Bewitched.

chapter 018. strategy.

"I miss him so much, it's all my fault that he's gone," she cries quietly against his shoulder. 

Park Chaeyoung cried a lot that night, so much that Jeon Jungkook's shirt was drenched by the end of it. 

He didn't mind though, in fact, he thinks that it's his duty to look after her not only because of his promise to Kim Taehyung, but because it was clear that they were destined. His feelings were different when he was with her, and it had been from the start. Every time his fingers would accidentally brush against her skin felt like electricity and while at first he thought it was due to the magic, the more he interacted with people in the North, the more he realised that it was not. 

It was her. 

She was the first-born daughter. 

Park Chaeyoung was destined to be his wife, and the glue that would unify Korea forever. 

Although for now, he didn't know how. He knew that it would be possible, but that their destiny would lead to bloodshed, on all sides.

After a while, Park Chaeyoung fells to bed, whimpering Kim Taehyung's name in her sleep. On one hand, he felt hurt. Yet on the other, he felt guilt for the immense sacrifice the man had made.

Jeon Jungkook quickly puts on his black trench coat, glad that it would at least give her dignity if he hid hide her tears from her staff as he left the chambers, passing by a maid in the distance. 

The woman bowed, though doesn't speak. He knows it's because she didn't know how to address him, and of course, being a king in Busan meant nothing in the North. 

"Her majesty is resting," he informs her, "... it's been a long day."

The maid looks at him in silence. 

"What is it?" Jeon Jungkook questions. 

"I noticed that she's having non stop meetings since the honourable Taehyung's death," she blurts out, "... it's because of you, isn't it? Busan and the South. I'm sorry to say this, but, haven't you already taken enough from us?" 

Normally, he'd feel angry. 

Jeon Jungkook had a temper as of late.

Instead he takes a deep breath, "... I am not here to hurt her majesty, nor your people. I want to make things right."

The other woman didn't seem convinced and quickly dismissed herself.

He feels guilty. 

"Your majesty."

Jeon Jungkook turns to see Kim Seokjin and Jung Hoseok running to him side by side, interrupting his thoughts. 

"We need to go back, your fiance is calling for you." 

And Jeon Jungkook finally realises what he has to do. 

-

He looks at her and almost forgets what it was like to be close friends with her. For so long, the pair were best friends, so close that he was actually fine with the concept of getting married to Jisoo Kim, and running an empire with her.

Yet now, he couldn't hide the distaste across his expression. 

He didn't see her the same way now that he knew the truth. She could sense it too.

"Jungkook," her voice is soft this time, eyes tearing up, "... I need you. My parents, they won't stop fighting... it's stressing me out so much."

And despite every inch of disgust in his body, he takes a step close to her and wraps his arms around her, feeling the warmth of her face against his shoulder. She quickly pulls away.

"Why is your shoulder wet?" She questions him.

He thinks about how much Park Chaeyoung cried. 

"Sorry, I was training, I must be sweaty," he lies. 

Jisoo Kim pouts, "... you should shower and sleep over then."

-

Park Chaeyoung feels a lot better when she wakes up, but there's nothing that can replace the emptiness when she wakes up to her advisors and not Kim Taehyung. 

"Good morning your majesty," Jennie Kim greets her, "... Jungkook from Busan is actually already here, he has a proposal. He wishes to talk to you and said it's imperative that you talk before you make a military decision." 

She nods, taking a deep breath, "... let me quickly get ready."

Jennie Kim nods, as she turns to dismiss herself before quickly looking at her, "... your majesty, forgive me for saying this but... I know for sure that your mother, Taehyung, and his parents are in heaven, looking down at you with pride. You're not alone." 

She gives a polite smile before waiting for the other girl to leave. 

And then, she simply cries her heart out. 

-

When Jeon Jungkook sees her, he can't help but feel his heart aching as he sees the way her eyelids are puffy. He knows it's because she's been crying.

"Your majesty," he greets her, "... before taking out the small bag he prepared, containing a plastic bag with a crystal glass and a few strand of black hair, "... I know how we can do it, let's expose the truth. If they find out that Jisoo is not the legitimate child, then the people of the South will have no choice but to believe us."

"But they will still serve their king, Jungkook," her voice is quiet and strained, "... they are still loyal to him." 

"You will show them what you showed me, and Hoseok and Seokjin they will help gather the memories too, and shed light on the realities of their rotten kingdom!" 

"I don't think I have enough magic, I was only able to show you back then because I had him... Taehyung I mean..." she explains, "... my magic is not enough and they will surely twist the truth." 

"Your majesty, we will help."

He turns to see Jennie Kim and some of the other advisors step forward, "... we will rest well and train well beforehand. It is the only way."

"And what if it doesn't work? We can start a war..." 

"Your majesty, we're already in one... and you've been stuck in exile for years," Jeon Jungkook explains, "... this strategy, is the one with the least amount of bloodshed. We can announce it at my wedding, where all of the people in the South will be attending, as well as Busan, as well as all of the military."