You drew stars around my scars.

Chapter 8

Have a great time reading~

Prince Jungkook found himself hastily dressing in the early morning due to his oversight in confirming their departure time. A knock reverberated through the room, prompting Jungkook to answer the door, where he found Yoongi and Namjoon already dressed and waiting.

"Did you manage to find out our departure time? I had to wake up so early because of this small communication lapse. My eyes are practically drooping, and I'm afraid they might fall out if I don't catch a quick nap," Yoongi remarked as he strolled towards Jungkook's bed, collapsing onto it face-first. Both men were too tired to respond, and they could hear faint snores escaping from Yoongi's mouth.

"He seems completely out of it. Thankfully, I won't have to see his face for a while," Jungkook commented, motioning for Namjoon to take a seat on the couch while he headed to his dressing table to put on his rings. "I know what you mean. When I tried waking him up, I thought he might kill me for disturbing his sleep," Namjoon said, shaking his head while settling comfortably on the couch.

Jungkook chuckled, "I had a worker inquire about the departure time from my uncle. It seems we're actually ahead of schedule. Who would want to go for a stroll when the sun isn't even up?" He shared this information with Namjoon, who also chuckled.

After a few minutes, a worker arrived to inform them that they had nearly three hours before departure. Both men sighed, and Namjoon offered to have breakfast brought to the room. As Namjoon stepped outside, Jungkook removed some of his jewelry and then made his way to the bed.

He laid sideways beside Yoongi, putting one leg over Yoongi's thighs and draping one arm around his shoulder. Jungkook nestled into Yoongi's hair as Yoongi laid on his stomach, his face turned away from Jungkook's. With a contented yawn, Jungkook embraced Yoongi tightly before drifting off to sleep.

When Namjoon returned, he was greeted by the heartwarming sight of the two of them cuddled up and peacefully asleep. Despite their occasional teasing, their bond ran deep. They had been friends since childhood, with Yoongi becoming friends with the lonely prince who rarely left the palace. Yoongi had even become a warrior to protect Jungkook.

Namjoon set the breakfast on the table, covering it with lids, and instructed a worker to wake them up in two hours. He then made himself comfortable on the couch, ready to rest as well.

After two hours, the worker approached Namjoon to awaken him, as he was understandably wary of getting too close to a sleeping Yoongi. Namjoon roused the other two, who initially grumbled but eventually decided to freshen up and present themselves properly. They all enjoyed a light breakfast that had already been prepared.

"Yoongi and I will head to the entrance. You go and invite the Emperor and his brother to join us there," Namjoon instructed as he brushed off his pants and headed toward the door. "We'll ensure your horse is ready as well," Yoongi added, following Namjoon outside.

As Jungkook made his way to their chambers, he learned that Prince Jimin had already left for the castle door, filled with excitement. Meanwhile, the Emperor had chosen to explore the garden. Jungkook felt his heart race, knowing that he would soon meet the Emperor for the first time.

Upon entering the garden, he scanned the area for the Emperor. After a few minutes of searching, he spotted a figure with their back turned, which he could unmistakably identify as the Emperor's. No, he hadn't scrutinized the Emperor the day before, and he definitely hadn't etched an image of him into his memory. Nope.

He slowly approached the Emperor from behind, only to discover him standing with closed eyes when he finally rounded him, and his face was turned up towards the warm sun, basking in its gentle caress. His raven-black hair flowed in the wind like a silken waterfall. His high cheekbones were sculpted as if by the hands of the gods themselves, dark lashes framed his closed eyes, Jungkook couldn't help but admire the way the sunlight played upon Taehyung's skin, giving him an ethereal, otherworldly glow.