The Ugly Duckling [Jinkook, Minjoon, Taegiseok]

18: Laundry Fairies

Ages at the moment:

Jin and Yoongi: 20

Hoseok and Namjoon: 19

Jimin: 18

Taehyung: 17

Jungkook: 16

~~~~~

After Jimin's birthday celebration, the blankets were left out in the garden over night.

The maids and castle staff weren't very happy and went to the king and queen to express their complaint.

Namjoon and Jin were called and questioned, and Jin quickly spoke up to take the blame before Namjoon could, since it had originally been his idea and he didn't want his brother to get in trouble.

The King had shoved Jin outside and ordered him to gather all of the blankets and wash them himself. Then just to be extra spiteful, he gave the castle staff the day off and told Jin to finish the other chores around the castle as well.

Namjoon tried to get Jin out of it, but the king and queen refused to hear anything of it. As far as they were concerned, their word was law and no one had the right to question them.

"Your friends are coming soon anyway," the Queen said. "With Jin doing chores it will be up to you to keep the guests entertained."

Namjoon grit his teeth and walked away, not even responding because he didn't want to say something he would regret or get in trouble for. Instead, he went to the laundry room where Jin was gathering cleaning supplies.

"One of these days I'm going to snap," Namjoon growled.

"It's okay, Namjoon," Jin whispered softly, patting his shoulder. "I'll be okay."

"No! It's not okay!" Namjoon exclaimed. "They have no valid reason to treat you like this! So what if it doesn't kill you? The mental trauma it gives you doesn't make you stronger."

"I've gotten some pretty thick skin," Jin shrugged.

"Except you don't," Namjoon frowned. "I know you, Jin. You don't have thick skin. You have a mask."

"Well, yeah. They practically made it law that I have to wear a mask."

"No, I'm not talking about the one on your face," Namjoon shook his head, running his hand through his hair in frustration. "You absorb everyone's words like a sponge, and then wear a mask to hide your emotions."

"I've grown used to being called the same names my whole life. They don't phase me anymore."

"Liar."

"When have I ever lied to you?" Jin frowned, offended.

"Getting used to something doesn't always make it hurt any less," Namjoon explained, pausing for a moment before he continued. "I wish you would let me help you more. Our parents favor me. You should have let me take the blame for this."

"I'm older. I'm responsible for the both of us," Jin countered.

"If we told them I did it, then both of us wouldn't have gotten in trouble, and right now the maids would still be doing their tasks today."

"But that's lying," Jin pointed out. "Not a very good thing to do as the future king of Seoul, Namjoon."

"I could be the biggest liar in the world and still be a saint compared to our parents," Namjoon grumbled. "I don't see what's wrong in a little white lie like this to keep you out of trouble. I want to protect you, Jin."

"You shouldn't have to be the one to protect me."

"Jungkook is doing well in his training with Hobi but that won't protect you from mom and dad," Namjoon sighed. "I'm the only one who can protect you from them while Jungkook is too young to whisk you away to safety. Please, just let me do this for you. You've done so many things for me, and this is all I have to offer you in return."