Crystal Bond [Jikook]

| Chapter - 21 |

The sun was setting as Emperor Jeon Jungkook, along with his brothers Prince Jin,Taehyung, and Taehyung's husband Consort Hoseok, emerged from the waters onto the quiet beach. The ocean's waves lapped gently at the shore behind them, as if bidding farewell to its ruler for now. The salty breeze tousled their hair, and though the sea still hummed with energy, Jungkook's mind was somewhere else entirely—he was eager, almost restless, to see Jimin.

It had been days since Jungkook had set foot on land, and the distance between him and the human was a knot in his chest that he hadn't been able to untangle. As a ruler of waters and emperor, it baffled him how much he had grown attached to Jimin, but he could no longer deny the pull. Something about Jimin made the mortal world feel more... real to him, and every time he thought about the CEO, a rare warmth spread through his chest.

"Looks like someone's in a hurry," Jin teased as they stepped onto the sand. While Taehyung scoffed at the mention of Jimin. His tone was light, but the undercurrent of his previous concerns about Jimin remained.

Jin, ever the peacemaker, smiled softly as he swam up beside Jungkook. "It's good to see you like this, Jungkook. You've had a lot on your shoulders lately. It's nice that you have someone up here waiting for you, his majesty."

Jungkook didn't respond, but the corners of his lips twitched slightly. He was careful not to let too much emotion show, but he couldn't help the anticipation that surged through him. Jimin would be waiting for him, and Jungkook wasn't used to having someone on the surface world who cared so deeply about his absence.

As they made their way up the shore and toward the more inhabited parts of the land, Hoseok nudged Taehyung playfully. "You know," Hoseok said with a grin, "you should be happy for Jungkook. He deserves a bit of joy in his life, don't you think?"

Taehyung huffed, his eyes narrowed as they walked. "I'm just making sure he's not forgetting who he is. We're gods, Hoseok. We have responsibilities—"

"—And humans are part of that world too," Hoseok cut in gently. "Don't be so hard on him. Besides," he added with a sly grin, "I'm curious to see what all the fuss is about with this Jimin."

Taehyung rolled his eyes but said nothing more. He knew better than to argue when Hoseok was in one of his playful moods.

As they reached the outskirts of the city, Jungkook's heart pounded harder. He had seen Jimin in his element before, in the bustling offices of his company, but this time felt different. This time, there was an urgency—a need to see him, to make sure he was safe and still waiting.

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Meanwhile, in a sleek and modern penthouse overlooking the city, Park Jimin sat quietly in his living room, his fingers drumming against the arm of his couch. His brother, Park Yoongi, sat nearby, scrolling through his phone, but even Yoongi's usually calm demeanor seemed to hold a slight edge of impatience.

Jimin's eyes flicked to the large windows, where the last rays of sunlight were beginning to fade into dusk. His phone sat on the table in front of him, silent and still. Every minute that passed felt like an hour, and though he hated to admit it, Jimin had been thinking of nothing but Jungkook since the moment the mysterious man had left., who had happened to steal his stone cold heart.

"You're fidgeting," Yoongi said without looking up from his phone, his voice low and teasing.

Jimin glanced at him and frowned. "I am not."

Yoongi smirked. "You've been drumming your fingers on that couch for the last half hour. What's going on? Waiting for your boyfriend?"

Jimin sighed, sinking back into the cushions. "It's not like that, hyung. He's just... different."