MELODY || Jikook ||

♬ Melodic Mystery ♬

Third person's P.O.V:

Morning sunlight streamed through the latticed windows of Jimin's chamber, casting golden patterns across the polished floors and silk-draped walls. The air carried the soft scent of fresh jasmine, and the peaceful hum of the palace had just begun to stir.

Seated before the mirror, Jimin remained still, his eyes distant, lost in thought as Hyuri, his loyal maid, gently combed through his long golden hair with practiced care. Her movements were light, reverent—used to the quiet mornings her master preferred. But today, something felt different.

"Master"  she finally said, her voice soft but curious, "your thoughts seem to wander far this morning. Is something troubling you?"

Jimin blinked, pulled from his thoughts by her question. "Ah it's nothing! I was just thinking about last night." he murmured, shaking his head lightly.

Hyuri tilted her head."Last night, Master? Is there something special that happened?" Jimin sighed, the memory of the encounter by the garden flooding back.

"I was playing my flute, as I often do, by the pool. The melody has a calming effect on my mind. But last night,I felt... something," he said, brows gently knitting. "A intense gaze, a presence. Like I wasn't alone. But when I looked around, there was no one."

A frown creased hyuri's brow as she continued to work on Jimin's hair, trying to grasp the situation.

"An intense gaze, Master? Perhaps it was just a maid. Sometimes we pass through the garden when returning from errands or fetching water."
Jimin paused, considering her words.

"You're probably right, hyuri." He said softly lookimg up at her reflection in the mirror.

But the flicker in his eyes told a different story. He didn't believe it. Not really.

Because that presence had felt different.

Still. Focused. Almost… royal.

Something told him, whoever had been there last night wasn't just a wandering maid.

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In the grand royal court, King Jeon Jungkook sat tall on his ornate golden throne, the symbol of his rule casting long shadows under the high arches of the hall. Courtiers, nobles, and advisors stood in attention, their robes swishing quietly as matters of the kingdom were discussed, land disputes, trade agreements, military movements. The air was thick with tension, the usual weight of power pressing on every word spoken.

Jungkook listened in silence, his sharp gaze sweeping across the room, though his mind was elsewhere.

When the final scroll had been read and the courtiers dismissed, the hall began to empty, leaving behind only his most trusted men.

He leaned forward, resting his elbow on the carved armrest of his throne
"Advisor Min," he called, "there's something I wish to ask you."

Advisor min, always attentive to the king's needs, replied,"Yes, your Majesty. What can I do for you?"

"Last night," he said, voice low, "I took a walk through the palace gardens by the pool."

Min blinked, but said nothing, waiting respectfully.

"There was music," Jungkook continued. "A flute. The melody… it wasn't from the court musicians. It was different. Raw. Beautiful. I followed it, and I found someone."

He paused, brows drawing together slightly.

"I couldn't see their face. They were turned away, half in shadow. But the way they played… it wasn’t just music, Advisor Min. It felt like… something else."

Min's expression shifted just slightly—curious, but not surprised.

Jungkook leaned back slightly, his voice softer now. "Do you know of anyone in the palace who plays the flute like that? Someone not from the official orchestra?"

Min looked thoughtful, choosing his words carefully. "There are a few who dabble in music, Your Majesty… some of the younger courtiers, servants perhaps. But none that come to mind who could catch your attention like this."

Jungkook's jaw tightened just a little, his eyes narrowing as he stared past the throne hall's columns.

Advisor Min studied him for a moment, then asked gently, "Would you like me to find out who this man is, Your Majesty?"

Jungkook's gaze shifted back to him, sharp and steady. "Yes, do so. I wish to know the identity of this musician."

Min nodded with understanding. "I'll begin the inquiries discreetly. Would you prefer I ask the guards? The head steward?"

"No," Jungkook said quickly, his voice firm. "Keep it quiet."

Min bowed his head slightly. "As you command, Your Majesty."

King leaned back against the throne, but the crease between his brows remained.

He didn't know who the figure was, or why the music lingered in his chest like a half-formed dream.

But he was going to find out.

To be continued....

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Thank you for reading!💜