Royally Yours (Jikook AU📱📲)

10

The Adriana Palace was unusually quiet that night. Moonlight spilled through the tall windows of Jungkook's room, casting silver stripes across the floor. The crown prince sat on the edge of his bed, elbows resting on his knees, staring blankly at the marble tiles. Even the usual distractions—the lavish décor, the endless privileges—felt hollow tonight.

There was a soft knock at the door.

"Jeon Jungkook?" BamBam's voice was tentative but energetic, as if trying to mask his worry. "Are you—uh... okay?"

Jungkook didn't answer right away. He ran a hand through his hair, jaw tight, as memories tugged at his chest. His mother's face—soft, luminous under the moonlight, the last image he had—flashed in his mind.

Be a good man, Jungkook-ah.

I'm sorry.

The words still haunted him, even after ten years. The absence of her warmth, her guidance, had left a gaping hole he buried under sarcasm, rebellion, and late-night outings.

BamBam stepped inside cautiously, followed by Mingyu and Yugyeom. The three of them were unusually quiet, sensing the weight in the room.

"Jungkook..." Mingyu began softly, sitting cross-legged on the rug near the bed. "You've been... quiet tonight. Everything okay?"

Jungkook let out a humorless chuckle, leaning back on the headboard. "Everything's fine," he said, but his voice carried none of the usual bravado.

Yugyeom shook his head. "You're lying." He plopped onto the floor beside Mingyu. "We can see it in your eyes. Talk to us."

Jungkook's gaze dropped to his hands. For a long moment, there was silence. Then, almost too quietly, he said, "I... I just keep thinking about her. Mom. I haven't seen my mom in so long.

BamBam's energetic facade faltered. "Jungkookie... I—" He stopped, unsure what to say. Jungkook rarely spoke about his mother. Ever.

"It's like..." Jungkook's voice cracked slightly, and he rubbed at his eyes, anger and sadness mixing together. "She left. And my dad... he doesn't care. Every time I ask, he acts like I didn't even say anything. I feel as though I am merely pretending to be someone else. Pretending to care about this empire, about everyone, when all I want is to find her."

Mingyu reached out, placing a hand lightly on Jungkook's shoulder. "That's... understandable. You've been carrying this burden alone for too long. You don't have to pretend with us."

Yugyeom leaned forward, eyes serious but gentle. "You're not a burden, JK. None of us think that. We care about you because we see you—Jungkook, not just the crown prince. And you don't have to hide from us."

Jungkook looked at them, feeling the familiar warmth of friendship amid the cold ache in his chest. BamBam's bright smile, Mingyu's quiet reassurance, and Yugyeom's steady presence—they were all here, choosing him even when he doubted himself.

"I know you guys... always have my back," Jungkook murmured, voice rough. "Even when I act like a fool."

"Because we know the real you," BamBam said firmly. "The crown prince can wait. Tonight, you're just Jungkook. And we're your friends. Nothing more complicated than that."

For the first time in a long while, Jungkook let himself lean forward, resting his forehead in his hands. The tightness in his chest loosened just a fraction.

Mingyu, smiling softly, added, "Tomorrow's big, yeah. Seoulvenia Day. Responsibilities. Meetings. Court stuff. But tonight... we're just here. With you."

Yugyeom nodded. "And no lectures. I promise. Just... us. Friends."

Jungkook let out a long, shaky sigh. He hadn't realized how much he needed this. Not just their presence, but their freedom to be themselves without judgment. He leaned back, letting a small, genuine smile creep across his face.

"Thanks, guys," he said quietly. "I... I don't say it enough, but... thanks."

BamBam grinned. "That's what we're here for, hyung. Now get some sleep. Big day tomorrow, and I swear, if you skip breakfast again, I'm dragging you out of bed myself."

Jungkook laughed softly, the sound lighter than it had been in months.

"Yeah, yeah... I'll try."

They sat together a little longer, talking quietly, sharing stories, and teasing one another, the palace filled not with grandeur tonight but with something far rarer—simple, unshakable camaraderie.

And for the first time in years, Jungkook let himself believe that maybe, just maybe, he wasn't alone after all.