Taehyung barely uttered a word to Seokjin since he arrived in his Hwarang uniform. The house was suddenly awkward and as silent as night. Jungkook decided to stay at Jimin's place and spend time with him in the library so only Namjoon was there to attempt to soak up the awkwardness.
It was the morning of the knighting ceremony; Taehyung and Seokjin slumped at the table as Namjoon made breakfast. Because he only started making it for the past three days, he somehow managed to burn it. The others didn't mind though- Seokjin was too sad and Taehyung was too mad. Namjoon felt sorry for the both of them though, since he knew that they were both so close before this drama unfolded.
"Thank you Hyung," Taehyung muttered before picking up his messenger bag. The elders watched as he walked out into the street.
"He's probably going to the palace," Namjoon sighed, sitting himself down next to Seokjin. The older felt tears prick his eyes as he saw his own bag by the doorway.
"I'm not even going to be knighted because of my bravery!" Seokjin exclaimed, "I was only accepted because of the reputation of my family!"
Namjoon gently rubbed Seokjin's back.
"You know hyung, you're very brave."
"What makes you think that?"
"You know that you can't physically fight right now, but you're still fighting for him."
Namjoon was right. Seokjin wasn't brought up to play rough, or to wield a sword, like Taehyung and Jungkook were, but he is still putting his life on the line to take care of Taehyung. He vaguely remembered the young, twinkly-eyed young man awaiting for him at his front door with his bags.
"You're my roommate right? What's your name? Are you married?"
He remembered questions being fired at him for hours on end as they unpacked and settled themselves in. Oh how he wished life would return to the way it was.
"I'll walk you to the palace, then I'll check up on Jungkook and Jimin."
Namjoon carried Seokjin's bag over his shoulder and locked the door behind him. Together, they walked out into the daylight. It was the last time Seokjin would see his precious home.
The next time Taehyung and Seokjin saw each other was in the dressing rooms. They were both delicately wrapped in silk robes that were lush to the touch. Of course, Seokjin intently looked at Taehyung whilst he was staring at himself in the mirror. There were still no words being exchanged between the two.
it wasn't long before all of the Hwarang men were neatly presented to Emperor Min fully suited up ready for his service. Tonight will be the first time the Emperor showed his face to the public since his carination.
"You all look beautiful," Emperor Min said with a smirk, with Hoseok clinging to the arm of his throne next to him. Taehyung was not surprised a man like Hoseok stole the Emperor's heart. Hoseok seemed like he was glowing himself, and it would seem like he would fit in nicely if he were a part of the Hwarang. The young man was presented in a deep purple silk, which seemed similar to what emperor Min was wearing. The thing that stood out the most on him was a crown in the shape of a sun with a veil that dropped down to his collarbones. Hoseok only wore this crown when he went in public as he has trouble keeping his head up when it is placed upon him.
Seokjin wondered what the veil material was made out of. Whatever it was, it looked expensive. Emperor Min rose from his throne, kissed Hoseok on the forehead and took him by the hand. From there, they were seated in a carriage lifted by six men. The Hwarang surrounded them on each side, marching with their new uniforms.
The moon rose high, and the crowds flocked the streets. Namjoon awaited for Jimin and Jungkook at the library. He was beginning to worry until he heard the youngest's cry of happiness from afar.
"Namjoonie-Hyung! Jimin and I made Mochi! I asked him why he smelled like Mochi so he brought me to the kitchen and told me to help him make some!"
The youngest hugged Namjoon tightly, and Jimin caught up, his cheeks flushed. Jungkook's doe eyes sparkled in the lights as he gazed around the streets, which were lit up with lanterns.
"People are really excited for Emperor Min's appearance huh?" Jimin said, still trying to catch his breath. Namjoon nodded.
"I already hear the cheering from the palace. They'll be here soon."
It wasn't long until the three men were cheering for Emperor Min and his newly knighted Hwarang. When seeing Taehyung and Seokjin's oddly straight faces, Jimin frowned.
"They're still fighting?" He asked.
"Not really," Namjoon replied, "Taehyung's giving Seokjin some really bad silent treatment."
Jimin hesitantly bit his lower lip and looked back at his best friend. He once argued over dumplings with him, and he remembered how angry Taehyung got because they were arguing over something so petty. he could only imagine the temporary hatred he has for his hyung.
The parade went on. The entire kingdom bowed down to the king and his lover, before they had to return to the palace before sunrise.
"I've never seen Hoseok in broad daylight you know," Jungkook said curiously as he and Namjoon walked back to their home. Namjoon looked grey as he responded with another question,
"Was it loud?"
Jungkook cocked his head at the sudden change of topic.
"Of course it was Hyungie, everyone was excited to see the emperor and Hoseok,"
Namjoon nodded again,
"It just seemed like there was silence in the parade."
