THE CONCUBINE || TAEKOOK ||

THIRTY FOUR

He had warned Woosan before. Months ago, when he had first noticed the way he looked at Taehyung the lingering glances, the casual touches that lingered too long, the way he seemed to appear wherever Taehyung worked. Jungkook had cornered him in a dark corridor and made himself very, very clear.

If you ever touch him again, if you ever look at him the way you just did, I will have you removed from this palace so fast you will forget your own name.

Woosan had smiled. Bowed. Promised understanding.

And now here he was, following Taehyung like a wolf stalking prey.

Jungkook rose abruptly.

Yoongi blinked. "Jungkook? What—"

"I have to go." The words were clipped, urgent. Jungkook was already moving, his long strides eating up the garden path. "Something has come up."

He did not wait for a response. He ran.

Earlier That Morning (Taehyung's Quarters)

Knocking pulled Taehyung from restless sleep.

He had not slept well.

The knocking came again, more insistent.

Taehyung rose, rubbing his eyes, and crossed to the door. He pulled it open.

Jin stood there, a large wicker basket balanced on his head, his round face creased with a smile. Morning light spilled around him, painting the corridor in gold.

Taehyung blinked. Tilted his head. Confusion flickered across his features.

"Jin hyung?" His voice was rough with sleep. "What are you—"

"Come, come!" Jin bustled past him into the room, setting the basket on the small wooden table. He looked around with open curiosity, taking in the space that was, by servant standards, unusually large. A proper sleeping mat. A writing desk. A small chest for personal belongings. A window that actually faced the garden rather than an inner wall.

"Wah," Jin breathed, turning in a slow circle. "They were not exaggerating. This room is generous. You live better than some minor nobles, Taehyung-ah."

Taehyung rubbed the back of his neck, still confused. "The King ordered it. After I fell ill last winter. He said I needed proper quarters to recover."

Jin's eyebrows rose. "The King himself? Not the head steward?"

Taehyung shrugged helplessly. "I do not question such things. I simply... live here."

Jin studied him for a long moment, something thoughtful flickering behind his kind eyes. Then he clapped his hands together, the moment breaking.

"Well! No time for staring. Get dressed. We must go to the market."

Taehyung blinked. "The market?"

"Yes, the market." Jin's smile was teasing. "The head cook needs specific herbs and fruits. And I need someone to carry the basket." He gestured at the large wicker container. "You are young and strong. Perfect for the job."