even though they're not down there.

“We wouldn't lose it for anything,” Nabi guarantees.

After some finishing touches to his hair and makeup, Jeongguk takes a deep breath and
prepares to face the event ahead of him. He leaves his bedroom, nodding one last time to his
servants, and tries to walk headlong along the corridor towards the Great Hall.

Along the way, unexpectedly, he encounters Namjoon.

“Oh, your servants outdid themselves. You look amazing, Jeongguk.”

“Thank you,” the purple-haired boy tries to smile but it's hard. He can only think about what
he has to do and the crowd waiting for him downstairs.

"Ready?" Namjoon asks, walking beside him towards the staircase.

Jeongguk nods, adjusting the branch in his wrist. "I think I can say I am."
He, Taehyung, and Namjoon already had a couple of opportunities to talk. Namjoon had
explained in detail when he had teamed up with Ki-tae, Min-ji and the remaining Swans, also
clarifying the information he had passed on to them. Taehyung decided to absolve him,
finding no great malice behind his actions, and discovered in Namjoon a means of
communication between himself and Ki-tae.

Jeongguk is still surprised and he thinks he will always be, especially when he remembers the
royal palace florist fighting with a gun in his hand, but he never considered there was
anything to forgive. In fact, Jeongguk even thanked him for saving his and Taehyung's lives
that night. Namjoon, nevertheless, assured him that although Jeongguk was an important
hope to the Swans, he never saw the purple-haired boy as a pawn, swearing that their
friendship was genuine. Jeongguk, in his heart, knows that.

“I still can't believe you're going to do this,” Namjoon comments with a sneer a few moments
later.

The purple-haired boy swallows, feeling immediately nervous again. "I don’t have a choice,
Nam."

“You always have a choice, Jeongguk.”

“Namjoon, you know I don't like this. But, after all, it's just one person. And a guilty one,” he
tries to explain.

"As guilty as me, Min-ji, Ki-tae, or any of the rebel sympathizers the king demoted from
caste. As guilty as soldier Yoongi and Mr. Park. As guilty as-”

Jeongguk doesn't even need to look up to see how disgusted Namjoon is with all that. He
feels the same. “That was different,” Jeongguk interrupts him anyway, not sounding at all
convincing.

"For the king, it's never different." Namjoon's tone of voice is very serious. Jeongguk closes
his eyes for two seconds, internalizing those words. He knows. He knows it perfectly well.

"Are they really thieves?" Jeongguk asks discreetly as they continue walking. Namjoon has
more information than most people from being on the palace staff, even if it's not as a
position of close proximity to the king. Even today, Jeongguk is amazed at all that Namjoon
knows and can discover.

“They are, but they didn't do anything that deserved the years in jail they're going to receive
today. And it will be a very eloquent example for their friends.”

"What do you mean by that?"

“They’re not just thieves. These are people who crossed the king's path, Jeongguk,” Namjoon
elucidates. “Rebel sympathizers, men with opinions a little too sincere about what a tyrant he
is. Basically, someone who could perfectly well belong to the Swans. The Condemnation will
be broadcast everywhere. The people these men have tried to influence will see this and will
warn others about what happens to those who try to antagonize the king. It's all planned.”
Of course Jeongguk had thought of this option before, he's not an idiot. But what can he do?
What other option does he have?"

“If the king has no qualms about imprisoning enemies without a real cause, what do you
think he will do to me? He hates me, Namjoon! So don't judge me for doing this. I have no
other option!" Jeongguk exclaims exasperated, almost on the verge of tears.

“Jeongguk, I know it's scary, but you-” He starts, with an apologetic expression, but the
purple-haired boy holds up a hand to silence him.

“I have to do this. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go,” Jeongguk mutters, looking down
at his feet.

Namjoon, before heading off to wherever he has to go, mutters, "I hope you don't let yourself
be changed because of them."

Jeongguk swallows hard, closing his eyes for a second before stepping forward.

In the vestibule, the others selected look ahead, absorbed, discreetly moving their lips as if
reciting their lines. Jeongguk joins them.

Sohui has talked so much about her dress in the last couple of days that it's as if Jeongguk has
already seen it. Gold and cream intertwine in a tight, sleeveless design to which her gold
gloves add a dramatic touch. The gift she received from Taehyung are some dark stones,
touching the black, which are drawn around a golden thread, highlighting her hair.

Areum has managed, once again, to personify an ideal of royalty and does so without even
making an effort. Her dress is belted and her skirt expands like the petals of a flower, falling
towards the floor. The necklace and earrings Taehyung had given her are sparkling, softly
rounded and perfect.

For a moment, Jeongguk wonders what people will think of him for wearing such simple and
unobtrusive jewelry compared to the rest.

Yejun's outfit… Well, it will definitely be unforgettable. His shirt has a very bold neckline,
which seems unsuitable for the occasion. The Three catches Jeongguk staring and purses his
lips, shrugging his shoulders in false innocence.

Jeongguk chuckles and brings one of his hands to his forehead, feeling a little sick and dizzy.
He takes a deep breath, trying to calm himself.

Yejun approaches the purple-haired boy, swinging his olive branch with each step. "What’s
wrong?"

"Nothing. I'm just not feeling well, I guess,” Jeongguk mutters.

"Don't throw up!" He orders, pointing a threatening finger at him. "Not on top of me, at
least."

“I won't,” Jeongguk assures.

"Who threw up?" Areum asks, joining in with Sohui right behind.

“No one,” Jeongguk replies, trying to contain his urge to roll his eyes. "I'm just tired or
something."

“It won't take long,” Areum says to comfort him.

It will take forever, he thinks with disdain. "Any of you honestly feel good doing this?"
Jeongguk asks. Yejun, Areum, and Sohui gaze at each other or pause their gaze on the floor,
but no one responds. “Then, let's not do it,” Jeongguk suggests.

“Don't do it?” Areum questions, her eyes wide. “Jeongguk, it's a tradition. We have to do it.”

“No, we don't,” Jeongguk tries to reason. "Not if we all decide otherwise."

"And what do we do?" Yejun scoffs. "Do we refuse to enter the Great Hall?"

“It's an option,” Jeongguk shrugs.

"Do you want us to just sit there and do nothing?" Sohui looks horrified.

“I don't know, I haven't thought about it yet. I just don't think this is a good idea.” Jeongguk
can see that Areum is actually considering the hypothesis. She certainly knows someone
close to her who's been caught stealing food too.

"It's a trick!" Sohui accuses.

"What?" Jeongguk frowns. How can she think that?

“Jeongguk is the last one to speak. If we don't do anything and then he sticks to the program,
he's going to seem obedient while we're going to look like idiots,” Sohui comments on her
point of view, waving the olive branch in his direction.

“Jeongguk? Would you do that?” Areum looks at him with an expression of disappointment.

"What? No! I swear! I would never do that!" Jeongguk tries to defend himself.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" The selected all turn around at the sound of Jang-mi's disapproving
voice. "I understand you're nervous, but that's no reason to yell like this." Jang-mi stares at
them, one by one, and the selected all look at each other, possibly deciding whether or not to
join Jeongguk. “Very well,” the woman begins. “Sohui, you will be the first, as we rehearsed.
Yejun and Areum, you will be next and Jeongguk will be the last. One at a time, walk the red
carpet with the olive branch and then place it at the king's feet. Then, come back and take
your seats. The king will say a few words and then, the ceremony will begin.”

Jang-mi approaches what appears to be a small box on top of a plinth and turns it over to
show them a small television monitor, which broadcasts everything that is happening inside
the Great Hall.
It’s magnificent. The red carpet separates the two sides of the space: one area for the press
and guests, and the other for the four seats reserved for the selected. In the background,
thrones await the royal family.

As they watch, the side door of the Great Hall opens and the king, the queen and Taehyung
enter to the sound of applause and trumpets. As soon as they are seated, a slower, more
solemn melody begins to play.

“The time has come. Now, walk with your heads up,” Jang-mi advises.

Sohui pierces Jeongguk with her eyes and heads down the hallway. The music is interrupted
by the sound of hundreds of cameras shooting. The result is a weird melody. Sohui does very
well, as they see it on the monitor. Yejun goes next, smoothing his hair before walking away.
Areum's smile looks completely genuine and natural as she struts down the red carpet.

“Jeongguk…” Jang-mi whispers. "It's your turn."

The purple-haired boy tries not to show concern and concentrates on the positive side, but
then he quickly realizes that there is none. He is about to crush a part of him by punishing
someone beyond what he thinks is right while, at the same time, giving the king something he
wants. Jeongguk feels nauseated.

Cameras fire, flashes burst and people mutter praises to each other as Jeongguk walks silently
towards the royal family. He exchanges a brief look with Taehyung, who seems perfectly
calm. It’s the years of discipline or is the prince truly happy?

Taehyung’s expression is comforting though, as it always is, but Jeongguk is sure Taehyung
can find the anxiety mirrored in his eyes. The purple-haired boy sees the vacant spot for his
olive branch and bows before depositing it at the king's feet, though he isn't able to face him.

As soon as Jeongguk takes his seat, the music stops, as planned. King Bon-hwa steps to the
edge of the stage, where he stands with the olive branches at his feet.

“Ladies and gentlemen of Euphoréa, today, the last four beautiful youngsters from the
Selection are here, in front of all of us, to present themselves before the courts. Our laws are
the cement of our nation and the foundation of the peace we have enjoyed for so long.”

Peace? What peace? Jeongguk thinks with a sneer. You can only be kidding me!

“One of these Elite members will soon be standing before you no longer as a commoner but
as a princess or a prince. And, as a future member of the royal family, their task will be to
defend what is right, not for their own benefit, but for the advantage of all of you.”

And how am I doing that right now?

“Please, applaud with me the humility they show in submitting to the laws, and their courage
in enforcing them,” the king finishes, starting to clap his hands and the audience joins him.

The applause continues as he walks away and Jeongguk glances over the others selected. The
only face he can see clearly is Areum's. She shrugs and sends him a weak smile before
turning back around to look forward again and straightening her body.

One of the guards by the door blows a trumpet. "We call upon Your Majesty king Bon-hwa,
Your Majesty queen Yuna, and Your Royal Highness prince Taehyung, the criminal Byun
Min-su."

Slowly, and no doubt embarrassed by the spectacle, the man named Min-su enters the Great
Hall. He nervously steps up to Sohui and bows as best he can with his arms locked. Jeongguk
can’t see her without leaning his head too far; so he turns slightly so that he can listen as she
says the words each of them will repeat in their turn.

"Min-su, what is your crime?" Sohui asks, projecting her voice very well, better than usual.

“Theft, my lady,” he answers meekly.

"And how long is your sentence?"

“Twelve years, my lady,” his voice comes out painfully.

Jeongguk tries to contain the exclamation and horror under the neutral mask he has been
wearing for the past few minutes. Slowly, without attracting attention, Areum looks at him.
Almost without changing her expression, she questions what is going on. Jeongguk just
shakes his head. He doesn’t know.

Small thefts; that's what they'd been told. If that were true, that man would have been flogged
in his town square, demoted from his caste, or, in case of imprisonment, the sentence would
have been a maximum of two or three years. With two words, this man had confirmed all of
Jeongguk's fears.

Discreetly, the purple-haired boy turns his gaze to the king. His pleasure is obvious. Whoever
that man is, he's not just any thief. The king revels in his downfall.

Sohui gets up, walks over to Min-su, and puts her hand on his shoulder. Until that moment,
the man still hadn't faced her, keeping his gaze fixed on the ground.

“Go, faithful subject, and pay your debt to the king,” her voice echoes in the silent hall.

Min-su nods. He looks at the king and his willingness to do something is notorious. The man
wants to fight or make some accusation, but he doesn't, holding back instead. No doubt
someone would pay for any mistake he made today.

Min-su gets to his feet and leaves the hall as the audience applauds.

The next man moves with difficulty. When he turns to walk across the carpet towards Yejun,
he trips and falls. A collective exclamation echoes through the hall, but before he can garner
too much sympathy, two guards approach and lead him to Yejun's side. Honor be done to
him, the voice of the Three is not as firm as usual when ordering the man to pay his debt.

Areum looks composed as usual until her criminal approaches. He's younger, maybe their
age, and his steps are firm, almost determined. As he advances across the carpet towards
Areum, Jeongguk can see a tattoo blooming on his neck. It looks like a snake. Areum says
her speech with precision. Anyone who doesn't know her will be unable to hear the edge of
regret and trembling in her voice. The hall applauds and she returns to her seat, with a grin a
little less radiant than usual.

And then, the guard yells Yeon Haneul's name and Jeongguk realizes it's his fateful turn.

Haneul, Haneul, Haneul. He needs to remember that name. After all, he has to do this, right?
The others selected had already done it. Taehyung might forgive him if Jeongguk failed and
the king would never like him anyway; but Jeongguk would surely lose the queen's support,
and maybe even the public, which would leave him with no way out. If he wants to have a
chance, he needs to play his role.

Haneul is older, perhaps the age of Jeongguk's father, and appears to have a problem with his
leg. He doesn't fall, but it takes so long to reach Jeongguk's seat that it makes everything
much worse. He just wants to get this over with.

The man finally kneels down in front of Jeongguk and he concentrates on his few lines.

"Haneul, what is your crime?"

"Theft, my lord."

"And how long is your sentence?"

Haneul coughs to clear his voice. “The rest of my life,” he moans painfully.

There are murmurs around the hall as people try to make sure they had heard correctly. Even
Jeongguk asks himself this because it just can't be. While he hates having to deviate from
what they've rehearsed, he too needs confirmation.

"How long is your sentence?"

“All my life, sir,” it's noticeable, in Haneul's voice, that he's about to cry.

Quickly, Jeongguk casts a look at Taehyung. The prince seems uncomfortable and Jeongguk
realizes that even he didn't know about this until this very moment. Speechless, Jeongguk
asks him for help. But Taehyung's eyes only convey sadness at not being able to do anything.

When Jeongguk prepares to gaze again at Haneul, he shifts his eyes to the king. The monarch
quickly changes his position in his seat and Jeongguk sees him running a hand in front of his
face to hide his smirk.

The king had set a trap for him.

Maybe he already suspected that Jeongguk would hate this part of the Selection and had
planned to do everything possible to make him look bad. But even if Jeongguk manages to do
this, what kind of person will he be if he sends a man to prison forever? No one would love
him after that. He wouldn't love himself after that.
“Haneul…” Jeongguk says in a soft voice.

The man looks up, his eyes swollen and red, ready to burst into tears. Jeongguk notices that
all the whispers in the Great Hall have quickly ceased, now all focused on him.

"What did you steal?" The purple-haired boy asks.

Haneul swallows hard, turning his eyes to the king. "Some warm clothes for my daughters."

"But that's not what this is about, is it?" Jeongguk whispers sadly.

In a movement so quick he almost doesn't notice, Haneul shakes his head once.

Jeongguk can’t do this. He can’t. But he has to do something.

The idea suddenly comes to him and Jeongguk is sure it's the only way out. He doesn't know
if he will effectively get Haneul's freedom and he tries not to think about the sadness it will
cause him, but he has to try to do the fairest thing anyway.

Jeongguk gets up and approaches Haneul, touching him on the shoulder. The man shudders,
waiting for the purple-haired boy to send him to spend the rest of his life in prison.

“Stand up,” Jeongguk asks gently. Haneul looks at him, confused. “Please,” Jeongguk insists,
taking one of his handcuffed hands to help him.

Haneul walks down the aisle with Jeongguk beside him, to the stage where the royal family
is. When they reach the small steps, Jeongguk turns to the man and takes a deep breath.

He removes one of the beautiful hear piercings that Taehyung offered him and then the other.
Jeongguk places the two earrings in Haneul's trembling and grimy hands, who stands there,
stunned and unmoving, while Jeongguk does the same with his beautiful bracelet. Jeongguk
hopes, from the bottom of his heart, that Taehyung doesn't hate him for giving up his gift.
After placing the jewels in Haneul's hands, Jeongguk folds his fingers around it and steps
aside so that Haneul is right in front of king Bon-hwa.

Jeongguk points towards the thrones. "Go, faithful subject, and pay your debt to the king."

Exclamations and murmurs are reverberating throughout the hall, but Jeongguk ignores them,
trying to remain as expressionless as possible even though his heart is about to burst in his
chest. Jeongguk can only see the displeased and bitter expression on the king's face. But if he
wants to play dirty games with Jeongguk's character, he's prepared to pay him back.

Haneul slowly climbs the steps and everyone can see the mixture of joy and fear in his eyes.
When the man approaches the king, he kneels and extends his jeweled hands towards him.

King Bon-hwa glares at Jeongguk, warning him with the flames burning in his dark irises that
things won't stay that way, but he ends up accepting the earrings and bracelet Haneul offers
him.
The crowd erupts in delirium, but when Jeongguk turns around, he notices that the others
selected have mixed reactions. He isn't even able to face Taehyung or the queen, afraid of the
disappointment on their faces.

Haneul quickly distances himself from the king, perhaps fearing that he will change his mind.
Jeongguk's hope is that, with so many cameras filming and so many journalists writing
articles, someone will follow up on the matter and confirm that Haneul will, in fact, come
home.

When Haneul gets close to Jeongguk, the man tries to hug him, even though the handcuffs
make the gesture difficult. He cries, sobs, and mutters a lot of thank you's, sending words of
blessing in Jeongguk's direction, and then, Haneul leaves the hall, looking like the happiest
man on earth.

The royal family exits through the side door and the rest of the Elite escape from the same
side they entered, while the cameras film and the guests applaud.

Jang-mi's gaze is deadly as they pass through the door, sending a shiver down Jeongguk's
spine. The woman seems to be holding back with all her strength not to strangle him.

She leads the selected down the hall to a room no one recognizes.

“Come in,” Jang-mi orders tersely, as if one more word might make her explode.

Then, she closes the doors and leaves them alone.

"Do you always have to be the center of attention?" Sohui shoots right away.

"I didn't do anything other than what I tried to convince you to do!" Jeongguk exclaims
exasperated. The situation inside the Great Hall had already been complicated, he still had to
deal with the unreasonable accusations of the others. "It was you who didn't believe me!"

“You act like you're a saint. They were criminals. We didn't do anything a judge wouldn't do.
The only difference is that we did it while wearing nice clothes,” Sohui rolls her eyes.

“Did you see those men, Sohui? Some were sick, incapacitated. And the sentences for their
crimes were too long,” Jeongguk says with pain lacing his voice.

“He's right,” Areum agrees. “Life sentence for theft? Unless he had taken the entire palace,
what could he have stolen to deserve it?”

“Nothing,” Jeongguk assures. “He said he stole clothes for his daughters who were cold in
the winter. Sohui, you were born in a superior caste, you’re lucky. You can't imagine what
that man must have gone through to have the need to steal. I couldn't send him to prison with
a life sentence and, consequently, leave his family alone and helpless. I couldn’t."

"Where is your pride, Jeongguk?" Sohui shakes her head in disappointment. “Where is your
sense of duty or honor? You're just a boy; you're not even a prince. And if you were, you
wouldn't be allowed to make decisions like that. You're here to follow the king's rules, but
you haven't done it yet. Never, not even on the first night!"

"Maybe because the rules are fucking wrong!" Jeongguk yells, probably at the worst possible
moment.

The doors open and king Bon-hwa suddenly enters, while queen Yuna and Taehyung wait in
the hallway. The king grabs Jeongguk by the arm – luckily, not the injured one - and drags
him out of the room.

“Hey! Where are you taking me?" Jeongguk tries to struggle while gasping in fear.

The king doesn’t respond.

Jeongguk turns his head back to look at the others as the king pulls him down the hall. Yejun
hugs himself and Sohui takes Areum's hand. Despite being visibly irritated by the
Condemnation situation, she doesn't seem happy to see Jeongguk stepping out into the king's
arms.

"Bon-hwa, don't do anything thoughtlessly," the queen advises in a low voice.

They turn a corner and the king forcibly leads Jeongguk into another room. The queen and
Taehyung enter behind them, while the king pushes the purple-haired boy to a small, brown
leather sofa.

“Sit down,” he orders needlessly. The king starts walking in circles like a caged lion. When
he stops, he faces Taehyung. "You swore!" He yells, making everyone in the room shiver.
“You said he was under control. First, that madness in the Official News, then he almost kills
you on the roof, and now this? This ends today, Taehyung.”

“Dad, didn't you hear the applause? People liked the compassion that Jeongguk showed. He's
your main asset right now,” Taehyung sounds too calm for the situation.

"Excuse me?" The king's voice sounds like an iceberg, slow and deadly.

Taehyung hesitates at that coldness but continues, “The audience reacted positively when he
suggested that people defend themselves against the rebels. Maybe he's the reason we don't
have more dead. And today? Dad, I couldn't sentence a man to spend the rest of his life in
prison for such a petty crime. How could you expect that from someone who has probably
seen a lot of people get punished for a lot less? Jeongguk is authentic. Most of the population
belongs to the lower castes and identifies with him.”

The king shakes his head and resumes walking around the room. “I let him stay because he
kept you alive. You are my main asset, Taehyung, not him. If we lose you, we lose
everything. And I don't just mean death. If you're not committed to this way of life, if you
lose focus, it all falls apart.” The king gestures in the air, letting the silence take over the
room for a few seconds. Then, he continues accusingly, “You’re being brainwashed! You
change a little every day. These selected, this one more than the others, are all useless!”

“Bon-hwa, maybe…” The queen tries to speak, but the king silences her with a stare and her
opinion is suddenly lost, faded into air.

He then turns to Taehyung. "I have a proposal for you."

“I'm not interested,” Taehyung retorts determinedly.

King Bon-hwa holds up his hands to indicate he has no malevolent intentions. “Listen to me
first,” he asks and Taehyung lets out a sigh. “These selected are a disaster. Even the contacts
of the one with links to New Europe were of no use. The Three only wants to know about the
fame and the other one, well, she’s not completely useless and maybe your best option at the
moment, but you could do better, if you want to know my opinion. This one,” he says, with
his finger pointed in Jeongguk's direction. “This one lost any value he might have had
because of his inability to control himself. Everything is going wrong. And I know you,
Taehyung. I know you fear you’re missing something; so listen to what I have to say.”

Jeongguk watches, with his heart in his hands, the king walking around Taehyung.

“Let's cancel everything. Let's get rid of all these selected,” the monarch says at last.
Taehyung opens his mouth to protest, but the king motions for him to shut up. “I'm not
suggesting you stay single. I’m simply saying that we still have the applications of all eligible
young people in the country on file somewhere. Wouldn't it be a good idea to be able to
choose a group of people again to come to the palace? Perhaps, you'll find one resembling the
son of the king of France. Do you remember how you liked him?”

Jeongguk lowers his eyes, seeing the heart in his hands' sprawl on the red carpet. Taehyung
had never mentioned a French boy before.

“Dad, I can't,” Taehyung replies, shaking his head. "I don’t want that."

"Yes, you can. You’re the prince,” the king simply states. “And I think we've had enough
scandals to decide that this group is no good. You might be able to make a real choice this
time.”

Jeongguk raises his head again. Taehyung has his eyes fixed on the ground and he can see the
inner conflict in the prince.

“This could even temporarily appease the rebels! Think about it!" The king adds
manipulatively. “We send these selected home and wait a few months as if we were canceling
the Selection, and then, we bring in a new group of charming, polite, and beautiful young
people… That could change a lot of things!"

Taehyung tries to say something, opening and closing his mouth a couple of times, but the
words can't come out when the king interrupts him again.
“In any case, you should wonder if that one,” the king continues, pointing again at Jeongguk.
“It's someone you can really spend the rest of your life with. Dramatic, selfish, impulsive,
greedy and, to be quite honest, very simpleton. Look at him, son."

Taehyung's painful eyes lock into Jeongguk's, holding his gaze for a second before the
purple-haired boy has to look away, feeling completely humiliated.

“You have a few days to think. For now, we have to go deal with the press. Come on, Yuna,”
the king utters before preparing to storm out of the room. The queen hurries to his side and
takes his arm.

After the two leave, Jeongguk and Taehyung remain alone and speechless.

The prince, after a brief pause for reflection, approaches the sofa where Jeongguk is and
helps him up.

“Thank you,” Jeongguk mumbles.

Taehyung just nods, still looking kind of airy with the whole situation. “I think I should go
with them. No doubt there will also be questions for me.”

“It's a good proposition,” Jeongguk comments, gulping as if the words just spoken have
scratched his throat.

Taehyung blinks a couple of times, staring at Jeongguk with something mirrored in his eyes
and face that the purple-haired boy can't quite decipher. “Jeongguk… I don't…”

Jeongguk doesn't care if Taehyung is really considering the possibility. Or he does, but he
doesn’t feel ready to hear it.

So, as there's nothing more to say, Jeongguk passes by the prince and takes the side path to
his bedroom, hoping to get away from everything he's feeling.

Jeongguk's servants inform him that the selected will have their dinners alone that night, and
since he can’t have the strength to answer them, they excuse themselves and leave Jeongguk
alone. A part of Jeongguk's heart beats again for their consideration and understanding. Even
so, Jeongguk lies in bed, lost in thought.

He did what was right, didn't he? Jeongguk believes in justice, but the Condemnation is
everything but that. Still, Jeongguk wonders if he actually got anything out of it. If that man
Haneul was in any way an enemy of the king, and Jeongguk has to believe he was, surely he
will be punished otherwise. Had Jeongguk done all that for nothing?
And, as frivolous and trivial as it might be compared to everything else, Jeongguk can't stop
thinking about that French boy. Why had Taehyung never told Jeongguk about him? Did he
visit the palace often? Why would the prince keep it a secret?

Someone knocks on the door and Jeongguk thinks it's someone delivering his dinner,
although it still feels a little early and his stomach doesn't have the capacity to ingest anything
right now.

“Come in,” Jeongguk replies anyway, not having the energy to get out of bed.

The door opens and Yejun's dark hair appears in the crack. "Do you want some company?"
He asks. Areum lurks behind the Three and Jeongguk sees a part of Sohui's arm, hidden
further back, too.

“Of course,” Jeongguk replies, sitting up and straightening his unruly strands of hair.

They enter, leaving the door open. Yejun, who still shocks Jeongguk whenever he smiles so
sincerely, climbs onto the bed without even asking. Not that Jeongguk cares. Areum follows
him, sitting close to the purple-haired boy's feet, and Sohui, always correct, balances on the
edge of the bed.

Areum asks quietly what Jeongguk is sure everyone wants to know. "Did he hurt you?"

Jeongguk shakes his head in denial. “No,” he replies, but then, he realizes that's not quite the
truth. "The king didn't hit me or anything, he just pulled me with some force."

"What did he say?" Sohui asks, absently fiddling with her dress.

“He is not happy with my performance. If it were up to the king, I would have left the palace
long ago,” Jeongguk tells with a tired sigh.

Yejun taps him on the shoulder. “But it doesn't depend on him. Prince Taehyung likes you
and so do the people out there.”

“I don't know if that's enough…” Jeongguk mumbles. For any of us, he adds mentally.

“I’m sorry I yelled at you,” Sohui bows her head. "It's frustrating. I try so hard to remain
calm and confident, but I feel like nothing I do works. You all overshadow me.”

“That's not true,” Areum argues. “At this point, we all mean something to Taehyung.
Otherwise, we wouldn't be here.”

“He's afraid of reducing us to the final three,” Sohui counters. “After that, he has to choose
in… Five days, right? When there are only three selected left. The prince only keeps me to
postpone his decision.”

"And who told you it's not me he's keeping?" Yejun suggests.

“Listen,” Jeongguk intervenes. “After today, I'll probably be the next one to come home. It
was going to happen sooner or later. As much as I try, it seems I'm not fit for this."
Areum chuckles. "None of us are queen Yuna, are we?"

“I like shocking people too much,” Yejun confesses, with a lascivious grin.

“And I'd rather hide than do half the things she has to do,” Sohui shrugs.

“I'm too impulsive and out of control,” Jeongguk admits.

“I will never have her confidence,” Areum laments.

"So what, we all have flaws. But Taehyung has to choose one of us; therefore, it's not worth
worrying about it,” Yejun says while unconsciously playing with the fabric of a blanket. "But
I think we all agree that any of you would be a better choice than me."

After a charged silence, Areum speaks, "What do you mean?"

Yejun looks at her. "You know. Everyone knows,” he takes a deep breath before continuing.
"I've already had this conversation with Jeongguk, kinda, and I spoke with my servants the
other day too, but I never got around to apologizing to both of you."

Sohui and Areum look suspicious at Yejun. He takes a deep breath.

“Areum, I ruined your birthday party by getting your dress dirty,” the Three confesses. “You
were the only one who was able to celebrate in the palace and I stole that moment from you.
I’m sorry. I really am.”

The caste Seven girl shrugs her shoulders. “In the end, it all went well. Taehyung and I had a
great conversation because of you. I forgave you a long time ago, actually.”

Yejun seems ready to burst into tears but forces his lips into a tight smile. "You're very
generous, considering I haven't been able to forgive myself yet," he wipes the tears from his
lashes. "I just didn't know how to get his attention and so, I stole it from you."

Areum takes a deep breath. “At the time, I felt terrible, but honestly, everything is fine. I’m
fine. At least, it wasn't anything like what you did to Chinhae. You made him punch you and
get expelled."

Yejun grimaces in shame. “Don't even remind me of that. Sometimes I wonder how far he
would have gotten if I hadn't…” He shakes his head before looking at Sohui. “I don't know
how you can ever forgive everything I did to you. Even those things you don't know it was
me.”

Sohui, always elegant, doesn't explode as Jeongguk would definitely have done in her place.
"You mean the glass in my shoes, the torn dresses in my closet, and the hydrogen peroxide in
my shampoo?"

"Hydrogen peroxide?!" Jeongguk exclaims, seeing confirmation on Yejun's tired and

embarrassed face.
Sohui nods. "I lost an entire morning while my servants dyed my hair again," she says,
turning to Yejun and calmly confessing, "I knew it was you."

Yejun bows his head, completely humiliated. “You didn't say anything and you barely
reacted. For me, you were the easiest target and I was impressed that you never trembled.”

“I would never dishonor my family by giving up,” Sohui notes. Jeongguk admires her
conviction, though he doesn't fully understand it.

“They must be proud of what you've endured. If my parents dreamed how far I'd gone... I
don't even know what they'd say. If Taehyung's parents had known, I'm sure they would have
kicked me out by now. I wasn't made for this," Yejun confesses with difficulty, sighing.
"Anyway, I don't think Taehyung wants me, anyway. And even if he wanted to," the Three
adds, looking subtly at Jeongguk. "Someone recently reminded me that I don't need a man to
get what I want in life." Jeongguk and Yejun exchange a frank smile before the Three turns
back to Sohui. "I don't even know where to start apologizing for what I did to you, but I
wanted you to know that I sincerely regret it. I'm so sorry, Sohui."

The caste Four girl stares steadily at Yejun, not even blinking. Jeongguk braces for her cruel
words now that Yejun is finally at her mercy.

“I could tell them everything,” Sohui begins. "Jeongguk and Areum would be my witnesses
and Taehyung would have to send you home."

Yejun swallows hard. How humiliating it would be to leave like this, Jeongguk thinks.

“But I won't do that,” Sohui concludes. “I would never force Taehyung to do anything, and
whether I lose or win, I want to do it with integrity. So, let's forget about all this.”

It's not exactly forgiveness, but it's much more than Yejun expected. And probably deserves
it. Yejun tries hard not to lose control, just nodding his head and muttering thanks to Sohui.

"Wow!" Areum says, trying to change the subject. “I didn't want to denounce you either,
Yejun, but… I never thought that decision had to do with honor,” she looks at Sohui,
reflecting on her words.

“It's something I always keep in mind,” Sohui confesses. "It's the only thing I can hold on to,
mainly because if I don't win, I'll be an embarrassment to my family."

"How can this be your fault if he's the one who makes the choice?" Areum asks, settling
better in bed. "In what way would you be an embarrassment?"

Sohui turns to her, going from one worry to another. “Because of the arranged marriages my
family usually prepares. The best people get the best candidates. Taehyung is the pinnacle of
perfection. If I lose, that means I'm not good enough. My family won't take into account his
feelings behind his choice, which I think will determine the prince's decision. They will see
things logically. My lineage, my talents: I was raised to be worthy of the best; so if I’m not,
who will want me when I leave?”
Jeongguk had thought countless times about how his life would change, whether he lost or
won the Selection, but he never considered what it would mean to the others. However, after
talking to Yejun, he should have really thought about it.

Areum touches Sohui's hand gently. “Almost all the selected who returned home are already
engaged to wonderful people. The simple fact of being part of the Selection already
transforms us. And you made it to the top four, Sohui, at least. Trust me, men will line up
behind you.”

The girl of caste Four smiles. “I don't need a queue. I just need one.”

“Oh, I need a queue,” Yejun comments seriously, making them all laugh, even Sohui.

“I would like for a few admirers,” Areum seems to think about it. "A queue looks a little
scary."

They look inquiringly at Jeongguk, waiting for his response. “Just one,” he replies shyly,
trying to control his grin when only one specific face pops into his mind.

“You're crazy,” Yejun concludes.

The selected talk for a while about Taehyung, their homes, and their hopes. They never spoke
like that before, without any barriers between them. Jeongguk and Areum had gone to great
lengths in this direction, trying to be honest about the competition, but now that they can talk
simply about life, Jeongguk realizes that their relationship will survive the palace.

Sohui is a surprise, but the fact that her perspective is so different from Jeongguk's makes
him think more deeply, opening him up to other ideas.

And the biggest revelation of all: Yejun. If anyone had told Jeongguk that that dark-haired
man with the bold clothes, the smug expression, and who walks so intimidatingly, would be
the boy who, right now, gives him the most satisfaction to have by his side, Jeongguk would
have burst out laughing. The idea is as unbelievable as the fact that Jeongguk is still here, as
one of the last, and feeling pretty broken up at the strong possibility of losing Taehyung.

As the conversation continues, Jeongguk notices that Yejun has come to be accepted by the
others as completely as he is by Jeongguk. Even the Three looks like a different person,
having freed himself from the burden of his secrets. Yejun was created to be a specific kind
of beauty. That splendor depended on hiding things, on tricks of lights, and on trying to be
perfect at every moment. But there is another kind of magnificence, which comes with
humility and honesty, and it’s that beauty that Yejun radiates at that very moment.

Taehyung must have arrived silently, because Jeongguk has no idea how long he had been
standing at the door, watching them. Sohui is the first to see the silhouette in the corner of the
bedroom and straightens up.

“Your Highness…” She salutes, inclining her head.

The selected all look back, certain they hadn't heard right.
“Ladies and gentlemen…” The prince greets, nodding to them. “I didn't mean to interrupt. I
have this feeling I just ruined something."

Jeongguk, Yejun, Areum, and Sohui look at each other and he's sure he's not the only one
thinking, No, Taehyung. You have achieved something wonderful.

“It's okay,” Jeongguk assures.

“Again, I’m sorry for interrupting, but I need to talk to Jeongguk. Alone,” Taehyung asks,
playing with his hands nervously.

Yejun lets out a sigh and stirs, looking back to wink at Jeongguk before standing up. Sohui
quickly rises to her feet and Areum follows her, squeezing Jeongguk's leg lightly before
jumping off the bed.

Sohui bows elegantly as he passes the prince, while Areum stops to straighten his lapel.
Yejun approaches him, stronger than Jeongguk has ever seen him, and whispers something in
his ear.

When the Three finishes, Taehyung grins timidly. "I don't think it will be necessary."

Jeongguk tries to hide his frown and curiosity by looking at them from the corner of his eye.

“I hope so,” Yejun leaves, closing the door behind him.

Jeongguk gets up, lazily adjusting the covers and pillows, preparing himself for what is to
come. "What was that?" He asks, trying to sound indifferent, nodding his head towards the
door.

"Huh?" Taehyung arches an eyebrow, opening his mouth in understanding when a lamp lights
up inside his brain. “Oh, that. Yejun wanted to clarify that if I hurt you, he would make me
cry,” he says with a smile.

Jeongguk laughs. “I can't believe him. I've already tried those nails. Lookout."

Taehyung giggles. "Yes, sir."

The purple-haired boy takes a deep breath and his smile fades. "So…?"

"What?"

"Are you going to accept it?"

Taehyung grins as he approaches Jeongguk, pulling him into his arms. Reluctantly, Jeongguk
lets himself be handled until his face hides in Taehyung's neck.

"Of course not. My dad might find that idea intriguing but I don't want to start over. I like my
imperfect selected,” he shrugs. Something in the way Taehyung speaks hints to Jeongguk that
he doesn't refer to the plural. It makes his heart beat again. The prince pulls away from the
embrace, placing his hands on Jeongguk's face to continue, “Besides, my father doesn't know
anything about Ki-tae, nor what the Swan rebels' goals are, or anything like that. His
solutions are hasty. Abandoning the boat now would be just that. Also,” Taehyung pauses,
looking pleased. "You should have seen the press."

"Why? What happened?" Jeongguk slightly tilts his head in question, moving his hands up
and down Taehyung's sides.

“Once again, they were completely impressed with you. I don't even think I can really
understand the country's climate right now; it's like they know things can be different. My
father rules this country the same way he rules me. He feels that no one else is capable of
making the right decisions, so he forces others to accept his opinions. And after reading
Yerin's diaries, it seems that things have been like this for a long time.” Taehyung shakes his
head, staring intently at Jeongguk. “But no one wants that anymore. People want a choice.
You terrify him, but he can't kick you out. People adore you, Jeongguk.”

The purple-haired boy swallows hard, searching for a hint of insincerity in the prince's
chocolate brown eyes. He doesn't find it. “They do?”

Taehyung nods. “And I… I feel the same way. And the choice is mine. So, no matter what
my father says or does, don't lose your hope. This is not over yet.”

Jeongguk is stunned by the news. The Selection will continue, he and the others still have an
opportunity and, according to Taehyung's speech, people are starting to accept him more and
more. The king, after all, doesn't have as much power as he thinks.

But despite the good news, there is one thing that still bothers him.

Jeongguk looks down, more concretely at his hands resting on Taehyung's chest, almost
afraid to ask. But the words slip from the back of his throat anyway, curious about the
answer. "Why did you never tell me about the son of the king of France?"

Taehyung is silent for a moment before grabbing Jeongguk's hand and gently pulling him to
the edge of the bed. Instead of allowing the purple-haired boy to sit beside him, Taehyung
guides Jeongguk's body until he sits on the prince's lap, arms around his neck, legs dangling
to one side, and their faces just inches apart.

“His name is Theodore. Before the Selection, he was the only guy I really knew."

“Okay… Hum… And…?” Jeongguk babbles nervously, playing with the buttons on
Taehyung's shirt.

The prince lets out a silent chuckle, shaking his head. “And, sometime later, I found that what
he felt for me went a little beyond friendship. But I didn't correspond. I could not."

“Was there something wrong with him or…?” Jeongguk asks, frowning without even
realizing it.

