when prince jeon jeongguk shows up and turns prince kim taehyung's world upside down but the latter hasn't realised this wasn't the first time.
royalty au | taegguk | boyxboy
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Jimin groaned. He just realised he had to tell Taehyung about his cousin. Oh, his cousin is basically head over heels for Taehyung.
His name is Park Bogum. Bogum had met Taehyung when they were sixteen at a royal event overseas and he had fallen for Taehyung's shy and humble personality.
"Taehyung..." Jimin started hesitantly. Taehyung hummed wanting Jimin to continue what he was about to say.
"You know my cousin, Bogum...."
"Bogum hyung yes what about him?"
"What do you think of him?"
"He's really nice, charming and friendly! You know he made me feel less bored during that event years ago!"
"Did you hear that?" Jimin lost track of what he was going to say when he heard what sounded like footsteps.
"Hear what?"
"Sounded like someone was outside."
"Are you hallucinating? Only me and Jungkook live on this level and Jungkook must be in the fitting room since it is his turn now. Anyways, why are we suddenly talking about Bogum hyung?"
"Well, that's where it gets complicated...Bogum is planning to court you..."Jimin whispered.
Taehyung nodded absentmindedly until his words sunk into his mind.
Court me?
"He's doing what?! Why me? I see him as nothing but a brother! I didn't even give him a hint that I was interested in him! Hell, I talked to him only once in my entire life! How do you know this?" Taehyung paced around his room, rambling in panic.
"He's planning to ask your parents for your hand in marriage during the masquerade ball. I'm so sorry, I would have told you earlier if I knew! I had a hunch but I didn't know Bogum was going to pursue you!" Jimin apologised.
"What should I do? The ball is literally in three days! Mother and Father might agree since I refused all my suitors and because Bogum is your cousin. Jiminie you have to help me!" Taehyung begged.
He doesn't want to hurt Bogum but though the man is entertaining, he was slightly older and he felt no sparks whatsoever. Like those, he feels when he's with Jeongguk.
~
Everyone except Namjoon hyung and Jin hyung was in the dining hall for dinner. Jeongguk had strolled in later than everyone else since his fitting had just ended. Taehyung smiled at Jeongguk who only look cold and withdrawn.
The smile Taehyung had immediately dropped when Jeongguk nonchalantly ignored him pretending he wasn't even there. He thought they were making progress like they were becoming friends. However, he had more pressing issues that he had to discuss.
"Appa, Jimin said Bogum Hyung wants to court me–"
"That's great son! Bogum is such a charming and lovely crown prince. He can handle the kingdoms and he isn't a random stranger. Wasn't that what you were concerned with? Random strangers courting you just for your looks or the kingdom?" Kim Jaehyun clapped feeling happy for his son.
"Oh my! Park Bogum is truly wonderful, he would take care of you very much. Jeongguk has met him on several occasions where he came to the Jeon Palace. He's just lovely isn't he Jeongguk?" Jeon Opehelia beamed.
"A perfect match for Prince Taehyung," Jeongguk said calmly, although that sent the tension in the room to escalate exponentially.
Prince Taehyung.
Jeongguk who had never been one to acknowledge his title calling him Prince caused his heart to clench. The way he acted right now, cold, mean and indifferent even after giving him hickeys, giving him sweet nicknames like "Tiger" or "Baby" and taking him to the secret flower garden caused his heart to shatter.
Taehyung couldn't help but think that they meant nothing to the other. Like all those moments they spent together were worthless. His eyes slightly glossed over when he stared into Jeongguk's black orbs which stared back at him mockingly. The kindness, the adoration, the tenderness he used to see were replaced by a black empty abyss.
Taehyung held back his tears, he just realised he felt so strongly for Jeongguk. At that moment, he didn't care about who sent him those letters or his dreams. He wanted Jeongguk. No, he needed Jeongguk. He didn't know when it happened but it all just clicked.
It has been such a short period of time and they didn't talk that much. Frankly, he thought he had a crush on the Jeon Prince which might just fade away. But right now after the affection Jeongguk has shown him in his small ways, Taehyung was addicted. Jeongguk reverting back to how he acted the first time they met, hurt. It hurt more than anything.
It wasn't just a like anymore.
Taehyung loves the boy.
He should have realised it earlier when he would lose track of time staring at Jeongguk, hiding behind the pillars watching him gulp down some banana milk from the royal kitchen or when he would think how kissable his lips were.
Taehyung blinked back his tears which were blurring his vision. "Excuse me," Taehyung mumbled before dashing out of the hall.
