MELODY || Jikook ||

♬ A mallicious web ♬

Third person's P.O.V:

The golden morning sun filtered softly into the harem, casting warm light over the delicate silks and polished floors. Yet for Heejin, the beauty of the hour was lost beneath the cold grip of fury. Her pride still stung from the night before, when Park Jimin had quietly stolen the room’s attention—and worse, had dared to make her feel invisible.

She walked with purpose through the corridors until her eyes landed on a younger concubine seated quietly by the open window. She was gentle, impressionable—eager to please anyone who offered her a taste of power.

Heejin approached her with a practiced smile, her tone sweet like honey hiding poison beneath.

"Sooji, You've always been trustworthy," she said smoothly, kneeling beside her. “I need a small favor from you"

The younger girl turned toward her, surprised but intrigued. "Of course, Heejin-ssi. What do you need?"

From the folds of her sleeve, Heejin pulled out a dazzling diamond necklace, rare and expensive, the kind no one would mistake as belonging to someone low-born. She placed it gently into the girl's hand.

"Take this and place it in Park Jimin's chamber. Somewhere visible."

The girl blinked, stunned. "What? Why would you do that?"

"You saw how he disrespected me yesterday," Heejin whispered, her voice now sharp beneath the sugar. "He embarrassed me in front of everyone. I won't allow it to go unanswered."

The younger concubine stared at the necklace in her palm, nervousness tightening her throat. "But… why not just speak to the king about him?"

Heejin's smile faded slightly, her voice turning colder. "The king doesn't care about petty harem fights. But Rumors travel faster than truth. One hint of theft, and Jimin's perfect image will crumble. And if you help me with this, I'll speak to king on your behalf. You've always wanted to join the court outings, haven't you? Or to be considered for special duties?"

The younger concubine's eyes lit up with hope. The king's favor… a step out of the shadows. A chance to be seen.

Heejin smiled knowingly as she saw the spark of ambition flicker in the girl’s gaze. "Do this for me, and I promise, I'll make sure your name is mentioned in the right ears."

There was a pause… and then the girl nodded slowly, gripping the necklace tighter. "Alright," she whispered. "I'll do it."

Heejin patted her hand softly, her smile returning, this time, triumphant."Good girl."

Heejin quietly followed the concubine her steps light as silk. She stayed hidden in the shadows, watching with a cold, satisfied smile as the girl slipped into Jimin's chamber.

Through the narrow slit of the door, she saw her quickly place the diamond necklace beneath one of Jimin's silk pillows. The girl looked nervous, her hands trembling but she did it nonetheless, then darted out without a sound.

Heejin's smile deepened.

Everything was falling into place.

She turned and walked back to her own chamber, her steps calm, measured, as if nothing at all had happened.

Exactly five minutes later, a loud, piercing scream echoed through the harem  "Thief! Someone stole my necklace!"

Gasps and murmurs followed instantly as concubines rushed out of their chambers, their silk robes fluttering, sleep still clinging to their faces. Some looked confused, others concerned. A few simply curious.

Heejin stood at the centernow, feigning panic, her hands dramatically clutching her chest.

"My necklace!" she wailed, eyes wide with mock distress. "The diamond one gifted by the king himself! It's gone!"

Gasps rippled through the group.

"Are you sure?"
"Did you check properly?"
"Oh no… who would dare steal in the harem?"

Heejin’s sharp gaze landed on someone emerging quietly from the far end of the hall.

Park Jimin.

He is walking with his usual grace, unaware of the storm heading his way, his hands folded in front of him, a soft crease on his forehead at all the noise.

A wicked gleam sparked in Heejin's eyes. She gasped loudly, drawing all attention to herself once more, and then pointed a trembling, accusatory finger straight at him.

"It was him!" she cried.

All heads turned instantly.

Heejin continued, her voice shaking with false outrage, "I saw him earlier, near my chamber. And not long ago. He's the only one who could have done it!"

Gasps echoed through the corridor. Eyes flicked to Jimin.

Jimin froze, eyes wide, caught between disbelief and confusion.

His lips parted slightly, stunned. "What…?" he whispered.

He looked at Heejin, her face twisted in righteous fury, and then at the gathering crowd now staring at him with suspicion.

He hadn't even spoken to Heejin since the day before. He hadn't stepped anywhere near her chamber. But suddenly, he was the villain of this story.

Heejin stepped forward, her hand still pointing at him as her voice rang with practiced indignation."It was him!" she cried again. "He stole my jewelry, my diamond necklace! You all saw how he humiliated me yesterday. He's jealous. He wants to bring me down!"
Her voice cracked just enough to sound believable.

The other concubines gasped, some nodding faintly, others whispering.

Jimin’s brows furrowed, his soft features clouded with confusion. He stepped forward, still holding onto the edge of his silk robe, not in defense but in disbelief.

"I didn't steal anything." He looked around slowly, eyes wide, searching the faces around him for understanding.
"I don't know what she’s talking about. I never went near her chamber."

There was no tremble in his voice only calm honesty.

His hands stayed at his sides, open, gentle. "I've never touched anything that belongs to you," he said, now looking at Heejin, his eyes full of hurt but still composed. "I have no reason to. This accusation is false."

But Heejin scoffed. "Oh, don't lie, Jimin. Everyone here knows how jealous you are of my position as the King's supposed favorite. Perhaps you thought stealing my jewelry would grant you some attention?"

A few gasps echoed through the harem. The once tranquil corridor now pulsed with whispers and wide eyes.

The harem had become a stage Heejin the actress, dramatic and dangerous, and Jimin the accused, standing quietly amidst it all.

"This is outrageous!" one of the concubines exclaimed.
"We cannot stand for thievery within our ranks."

But another concubine, older and wiser, raised her voice gently.
"But we must also consider Jimin's character. He has never shown such tendencies. He is kind, soft-spoken, and always keeps to himself."

A murmur of agreement followed. Not everyone was convinced by Heejin's theatrics.

Jimin stood still, his eyes lowering, lashes brushing against his cheeks. His hands were folded politely in front of him, the picture of composure. But inside, a storm raged,confusion, hurt, humiliation.

To be continued...
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Considering the false accusations against Jimin, what do you think might happen to him next in the palace?

Thank you so much for reading!