“Jeongguk, no,” Taehyung holds his chin, forcing the purple-haired boy to gaze at him.
“Theodore is my friend. He can never be more than that. I've spent my whole life waiting for
y- Waiting for all of you," he clears his throat, pausing for a couple of seconds.
"Romantically, my intentions with Theodore were always non-existent. I never even thought
to mention it and I'm sure my father only stated it with the intention to make you doubt
yourself once more."

Jeongguk bites his lower lip, frowning. The king is all too aware of his weaknesses and
Jeongguk continues to allow him to manage to destabilize him.

“I see you always do that, Jeongguk. You compare yourself to my mother, to the other Elite
members, to a version of yourself that you think you should be, and now, you were about to
do the same to a person whose existence you didn't know until my father mentioned it hours
ago." Taehyung's expression is filled with pain as if it genuinely hurts to see Jeongguk do
this.

It’s true. Jeongguk was already wondering if Theodore was more handsome than him, if he
had more elegance and skills to be Taehyung's partner since he comes from a royal family
too, if he was more intelligent, or if he pronounced Taehyung's name with an accent
ridiculously seductive.

“Jeongguk…” Taehyung catches his attention, turning his face. “If he had been important to
me, I would have told you. I've told you this countless times but I don't mind repeating it
until you get it into your stubborn head of yours. Nobody has ever been so special to me and
made me feel that way as you do. Nobody."

Taehyung's sincere eyes don't leave Jeongguk's for a single second and his stomach twists.
Here he is, the prince of Euphoréa, with Jeongguk's heart in his hands. He is able to forget
everything around them when Taehyung stares at him like this.

Jeongguk lunges forward and grips Taehyung's neck tightly, hugging him in fear that the
prince will evaporate and leave Jeongguk alone.

There is no place in the world where Jeongguk wants to be more than in those comforting
arms, let alone exists someone who makes him feel as special as Taehyung does. He hopes
Taehyung knows that.

Yejun becomes the leader of their new brotherhood. It was his idea to take all their servants
and some large mirrors to the Leisure Hall and spend the day changing each other's looks.
There's no real reason for that, as none of them can do a better job than the palace staff, but
it's still fun.

Areum slides her fingertips over Jeongguk's purple hair. "Have you ever thought about being
blonde?"
“Sometimes,” Jeongguk admits, as she smooths the strands over his eyes. “But it takes a lot
of work to touch up the tone and prevent it from turning orange. And it's more expensive too.
I've never told anyone other than my family, but I found a purple hair dye with a giant
promotion and that's why I took the risk of painting it. When my sister Ha-rin saw me for the
first time, she laughed so hard and thought I was camouflaged as a flower. My family took
some getting used to it but now they love it. Just like me," Jeongguk grins. “Before, my hair
was just a boring black.”

"Oh, really?" Areum smiles, curious about the story. “But I think you'd look cute. I can dye
your hair if you want.”

“That,” Yejun interjects. “Let her get close to your face with some yellow paint, Jeongguk.
Great idea."

The selected all burst into laughter and Jeongguk also notices a slight chuckle at the other end
of the room. Jeongguk travels his eyes in that direction and sees the queen pursing her lips as
she tries to concentrate on the document in her hand. Jeongguk had been worried that the
female monarch would find it all a little inappropriate, but honestly, he can't remember ever
seeing her so amusing and happy.

“We should take some pictures!” Sohui proposes, her lips painted in a vibrant shade of red
that Yejun has chosen as her lipstick for the day.

"Does anyone have a camera?" The Three asks. "I'm a professional in this matter."

"Taehyung has it!" Jeongguk exclaims excitedly.

Areum calls a maid with an encouraging wave. "Please, come here."

“Let's see,” Jeongguk begins, grabbing a piece of paper. “Now, «Your Highness, the members
of the Elite immediately demand the least sophisticated of your cameras for…»”

Areum laughs, while Yejun shakes his head with an amused smile on his lips.

“Oh! For a study in selected diplomacy,” Sohui adds.

"Does that really exist?" Areum scoffs.

Yejun tosses his hair back with one hand. "Does it matter?"

Maybe twenty minutes later, Taehyung knocks on the door of the Leisure Hall and peeks
through a crack. "Can I come in?"

Areum runs to him. "No. We just want the camera. Goodbye!" She snatches the device out of
the prince's hand and slams the door in his face.

Yejun falls to the ground, laughing, and it doesn't take long for Jeongguk and Sohui to join
him.
"What are you doing in there?" Taehyung yells on the other side, but from his tone of voice,
the prince is also amused. But the selected are too busy squirming with laughter to respond.

There is no lack of poses behind the plants, thousands of kisses or peace signs in the air, and
Yejun teaching them all to «find the light». Jeongguk wonders what the memory capacity of
Taehyung's camera is because the selected must have taken hundreds of photographs already.

As Areum and Sohui lie down on the sofa, their breaths quickening with laughter, and Yejun
perches on top of them to view the photographs directly from the camera, Jeongguk looks
back and sees a satisfied grin on the queen's lips. It seems unfair that she can't be part of it.
So, he grabs one of the hairbrushes and approaches her.

“Oh, Mr. Jeongguk,” queen Yuna salutes.

"Can I brush your hair, Your Highness?"

Various emotions cross her face, mainly surprise and contentment, but she nods with her head
anyway, and emotional, she responds, "Of course."

Jeongguk goes behind the pink armchair where the queen is sitting, picking up a few strands
of her beautiful, smooth hair. He gently slides the brush as he watches the others selected
laugh at the photographs they've taken.

"I'm so happy to see you guys getting along so well," the queen comments, and Jeongguk,
despite not having a great view of her face, just knows she's smiling.

"Me too. I learned to like them a lot,” Jeongguk confesses. They stay silent for a moment, the
purple-haired boy gathering the courage to utter the words that have been inside him for a
few days. “I wanted to apologize for the day of the Condemnation. I know I shouldn't have
done that. But…"

"I know, my dear. You had explained everything to me before. It's a difficult task, I'm aware
of that,” the queen sighs. "And you were all unlucky with the group that was chosen for you."

Jeongguk then realizes how oblivious she is to the situation. Or perhaps, the queen decides to
simply believe at all costs in her husband's good qualities.

As if she had read Jeongguk's thoughts, she adds, “I know you think Bon-hwa is severe, but
he's a good man. You have no idea how difficult it is to be in his shoes. We all have different
ways of dealing with pressure. My husband loses his mind sometimes. I need a lot of rest.
And well, Taehyung plays with the situation.”

"He does that, doesn't he?" Jeongguk smiles.

"The question is, how would you handle the pressure?" She turns her head slightly to face
Jeongguk. “I think your passion is one of your best qualities. If you can learn to control it and
use it intelligently and thoughtfully, you can be a wonderful prince.”

“I'm sorry I disappointed you,” Jeongguk whispers.

“No, no, dear,” the queen turns to the front again, allowing Jeongguk to continue brushing
her hair. “I see potential in you. As you might know, I worked in a veterinary clinic as an
assistant when I was a little younger than you. I know I don't come from such a low caste, but
I was constantly tired, hungry, and sometimes angry, but I had an irreducible crush on the
prince of Euphoréa, and when I had the opportunity to conquer him, I learned to control these
feelings. There is still a lot to be done, but things may not go always as you wish for. You
have to learn to accept that, okay?”

“Yes, mom,” Jeongguk quips, trying to lighten the mood. The queen looks back and her
expression seems completely petrified. Great, Jeongguk. Talking before thinking again. He
tries to remedy the situation by smiling sheepishly and stammering, "I mean, Your Highness."

Her eyes start to sparkle and she blinks a few times, before turning back around again,
slightly shaky. "If it all ends up as I suspect it will, mom is fine."

It's Jeongguk's turn to hold back his tears. It's not that he's ever going to replace his mother,
of course not, but he feels special to be accepted, with all his faults, by the mother of the man
Jeongguk is madly in love with.

Yejun turns on the couch just then, sees them, and runs closer. “You two look so cute! Smile.”

Jeongguk leans forward and hesitantly puts his arms around queen Yuna. He's afraid he's
being too bold, but when the woman lifts her hands to grab Jeongguk’s, he grins happily.

After that, the selected take turns all around her until they finally get the queen to make a
funny expression for the camera. The servants help by taking some photographs for them so
that everyone can appear together.

In the end, Jeongguk concludes without any doubt that this was, by far, the happiest day he
had at the palace. Maybe it's the magic of Christmas that's just around the corner.

His servants are fixing his hair, after Sohui's terrible attempt to braid Jeongguk’s purple
locks, when someone knocks on the door.

Yumi runs to see who it is and a guard, whose name Jeongguk doesn't know, enters the room.
He quickly remembers seeing him several times, often beside the king. Seokjin, Yumi, and
Nabi all bow to him confused, and Jeongguk feels very nervous when the soldier stops in
front of him.

“Mr. Jeon, the king immediately demands your presence,” he says coldly.

"Is there a problem?" Jeongguk asks, trying to buy some time.

"The king will answer your questions."

Jeongguk swallows hard. Several horrible hypotheses run through his mind. The Whale
rebels attacked his family. The king had found a way to discreetly punish him for every time
Jeongguk had upset him. He found out that Jeongguk and Taehyung had left the palace to
find Ki-tae. Or, perhaps worst of all, he will forbid Taehyung and Jeongguk to be together
once and for all.

Jeongguk tries to drive away from that. He doesn't want to show any fear in front of king
Bon-hwa. He doesn’t want to give the monarch that satisfaction, however difficult it is to
control.

“I will accompany you, then,” Jeongguk nods, rising and following the guard, not before
looking one last time at his servants. When he sees the worry on their faces, Jeongguk regrets
having done it.

The two cross the corridor in eerie silence and climb the stairs to the third floor. Jeongguk
doesn't know what to do with his hands and keeps touching his hair, or his beige knit sweater,
and weaves his fingers together.

When they’re about halfway down the hall, Jeongguk sees Taehyung, which reassures him.
The prince is standing at the front of a room, probably waiting for Jeongguk. It doesn't seem
to exist concern in his face and eyes, but Taehyung manages to hide his fears better than
Jeongguk.

"What’s happening?" The purple-haired boy whispers.

"I know as much as you do."

The soldier takes his post outside the room and Jeongguk enters, accompanied by Taehyung.
In that wide space, there is a wall covered with shelves full of books and also several maps
on easels. At least three of them are from Euphoréa and are marked with pins of various
colors. Jeongguk remembers that space where Taehyung took him a couple of months ago to
show him Yerin's diaries. However, this room is more spacious.

Sitting at a huge, pine desk, the king holds a piece of paper in his hand. As soon as he sees
Jeongguk and Taehyung enter, he straightens up.

"What exactly did you do to the Portuguese princess?" King Bon-hwa demands to know,
fixing his eyes on Jeongguk.

He feels himself freezing. Fuck. The money! Jeongguk had forgotten about that. Conspiring
to sell weapons to people the king considers enemies is worse than any of the other scenarios
Jeongguk had prepared for.

“I don't know what you’re talking about,” Jeongguk lies, glancing sideways at Taehyung,
who remains calm despite knowing everything.

“We have been trying to establish an alliance with the Portuguese for decades and, suddenly,
the royal family is very interested in having a visit from us. However…” The king pauses,
picking up the letter and searching for a particular passage. “Oh. Here it is: «While it is a
great honor to have a visit from Your Majesty and your family, we hope that Mr. Jeongguk
will also be able to accompany you. After meeting the entire Elite, we are unable to imagine
anyone who would follow the example of what a prince and future king should be like him».”
The king faces Jeongguk again, his brows furrowed. "What did you do?"

Realizing he's escaped a huge problem, Jeongguk relaxes a bit, trying not to look too relieved
to not create suspicion. “All I did was try to be polite to princess Leonor, her parents, and the
other Portuguese guests. I didn't know she liked me that much," he lies again.

King Bon-hwa frowns in exasperation. “You’re subversive. I've been watching you and
you're here for a reason. And I'm sure it's not because of my son.”

How is the king able to say that?! Taehyung turns to Jeongguk upon hearing these words.
Jeongguk would like to not notice the glimmer of doubt in the prince's eyes.

Jeongguk shakes his head, frustrated at what the king is implying. "That is not true!"

“So, how do you explain the fact that a boy with no money, no contacts, and no power can
put this country on the brink of something we've been trying to achieve for years? How?"

Deep down, Jeongguk knows that there are factors in this situation that the king ignores. But
it was princess Leonor herself who had offered him help, who had asked him if there was
anything he could do for a cause she wanted to support. If the king had accused him of
something that was, in fact, Jeongguk's fault, the monarch's exalted tone would have been
frightening. However, in this case, the king looks more like a cranky child instead.

Jeongguk responds as calmly as possible, “It was the palace that asked us to receive the
foreign guests. Otherwise, I would never have met the Portuguese. And it was princess
Leonor who wrote, inviting me to visit her. I didn't ask for a trip to Portugal. If Your
Highness were more sympathetic, perhaps you would have achieved an alliance with
Portugal years ago.”

The king rises impetuously, slamming his palms on the desk. "Be. Careful. How. You. Speak.
With. Me."

In a protective gesture, Taehyung puts his arm around the purple-haired boy's waist. "Perhaps
you should leave, Jeongguk."

He nods, eager and relieved to walk away from the older man. But that is not what King Bon-
hwa apparently wants.

"Stop. There's more,” he insists. “This changes everything. We can't restart the Selection and
run the risk of displeasing the Portuguese. They’re quite influential. If we manage to ally
ourselves with them, several doors will open for us.”

Taehyung nods, not worried. He has already made the decision to keep the selected in the
palace, but they must continue to pretend and let the king think he has all control.
“We simply have to prolong the contest,” the king concludes, causing Jeongguk's heart to
sink. “We have to give the Portuguese time to see the other options as viable, without
offending them. Maybe we should schedule a trip to Portugal soon and give all the selected
an opportunity to shine.”

The king seems quite pleased with himself, very proud of his solution. Jeongguk wonders
how far he is able to go. Perhaps, this trip would make Yejun, Areum, and Sohui stand out.
Jeongguk doesn’t doubt that the king can deliberately try to make the purple-haired boy look
bad, just like he did in the Condemnation. If the king takes all the measures in his power
without openly incriminating himself, Jeongguk is sure he won't stand a chance.

Also, leaving aside the political part, more time in the Selection means more opportunities for
Jeongguk to be embarrassed. And, worst of all, it will take more time for him and Taehyung
to be together if that's what the prince ends up choosing.

“Dad, I don't know if that would help,” Taehyung intervenes. “The Portuguese guests already
met all the selected at the reception we held at the palace. If they show a preference for
Jeongguk, it's because they saw something they like about him that they didn't find in the
others. You can't manufacture that.”

The king stares hard at Taehyung, with venom in his eyes. “Are you, then, declaring your
choice right now? Is the Selection over?”

Jeongguk's heart stops beating. Taehyung doesn't respond, clearly struggling internally. In
fact, the prince seems to be having a silent conversation with his father, just looking at the
king.

Before Taehyung can say anything and calm or break Jeongguk's heart with his response,
king Bon-hwa adds, “He still needs to prove he's trustworthy. Until that happens, I will not
allow you to choose him.” The king's expression is unyielding.

"What? I'm the one who determines whether Jeongguk is worthy of my trust or not,”
Taehyung counters.

"Taehyung." The king speaks the prince's name in a warning tone.

He sighs. “How do you expect Jeongguk to do that then? What exactly do you need to be
satisfied?"

The king raises his eyebrows, apparently amused by his son's questions. After a brief
reflection, the monarch takes a small beige swipe from a desk drawer. “Even if we ignore his
latest trick in the Official News, there seems to be some discontent among the castes lately. I
have been trying to find a way to appease those current opinions and it has occurred to me
that someone, I dare say, as popular as Mr. Jeon is capable of doing better than me at this
task.” Pushing the folder towards Jeongguk, he continues. “I've been thinking about making
some public announcements, taking advantage of the presence of the selected. Perhaps,
Jeongguk, you can make yours by singing one of my songs. There's nothing better to
entertain people than a good song and a familiar face.”
Jeongguk opens the folder suspiciously and reads the documents. "What is this?"

“We obviously know the composition of the castes in each province and all the communities
within them, so we will send out specific advertisements for each zone. To encourage them,”
the king explains vaguely.

Jeongguk lets his eyes travel over the papers, feeling his mind working a mile a minute.

"What is it, Jeongguk?" The prince asks, confused by his father's explanation.

“Looks like… Publicity…” Jeongguk responds, completely baffled. "Advertising for people
to feel happy in their castes and not maintain relationships with those who belong to others."

"Dad, what does this mean?" Taehyung faces the king, also surprised.

The monarch leans back in his chair, relaxed. "Nothing important. I'm just trying to stifle the
discontent. If I don't do that, you will have to deal with a rebellion when the crown is handed
to you.”

"What do you mean?" Taehyung frowns.

“The lower castes tend to get stirred up from time to time. It's natural, especially when there
are so many rebels trying to influence them. Therefore, we have to subdue the anger and
quickly crush the ideas of usurpation of power, before they unite and destroy our great
nation,” the king explains as easily as if he were talking about the meal he had eaten for
lunch.

Taehyung stares at his father, still not fully understanding his words. If Namjoon hadn't told
Jeongguk about the rebel supporters, he wouldn't have understood either. The king plans to
divide and conquer: he wants to make the castes feel incredibly grateful for what they have,
yet are treated as if they’re worthless, regardless of whether they are from lower or rich
levels. This prevents people from joining the ones from different castes, as they would never
understand the problems of those who are not like them, thus, controlling the congregations.

“This is propaganda,” Jeongguk states, remembering the word he had read in the old History
book in his parents' bedroom.

The king tries to calm him down. "No, no. It's a suggestion. A backup plan. A way for people
to look at the world that will keep our country happy.”

"Happy?" Jeongguk scoffs. “So you want me to tell a Seven that…” Jeongguk searches the
paper for the words. “'Your task is perhaps the most important in our nation. You work, using
your body, to erect the buildings and roads that make up our country and cultivate the food
that warms our stomachs.” Jeongguk seeks another specific phrase. "'No Two or Three could
match your talent; therefore, ignore them on the street. It’s not necessary to address those
who may be your superiors in the order of castes, but who are your inferiors in the
contribution they make to the country."
Taehyung turns to his father, perplexed. "This will definitely turn people away from each
other."

"On the contrary. It will help keep them in their place and make them feel that the palace
always acts in their best interests,” the king shrugs.

"And you think the palace really does that?" Jeongguk fires accusingly.

"Of course!" The king screams. His explosion makes Jeongguk take a few steps back.
“People have to be led by the halter, with eye patches, just like horses. If we don't guide their
steps, they disperse and act in exactly the worst way for themselves. You may not like these
speeches, but they will do more, save more, than you think.”

Jeongguk's heart is still trying to calm down when the king has finished speaking and he
remains standing there silently, papers in hand. Jeongguk knows the king is worried.
Whenever he receives a report about some event beyond his control, the king crumples the
paper angrily. For him, all changes are the same thing. The king considers them betrayals
even before he knows what they are about. His solution, right now, is to make Jeongguk do
what Yerin Euphoréa had done: isolate people.

“I can't say this,” Jeongguk refuses in a mutter.

The king calmly replies, "Then, you can’t marry my son."

"Dad!"

King Bon-hwa raises his hand. “We've reached the limit, Taehyung. I let you do everything as
you wanted, but now we have to negotiate. If you want this boy to stay, he has to be obedient
for once. If he isn't capable of performing a task as simple as this, I can only conclude that he
doesn't love you. If that's the case, I don't understand how you can want him.”

Jeongguk stares at the king with hate for him putting that preposterous idea in Taehyung's
head. He can be so manipulative!

“Do you love him, Mr. Jeongguk? Do you love Taehyung after all?” The king asks with
boredom.

No. That's not how Jeongguk will say it. Not as an ultimatum, not in a negotiation. Taehyung
deserves more than this.

The king bows his head, hiding his victorious smile. “How sad, Taehyung. He needs to think
about it.”

Don’t Cry. Don't give in. Don’t Cry. Don't give in. Don’t Cry. Don't give in.

The king sighs. “I'll give you some time to decide your position. But if you don't, damn the
rules, because I'll kick you out myself on Christmas Day. It will be a nice gift for your
family.”

Three days.
The monarch smiles, even showing his teeth. Jeongguk puts the folder down on the table and
leaves the room, making an effort not to run. He doesn't need to give the king any more
reason to point out his faults.

"Jeongguk!" Taehyung yells, walking after him. "Stop!" The purple-haired boy continues to
walk until the prince grabs him firmly by the wrist, forcing him to halt. "What the hell was
that?!"

"He's crazy!" Jeongguk exclaims in exasperation. He is on the verge of tears but holds back.
If the king decides to leave the room as well and sees him like that, Jeongguk won't be able to
live with it.

Taehyung shakes his head. “I don't mean him, but you instead. Why didn't you agree to do
that?”

Jeongguk looks at him, stunned. “Can't you see, Taehyung? It's a trick! Everything he does is
a dirty trick.”

“If you had agreed, I would have ended all of this, right now,” Taehyung gazes at him with
sadness and disappointment mirrored in his eyes.

In disbelief, Jeongguk retorts, “And why the hell do you need me to do false advertising to
end the Selection? How is it my fault?"

“Because,” Taehyung takes a deep breath, and his entire expression is urgent. “You deny me
your love. It's the one thing I've always wanted during this whole damn competition and you
keep holding back. I'm always waiting for you to say it, but nothing. If you couldn't say it out
loud in front of my dad, that's totally okay. I would never crucify you for that. But all you had
to do was agree and that would have been proof enough for me.”

“And why would I do that when, even though we've come this far, your father can still send
me home? When I'm humiliated over and over and you just watch? This is not love,
Taehyung. You don't even know what love is!"

The prince scoffs, stepping back as if Jeongguk's words physically hurt him, hitting him in
the chest like a sharp arrow. “I don't know what love is, my ass! Do you have any idea what
I've been through-”

“Taehyung, you're the one who said you didn't want to argue anymore,” Jeongguk takes a
deep breath, trying to act, for the first time, without being impulsive. "So stop giving me
reasons to fight with you."

Jeongguk backs away, trying to control his anger. Even though he, deep down, knows he's
being unfair, he can't ignore the voices that whisper in his mind, What are you still doing
here? Jeongguk is constantly tortured by someone who only allows himself to love with the
permission of his father, mother, and counselors. And Jeongguk could even understand that
because the whole notion of love for Taehyung revolves around the Selection and the opinion
of these people.
The purple-haired boy is almost at the stairs when he is pulled again. Taehyung holds him
tightly, both hands squeezing Jeongguk's arms. The prince can certainly notice that Jeongguk
is still furious, but in those few seconds that Taehyung stares at him, with eyes full of
suffering, the purple-haired boy's attitude changes completely.

“I'm not him,” Taehyung mutters, closing his eyes tightly.

"What?" Jeongguk asks with a frown, trying to free himself. He can't think rationally with
Taehyung so close to him.

“I'm not him, do you understand? I’m not my father. I'm not like him,” Taehyung repeats,
more to himself than to Jeongguk. The purple-haired boy stops moving, standing there
paralyzed instead, absorbing the prince's words. “I’m not him, Jeongguk. I will not give up
on you. I have no intention of that.”

Jeongguk sighs, shaking his head. “I know you're not him, Tae. I know that. But even so,
after all this time, I still feel like there's an abysm between us,” he confesses, glaring at the
prince. Taehyung seems to be on the verge of tears. “The Selection forced you to deliver your
affection in pieces. I feel like I will never have you completely. None of us will.”

This time, when Jeongguk squirms to free himself, Taehyung doesn't stop him.

Jeongguk doesn't remember much of the Official News. He sits in his place, thinking every
second that he is getting closer and closer to being sent home until he suddenly realizes that
staying wouldn't be much better. If he relents and reads those horrible messages, the king will
win. And maybe Taehyung loves him, that's not what it's about, but why does the prince need
the king's permission to say it? How is this fair to Jeongguk?

He is furious with Taehyung, furious with his father, and furious with the Selection and
everything this contest entails. An immense frustration swells in Jeongguk's chest to the point
where nothing makes sense. He wants, more than anything, to be able to talk to the others
selected about what is going on.

But that’s not possible. It wouldn’t improve Jeongguk's situation at all and would only make
theirs worse. It wouldn’t be fair. Sooner or later, Jeongguk will have to face his worries alone.
The clock continues to move.

Tic tac. Tic tac. Tic tac.

Jeongguk shifts his gaze to the left, taking in the rest of the Elite. He realizes that whoever
stays at the end will have to face all this without the others. The pressure that the public will
put on them, demanding to be a part of their lives, as well as the excesses of the king, always
ready to use everyone around him as a tool to carry out his plans - all this will fall on the
shoulders of a single selected.

Hesitant but seeking comfort, Jeongguk reaches out until his fingertips touch Yejun's. As
soon as the Three senses it, he grabs Jeongguk's hand and looks at him worriedly. What’s
wrong? Yejun asks in a gesture and Jeongguk shrugs. The Three just hold his hand.

After a minute, Yejun also seems to get a little sad. As the men in suits chatter about the
country's news, he reaches out and takes Areum's hand. The latter holds it without hesitation
and takes only a moment to repeat the gesture, but with Sohui.

And here they are, in the background of the Official News, supporting each other. The
Perfectionist, the Darling, the Divo… And Jeongguk.

In the blink of an eye, those three days have passed and Christmas Eve invades Euphoréa's
palace.

Several relatives of the royal family had arrived in town, ready to celebrate Christmas in
style. Tonight, there will be a magnificent and majestic dinner accompanied by traditional
chants.

Usually, Christmas Eve is one of Jeongguk's favorite days, but this year he's too restless to
get excited. It's sad to be away from his family too, thinking of his mother's delicious dishes,
his father masquerading as Santa Claus, and his sisters beaming with the few but valuable
gifts they receive. Jeongguk works like crazy in the weeks before the festive season, but it's
always worth seeing the youthful, happy smile on their faces. It's probably the only time of
year the Jeons allow them to push through poverty and have a decent, warm meal. He hopes
with all his heart that his house is full of smiles this year too.

Dressed up, they all have a fantastic dinner. The tables are full of traditional dishes such as
roasted turkeys, platters of potatoes, vegetables of all colors, and typical sweets and desserts.
No one can get out of there without rolling around but, strangely, Jeongguk can barely taste
the food.

The Great Hall is incredibly stunning. After the Condemnation, the space once again received
all the Christmas decorations and a few more, from garlands adorning the walls, red bows on
the backs of the chairs, candles and chandeliers decorating the tables along with jaw-
dropping flower arrangements, a giant pine tree that almost reaches the ceiling, and even
some reindeer made of crystal in one of the corners. It looks magical. Jeongguk thinks how
much his sisters would like to see this.

The exchange of gifts will only take place tomorrow morning, so after dinner, the guests have
fun by listening to the band and choir singing Christmas carols, clapping their hands, and
some even risking a few dance steps. He looks only a couple of times in Taehyung's
direction, and even though he's sad and uncomfortable with everything that's happened in the
last couple of days, he has to control the small and practically imperceptible smile that
threatens to invade his face when he sees the prince dancing with his younger cousins.

When the relatives of the royal family start to get happier because of the wine, Jeongguk
sneaks out of the Great Hall, as he's in no mood to pretend he's excited. By the end of the
night, Jeongguk must decide whether to make king Bon-hwa's ridiculous announcements or
to allow him to kick him out of the palace and send him back home. He needs to reflect and
the Christmas carols are not helping.

Back in his bedroom, Jeongguk dismisses his servants as politely as possible, claiming that
they too deserve to have fun and have a rest on Christmas Eve. He finally sits at his desk,
hands lost in his hair, thinking.

Jeongguk doesn't want to do that. He doesn't want to tell people to be satisfied and grateful
for what they have, not to fight for more. He doesn't want to discourage them from helping
each other. He doesn't want to rule out the possibility of something else, to be the face and the
voice of a campaign that preaches, «Be quiet. Let the king manage your life. It's the best you
can achieve».

But Jeongguk loves Taehyung. Can't he close his eyes, swallow his pride and sense of justice,
and do something for the man he loves for once?

But how much that would cost? Loving a person should not force us to do things that would
make us love ourselves less.

A second later, someone knocks on the door, causing Jeongguk's thoughts to evaporate.
Reluctantly, the purple-haired boy gets up to go open, fearing to find king Bon-hwa on the
other side, with cold eyes and spat words, coming to execute his ultimatum.

However, upon opening the door, Jeongguk runs into Taehyung instead. The prince stands
there, silent and still, staring at Jeongguk with sad eyes.

And all of Jeongguk's anger makes sense, he knows that. Jeongguk wants everything from
him and everything for him because he wants every bit of him. It’s exasperating that so many
people have a say in this, in their relationship: the selected, the king, the queen, the advisers,
the public, and even the rebels. They’re surrounded by countless conditions, opinions and
obligations, and Jeongguk hates Taehyung because he is the one who brings them all.

But that is a big, round and blatant lie, isn’t it?

Jeongguk could never hate Taehyung, even though the prince sometimes completely
exasperates him. Jeongguk loves Taehyung with all his being. The heart of the purple-haired
boy, mistreated so many times but cherished and adored so many more, belongs to the man in
front of him, forever.

He's about to accept making those horrible announcements, give in once and for all, and kick
his pride aside, when Taehyung silently extends his hand.
"Come with me?"

Taken aback, Jeongguk lets his gaze hover over Taehyung's outstretched fingers until he takes
a deep breath and lets his hand intertwine with the prince's.

"Okay."

Jeongguk closes the bedroom door behind him and follows the prince down the hall.

“You're right,” Taehyung begins. “I'm afraid to reveal myself completely to each one of you.
You see some parts, - most of them, I must say - Areum sees others and so on. And I do this
according to what seems to be best for each one. With you, I like to always come to you, to
your room. It's like stepping into your world a little, and if I do it often enough, I get to have
you completely. Does that makes sense?" He turns his head slightly, stealing a glance at
Jeongguk.

“A little bit,” Jeongguk replies as they climb the stairs, even though he still feels confused.

“But that's not fair. Nor suitable,” the prince sighs. “You explained to me once that these
bedrooms are ours, not yours. Anyway, I thought it was time to show you another part of my
world. In your case, maybe the last part. I don't think there's much left for you to find out
about me.”

"Huh?"

Taehyung nods as they stop in front of a third-floor door. "I'll show you my bedroom."

"What? Seriously?" Jeongguk arches both his eyebrows in surprise.

“Only Areum saw it and I showed it to her on impulse, to be honest. I don't regret it, but I
think I rushed things a bit. You know how reserved I am,” Taehyung looks sideways at him.

"Yeah, I know."

Taehyung grabs the doorknob. “I've wanted to share this with you for some time now and I
think it's finally the right occasion. It's nothing special, but it's mine. So… I don't know. I just
want you to see it.”

“Okay,” Jeongguk nods, curiosity pouring out of every pore.

It's obvious that Taehyung feels a little embarrassed as if maybe he has hinted to Jeongguk
that this is something more important than it really is, or maybe he's already regretting going
to show him. Jeongguk pushes this second hypothesis away.

Taehyung takes a deep breath and opens the door, indicating for Jeongguk to enter first.

It's huge, is the first thought that comes to Jeongguk's mind. Half of the walls are painted in a
pale blue while the other half are clad in light wood, of a kind Jeongguk doesn't know, and on
the back wall, there is a large fireplace waiting to be used.
The bathroom door is ajar and Jeongguk can see a rounded bathtub in gilded porcelain and a
floor richly decorated with shiny tiles. Taehyung has his own library and a table near the
fireplace, which seems better suited for dinner than for work. Jeongguk wonders how many
solitary meals the prince had there.

Near the doors, which open onto his private balcony, is a glass cabinet filled with perfectly
lined guns. Jeongguk wonders if Taehyung has ever used them or if they’re on display just for
the sake of it. The bed, also made of light wood, is huge, decorated with a couple of pillows
in shades of beige and grey. Jeongguk has the urge to touch it to see if it's as soft and
comfortable as it looks.

“Tae, a whole football team could fit in here,” Jeongguk quips.

“I already tried it once. It's not as comfortable as you think,” Taehyung says in a serious tone.

Jeongguk takes a couple of seconds to realize that the prince is making fun of him. The
purple-haired boy turns to slap him in the arm, glad to see him in a good mood at the same
time. It’s then that, looking beyond Taehyung's smiling face, Jeongguk sees the photographs.
Dozens and dozens of them. He takes a deep breath, taking in the gorgeous set behind them.

On the wall by the front door is a huge mural, big enough to cover the entire wall of
Jeongguk's and his sisters' room at his house in caste Seven. The pictures don't seem to have
any order, they’re just images placed on top of each other, for Taehyung to simply enjoy.

Jeongguk sees photographs that were surely taken by the prince, as they are of the palace, the
place where he had spent most of his life. Long shots of tapestries, angles of the ceiling,
which Taehyung had probably taken lying on the floor, and various images of the stunning
gardens. There are others, perhaps from places that Taehyung wants to know or that he had
already visited. Jeongguk sees an ocean so blue and clear that it seems impossible. There are
also a few bridges and a wall-like structure that seems to stretch for miles.

But on top of all that and what catches Jeongguk's most attention are the dozens of pictures of
him. There's the picture of the Selection application that his sister had chosen to use and the
one where he and Taehyung appear together, taken for some magazine, in the first few weeks
of the Selection. Jeongguk had never seen that image, nor the one in the Halloween article.
He remembers taking them, with Taehyung behind Jeongguk in his bedroom as they saw the
sketches of his mask, but now he can see it more clearly. Jeongguk is watching the drawings,
but Taehyung's gaze is locked on Jeongguk instead.

And then there are the photographs taken by Taehyung himself. The one where Jeongguk is
looking shocked when the king and queen of Japan visited the palace and Taehyung yelled at
him in the garden to smile. There's another where the purple-haired boy is sitting in the
Official News studio, laughing at Jimin. The prince must have been hiding behind the
spotlight, taking portraits while the selected were all relaxed. And there is also, among a big
amount of others, a picture of Jeongguk, at night, lying on the grass in the palace gardens,
gazing at the moon and stars.

The others selected are also there, even if in a visibly smaller amount. The finalists appear
more than the others, but still, he can see Mi-suk's eyes peeking out from under a landscape,
Jimin's blond hair hidden in a corner, or Woojin and Sun-mi’s smiles.

And although they’re pretty recent, there are also the pictures of Areum and Yejun in the
Leisure Hall, next to Sohui pretending to be passed out on the sofa, and Jeongguk with his
arms around the prince's mother.

“Tae…” Jeongguk whispers, traveling his eyes everywhere to absorb as much as possible.
"These are beautiful."

"Yeah? Do you like them?"

“I’m amazed. How many did you take?”

“Almost all, but some, like this one,” Taehyung says, pointing to one of the photographs used
in magazines. "I had to ask for them." The prince points to another image. “This one was
taken in Germany. I used to find it interesting, but now it just makes me sad.” The image
shows several chimneys, from what appear to be factory buildings, spewing smoke into the
sky.

"Where is this one?" Jeongguk points to another one, curious about the big, brick wall.

“It used to be the northern border of China. They used to call it the Great Wall. I heard it was
spectacular, but now it's practically destroyed. It crosses almost half of New Asia,” Taehyung
tells.

"Oh, wow! It looks incredible,” Jeongguk nods, mesmerized.

Taehyung puts his hands behind his back, shaking his body nervously. “I really wanted you to
like it,” he confesses shyly.

"And I do. I really like it. I want you to do something like that for me too,” Jeongguk
continues to stare at the photographs, trying to see one by one and, therefore, not being aware
of Taehyung's adoring gaze on him.

"Would you want that?"

"Yes!" Jeongguk exclaims excitedly. “Or teach me how to do it instead. I've lost count of how
many times I wanted to be able to record moments of my life and keep them like this. It's
difficult because I don't have the money to buy a camera. I have some crumpled photographs
of my family, but that's it. But this, Tae…" Jeongguk pauses, looking again at the mural.
"With this, I can understand you so much better now."

This is Taehyung’s essence. Jeongguk can distinguish what is permanent, such as his constant
confinement to the palace and his few trips, but some elements also change. The selected and
Jeongguk appear so much on the mural because they took over his world. Even as they leave
the palace, they haven't completely disappeared from Taehyung's life. Maybe they never will.

With that mural, Jeongguk gets a glimpse of the way Taehyung faces the world, people,
himself.
The purple-haired boy approaches and puts his arm behind the prince's back, wrapping
himself around him. Taehyung repeats the gesture with Jeongguk and the two remain there,
silent, for some time, contemplating all that while their bodies sigh in relief for finally
connecting again.

And then, it occurs to Jeongguk something that should have been obvious from the
beginning.

"Tae?"

"Hum?"

"If things were different, if you weren't a prince, and if you could choose your job, would you
choose this?" Jeongguk asks, nodding his chin at the mural.

“You mean, photography?”

"Yes."

Taehyung doesn't even blink. "No doubt. Artistic photos or even just family portraits. I would
take pictures for advertising too, whatever I could. I'm passionate about this. I think you can
see it.”

“I can,” Jeongguk responds smiling, happy to know that little bit of information about
Taehyung.

"Why do you ask?"

“It's just…” Jeongguk turns to him. “You would be a Five instead. And that's not far from
being a Seven.”

Taehyung grins, leaning his cheek against the top of Jeongguk's head. "That makes me
happy."

Jeongguk smiles back even though the prince can't see it. "Me too."

Suddenly, in a determined way, Taehyung pulls away to face Jeongguk, taking his hands.
Taehyung's pleading gaze makes Jeongguk's legs look like jelly. “Say it, Jeongguk. Please.
Say the three words I'm so desperate to hear, say you want to be mine.”

“I can't be yours with everyone else still here,” Jeongguk retorts.

"And I can't send them away without being sure of your feelings!"

“And I can't give you what you want, knowing that tomorrow you might be doing the same to
Areum,” Jeongguk lets his gaze drop down.

“Do what with Areum? She's already seen my bedroom, I told you. But it's not the same
thing-” Taehyung is interrupted.
“It's not that,” Jeongguk shakes his head. “Pulling her into your arms, making her feel like…”

"Like what…?" The prince whispers, after waiting a moment.

“That she's the only one who matters. She's crazy about you. She already told me. And I don't
think that's one-sided,” Jeongguk sadly accuses.

Taehyung sighs, searching for words. “I can't be a hypocrite and tell you she doesn't mean
anything to me. But it's not lo- But nothing compares to how I feel about you. Nothing,
Jeongguk.”

"How can I be so sure of that if you can't send her home?" Jeongguk challenges, staring
deeply into Taehyung's eyes.

A mischievous grin appears on the prince's face. Then, he leans in until his lips are pressed to
the purple-haired boy's ear. “I can think of some ways to show you how you make me feel,”
he whispers in that velvety timbre of voice of his, capable of ripping anyone's pants.

