Hold My Hand - A Taekook Love Story.

15 - To A New Future..

Jungkook was absentmindedly putting some of his clothes in a pile. His father told him to not take anything which would look noble but it turned out to be easier said than done. Pretty much everything he owned screamed of wealth, even the hanboks that he wore on his secret adventures with Jimin. If only he had a bit more time, he could get someone to make him a few less noticeable clothes. Unfortunately, his father seems to be eager to kick him out of the palace before the daybreak.

Jungkook looked around at his room, thinking whether to just give up and leave empty handed, when a knock sounded from his door. At Jungkook's faint ‘come in’, Jimin walked in. He had a small bundle in his hand, which he promptly gave to the prince.

“I've got some clothes for you.” Jimin said in a tight voice, without really meeting Jungkook's eyes. “Figured you won't have none to take otherwise.”

Jungkook opened the bundle and saw a few hanboks that looked appropriate for his future lifestyle. He knew it was not Jimin's either, for he had not seen the latter wear something so.. ordinary before. Jungkook didn't ask where the elder got them, only gave a small smile in gratitude.

“Thank you, hyung.” Jungkook ran his fingers over the material, which did not feel soft like the ones he's used to wearing. “I was actually wondering whether to just go empty handed. It's just that I didn't want to bother Taehyung.”

Jimin watched silently as the prince packed the garments he brought, as well as some non-conspicuous personal belongings. None of those had a monetary value, but Jimin knew all too well about the sentimental value Jungkook had on each one of them.

It absolutely broke his heart, when Jungkook added the little hairpin on his bedside table to the pile. It had been a birthday present two years ago. Jimin wanted to buy something expensive, for which he had saved up some gold as well. But Jungkook adamantly requested this particular one, which was well within Jimin's capacity.

It wasn't hard to see that Jungkook was gathering memories, not the items.

Once he was done, Jungkook gave another once-over to his room. His eyes lingered on the shelf of books for a second too long, before turning his head away.

“Wish I could take the gayageum.” Jungkook said in a soft voice, like it was a hope he dared not say aloud. “Do you think I would at least get a horse for the ride? Or am I to walk all the way?”

Jimin didn't know. He was not in the plan for the Prince's departure. It was by chance that he even heard about it. One of the guards assigned to take the prince back to his chamber after the discussion with the king, was a good friend of Jimin. He quickly sneaked away to pass the message to Jimin. Otherwise, Jimin wouldn't have even known what happened to the prince.

For the first time, Jimin felt like raising his sword against the king he swore to protect.

“Come on,” Jimin gently picked up the bundle from Jungkook's hands. “I'll escort you to the court.”

Jungkook chuckled a bit, the merry sound falling easily from his lips. “For one last time?”

“For one last time.” Jimin answered in a tight voice, voicing the rest of the sentence in his mind only. ‘Not if I can help it.’

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Jungkook had his face covered with a piece of cloth, just like he does when he goes out of the palace with Jimin. Taehyung was there, standing silently, his eyes stubbornly avoiding Jungkook's gaze. A stark contrast to the king and crown prince, who were not taking their eyes off of Jungkook for a second even. Jungkook was no better. He was trying to take as much of both his father and brother's face to his memory, as he knew this might be the last time he will get to see either of them.