Outworld Mission

8-so close!

Prince Jimin had to protect the King’s palace with the invisible energy of the element of Ice. The entire palace became wintery cold, enveloped in a chill because of the powerful shield the second Prince had created.

“Why is it so cold here?”

Jungkook woke up with a shiver, feeling as if he were freezing to the bone. He looked down at himself, noticing that he wasn’t wearing his usual pajamas. Instead, he was dressed in a silk white hanbok adorned with delicate pink flowers and green leaves. The soft fabric clung to his cold body, and he instinctively tightened the clothing around him to retain what little warmth he could. The cold seemed to seep deeper into his bones.

“It’s the shield the second Prince made.”

"Whathef—!"
Jungkook almost jumped as the King suddenly walked toward him, appearing out of nowhere.

“Jin!”
Jungkook's hand was still on his chest.
The King’s presence was always commanding, but today, it was different. There was a certain tenderness in his eyes as he gazed at Jungkook, who was still trying to shake off the icy grip of the palace.

“It will protect you from harm,” the King said gently, his voice soothing. He was holding a tray of tea in his hands.

“Here, have it.”

As Seokjin stepped closer, he placed the tray on the small table beside Jungkook’s bed, and poured the tea into two cups, one for himself and one for Jungkook. The steam rose in delicate swirls, filling the air with a soothing fragrance.

“What’s that?”
Jungkook asked, his voice still thick with the cold.

“It’s good for you… it’s the King’s tea,” Seokjin explained with a small smile. He took a sip from his own cup, savoring the warmth that spread through him.

Jungkook’s eyes couldn’t help but linger on Seokjin’s lips as he sipped slowly from his cup.

Fuck…

“Stop cursing, Jungwah,” the King said with a calm but firm tone, his gaze never leaving Jungkook’s face.

“What?” Jungkook froze, his mouth hanging open. How the hell did I forget the King can hear his mind? he thought.

The King’s voice, soft and certain, echoed in his mind:
“You know I can hear everything.”

Jungkook's mouth closed with an audible snap, and he turned his gaze toward the tea instead.

Drink it…
Seokjin’s voice entered his mind again.
It will lessen the coldness you feel.

Jungkook felt a blush creep onto his cheeks as he picked up the tea and took a cautious sip. The warmth spread instantly through his body, offering comfort and relief from the cold.

“I can’t believe how good this is,” he muttered, before taking another sip, and then another. The soothing warmth made him feel at ease, as though he were melting into the sensation.

“Amm, Jin… thank you for this. It really helps.”
The King smiled softly, his gaze never leaving Jungkook’s face. His eyes were filled with something Jungkook couldn’t quite decipher, but it made his heart race.

“I’m glad you liked it,” Seokjin replied, his voice gentle.

“Yeah, I really do!” Jungkook beamed, his heart light.

Seokjin sat down beside him on the bed, and for a brief moment, Jungkook felt a nervous flutter in his chest. The King’s presence was so overwhelming, so calming, yet it made him feel a little unsteady.