Jeongguk swallows hard, both scared and anxious for him to say more. Jeongguk's body
reacts before his mind and allows Taehyung to get closer until their bodies are pressed
together without a single remnant of distance. The prince's hand slowly slides down
Jeongguk's spine, finding support in the small of the purple-haired boy's back to pin
Jeongguk against him.

Taehyung's other hand holds Jeongguk's chin, pushing his face to the side to allow more
access to the prince's mouth. Jeongguk shivers as Taehyung slides his lips over his pulse,
reaching that oh-so-sensitive spot next to his ear. Taehyung's warm breath is so tempting it
makes Jeongguk close his eyes and swear he sees stars.

It's as if Jeongguk has forgotten how to move his legs and arms. He is completely paralyzed
in a wave of lust and pleasure, unable to hug or touch Taehyung, but the prince quickly
resolves that. Taehyung pushes him slowly until Jeongguk is leaning against the collection of
photographs, his chest rising and falling frantically.

“I want you, Jeongguk,” Taehyung whispers against his ear, nibbling the earlobe right away.
“I want you to be mine. And I want to give you everything.”

His hands tighten around Jeongguk's waist as his lips trail a path of slow kisses down the
purple-haired boy's face, stopping only when they reach the corner of his mouth.

“I want to give you things you don't even know you desire. I want…” The prince mutters, his
breath merging with Jeongguk's. The purple-haired boy tries to contain a moan, feeling his
skin crawl completely. "Desperately…"

There is a loud knock on the door.

Jeongguk is so lost in Taehyung's caresses, kisses, words, and scent that the sound is
disconcerting. The two turn to the door, still clinging to each other's bodies, but Taehyung
quickly brings his lips to Jeongguk's mouth again, giving him a couple of pecks.
"Don't move. I want to finish this conversation," Taehyung kisses him slowly as if the person
on the other side of the door can wait because Jeongguk's mouth is more important to the
prince. This thought alone makes the purple-haired boy's body almost catch on fire.

He nods slowly, still unsteady and overwhelmed with everything, and Taehyung walks away.
Jeongguk stands there, panting and oh, great, kind of horny. Jeongguk tells himself that this
might be a bad idea; let Taehyung kiss him until Jeongguk confesses.

But then, he thinks that if he has to give in, this is the best way. The two of them alone, in
their bubble of sincerity, lost in each other. He wants to say it.

Taehyung opens the door, keeping Jeongguk hidden from the visitor. He runs his hands
through his hair, trying to compose himself as the prince talks to the person on the other side
of the wall.

“I’m sorry to interrupt, Your Highness,” someone says. "We’re looking for Mr. Jeon and his
servants said he could be with Your Majesty."

Jeongguk wonders how Seokjin, Yumi and Nabi have guessed, but he thinks it's funny how
they’re so tuned with each other.

Taehyung gazes at Jeongguk, frowning, and then throws open the door to allow the soldier in.
The latter crosses the threshold and looks at Jeongguk as if inspecting him, trying to make
sure that this really is him. Once satisfied, the guard leans over to Taehyung and whispers
something in his ear with an impassive face.

But not the prince.

Taehyung's shoulders slump visibly and he raises his hand to his eyes, as if unable to deal
with the news he's just received.

"Are you okay? Did something happen?" Jeongguk asks, not wanting Taehyung to suffer
alone.

The prince turns to Jeongguk, his expression emotional. He is shaking violently and his eyes
are filled with tears. Whatever the guard has whispered in his ear is not good news, and it
makes Jeongguk instantly uneasy.

“Jeongguk… Oh my God… I…” Taehyung stutters, staring into space as if searching for the
best words to say.

Jeongguk shortens the distance between them, placing his now trembling hands on the
prince's face to support him. “What happened, Tae? You're making me worried.”

"I'm so sorry, Jeongguk," Taehyung closes his eyes as if it's extremely painful for him to face
Jeongguk right now. "I’m so, so sorry and I hate to have to give you this news.”

“Tae… Taehyung. Please, tell me,” Jeongguk pleads, feeling his eyes fill with tears as well.
 The prince lifts his face slightly, his expression lines contorted in pain and hurt. "Jeongguk…
Your father has passed away."

Jeongguk doesn't understand the words right away. In fact, he must have misunderstood, it's
the only explanation. Or else Taehyung is wrong. Or the guard who gave him the news.
Something in this story is wrong. It has to be.

However, when the first tear runs down Taehyung's face, Jeongguk just knows.

Jeongguk just knows that it's true.

And then, Taehyung's bedroom starts spinning faster and faster and Taehyung's expression
turns from desolate to anxious and worried instead.

The last thing Jeongguk feels is the prince's arms wrapping around him so Jeongguk doesn't
fall to the ground. After that? Only the darkness that only inconsolable pain can bring.

Chapter End Notes

my twitter
my curious cat
playlist
 nineteen
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes

XIX

“Father, you have to try to understand. He will obviously want to visit his family.”

“If he goes, it will only be for three days at the most. I don't like him, but the people do, not
to mention the Portuguese. His death would be very inconvenient.”

Jeongguk allows his heavy eyelids to open, blinking slowly until they get used to the dim
light that floods in what he recognizes to be his bedroom in the royal palace. He's in his bed,
but he's lying on the golden quilt instead. Out of the corner of his eye, Jeongguk notices
Yumi's presence, packing some clothes in a small suitcase.

And that's when Jeongguk remembers why his heart feels so crushed inside his chest.

His father died.

Jeongguk closes his eyes again, so tightly that his forehead makes countless lines of
expression, in an attempt to go back to sleep and escape this excruciating reality. However,
the arguing male voices distract him, sounding strangely muffled, and Jeongguk realizes it's
because they're outside his room.

"Three days?! That won't be enough. Jeongguk adored his father. He will want more time and
with good reason!” Taehyung argues.

There's something like a fist pounding against the wall and both Jeongguk and Yumi jump in
fright.

“Very well,” the king concedes, even though he sounds frustrated. "One week. And nothing
else."

"What if he decides not to come back?" Taehyung's voice comes out slightly strangled.
"Although the situation was not caused by the rebels, he might want to stay at home with his
mother and sisters."

“If he's stupid enough to want that, then let him stay. He had to give me an answer about
those ads, and if he doesn't want to do them, he can spare me and stay home.”

“He said he would do it,” Taehyung rushes to say, lying blatantly. "He told me earlier in the
evening."
“It was about time that boy did something right. As soon as he gets back, we'll put him in the
studio to record it. I want this resolved before New Year's,” the king's tone is one of irritation,
despite supposedly getting what he wanted.

There's a pause between them before Taehyung dares to add, "I want to go with Jeongguk."

"Don't even think about it!" King Bon-hwa screams.

“Why, dad? As far as I know, Jeongguk can be my future husband. How can I let him go
alone at what is surely one of the worst times in his life?” Taehyung yells in the same way.

"I don’t care about that! If he dies, that's one thing. If you die, Taehyung, it's a completely
different story. So, you’ll stay!”

This time, Jeongguk thinks the punch that hits the wall is from Taehyung.

“I’m not your property! Neither are they! I would like you, at least once, to look at me and
see a person, a son.”

The bedroom door bursts open, momentarily dazzling Jeongguk from the bright lights
coming from the hallway, and Taehyung walks in with one hand holding his crown and the
other sliding frustratingly through his straggly strands of hair.

Taehyung's face transforms in the millisecond that his eyes focus on the waking figure of
Jeongguk. Frustration and anger dissipate, giving way to empathy and concern instead.

“Oh, I’m sorry, my love,” Taehyung mumbles, coming over and sitting down on the bed,
leaning his back against the headboard and moving his arms as if he's not sure holding
Jeongguk at this moment is what the other wants or needs. “I didn't want to wake you up.
How are you feeling?”

"Is it true?" Jeongguk's voice is hoarse, probably from not speaking in a while and from the
shock that has formed a lump in his throat. “Is it true that… He…? My dad…?” Jeongguk
closes his eyes again, this time to try to contain the dam that has opened and threatens to
flood his face.

Taehyung puts his warm, trembling hand on Jeongguk's face, in a clear attempt to take all the
pain out of Jeongguk's body and transfer it to him instead. “It's true… He died,” the prince
whispers. With a pained face, Taehyung sighs and adds, “After we got the news and as soon
as I could, I ordered a doctor trusted by the royal family to go to caste Seven and check on
your father's situation. He confirmed what the other doctors at the hospital in your province
said. It was a heart problem.”

Jeongguk feels his lower lip tremble, a reaction that he is holding back at that very moment.
But Taehyung's teary gaze and his arms finally making the decision to hold on to Jeongguk
tight are enough for the first sob to escape, followed by many others.

"Why…?" Jeongguk moans in pain. “Why my dad…?”

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, my love,” Taehyung mumbles against the purple strands of his hair,
rocking him slowly from side to side as the prince's arms support him.

“I didn't even say goodbye,” Jeongguk lets out between a bitter sob, shaking his head in
disappointment at himself. "I didn’t…"

“Jeongguk, listen to me,” Taehyung says gently, holding his face so their eyes can meet.
“Your dad loved you. Unconditionally and with all of his being. I'm sure he was proud of
you. It's impossible not to be. Your dad would never blame you for that. Please, believe me.”

The purple-haired boy nods his head, barely able to make out the prince's face because of the
curtain of tears blocking his view.

Taehyung is right. In practically every conversation and exchange of letters that Jeongguk
had had with his father since he came to the palace, he had told Jeongguk how proud he was.
That's enough to calm his bloody heart slightly for now.

“Tomorrow, you will go home to the funeral,” Taehyung warns in a gentle tone, wiping
Jeongguk's tears as lovingly as possible. The purple-haired boy doesn't have the strength to
wipe the salty, hot drops off the prince's face though. “You need to sleep as best as you can
because it's going to be a couple of difficult and intense days. You will stay a week at caste
Seven with your family. My father is reluctant about this, but I will do anything to get you
more time.”

“Thank you,” Jeongguk sniffles.

“Your servants are making you some clothes for the funeral and will pack your bags with
everything you need,” Taehyung says, looking at Yumi, who keeps working in the corner of
the bedroom and nodding in agreement. “You can take one of them with you and a bunch of
guards. By the way…” The prince looks up at the open door as a tall, with shaved-haired and
expressive-eyed guard appears. “Soldier Bak, thank you for coming.”

Jeongguk is aware that the position he and the prince are in is anything but formal but he is
immensely grateful that Taehyung didn't flinch an inch when the guard appeared, holding
Jeongguk in a tangle of arms and legs on top of the bed.

“You don’t need to thank me, Your Highness,” soldier Bak bows. When the man rises again,
he turns to Jeongguk. “I’m so sorry for your loss, Mr. Jeon.”

The purple-haired boy nods slowly, managing to mumble, "Thank you."

“Due to the massive rebel activity, we’re all concerned for Jeongguk's safety,” Taehyung
begins, making his fingers slide up and down Jeongguk's arm. “We have already deployed a
group of local soldiers to his house and to the places he will pass in the next few days, in
addition to the palace-trained guards who are already there, of course. But given that
Jeongguk is actually staying at home, I think we should send more.”

“Of course, Your Highness,” the guard responds assertively.

“Do you know the area? You were a Seven too before becoming a royal guard, right?”
Taehyung tries to guarantee.

“Exactly, sir. I know the province of the caste Seven very well.”

"Excellent. Then, you will be the one who’ll command the group that will accompany Mr.
Jeon. Choose whoever you think is most suitable, between six to eight guards,” the prince
orders. Soldier Bak raises an eyebrow in surprise. “I know,” Taehyung agrees with a sigh.
“We’re tight at the moment, but I want Jeongguk to be as safe there as he is here, if not
more.”

"I'll take care of everything, sir."

"Great. He will also take a servant with him. Take care of them equally,” Taehyung asks
before turning to Jeongguk. He places a tender kiss on the purple-haired boy's forehead and
asks, "Do you already know who you want to take with you?"

Jeongguk is unable to think normally but a name escapes his mouth without even hesitating,
"Seokjin."

“Very well,” Taehyung nods. “Soldier Bak, you don't have much time. You’ll leave in the
morning.”

“I'll take care of everything, Your Majesty. See you tomorrow, Mr. Jeon,” the guard gives one
last bow before leaving the bedroom.

Yumi excuses herself to leave too, justifying that she is going to prepare a chamomile tea for
Jeongguk, and he and the prince remain alone in the room, hugging each other in the silence.

"I hate not being able to go with you," Taehyung confesses a few minutes later, leaning his
forehead against Jeongguk's temple. "I'm sorry. I really wanted to be there with you, hug you,
and support you."

“I know, Tae. I'm not mad, I promise. You're already supporting me a lot, don't doubt that,”
Jeongguk manages to reply back.

“Still,” the prince sighs sadly. “Promise me you'll be careful with yourself. I know it's a
sensitive time but I need to make sure you and your family are safe.”

“I will be careful. I promise,” Jeongguk closes his eyes, allowing himself to feel the heat
radiating from Taehyung's body, warming his utterly chilled soul.

"Thank you."

As is often the case between them, a feeling of peace envelops Jeongguk and Taehyung, even
though, at this moment, the purple-haired boy's life is turned upside down. Jeongguk's world
will never be the same again and a piece of it has been ripped off violently and without
warning. However, with Taehyung hugging him, the hurt of the loss is eased, giving
Jeongguk the assurance that, with the prince on his side, things will become a little bit easier.
Taehyung snuggles closer to Jeongguk, pulling the fluffy, white blanket from the foot of the
bed and covering Jeongguk with it. The purple-haired boy hears him inhale as if Taehyung is
going to say something, but then the prince gives up. A few seconds later, Taehyung does the
same again.

Finally, Taehyung places a long kiss against Jeongguk's cheek, muttering, “Take some rest. I
will be here by your side. Always. I won't let you go for a minute.”

And it's with the thought that Jeongguk will always have Taehyung to be his haven in the
worst moments of his life that the purple-haired boy allows tiredness to invade and take over
him, making him dream of a reality in where Jeongguk, Taehyung, his sisters, his mother, and
his father are eating a modest but happy meal on Christmas Day instead.

It's cold in caste Seven province, but Jeongguk wonders if part of the chill that makes him
shiver is due to the absence of the person with the warmest heart that Jeongguk is lucky
enough to call his father. Secretly, Jeongguk wants it to snow, but it doesn't. He immediately
feels guilty for wanting anything at all.

December 25th. Christmas day.

Jeongguk has spent the past few weeks imagining the special date in different ways. He had
thought that maybe he was at home, eliminated from the Selection. He and his family would
all be around their little tree, sad that Jeongguk wasn't the new prince right next to Taehyung,
but overjoyed that they were finally together. Jeongguk had also considered opening presents
under the palace's huge, majestic pine tree while he ate until he felt sick and laughed with the
others selected, any competition suspended for a day to celebrate. He even imagined kissing
Taehyung under the mistletoe, perhaps finally admitting how his heart belongs solely to the
prince.

Jeongguk had never imagined that he would be preparing to bury his father instead.

The purple-haired boy starts to see the crowd as the car with the tinted windows enters his
street. Everything looks the same since the last time Jeongguk was here: the brown brick
houses, the worn footballs but always ready to be kicked by a restless child's foot, the porches
with wooden steps that need to be fixed, the posts electricity without light bulbs, the
vegetable gardens waiting for spring to bear fruit and vegetables, the old ladies in front of the
market. However, at the same time, nothing feels the same.

Although people should be at home with their families, trying to enjoy the Christmas holiday
as best as possible given their conditions, they had preferred to gather outside in the cold.
Jeongguk realizes they’re there waiting to see him and he automatically feels bad. The crowd
points to the cars that are following in a line and there is even a television crew filming the
event.
The car pulls up in front of Jeongguk's house and the people who have gathered there begin
to applaud. Jeongguk cannot understand the apparent lack of sensitivity. On the one hand, he
is grateful for the people who took a little of their time to come to support him, but on the
other, do they not know why he is even back here? Didn't they think that, in this difficult
moment, Jeongguk and his family are just asking for a moment of peace and respect?

Jeongguk advances along the cracked and weed-strewn walkway, with Seokjin beside him
and six guards around them. He doubts the rebels will take any chances as well protected
they are.

“Mr. Jeongguk!” People shout.

“An autograph, please!” Someone screams, and the others join in the chorus.

Jeongguk continues walking, looking down. He is aware of the pitiful state his face is in, with
swollen eyes, prominent dark circles and the corners of his lips turned down. He couldn't care
less. For once, Jeongguk thinks he can afford to ignore them.

He looks up for just the tiniest moment, finding the Christmas lights hanging from the roof
that, apparently, had finally been fixed to keep the chill out. The fairy lights had been put in
by his father. Tears pool in his eyes at that.

Soldier Bak, who walks in front of the group, knocks on the door and waits. Another guard
Jeongguk doesn't recognize opens and talks to the soldier briefly before they're allowed to
come inside.

It's difficult to get everyone through the small entrance, but as soon as they reach the living
room, Jeongguk immediately senses that something is wrong. An emptiness, a missing puzzle
piece, an absence impossible to replace.

For a moment, the thought that this is no longer his home crosses Jeongguk's mind.

He tells himself he's crazy. Of course that's his house, it always will be. It’s the circumstances
of all this that aren’t normal. They’re all present but his father is gone, so it’s natural for
things to feel weird and incomplete.

And although Jeongguk's mother has a ragged apron on and his sisters are in pink pajamas,
Jeongguk is dressed for dinner at the royal palace: from his hair with gel, to a shiny black suit
perfectly aligned to his body. For an instant, Jeongguk feels out of place.

However, when Mun-hee, his younger sister, becomes aware of the presence of all those
people, she jumps up from the sofa where she was snuggled with the other two girls and runs
to hug Jeongguk, crying loudly against his chest. Jeongguk crouches down slightly until their
faces are at the same level and he embraces her, trying to confort the girl.

And it's at this moment that he remembers that the adaptation might seem strange, with his
father's absence and his habit of waking up in a royal palace filled with art and gold, but this
is the only place Jeongguk can be right now. He has to be with his family and be the support
they badly need.
“Ggukie…” Mun-hee sobs against his neck, soaking his shirt with her tears. “I miss
daddy…”

Jeongguk swallows the knot of pain that has settled in his throat, stroking the girl's hair. “Me
too, Mun-hee. Me too."

Ha-rin and Jae-hwa also push back the blankets and get up from the couch, throwing
themselves over Jeongguk and Mun-hee's bodies. Their mother, who was keeping busy and
distracted in the kitchen before Jeongguk arrived, abandons the dishcloth and wipes her tears
before hugging her children too, kissing the tops of each other's heads. Jeongguk's mother
looks terrible, with her hair tousled, maybe even in need of washing, swollen eyes, and a
hazy face. The entire Jeon family looks like that, actually.

But the comfort of their bodies, all embraced, softens everything as if each one of them were
a lifebuoy and were there to support the rest. His family has always flooded into this
complicity and affection, and it's nice to know that, now without their father present, it hasn't
ended. Maybe it was even redoubled instead. The tears that stream down their faces
symbolize how much they miss the pillar of the family, but they also represent the relief of
being together despite everything.

Soldier Back clears his throat. “Mrs. Jeon, my condolences on your loss.”

Jeongguk's mother offers him a tired smile. "Thank you."

"I'm sorry we're here under these circumstances, but with Mr. Jeon at home, we're going to
have to be very careful in terms of security," the guard says, with a touch of authority in his
voice. "We ask everyone to stay in this house. I know it will be tight, but it's only for a few
days. The guards have an apartment nearby, so we can easily take turns. We’ll try to
importune you as little as possible.”

"Thank you. Seriously. Thank you so much,” Jeongguk responds, bowing briefly to all the
soldiers scattered around the house. The purple-haired boy then turns to his servant, who has
kept to a side while the Jeon family embraced. “Seokjin…” He starts by muttering. “I would
like for you to stay close to us. You may have to sleep on the floor or with me because our
room only has two bunk beds, but I'd like for you to be close by.”

Seokjin straightens up, smiling gently. He puts an arm around Jeongguk's waist in a
professional but still full of friendship hug. "Of course. I wouldn't stay anywhere else,
Jeongguk.”

The next day passes in an absolute blur of black clothes, sobs, back pats, and hugs. Many
people Jeongguk had never seen and never even dreamed his father knew attended the
funeral. Morbidly, Jeongguk even wonders if any of them are there just because of him and
the Selection.

The local parish priest celebrates the memorial, but for security reasons, they ask the Jeon
family not to give any speeches. On the one hand, the purple-haired boy is grateful for that.
Jeongguk doesn't know if he could get past the first three words without breaking down in
tears anyway. He can barely keep his eyes open and watch the shiny, black coffin with a
wreath of red and white flowers being buried, let alone.

After that, there's also a reception, far more elaborate than anything Jeongguk and his family
could have expected. Although no one has told him, Jeongguk is sure it was an order from
Taehyung, and it's possible to see Jang-mi's and even Namjoon's touch in the space's
decoration so that everything was as easy and as beautiful as possible for the Jeon family.

He misses Taehyung, the arms that could keep him adrift in this difficult time, and he hates
the king a little more for having forbidden the prince to leave the royal palace to accompany
him.

Also for security reasons, the reception is short, but Jeongguk doesn't mind. He just wants to
let his father go as painlessly as possible.

“I don't know most of these people,” Jeongguk comments to Seokjin. The two are seated on a
small sofa in the chapel, in one of the corners of the space.

“They’re all from the region. The guards verified the identities of all of them. Maybe the
amount is a little higher than expected because of you, but it's hard for us to know everything
about the people we’re close to, even the ones we love the most.”

Jeongguk nods in agreement. It’s true. No matter how much we think we know a person a
hundred percent, there are always secrets, even if innocent ones, or acquaintances and
colleagues with whom people used to get along and we don't have that notion.

After the funeral, Jeongguk's family returns to their home and tries to lighten up a bit. There
are still some Christmas gifts to open, even if no one is in the mood for big celebrations.
Seokjin is in the living room with Mun-hee and Jae-hwa, combing their hair and braiding it
with glittering hairpins with pearls. Jeongguk is grateful that his servant has thought to bring
some little gifts, however insignificant they may seem, as a distraction to his sisters.

Ha-rin has always found refuge in stories that allow her to delve into another universe, which
is why, right now, she's sitting on the porch with a book in her hands. Even if the page has not
been moved to the next one for several minutes now.

The one really worrying Jeongguk is his mother. She remains isolated in the kitchen, making
cakes, soup, or cutting slices of goat cheese.

Now that Jeongguk has returned home for the first time after joining the Selection, he can see
the differences. Not only were some spots in the house fixed, like the hole in the roof and the
entrance door that creaked a lot, but now the fridge is full of vegetables, fruit, and even meat.
Jeongguk is happy to see that the monetary compensations from the contest were of great
help to his family.

The purple-haired boy approaches slowly, leaning his hip against the kitchen counter to
watch the woman. "Do you need help?"

His mother hurries to bring her hand to her face, trying as subtly as possible to wipe away the
tears that stain her cheeks. Jeongguk sees, of course.

"No, dear. It's all mostly done,” his mom replies, her voice choked and shaky.

Jeongguk's gaze travels absently over the food on the counter. "Are you doing dumplings?"

His mother nods, sniffling. "Yes. They were your father's favorites. I was rarely able to cook
them, but whenever we earned some extra money, I made sure of going to the market to buy
the ingredients to prepare them for him," the woman says with a sad, nostalgic smile on her
lips.

The love story between Jeongguk's parents is an authentic fairytale, even if they didn't grow
up in a royal palace. After all, it doesn't take a castle or the presence of a thousand servants
for someone to make our hearts feel like they belong to a prince or princess.

They met in high school and Jeongguk's mother approached his father first when she saw a
tall but thin boy shivering in the school recess. Despite being both of the caste Seven since
birth, Jeongguk's mother came from a not-so-poor family, not least because her sister and
brother already worked and helped to support the house.

So Jeongguk's mother approached his father that morning, wrapping a pink, worn but still
warm and fluffy scarf around his neck. His father had been embarrassed at the time, but not
by the color of the scarf. Far from it.

From then on, Jeongguk's father had begun to religiously wear the scarf around his neck,
even as winter parted and gave way to spring instead. Finding the gesture adorable,
Jeongguk's mother decided to try her luck, inviting his father to go and meet the chickens she
had in her house.

After that, it took little time for them to get married and have the first baby from their eyes:
Jeongguk. Their sisters followed, of course, and since then, the Jeon family, even without
many possessions and luxuries, has been the happiest in the entire world.

Until his father passed away.

Now, it's impossible not to see the lack of sparkle in his mother's eyes after one-half of her is
gone. That image alone is enough to make Jeongguk's heart break a little more.

“Wherever dad is,” Jeongguk begins. “I'm sure he's trying to eat the rest of the dumplings
stuffing with his finger like he used to do,” he tries to lighten her mood, smiling when he sees
her eyes getting some shine again.
His mother lets out a few laughs, however weak and hoarse. “I used to get so upset when he
did that. Afterward, there was no stuffing left for the dumplings because he had already eaten
it all," she pauses. "Now… Now I was able to prepare three bowls of stuffing just for him to
eat," his mother sighs sadly, looking at the spoon in her hands.

The corners of Jeongguk's mouth begin to turn down considerably as his mother's face twists
in pain, and she can't take it anymore, collapsing into a sob.

Jeongguk doesn't hesitate to shorten the space between them and trap her in his arms, trying
to somehow take all of the woman's suffering and transfer it to himself instead. In these
moments, even though his eyes are also watery and his chest is so tight he can barely breathe,
Jeongguk will never fail to put the people he loves first, temporarily pushing his own pain
aside.

“I know, mom. I know,” Jeongguk murmurs against her hair, cradling her lovingly from side
to side. "Life is so unfair."

“He still had so much to live on…” The woman sniffles against Jeongguk's neck. "I already
miss him like crazy."

“I know, mom. I know. We all do,” Jeongguk lets his cheek rest on top of the woman's head.
“And we all will miss him for eternity. It's impossible not to.”

The two remain in each other's arms for long, silent seconds, looking for the comfort that
only family can provide.

His mother turns her face away, wiping her tears now much calmer and looking at her son.
“Your dad was immensely proud of you. You know that, don't you?”

This time, it's Jeongguk who closes his eyes and lets a couple of ugly, sad sobs escape from
the back of his throat. “I… I couldn't say goodbye to him… I didn't… I haven't seen him for
weeks… All because I was in the Selection… I should be here… I should be here with you,
with him,” he stutters through his tears, wiping the snot that runs down his nose with the
palm of his hand.

“No, no, no,” his mother hurries to whisper, gripping him tightly but with gentle hands on his
face at the same time. “Don't you dare say such a thing. Things wouldn't be different if you
were here, do you understand, Jeongguk? It breaks my heart to see you say these things.”

"But-"

His mother interrupts him, placing a finger over his trembling lips. “There are no buts. It’s
the truth. Every day, your father wondered what you were doing, if you finally confessed
your love for prince Taehyung, or if you were doing something that would make us proud.
And he was the first to turn on the television to see you, you know?” The woman lets her
thumbs gently slide over Jeongguk's wet cheeks.

The purple-haired boy sends her a small smile. "Yeah?"

His mother nods. “His grin looking at you on television was indescribable. All of us feel that
way but the pride and contentment that your father swamped at seeing you and talking about
you were palpable. He may have passed away," the woman gulps, letting another couple of
silent tears escape her eyes. “But he died knowing that you and your sisters became and will
become the people he and I always aspired for you to be. Never forget that."

Jeongguk's heart allows itself to build again, piece by piece. It will never be as completely
intact as it once was, there will always be a space to fill, but the happy memories and the
thought that his father was proud of Jeongguk is enough for his lips to learn to smile again.

“I'm nothing without you, mom,” Jeongguk pulls her back into a hug, burying his nose in her
hair. "I will love you all forever."

“And so will we, Guggkie. So will we. And your father, wherever he is watching us, will love
us for all eternity too.”

Jeongguk smiles bittersweetly, leaning his forehead against the woman's. "I know."

Never had Jeongguk missed getting out of the house and getting some fresh air so much. He
understands the security measures, but being cooped up in that space filled with his father's
presence is still painful enough.

Every now and then, Jeongguk hears the floor creak and looks back, expecting to find his
father returning from the garage with oiled hands or with a tired but happy smile as he says,
"I arrived from work!". But the fact that Jeongguk knows this will never happen again doesn't
hurt so much when Jeongguk hears Mun-hee chuckle or smells the warm soup made by his
mother. The house seems full to him, even with the unmistakable absence of the other man,
and that's where Jeongguk tries to look for some comfort.

Jeongguk doesn’t think is essential for Seokjin to wear the uniform while the servant is at his
house, and after a small protest on Seokjin's part, Jeongguk manages to tuck him into some of
his old clothes. Since Jeongguk's mother's distraction is cooking and serving everyone, and
he himself adopted a more cozy, comfortable look to being at home (he missed his ripped
jeans and fluffy hoodies), Seokjin's main task is to play with Mun-hee and Jae-hwa, which
the servant happily does.

They’re all gathered in the small living room, each entertaining themselves in their own way.
Jeongguk has his head resting on Ha-rin's shoulder, who continues to immerse herself in her
story. They had never been able to buy books, using most of them from the municipal library,
but Jeongguk had asked Taehyung if he could borrow some from the palace library, just to
satisfy his sisters' pleasure. Seokjin, Mun-hee, and Jae-hwa are playing cards on the floor,
laughing each time they win a round.
It's almost like nothing has changed. But then, Jeongguk sees out of the corner of his eye the
royal palace guards in his uniform, protecting them, and that's when he remembers that, in
reality, nothing will ever be the same again. Never.

Jeongguk hears his mother sniffle before he sees her appear in the hallway. He lifts his head
from Ha-rin's shoulder and watches the woman approach them with a handful of white
envelopes.

“Seokjin, honey, can you take Jae-hwa and Mun-hee to the bedroom, please? I have
something to talk to Ha-rin and Jeongguk,” his mother asks, not raising her voice.

“Of course, ma'am,” the servant responds promptly, turning to Jeongguk's younger sisters.
"Let’s go, girls."

The two don't seem to be pleased with being excluded from whatever is going on, but they
decide not to argue, holding hands with Seokjin and following him towards the bedroom.

As soon as they leave the living room, his mother sits down on the sofa next to Jeongguk and
Ha-rin, taking a deep breath. “You know that your father's heart problem was something
genetic. I think he realized that he had little time left and wanted to be on the safe side
because about three years ago, he wrote these letters to all of you,” the woman looks at the
envelopes she is holding in her hands. “Your father made me promise that I would give them
to you in case anything happened to him. I have letters for Mun-hee and Jae-hwa too, but I
think they're still too young to read them. I didn't see any of them. They're for you, so… I
thought this would be a good time for you to read them.” Their mother straightens up on the
sofa, handing the envelope to each of them.

Jeongguk takes the letter, not sure if he wants to open it or not. His heart is beating at the
speed of light, for these will be his father's last words, the goodbye he thought he had missed.
The purple-haired boy runs his hand over his name on the envelope, imagining his father
writing it down. The man has made a kind of scribble at the end of Jeongguk's name and the
purple-haired boy grins, trying to guess why his father had done it and, at the same time, not
caring about it. Maybe his father knew that Jeongguk would need to smile.

But then Jeongguk looks at the envelope more closely. That little mark was clearly made
later. The ink on his name is already slightly faded while the one on the scribble is darker and
fresher than the rest. Jeongguk turns the envelope over, intrigued. It had been opened and
taped back together again.

His mother excuses herself to continue making dinner, walking towards the kitchen. He looks
at Ha-rin, who is engrossed in reading her note. She looks completely absorbed, which
proves that, before this moment, she didn't know about the letters either. Which can only
mean two things: his mother lied and had already read Jeongguk's letter, which he really
doubts, or his father had reopened the envelope sometime later.

This is enough for Jeongguk to decide that he has to know what his father had written to him.
He carefully pulls off the tape and opens the envelope. Inside is a letter on faded paper and
another short note, written on a still white paper. Jeongguk wants to start with the note,
curious about it, but he’s afraid of not understanding it without reading the letter first. He
unfolds it and begins to read his father's words with the late-afternoon sunlight streaming
through the window.

Jeongguk,

My sweet, sweet boy. It's hard for me to start writing this letter because I feel I have so many
things to say to you. Although I love all my children immensely alike, I cannot deny the
sparkle in my eyes and the special place that you hold in my heart. Mun-hee and Jae-hwa
rely more on your mother and Ha-rin is such an independent woman, so self-possessed. But
you, Jeongguk, you always turned to me. When you scratched your knees or kids from the
upper castes got in with you, it was always my arms you were looking for. It means a lot to
me as a parent to know that I'm your safe haven.

However, even if you didn't love me as much as you do, without any concern or restraint, I
would still feel incredibly proud of you. You're becoming a talented florist in your own right,
and your flower arrangements around the house are the most charming and reassuring image
in the world. I wish I could give you a better garden.

You’re good, Jeongguk. You would be surprised how rare being good is in this world. I’m not
saying that you’re perfect; having already dealt with some of your furies, I know this is far
from true! But you’re kind and you want things to be fair. You fight for your sisters to have
something better when you could just let it go. And I don't have enough words to thank you
for the unconditional help you've given us with your hard work and effort to keep our family
healthy and with a full stomach. Thank you. You’re a golden son, Jeongguk, and an even
much golden person.

You're good and I suspect you see things in this world that no one else sees, not even me. And
I wish I could tell you what I see.

As I wrote these letters to your sisters, I felt the need to instill some wisdom in them. I see in
them personality traits that can make each year more difficult if they don't make an effort to
combat life's difficulties. I don't feel that same need with you.

I feel you won't let the world push you into a life you don't want. But maybe I'm wrong; so let
me tell you this at least: fight, Jeongguk. Maybe you don't want to fight for the same things
most people want, like money and fame, but you should still fight. No matter what you want,
go after it with everything you have.

If you can do that, if you’re able to prevent and stop fear from making you take a second
option, I cannot ask you for anything more as a parent. Live your life. Be as happy as you
can, put aside the things that don't matter, and fight.

I love you, my sweet Jeongguk. So much that I can't find the words to express it. And I hope
you always feel it, even when I'm not around to tell you.

With love,
Dad

Jeongguk doesn't know at what point he started to cry, but it was difficult to finish the letter.
He wants so badly to be able to tell his father that he loves him in the same way, if not more.
And for a minute, Jeongguk can feel the tenderness of absolute acceptance.

His father always had the ability to make him feel better in any situation. Jeongguk will never
forget the wise advice and the important scolding his father made sure to instill in him
through the years. He grew up and will still grow up with his father's smile on his mind,
remembering the words of pride and acceptance that the older man always made sure of
saying regularly.

He looks up and notices that Ha-rin is crying too, as she tries to finish her letter. Looking
away, Jeongguk holds the note, hoping it isn't as touching as the letter. He's not sure he can
take it much more today.

Jeongguk,

I’m sorry. I’m sorry if I didn't tell you earlier. God knows I wanted to but your safety has
always been and will be more important to me. But now that you've joined the Selection, I've
seen and understood that you’re what we need.

Look at the North Star,

Your permanent guide.

The truth, honor and all that is right,

Will always be with you.

I love you,

Jeon Dang-yul ✵

Jeongguk is motionless for several minutes, trying to decipher this enigma. Tell him sooner?
Safety? What they need? And what does this poem even mean?

Slowly, his brain seems to be able to put some pieces of the puzzle together. He looks at his
father's signature, also with the same scribble at the end. And that's where he remembers the
way his father signed the letters he sent Jeongguk to the palace. The scribble is not, after all,
incoherent or random strokes. No. Now that Jeongguk takes a closer look with more detail,
the scribble turns into an eight-pointed star: a North Star.
And that's when everything inside him joins together, his brain sprouting several North Stars
in his mind.

The compass that Ki-tae takes everywhere has eight points. The embroidery on Min-ji's
denim jacket isn't a flower as Jeongguk thought it was, it's a star instead. The boy Areum had
sentenced in the Condemnation and Jeongguk had noticed had a tattoo of a snake on his neck:
the animal's skin wasn't the typical scales, but rather a strange and confusing pattern that
Jeongguk now recognizes as stars too.

Jeongguk feels like he's seen this specific star in countless places now that he thinks about it.
Maybe when he went to the market or even at the palace. Had this really been ahead of him
for years? In front of everyone?

That's how they identify with each other. North Stars refer, as the name implies, to the north
of the country, the place where the Swan rebels gather.

And Jeongguk's father was a Swan.

Astonished, Jeongguk rereads the note a couple more times.

His father was a rebel. A half-destroyed History book hidden in his bedroom, friends present
at his funeral that Jeongguk knew nothing about, his father's happiness and pride when
Jeongguk tried to change something he didn't consider fair for the country and the
disadvantaged people…

It all makes sense now and Jeongguk doesn't know what to make of this information.

Lost in his thoughts, the purple-haired boy carefully puts the letter and note back inside the
envelope, getting up from the sofa without even bothering to wipe his tears and heading to
the porch, not caring in the slightest about the cold. It's the only place he can go to get some
fresh air, even though a good pair of guards are on watch right in front of him.

What did his father say and do over the years to contribute to the Swans? Did he play an
important role? Even though the secret has been kept to this day, Jeongguk cannot deny the
current of pride knowing that his father, too, was actively involved in a wave of change.

Are all those people at his funeral that Jeongguk didn't know really rebels? Is it possible that
there are so many? Ki-tae and Min-ji had already said yes, that there are more Swans than
anyone can think of, but even so, it's still shocking.

Should Jeongguk tell this to Taehyung? Will the prince still want him if he learns that
Jeongguk's family has ties to the rebels? Apparently, some of the other Elite members are still
in the Selection because of their contacts. What if Jeongguk's contacts are a reason to drive
him away? It seems unlikely, especially now that they're so close to Ki-tae, but still.

Inevitably, Jeongguk thinks of Taehyung. He knows he misses the prince, but Jeongguk finds
himself thinking about the most trivial things like, what is Taehyung doing now? Working,
maybe. Or finding a way to get around it, in case it's those meetings he finds boring.
Jeongguk smiles as he thinks about it.
He hears hesitant footsteps behind him, closer and closer until they stop and give way to a
figure sitting beside him on the porch step. It's Ha-rin, her eyes red and puffy, but her face
now free of tears.

"Are you okay?" His sister questions in a whisper, her eyes searching Jeongguk's face.

The funny story is that, despite Ha-rin being eighteen and Jeongguk twenty-two, he always
felt an extremely complicit bond with the girl, as if they were twins. He loves the other two
girls with all his heart, but Jeongguk can't describe the deep bond he and Ha-rin share with
each other.

This is why Jeongguk shakes his head in denial and starts to cry, hiding his face contorted in
pain in his knees.

“I miss dad,” Jeongguk manages to mumble. "His letter was so..."

He doesn't know how to explain it. He doesn't know if he should explain.

“I know,” Ha-rin agrees when Jeongguk doesn't finish the sentence. “It was difficult to read
all those words. But, on one hand, I'm happy. I know I have this letter to read whenever I'm
having a hard day and need some support that only dad could give me.”

