ELVEN | K.TH

52

RINEI

"I...did that?"

"She's fine." I murmur, wrapping my arms around his stiff waist. "The other Ta— I mean you— kept to your promise. The Healer got to her in time to cleanse the dark magic."

"She'll wake up soon."

"I don't remember." He whispers. His eyes are lost. "I don't, Rinei. How can I..."

"It'll be fine." I repeat. But Taehyung doesn't look okay at all, his gaze unfocused as it fixes down on the floor.

"Rinei."

"My memories feel incomplete." He says softly, his eyes dark against his golden skin. "The only reason I do this now— be King of Elven, is all because I want to end this as soon as possible and go be with you."

He runs a heavy hand down his face.

"That's the only reason. But now I..."

"I'm afraid of myself."

"That I'll be the reason, why I won't be able to ever have that with you. Ever."

"No, no." I say, shaking my head. "That's not going to be what happens. We've come way too far just to lose everything now, okay? Do you realize just how many plans I've been making for the time we're gonna spend together after this is all over?"

I hear him breathe out a weak laugh.

"This early? There are still months left."

"I've been so bored by myself all I have been doing is fantasizing." I mumble. "We're going to fix up that cottage, okay? Have a little garden in front of it, and plant some fruit trees too. Always been my dream to grow my own apples."

This time, he laughs a bit louder.

"Apples?"

"Yeah." I mumble. "There's also a Festival I'm going to take you to. It's happening really soon, but it'll have to wait until next year."

"...why?"

Because it happens only during late nighttime.

But I pretend that I don't hear his soft whisper, and start ranting about all the things we could do there, and this great secret spot I knew about just for the two of us to enjoy.

He turns around. And I'm glad that I've taken his mind off of everything for a little bit when I see his expression— glowing softly with joy.

He leans down for a kiss. And the touch of his lips against mine are tender, taste full of sweetness.

"Anything you want."

"I'm happy to do whatever as long as it's with you."

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"Arlen? She's awake?"

Jungkook nods, his cheeks flushed and nodding. He's clearly been running— must've run around the entire Palace by the way he looks like he's about to pass out.

"She wanted me to tell you...tell you to come." He huffs, out of breath. "Right now. Hurry."

His expression turns serious.

"I think it has something to do with that crazy devil of your elf."

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