MELODY || Jikook ||

♬ Moonlight revelation ♬

Third person's P.O.V:

King Jeon Jungkook sat within the quiet grandeur of his private chamber, the sunlight filtering through tall windows, casting long shadows across the floor. Before him stood Advisor Min, a stack of documents in hand, the two deep in discussion over trade routes, military logistics, and diplomatic tensions.

Though Jungkook's words were focused, his thoughts occasionally strayed, to the poolside garden, to the melody that still lingered in his memory like a phantom echo.

"Advisor Min, have there been any developments regarding the musician from the other night?" Jungkook finally said, folding his hands atop the scroll before him.

Advisor Min straightened. "I've made quiet inquiries, Your Majesty. But thus far, no one has come forward. No musician in the court admits to playing that night, and none of the staff recall seeing anyone in the garden."

Jungkook's jaw tensed slightly, his gaze distant. "It's as if they appeared and vanished like mist…"

Advisor Min hesitated then, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his features. After a moment's pause, he spoke.
"There is… one more matter, Your Majesty. This morning, there was a minor disturbance in the harem. A verbal altercation among the concubines."

Jungkook's expression remained unreadable, though the weariness in his eyes deepened.

"Advisor Min," he said coolly, "you know well that I have no interest in the politics of the harem. Their rivalries, jealousy, and drama are not matters worthy of royal attention. That domain is yours to manage. My concerns lie with the realm, not with the whims of those behind silk screens."

Min bowed slightly. "Of course, Your Majesty. I merely thought it best to inform you, should it escalate."

Jungkook waved the thought away, leaning back in his chair. "Then ensure it does not."

The room fell quiet for a moment before the king spoke again, his voice softer."But if there are any more whispers of that music… I want to hear of them first."

Min gave a knowing nod, silently noting just how deeply that mysterious melody had rooted itself in his king's mind.

*TIME SKIP*

Night draped the palace in silence, the stars glittering like secrets above its sprawling grounds. The garden by the pool shimmered under the soft moonlight, the breeze rustling the leaves like a whispered invitation.

King Jeon Jungkook moved silently through the shadows, dressed in a simple dark robe that masked his royal bearing. His steps slowed as he neared the pool, breath catching as he saw the same delicate figure seated at its edge.

His golden hair spilled freely down his back, catching the moonlight like strands of silk. A thin veil still obscured his face, preserving the illusion that kept Jungkook guessing. But tonight, no melody danced in the air. Instead, the musician's slender fingers traced idle circles in the water, sending ripples across the glassy surface.

For a moment, Jungkook simply watched, captivated.

Then, without turning, Jimin's soft voice cut through the stillness.
"Whoever you are… come out."
His hand stilled in the water. "There’s no need to hide."

Jungkook froze.

His heart thundered in his chest, caught between the instinct to retreat and the pull to step forward. The king, so used to command, was now unsure.

But something in the stranger's voice, calm yet knowing, drew him in.

So he stepped out from the shadows.