“Yes, you're right about that,” Jeongguk sniffs, resting his chin on his knees. "We’ll always
have a piece of dad with us."

“Always,” Ha-rin agrees, falling silent after a while.

Ha-rin's words answer the question he is so afraid to ask. No one else seems to know that his
father was a Swan rebel. Only Jeongguk knows that. He still ponders telling his sister, maybe
even his mother, but if his father kept it a secret until now, for some reason it was. By the
way, the word safety pops into Jeongguk's mind, which is why he decides to keep this secret
to himself, at least for now.

When only the sound of birds chattering and the wind whistling is heard for long minutes, the
girl moves closer to Jeongguk, putting an arm around his shoulders before tilting her head
until it touches Jeongguk's.

“Can we talk about something else? I don't know if I can stand crying anymore,” Ha-rin asks
in a pleading tone, then sighs.

“Of course,” Jeongguk relents, himself thirsty for some distraction too. It's too much to
process.

“So… The Selection…” His sister begins, a smile, albeit small, teasing on her lips.

Jeongguk rolls his eyes, sneering in amusement. "Of course you would want to talk about
Taehyung."

"What's the problem? It's impossible not to want to talk about it! You should see the way you
look at Taehyung when you appear on television. Even that other guy… Yejun?” Ha-rin taps
her chin with her index finger, trying to be sure of the name. Jeongguk has to smile. “He tries
to pretend he's in love with the prince, but everyone can tell he's not real. At least not as real
as he would like it to be.”

Jeongguk lets out a laugh. “You have no idea how right you’re at that point. But everything is
so… Confusing. I don’t know. I like Taehyung. A lot. I mean… I… I'm in love with him,”
Jeongguk admits, fleeing away from his sister's surprised expression and feeling his cheeks
heat up. “But at the same time… It all feels so weird now. All my life, I've resigned myself to
being a Seven forever. And now…"

"And now you're one step away from becoming the next prince?" Ha-rin's impassive tone of
voice makes the whole situation sound funny and the two laugh together at the drastic change
in Jeongguk's life. "I knew that the Selection would only bring you good things."

“I'm not even going to ask how you knew that,” Jeongguk scoffs, shaking his head but never
losing his smile.

“So… You’re in love with Taehyung, huh? Where is my stubborn brother who said the prince
was a cocky, irritating snob?”

Jeongguk grunts embarrassed. "Ugh, stop!"

Ha-rin giggles. “I'm just messing with you. Honestly, there was a time when I regretted
sending your application without you knowing, especially when I saw your unhappy
expression when you knew that you had no choice but to go to the royal palace,” the girl
admits. Jeongguk nods. That seems to have been a lifetime ago. Everything is so different
now. She continues, “But now, now I'm really glad that I did it. Jeongguk, you and Taehyung
were made for each other. I can say this with all the certainty in the world and I only see a
tiny part of your relationship from television. It's visible in your eyes how much he makes
you happy and that means everything to me. Really."

The purple-haired boy nervously plays with his fingers, knowing that his sister is right.
Taehyung really makes him happy.

“I’m sorry I didn't tell you sooner,” Jeongguk begins. Ha-rin lifts her head, looking at him
with a frown. “That I'm in love with him, I mean. It's just…” He takes a deep breath, looking
at the ground beneath him. "I myself was not aware of the immensity of my feelings for him
until very recently."

“Well, that doesn't surprise me,” Ha-rin scoffs, getting a light punch to her arm in return.
“Hey! What was that for? Did I tell a lie? You’re so constipated on an emotional level!”

"What? No, I'm not!" Jeongguk retorts indignantly.

“Maybe not with family, but I know you, Gguk. You have difficulty believing and trusting
others.” Jeongguk is ready to argue and deny it, but Ha-rin interrupts him. “Don't say I'm not
right because I know I am,” she points a threatening finger at his face. “But, speaking in a
more serious tone now, anyone can see that Taehyung's feelings for you are real. I'm not into
your story like the two of you are, but there's something that tells me the prince would have
finished the Selection long ago if it were just up to him.”

Jeongguk hangs his head away from his sister's eyes. She's not the first person to tell
Jeongguk this.

"I understand, Jeongguk. I seriously understand you. I've dreamed and played for a long time
with the prospect of being a princess too, but realistically speaking, I know it would be a one
hundred and eighty-degree change in my life. I can’t judge you in that aspect. But…” Ha-rin
brushes some unruly strands off Jeongguk's forehead, tucking them behind his ear. “But let
yourself go. Allow yourself to be happy, allow yourself to live this and now, allow Taehyung
to enter your heart without the "why’s" and the "what if’s?" behind. Everything will be easier
if you allow yourself to do that.”

The purple-haired boy didn't even notice the moment he raised his head to face his sister, but
the truth is that her wise words find their home in his brain. Ha-rin is right. Jeongguk already
knows how he feels about Taehyung and it's time to do what his father told him, what
Jeongguk should have done from the beginning: fight.

“Thank you, Ha-rin. I really appreciate your words,” the purple-haired boy drops a tender
kiss against his sister's cheek.

The girl smiles happily, leaning her forehead against Jeongguk's temple. “That's what sisters
are for.”

The week went by quickly and, at the same time, excruciatingly slow. It felt good to be
surrounded by the warmth and love of his family, but the cold was still there, stronger than
the icy winter wind, for the lack of his father.

Jeongguk knows that the king only allowed him to come to the caste Seven province for eight
days, but if his family so desired, Jeongguk was more than willing to give up everything and
stay with them. However, his mother and sisters assured him that everything was fine, that
everything would be fine, and that Jeongguk had to go back to the palace, to the contest, to
Taehyung. Jeongguk also couldn't deny that a part of him was completely desperate to run
into the prince's arms.

It was difficult to leave his family behind again, with tears in their eyes and their hearts in
their hands, even with the promise that the Selection would end quickly (he hopes, at least)
and that they could see each other again very soon. Still, re-entering the palace and finding
that exuberance and luxury all seems incredibly like the right thing to do.

A maid, whom Jeongguk has never seen before, appears to take his brown overcoat, while
soldier Bak calmly explains to another guard that he will deliver the next morning a full
report on the journey to caste Seven province. Seokjin excuses himself to go to his apartment
near the palace to change his clothes, promising to be back in a minute.

Jeongguk starts climbing the stairs, tired from the plane trip and from the emotionally
draining days he's been through, wanting more than anything to bury himself in his bed and
dream that Taehyung will visit him as soon as the prince hears about his arrival, but another
maid stops him.

“Mr. Jeon? Oh, I'm so glad you’re back. My condolences about what happened,” she bows.

“Thank you,” Jeongguk nods.

"Don't you want to participate in the reception? Maybe it will help you get distracted."

"Excuse me? Reception? What reception?” Jeongguk turns on the stairs, facing the maid.

Is Jeongguk supposed to be expected in some grand welcoming party or something? To be

honest, that's all he feels like doing least.

“In the Great Hall, Mr. Jeon. I'm sure they're counting on your presence,” the maid explains,
bowing again and walking hurriedly towards the kitchen.

It's not quite the answer Jeongguk expects, but he heads back down the stairs and strolls in
the direction of the Great Hall. Walking through those familiar corridors is more comforting
than he'd ever imagined. Who would say?

Of course Jeongguk does and will forever miss his father, but in this period of grief, it's good
not to be constantly looking at things and places that remind Jeongguk of his dad wherever he
turns. The only thing that would make the purple-haired boy's return better would be to have
Taehyung there beside him. But he's not upset about not finding the prince in the foyer, even
because Jeongguk was supposed to arrive in just a couple of hours. However, his trip was
faster than anyone imagined.

Jeongguk is considering asking a butler to call Taehyung though, when he hears the noise
coming from the Great Hall. The sound puzzles him because, from the noise, it looks like
half of Euphoréa is inside it.

Hesitantly, Jeongguk takes hold of the golden handle and opens the door.

At first glance, Jeongguk can’t digest what is happening. But when Chinhae - what the hell is
he even doing here? - catches a glimpse of Jeongguk's hair, the caste Six boy shouts for the
whole hall to hear.

"Jeongguk is back! Jeongguk is back!”

The hall erupts in applause and cheers, adding to Jeongguk's confusion. All the selected are
here. Ha-yun, Mi-suk, Yejun, Sohui, Woojin, Chun-ja, Hanguk, Sun-mi, Chinhae, Areum…
But as much as Jeongguk searches, he knows it's useless. Jimin could never be invited. A hug
from his best friend would be welcome too.
Yejun runs up to him as soon as he becomes aware of Jeongguk's presence and embraces him
tightly. This will do, too, Jeongguk thinks.

"I'm really sorry about what happened, Jeongguk."

“Thank you…” The purple-haired boy mumbles, letting his arms tighten in the same way as
the caste Three boy does.

"But!" Yejun walks away, smiling now. His sudden mood swings is still something Jeongguk
hasn't gotten used to. "I knew you would make it!"

“Huh? What are you talking about?” Jeongguk lets his frown deepen even more.

But Yejun doesn't have time to respond. A moment later, Areum grabs Jeongguk and starts
babbling hysterical, contented screams in his ear. The boy tries to hide a grimace. Judging by
her breath, Areum had already had a mouthful of drinks and the glass in her hand confirms
that the girl doesn't intend to stop.

"It's us!" She exclaims, jumping up and down with glee. “Taehyung will announce his choice
tomorrow! It will be one of us!”

Jeongguk has to take two steps back to try to balance and compose himself from the news he
has just received. "What? Are you sure about that?”

“Sohui and I got kicked last night,” Yejun confirms. “The prince called all the selected to a
celebration and for the official marriage proposal, which is why Sohui and I stayed here at the
palace. Today was supposed to be just a reunion party between us, we weren't expecting you
to come back so soon. But I'm glad you're here!"

The purple-haired boy can't deny how stunned he feels. Someone puts a glass of golden
liquid in his hand, but he can't even order his body to move.

Someone shouts, "To Areum and Jeongguk, the last selected in the contest!"

It's too much for Jeongguk's head. He looks around at all the guests drinking, toasting and
smiling happily, but he feels dizzy and confused instead.

Taehyung decided to finish the Selection and send everyone home? He finally made his
choice? And while Jeongguk was away? Does that mean that the prince missed him? Or does
it mean he got along just fine without Jeongguk instead? He doesn't know if he's ready for his
heart to be broken once more in such a short space of time.

"Drink it!" Yejun insists with an amused smile, grabbing Jeongguk's wrist to bring the cup to
his mouth.

The purple-haired boy gulps down the champagne at once and has a coughing fit. With the
time difference, the emotional strain of the past few days, the news he's just received, and the
sudden ingestion of alcohol, Jeongguk immediately feels dazed.
All the selected return to the party after giving Jeongguk their condolences and a hug, as well
as congratulations for being one of the finalists of the Selection. Honestly, it's too much to
absorb. Therefore, Jeongguk stands in one of the corners of the Great Hall, watching the
selected dance on top of the sofas, celebrating despite having lost the contest and Taehyung’s
heart.

If he can be honest, Jeongguk isn't in the mood to dance, drink or chat happily with the
selected, even if he hasn't seen them in a while. At the same time, Jeongguk doesn't have the
strength in himself to abandon the reception and be a party pooper. For that reason, he makes
the effort to force a smile and stay present at the reception.

Yejun is in the corner talking to Chinhae and seems to be repeatedly apologizing for his
actions. Sohui discreetly enters the hall and gives Jeongguk a hug, before leaving again.
Earlier, Yejun had commented that the caste Four girl hadn't reacted very well to the news of
being dropped from the Selection, mainly because of her family's shame and censure.

Still, the hall vibrates with an explosion of enthusiasm, and despite everything that has
happened with his father, it's impossible for Jeongguk not to get caught up in the good energy
and he realizes that it's actually a good distraction, even if he is still not entirely sure of the
result that would follow tomorrow with the prince’s choice.

When Jeongguk turns around, he suddenly comes face to face with Areum, who hugs him
again.

“Okay,” the girl begins. “Let’s promise that tomorrow, regardless of the outcome, we will be
happy for each other.”

“I think it's a good plan,” Jeongguk speaks louder to make himself heard over the clamor.

Areum grins, holding her cup in a gesture of toasting. Jeongguk unconsciously lowers his
eyes and, in that split second, he realizes something very important.

Jeongguk holds his breath and the gesture causes Areum to stare at him with a quizzical
expression.

The silver glow that hugs Areum's neck, a necklace she has worn religiously since she arrived
at the royal palace, suddenly takes on a meaning it hadn't had a few weeks before.

Though it's an abrupt and rude gesture, Jeongguk grabs her wrist and pulls her out of the
Great Hall, leading her down the corridor.

“Jeongguk? Where are we going?" She asks. "What's wrong?"

The purple-haired boy is silent as he drags the girl to the bathroom, and inside, he cautiously
searches around to check that they’re indeed alone, before speaking.

“Areum,” Jeongguk begins, looking at the girl in front of him intently. His eyes fall back to
the necklace that hangs around the girl's neck. A thin, silver chain with a pendant that
 Jeongguk's mind now recognizes perfectly well. His gaze returns to Areum's frown, which
turns into an expression of shock when Jeongguk mutters, "You’re a rebel."

Chapter End Notes

my twitter
my curious cat
playlist
 twenty
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes

XX

“You’re a Swan,” Jeongguk accuses.

"What?" Areum chuckles, in a tone a little too rehearsed. “Where did you get that from?
You’re crazy, Jeongguk."

However, the slightly trembling hand she brings to her neck gives her away.

“I know what that star means, Areum,” Jeongguk lets his gaze fall to her necklace pendant.
“There's no point in lying to me,” he says calmly.

After a calculated pause, presumably noticing Jeongguk's impassive expression, Areum lets
out a sigh. “I didn't do anything illegal. I don't organize protests anywhere, much less
participate in the attacks. I just support the cause.”

“Well, okay,” Jeongguk nods, crossing his arms over his chest. "But what part of your
participation in the Selection has to do with how you feel for Taehyung and what part has to
do with your group of rebels wanting one of their own on the command?"

The girl is silent for a moment, letting her hands drop to her sides as if she is carefully
choosing her words. Her expression turns suddenly determined, and Areum walks to the
bathroom door to lock it.

“If you want me to be honest, yes, Jeongguk. I was… Introduced to the king as an option. I'm
sure that, by now, you know that Taehyung didn't have the choice to freely pick his selected.”

Jeongguk nods. The prince himself had already confirmed this to him.

“The king didn’t know, and still doesn’t know, how many Swan rebels were favored during
the selection process. I was the only one among all the candidates to join the Selection and, in
the beginning, I was completely dedicated to the cause. I had to pretend to be completely
interested in Taehyung and he didn't seem to want me, which was so frustrating,” she rolls
her eyes exaggeratedly. “But then, I got to know him better and I realized that my feelings
were no longer just a pretense. When Jimin was expelled and you lost your advantage with
him, I saw Taehyung in a whole new perspective and I couldn't let that opportunity pass,”
Areum shrugs, as if she’s talking about a banal topic like the weather. Jeongguk's frown
intensifies each time. “Perhaps, you think my reasons for coming to the palace are wrong and
maybe you’re even right. But my motives for being here right now are completely different,”
she says. Jeongguk is ready to retort but air escapes from his lungs at Areum's next words.
“I'm in love with Taehyung and I'm still fighting for him. And I know we can do great things
together, more than anyone else can. So, if you think you can blackmail me or report me to
him, forget it. I won't let you. I won’t give up. Are we clear?” She arches an eyebrow in
defiance, looking intently at Jeongguk.

In the four months that Jeongguk lived with Areum here at the palace, he had never seen her
speak with such determination and arrogance, and the purple-haired boy doesn't know if it's
because of the absolute faith she has in what she’s saying or because of the amount of
champagne she drank. Maybe both. Areum looks so fierce at that moment, and along with all
the news he has just received, Jeongguk doesn't know what to say or how to react. Is she
threatening him?

Jeongguk wants to tell her that he and Taehyung could also do great things together and that
they've probably already done more than she can imagine. But this is not the time for
Jeongguk to brag. Plus, he realizes that the two have a lot in common.

Not only does he and Areum come from the same caste, but they also arrived at the palace
because of their family. Okay, Areum may have come because of another kind of family, but
that was what led them to join the Selection and then, win Taehyung's heart. How can
Jeongguk argue against that?

Areum takes Jeongguk's silence as a truce – or perhaps as an intimidating reaction to her

threatening words - and immediately relaxes her posture, smiling at Jeongguk falsely.

"Good boy. I knew you wouldn't challenge me. You're smart, Jeongguk. I always thought so,"
she pats his cheek lightly. Jeongguk turns his face away with a grimace. “Now, if you'll let
me, I'm going back to the party.”

Areum winks at him, turning to walk towards the door and leaving Jeongguk stunned in the
middle of the bathroom.

“I don't care what you say, Areum. I'm not giving up on Taehyung either," Jeongguk mutters
assertively before the girl can leave.

Giving Jeongguk one last cold look over her shoulder, Areum exits the bathroom, leaving
Jeongguk torn apart.

Should he stay quiet? Shouldn't he, at least, tell someone? Tell Taehyung? Is this even a
negative thing?

Jeongguk lets out a sigh and also leaves the bathroom a few minutes later, still puzzled.

Before, he was not in the mood to celebrate, even though one side of him was immensely
glad to see the others selected. But now, his temperament is so low that he just wants to lay
down in his bed and digest everything. Therefore, he takes the back stairs to his room.

Although he wanted to see Yumi and Nabi after a week in the absence of the two maids,
Jeongguk is guiltily glad that no one is in the bedroom. He flops onto the bed, missing the
way his back is swallowed up by the soft, high mattress, and tries to think.
So, in addition to Namjoon and his father, Areum is also a Swan rebel. Nothing dangerous,
she says, but still, Jeongguk wonders what that exactly means. It must be her that Min-ji and
Ki-tae were referring to when they mentioned having another option if Taehyung didn't
choose Jeongguk in the end. How is it possible that he thought it was Sohui?

Did Areum help the Swans enter the palace? It was her and not Namjoon? Maybe both? Well,
Jeongguk doesn't remember seeing Namjoon and the girl interacting. Is the royal palace
florist even aware of this? And about his father? Jeongguk has his secrets, but he has never
stopped to think about what the others selected might be hiding. Apparently, he should have
thought about that.

After all, what can Jeongguk say now? Any attempt by him to expose this fact will seem like
a desperate last-ditch effort to win the Selection. And even if it works, that's not how
Jeongguk wants to conquer Taehyung.

Jeongguk wants the prince to know that he loves him. Truly.

Someone knocks on the door, disrupting his thoughts, and Jeongguk seriously considers not
opening it. If it's Areum with further explanations or implied threats, or one of the others
selected wanting to drag Jeongguk back into the Great Hall, he's not in the mood for that. But
he ends up snorting, getting out of bed, and opening the door either way.

And as if someone read his thoughts, the anxious and preoccupied face of the prince of
Euphoréa welcomes Jeongguk instead, holding a well-stuffed envelope in one hand and a
small package in the other, similar to a gift.

In the second it takes them both to realize that they’re together again in the same place, the
air seems to charge with a kind of magical electricity, making Jeongguk intensely notice how
much he missed Taehyung.

“Jeongguk… You’re here," Taehyung murmurs, looking intently at every trace of the purple-
haired boy's face as if this past week had been an eternity instead, and the prince needs to
remember the curves and the lines that draw Jeongguk's face.

“Tae-” Jeongguk can't form a coherent sentence because all the words are trapped inside his
throat when a pair of lips shut him up, kissing him so fervently that Jeongguk is forced to
take two steps back at the same time, finding refuge in Taehyung's neck for balance.

“I…” Taehyung mumbles against his mouth. “Missed…” Another kiss. “You…” One more.
"So much."

Jeongguk can't contain his giggles, grinning against Taehyung's also stretched and smiling
lips. "I can see that."

The two of them stand there, clinging to each other at the entrance of Jeongguk's bedroom
and not caring who passes by, just with their eyes locked on each other.

“I thought you wouldn't arrive at the palace until the evening. When one of my servants came
to inform me that you were already here, I had to make an enormous effort not to drop the
budget meeting right then and there. My father was there and…”

Jeongguk interrupts him with another peck, long and tender. "That's okay. I would have liked
to arrive and see you right away but I get it.”

Taehyung sighs, smiling slightly as his eyes roam over Jeongguk's face, inspecting him. The
purple-haired boy senses the hesitation the prince radiates, the words he so desperately wants
to ask. So, when Taehyung utters them, Jeongguk doesn't even blink.

"How are you feeling?" The prince finally asks, concern brimming in his gaze.

Jeongguk sighs, letting his hands gently slide along Taehyung's neck and chest, stopping
there. “Honestly, I don't know. It's been a really tough week,” he confesses, swallowing hard
and looking over to where his hands rest. “But now that I'm here, it's like he… It's like he
didn't die. I have a feeling that I could write him a letter and that he would still receive and
answer it with those wise words of his.”

Taehyung puts the envelope and package down on the floor by the door before holding
Jeongguk's both hands, intertwining their fingers together. The prince makes the two stagger
a few more steps into the bedroom, closing the door with one foot to finally have the privacy
they deserve. After that, he tenderly kisses the purple-haired boy's knuckles, taking his time
to do that.

“I can't even imagine, my love,” the prince finally mutters, putting Jeongguk's hand on his
cheek. Jeongguk’s heart pirouettes inside his chest at the endearing name. “I'm really sorry. I
wish I could do something to take that pain away from you," The prince tilts his head until
his lips touch the purple-haired boy's cheek. "What about your family? How are your mom
and sisters?"

Jeongguk sighs. “Surprisingly, my sisters are holding up pretty well. Ha-rin is a rock. She
says I'm not the kind of person who shows my emotions easily, but neither is she. But deep
down, I know she is quite shaken by this. My mom is devastated, which is understandable
too.” With his free hand, Jeongguk wipes the pair of tears that leak from his eyes.

Taehyung closes his lids momentarily, nodding slowly. “Losing the love of her life… It can't
be easy.”

“I know,” Jeongguk agrees, letting his face hide in the prince's neck.

Taehyung caresses Jeongguk's back, raising and lowering his hand in a comforting gesture.
“I’m glad I had the luck to have at least met him,” the prince says a few seconds later. "I can
see traces of him in you, you know?"

Jeongguk lifts his head, looking curiously at Taehyung. "You can?"

“Of course,” Taehyung smiles. He brushes a strand of purple hair from Jeongguk's eyes,
tucking it behind his ear instead. “Your sense of humor, for starters. And your tenacity. When
your dad and I talked during your family's visit, he didn't give me a break. It was unnerving
in the sense that I felt nervous sweat trickling down my back, but fun at the same time. And
you never let me get away either.”

Jeongguk laughs, also noticing the similarities between the two of them. The prince grins at
the sight of a happier face on the purple-haired boy.

“Besides, you have his eyes. So big and shiny,” Taehyung tells. “I swear I can see the most
beautiful stars inside them, Jeongguk.” The purple-haired boy feels himself blushing. “I think
you also have his nose. And I can see your optimism shine through. The desire to make the
world better. Your dad also gave me that impression.”

Jeongguk absorbs those words with all his being, clinging to every part of his father in
himself. Taehyung can't even imagine the comfort he's giving him right now.

“What I'm trying to say is that it's perfectly normal for you and your family to be sad. It was
tragic news and I’m really, really sorry. But I can assure you that the best of him is still here
and it will always be,” Taehyung concludes, leaning forward until his lips leave the most
gentle kiss over Jeongguk's heart.

When the prince straightens again and sends him a sad but hopeful smile at the same time,
Jeongguk throws himself into his arms, hugging Taehyung's neck tightly.

"Thank you, Tae."

“You don't have to thank me, I just told the truth,” the prince murmurs against the purple-
haired boy's temple, kissing the area right away.

“I know that you did. Thank you,” Jeongguk repeats, returning the sweet gesture by touching
his lips against the skin of Taehyung's neck. When he moves away, Jeongguk's gaze falls on
the envelope and package still lying on the floor by the bedroom door, which makes him
decide to change the subject before he gets too emotional. "What is that?" Jeongguk asks,
pointing with his chin.

“Oh,” Taehyung seems to remember, even if he feels a little hesitant. “They're for you. I
know it’s already New Year but… They’re your Christmas presents.”

“Oh! Wait. Speaking of gifts… Oh my God, your birthday, Tae!” Jeongguk whines, covering
his face with his hands in embarrassment. “Today is December 31st. I’m so sorry I wasn't
here yesterday to celebrate with you. Happy birthday!” The purple-haired boy grins widely,
but that smile fades when he seems to suddenly remember something. “Unfortunately I don't
have any presents for you… But I promise I'll get you one! And I'll make it up to you for not
being here for your birthday. I’m so sorry,” Jeongguk says all too quickly and with a pout on
his lips, making the prince chuckle.

“That’s okay, silly,” Taehyung assures, stepping away from Jeongguk's body only to pick up
the package and the envelope from the ground. When he returns, Taehyung can't resist
kissing Jeongguk's mouth once more. "You had to be with your family and there is no
birthday or event that is more important than that, but thank you. The best birthday present
for me is that you’re back here at the palace.” Jeongguk smiles shyly. Taehyung lifts the two
objects until they reach Jeongguk's field of vision. “Well… I can't believe I'm giving you
this,” Taehyung laughs nervously, scratching the back of his head. “You can't see this one
until I leave. You have to promise me that. But… They're for you,” the prince extends the
thick envelope, filled with folded papers, towards Jeongguk.

“Okay,” Jeongguk tilts his head in curiosity, placing the envelope on the nightstand.

Taehyung takes the opportunity to sit on the edge of the bed with the other gift in his hand,
patting the mattress so that Jeongguk sits beside him.

“This one is a little less embarrassing,” the prince adds playfully, handing Jeongguk the gift
wrapped in a pretty, bright blue wrapping paper. “I’m sorry the wrapping sucks. Looks like I
have one more flaw to add to my list.”

“Don’t say that. It looks great,” Jeongguk lies, trying not to chuckle at the crooked folds,
ripping the paper from the back instead.

Inside, there is a white wooden frame with golden floral details and with a photograph of a
house. Jeongguk doesn't recognize it but it’s beautiful, with a warm shade of yellow on its
walls and with a fluffy lawn where he feels like walking barefoot just by looking at the
picture. Well-kept shrubs and flowers of the most beautiful colors add a touch of joy and life
to the house, leaving Jeongguk awestruck with such beauty. The windows are tall and wide
on both floors, and there are even some trees that shade a part of the lawn. One of them even
has a wooden swing on it.

Jeongguk then tries not to look at the house specifically, but at the photograph itself. The
purple-haired boy thinks that this little piece of art was something Taehyung had done,
although Jeongguk can't figure out when the prince left the palace to shoot it.

“It's so beautiful,” Jeongguk mutters in awe. "Was it you who took it?"

"Oh, no. It wasn't me,” Taehyung shakes his head, laughing nervously. “The present is not the
picture. It's… Well… It's the house.”

Jeongguk tries to digest the information, frowning. "Huh?"

“Well… I thought you'd like to have your family close,” Taehyung mumbles in a clearly
anxious tone of voice. “This house is here in caste One, a short drive away from the palace,
and has plenty of space for your sisters and your mom to live comfortably.”

"What…? I… I don’t understand…” Jeongguk stares at him in amazement, looking for

further clarification, interspersing his gaze between the prince and the photograph of the
house.

Patient as always, Taehyung gives him the explanation he thought Jeongguk had already
figured out. “You told me to send everyone home and finish the Selection once and for all.
And well, I did it. I had to keep another selected here until I made it official, that's the rules.
But… You said that if I proved that it was you…”
“Taehyung…” Jeongguk feels all the air drain from his lungs as he faces the prince. "This
means that…"

Taehyung grins, that smile of his capable of dazzling the sun itself and making Jeongguk's
insides melt. "It's you."

"It’s… It’s me?" Jeongguk asks, searching for confirmation. It's like he's floating in a paradise
of fluffy, white clouds, where Taehyung's words sail like an echo.

“It's you,” Taehyung patiently repeats, chuckling as he sees the expression of incredulity
mixed with happiness on the purple-haired boy's face. “It was always you, Jeongguk.”

He's speechless, just staring at Taehyung with his big, brown eyes and mouth wide open. The
second reaction is to let out a shocked laugh until happiness invades his whole body and
makes Jeongguk jump into Taehyung's arms, kissing him at the same time that giggles meet
the prince's lips.

"It’s me? Tae? Are we finally getting together?” Jeongguk radiates ecstasy through every
pore, kissing every inch of Taehyung's face, stealing delicious laughs from the prince that
flies straight to the purple-haired boy's chest.

“We'll finally be together,” Taehyung assures, laughing at the other boy's displays of
affection, letting Jeongguk attack him amidst their enthusiasm.

Jeongguk throws them both backward until their backs slam into the mattress, causing their
bodies to shuffle awkwardly across the bed as their smiles meet in between passionate kisses.
Without even noticing, Jeongguk is on top of Taehyung, between his legs, while his mouth
leaves a trail of sonorous and happy kisses from the temple to the corner of the prince's lip.

Jeongguk's euphoria continues to unfold into giggles and covering Taehyung with pecks
until, at a certain point, the laughter stops. Their smiles both fade and the kisses shift from
something innocent to something much more intense instead.

The bedroom is invaded by a warm and powerful current of electricity when Jeongguk pulls
away and dares to stare deeply into Taehyung's eyes, finding desire, happiness and love in
them.

The prince returns his gaze to Jeongguk's half-open mouth, pulling him firmly by the neck
until their chests are pressed together and their mouths are once again reunited. Jeongguk is
in the middle of nibbling on Taehyung's lower lip when the prince tries to unbutton the
purple-haired boy's shirt with his trembling fingers, tossing the piece of dark blue fabric to
the floor nonchalantly.

Jeongguk feels goosebumps on his skin and it's not because of the winter chill that makes
itself feel outside but Taehyung’s electrifying fingertips instead, who venture to worship
every inch of his skin.

Driven by an uncontrollable desire, Jeongguk starts taking off Taehyung's coat and the prince
helps as he can, never letting go of Jeongguk. The purple-haired boy lets his shoes fall to the
floor with a melodious sound and he feels Taehyung move his legs under him, repeating the
gesture.

Without interrupting their tongues dance, Taehyung switches positions with Jeongguk and
advances on the bed, laying the purple-haired boy carefully in the middle of the mattress and
with his head resting on the dozens of pillows. Taehyung's lips travel down Jeongguk's neck
as he loosens the prince’s tie, tossing it close to their shoes.

“You're breaking a lot of rules, Mr. Jeon,” Taehyung teases in his crisp, gravelly voice as
Jeongguk's hands become bold enough to land on his ass.

“You’re the prince. You can just forgive me. It wouldn't be the first time anyway,” Jeongguk
replies between panting breaths, holding back a moan as Taehyung licks a particularly
sensitive area near his ear.

“Oh, Mr. Jeon. I've always loved how smart you are, I must admit,” Taehyung retorts, letting
out a mischievous chuckle as he continues to trail a path of kisses on Jeongguk's throat.

The purple-haired boy pulls the prince's shirt out of his pants, struggling with the buttons.
Taehyung interrupts the kisses to help him with the last ones and sits up to toss the piece of
white fabric aside. It's not the first time Jeongguk has been lucky enough to admire
Taehyung's slender body, but the air continues to drain from his lungs every time it happens.

Jeongguk slides his fingers gently across Taehyung's stomach, feeling his blood boil as
shivers and sounds of pleasure radiate from the prince. When his hand reaches the belt,
Jeongguk grabs it and unfastens it, never taking his eyes off Taehyung's dilated and
unfocused pupils.

The prince says goodbye to the last scraps of clothing covering his body willingly, sliding a
hand down Jeongguk's still dressed leg until he stops at the zipper.

Jeongguk shivers with anticipation. Their foreheads touch and their breaths mingle as
Taehyung takes his time unfastening and removing the pants from Jeongguk's legs, pulling on
his underwear at the same time. The purple-haired boy wants Taehyung so much that he feels
himself burning from the inside out.

When their warm bodies don't find a single remnant of distance between them, Jeongguk lets
out a sound of contentment, feeling his blood pulsing inside him from sensing Taehyung all
over. Desire seizes him and causes Jeongguk to slide his hips against the prince's, stealing
muffled sounds from the back of Taehyung’s throat. Without even thinking, Jeongguk repeats
the gesture, wrapping his arms around Taehyung and burying his fingers against his back.

Immediately, the prince stops kissing him and moves away to gaze at Jeongguk.

"What? What’s wrong?" Jeongguk whispers, terrified that he has interrupted the moment.

"Do you feel... Do you feel repulsed?" Taehyung asks nervously, looking intently into the
purple-haired boy's eyes.
Jeongguk feels the frown on his own brow grow. "What? What do you mean by that?"

Taehyung sighs, staring at a random spot on Jeongguk's face only to escape the worried gaze
of the other. "The… The scars on my back."

Jeongguk immediately relaxes, stroking Taehyung's face until the prince allows his eyes to
meet Jeongguk's again. The first time the two were together, Taehyung asked him the same
question and Jeongguk thought that, at the time, the kisses, touches and caresses he had given
Taehyung had been enough to calm the prince's insecure heart. However, it seems not.
Jeongguk makes a promise to himself that Taehyung will never feel like this again. Jeongguk
will not allow it.

The purple-haired boy stares deep into Taehyung's chocolate eyes, so he can see the certainty
and sincerity in the words Jeongguk will utter.

"Taehyung, you're the most beautiful person my soul has ever had the luck to meet. Inside
and outside. Don't you ever doubt that. From your generosity and selflessness to your kind
eyes and stupidly perfect face and body,” Jeongguk smiles as the prince chuckles in shyness.
"Besides… Some of those scars are on your back so they're not on mine, and I love you for
that."

Taehyung stills for a couple of seconds. His arms, suspended by Jeongguk's head, are shaking
and his bulging eyes are staring at the purple-haired boy.

“What… Jeongguk. What did you just say?” Taehyung mutters.

Jeongguk just smiles before closing his eyes and tilting his head up, answering first with a
long peck and only then, with the three words that were so thirsty to escape his chest and
enter the prince's. "I love you."

Taehyung's eyes turn to crescent moons and his cheeks plump up so much from his ecstatic
grin. “Can you say it one more time? I'm not sure I heard it correctly.”

Jeongguk holds his face with both hands, feeling their hearts thump violently in their glued
chests. “Kim Taehyung, I love you. I love you with all my heart.”

When the purple-haired boy thought that Taehyung's smile couldn't grow any bigger, he was
clearly mistaken. The prince giggles in delight, hiding his happy face in Jeongguk's neck. The
purple-haired boy feels his own lips stretch in the same way.

The prince kisses him again, placing one of his hands on Jeongguk's cheek and supporting his
weight with the other. “And I love you, Jeon Jeongguk. I love you with all my being.”

Their kisses are more a mix of teeth and grinning lips than hungry tongues and mouths, but
they don't mind. They laugh and release sounds of happiness as they adore each other's
bodies, Jeongguk moaning softly as Taehyung's hand slides from his face down his sides,
stopping at one of his ass cheeks.
Jeongguk chuckles at Taehyung's eagerness when he tells the prince that he asked one of his
servants to provide him with a bottle of essential oils and that Taehyung can take it out of his
bedside table drawer.

Worthy of a true prince, Taehyung shows that he has learned quickly since the last (and only)
time they did this. The prince's fingers open and scissors Jeongguk delicately but also agilely,
making the purple-haired boy sigh in pleasure.

When Jeongguk confirms that he's ready between panting, Taehyung slips back on top of him
and between the purple-haired boy's legs, placing feather-light kisses all over Jeongguk's
chest and stomach.

The purple-haired boy feels like a museum piece, being admired and cherished by Taehyung's
mouth, fingertips and intense eyes. It's as if the prince is showing him that Jeongguk is the
most special and important part of his life and Jeongguk's heart threatens to break out of his
chest.

Taehyung's swollen and shiny lips reach the inside of Jeongguk's thigh, biting teasingly and
then licking the area right away, eliciting moans from the back of the other boy's throat. It's a
surprise when Taehyung's mouth reaches Jeongguk's length, and despite the first attempts
being a little sloppy and hesitant, Jeongguk doesn't have the strength to mind it, because
everything Taehyung decides to do with him makes him feel completely inebriated.

Jeongguk's body starts to shake from all the sensations. Taehyung's lips and tongue are
pleasurably warm around him, as are the hands that pinch Jeongguk's nipples. However, what
really brings Jeongguk almost to the limit is Taehyung's intense gaze while he sucks him off,
which makes the purple-haired boy almost float towards the heavens.

“Tae… I want you inside me,” Jeongguk whimpers when he feels like he can't take it
anymore without reaching his peak, and he definitely doesn't want to do that anytime soon
and without sharing it with Taehyung.

The prince leaves one last kiss on Jeongguk's thigh as he rubs some oil on his own length
before slipping back on top of the purple-haired boy. Taehyung stares into Jeongguk's eyes
with such passion and love that he feels overwhelmed. A good overwhelmed.

“I’m desperately in love with you, Jeongguk. I'll never get tired of telling and showing you
that,” are the words Taehyung mutters before slowly entering Jeongguk, never moving his
gaze away.

Jeongguk's back arches involuntarily with the sudden ecstasy and pleasurable ardor, cursing
under his breath at how Taehyung feels so good.

As Taehyung begins to thrust into him with a methodical and delightful rhythm, their hands
meet and intertwine, resting against Jeongguk's temple. The purple-haired boy, at that
moment, feels completely lost in the intense and passionate gaze of the prince, how Taehyung
is making love to him and showing how raw and sincere his feelings for Jeongguk are.
Sincerely? The purple-haired boy feels like crying.
Honestly, Jeongguk never thought he could feel this way about someone, never thought he
would be able to trust so blindly, never thought it would be so easy and he would be so
willing to offer his heart. But like a red rose, with its velvety and fragrant petals, beautiful
and in its full spring splendor, Taehyung holds his heart like a fragile flower, murmuring
promises to take good care of Jeongguk forever with all of him.

"I love you," Jeongguk says like it's a mantra. Now that the words have finally gained the
courage to come out, he doesn't think it's going to be easy to stop saying them. "I love you. I
love you. I love you."

Taehyung moans in response, closing his eyes and thrusting right inside Jeongguk, rubbing
euphorically on the sensitive spot that makes the purple-haired boy touch the sky with his
fingertips.

Their bodies move in unison, becoming only one, as the two search for that wave of ecstasy
that will lead them to see stars and the most extravagant universes. Taehyung mutters praises
and passionate words against Jeongguk's lips, making him sigh. As for the purple-haired boy,
he insists on caressing Taehyung's back, trying to show with his touches that the prince is the
incarnation of a Greek god, the most handsome man that Jeongguk's fingertips are lucky
enough to appreciate.

His legs hug Taehyung's waist as the prince's movements become more eager and frantic, in
an attempt not to feel a single millimeter of distance between them. Their foreheads rub
against each other with the thrusts, and their panting breaths and moans mix until no one can't
identify where they came from.

