Nightmares Come True: A BU Story Rewritten

Part 7: Two Young Citizens

Jungkook props the front door open, letting the fresh air and the cool breeze flow through the house as he prepares breakfast. The food's not much, but it'll feed two people well. He's gotten into the habit of tidying up before his friend comes downstairs, and today, he occupies his time by wiping down the glass windows.

Money may be tight, but the house doesn't show that. It's very well built, with good-quality materials and a strong structure. Any needed repairs are always done efficiently by the two young men. Clear fields, some with grass and flowers, some with freshly tilled dirt, fill the half of their land in front of the house; thick forest covers the backside. A wide, preserved path passes straight through their property, which connects the large, main village in the middle of the kingdom to the castle up north.

Years of conflict between opposing kingdoms have pushed the villages further and further down the path. Over time, some families refused to pick up their lives and move with the rest of the citizens. Jeon Jungkook is a descendant of the first family who stayed settled on their original land, therefore being the closest resident to the castle. It's not uncommon to see castle soldiers and merchant carts pass through or even have guards knock on their door. Jungkook often gets teased by his friend for running to the window whenever he hears a wagon roll by, hoping to see the king, but it's never happened.

When he steps outside to clean the outer panes, he's slightly thrown off by the change in atmosphere. The air no longer feels fresh; it feels stifling. He walks around to the side of the house, breathing heavily. His heart beats forcefully, and a sense of nervousness consumes him. His grip on a wood side panel tightens, and his fingers start to shake. He coughs once, as the smell's gotten stronger and his throat tingles.

"YOONGI!" Jungkook's calls are muffled at first, but as his footsteps rapidly dart up the stairs, his voice becomes clearer. The bedroom door busts open, and Yoongi shields his eyes from the bright light coming from the entryway.

"Why are you yelling so early?" He yawns as he slips on his boots.

"Something's wrong! I just know it!"

"What do you mean?"

Jungkook runs over to pull open the curtains and press himself against the window. Yoongi squints as his eyes adjust to the streams of sunlight. He sluggishly shuffles across the room, rubbing his face. The trees on their farm come into focus. Beyond them, a dark cloud blocks the blue sky. They open the window wide to lean out, hoping for a better view.

"Oh, my goodness." Yoongi covers his mouth in shock, freezes for a moment, then pushes Jungkook aside, heading for the door.

"Wait!" He doesn't stop at the calls and runs down the stairs, skipping multiple steps. He hears a second set of footsteps close behind him and skids his feet to come to a stop, kicking up dust as soon as he exits the front door. He turns and takes Jungkook's shoulders, shaking his body.

"Stay here!" he shouts in demand. Then he tries to take off, but his arm is pulled back.

"What is it?!"

"What do you think it is?!" Yoongi starts sprinting, but Jungkook's still right there with him. "Go home!"

"Make me!" Jungkook dodges the swing intended to slow him down but still trips, and then, trying to grab Yoongi for support, they both fall to the ground.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes." He examines his bloody knees through his ripped pants.

"Okay, come on." Yoongi pulls Jungkook up by his arm and drags him along. They run in silence; there's no telling what types of thoughts are going through their minds. Jungkook wipes occasional tears from his cheeks. Sweat soaks the undershirts that cling to their backs. The temperature isn't too warm, but the sun beats down on them, as the only cloud in the sky is the dark smoke. They finally see it—the flames engulfing their stable. Yoongi stops, but has to grab Jungkook before he dives headfirst into danger.