ʟᴏsᴛ ɪɴ ᴀ ᴍᴀsǫᴜᴇʀᴀᴅᴇ ☑

Chapter 2. # Congregation

"Will Hamin make it by tomorrow? What if the weather worsens?" Jungkook worried, completely ignoring the beautiful man beside him. An onslaught of jealousy towards the silvery ash-haired man was newly found, but Jungkook hadn't met anyone in his life who was better than him in any aspect, whether it was looks or fortune. Seeing someone who managed to carry himself like how Jimin had so effortlessly without a hint of makeup on his face, he couldn't help but feel threatened by him.

"He will make it, Jungkook. I know how much you were expecting him and I showed up alone. I am sorry for the disappointment," Lee Geon chuckled, taking the napkin and mirroring how Jungkook was delicately wiping the corner of his lips after each bite.

Jimin watched and heard everything with a keen sense.

"Jimin will be coming with us too, everyone. I hope you welcome our guest with warm hearts," the king's voice was now regal, feeling the humiliation that Jungkook wanted to send the guest's way by completely sidelining him from the conversation.

"I am so glad I get to spend more time with you, my lord. I promise I am good company." Jimin answered without paying heed to Jungkook's maneuvers.

"How so?" The prince asked now.

"Forgive my immodesty as it isn't my intention in saying this, my prince, but I am rather a strategic player of Jegichagi and chess. I can interest you in fencing too, if you fancy it anytime. I hear you are learning kendo these days. I can be of assistance with it."

"Hmm," the prince took a moment to narrow his eyes and look up and down at the counselor. "Please don't stress yourself." He said, shaking his head a little.

"How do I address you?" Jungkook continued to ask, turning his frame a little towards the guest and the dangling necklace on his chest blinded the man sitting beside him.

"You can call me by my name, my prince. I am fine if you call me Jimin." The counselor coaxed, wanting the conversation going for some time. 

"Jimin? That's not very noble of a prince to call a man by his name, although no-royal. I will refer you as the counselor if you don't mind me as it is what brings you here." Jungkook counter proposed, knowing that he couldn't be desisted or opposed. 

"As you please, my prince."

**

Jimin was strolling in the grand hall along the beautifully carved walls, deftly stroking his fingers against the etching. "Mr. Park," the king's voice stirred the man's concentration, so he turned towards him and bowed at the royal figure before standing straight. 

"You don't have to do this every day, Mr. Park. Just once as you see me the first time in the morning will do."

"Your majesty, it's very kind of you," Jimin honestly answered with a smile, fixing his clothes in case he wasn't presentable. "And you may call me Jimin."

"No," the king now began to stroll out with an understanding that the young fellow would follow. "You are kind for being here and to bear my son's wiles. I sincerely apologize for whatever may come. He isn't himself these days."

"You need not ask forgiveness, my lord. I am after all here for the job." Jimin convinced the royal figure and walked out into the castle's ward, under the open sky. The rain had subsided, but the ground was wet, the trees were whisking softly, drizzling down what remained on the surface of leaves. 

"As a father, I worry about his emotional health, and as a king of the kingdom, I worry about the future of my people. The prince is due for a coronation in three years and if he can't be a good man himself, he can't possibly become a selfless king. I know I have been putting a lot of pressure on you from day one, but understand that I don't doubt your caliber. Take your time, however long it takes. Do whatever needs to be done, I am with you in anything, but help my son."