Their eyes are locked, hungry to memorize the expression of pleasure and love etched on
their faces, and when Taehyung mutters an "I love you", Jeongguk can't take it anymore and
lets himself go, feeling the knot in his stomach dissolving in a current of electricity that
makes his blood pulse and his body tremble.

By now, the clock should have chimed twelve strikes and brought the first day of the new
year with it, but instead of hearing the fireworks outside, Jeongguk and Taehyung feel them
inside their chests, creating an explosion of happiness and overwhelming feelings that will
follow them forever. Gladly so.

Jeongguk closes his eyes, swearing he is walking on crystal clear water, with the most golden
sand and the most colorful flowers all around. And of course, when Jeongguk opens his eyes
again, the image he is faced with, more precisely the goofy but passionate smile etched on
Taehyung's face, doesn't quite compare, that being the best view ever instead.

“You’re so beautiful,” Taehyung mutters.

It only takes a couple more thrusts before Taehyung climaxes as well, and Jeongguk sighs
against the prince's lips as he feels the warmth hug his walls. The grunts of satisfaction left
from the back of Taehyung's throat almost make Jeongguk hard again, but the feeling of the
prince's arms tightening around his waist is the most pleasurable, and the purple-haired boy
lets himself stay like that, catching his breath.
Taehyung's head is hidden in Jeongguk's neck and their legs are a tangle of limbs. Probably
for a lot of people, it would be kind of disgusting the fact that they're sticky with sweat and
cum, but neither of them is worried about that. Not when the post-orgasm calm and
drowsiness settles in them, as does the warmth and contentment in their embrace.

“I never thought my birthday wish would come true so quickly…” Taehyung whispers a few
minutes later, making Jeongguk's skin shiver from the puffs of hot breath coming out of him.

"What do you mean?" Jeongguk asks in an equal whisper, tracing hearts with his fingertips
on Taehyung's bare back.

The prince lifts his face slightly, only to rub his nose against Jeongguk's cheek. "Yesterday.
Even though I was sad and felt that something was missing on my birthday, with me… I
couldn't escape the celebration dinner my parents organized,” Taehyung begins by telling in a
husky tone of voice. Jeongguk is about to apologize once again for not spending that special
day with Taehyung when the prince interrupts him. “We're not supposed to reveal what are
the wishes we ask for but… When I blew out the candles, I wished I could love you,
Jeongguk. Being able to have you in my arms without restrictions. To be able to give you my
heart for all eternity.”

At this point, their noses rub against each other and their gazes are locked. Jeongguk doesn't
know how to convey how he's feeling right now in words, just in the form of a simple tear
running down his cheek. But a tear that has nothing to do with sadness or unhappiness, on the
contrary. A tear that symbolizes hope, happiness and so much, so much love.

“I want to give you so many things, Jeongguk,” Taehyung breathes, stroking his cheek after
wiping off the tear. “I'm not talking about material things, or at least, not just that. I will love
you more than anyone ever loved somebody, more than you ever dreamed of being loved.
That, Jeongguk, I promise you.”

The next kisses they exchange are tender and hopeful, like their first one. It seems like it was
forever ago when their lips first touched, in that beautiful gazebo in the garden. Jeongguk can
feel the immensity and development of their love story, and how the promise that Taehyung
just made starts to make itself felt. Honestly, Jeongguk feels scared, overwhelmed even, but
he’s marveling at the possibility of being so loved by the man he loves immensely too.

"Tae?"

"Yes?"

"Will you stay with me tonight?" Jeongguk asks, cuddling closer against the prince's naked
body and making puppy-dog eyes to him. Taehyung raises an eyebrow and Jeongguk
chuckles. “I’ll behave, I promise. But… Do you sleep with me?”

Taehyung pretends to seriously consider the proposal, sighing theatrically afterward. "I don't
have another alternative, do I? Your arms are stronger than the cells in Euphoréa's prison."

"Hey!" Jeongguk complains, smiling when the prince laughs. He just squeezes his limbs even
tighter around Taehyung's middle.
“Of course I’ll sleep with you. I was looking forward to being able to do it for years,
honestly,” Taehyung confesses.

“Well, technically, you can't do it yet. By the way, a prince shouldn't have done anything you
did already before the wedding,” Jeongguk teases, biting Taehyung's grinning cheek.

"As if I could resist you," the prince emphasizes his words as he playfully slaps the purple-
haired boy's ass. Taehyung’s smile fades a couple of seconds later and his face turns serious.
“With you, Jeongguk, I want to break all the rules.”

Jeongguk responds with another kiss, this time lazy and slow, but full of feelings,
nonetheless.

His bed at the palace had always been one of Jeongguk's favorite things since he joined the
Selection. The pillows look like they're made from chunks of clouds and the mattress seems
like it was specially designed to accommodate his body. However, Jeongguk had never felt as
comfortable as he did now, with Taehyung's body mostly on top of his and the prince's arms
around him.

Taehyung kisses him gently behind the ear and whispers, "Sleep well, Jeongguk."

“I love you,” is what he decides to respond, feeling the prince's shy smile against the skin of
his neck.

Taehyung squeezes him a little tighter. "I love you too."

In a few seconds, Jeongguk feels Taehyung's breathing become slower and more steady,
indicating that the prince has already fallen asleep. Which is rare and strange, but a good one,
seeing as Taehyung had already admitted to him a few times that he rarely managed to get a
peaceful, restful night of sleep.

It just shows how much Jeongguk must make Taehyung feel more secure than he imagined.
Therefore, the boy with purple hair stays there, trying to absorb all the happiness of that
moment and the expectation of what the future holds for him, for them.

From the bottom of his heart, Jeongguk closes his eyes and sighs, wanting more than
anything to be able to pick up the phone or a piece of paper and tell his father everything.
Unfortunately, he can't. Not through these means, at least. But Jeongguk has never been and
will never be one to give up, which is why, in his thoughts, he mutters to himself, “I did as
you told me. I fought, dad.”

Jeongguk wakes up when he feels Taehyung squeeze his arm around him. At one point
during the night, they switched positions, and now that Jeongguk is blinking lazily, he
recognizes his personal pillow as the prince's chest, and the leisurely rhythm of his heartbeat
echoes in Jeongguk's ears.

Without a word so as not to interrupt the chatter of birds outside and the howling wind from
the morning, Taehyung kisses his hair tenderly and hugs him tighter. Jeongguk smiles, no
longer able to pretend he's still asleep and snuggles closer to the prince's chest.

He still can't believe this is actually happening. He and Taehyung, lying in the same bed, after
making love and spending the night together, holding each other.

Today, the Selection will end and things will change forever, and Jeongguk, more than ever,
is finally sure he can't wait for that.

“We will wake up like this every single day,” the prince mutters contentedly.

Jeongguk hums, closing his eyes again to inhale Taehyung's scent. "You’re reading my
thoughts."

The prince sighs, satisfied. "Good morning. How are you feeling, my sunshine?”

The purple-haired boy grunts in embarrassment. “Right now, I want to punch you for calling
me that,” he replies laughing, slapping Taehyung's bare stomach.

With a teasing smile on his face, Taehyung turns around on the bed, never taking his arms
away from Jeongguk, until he can look at him more easily.

"Very well then. What do you prefer? My beloved? My dear? My sweetie pie?”

Jeongguk giggles, scrunching his nose. “You're so cheesy, Tae. Jesus."

"My love?" Taehyung tries again, looking expectantly at Jeongguk.

Bastard.

It's as if the prince knows that that particular pet name has some crazy power over Jeongguk's
heart.

The purple-haired boy feigns disinterest, shrugging his shoulders. “I think ‘my love’ is fine.”

“Okay, my love,” Taehyung kisses his cheek. "Your affectionate name is chosen, my love."

Jeongguk growls again, mostly from feeling the prince's smirk against his flushed cheeks.

As his hands unconsciously roam across Taehyung's chest and arms, Jeongguk asks, "What
do you want me to call you?"

“Hum…” Taehyung closes his eyes, stopping to think. “Your Royal Husband. I'm afraid it's
mandatory by law,” he replies with a sad, fake sigh.

"What?" Jeongguk laughs. “I won't call you that, Tae. What a horrible thing!"
Taehyung joins him, giggling against Jeongguk's shoulder. “I know, right? At official events,
unfortunately, we will have no choice but to address each other in that way.”

Jeongguk makes a grimace of displeasure but concedes. He knows he will have to adhere to
some rules and traditions of the royal family. At this point, he doesn't care at all as long as he
has Taehyung's hand to hold.

"But in our privacy…" Taehyung adds, clearing his throat. The prince looks shyer now. "You
can call me… I don't know… Maybe…" Another clearing of his throat. "Baby?"

"Baby?" Jeongguk arches his eyebrows in surprise at the request. "You want me to call you
baby?"

“I just…” Taehyung shrugs, absently playing with the sheets. “Only if you want to, of course.
I don't mind if you don't want to. That’s okay.”

“Oh my God,” Jeongguk squeaks, lost in love. He moves until his mouth rests on Taehyung's,
surprising the prince with the dozens of pecks that the purple-haired boy leaves there.
"You’re so cute, baby."

"Ugh, stop!" Taehyung grunts, even though his shy smile doesn't leave his lips.

“Never, baby,” Jeongguk continues to tease him. "I love you, baby."

“I swear to God…” Taehyung laughs at Jeongguk's loud and happy giggles, joining him too.

The prince's hands unconsciously slide over Jeongguk's skin until they find a sensitive area
on his sides, next to his armpits.

"No!" Jeongguk squeaks, flinching.

Taehyung's smile grows and grows until it becomes a triumphant and knowing grin. "What?
What is this? It looks like someone is ticklish.”

Despite Jeongguk's protests, Taehyung starts tickling him all over, causing the purple-haired
boy to scream at every playful touch.

But as quickly as he started to laugh, Jeongguk stops.

A guard - soldier Choi, Jeongguk recognizes from the night they sneaked out of the palace -
along with Namjoon, enter the bedroom in a rush.

This time, Jeongguk lets out a real scream and pulls back the sheet to cover himself.
Fortunately, only his bare chest was uncovered, but still. It's as if Jeongguk's face has started
to burn with embarrassment.

Soldier Choi seems stunned, not knowing where to look. He can't even form a sentence as his
gaze travels from Taehyung, also bare-chested, to Jeongguk, who covers himself with a sheet,
or to the clothes strewn carelessly on the floor, indicating what has happened between them.
However, Namjoon is the complete opposite. He stands at the entrance to the room, leaning
against the door jamb with one hand visibly covering his smile.

And despite all of Jeongguk's terror, Taehyung is the image of calm. In fact, he even seems to
be glad he's been caught.

His voice sounds a little smug when he says, "Gentlemen, I assure you that Mr. Jeon is
perfectly safe."

Guard Choi clears his throat, unable to face them. "Of course, Your Highness."

"We're so sorry," Namjoon adds, still trying to contain his laughter. "Soldier Choi was on
duty in the hallway and I was passing by when we heard the screams. We thought the worst
and didn't even hesitate to come to see what was going on," he explains.

“You did the right thing. It's always better to prevent,” Taehyung nods. “Now, if you don't
mind…” The prince clears his throat.

“Of course, Your Majesty. Excuse us,” Soldier Choi bows and leaves the room in the blink of
an eye, followed by Namjoon.

Jeongguk drops down on the bed and starts grunting in horror against the pillow. He wonders
if he will ever get past the embarrassment of this moment. It's clear as water what the two of
them have been doing! What if this gets to the king's ears? It's not that he can forbid
Taehyung from getting involved with whoever he wants, but it's to be expected that a prince
would have sex only after marriage. Not that Taehyung or Jeongguk are worried about it,
clearly.

Sensing his discomfort, Taehyung lays down again too, hugging Jeongguk. “Don't be
embarrassed. We weren't naked.” Jeongguk lifts his head from the pillow only to look
threateningly at the prince. “Okay, okay,” he holds up his hands in surrender, chuckling. “But
the sheets were covering the most important thing. And… This is likely to happen again in
the future.”

“It was so humiliating,” Jeongguk whines, burying his face in the pillow again.

"Being caught in bed with me?" The pain in Taehyung's voice is obvious.

Jeongguk lets the sheet slide down his body as he sits up straighter to look at him. "What?
No, Tae! It's not you, of course not. It's just… This should be private...” The purple-haired
boy mumbles the last part, ducking his head as he twists a corner of the blanket.

The prince moves closer to Jeongguk, placing a hand on his chin to affectionately lift his
face. "I’m sorry." Jeongguk looks up at him. Taehyung's voice is too sincere to be ignored. “I
know this is going to be difficult for you, but from now on, there will always be people
watching our lives. In these early years, there is likely to be a lot of interference because
everything is new. Two new kings, two new ways of running the country… And people are
definitely going to want to make sure we can raise a family. This, of course, if that's what you
want too…”
Taehyung stops talking and gazes away from Jeongguk's face, looking at a random spot on
the bed instead.

“Hey…” Jeongguk says, cupping the prince’s face with his hands. “I’m a Seven, remember? I
come from a huge family. Of course I want to form one with you too, Tae.”

Taehyung's smile blooms again on his lips. "I'm happy to hear that. Partly because, yes, we
have an obligation to have heirs, but also because I want to have everything with you,
Jeongguk. I want vacations and birthdays, busy days and lazy weekends. I want peanut butter
fingerprints on my desk. I want stolen kisses between boring meetings. I want the private
jokes and even the arguments. I want a life with you.”

The last few minutes when Namjoon and guard Choi invaded his room suddenly swept from
his mind with Taehyung's tender words. The growing feeling of love in Jeongguk's chest is
able to push away everything else.

“I want it all too, Tae,” Jeongguk assures, caressing Taehyung’s cheeks. "And so much
more."

The prince smiles that ravishing grin of his. "How about we make it official in a couple of
hours then? Start the New Year with the best smile on our faces?"

Jeongguk shrugs, pretending to think. "I have to confirm in my schedule if I don't have more
important plans for today."

Taehyung drops Jeongguk onto the bed again and covers him with kisses, not leaving a single
remnant of skin abandoned on his face. The purple-haired boy would have let him kiss him
like that for hours, but he already suspects where that would lead them and his servants are
likely about to show up in the room. The embarrassed looks from soldier Choi and Namjoon
were enough.

So, Taehyung dresses lazily while Jeongguk just puts on a white robe. Today, he is going to
ask Seokjin to prepare him the most fragrant bath ever, so there’s no point in dressing up.

The smile refuses to leave their lips, even though neither of them consciously notices it. It's
so funny how Jeongguk never dreamed of this moment, how he never thought that by joining
the Selection, his life would have this ending. But Jeongguk couldn't be happier right now.

Taehyung gives him one last kiss - which turns into several pecks mixed with giggles because
Jeongguk can't resist him - before opening the door and proceeding with his responsibilities
as a prince. It’s harder for Jeongguk to separate from Taehyung than he imagined. But the
purple-haired boy tells himself that he will only have to wait a few more hours for it all to be
worth it.

Jeongguk collapses onto his back on the bed, his legs and arms stretched out like a star and a
beaming smile capable of blinding even the sun. He can't wait to walk down that majestic
staircase with his hand held by Taehyung and yell at the top of his lungs to all Euphoréa that
he's going to marry the love of his life.
However, Jeongguk's thoughts and dreams evaporate with a knock on the door.

He gets up on the bed without hesitating, wondering if it's Taehyung again, already missing
him and asking for another couple of kisses. As if Jeongguk has the strength within him to
refuse.

When he opens the door, it’s Namjoon who finds him on the other side with a knowing smile
on his lips instead.

"So…?" Namjoon begins, opening his arms to welcome Jeongguk in a hug. “It's you, isn't it?
It has to be you.”

Jeongguk jumps into his arms, bouncing up and down in glee. “It's me, Nam! Taehyung and I
are going to be together!”

The two make happy sounds and Jeongguk forgets the embarrassment he felt moments ago
when Namjoon found them naked in the bed. The happiness Namjoon radiates at Jeongguk’s
own warms his chest.

“I always knew it was you, Jeongguk. It was visible in both of your eyes how madly in love
you two are with each other.”

Jeongguk smiles shyly, directing his gaze downward. "It took me a while to figure that out
but yeah, now I know that."

"I'm so happy for you. Genuinely,” Namjoon says, squeezing Jeongguk's shoulder. "And I say
this as your friend, not as a rebel, not as a member of the Swans."

“I know, Nam. I know,” Jeongguk nods, smiling when his friend grins too.

“I believe these last few days haven't been easy for you,” Namjoon begins, a grimace of
sadness written across his face. “And I want to take this opportunity to tell you that I’m so
sorry for what happened. It was a great loss and I can't even imagine the pain you and your
family are going through.”

The purple-haired boy nods, hanging his head down. "Thank you." A few seconds pass and
Jeongguk wonders if he should tell Namjoon the news that has him overwhelmed for the past
few days. He decides that yes. "By the way, speaking of that…"

"Yes?" Namjoon tilts his head in curiosity.

Jeongguk leans his body against the doorjamb. None of them remember entering the privacy
of the bedroom. "Did you know… Did you know my dad was a rebel?"

Namjoon's eyes bulge for a split second, taking in the bombastic news. "What? Your dad?"

Jeongguk nods. "The way you just reacted, I assume you didn't know."

“No, I didn’t,” Namjoon confirms, shaking his head. “I had no idea. You knew?”
“No,” Jeongguk replies. “He left me a letter a little confusing but I ended up associating some
things and I understood what he wanted to tell me. The North Star…”

Jeongguk's eyes remember wandering over Namjoon's face and body, looking for the symbol
that identifies the Swans. Namjoon seems to understand Jeongguk's intentions as he raises his
hands and turns his wrists towards Jeongguk.

“My wrist buttons,” Namjoon explains, showing two small, gold buttons placed on his shirt
with a small star drawn on it. “I couldn't risk wearing something very flashy here in the
palace. I assume you remembered Min-ji's jacket and Ki-tae's compass.”

“Exactly,” Jeongguk states. “I don't know why I never connected the dots. Now that I know,
it's so obvious.”

"We’re more than what everyone imagines, aren't we?" Namjoon smiles apologetically.
Jeongguk sighs. “So… Your dad was a rebel. I didn't expect that.”

“He was,” Jeongguk nods, trying to control the emotion that reverberates through his chest at
the memory of his father. "But he's not the only one."

Namjoon opens his mouth to retort, probably questioning what Jeongguk means, but is
interrupted.

"So it is true?" A deep, velvety voice resounds in the hallway, startling them both.

Taehyung appears at the corner of the hallway with an unreadable expression on his face.
Behind him is Areum, in a long, dark blue dress and a surprised and apologetic look on her
face that is clearly fake. She approaches the prince, placing a hand with red painted nails on
his arm in a gesture of comfort. What the hell?

Jeongguk feels his brow furrow. "What is it true?"

"Namjoon, can you, please, resume your work?" Taehyung asks in an assertive tone, keeping
his eyes on Jeongguk.

“Of course, Your Highness,” the royal palace florist rushes to respond, walking down the hall
after giving Jeongguk one last confused gaze.

"Tae?" Jeongguk re-calls the prince's attention, confused by what is happening.

It seems that the name coming out of the purple-haired boy's mouth makes Taehyung shiver,
because a grimace of pain crosses his face, even if for a fraction of a second. However, it
only takes a second for Taehyung to regain his usual calm posture as well.

“Areum, can you please go back to your room too? Quietly?" The prince asks. "I will come to
you when I can."

“Of course, Taehyung,” Areum offers to obey, but not before looking in Jeongguk's direction
and winking at him. The purple-haired boy also swears he sees a glimmer of a victorious,
satisfied smile on her lips.
When the two are alone again in that corner of the hallway, Taehyung closes his eyes for a
second and sighs, before continuing. “I went to get Areum from her bedroom so I could come
here to explain to you both my choice before the cameras came, but she asked me for a few
minutes to tell me something important she had discovered,” Taehyung begins by explaining.
“I couldn't believe it. I didn't want to believe it.”

"What are you talking about, after all, Taehyung?" Jeongguk asks exasperated. “I don't
understand a thing. What the hell did Areum tell you?”

A tear escapes Taehyung's eyes, and if Jeongguk swore he had felt his heart breaking before
this moment, he was clearly mistaken.

“Taehyung? Why are you crying?” Jeongguk asks preoccupied, without knowing what to do.

“Areum told me that you come from a rebel family, Jeongguk. And that you are one too,”
Taehyung finally says with a sad smile, robbing all of the air from his lungs. “And that's why
you came to the Selection. That's why you entered the palace, that’s why you entered in my
heart. To get the Swan rebels the power over Euphoréa and achieve their goals.”

Jeongguk feels his mouth gaping open and the blood pounding in his ears. He had never
heard such barbarity before.

“What the hell? She told you that? That's a fucking lie, Tae!" Jeongguk tries to defend
himself, but Taehyung speaks over, not wanting to hear him.

“Now, it all makes sense though,” the prince's voice comes out shaky. “That explains why Ki-
tae was insisting with me to choose you. Tell me, were you connected to them all this time?
Was I just a pawn? Was this all just a game?”

“Taehyung…” Jeongguk tries to approach the prince but Taehyung raises both of his hands in
refusal, taking two steps back. "Of course that's not true!"

“I never meant anything to you,” Taehyung claims, no questions it. Jeongguk feels a kick in
his ribs. “You never loved me. I was just an object, I was only good for you to use me and get
the Swans where they wanted.”

Jeongguk doesn't know at what precise moment he started to cry too but it becomes difficult
to look at Taehyung with the curtain of incessant tears in his eyes. “Taehyung, you have to
believe me. That is not true! None of that is true! She’s lying!"

"Are you going to deny that your dad was a rebel then?" Taehyung challenges, sobbing low.
The prince's perfect face is streaked with tears and contorted in pain.

Jeongguk opens and closes his mouth a few times, feeling his throat tighten around the words
he wants so badly to utter. Taehyung's cold, distant gaze makes him block as if a clawed hand
is strangling his neck and Jeongguk doesn't even have the strength to say Areum is the one
who is the rebel. Honestly, that thought doesn't even cross his mind at the moment, just the
way Taehyung is crying. Because of him.
Taehyung laughs weakly, wiping some tears from his face with a frustrated hand. “I fell
madly in love with you, Jeongguk. I gave you my heart on a golden platter and trusted you to
take care of it. But after all, you just wanted to play with my feelings and take advantage of
them to get what you and your rebel friends wanted. What most of the selected others also
wanted. Not me, but the crown.”

“Tae…” Jeongguk sobs, feeling tears mingling with snot but he doesn't even care what he
must look like right now. Nothing is uglier than the broken pieces of his heart mixed with
Taehyung's on the floor. “You have to believe me. None of that is true! I'm not a rebel, I never
was one! You know me, Taehyung. You know me!"

"Do I?" Taehyung shrugs, only pain stamped in his eyes. There is no longer that warmth, that
sweetness. “How many times should I allow you to break my heart, Jeongguk? I can’t take it
anymore. I refuse to undergo this torture for the rest of my life. As you may have noticed, I
already have my share of it.”

"Tae, don't say that," Jeongguk tries to get closer to the prince again, holding his face tightly.
Taehyung grabs the purple-haired boy's wrists and plucks them from his cheeks. "Please,
Taehyung. We've been through so much. You have to believe me! I swear I'm telling you the
truth! I love you!"

Taehyung closes his eyes and turns his head, refusing to look at Jeongguk anymore. "Of all
the lies you've told me, this is the one that hurt me the most."

Jeongguk let his arms drop down, joining his sides in defeat. “It's not… It's not a lie…”

The expression in the prince's eyes silences Jeongguk. “Ask your servants to do their best.
You should leave the palace with style.”

“What? Tae… Tae!” Jeongguk sobs, trying to hold Taehyung again. “Don’t say that. Please.
Believe me!”

In a rush, Taehyung passes him without sparing him another glance, leaving the hallway and
the future that Jeongguk had held in his hands just a few minutes before.

Devastated, Jeongguk drops right there in the middle of his bedroom's entrance, sobbing
loudly and clutching at his chest as if the center of his body is about to snap in pain. And the
truth is, it’s not far from it. There is an emptiness, a huge hole inside his chest, where what
Jeongguk used to call his heart used to be, but which is no longer there.

The words spoken by his father, for Jeongguk never to give up and fight, fight, fight, resonate
in his mind, but how can the purple-haired boy do it when he witnessed firsthand Taehyung's
heart shattering and the gleam fleeing from his eyes?

Not knowing where he got the strength, Jeongguk gets up from the ground and silently closes
the door. He approaches the bed and lies down on his side, clutching the pillow where
Taehyung slept last night and, fortunately or unfortunately, it still smells like the prince.
Jeongguk cries, hoping to expel the excruciating pain from his body before the ceremony,
before this same suffering is doubled by hearing the words he longed to hear addressed to
Areum instead. How is he going to face that?

He looks at the clock on the nightstand to see how much time he has left when his eyes fall
on the thick envelope Taehyung had given him the night before. Thinking that this will be the
last part of him Jeongguk will ever have, he opens it, desperate.

December 25, 4:30 pm

Dear Jeongguk,

You left a few hours ago. So far, I've gotten up twice to go to your room to ask you if you liked
your presents or just to see you, only remembering later that you're not here. I got so used to
you, to your presence and your loud laughter, that it's strange not having you around,
walking through the corridors and appreciating the art hanging in them. I've been about to
call you almost a few times too, to show you my support even if it's not by your side as I
wanted, but I don't want to sound possessive. I don't want you to see me like a cage. I
remember you said that was how you thought of the palace on your first night here. I think
that as time went by, you started to feel freer and I would hate to spoil that liberty. I'll have to
find a way to distract myself until you get back, even if my thoughts are always on you.

I decided to sit down and write you, hoping it will make me feel like I'm talking to you. And it
works, in a way. I can imagine you sitting here, smiling teasingly at my idea, perhaps shaking
your head as if you think I'm lame. You do that sometimes, you know? But I like that
expression of yours. You're not afraid to show me that side of you. You're the only person who
does it without looking like you think I'm hopeless though. You smile at my idiosyncrasies,
accept its existence and continue to be my friend, my lover. And in just seven hours - not that
I was counting anyway - I've already started to miss it. To miss you.

I wonder what you have done in that period of time. I bet you've crossed the country by now
and made it home safe and sound. At least I hope you're safe. I can't imagine what a comfort
you must be for your family right now. You have that gift.

I keep trying to imagine your house. I remember you told me it was little, that you had a
chicken coop and a vegetable garden where your mother works, and that you share a room
with your other three sisters. Besides that, I have to resort to my imagination. I imagine you
hugging your sisters or soothing your mother.

I tried to imagine what it would be like to walk into your house with you. I would like to see
the place where you grew up. I would like to sit anywhere in the house and feel the presence
of other people around; the sound of creaking floors and closing doors. I would like to sit
anywhere in the house and still be able to probably smell the aromas of the kitchen. I've
always imagined that real homes are full of the smell of food being cooked. I wouldn't even
touch work. No armies, budgets or negotiations. I'd be sitting next to you, maybe trying to
improve my photography, while you were arranging flowers. I would have dinner with your
family and we would all talk on top of each other, in a huddle of conversation, instead of
whispering and having to wait our turn. And maybe I would sleep in an extra bed or on the
couch. I would sleep on the floor beside you if you would let me. I think about it sometimes.
Fall asleep beside you like we did at the shelter, even if it was only for a couple of hours. It
was good to feel your breathing, calm and close, pulling me away from my recurrent
loneliness.

This letter has turned a little silly and I think you know how I hate to make a fool of myself.
But still, I do it. For you.

Taehyung

December 26, 11:28 pm

Dear Jeongguk,

It's almost bedtime. I'm trying to relax but I can't. I just think about you. I'm terrified of
thinking they can hurt you. I know someone would let me know if you weren't okay and that
became a kind of paranoia. Whenever a servant or a guard comes to deliver a message to me,
my heart stops beating for a moment, fearing the worst. You left. You're not coming back.

I wish you were here, I wish I could see you, even if that sounds selfish. I know that's where
you need to be, at home with your family.

You will never receive these letters. It's too humiliating.

I want you here, at home. I keep thinking about your smile and I'm afraid I'll never see it
again.

I hope you come back to me, Jeongguk.

Taehyung
 ♕

December 27, 11:20 am

Dear Jeongguk,

Miracle of miracles, I managed to survive last night. When I finally woke up, I convinced
myself that there was nothing to worry about. I swore that today I would concentrate on my
duties and work and not worry so much about you.

I got past breakfast and almost an entire meeting before your image consumed me. I told
everyone I was not feeling very well, and right now, I'm hiding in my bedroom, writing you,
hoping it will give me the feeling that you're home again. I'm so selfish. You're in the process
of grieving, you've just lost your father, and all I can think about is bringing you back here.
Now that I've written it and I see the words on the paper, I feel like a complete idiot. You are
exactly where you should be. I think I've said this already, but I'm sure you're a great comfort
to your family. I say this with certainty because you are a great comfort to me too.

You know, I never told you this and I should have done it by now, but you've become so much
stronger since I met you. I'm not arrogant enough to think this has anything to do with me,
but I believe this experience changed you. I have changed without a doubt. You had, from the
beginning, your own kind of intrepidity, which turned into something strong.

I used to see you as a boy with a sack full of rocks, ready to throw them at any enemy who
crossed your path. But now, it's like you are the stone itself. You’re firm and capable. And I
bet your family sees that in you too. I should have told you while I had the chance but I hope
you get back home soon so I can.

I miss you. Immensely.

Taehyung

December 28, 7:40 pm

Dear Jeongguk,

I've been thinking about our first kiss. I think I should say first kisses, but I mean the second
one, the one you asked for. Did I ever tell you how I felt that night? It wasn't just the first kiss
of my life; it was happening with you.

I've seen a lot, Jeongguk. I've been in the most diverse corners of our planet, but I've never
encountered anything so painfully beautiful as that kiss. I wish it were something I could
catch with a net or put in a book, but instead, I just let the feeling reverberate in my chest and
make me float every time I think about it. I wish I could keep it and share it with the world so
that I could tell the universe: this is how we feel when we fall.

These letters are so embarrassing. I'll have to burn them before you come back.

Taehyung

December 29, 12:00 am

Jeongguk,

I think I should tell you this, as your maid will definitely say it to you.

I've been thinking about the little things you do. Sometimes you hum or sing as you walk
around the palace. Sometimes, when I go to your room, I hear the melodies that are your
laughs coming out the door. The palace looks empty without them.

I miss your scent too. The scent that comes off your hair when you turn to laugh at me, or the
scent that your skin gives off when we walk through the garden. I know you're not a big fan of
the thousand and one body lotions and butters that the palace offers you. And thank God for
that. What I love is the real smell of you. It's intoxicating.

So, I went to your bedroom to steal one of your shirts; another goofy trick to make me feel
like you're here with me. But when I was leaving your room, Nabi caught me. I don't know
what she wanted, since you're not here, but she saw me and let out a startled shriek, which
made a guard run up to see what was going on. He wielded the bat and his eyes gleamed,
threatening and ready to strike.

I was almost attacked. And all because I missed your scent.

Taehyung

December 29, 10:38 pm

Empty. That's how I feel without you here.

I miss you.

Desperately.

Taehyung

December 30, 11:00 pm

My dear Jeongguk,

My love,

Today is my birthday. Well, it almost isn't anymore, but you get it. When I woke up, my first
thought, as always, was you. I didn't even remember it was the day I celebrate my birth.
However, everyone in the palace reminded me of that, as well as the fact that I wish I had you
by my side on this day. On every day.

For my birthday dinner, I received a strawberry cake. I immediately remembered you and the
bet we made in the first days of the Selection. The bet that made me have my first date with
you, even if I didn’t admit it at the time it was one. I never told you, but I prayed every night
that your sister wouldn't cry just so I could win and walk with you in the garden.

As I blew out the candles, the wish that immediately dawned in my mind was to tell you. To
finally tell you the way my heart beats wildly just for you.

I've never written a love letter, so forgive me if I fail now… I didn't make hearts on the dots of
the "i’s", nor did I write this with a purple pen, but I hope you don't get disappointed.
The simplest way would be to simply tell you that I love you. But, in reality, it’s much more
than that. I want you, Jeongguk. I need you like flowers need water and sunlight to survive.
Without you, I would simply wither away.

I was too restrained by fear. I was afraid if I show you everything at once, it'll overwhelm you
and you'll run away. I was afraid that, at the bottom of your heart, you couldn’t imagine
yourself by my side, in this royal life. I was afraid of making another mistake, something so
big that it would make you take refuge in your silent world. No lecture from a tutor, no whip
from my father, no isolation during my childhood pained me as much as the possibility of
seeing you walking away from me.

I'm always thinking about that hypothesis, lurking there, ready to jump in and attack me. And
so I clung to all my options, fearing that the moment I discarded them, you would just sit
there, arms folded, glad to be my friend, but unable to be my partner, my king, my husband.

And all I most want in the world is for you to allow me to be all that.

I love you.

For a long time, I was afraid to admit it, but now I know it.

I would never rejoice in your father's death, of course not. Nor would I ever compare the
deep sadness you've been feeling since he left with the emptiness I've felt since you're not
here. But, in a way, I have to admit that I'm grateful that you had to go. I'm not sure how
much longer it would have taken me to reach this conclusion if I hadn't been forced to
imagine a life without you. When they say we only value something when we lose it, I really
felt it.

Now, I know for sure that this is not what I want. I don’t want to live without you in my life.

I would like to be a real artist, just like you, so I can tell you what you've become to me.
Jeongguk, my love, you are the sunlight filtered by flowers. You are the laughter in a moment
of sadness. You are the breeze on a very hot day. You are the clarity in the midst of confusion.
You are not the world, but you are everything that makes the world good. At least mine.
Without you, my life could continue to exist, but there would be nothing more than that.

You said that for this to work, one of us would have to take a leap of faith. I think I have
finally found the abyss that has to be crossed and I hope to find you waiting for me on the
other side.

I love you, Jeongguk.

Yours forever,

Taehyung
Chapter End Notes

my twitter
my curious cat
playlist
 twenty one
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes

XXI

The Great Hall is crowded. Golden curtains adorn the walls, tables with a wide range of food
and drinks rest in one of the corners, a musical string ensemble plays an ambient melody, and
guests in formal wear chat animatedly in the meticulously decorated space about the theme of
the first day of January: who will be the winner of the Selection?

Today is the day.

Today is the day that could have arrived a long time ago, or it could have been postponed for
a while. Today is the day that Jeongguk once didn’t think – didn’t want - even to reach,
wanting to believe that he was at home with his family weeks, maybe months ago. Today is
the day that Jeongguk eventually found out to be the reason for his anxiety, good or bad.
Today is the day Jeongguk realized that it was the perfect metaphor between the arrival of
spring and the sheer, radiant growth of the flower he yearned to blossom.

However, today is the day marked by an angry winter instead, by clouds laden with
melancholy and sadness, incessant tears in the form of heavy raindrops, and thunder that
splinters and burns to ash the already tiny and broken pieces of Jeongguk’s heart.

Today, the Selection will finally come to an end. And, contrary to what Jeongguk had thought
until a couple of hours ago, also his and Taehyung's relationship.

For the first time since Jeongguk arrived at the palace, Taehyung is the center of attention,
not the king or the queen. Dressed in a glittering night-sky suit that matches the silvery, blue
jeweled crown that rests in his cloud of almond brown hair, Taehyung positions himself on a
slightly raised white wooden platform to stand out from the rest of the guests, as well as
Areum and Jeongguk, who each sit beside the prince's throne in golden velvet armchairs.

Jeongguk thinks his and Areum's positions are misleading; he is on Taehyung's right. The
purple-haired boy had always thought that being on someone's right was a good thing, a
position of honor, but so far, Taehyung had spent all his time pretending that Jeongguk
doesn't exist, not even sparing him a glance or a single word, preferring to focus his
undecipherable expression somewhere in the Great Hall.

Areum occasionally glances in Jeongguk's direction, especially when the prince is distracted
by some other guest or journalist, and sends him a falsely sweet smile or a victorious wink.
Jeongguk wants to get up and scream at the top of his lungs that this girl is fake, that she's a
rebel and managed to destroy the imperfect but magically beautiful thing that Jeongguk and
Taehyung built, but what would that do for him? Causing a scandal right now, in front of the
cameras and the guests, in front of the queen and the king, in front of Taehyung, would surely
only mess things up more, right? As if Jeongguk doesn't know that it's all completely ruined
for him anyway.

Jeongguk had to accept it, even as his heart constricted and writhed inside his chest. The
contest came to an end and he lost.

The purple-haired boy has been sitting here for over twenty minutes - which honestly feels
like more hours instead - and he wonders why the hell he has to continue in this spiral of
suffering instead of having an ounce of mercy to finish everything quickly. Okay, there is one
side of him that keeps a flame of hope blazing in his chest at Taehyung's delay in getting up
and revealing his choice once and for all, but on the other hand, Jeongguk wonders if he
wouldn't prefer if the prince treated the moment like pulling a bandage out of a wound, where
it would hurt like hell at first but would eventually mean it was done and Jeongguk could
move on eventually.

But how to move on after the months he allowed his heart to jump without a parachute from
the abyss it was falling for Taehyung?

And don’t get him wrong because Jeongguk was never one to give up easily and that
wouldn't happen now either. However, in the amount of time he's been sitting here, Jeongguk
has tried countless times to get the prince's attention. A loophole, an opportunity for him to
explain himself, but the prince is relentless in that regard.

Jeongguk sighs, feeling increasingly defeated and hopeless. In order to try to maintain the
appearances required for this moment, he attempts to keep a smile on his lips as he
contemplates the hall, even if the simple gesture makes him nauseous.

The space is completely full.

Jung Hoseok, with his fluorescent yellow hair, is in a corner, talking to a camera, narrating
events as they happen and introducing some of the most important guests.

Sohui smiles and nods when her gaze meets Jeongguk's in the other corner of the Great Hall,
and beside her, Yejun winks at him knowingly. Oh, if he only knew how wrong he is.
However, Jeongguk nods back to them, too nervous to do much more than that. He would
like Jimin to be there, to give him sage advice and a hug that Jeongguk sorely needs, but of
course his best friend couldn't be invited.

In the back of the room, dressed in deceptively clean and classic clothes, Ki-tae, Min-ji, and
other Swan rebels occupy an entire table. It was a bold invitation, especially with the king
and so many soldiers present, but of course Taehyung invited them to meet his chosen
partner. Well, maybe Taehyung is now regretting having invited them because he thinks the
rebels tricked him along with Jeongguk. Little does the prince know that it was his future
princess - who is the one who really belongs and has always belonged to the group - who
deceived him.

Ki-tae and the rest survey the hall, visibly tense, as if afraid that at any moment a guard will
recognize and censure them, even though Ki-tae's group is not known for their violent attacks
and frightening palace entrances. But, interestingly, the soldiers don't seem to be paying
much attention.

