Royally Yours (Jikook AU📱📲)

25

'When will he let go of my hand?'

Taehyung was holding Jimin firmly by the wrist, walking so fast that Jimin had to half-run to keep up with the tall man's long strides. But he couldn't bring himself to resist—not when this noble had just saved him from humiliation.

'Where 's he even taking me?'

The dancer hesitated, unsure if he should speak or stay silent. He had never met this man before—and yet, here he was, being dragged somewhere by him without a word of explanation. Even if the noble had excellent intentions, Jimin couldn't ignore the uncomfortable twist in his chest.

Finally, he decided to speak.
"M-My lord!"

Taehyung stopped mid-step and turned around. Seeing the dancer glance nervously at their intertwined hands, realization hit him.
"Ah-! Oh, oops!" He immediately let go, looking flustered. "Sorry! Did I hurt you?"

Jimin rubbed his wrist lightly before smiling, his tone polite but shy. "No, I'm fine, my lord."

Taehyung's face softened, though embarrassment lingered in his voice. "You were in a tough spot back there. The world's not kind to people without power... it's sad, but it's true."

Jimin blinked, surprised at such sincerity from an aristocrat. The words came out of nowhere—wise, almost heavy—and for a moment, he just stared at the man. Then he bowed deeply.
"I'm truly thankful for your help, my lord. I'll always remember your kindness."

Taehyung didn't immediately reply. Instead, he studied Jimin closely—eyes narrowing slightly, like he was trying to recall something.
"You look... familiar. Where have I seen you before?"

Jimin kept his head low.

"Ah!" Taehyung's expression brightened. "You're one of those dancers from Ruvana, right? I saw your performance at the party! It was wonderful!"

The sparkle in the noble's eyes was so genuine that Jimin didn't know whether to be relieved or nervous.
"Y-Yes, my lord."

"I knew it!" Taehyung grinned proudly. "But what are you doing here?"

Jimin explained, "The royal musician, Lord Min Yoongi, called our team." "He wanted to meet us. But the guards didn't let both of us in—only my hyung went inside."

Taehyung's eyes widened. "Wait—you mean you know Min Yoongi?"

Jimin nearly jumped at the sudden excitement in his voice. "N-No! I mean, not personally, my lord. He just invited us because he liked my hyung's performance. That's all."

Taehyung chuckled softly, amused by Jimin's flustered explanation.
"He invited you himself? That's rare. He must've really liked your group."

The compliment made Jimin blush faintly. He bowed again in gratitude.

Then, out of nowhere—
"Okay, then. Give me your number."

Jimin blinked. "...My lord?"

"Your number," Taehyung repeated casually, flashing a mischievous grin. "You're cute. I want to text you. I'll give you mine too."

That smile—bright and disarming—completely threw Jimin off. Before he could even process the absurdity of a noble asking a slave for his number, he found himself obeying.

He typed his number into Taehyung's phone, trying not to overthink. Why would a noble even want a slave's number? he wondered. But then again, this man wasn't like the others. There was something different about him—something human.

"Oh, wait!" Taehyung suddenly exclaimed as Jimin handed back the phone. "I didn't even ask your name!"

"My name is Park Jimin," he answered softly.