An ancient love story ✔️

Birthday

Jin woke up to find himself sandwiched between his father and brother, both of whom were grinning at him. He looked at them and remarked, in a groggy voice, "If you guys weren't my family, I'd be seriously creeped out right now." His comment elicited laughter from his father and brother. Taehyung smirked and ruffled his younger brother's hair, remarking, "barely legal and already a smart ass."

"Happy 18th birthday, baby," the king chimed in, engulfing Jin in a tight embrace. Irritated, Jin pushed his father and Taehyung away, grumbling, "I'm an adult now, so please refrain from calling me 'baby' and treating me like one." Jin reclined on the headboard, concluding his rant. However, upon witnessing the disappointment in his family's eyes, he let out a defeated sigh and relented, "Alright, but only when we're alone. Not in front of others." The king and Taehyung chuckled and proceeded to tickle Jin, whose laughter reverberated throughout the palace. Suddenly, Jin's laughter ceased, and he adopted a serious expression, inquiring, "where are my gifts?" Taehyung rolled his eyes and muttered, "and here I was thinking you've matured."

As the king rose from the bed, he clapped his hands and summoned the maids and servants who promptly bowed before him. "Prepare Prince Seokjin and escort him to the garden," he commanded. Turning to Jin, he continued, "we have arranged tables outside for the festivities. I recall your fondness for the garden, so we'll be waiting for you there."

Taehyung also stood up and chimed in, "today, you will demonstrate your power. Although it was supposed to be revealed today, you are already aware of it." Jin allowed the maids to dress him while he pondered, "Have my friends already awoken?" Taehyung inwardly rolled his eyes, knowing precisely to whom Jin was referring. A servant responded, "yes, Your Highness. Everyone is already waiting outside."

Jin emerged into the garden to find himself amidst a crowd of nearly a hundred dark spirits and dozens of servants. His gaze swept over the assembled crowd and alighted upon his friends, who stood to the side, smiling widely at his arrival. After exchanging pleasantries and accepting the well wishes and gifts of the other guests, Jin finally made his way over to his friends, who were shunned by most of the dark spirits as if they carried a disease. Only a few of the dark spirits dared to converse with them, fascinated as they were encountering a light spirit after centuries of isolation. The dark spirits watched in astonishment, the young prince's closeness to the light spirits.

Namjoon held up a small box and said, "happy birthday Jin." Jin took the box and opened it to find his favorite sweets. He smiled and thanked Namjoon, who felt proud that Jin still addressed him as Master. Yoongi congratulated Jin next, saying, "I wish you a long and healthy life," and gave him a wooden box with a flask inside. Yoongi whispered, "the flask contains a special healing power made from white flowers that glow at night." Jin thanked him and turned to Jimin and Hoseok, who were holding soft presents with the same wrapping. Jin opened both gifts to reveal a Northern Star Academy uniform engraved with his name and a beautiful silk dress only used by light spirits for special occasions. Jin thanked and hugged the two teachers. Jack, Leila, and Mike then presented a large box filled with little mementos from their time together. Jin laughed and hugged the three friends. As he turned to face Jungkook, Taehyung pulled him away, announcing the king's speech. Jin apologized to Jungkook, who smiled and nodded reassuringly.

The king grasped his younger son's hand and spoke, "My dear friends, I stand before you today as a proud father, honored to introduce this remarkable and incredibly handsome young man." The audience erupted into applause and turned their attention towards the prince. However, Jin's gaze was solely fixated on Jungkook, who was gazing affectionately back at him, causing Jin to blush.

"The celebration will commence shortly, but first, the young prince shall demonstrate his power," declared the king. Taehyung's lips curved into a smirk as he observed the shocked expressions of the dark spirits. It was widely known that the prince's spirit had been weakened during the attempted assassination when he was an infant, leading most to believe he possessed no powers at all.