In fact, this is the first time Jeongguk has seen them so distracted. The guards roam the
bustling room with their eyes but not with the aim of inspecting the security as they should
but rather nervously instead. It will likely go unnoticed by the guests, but for Jeongguk, who
is trying to find as many things as possible to distract himself from what is going to happen
very soon, it’s a strange thing. He even notices that one or two of the guards have not shaved
and even look a little rude. However, this is a big event. Perhaps, they had just been taken by
surprise and rushed. In fact, Taehyung announced that he made his choice quite suddenly.

Jeongguk shifts his eyes to queen Yuna, who is talking to her sister Binna and her ranch of
children. She looks radiant. Clearly, the queen has long looked forward to this day. She will
love Areum as a daughter. Jeongguk knows that, but he can't help the pain equivalent to a
knife being stabbed directly into his chest from being felt.

Unable to imagine that any longer, Jeongguk turns and gazes again at the faces of the
selected, all of them in a circle talking. The purple-haired boy's eyes linger again on Yejun,
who is stamped with the question «Why are you looking so sad?» on his face. Jeongguk
shakes his head slightly, letting him know he's lost. The boy from caste Three sends him a
discreet smile and moves his lips silently, uttering, «Everything’s going to be all right». He
nods, trying to believe Yejun. The Three is forced to look away, laughing at something
Woojin has apparently said.

Finally, Jeongguk looks to his right, where Namjoon is quietly talking to Seokjin. The two
seem closer and Jeongguk remembers not having asked Namjoon what he thought of Seokjin
as his servant had asked him. The past few days have been chaotic on all levels for Jeongguk
to remember that, but it seems that they didn't need his intervention after all.

"Trying to arrange a rebel meeting for later?" Taehyung asks unexpectedly, causing Jeongguk
to immediately look at him.

It’s the first time that Taehyung has spoken to him since the beginning of the event. Jeongguk
even wonders if he's raving and dreaming about the prince's voice.

"What? No, of course not,” Jeongguk responds offended, hurt even. His voice is hoarse from
the hundreds of tears he shed earlier.

The prince scoffs, shaking his head in visible disappointment.

Jeongguk continues to hear his father's words resonate in his mind. Fight, fight, fight. And
that's what he continues to do. As much as a voice yells in his ear that he and Taehyung are a
lost cause, his heart doesn't seem to want to believe it. He refuses to believe it. At least not
yet. But Taehyung isn't making things easy. At all.

“Taehyung,” Jeongguk calls in a pleading tone of voice. "Tae." The purple-haired boy knows
the prince is listening. It's impossible not to. But the way the features on Taehyung's face -
even though Jeongguk only has access to his profile - tremble at hearing Jeongguk's calls
only gives him more evidence of that. However, the prince prefers to continue to ignore him.
“Taehyung. Are you really going to continue not letting me explain my version of the story?
The true version of the story? Don't you think I deserve at least that?”

“And what else is there to explain, Jeongguk?” Taehyung finally spares him a look, turning
slightly sideways on the throne. Jeongguk starts to think that the prince should keep his eyes
straight ahead rather than directly showing Jeongguk the coldness radiating from them. “I
heard everything there was to hear in that hallway. I've been an idiot long enough to believe
what you told me. That’s enough."

“You have to know that what Areum told you is a lie. You have to let me explain!” Jeongguk
desperately pleads, trying not to create a scene.

Taehyung waves a hand towards him. “Doesn't matter anymore, really. Areum's family will
arrive this afternoon for a small celebration and yours will come to pick you up. It's not good
for the losing finalist to be alone. Some have a tendency to do a bit of drama.” Taehyung's
voice is a mixture of coldness and hesitation, maybe even terror at the events he's just
revealed.

But it’s inevitable for Jeongguk not to feel a kick against his ribs. Taehyung is being so cold,
so distant, so petty. It doesn't even look like the Taehyung that Jeongguk fell in love with.

“Tae, let me at least-” Jeongguk tries to say but is interrupted.

“You can keep the house. It was a gift. Just like the cards,” Taehyung adds in an impassive
tone of voice.

“Taehyung… I read them,” Jeongguk whispers, feeling his eyes start to water. "I loved them."

The prince snorts like it's a joke. "I don't know what I was thinking, honestly."

“Please, Taehyung. Don't do this. Hear me out. I'm not a rebel, I've never played with you or
with your feelings,” Jeongguk fights, fights, fights. "Please. Tae, you have to believe in me
and not in her. I love you,” he whispers, feeling ready to break down and cry.

"Jeongguk. Don't you dare," Taehyung orders, through gritted teeth and also with his voice
wavering. "I just… I can't even look at you without feeling the betrayal bubbling in my
blood. So now, do me a favor one last time and keep quiet and smile until the end of the
event."

The purple-haired boy blinks back his tears, feeling the cold air pass through the huge hole of
emptiness that is in his chest.

Taehyung keeps his gaze locked on Jeongguk for another fraction of a second, only to spit out
the words, "Now, I'm finally going to finish the Selection like I should have done a long time
ago."

The words are like stones thrown directly into Jeongguk's face, which makes him react with a
grimace of excruciating pain.
The prince smiles again as he turns to face forward, and rises suddenly from his throne,
drawing the attention of Areum, who is talking to Sun-mi, and the other guests. Jeongguk
looks down for a minute - maybe even several, he's not sure - calming his breath and trying to
gather the courage to face what's going to happen next. He just wants to get up and run away
from the palace until he reaches his house in caste Seven.

Taehyung clears his throat, silencing the entire Great Hall with that gesture. The cameras turn
their lenses at him, at them, but the intermittent blinking red lights are making Jeongguk
nauseated and on the verge of tears. Even more.

He doesn't want his vulnerability to be filmed, but being with his head hanging is not
indicated and he could be scolded, which will only draw more attention to him.

When Jeongguk lifts his head again, he doesn't dare look directly at anyone. Instead, he
concentrates his stare on the walls of the hall, trying to get away from the sight of Taehyung
standing there, ready to finally reveal his choice to all Euphoréa. Jeongguk tries to maintain
the most unreadable expression he can manage, but inside, his chest is in an absolute turmoil.

“Good afternoon everyone, and welcome to the royal palace. I truly apologize if the
invitation for you to be here was sudden and rushed, but I want to thank you for your
presence. I couldn't wait to share my decision with all of you,” Taehyung starts by saying in a
light tone, eliciting a few low chuckles from the guests. The prince doesn't smile, however.
“As you know, the Selection began approximately four months ago. It was a long adventure
to welcome into my home and get to know these young people better, but it was a great
pleasure to do it at the same time. Each of them has its strengths and weaknesses, quirks and
interests, but I don't regret having known them all. Despite my choice today, I hope to be able
to keep in touch with all of them, without exception.”

The selected at the back of the room exchange kind smiles and nod in agreement. Jeongguk
closes his eyes momentarily, knowing this is clearly not aimed at him. He doubts that
Taehyung wants to see him anymore after today. Jeongguk doesn't know if he would want it
otherwise. Honestly, he would rather not see Taehyung any more on his life than witness his
wedding with Areum.

“Today, the Selection will come to an end and I will introduce you to my future partner, the
latest future member of the royal family,” Taehyung continues, his voice now sounding
slightly shaky. “This person is the one I idealize and have always idealized to be by my side,
in my life and in my reign. Who has what it takes to govern Euphoréa but also who, above
all, managed to steal my heart and make me sigh like a romantic fool,” the prince speaks as if
it were a rehearsed speech and some of the guests among the audience coo. Jeongguk
wonders if these would be the words Taehyung would say if his choice was still Jeongguk,
and that, given the lack of time, the prince didn't have the opportunity to change. Taehyung
pauses for a few seconds, nervously fiddling with his fingers behind his back as he stares at
the expectant guests in front of him. He takes a deep breath and adds, “And the great winner
of the Selection is…”

Jeongguk swallows hard, feeling his whole body tremble. He still didn't have the heart to
look in the prince's direction. He doubts anyone has noticed it, especially now that curiosity
and suspense are floating in the air.
And silence joins them.

Taehyung doesn't say anything.

The prince is silent for a few more seconds and the hesitation radiating from his body is
palpable. Areum shifts nervously in her chair, looking pleadingly at the prince. The king and
the queen also exchange some worried and confused looks between them, clearly ignorant of
the fact that the initial choice of their son was Jeongguk, and that, in the meantime,
something happened between them both

“My choice is…” Taehyung repeats, feeling the pressure in the form of curious eyes and
whispers from the guests. The prince moves his head slightly, and although Jeongguk keeps
his gaze everywhere but Taehyung, he can feel the prince's eyes on him through his
peripheral vision.

Areum clears her throat, slightly irritated even, as if this is enough to remind Taehyung that
he's supposed to say her name. Jeongguk feels his heart beating violently inside his chest. He
doesn't want to fuel that flame of hope, he doesn't want his downfall to be any bigger, but
Jeongguk feels the skin on his face burning, where he just knows the prince is keeping his
eyes on him.

What is making Taehyung hesitate? What does this mean?

Before Jeongguk can move his gaze, which so far has remained mostly stuck to the back
walls of the Great Hall, and move to the prince's pale, nervous face instead, the purple-haired
boy notices the moment when most of the sentinel guards start moving away from their posts,
following some signal neither he nor any of the other guests noticed. Then, these same
soldiers remove a piece of red cloth from their coat pockets and hastily tie it around their
heads. What the hell? What is happening?

The purple-haired boy continues to stare, completely confused and never having seen
anything like it happen here in the royal palace. The soldiers all look at each other one last
time before moving in opposite directions, as if they have a goal, a target, in mind.

And when one of those guards with the red scarf approaches Yoon Mi-suk, the selected girl
from caste Three, and shoots her in the back of her head, Jeongguk lets out an exclamation of
horror and drops to the ground in an automatic defense mechanism.

The screaming and shooting explode at the same time.

Excruciating shrieks and whimpers of pain invade the Great Hall and interrupt the ambient
music, joining the cacophony of chairs being hastily dragged, bodies slamming against the
walls and floor, and a crowd of people in high heels and ceremony suits trying to escape as
quickly as possible from that massacre. The men, who are clearly no royal guards at all,
scream with every shot they fire, making everything even more terrifying. The gold is
quickly stained with crimson, thus making a party that should be magical and beautiful into
an authentic horror movie instead.
Jeongguk watches, transfixed, witnessing more deaths in those mere seconds than in his
entire life. His eyes fall on the king and queen thrones on the side of the Great Hall, but they
disappeared. He is assailed by fear, not knowing if they had managed to escape or if they had
been captured. Or worse, dead. A shiver runs down his spine. Jeongguk searches for Binna
and her children, but he can't see them anywhere in the mess, and that's even worse than
losing sight of the king and the queen.

His mind screams for Taehyung immediately and nonstop, worried for the safety of the prince
and the owner of his heart, and when Jeongguk looks to the side, it's not the prince's image he
comes across, but Areum's instead.

The girl is now on her feet, not a glimmer of fear or panic on her face as usual in previous
rebel attacks, which is strange. Dazzling in a sparkling, silver dress that contrasts with
Jeongguk's golden outfit, and a blonde braided hairstyle, there's something that stands out in
her look. A red cloth, to be more precise, is tied around her neck like a scarf, and is hugged
by her milky skin proudly.

But it's not just that.

Her hands are firmly holding a scary, black gun. That pistol is pointed at Taehyung, who
remains in the same position as he started his speech, without moving and without looking
away from the girl, and Jeongguk swears that all the air in the Great Hall is sucked in.

In that moment of searing fear in which the purple-haired boy's heart stops beating but, at the
same time, trembles violently inside him, Jeongguk puts the pieces of the puzzle together.

The soldiers sent to the selected homes a few weeks ago, when the Whales rebels threatened
to kill everyone belonging to the Elite members castes, had not deserted or fled their duties.
They were clearly killed and buried instead, and the stolen uniforms are now in front of their
eyes.

And all this is probably because of the precious help coming from the girl who continues to
hold a gun towards the prince with a smirk on her lips.

Areum is a rebel. Jeongguk wasn't wrong about that. But the North Star pendant necklace
was just a farce, a mask, a distraction. Because, in fact, Areum is not a Swan.

She is a Whale.

It's strange how, at that moment, the screams and gunshots that ring through the Great Hall
become silent instead, a distant echo in the purple-haired boy's ears. Jeongguk can't take his
eyes off the gun aimed at Taehyung's chest, who is breathing frantically with fear and, above
all, with clarity about what's happening in front of him.

An expression of amusement crosses Areum's face. “Oh, Taehyung… You don't need to be
afraid. I'm not going to kill you,” she rolls her eyes, speaking like this is the most obvious
thing in the world. “I mean, that if you say once and for all that your choice is me, of course.
But I know you will. After all, you have no other option, even if you need a little push from
me. I need you by my side to rule Euphoréa. Of course, we will have some help from my
friends, but they know from the start that it would be the two of us in charge. That was the
condition I presented to them if the Whales wanted my help to reach the top.”

Bile reaches Jeongguk's throat. His head spins and spins and spins and he is amazed at how
he is still intact and upright, even though his whole body is shaking violently.

“Areum…” Taehyung mumbles, shaking his head in disbelief. “You… How… Has this been
your plan from the start? The crown?"

The girl shrugs. "Well… I can’t lie, can I? Honestly, I thought it would be easier. Much
easier. A prince desperate for attention, for a pretty face, for love… But of course,” Areum
scoffs, finally moving her gaze from Taehyung and letting it fall on Jeongguk instead. “As
with all plans, there has to be an irritating stone inside the shoe. Jeon Jeongguk… You pissed
the shit out of me from day one. Always so friendly and helpful with me… Ugh. So, so
annoying!” She sighs exasperatedly, playing with the gun as if she has a flower in her hand
instead. “But of course you had to make the prince fall in love with you. He didn't even give
me one kiss,” she grunts, spitting the words in Taehyung's direction.

“You bitch,” Jeongguk mutters, letting the anger finally shine through as he rises off the
ground with hatred coursing through his veins.

For a mere caste Seven girl, Areum might as well have pursued an acting career as a Two.
How could she pretend all these months? How could she play being Jeongguk's friend or
pretend to be madly in love with Taehyung when, in reality, she had another goal in her mind
all along?

“Oh, look! Our dear, sweet Jeongguk is upset,” Areum chuckles as she takes a few steps
forward, holding her gun better and now aiming it at his head. “Oh, Jeongguk. I know it can't
be easy for you to see the man you love with someone else but… It needs to happen if we
want Euphoréa to evolve. But this suffering won't last long, don't worry.”

A group of what seems to be the real guards of the royal palace burst into the Great Hall,
firing with precision at those who attack the guests, and taking out of there the ones who still
have a chance to live. The Whale rebels act as if they were already expecting their presence
though, attacking with disgusting grins on their faces and weapons of all sorts.

This pandemonium happens as background music for the three of them because, even with
the deafening noise of the war taking place in that big but suffocating space, Jeongguk can
clearly hear Taehyung's whispered words. Jeongguk can hear the fear that wells up in them.
“What… What do you mean by that, Areum? What are you going to do?”

Areum is not dumb. Clearly, she never was. And she instantly sees the horror and panic
stamped in the prince's bulging eyes, which makes her smile. She knows it will be a lot more
painful for Taehyung and more fun for her this way.

This is why Areum pulls the trigger and tilts her head slightly to the side, looking directly at
Jeongguk.
“Dear Taehyung... I wanted to kill your little lover boy here from the first moment he started
to ruin my plans. It took a while, but good things take their time, don't they? And I always
had the excellent quality of being patient. That's why I'll forgive your hesitance on revealing
my name. All Euphoréa will think it was only because of this attack and not because you
have doubts in choosing me, of course.”

Jeongguk remains where he was at the start of the event, only this time standing. The back of
his shaky knees bump against the golden armchair and he wonders how he manages to hold
onto this position when his legs feel like they’re made of jelly. Taehyung also stays in front of
his throne, afraid to move a single finger and ending up encouraging Areum to do something.
But that's not enough to not get the girl moving because, by now, she's only half a dozen steps
away from Jeongguk.

It's funny and scary at the same time how he and Taehyung haven't suffered a single wound
when the entire Great Hall is a veritable war scene. With a quick movement of his eyes,
Jeongguk quickly realizes why. A row of stout men with red scarves tied around their heads
have created a kind of defensive line in front of them, not quite to protect them but Areum
instead, as they fight against the guards of the royal palace. Was it her orders? Probably, yes.
Areum must have demanded that she would be the one to kill Jeongguk and for them not to
hurt the prince with a single finger.

“Areum…” Jeongguk babbles, betrayal and disappointment joining the rage, all feelings
stamped on his face. “Why are you doing this? The Whales will lead Euphoréa to ruin. If you
think you're going to get something positive out of this…”

The girl laughs hysterically. “Oh, Jeongguk, shut up. Do you think it would be you the one
who was going to bring the best of the country? How naïve you are. You don't understand
any of this. I will be a better ruler than you.”

Jeongguk wants to raise his arms in exasperation but he holds back, taking a deep breath
instead. “I never wanted to rule Euphoréa. I never cared about it! It was never my goal to
come to power. Never!" The purple-haired boy exclaims. “But what I know is that I don't
want someone like you or your friends to rule the country. We've already suffered enough to
live in a much worse reality.”

“You will live in another reality entirely,” Areum spits out, her lascivious smile now replaced
by an irritated snarl.

Jeongguk instinctively takes another step back as Areum comes closer, but the back of his
legs bump into the golden armchair again and prevent him from fleeing. His eyes move
towards Taehyung, who is completely transfixed in horror as he stares at Jeongguk and at the
gun pointed at his head.

As if sensing Jeongguk's gaze on him, the prince looks up and their eyes meet. The purple-
haired boy wishes from the bottom of his heart that he is able to express through that split-
second look how much he loves Taehyung and regrets that this is all happening to them.
Perhaps, in a parallel universe, he and Taehyung could have worked out, could have been
happy. Jeongguk will pass away believing in this faithfully.
A single tear escapes from the corner of Taehyung's eye and slowly slides down the prince's
cheek, as if he had all the time in the world to do it. Jeongguk feels his heart tighten inside his
chest, wanting more than anything to get closer to Taehyung and comfort him, as if a gun
wasn't pointed in his direction right now.

A gagging noise interrupts them. “Oh, for fuck's sake. I can't stand to see you anymore,”
Areum growls, taking another step forward to get her aim right. “You guys disgust me with
so much... Love. What childishness, what a waste of time.”

Loving Taehyung with all his heart was never a waste of time, Jeongguk thinks.

“Areum, put your gun down,” Taehyung asks, raising a hand and stretching it towards the
girl, as if he's talking to a dangerous and scared animal. “We can work things out another
way. You want the throne? I can give it to you. Take the throne, take the crown, take the
palace. You can have it all. But don't hurt Jeongguk. Please."

The girl lets out an incredulous and amused sneer from the back of her throat. “Would you
look at this? Jeongguk, you really do have the prince of Euphoréa wrapped around your
finger, huh? How romantic,” she rolls her eyes, speaking wryly.

“Taehyung. Don't say that,” Jeongguk snaps, closing his eyes. He can't allow Taehyung to
trade everything his family and him achieved for so long for Jeongguk’s simple life. Not that
he believes Areum is going to concede, anyway.

Areum patiently remains with the gun in her hand, seeming to be enjoying the delay and,
consequently, the suffering of the two boys in front of her.

Taehyung prefers to ignore Jeongguk, looking pleadingly at Areum instead. "Please. Areum.
Please."

The girl looks at him annoyedly, not really considering the prince's request. Long seconds
pass before Areum sends him an unapologetic smile and responds, "I’m sorry, prince
Taehyung. For the first time in your royal life, your request will not be an order.”

And then, everything happens too fast.

Female screams resound in the air, just like a bullet being projected, exploding during the
confusion but still managing to momentarily numb Jeongguk's ears, leaving only behind the
irritating, high-pitched noise that vibrates against his eardrums.

Jeongguk feels his body crashing violently against the floor, specifically his side, and a
searing pain instantly attacks his head, ribs and hips. He swears he saw a blur of dark blue
ahead of him, pushing him away, but his eyes fall on the figures of Areum and who he
recognizes as Min-ji instead, both still standing, fighting nimbly. In a split second, Jeongguk
is surprised they can do such a thing with high heels on their feet. Elegant and beautiful, but
with war and fight stamped on their faces.

Frustrated grunts, slaps, punches, and even nails tearing skin are heard between the two of
them as the purple-haired boy waits, waits and waits for the excruciating pain to go through
him, especially now that he already knows what it's like to be shot and, consequently, already
knows what to expect. However, that pain doesn't come, the blood doesn't soak his clothes,
his senses don't begin to dissipate, and Jeongguk realizes that, after all, Areum's aim isn't as
accurate as her acting ability.

Before he can order his brain to send synapses to the rest of his body to get him to move and
do something, he feels something cold and heavy hit his thigh. Jeongguk gets up slowly, his
head still feeling dizzy and spinning around from the impact against the ground, but his eyes
bulge immediately as he recognizes the black object.

Min-ji is now on top of Areum, who is lying with her back against the floor and struggling
through her torn dress, and Min-ji seems to be ahead in this fight. He notices that Areum
doesn’t have the gun with her, just her own hands this time, and is that a bite on her bare
shoulder?

The move must have caused Areum to lose control of her gun, as the object slid towards
Jeongguk.

In the meantime, Areum manages to take one of her silver shoes off her foot and directs it
with some effort toward her hand, slamming the heel into the side of Min-ji's head and
causing her to unbalance enough for their position to be now reversed, with Areum on top of
the other girl smiling victoriously instead.

Areum's hands find refuge in Min-ji's fragile neck, squeezing and squeezing and squeezing,
and even standing a couple of meters away, Jeongguk can see the blood draining from Min-
ji's face at the same time as her skin takes on a purplish hue that morbidly matches his own
tousled strands of hair.

Even trembling, Jeongguk's fingers don't hesitate to pick up the gun from the ground,
pointing it in the direction of the two girls. The instability of his aim isn't because Areum is
constantly moving on top of Min-ji, but because of what the weight of that gun in his hands
represents.

Now, the game is reversed. Now, the gun is in his hands and not Areum's. Now, he has the
opportunity to shout game over. Now, he has a chance to do justice, to end this.

Jeongguk can do this.

He has to do this.

For Min-ji, who fidgets, who struggles, who kicks and tries to remove Areum's merciless
hands from her neck with practically no circulation of air.

For all the other Swan rebels, who fight daily for a better life for everyone in Euphoréa
without ever resorting to the terrifying violence of the Whales.

For the people who died this afternoon and in all the other barbaric and deadly attacks.
For Taehyung, who even though it’s not yet considered the king, has done and will do
everything possible so that the country can only achieve good things with his reign, unlike
Areum and her followers.

For his father, who even though kept the fact that he was a Swan a secret, struggled for a
better reality for his mother, for his sisters, for Jeongguk, for everyone else. For his father,
who certainly wouldn't like to see everything he'd struggled to be in vain.

For all Euphoréa, who deserves someone to rule it with an empathetic and selfless heart, with
good intentions and not with the glittering gold mirrored in their eyes instead.

For Jeongguk, for himself, who has to keep listening to his father's whispers that say, «Don’t
you ever stop fighting and fighting and fighting for what you think is right».

The trigger is pulled and the bullet is fired, hitting Areum directly in the chest.

Jeongguk doesn't even have time to think about what he has just done. He doesn't know if he
wants to lose himself in these dark thoughts either. He will have to deal with them later, of
course, but there are other priorities right now.

Min-ji desperately sucks in a large amount of air as Areum's body falls back, limp and
immobile. Jeongguk tries to ignore the girl's still open eyes and the huge red stain that
smudges her silver dress, focusing instead on helping Min-ji to her feet.

"Are you hurt?" Jeongguk questions over the commotion that is still being heard in the Great
Hall.

It's funny how this seems to have been going on for hours but it must only have been around
ten minutes, if not less, instead.

Min-ji shakes her head, accepting Jeongguk's hand to lift herself off the ground. "No. You?
Are you okay?"

The purple-haired boy ignores the soreness that is felt in some parts of his body and on his
heart for killing someone, nodding instead. "We have to get out of here."

The two lift their faces to inspect the Great Hall and Jeongguk is taken aback by the number
of bodies lying lifeless on the ground. From soldiers - most Whale rebels, thankfully - to
butlers and maids, to a few guests and even selected. Jeongguk swallows hard, trying to hold
back his tears. There is no sign of the king or the queen. Jeongguk desperately wants to
believe that is a good sign.

The noise starts to subside, which indicates that the rest of the people are escaping. Or dying.
Jeongguk shakes his head, not wanting to think about that possibility.

“I agree,” Min-ji breathes heavily, hinting to Jeongguk that she too has lied about being truly
fine. "Ki-tae and Namjoon were helping the guests getting out of here and fighting the
Whales while I came to help you and the prince."
The mere mention is enough for Jeongguk to stagnate and open his eyes to stare intently at
her.

"Wait. You came alone to help us?” Jeongguk questions, feeling his heart start to race inside
him as Min-ji's face says it all without her having to utter a single word. "Didn't anyone else
come to get Taehyung out of here?!"

All this time, Jeongguk had assumed that, along with Min-ji, someone else had come to help
them, to help the prince of Euphoréa. Taehyung, like his parents, is the priority of the huge
army that works for the palace. Someone must have come to help him. But now that there's
no trace of the prince anywhere, where the hell is Taehyung?

Taehyung.

Taehyung, Taehyung, Taehyung.

Jeongguk's brain, heart, whole body actually, scream out the prince's name desperately.

With all the confusion, with the need to help Min-ji and kill Areum while he had the
opportunity, Jeongguk didn't even stop to think about where Taehyung could be. Something
in his unconscious made him believe that, in addition to being saved by some official guard,
Taehyung could have escaped out of there to some safe place as soon as Min-ji grabbed
Areum. But now that Jeongguk sees bloodstains in the opposite direction where Areum's
body rests - stains that are clearly neither his nor Min-ji's - the panic and horror make
Jeongguk's stomach churn.

“Taehyung? Taehyung?! TAEHYUNG?" Jeongguk yells in despair, frantically looking

around.

He completely paralyzes when he notices an immobile leg – only a part of it only, by the way
- covered by a dark blue fabric, which sticks out from behind the throne where the prince was
sitting at the beginning of the event.

This time, all the air inside Jeongguk's lungs is definitely sucked out of his lungs.

Jeongguk wastes no time in sneaking there and gasps when he finds Taehyung with his eyes
closed and breathing hard, lying on the floor while barely moving. A large, red stain spreads
across his white shirt, reaching his dark blue blazer as well. The prince has a wound under his
left shoulder, which looks very serious.

And that's when it all starts to make sense to Jeongguk.

The dark blue blur he swore he saw at the moment just before he hit the ground was true, it
did happen as what he now recognizes as a body pushing him. The sound of the bullet flying
from Areum's gun, though it didn't crash into Jeongguk's flesh as he'd once thought, hit
someone else instead.

Taehyung, who in the blink of an eye and without any hesitation, stepped in front of
Jeongguk because he was ready to die for him.
His heart stops and swells at the same time.

“Oh, Tae,” Jeongguk sobs through incessant tears, holding the prince’s face gently. “Tae.
Taehyung. Please."

"Jeongguk?" The prince opens his eyes slowly, as if even that small gesture is painful to him.

“It's me, Tae. It's me,” Jeongguk murmurs, leaning his forehead against Taehyung's cheek,
breathing him in. "Why were you such an idiot to get shot for me?" The purple-haired boy
asks hesitantly, feeling gratitude and love swell up inside him. “You’re such an idiot,” he
mumbles the words against the prince's face, still holding his neck carefully.

“I know,” Taehyung whispers with some difficulty, his voice coming out hoarse. "I'm an
idiot. A big, gigantic, and complete idiot for not having heard you, for believing her words
instead. And now I'm going to die because of it. But I don't regret it as long as you're safe.”

"No. No. Kim Taehyung, don’t you dare say that, no,” Jeongguk refuses to hear such
barbarities escape from Taehyung's dry, colorless lips. “You won’t die. Don’t say that."

As if that were all it took for the purple-haired boy to come out of his stupor, Jeongguk
unceremoniously rips a piece of the golden fabric that adorns his body. Jeongguk puts
pressure on the wound with it, looking worriedly at Taehyung when he squirms in pain.

“I’m sorry,” Jeongguk adds, desperate at the amount of blood staining the fabric and his
hands in such a short amount of time. "I know it hurts like hell but I have to apply pressure to
stop the bleeding."

Trembling, Taehyung lifts one of his hands and grabs Jeongguk's wrist. “No, I'm the one
who’s sorry. I was about to ruin both of our lives with a choice I never wanted to make.”

“Don't think about that now,” Jeongguk assures, brushing a few strands of hair from the
prince’s sweaty forehead. “Focus on breathing, okay? Take a deep breath and stay here with
me.”

“Jeongguk… Look at me,” Taehyung's words are barely audible. Jeongguk can only stare at
the uglier and redder wound that is poking out on the prince's chest. "Please…"

The purple-haired boy relents, moving his teary gaze to Taehyung's half-closed eyes. The
coldness and distance from earlier are no longer there and Jeongguk only finds the usual
sweetness and tenderness instead.

Taehyung smiles at him through the pain. “Break my heart, Jeongguk. Break it a thousand
times if you wish. My heart was always just yours to break anyway.”

“No,” Jeongguk pleads, shaking his head frantically in denial. “No, Taehyung. No."

“I will love you until my last breath. Every beat of my heart has always been and will always
be yours. I don't want to die without you knowing it,” Taehyung continues, ignoring
Jeongguk's hysteric sobs.
“Please, Tae. Don’t say that. Don't talk like you're saying goodbye to me. I can't-” Jeongguk
cries through his sniffles.

The prince lets go of Jeongguk's wrist and strokes his wet cheek instead. The pressure is
light, but it's enough for the purple-haired boy to realize what Taehyung wants, what he
needs.

Jeongguk leans in until their lips meet, even with blood, sweat and tears in the mix. It's like
they meld all their kisses into one, full of uncertainty, full of hope. Jeongguk wants to cling to
the last option and believe that this will be just one more of the hundreds, thousands, millions
of kisses he wants and will share with Taehyung.

“Don't give up, Tae. Please. I love you. Don't give up,” Jeongguk pleads against the prince's
lips.

“I love you,” Taehyung retorts with effort, his chest rising and falling with some difficulty.
"I’m sorry."

A pair of large, red-stained hands touch Jeongguk's shoulder, causing the purple-haired boy
to startle and almost lie on top of Taehyung just to protect him. However, when the fear
evaporates and gives way to recognition instead, Jeongguk allows himself to breathe a sigh of
relief when he faces Namjoon's worried face.

“Oh, thank God!” Namjoon's apprehensive expression softens. “You two are alive,” he points
out before noticing the wound that stains much of the prince's chest. Namjoon prefers not to
comment on it, probably wanting to get everyone safe first. “Most of the guests have already
been sent to the shelters. Now that we finally find you, it's your turn, Your Highness. We've
looked for you everywhere. Everybody thought you were already in one of the shelters. Can
you get up?”

Taehyung shakes his head. “It's a waste of time. Take him."

“But... Your Highness…” Namjoon tries to argue, doubt and hesitation mirroring his face.
"All palace workers have orders to keep the royal family safe first-"

The prince interrupts him. “And I'm giving you an order right now, Namjoon. Take Jeongguk.
Make sure he stays safe. Please,” Taehyung says with all the authority he can muster.

Namjoon and Taehyung stare at each other for a long moment, Jeongguk feeling fear grip
him again.

“Yes, Your Highness,” is what the royal palace florist ends up saying a second later, nodding
his head.

"No. No! I won’t! I won't leave you here alone, Taehyung!” Jeongguk insists, refusing to get
up.

“Yes, you will,” Taehyung replies with a tired tone. “Don't be stubborn just this once,
Jeongguk.”
“Come on, Jeongguk,” Namjoon adds. "We have to hurry."

"No! I won't leave without him!" Jeongguk screams, feeling his vision turning into a blur
because of his thick tears.

Quickly, as if he has suddenly recovered, Taehyung gets up until he is in a sitting position and
grips Namjoon's coat lapel tightly. “He has to survive. Do you understand, Namjoon? No
matter what happens, Jeongguk will survive.”

Namjoon nods determinedly and grabs Jeongguk by the arm with more force than the purple-
haired boy had thought possible.

"No!" Jeongguk yells, wriggling in Namjoon's touch. The strength of the purple-haired boy
left his body with the fear and panic. “Taehyung, please! I don't want to leave you!”

“Be happy,” is what the prince whispers, squeezing Jeongguk's hand one last time as
Namjoon drags him away.

Jeongguk sees Taehyung sighing and closing his eyes as Jeongguk and Namjoon walk away
from him, but the purple-haired boy continues to scream, continues to fight, fight, fight. How
can Jeongguk let the love of his life standing there, bleeding, in a hall full of enemies and
dead guests, waiting for someone to bring the same fate to him?

When they reach the door of the Great Hall, Namjoon pushes Jeongguk against the wall,
placing a bloody, calloused hand over the purple-haired boy's mouth. "Jeongguk, listen to me
carefully. They will listen to you. The sooner I get you to a safe shelter, the sooner I can go
back to get Taehyung and ask for help. You have to do everything I say and get your shit
together, do you understand me?”

Jeongguk admires the strength and courage that Namjoon displays at this moment. He can
only feel the tug on his heart from the other end of the red string that is clinging to Taehyung.
But he knows Namjoon is right. If he wants Taehyung to have a chance to be helped and
survive, Jeongguk has to cooperate and follow Namjoon's orders. For that reason, the purple-
haired boy nods.

"Good. Now, keep low and stay quiet,” Namjoon whispers, pulling a gun out of the
waistband of his pants and dragging Jeongguk into the hallway. Even though he's not an
official guard of the royal palace, it's not the first time that Namjoon has shown that he has
the skills to do so.

The two look both ways and see someone running away at the other end of the corridor.
Jeongguk isn't sure, but she appears to be a servant. He begs to heaven for all palace staff to
be safe. He doesn't recall seeing Seokjin, Nabi, or Yumi's inanimate bodies in the Great Hall
and he wants to believe that is a good sign.

As soon as the person disappears, Namjoon and Jeongguk advance down the hallway. As
they round the corner, they stumble upon a fallen man, clearly a member of the Whale rebel
group due to the red scarf tied around his head. Namjoon crouches down and quickly checks
his pulse, shaking his head in denial to confirm that the man has already lost his life.
Afterward, Namjoon puts his hand on the man's holster, taking the gun from him and handing
it to Jeongguk.

The weight and image of the pistol in Jeongguk's hand remind him of what he had done
minutes ago, of the life he had stolen. And that’s what makes him whisper, “I killed Areum.”

Namjoon freezes for a fraction of a second but it's enough for Jeongguk to notice the slight
bulging of his eyes. Namjoon's face turns gentle, apologetic even, when he says, "You did
what had to be done, Jeongguk. You defended yourself, the prince, and entire Euphoréa.”

Jeongguk nods, knowing that, rationally, Namjoon is correct. He acted in self-defense, but the
bile rising in his throat doesn't seem to understand that.

Namjoon seems to sense the inner conflict that Jeongguk has become lost in, so he places a
comforting hand on the purple-haired boy's shoulder. “You saved us all, Jeongguk. Never
forget that. You saved us all."

Tears continue to flow down Jeongguk's cheeks incessantly but he manages a small smile
anyway, grateful for his friend's comforting words and touch.

A tense few minutes ensued, with Jeongguk and Namjoon ducking around every corner and
checking out shelters that are already occupied and locked. Apparently, most of the action
continues upstairs or outside the palace, as the sound of gunfire and screams are drowned out
by the walls. Jeongguk wonders if the remaining Whales - those who guarded Areum in the
Great Hall are all now dead, according to Namjoon - think she is in control of the prince, and
that's why they've left for the remaining compartments of the huge palace. With the
confusion, the real guards of the royal palace did not even consider that the prince could still
be there, in the Great Hall, at the epicenter of the massacre. It's not that Jeongguk can judge
them, but in the future, and he knows this has to happen, he'll make sure to explain to the
royal army never to give up without first finding all the royal members and getting them to
safety.

Even with the muffled sounds and the distant fires, whenever he or Namjoon hears the
slightest noise, they stop before moving on.

Namjoon peeks around a corner, looking over his shoulder and cocking his head for
Jeongguk to follow. "There's no exit. Stay tuned, please.”

Jeongguk nods. The two make their way quickly to the end of the small hallway near the
kitchen, and the first thing he notices is the image of merciless rain falling from the black
skies in one of the large windows. Even the weather itself knows that the palace is collapsing.

“Please, please, please,” Namjoon whispers to himself, looking for the latch that will lead
him to one of the secret hiding places.

Fortunately, a door opens in the middle of the art-covered walls.

“Fucking finally,” Namjoon sighs in relief, opening the door all the way back and blocking
half of the hallway from view.
“Namjoon… I don't want to do this. I can't hide here safely and know that Taehyung is there
alone, at the mercy of the Whales,” Jeongguk pleads.

“You have to do this, Jeongguk. Please, trust me. You have to be safe for a lot of people, for
Taehyung himself.”

Jeongguk swallows, as well as he tries to control the hesitation that grips his body, but before
he can actually retort, the purple-haired boy catches a glimpse of red at the end of the hallway
over Namjoon's shoulder.

The man, with a smile with fewer teeth than more, is ready to shoot Namjoon and wound
him, perhaps even intending to kill him, but Jeongguk lifts the gun without flinching and
points it behind Namjoon, shooting at the figure.

Less than a second later, Namjoon pushes Jeongguk into the shelter and slams the door,
leaving him alone in the dark.

Jeongguk doesn't know how long he's been stuck here. He desperately tried to hear something
through the door, putting his ear to the cold metal, though he knew it was in vain. When
Taehyung and he were locked in one of these shelters a few weeks earlier, they hadn't been
able to hear a single sound from the outside world. And there had been so much destruction
back then too.

Still, Jeongguk is hopeful. Still, Jeongguk fights.

Namjoon can’t be dead. He has to be okay and should be about to come to open the door,
maybe even bring the prince with him. And Taehyung… Jeongguk tries not to remember the
frightening sound that was Taehyung's labored breathing as he lay on that dying floor of the
Great Hall.

He closes his eyes, begging God, the angels, whoever is up there listening to him, to keep
Taehyung alive. Of course, everyone in the palace must be searching for Taehyung and his
parents. They will be the first to be helped, if they haven't already been. No one would let
them die; they couldn’t. Jeongguk tries to hold on to it.

But is there still hope?

Taehyung looked so pale, so expressionless. Even his last grip on Jeongguk's hand had been
weak.

Be happy, Jeongguk recalls Taehyung's last words. Jeongguk can only be happy with
Taehyung next to him. Jeongguk already had a glimpse of what true unhappiness is when
Areum invented that lie and turned the prince against him. Jeongguk already had a glimpse of
what real unhappiness is when Taehyung almost uttered the girl's name just as he was going
to make his choice and finish the Selection on account of a misunderstanding planted in his
head by a Whale rebel.

Jeongguk still doesn't believe how, from the beginning, he tried to get Taehyung to like
Areum, just because Jeongguk knew her from their school days and because they were from
the same caste. Jeongguk still doesn't believe that sweet face and shy laugh were capable of
doing such a thing, of perpetuating such a betrayal. Jeongguk still doesn’t believe how he saw
Areum as his friend.

But now it all makes sense. The Whales' entrances to the palace, the information they had
access to... It was all because of Areum. No one would ever suspect her and she would end
up with Taehyung, with the crown.

And her plan almost ended as she wished. Almost.

Now that they don't have to worry about her anymore - Jeongguk closes his eyes and
swallows at the thought of his finger pulling the trigger - he has to make sure that this has not
been in vain.

Taehyung loves him. The prince really loves him. And Jeongguk loves him just the same.
Unconditionally, hopelessly, madly. Despite everything that could keep them apart - their
castes, their mistakes, the king, the lies told by others, Areum - they were made for each other
and Jeongguk can't counter that.

And that’s what makes him think that Jeongguk should be with Taehyung right now.
Especially now, when he can be in danger, dying. Jeongguk shouldn't be hiding in here
thinking about the «what if’s».

He gets up from where he let his body slide against the metal door since he got here and
starts feeling the walls searching for the light switch. He hits the metal until he finds it.
Afterward, Jeongguk allows his eyes to investigate the space. It's smaller than every other
shelter he's ever been to.

It has a sink, but no toilet, just a dark green bucket in the corner. There's a wooden bench
against the wall by the door, and a metal bookcase with some food wrappers and blankets
covers the back wall. Finally, on the floor, lies the gun Namjoon gave him, waiting.

Is he sure his idea will work? No, but Jeongguk has to try.

He pulls the stool into the middle of the shelter and turns it over so that the seat faces the
door. Jeongguk crouches behind the object, checking its height, and realizes he won't have
much coverage. However, this will have to do.

When he gets up again, Jeongguk stumbles over his damn classic shoes. Snorting, he
rummages through the shelves. He finds a small knife that is likely to cut open and divide the
food, but it works very well on fabric. After unevenly cutting part of his tunic, Jeongguk uses
the golden fabric to make a makeshift belt where he keeps the knife, just in case.
He uses the blankets to put them on top of him, already expecting some shrapnel. Jeongguk
looks around him once more, to see if there's anything he can take with him, something he
can adapt to, but no. That's all and he will have to use the few resources he has.

Crouching again behind the bench, Jeongguk points the gun at the shed’s lock. He takes a
deep breath, closes one eye to aim, and fires.

The sound reverberates within that tiny space, startling Jeongguk even though he was
expecting it. The purple-haired boy waits a few seconds for the high-pitched noise to
evaporate from his eardrums. When he's sure the bullet isn't ricocheting around the shelter,
Jeongguk gets up and goes to check the door.

Above the lock is a small crater, exposing thick layers of metal. Jeongguk is immediately
frustrated and annoyed at having failed, but at least he finds out that this could work. If he
hits the lock enough times, maybe he can get out of here.

The purple-haired boy goes back behind the bench and tries again.

All shots hit the door, but never in the same place.

“Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck!” Jeongguk grunts.

Frustrated, he gets to his feet, to see if it can help with his aim. All he can do is slash his arms
with the metal shards of the door flying at him. The small cuts only remind him of
Taehyung's far worse wound.

It's only when Jeongguk hears the dull click of the gun that he realizes he's used all the
bullets.

He’s stuck in here.

In a wave of anger and despair, Jeongguk throws the gun to the ground and runs to the door.
He launches himself at it with all his strength.

"Open up!" He screams. "OPEN UP!" Jeongguk throws punches at the cold, hard metal, but
to no avail. "No! No, no, no! I gotta go. Please, I have to leave!”

The door doesn't move, silent and grim, as if mocking Jeongguk's pain with its stillness.

Jeongguk lets himself slip to the floor, banging his forehead on the door while crying because
he knows there's nothing he can do. At that moment, Namjoon could be a lifeless body just a
few meters away from him and Taehyung… Jeongguk desperately tries not to think about the
worst, but it's hard not to believe he's already dead too.

He pulls his legs to his chest and leans his head against the door, sobbing loudly. “If you
live…” Jeongguk mutters to no one in particular. “If you live, I'll let you call me sunshine or
any other cheesy pet name you want. I won’t complain about it. I promise."

Now… He just has to wait.

 ♕

From time to time, Jeongguk tries to guess what hour it is, although he has no way of
knowing if he's right. There is not a single window in the shelters and, therefore, it’s
impossible to know if the sun has already set or if it has risen again in the sky and brought a
new day with it.

Every slow minute is maddening. Jeongguk has never felt so helpless before and worry
torments him, making him restless. He sits down, he lies down, he listens for the tiniest noise
behind the thick metal door, he counts the number of food packages on the shelf, he reads the
labels, and memorizes the nutritional values of everything.

He does everything to keep his head distracted but it's been difficult.

After what seems like an eternity, Jeongguk hears the click of the lock, which makes him turn
in the blink of an eye towards the door. He doesn't know if the person behind all those layers
of metal is a friend or an enemy; therefore, he quickly picks up the empty gun and points it
towards the door. He wants to, at least, look intimidating.

The door creaks open and light from the hallway streams into the claustrophobic space. Does
that mean it's still the same day? Or is it already the following one?

Jeongguk keeps the gun pointed between his trembling fingers, though he has to squint his
eyes due to the clarity.

"Don't shoot, Mr. Jeon!" A guard pleads, raising both hands in surrender. "You’re safe!"

"How can I be so sure?" Jeongguk asks, his voice coming out hoarse and choppy from the
desperate screams he let out. "How do I know you're not one of them?"

The tall, broad-shouldered guard looks down the hallway, recognizing someone approaching.
Ki-tae steps into the light, closely followed by Hoseok. Although the master of ceremonies'
suit is practically undone and dirty, the pin Hoseok normally wears in every Official News -
which Jeongguk only now recognizes as a North Star - remains proudly on his bloodied lapel.

Now, everything makes more sense to why the Swan rebels know so much about the palace
and the royal family. They're everywhere.

“It's over, Jeongguk! We got rid of them,” Ki-tae confirms, also raising his hands so as not to
show any threat.

The purple-haired boy sighs, overcome by enormous relief, and casually drops the gun to the
ground.

“Where is Taehyung? Is he alive? Did they find him? Where is he?" Jeongguk asks
desperately, interspersing his gaze between Hoseok and Ki-tae. “What about Namjoon? He
was with me, he was the one who brought me here. Have you seen him? Is he okay?" The
words come out of Jeongguk's mouth so quickly that it's hard for anyone to understand what
he's asking.

Panic and horror reappear in his body, making him start to feel light-headed and see black
blurs.

"I think he's in shock," Hoseok comments, but his voice starts to sound like a very distant
whisper to Jeongguk. "Get him to the hospital wing, quickly," the master of ceremonies
orders, and the guard picks up Jeongguk easily in his arms.

“Taehyung? Where's Taehyung?” Jeongguk asks again, his tongue curling and his eyes
getting heavier and heavier.

Nobody answers.

Or maybe Jeongguk has already passed out.

He can't remember.

When Jeongguk's eyelids allow themselves to slowly open, he immediately notices that his
body is resting on a gurney. He can now feel the sting of the several cuts he suffered when he
tried to shoot at the lock on the hideout door, some bruises when he punched the door too, but
when he lifts his neck slightly to inspect his arms, Jeongguk sees that the wounds are all
clean and the larger ones are bandaged.

He is safe.

Slowly, Jeongguk sits up and looks around. He appears to be in a small office, not quite the
hospital wing he's been in before. The desk full of documents and medication boxes and the
diplomas on the wall make him understand that he is in the royal palace doctor's office.

But Jeongguk can’t stay here. He needs answers. He needs to know if Taehyung is okay. He
needs to see him.

Even on shaky legs, Jeongguk pulls the thin, white sheet back and gets up from the gurney.
When he opens the door, the purple-haired boy understands why they put him there. The
hospital wing is completely full.

Those who are least injured share beds, two by two, and there are others on the floor between
them for lack of more. It's easy to see that the most seriously injured patients are in the beds
at the back of the room, where are also closets full of pills, bandages, and other necessary
resources. Despite the frightening number of people, the room is incredibly quiet.
Jeongguk scans the space with his eyes quickly, looking for familiar faces. He recognizes
some servants from the palace, but not Seokjin, Yumi or Nabi. In addition, several soldiers let
the nurses clean their cuts. Chun-ja, the selected from caste Five, and Sun-mi, the girl from
caste Six, are both on a bed, hugging each other and crying softly. They’re the only selected
present in the hospital wing apart from Jeongguk, and he doesn't know if that's a good sign or
not. He tries not to think about Mi-suk getting shot.

The purple-haired boy starts to lose hope as he progresses along the gurneys aisle. Taehyung
is not there. If he were, he would surely have a crowd of people around him, busy with
satisfying all his needs. However, Jeongguk had been placed in a separate room. Maybe the
same thing had happened to the prince, right?

Right...?

Jeongguk finds a guard with a bruised face that he can't tell how it happened. He approaches
the older man.

"I’m sorry for bothering you but… Is the prince here somewhere?" Jeongguk asks in a low
voice, feeling his voice tremble.

With difficulty speaking due to the pain, the guard just shakes his head solemnly, looking
apologetically at Jeongguk.

A gunshot wound and a broken heart can look like two separate injuries; however, Jeongguk
feels himself bleeding to death as much as Taehyung was. No pressure or stitches will ever be
able to heal this wound, close this emptiness, end the pain. Nothing.

Jeongguk doesn't start screaming, although it seems to him that something similar is
happening inside him. It's as if the sharp point of a knife mercilessly rips through his chest
until there's not a single drop of life left. Jeongguk just lets the tears fall, even though it
doesn't lessen the pain at all. Nothing will ever alleviate it.

"Jeongguk?"

He turns to meet the voice and is faced with a bandaged figure on one of the last beds in the
ward.

Namjoon.

With hurried steps and gasping, Jeongguk approaches him. Namjoon has a bandaged head
and bloodstained ties up. His chest is bare and decorated with purple bruises in several
places, but the worst is definitely his leg. He has a cast on his underside and several clumsy,
hasty bandages plug the cuts in his thigh. Namjoon is only wearing shorts and has a sheet
covering his other leg, but it's not hard to see the severity of his injuries.

"What happened?" Jeongguk mutters, still shaken by the gravity of the situation.

“I prefer not to think about the details, to be honest,” Namjoon begins. “I resisted for a long
time and eliminated six or seven Whales, before getting shot in the leg. The doctor says I'll
probably walk again, but I'll have to do a lot of physical therapy and maybe get the help of a
cane.” At Jeongguk's horrified expression, he adds, "At least, I'm alive."

A silent tear slides down Jeongguk's face. He feels so grateful, so scared and so disheartened
at the same time that he can't help it.

“You saved my life, Jeongguk,” Namjoon smiles slightly. Jeongguk's eyes bulge at that
statement, straying from Namjoon's leg to his eyes instead. “The shot you gave scared that
rebel who was coming towards us and gave me enough time to react. If you hadn't, he would
have shot me in the back and that would have been the end of me. Thank you."

Jeongguk wipes the tears from his eyes with the back of his hand. “You also saved my life
before. It's about time I started giving back, no?”

Namjoon smiles. “I always knew courage abounded in you, Jeongguk.”

Even with the attempt to smile back, it's a sob that escapes the back of Jeongguk's throat
instead. “I don't know how I'm going to have the courage to live after this. Taehyung… He...”
Jeongguk can't finish the sentence, closing his eyes because he can't bear the pain.

Namjoon frowns, not understanding anything. “Taehyung? What about him?”

Jeongguk slowly shakes his head in denial, feeling his heart tear apart for the twenty-seventh
time today. “Taehyung d-died,” he mumbles between low sobs.

There is a pause.

“Jeongguk,” Namjoon draws his attention. "Taehyung didn't die."

"What?" The purple-haired boy sniffles, looking confused at Namjoon. "But I spoke to one of
the hospitalized guards here and he told me that Taehyung isn't here and-"

“Of course he's not here,” Namjoon interrupts. “He is the king. He's recovering in his
quarters.”

Jeongguk feels his legs give out and he almost falls to the ground such is the relief flooding
his bloodstream. He cries again, but this time they’re tears of gratitude for knowing that
Taehyung's heart still beats somewhere in this palace.

And so, Jeongguk realizes that the good news includes the bad ones as well.

“Did you just... He's the king…? That means…” Jeongguk asks, wary of the answer.

Namjoon nods. “King Bon-hwa is dead. He was found shot in the head. It seems that the
Whales' main objective was to kill him, as the official palace guards didn't even have a
chance to save him. The queen was also seriously injured, but luckily, she is recovering in her
bedroom.”

Even though his relationship with the king has never been friendly, Jeongguk shudders. He
would never wish anyone dead, least of all the father of the man he loves. But knowing the
queen managed to survive makes him more relieved. He knows that Taehyung has a very
close relationship with his mother, and if the queen had suffered the same fate, he doesn't
know what Taehyung would do without her.

“Actually, if it hadn't been for the Swan rebels, maybe not even Taehyung would have
survived. The Swan made all the difference," Namjoon says. "I couldn't go get Taehyung as I
promised you, but I know Min-ji went quickly to get some back up, and she, along with Ki-
tae and a few more Swans, found Taehyung and took him out of there."

Jeongguk blinks to let the tears of gratitude fall, breathing again in relief. He has a lot to be
thankful for.

“I wasn't aware of this but Ki-tae had reinforcements outside the palace. It looked like he was
predicting something…” Namjoon grimaces. “As soon as they realized something was
wrong… Well, the Swans know how to get into the palace quickly. The weapons financed by
the princess of Portugal were a great help because, without them and without the
reinforcements, I think we would all be dead by now. The Whales had everything very
organized and calculated, as well as a large number of people fighting."

Jeongguk can barely process all that. “Areum… Areum was part of the Whales. She was the
one who helped them all this time.”

Namjoon nods. “We never suspected her. She seemed just another selected, wanted and
adored by the public, but after all… She was just one more person wanting to reach the
throne.”

“She betrayed us all,” Jeongguk notes, the sound of the shot firing at her chest reverberating
in his brain. He closes his eyes.

The purple-haired boy is still trying to organize all the events of the past few hours in his
head when the door to the hospital wing opens, interrupting the discreet murmurs in the
space. A worried face scans the room, and despite his disheveled hair and torn and dirty
servant's uniform, Jeongguk recognizes him immediately. And he sighs, relieved that one
more person important to him is alive.

Before Jeongguk can call him, Namjoon sits up with some difficulty and yells, "Seokjin!"

That move inevitably must have caused Namjoon pain, but Jeongguk doesn't see any sign of
it on his face.

"Namjoon!" Seokjin exclaims back and runs across the wing, jumping over some people
lying on the ground when necessary.

Jeongguk's servant throws himself into Namjoon's arms and covers his face with soft kisses,
leaving the purple-haired boy surprised by the gesture. It's obvious that Namjoon, even with
the dozens of bandages, feels nothing but the purest happiness at that moment.

"Where were you?" Namjoon asks.

“On the fourth floor. Only now have the guards reached the shelters from above. I came as
fast as I could. What happened? Are you hurt?” Seokjin asks, gently touching some bruises
that paint Namjoon's body.

Jeongguk watches them as if they’re a ping-pong game, a slight smile adorning his lips at
their sweet interaction.

“I'm fine,” Namjoon assures. "And you? Do you need a doctor?” He asks, looking around for
help.

“No, I didn't even get a scratch,” Seokjin assures. "I was just worried about you."

Namjoon gazes at Seokjin with the most complete devotion. Jeongguk's smile widens even
more.

“Now that you're here, I’m okay,” the royal palace florist whispers.

Seokjin smiles shyly at Namjoon's romantic words as he caresses his face, careful not to hurt
him or ruin the bandages. Namjoon reaches behind Seokjin's neck and gently pulls him until
their lips meet, kissing him deeply.

If it were another time, Jeongguk would take the opportunity to mock them, maybe even
make false gagging sounds to tease them. But seeing two of their friends in love and happy
only leaves him with a sense of inner peace.

However, that peace is not enough to calm his heart.

The two are so lost in each other that they don't even notice when Jeongguk leaves the
hospital wing, walking away in search of the only person capable of calming the storm raging
inside him.

Jeongguk goes in search of his spring.

As soon as Jeongguk leaves the hospital wing, he is faced for the first time with the state of
the palace after the attack. It’s difficult to process the extent of the damage. There are huge
shards of glass strewn across the floor, glinting hopefully in the sunlight that replaced the
storm from hours ago. Destroyed paintings, parts of the walls with holes in them, and
menacing red stains on the rugs remind Jeongguk how close they came to death.

As he climbs the stairs, Jeongguk avoids looking directly at whoever he meets, but it's hard
not to when he has to skirt the fallen bodies at angles not humanly possible. When he reaches
the second-floor landing towards the third, he finds an earring on the floor. Jeongguk can't
help but wonder if the owner of such a gem is still alive.
Jeongguk arrives at the floor of the royal family's quarters and steps hesitantly towards
Taehyung's bedroom, wary of what he will find.

First, Jeongguk spots dozens of guards, which is probably unavoidable. If necessary,

Jeongguk would call for Taehyung. Perhaps, the prince would order them to let the purple-
haired boy go through, just like the night they met. That moment seems to have happened an
eternity ago. Or things can go all the way around if the prince asks Jeongguk to go away and
leave him alone once and for all. The purple-haired boy grimaces at that thought.

Taehyung's bedroom door is open and several people are coming and going, continually
carrying papers or trays with food and pills. Outside, six guards line the wall leading to the
bedroom and Jeongguk prepares to be sent away.

However, when he approaches, he is recognized by one of the soldiers. The man squints, as if
he's actually confirming that Jeongguk is who he thinks he is. Beside him, another guard also
recognizes him, and one by one they all bow.

One of the guards by the door, with his long hair in a shaggy man bun, reaches out and says,
"The prince has been waiting for you, Mr. Jeon."

Honestly, Jeongguk isn't even able to think through the soldiers' gestures and words, just
muttering a «thank you» and bowing his head slightly as he passes them into the room.

Of course, the first thing Jeongguk's eyes fall on is Taehyung, as if they are both opposites
extremities of a magnet and are driven to meet immediately whenever they are present in the
same space.

The prince is lying on his majestic bed, the left side of his chest wrapped in bandages under a
plain washed cotton shirt. He has his left arm on a support and, with his right hand, he holds a
document that a counselor explains to him. Even with serious injuries, duty always calls for
him.

Taehyung looks so normal, dressed casually and with tousled hair. But at the same time, he
seems to have a more imposing posture than ever.

He is, very clearly, the new king of Euphoréa.

Unable to take it any longer, Jeongguk lets the sobs escape him at the sight of Taehyung
being alive, and this finally catches the prince's attention, who immediately abandons the
documents and focuses his attention on Jeongguk.

“Please, I ask you all to leave. Formal documents can wait. Now, I need to talk to Mr. Jeon,”
Taehyung orders calmly, never moving his gaze from Jeongguk's even if he's talking to his
butlers, maids and counselors.

Everyone around the prince doesn't hesitate a second to obey, bowing quickly and stepping
out into the hallway. The last butler discreetly places the papers on Taehyung's bedside table
and, as he passes by Jeongguk, winks at him. The purple-haired boy waits for the door to
close before approaching.
More than anything, Jeongguk desperately wants to run to Taehyung, fall into his arms and
stay there forever. But he decides to move forward slowly instead, fearing that maybe
Taehyung had regretted the last words he had said to him.

“I'm so sorry about your father,” is the first thing Jeongguk decides to mutter, stopping at the
foot of the bed.

“It still doesn't seem true to me,” Taehyung mumbles, motioning for Jeongguk to sit on the
bed beside him. The purple-haired boy doesn't hesitate. “I still think my father is in his office,
talking to his advisers about the attack and asking the guards for a more accurate report on
what had happened. I have a feeling that, at any moment, he's going to walk through that door
with some task for me.”

“I know exactly what you mean,” Jeongguk replies, taking his time to appreciate the features
on the prince's face, even though they’re filled with bruises and cuts, pain and fatigue.

“I know you know,” Taehyung sends him a small, sympathetic smile. "Am I a horrible human
being, a horrible son, for not being completely desolate? I still can't believe this happened
but... I don't feel devastated knowing he died, you know? In fact…" Taehyung gazes away
from him for a second, looking even embarrassed for saying the words. "I actually feel
relieved. As if I know I won't suffer anymore at his hands like a puppet."

Jeongguk just nods, trying to show only understanding and not an ounce of judgment in the
eyes that meet the prince's. Then, the prince reaches out his free hand and holds Jeongguk's,
slowly intertwining their fingers. Jeongguk takes the gesture as a good sign and squeezes it.

"I know," Jeongguk decides to whisper, caressing Taehyung's hand with his thumb. "I know."

“My mom tried to save him,” Taehyung says, a few seconds later. “A soldier told me that a
rebel had my father in his sights, but that my mother appeared in front of him. They hit her
first, even though it wasn't a fatal shot, but my father was right after. He didn't end up
surviving like her,” the prince shakes his head. “My mother was always so selfless…”

“You shouldn't be surprised. You're a lot like her,” Jeongguk notes in a mutter, remembering
the moment when Taehyung, too, threw himself in front of him, the moment Areum fired.
"Thank you. Thank you for saving my life.”

Taehyung breaks away from Jeongguk's gaze, but whispers anyway, "I just wanted for you to
be safe."

A prolonged silence follows. Jeongguk doesn't know what to say. Jeongguk doesn't know
what position they are in. Should he remind Taehyung of what he had said earlier? Should he
tell the prince he killed Areum? Taehyung is probably already aware of that. Jeongguk's
confused thoughts are interrupted when Taehyung speaks again.

“I want to show you something,” the prince suddenly announces. Jeongguk frowns in
curiosity but waits patiently anyway. “It's still a little rudimentary, but I think you'll like it. I
wanted to show you this ages ago but only now I can do it. Please, open that drawer,”
Taehyung indicates with his chin. "It should be right at the top."
Jeongguk frees himself from Taehyung's hand to manage to turn over in bed and reach the
bedside table that Taehyung indicated, immediately seeing a pile of typewritten papers. He
looks quizzically at Taehyung, but the prince just nods at the document with his head.

The purple-haired boy starts to read it, trying to understand what it was saying. Admittedly,
there are some terms he doesn't understand, but when he reaches the end of the document,
Jeongguk has to read some paragraphs again, sure he's been wrong and this isn't what he's
thinking it is. His eyes focus a few more seconds on some specific passages.

Equality.

Opportunities for everyone.

End of distinction between the various groups of people that inhabit Euphoréa.

Does this mean...

"You… You’re going to dissolve the castes?" Jeongguk asks, looking up at the prince.

“That's the plan,” Taehyung replies, smiling calmly. “But wait. I don't want you to get too
excited. It will take some time to implement, but I think it will work. As you can see,” the
prince pauses only to flip through the pages of the extensive document with his free hand,
pointing to a specific paragraph. “I want to start at the bottom. My plan is to eliminate the
Eight label first. A lot needs to be changed, but I think that, with a little work, the Eight can
be integrated into the Seven. Then, things get more complicated. There has to be a way to end
the stigma associated with the numbers and that is my main objective for now.”

Jeongguk is stunned. The only world he knows is the one where everyone wears the caste as
an item of clothing, as a personality trait, as a characteristic. And now here he is, holding a
piece of paper that says these invisible lines that had been created between people can finally
be erased.

Taehyung's hand comes back to touch his shyly.

“I want you to know this is all because of you. I've been working on this since the day you
called me in the hallway and told me you and your family had already starved for a few
times,” the prince explains. That was months ago, practically at the beginning of the
Selection… Jeongguk doesn't know how to respond. “It was one of the reasons I was so
exasperated by your presentation in the Official News, even though it shouldn't surprise me
that you chose something like that,” the prince smiles tenderly. “However, I had a more
discreet plan to achieve the same goal. But of all the things I want to do for my country, I
would never have thought of it if I hadn't met you, Jeongguk.”

Jeongguk takes a deep breath, feeling the tears well up in his eyes as he looks back at those
pages. He thinks of the years of his life, so brief and fast. Jeongguk had never expected to do
more than work with the flowers he loves so much, see his sisters grow, and maybe get
married one day. He then thinks about what that means to all the people of Euphoréa and he
feels crushed, overwhelmed. Jeongguk feels both humble and proud. He fought for what he
believed.
He's about to open his mouth to say something when Taehyung interrupts him.

“There is one more thing…” The prince says with some hesitation while Jeongguk tries to
absorb everything that is happening.

Suddenly, Taehyung slides an open red velvet box over the papers with a stunning ring inside,
which glows brightly in the light coming through the windows.

“I've been sleeping with this damn thing under my pillow,” the prince feigns irritation.

Jeongguk just stares at him without saying anything, feeling his heart stop beating. He's still
too stunned to speak. Is he dreaming?

“Do you like it?" Taehyung asks, a glimmer of nervousness creeping into his voice.

Jeongguk's teary eyes flee from Taehyung's intense gaze and fall back onto the ring,
appreciating it. It’s formed by a network of delicate golden vine branches, containing two
stones, one green and the other purple, which kiss at the top. Jeongguk remembers Taehyung
once referring that his birthday stone was green, whereas the purple one is Jeongguk's. Here
they are, two points of light, growing together like a flower blooming in mid-spring,
inseparable.

Jeongguk wants to talk, and even opens his mouth several times to try, but all he can do is
smile, blink to clear his vision of tears and nod.

Taehyung sighs in relief, clearing his throat right away. “I tried to do this grandly and failed
miserably. In my current situation, I can't even kneel,” the prince scoffs at himself. "I hope
you don't mind if I just talk to you, simply."

Jeongguk giggles between his wet laugh, daring to get close to Taehyung's body and snuggle
into him without ever looking away.

Taehyung swallows hard, losing himself in Jeongguk's eyes as he tilts his head and lets their
foreheads meet. “I love you,” he says simply. “I should have told you a long, long time ago.
Maybe that way we would have avoided so many, stupid mistakes. On the other hand,”
Taehyung pauses, cracking a timid grin. "Sometimes I think it was all those obstacles that
made me love you this much."

Tears pool in Jeongguk's eyes and hang from his eyelashes.

“What I said was true,” the prince continues, now gently gripping Jeongguk's chin with his
free hand. “My heart is yours to break. As you already know, I'd rather die a thousand times
than see you suffer. The instant I was shot, when I came down with the certainty that this
would be the end of my life, all I could think about was you.”

Taehyung has to stop for a moment. The prince swallows hard, and Jeongguk sees that, like
him, Taehyung is on the verge of tears too.

“In those seconds, I regretted everything I had lost. I would never see you walking down the
aisle to me, I would never kiss you again, I would never see your personality in our children,
or your hair going from purple to gray. But at the same time, I didn't care either. If my death
meant you would live,” Taehyung shrugs his sane shoulder. "How could that be wrong?"

Upon hearing that, Jeongguk completely loses control and the tears fall copiously. How could
Jeongguk ever think he knew what it was like to be loved until that moment? Nothing had
ever come close to this feeling that overflows from his heart and envelops every millimeter of
Jeongguk's being in absolute warmth.

Flowers bloom in his heart, coloring his chest in the most romantic and happy colors. And it's
at that precise moment that Jeongguk realizes that Taehyung is spring itself, the hope and
light he needs and always needed. Taehyung is the most beautiful flower that Jeongguk's eyes
have ever had the blessing of seeing, and knowing that he himself will be able to grow and
blossom with the prince evokes a wave of immense happiness in him.

“Jeongguk…” Taehyung says sweetly, forcing the purple-haired boy to wipe his eyes and
look at him. “I'm sorry. I’m sorry I doubted your word, I’m so sorry I didn't even give you a
chance to explain yourself. I'm a big idiot and I can't promise I won’t be an idiot a few more
times from now on. But I want to grow by your side, I want our relationship to strengthen to
the point that nothing and no one can separate us. But, once again, I’m so sorry."

“Tae…” Jeongguk shakes his head, ready to shout to the world that there's nothing to
apologize for, that it's not his fault but Areum's, but the prince is faster.

"Jeongguk… From the beginning, I've known that you look at me beyond my crown. You
look at the real me,” Taehyung smiles gently. “And although I am now the new king of
Euphoréa, let me be clear: this is not an order. It's a request, a plea. I’m begging you,
Jeongguk. Make me the happiest man in the world. Please, give me the honor of having you
as my husband.”

The purple-haired boy is unable to express the vortex of emotions that ripples through his
chest at that precise moment. But where his voice fails, Jeongguk's body acts. He throws
himself into Taehyung's arms, muttering an apology when the prince lets out some grunts of
pain and smiling when Taehyung hugs him tightly, both sure that nothing would ever be able
to separate them ever again. They won't let it. Their relationship has many points to be
improved. There will be arguments, there will be mistakes, there will be bad words against
each other, but their love will last and it will be bigger than everything. They know that.

When their lips meet, Jeongguk feels all the pieces of his life falling into place, finally
making sense. He had found everything he'd ever wanted - things he didn't even know he was
looking for - here, in Taehyung's comforting arms and sweet eyes. And if Jeongguk had the
prince - now king - to guide him, to embrace him, he will be able to conquer the world, he
will be able to surpass anything.

Their kiss breaks too quickly for Jeongguk's liking and Taehyung pulls away to stare him in
the eye. Jeongguk can see it in Taehyung's face: they both found their home. And Jeongguk
finally finds his voice.

"Yes. Yes, yes, yes,” Jeongguk repeats against Taehyung's smiling lips, kissing him. "Let me
be lucky enough to have you as my husband."
 “I'm the lucky one because I can love you,” Taehyung retorts, molding his mouth against the
purple-haired boy's again.

Jeongguk had found spring.

The brightest gold of all emerges from the velvety petals of the flower that grows and will
continue to grow among them, with the promise of never withering.

Chapter End Notes

my twitter
my curious cat
playlist
 epilogue
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes

epilogue

Outside, the sky is still painted a dark blue, with only a few shades of orange and pink
starting to appear on the horizon. A lazy, strained blink towards the clock on his bedside table
is enough for Taehyung to realize that it's still early. Too early.

But it's when his arms don't find the soft, warm skin that Taehyung is used to feeling against
his body in the morning that he realizes the reason he woke up earlier than he needed to.

His bed is empty.

Taehyung is about to pout and wonder why the hell he woke up alone and abandoned when
his brain remembers why. Instantly, Taehyung's lips stretch into a smile instead, and he closes
his eyes and sighs in contentment, stretching out on top of the comfortable mattress.

His servants aren't supposed to show up to help him get ready until about half an hour from
now, which gives Taehyung an idea.

Pulling back the sheets, Taehyung gets up from the bed, not bothering in the least to stop in
front of his dressing table to brush the disheveled brown hair waves from sleep or change his
pajamas for something more suitable. This wish is more important than that.

The pair of sentry guards a few meters from his bedroom door look at Taehyung
questioningly as he opens it, probably because he appeared in the middle of the royal palace
corridor without being in his king's clothes, but it's not like Taehyung cares. Lately, Taehyung
has allowed himself to feel freer, feel more like himself, and he doesn't regret it. At all. He
just has to thank one person for it.

Taehyung passes by the room that once belonged to his parents and which today is only
inhabited by his mother. He can’t lie, there are days when the good memories overshadow all
the pain his father caused him, making Taehyung wish he could hug the man once more. That
sadness is quickly pushed aside when Taehyung looks at Jeongguk and thinks about what the
future holds for them, and how much Taehyung wants to be a different father to his own kids.
He will be a better man.

Hurriedly descending the stairs from the third floor to the second, Taehyung is looking over
his shoulder to see if any butler has seen him. If so, that would be enough to stop him from
realizing this idea and that's all he doesn't want.
Taehyung already has a victorious grin plastered on his lips when he reaches the second floor
of the royal palace, but it quickly fades when his eyes meet Seokjin's, who walks in the
opposite direction, towards the stairs.

“Taehyung…” Seokjin rolls his eyes as soon as he sees him, but the expression on his face is
amused. Taehyung stakes, the tips of his lips starting to curl down when he thinks he’s going
to be scolded and sent back to his bedroom upstairs. Seokjin arches an eyebrow, sighing
shortly thereafter. “You two have half an hour before I get back,” he warns in a falsely tired
tone, walking past Taehyung to go down the stairs towards the ground floor of the palace. “I
hope Namjoon isn't busy with flower arrangements to keep me company,” Seokjin mumbles
more to himself, but Taehyung eventually hears.

He just quickens his pace, now with an enthusiastic smile on his lips and a rush of adrenaline
bubbling in his blood. He definitely can work with half an hour.

When Taehyung finally reaches the bedroom on the last corner of the second floor, he opens
the door without any ceremony or hesitation, knowing that it's too early for the space to be
jammed with people working. Well, it's not that early when Taehyung remembers that his
servants will soon start looking desperately for him to get him ready, but he can worry about
that later.

After all, he is the king. He has to get some advantage out of it, right? And what better
benefit than this?

Taehyung enters the room he's visited more times in the last year than his own, the four-
poster bed with the sheets and blankets carelessly pulled back, with no trace of sleepy eyes,
adorably swollen face from sleep, and lips stretched out in a pout.

His grin twitches again. Taehyung is about to turn around and maybe even go in search of
Seokjin to ask him where the servant has hidden his fiancé when a satisfied and happy hum
resonates directly from the bathroom.

Slowly so as not to make a single sound, Taehyung closes the bedroom door and walks
towards the sound of water moving slowly, removing the clothes that hug his body along the
way.

The bathroom door is ajar and Taehyung's bare feet against the marble tiles pass through
easily.

Wet, purple strands stick out from the top of the large bathtub and Taehyung's smile widens,
making the muscles in his cheeks ache in the best of pains as he stares at the resting face of
the love of his life, who relaxes with his eyes closed against the edge of the bathtub.

As creepy as it sounds, Taehyung stands there in the middle of the bathroom for almost a full
minute, just admiring his fiancé’s features. Jeongguk's eyelashes are wet and as weird as it
may look, Taehyung just finds it adorable, as well as the fact that he loves to appreciate and
count how many eyelashes decorate Jeongguk's big, glowing eyes, but that's a question for
another time. Jeongguk's cheeks and the tip of his nose are painted pink, probably from the
hot water coming from his bath, and his body is covered in foam and rose petals, giving
Taehyung the urge to touch Jeongguk's soft skin with the tips of his fingers. But best of all is
that Jeongguk has a smile on his lips exactly like the one Taehyung has, even though he is not
yet aware of his presence.

Well, Taehyung swears he falls a little more in love with Jeongguk right at that moment.

Jeongguk doesn't even flinch or blink when the water in the bathtub stirs because Taehyung
gets into it. He just leans back further to allow Taehyung to snuggle against him.

Jeongguk's eyes remain closed the entire time, even as he comments teasingly against
Taehyung's ear, "Breaking one more rule, Your Highness?"

Taehyung curls up better against his fiancé’s body, their legs entwined until they don't realize
who they belong to and until there's not a single inch of distance between his back and
Jeongguk's chest.

"Since when is wanting to see my fiancé breaking a rule?" Taehyung responds in a challenge.

A sigh of contentment escapes his mouth and Taehyung doesn't know if it's the hot water and
the floral aroma of the bath or the strong arms that find refuge in his waist. Tsk, as if the
second option wasn't the big winner.

"Well… The last time I saw it, it's a rule not to see their fiancé in the hours before their
wedding,” Jeongguk teases, but his fingers innocently caress Taehyung's stomach.

"Who invented that stupid rule anyway?" Taehyung grunts, sliding his fingertips down
Jeongguk's arms. “I missed you,” he mumbles.

Taehyung only notices that his lips have formed a pout when Jeongguk leans forward and
gently handles Taehyung's face so that their mouths can meet for a quick kiss.

"Tae, we were separated for what… Nine hours?" Jeongguk lets out giggles that reverberate
directly into Taehyung's chest.

"And? Don't you think it was a long time?” Taehyung asks with fake indignation. “It was
difficult to fall asleep without you by my side like these last few months we have always
slept together. Besides, I'm used to my personal lullaby.”

Taehyung can feel Jeongguk's shy smile against his throat, especially now that the purple-
haired boy hugs Taehyung's chest from behind and fits his chin in the curve between
Taehyung's neck and shoulder.

“Personal lullaby? Which is…?" Jeongguk asks, leaving a trail of gentle, light kisses against
Taehyung's skin.

Taehyung hesitates, trying to control his laughter first. "Your snoring."

The heat of Jeongguk's lips against his neck disappears and Taehyung starts to laugh
uncontrollably.
"Hey!" Jeongguk protests, pinching the flesh next to Taehyung's ribs. “I don't snore, thank
you very much!”

“I'm sorry to inform you, but you do, my love,” Taehyung chuckles, leaning his cheek against
Jeongguk's, who has returned to put his head against Taehyung's neck.

“It looks like you're going to have to deal with my snore for the rest of your life then,”
Jeongguk shrugs, muttering.

Untangling their legs and arms, Taehyung slowly turns in the bathtub until he manages to
wrap his legs around Jeongguk's waist so that they are now facing each other. The bathtub is
so big that not a single drop of water overflows from it and stains the floor.

Taehyung leans in until his smile kisses Jeongguk's. "I can't wait for that."

Their mouths aren't lucky enough to get lost in each other for a long time because three
knocks on the bedroom door make themselves heard.

“Hey! You two!" Seokjin exclaims. “Do you want to be late for your own wedding? Come
on, it's just a couple more hours apart. I'm sure you guys can control yourselves.”

Taehyung and Jeongguk let out low giggles. In the last few months, the two have managed to
get Seokjin to act less professionally and be friendlier instead. None of them were
comfortable with Seokjin constantly calling them «Your Highness» when he was part of their
close circle of friends. The good thing about it is that Taehyung and Jeongguk loved to tease
him.

“Go,” Jeongguk relents, giving one last peck against Taehyung's lips. “I need to get dressed.
And you too. Your servants must be looking for you.”

Taehyung sighs exaggeratedly. "I want to stay here with you."

“Tae,” Jeongguk laughs. "It's our wedding."

“And your point is?” Taehyung arches an eyebrow in defiance, before breaking into a smile
that reaches his ears. “It's our wedding, my love. I'm so happy."

"I'm so happy too." Jeongguk's hands caress his cheeks, brushing the almond-colored strands
of hair off Taehyung's forehead. "Finally."

Taehyung nods slowly, leaning his forehead against Jeongguk's. Closing his eyes, he mutters,
"Finally."

♕
“I can't believe the king of Euphoréa needs a girl from caste Seven to fix his tie for him,” Ha-
rin teases, bringing her deft hands to the purple tie around Taehyung's neck.

“I know how to fix a tie perfectly well,” Taehyung defends himself. When Ha-rin raises an
eyebrow in doubt, Taehyung sighs. “It's just that this thing is making me itchy today. And
short of breath. And sweating. Don't you think it's too hot today?”

Taehyung prepares to move the knot of his tie around his neck again to be able to breathe, but
Ha-rin quickly shoos his hand away.

Jeongguk's sister looks at him kindly as she straightens the lapel of his white blazer with
black and lavender details. “It's normal to be nervous, you know? After all, it's your wedding
day. And it's a big decision for you to agree to marry my brother. He's a pain in the ass.”

Taehyung laughs and Ha-rin grins victoriously.

“For me, marrying your brother was never a difficult decision. It's all I could ask for,
honestly,” Taehyung admits, feeling a slight blush rise in his cheeks.

“As a sister of the groom, I couldn't be happier with that answer. But as Ha-rin… Ew!” The
girl pretends to be disgusted, placing one of her hands on her stomach. “I can't believe I’ve
had a crush on a man as lame as you. Wait-” Ha-rin trails off, grimacing even more. "I can't
believe I've had a crush on my own brother-in-law!"

Taehyung is lost in laughter at the girl's expressions.

Ha-rin looks beautiful. Her delicate face is decorated with makeup in a natural way, just to
flatter her features. Her brownish-red hair is braided down her back, over her pale yellow
dress with ruffles that start at her waist.

“As my defense,” Ha-rin continues. “It was just something platonic, not really real. Now I
see you only as the furriest man on earth. No offense,” the girl shrugs. Taehyung just tries not
to laugh more. Ha-rin continues, “I mean, Jeongguk was literally the only person on
Euphoréa who didn't have a crush on you. How is that even possible?”

“How the tables turn,” Taehyung smiles, winking at her.

"Ha-rin!" Jae-hwa and Mun-hee exclaim, interrupting them as they enter the chapel.

Mun-hee, the thirteen-year-old girl, looks amazing in the pink princess dress she herself
asked Jeongguk to wear. As for Jae-hwa, her black hair is decorated with tiny flowers,
matching the pale blue flower-patterned dress she chose.

"Will it take long for Jeongguk to arrive?" Mun-hee asks, looking around with awe as she
takes in the beauty of the chapel.

The workers of the royal palace did an admirable job. Taehyung has a lot to thank his mother
and Jang-mi, who were tireless while preparing all this. He and Jeongguk chose to hold the
ceremony in the chapel in the royal palace, moving the party outside, to the majestic gardens
with magical tents already waiting for them. It was what they thought made the most sense:
celebrating their wedding at the place where they fell madly in love.

The chapel's interior is lavishly decorated with breathtaking flower arrangements, from roses,
lilies, hydrangeas and even peonies, arranged by Namjoon and by Jeongguk, who insisted
that the flower arrangements for his own wedding had to be done by him too.

White wooden chairs are arranged in a row, ready to receive the guests. Some of them are
already occupied by their family and closest friends, all happy and excited about this big day.

A golden and red carpet stretches from the chapel entrance to the small stage where
Taehyung stands, and he gets goosebumps all over his body just thinking about his future
husband walking on it towards him.

"No. I'm sure he's almost here. At least I hope so,” Taehyung mumbles the last part, feeling
the anxiety reverberate through his body.

“Taehyung,” Mun-hee calls his attention.

"Yes?" Taehyung watches intently as the girl approaches him, signaling with her hands for
Taehyung to bend down slightly so she can whisper in his ear.

“If you dare to hurt my brother, I'll go after you and cut your hair off until there's not a single
one left,” Mun-hee threatens, making Taehyung go wide-eyed at the thirteen-year-old girl's
words.

"Mun-hee!" Ha-rin reprimands, clearly hearing her younger sister's words. “What are those
manners? Taehyung, I’m so sorry,” she brings her hands to her chest, gazing apologetically at
Taehyung.

"What?" Mun-hee feigns innocence, hugging Taehyung's waist as if nothing happened. “I

love Tae! But I love Jeongguk even more. He has to take good care of our brother.”

“But-” Ha-rin tries to contradict but Taehyung interrupts her.

“I can promise you that I won't hurt your brother, Mun-hee,” Taehyung assures, a small smile
playing on his lips. "I would never."

"Great! I'm happy to hear that!" Mun-hee exclaims with an even more ecstatic grin. "That
way I can save my scissors then."

Taehyung swallows, nodding frantically.

Jae-hwa is the shyest of them all, keeping a couple of steps behind her sisters as she smooths
her already impeccable dress. Her eyes travel several times in Taehyung's direction and he
sends her kind, little smiles back.

The girl finally seems to gather the courage to approach Taehyung when Mun-hee and Ha-rin
start talking about the amazing outfits of the other guests, and he can't hide his surprise when
Jae-hwa squeezes him in a hug, hiding her face on his chest. His arms don't hesitate to
embrace the girl back.

“I'm really happy,” Jae-hwa comments quietly. "Now, I have one more brother."

Taehyung's eyes automatically fill with tears at those words and his heart swells with warmth,
happiness and so much love. Taehyung wasn't just lucky enough to love and be loved by
Jeongguk. He will get a raise in his family as well and be loved by all these amazing people.

“And I got three amazing younger sisters,” Taehyung retorts, trying to hide the hoarseness in
his emotional voice.

Jae-hwa pulls away from the hug only to send him a giant, dazzling smile, causing Taehyung
to lean over and place a tender kiss against her forehead.

She enthusiastically rushes to join her other sisters, who are already seated in the right front
row seats, excited for the start of the wedding. Taehyung's eyes travel to the row on the left
side, where his mother is sitting in a long, pastel pink dress, subtle diamond earrings and a
necklace with a matching heart pendant, which is unconsciously turned by her slim, elegant
fingers.

His mother has been beaming with the wedding preparations, even happier to see Taehyung
abound in delight. However, right now, the woman seems more introspective instead, her
eyes carrying what appears to be nostalgia as she look towards the altar.

Taehyung approaches her with concern, observing that the woman doesn't even seem to
notice his presence, even when he sits in the chair next to hers.

"Mom? Is everything all right?" Taehyung interrupts her thoughts, making the woman jump
in her chair in fright.

“Oh. Taehyung. Of course everything’s alright, why shouldn't be?” She asks, smiling gently.
She places a hand on Taehyung's cheek, stroking his face. "You look so beautiful, darling."

For his wedding day, Taehyung had chosen an all-white suit, with black stripes on the sides
and lilac details on the sleeves, lapel and buttons to match his tie. He desperately wants
Jeongguk to like it and he spent several hours looking in the mirror and seeking confirmation
from his servants. Even Seokjin had stopped by his bedroom a few days ago to check it out
and heard Taehyung ask, «Do you think my fiancé will like it?» a good couple of times.

"Thank you, mom," Taehyung closes his eyes and leans his head towards the warm touch of
his mother's hand, grinning.

The two remain seated side by side for a few minutes, letting the comfortable silence reign
between them. That is until his mom mutters, "Me and your dad got married in this chapel
too. It was the happiest day of my life, along with the day you were born."

Taehyung turns slightly in his seat to look at his mother. It's been seven months since the
Whale rebels attacked the royal palace and, consequently, since the death of his father and
many others. Even so, his mother's once bright and lively eyes never managed to say
goodbye to the sadness that this event brought, and Taehyung knows that it will never
completely disappear. He can’t judge her. He himself carries this sadness within him. And he
can't even imagine how painful it would be if he lost Jeongguk that way too.

His mother's fingers find the necklace with the heart pendant again. “This necklace… It was a
gift from your father on our wedding day. It's made of gold and the heart has diamonds
around it, but it wasn't the richness of the jewel that made me fall in love with this necklace.
It was what is inside the pendant,” his mother says, opening the heart and revealing a tiny
photograph inside. “Your dad and I took this picture the day he revealed that I was the big
winner of the Selection and that he loved me,” her voice cracks as she says these words. "I
think it's noticeable by our smiles, but we were so happy."

Taehyung puts one of his arms around his mother's shoulders, pulling the woman to him in a
comforting gesture. “It's noticeable, yes,” Taehyung agrees, smiling sweetly. "You guys look
so young."

"I know, right?" His mother chuckles. She then sighs. “I lived a very happy life with him,
Taehyung. I know your father had his faults and could be quite strict at times but… He will
always be the love of my life.”

Taehyung leans over and places a kiss against his mother's cheek, nodding in understanding.
After thinking about it a lot, Taehyung decided not to reveal to his mother the abuse that his
father had caused him countless times over these past years. She was always aware of the
reprimands and demands that Taehyung's father had on him, but she never even suspected the
physical punishment that Taehyung had gone through. He had decided to keep this secret
only with Jeongguk, not wanting to destroy his father's image in his mother's eyes and heart.

What good would that do? His mother was already suffering enough with the man's death,
Taehyung didn't want to be the cause of even more pain by showing her that her husband was
not who she always thought he was. Maybe it's wrong to hide this from his own mother, but
that's what Taehyung decided. At least for now.

“Today will be the happiest day of your life too, Taehyung,” his mother comments, looking
enthusiastically at the decorations in the chapel. “It's a day that you and Jeongguk will
treasure in your hearts forever.”

“Every day beside him is the happiest of my life,” he smiles dreamily, not noticing the
knowing look his mother sends him.

“Never fail to make him happy then,” the woman pulls him into a hug, repeatedly kissing his
hair. "Now go, your fiancé must be almost here and we don't want you to be here hugging an
old lady like me."

Taehyung is ready to retort that his mother is anything but an old woman, let alone that there
is a problem with him holding her, but when his mother laughs and pats him on the arm in
encouragement, Taehyung obeys and stands up, returning to his place at the altar.
And it is at that very moment that the nerves and anxiety begin to fight against the happiness,
making him toss and pace around as he waits for Jeongguk's arrival.

The chapel is practically full, the guests all seated and waiting patiently for the ceremony to
begin. All selected are seated behind Taehyung's family, with the exception of Mi-suk and
Hanguk, who unfortunately did not survive the bloody and deadly hands of the Whales.
However, their respective seats are decorated with a smiling photograph of them and a pretty
flower arrangement, honoring their lack of presence. The same happens in the other row of
chairs, more precisely where Jeongguk's family is. The seat is beautifully dedicated to the
purple-haired boy’s father.

Taehyung's aunt, Binna, tries to keep her children quiet and he smiles at the mischief of his
cousins. Jimin and Yoongi sat next to Jeongguk's family, with Ki-tae and Min-ji in the back.
Nabi, Yumi and Seokjin silently enter the chapel, which can only mean that Jeongguk is
ready and will appear at any minute. A rush of excitement and nervousness makes
Taehyung's blood throb. As Nabi and Yumi take seats next to other palace workers such as
Hoseok, Seokjin approaches Namjoon, taking a seat beside him as their hands meet and
intertwine.

The image makes Taehyung smile. In fact, all the guests present, family and friends, make
Taehyung feel so happy and grateful.

These thoughts are unexpectedly interrupted and Taehyung's heart beats violently inside his
chest as the wedding march starts to reverberate in the chapel, played wonderfully by a band
in the back of the space. His head swivels towards the entrance and his eyes automatically fill
with the image.

His mother-in-law looks stunning, in a red women's suit, with crimson lipstick painting her
lips, and with her hair pulled back into a perfect bun, with not a single hair up. Her arm grabs
Jeongguk's, who walks along with her with the biggest smile Taehyung has ever seen in his
life. At that moment, not even the sun itself can compete with the glow that Jeongguk
radiates.

The purple-haired boy chose a suit in shades of white as well, but with a gold gradient with
some glitter falling down his arms and legs, making him shine even more. Jeongguk's hair is
parted, amplifying the beauty of his face. Taehyung doesn't know whether to cry with
emotion or drool over the image of his future husband.

Maybe both.

Well, the truth is that Taehyung cries a little more than he drools, too emotional to see the
man who took possession of his heart walking the red and gold carpet that, in a few seconds,
will take him to the altar, which will lead him to Taehyung.

Jeongguk giggles when Taehyung sobs, but he can see in the purple-haired boy's eyes some
tears welling up too.

Jeongguk's mother kisses his cheek and caresses his face before they both look tenderly at the
place that should have been occupied by Jeongguk's father. Afterward, Jeongguk’s mother,
with a gesture of her chin, encourages Jeongguk to approach Taehyung, who cries and smiles
widely at the same time.

Jeongguk is completely magnificent. Stunning. Taehyung can't tear his eyes away from
Jeongguk, wanting to immerse himself in the dazzling beauty that characterizes him.
Taehyung feels completely hypnotized, and it's hard to make his eyes notice that there's
anyone else in that room other than Jeongguk. What did Taehyung do to be so lucky?

“Tae… Don't cry. I'll cry too,” Jeongguk mutters with a chuckle as their hands intertwine.
"You look beautiful."

Taehyung scoffs, shaking his head. "Me? Jeongguk, have you looked at you? Wow. Just…
Wow. You look stunning. Perfect.”

Jeongguk's cheeks turn a light shade of pink and he bends his head to hide them, but not
before Taehyung notices. He falls a little more in love with Jeongguk.

“We're here,” the purple-haired boy brings their entwined fingers to his mouth to place the
sweetest of kisses there. "Are you ready to marry me?"

“I've been ready since the day my eyes fell on you,” Taehyung doesn't hesitate to respond,
shivering in excitement at Jeongguk's wide grin.

The wedding celebrant approaches the altar, drawing the attention of the two grooms and all
the guests. Taehyung and Jeongguk exchange one more passionate smile before turning to the
front, ready to initiate what will be the best part of the rest of their lives.

The ceremony seems to take forever as, at the same time, it passes in the blink of an eye.
Taehyung desperately wants to put the ring on Jeongguk's finger and scream to the world that
he has him as a husband, but on the other hand, he also wants to prolong this moment as long
as possible. He wants to memorize how Jeongguk listens intently to the words spoken by the
wedding celebrant, how his eyes shine with millions of stars inside, how his lips stretch into a
smile without him even noticing, how his hand squeezes Taehyung's in specific, special
passages.

He is so in love. As hard as he tries, his eyes refuse to stray from Jeongguk's silhouette for a
single second.

“Dear grooms,” the wedding celebrant announces after finishing his speech. "You may now
exchange your marriage vows."

They both nod and Jeongguk, with trembling fingers, removes a small, crumpled paper from
his blazer pocket with what Taehyung assumes to be his vows written on it. Anticipation
courses through Taehyung's veins, making his blood bubble in good anticipation, but he also
knows this will be the end of his cheesy, lame heart.

“My favorite season has always been spring,” Jeongguk begins, not needing to look at the
paper even though it's in his hands. His eyes lock onto Taehyung's instead. “I always loved
the way the flowers bloom with its arrival. I looked forward to those days just to marvel at
their vibrant colors, at the texture of their petals, or at the simple scent they gave off and
decorated the air. Autumn and winter meant the interruption of these feelings, leaving an
emptiness inside me that, although I knew it should be temporary, remained.”

Taehyung looks intently at Jeongguk, feeling the intensity in each word.

“For a long, long time, I knew of the existence of this emptiness but I didn't know why. Why
did I feel that way? Why couldn't it always be spring for me?” Jeongguk pauses, tilting his
head slightly to the side. “Well, I managed to get an answer to that question. Without even
realizing it, I was looking for my own spring, for something to make me forget that autumn
and winter even exist in the first place.”

The initial tear escapes Taehyung's eyes long before Jeongguk utters, “And my spring is you,
Tae. It took me a while to figure that out, I know. But I was sure of that when, with the arrival
of the heavy winter, the emptiness did not make itself felt in me. On the contrary. What I felt
was the tightening of your arms, your lips on mine, or your words whispered against my skin.
What I felt was exclusively warmth and love. What I saw was the constant blooming of
millions of flowers, for the simple fact of seeing you smiling and looking at me the way only
you do."

Taehyung can't take it anymore, sobbing softly. Jeongguk places a hand on his chin, gently
forcing Taehyung to keep his gaze locked on Jeongguk's.

“I love you, Taehyung. You are the sun that shines on me and makes me grow a little bigger
every day,” Jeongguk is also crying. His thumb gently wipes Taehyung's tears. "And I know
that, in an identical way, I mean the same to you." Taehyung nods frantically without
hesitation. “No matter how difficult life can be to us, I know that everything will be easier
because I have your hand to hold on to. Thank you for making me the happiest man in the
world.”

“You make me the happiest man in the world,” Taehyung interrupts, making the purple-haired
boy grin.

Jeongguk takes a deep breath, holding back the sea of tears that are still welling in his eyes.
“Therefore, I, Jeon Jeongguk, welcome you, Kim Taehyung, as my rightful husband. I
promise to be faithful, to love and respect you, in joy and sadness, in health and illness, in
wealth and poverty, all the days of our lives, until death do us part.”

Taehyung brings their intertwined hands to his lips, kissing each of Jeongguk's knuckles.

It's his turn.

He's a living mess, how is he going to say his vows?

Jeongguk smiles widely and Taehyung has his answer. It's encouragement enough.

Taehyung doesn't even take the paper with his vows written out of his pocket. As a former
prince and current king, Taehyung is used to memorizing speeches and delivering them with
confidence and assertiveness. His wedding vows would be no different, right? Taehyung
thought that. Don’t get him wrong, he’s sure he has every word on the tip of his tongue, but
saying them firmly? That he already doubts a lot.

Even so, he takes a deep breath and clears his throat, staring at Jeongguk.

“My love, my Jeongguk…” Taehyung begins. “I knew I was falling the first moment my eyes
met yours. The first time our souls crossed, I immediately met your courage, your
perseverance, and even your stubbornness." Jeongguk lets out a few giggles at that. “And the
truth is that these characteristics of yours only made me admire you immensely. During the
time I really got to know you, in which you allowed me to tear down the tall, thick walls that
you built around your heart… From then on, the fall was bigger. But I will never regret it. If I
had known back then the tremendous happiness I was going to feel these days, I would have
jumped with my feet together without hesitation. In fact, I can't even say that's not what
happened anyway.”

This time it's Taehyung's thumb that caresses Jeongguk's cheekbones, wiping away tear stains
that keep falling.

“You’re the only person who looks at the real me, underneath all the layers that I have to live
with on a daily basis,” Taehyung continues. “And I am so grateful for that. With you, I can
really be me, with no judgment, just understanding. With you, I can wake up in the morning
and allow myself to be fifteen minutes late just to cuddle in bed next to you. With you, I can
get away from boring meetings and take pictures instead because I know you're going to
cover for me. With you, I can walk without a crown, with disheveled hair and not-so-formal
clothes. With you, I don't need to be careful about what I say or what I do. With you, I can
stop being the king of Euphoréa for a few hours and just be Kim Taehyung. And for that…
Thank you, Jeongguk.”

The purple-haired boy shakes his head as if to say that Taehyung doesn't need to thank him.

“I can't wait to share my entire life with you and find out what the future holds for us.
Therefore, I, Kim Taehyung, welcome you, Jeon Jeongguk, as my rightful husband. I promise
to be faithful, to love and respect you, in joy and sadness, in health and illness, in wealth and
poverty, all the days of our lives, until death do us part.”

Both of them have their faces contorted with tears and emotion, but there is one thing that
doesn't go away: their smiles.

The wedding celebrant grins too. “Now that your vows have been shared, let’s move on to the
exchanging of the rings and the coronation.”

Ha-rin, Jae-hwa and Mun-hee rise from their seats, the younger holding the golden rings
while Ha-rin carries the crown.

“Jeon Jeongguk,” begins the wedding celebrant, turning to the purple-haired boy. "Do you
take Kim Taehyung as your husband?”

“I do,” Jeongguk smiles, taking the ring from the small, golden pillow that his sister holds,
sliding it over Taehyung's finger.
“Kim Taehyung,” the wedding celebrant now turns to him. "Do you take Jeon Jeongguk as
your husband?"

"I do. I fucking do,” Taehyung doesn’t hesitate, making everybody present laugh because of
him cursing. “There's nothing I want more,” Taehyung replies, delighting in Jeongguk's
happy giggles.

He gently places the ring on Jeongguk's finger, stroking his hand right away. Moved by the
gesture, Jeongguk leans over and kisses Taehyung's hand.

“We’re going to proceed with the coronation of Your Highness Jeon Jeongguk,” the wedding
celebrant adds. “Your Highness Kim Taehyung, please, do the honors,” the man makes a
small bow, pointing with his hands to the crown that Ha-rin holds.

The girl winks at Taehyung, handing him the jewelry piece that symbolizes so much. The
crown is also made of gold, thin and discreet as Taehyung knew Jeongguk would like it, and
it also has jewelry in different shades of purple that match with his hair.

Jeongguk tilts his head slightly downwards, letting Taehyung tenderly place the crown on top
of his head.

"Jeongguk… I couldn't be more proud of the person I chose not only to make my life happier
but also to help me make Euphoréa, the country I love so much, a better place. I know you
have had your doubts about this, and there will probably be days when they will appear
again, but I know, without a single shadow of a doubt, that you have what it takes to be king
of Euphoréa. An even better king than me. And I can't wait to achieve so much being by your
side."

“I'll do my best to love this country the same way you do, Tae. Together, I know we will
make our Euphoréa a prosperous and happy country,” Jeongguk says confidently, making a
small bow.

“My love… You’re now the king too. You don't need to bow to me anymore,” Taehyung
mumbles, but everyone seems to hear, given the giggles that resonate through the chapel.

The wedding celebrant clears his throat, drawing their attention. "Kim Taehyung and Jeon
Jeongguk, I now declare you husband and husband and king and king of Euphoréa!"

Jeongguk is grinning so hard that Taehyung doesn't waste time shortening the distance that
separates him from Jeongguk, crushing his lips against the purple-haired boy's, even making
him bend back with Taehyung's impact on him.

The guests stand up, applaud and scream as the married couple exchange kiss after kiss.
Honestly, Taehyung doesn't even notice the photographers, the cheers, the exclamations, or
even the flower petals and rice that fall on top of them. Taehyung just focuses on how,
starting today, his and Jeongguk's hearts will beat as one.

Even when Jeongguk releases giggle after giggle, Taehyung leans over and places pecks
against his lips and every inch of his face, delighting in the sounds of contentment and
happiness that escape from his husband's mouth.

"I love you. I love you so much,” Taehyung says, hugging Jeongguk's waist and lifting him
off the ground, making him twirl, not even bothering with the good hundreds of pairs of eyes
on them.

“I love you more,” Jeongguk smiles.

“Impossible,” Taehyung retorts right away.

“Oh, shut up!” Jeongguk rolls his eyes, laughing when Taehyung places kisses on his eyelids.

The flashes coming from the cameras keep firing, recording every second of this magical and
unforgettable moment, but Jeongguk, even as he continues to laugh, narrows his eyes because
of the intense light, and comments in a low voice, “I love you but I think I will never get used
to all this attention. Or all this gold! Tae, look at his! How can you handle using this every
day? It's so heavy!” Jeongguk points to his crown, smiling enthusiastically at the royal
accessory that adorns his purple hair.

Taehyung can only notice the glow, the gold that naturally emanates from Jeongguk, nothing
comparable to simple crowns or jewelry. There is not and there will never be a comparison.

Taehyung kisses him deeply before mumbling, “You’re so much golden. You’re so, so
golden.”

"I should have joined your sister in the bet she made."

Jeongguk frowns, looking questioningly at Jimin. “Huh? Bet? What do you mean?"

Jimin smiles knowingly. “Did you not know? Ha-rin made a bet on how you would win the
Selection. She told me about it the first time she visited the palace.”

“What the hell? That was ages ago!” Jeongguk exclaims indignantly. "She made a bet with
who?"

Jimin chuckles. “With a few friends from her school. From what she's told me, most didn't
believe the prince would be interested in you and she wanted to make a bet with them. If she
won, they would have to take her place on the days when she would be cleaning the school.
Looks like Ha-rin will have a lot of free afternoons from now on.”

"Oh my God, I can’t believe that girl!" Jeongguk grunts, shaking his head. He pauses,
looking skeptically at Jimin. “Why did you want to join her in the bet? What would you gain
from that?”
Jimin just shrugs. “Well, nothing. Maybe… Pride and victory?” Jeongguk scoffs. "I'm
kidding! But I always knew that the Selection would have this outcome. Since the very first
day. That's why I'm team Ha-rin.”

“What a sister and best friend I have,” Jeongguk huffs, feigning irritation. Jimin smiles,
knowing him well. "I don't know how you two came to that conclusion long before Taehyung
and me."

“We’re geniuses while you two are pure idiots,” Jimin says simply, to which Jeongguk opens
his mouth in offense. "What? It’s true! You and Taehyung were complete idiots for such a
long time! It took you a while to stop being stupid and admit what you feel for each other.”

Well, Jeongguk can’t really deny that.

"Jimin, you’re aware that you’re calling one of the kings of Euphoréa an idiot, right?"
Jeongguk arches an eyebrow in an attempt to sound frightening, but Jimin's laughter doesn't
show an ounce of intimidation.

“And what? What are you going to do?” Jimin taunts, stepping on Jeongguk's foot on
purpose.

“Ouch! You dickhead!" Jeongguk grunts, stepping on Jimin’s foot back.

The two continue to twirl calmly across the dance floor, exchanging laughter and teasing
names. Jeongguk can't put into words how happy he is to see his best friend and his boyfriend
Yoongi again, living without being hidden and with no fear of repercussions or judgments.

The massacre caused by the Whales will always be an unforgettable day for all the deaths it
caused. However, at the same time, it triggered in Taehyung a new way of seeing reality and,
with that, it brought a wave of courage and willingness to change things.

Jeongguk fell a bit more in love with Taehyung when he surprised him by, a few days after
the attack, giving a speech publicly exposing his forgiveness towards Jimin and Yoongi,
noting that he did not feel betrayed or offended by what had happened and that, therefore, he
expected Euphoréa to do the same. From there, Jeongguk's best friend and ex-guard of the
royal palace returned to their normal lives, and it was a very emotional moment for the
purple-haired boy.

Jimin and Yoongi chose to continue living in their apartment that Taehyung had offered them,
a short distance from the royal palace since Yoongi could now go back to work as a royal
soldier, and Jimin had discovered a hidden passion: cooking. He is now one of the palace
chefs and, according to Jimin himself, he couldn't be happier.

And well, Jeongguk couldn't be happier either.

Looking around him, it's impossible not to allow his lips to stretch into a smile. The large tent
set up in the majestic gardens was more than ready to receive guests after the ceremony, and
everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves immensely.
Between the round tables, decorated with white and yellow flowers in the center and the
brightest crockery and cutlery around, Jeongguk’s three sisters savor pies, cakes and desserts
with their mouths full and strawberry jam smearing the corners of their lips, while Yejun and
Woojin keep them company, laughing out loud.

The remaining selected, Ha-yun, Chun-ja, Sun-mi and Chinhae, dance enthusiastically in a
circle, all of them clearly happier than usual, if you know what Jeongguk means.

In one of the corners of the tent, over magical fairy lights and with the string band that
provides the music for the party, Jeongguk's mother chats with queen Yuna. Taehyung's aunt
Binna is talking to Nabi and Yumi. His two friends are beaming, completely different without
their maid clothes and with their hair free and combed to perfection.

Jeongguk would love to have his father present here too. But as his mother told him before
walking along with him to the chapel earlier, «Your dad is here. In his own way, but he is. He
will always be.»

Jeongguk automatically looks at his hand resting on Jimin's shoulder, where a black leather
bracelet with a Northern Star pendant decorates his wrist. When he was helping his family
pack their things into cardboard boxes to move to their new house, Jeongguk had discovered
this bracelet hidden in his father's history books. Next to the piece of jewelry, Jeongguk had
found a small note that said, «There is no star that shines brighter than you, Jeongguk. But
together, you can make everything even more golden. Therefore, my dear son, shine.»

And that's why Jeongguk has never taken the bracelet off his wrist since he discovered it
through tears seven months ago.

Namjoon and Seokjin dance a few feet away from him and Jimin, exchanging passionate
whispers and a few caresses. Once things settled down after the attack, Jeongguk didn't give
up until he got the two of them all the information on how Namjoon and Seokjin fell in love,
delighting in every detail regarding their secret dates. Apparently, it was Namjoon who had
the courage to ask first if Seokjin would like to help him do some flower arrangements in the
greenhouse, and from then on, the two became inseparable. Jeongguk still teases Seokjin
because of his shyness towards Namjoon, when he was always so confident and assertive.
But if there's anyone who deserves to be happy, it's the two of them.

Hoseok, never quite able to let go of his job as master of ceremonies, walks through the party
with a camera crew behind him, interviewing guests as to what they’re thinking of the
wedding so far. He too quickly joined Jeongguk and Taehyung's group of close friends,
especially after they discovered that Hoseok had always supported the cause of the Swan
rebels. In addition to continuing to present the Official News, Hoseok now has a key role as
an advisor.

In their seats, Min-ji and Ki-tae play with their newborn baby, whom they named Micah. The
image makes Jeongguk's chest fill with warmth.

It wasn't easy for the purple-haired boy to digest the fact that he had killed Areum. The first
few weeks were pure hell, as he would constantly wake up at night with nightmares, running
frantically to the bathroom to wash his hands, thinking they were smeared with her blood.
The rational side of him always knew it was the right thing to do, but the more human and
vulnerable side couldn't believe he had taken a person's life away. And even today, after
many appointments with therapists and tight hugs from Taehyung, there are days when
Jeongguk struggles to fight those feelings. But when Min-ji told him that she was pregnant—
which she didn't know yet when she fought with Areum—something broke free within
Jeongguk.

If he hadn't acted without hesitation, if he hadn't taken Areum off Min-ji with a bullet straight
through her chest, the Swan girl and her baby would have died, not to mention all the
destruction that would have taken place in Euphoréa and which, consequently, would lead to
even more deaths.

It's a feeling that will always remain inside Jeongguk, waking up every now and then to
torment him, but today, looking at Min-ji, at her baby, at Taehyung, at Euphoréa, Jeongguk is
absolutely sure he did the right thing.

As for the Whale rebels, things have calmed down substantially. They're still bold enough to
dare to cause a couple of attacks here and there, but nothing as regular and deadly as it was.
With the death of Areum and the leader of their group, the Whales were left helpless and
without support. The fact that the Swan rebels joined the royal palace, some as soldiers and
others, like Min-ji and Ki-tae, as Taehyung's advisers, made everything even simpler. The
union not only made more civilians begin to support the causes and principles of the Swans
and the royalty, but it also scared many of the people who still supported the Whales, causing
the group to fall apart. Taehyung, Jeongguk, and the others could not be naive in believing
that they were finally free of these rebels, but now they had the strength and means to fight
and defend Euphoréa.

Jeongguk and Jimin continue to dance to some jazz music, and upon seeing some friends and
neighbors from the caste Seven, the purple-haired boy can't help but think about how, in less
than a year, he and Taehyung, always with the help of others, of course, have already done so
much for Euphoréa.

To avoid extreme poverty, they started by enforcing a law about minimum salary. Even
though the poorest caste companies are unable to pay workers this amount at the end of the
month in full, the palace provides monetary help for these companies to pay tribute to the
hard work of their workers by offering them a wage that allows them to live in better
conditions.

Social buildings were built for the homeless families of the now non-existent caste Eight,
helping these people to integrate into society without the stigma of the number behind them.

Materials were provided for better working conditions in different areas, such as, for
example, tractors for agricultural workers, so that, consequently, these people can obtain
better incomes.

People from the highest castes are advised to accept as workers all those who show the
aptitude for it, valuing this in the first place rather than belonging or not to the caste
previously characterized by that profession. In this way, people will be able to start working
in the areas they are passionate about and have the talent for, regardless of whether or not
they were lucky enough to be born into the caste categorized by these professional areas.

And, to honor Areum’s idea for the presentation they made for the Official News months ago,
even though the girl has not thought of it with the utmost honesty, all children in the country
now have access to education, with scholarships and support for those who were previously
unable to go to school.

Euphoréa is still far from being able to completely abolish castes, but Jeongguk and
Taehyung are tirelessly fighting for the end of inequality and for better living conditions for
all people. And honestly? Jeongguk thinks they’re doing a great job. As he found out, he and
Taehyung are destined to do amazing things together.

"Excuse me?" A velvety, deep voice resonates close to Jeongguk's ear. "Can I steal my
husband for a few minutes?"

“Your Highness,” Jimin jokes, winking at Jeongguk as he moves away from him. "Of course
you can. I have to go find my boyfriend too. He owes me a dance.”

Taehyung smiles gratefully, twining his hands around Jeongguk's waist once the two are
alone.

“I know someone who also owes me a dance,” Taehyung murmurs, starting to move slowly
with Jeongguk in his arms.

"What?" Jeongguk giggles, crossing his arms behind Taehyung's neck. “Tae, we danced
together half an hour ago.”

“And your point is?” Taehyung snorts. "Just dance with me."

The chords of a violin resonate through the tent, and the laughter and conversations of the
guests are just a background echo, especially when Jeongguk can only focus on Taehyung's
calm breathing against his lips. Their foreheads are pressed together, their eyes closed, their
chests glued and their hearts beating as one.

Their bodies sway to the beat of the music mixed with their heartbeats, and none of them can
kick out the wide grins that adorn their lips.

"Jeongguk,” Taehyung whispers, kissing every little spot on his cheek tenderly.

"Hum?" The purple-haired boy mutters, his eyes still closed.

"Come with me," Taehyung asks, moving his hands up around Jeongguk's waist, stroking the
purple-haired boy's sides and shoulders until they finally reach his fingers that rest on
Taehyung's neck.

“Tae, we can't run away from our own wedding,” Jeongguk whispers, even as a current of
curiosity and excitement pulses in his blood.
“We won't,” Taehyung starts pulling Jeongguk with him out of the tent. “It's just for a little
while. Trust me."

The sun has already started to set, the horizon streaked with lilac, pink, orange and blue. It's
almost August, so the warmth is still felt. Even so, the two of them run along with the well-
trimmed green lawn, giggling youthfully and happily as they do so.

Jeongguk has no idea where Taehyung is taking him, but seeing him so free is enough for
Jeongguk to let himself go without any fear or misgivings.

They reach the other side of the garden, where the white wooden gazebo where they shared
their first kiss remains. As they get closer to it, Jeongguk's heart begins to beat slower and
slower inside his rib cage as the image becomes clearer in his eyes.

Until it stops completely.

In addition to the fairy lights that are already common to be found there to magically
illuminate the space, various red and white flower arrangements also intertwine with the
wooden pillars. But what really catches the attention of Jeongguk's teary eyes and poor heart
are the dozens and dozens of small photographs hanging by golden strings, subtly swaying
from the gazebo ceiling in the summer breeze.

Jeongguk lets go of Taehyung's hand to get closer.

A tear runs down his cheek with a picture of him in the garden, watering the now full-grown
flowers that he and Taehyung planted at the date they had at the beginning of the Selection.
The sunlight falling on Jeongguk’s face and hair, making him glow.

A scoff escapes from the back of his throat with a picture of him naked, with the pale blue,
satin sheets from Taehyung's bed covering his waist, where Jeongguk is still with his hair
disheveled, his eyes closed and his mouth open.

A giggle reverberates in his chest with a picture of him scowling and frowning, probably
sulking that Taehyung isn't paying him enough attention. Jeongguk can still hear Taehyung’s
laugh.

A sob resounds in the garden with a picture of him and his father strolling through the palace,
in what Jeongguk remembers being the first time his family visited him.

A smile graces his lips with a picture of him with Jimin making funny faces at Min-ji's baby
boy, who laughs uproariously at the silly figures of the other two boys.

His chest fills with warmth with a picture of him and Taehyung, with their faces pressed so
close to each other that their cheeks are completely crushed. Their grins are so wide their
eyes can barely be seen.

The gazebo is decorated with countless and countless photographs that make Jeongguk's face
twist in emotion. There are too many moments and memories. He knows they will make so
much more.
 This is how Taehyung sees him. This is how Taehyung's eyes capture the smallest detail of
Jeongguk. This is how Taehyung can best express his love.

“A while back, you asked me to make you a mural as well," Taehyung begins. "Taking
pictures of you is a pleasure for me since you’re my muse and my fingers tingle all the time
to perpetuate on photographic paper what my eyes see when I’m looking at you. But I
dedicated my time lately to make this and give it to you as my wedding gift.”

“Tae…” Jeongguk turns around, closing the distance between him and his husband. "I loved
it. It’s beautiful. Let's put this in our bedroom right away.”

Taehyung laughs, kissing Jeongguk's forehead. “Your wishes are orders, my love. I’m so glad
you liked it.”

“I love it,” Jeongguk murmurs again, hiding his face in Taehyung's neck and inhaling his
favorite perfume in the whole world.

Taehyung hugs Jeongguk's waist, starting to rock him from side to side. The purple-haired
boy's hands move up and down slowly along Taehyung's back, caressing them.

“Tae? What are you doing?" Jeongguk chuckles, letting his husband spin them along the
gazebo's wooden floor.

"Me? I'm just dancing with my husband,” Taehyung replies, letting his lips brush along
Jeongguk's ear and temple.

Memories of a moment quite identical to this one leap into Jeongguk's mind. He smiles.
“There is no music, Tae. Who the hell dances without music?”

And as if Taehyung knew that Jeongguk asked that question on purpose just to hear the same
words, he replies, “I don't need music when I have you, Jeongguk. You are my music.”

Jeongguk lifts his face from Taehyung's neck, only to lean in until their lips passionately
brush against each other. "And you are my spring."

♕ the end ♕

Chapter End Notes

As it can not be otherwise, at the end of all my stories I need to write a giant text
showing my gratitude to you. I know that probably no one will have the patience to read
all this but here I go! I decided to write "You're so golden" when, last summer, I started
re-reading "The Selection", books that marked my adolescence and that I still love. I
thought, "It would be so awesome to have a taekook fic based on this story." That's
when the idea came to me... Why not be the one to do it? Honestly, I never thought
"You're so golden" would ever get the love it received. As it is based on an already
existing and well-known story, I thought that no one would be interested in reading it.
Even so, I decided to write and delight myself with a story of royalty, princes and
princesses, queens and kings. And since I didn't expect to have so many people reading
this story, I want to thank, from the bottom of my heart, every single person who has
followed this story from the very beginning. Thank you to everyone who read each
update as it came out, even when I took my time to post it. To all those who discovered
"You're so golden" a little later, a huge thank you too. Thank you to all of you, who read
it, who leave a kudo or a comment. It's you, my dear readers, who motivate me daily to
continue writing. It was long, amazing five months living this reality and I'm writing this
with tears in my eyes, without any desire to say goodbye to this world and these
characters. I will immensely miss Jeongguk's courage and perkiness, Taehyung's
sweetness and selflessness, and all the traits that make up the rest of the characters. This
story will forever be imprinted on my heart. I hope you continue to follow my other
works and give me your love that makes me so happy and grateful.
Thank you so much. I hope to see you all very soon ♡

my twitter
my curious cat
playlist
Please drop by the Archive and comment to let the creator know if you enjoyed their work!