Crystal Bond [Jikook]

| Chapter - 27 |

The weight of uncertainty still pressed heavily on Jungkook's chest as he stood by the grand windows of the mansion. His gaze was fixed on the sprawling city below, the light of the rising sun casting a warm glow across the skyline. But even the beauty of the evening couldn't lift the shadows from his heart. Jimin's silence still lingered like a storm on the horizon, a constant reminder of the fragile state of their relationship.

Suddenly, the door behind him opened with a force that caught him off guard. Jungkook turned to see Taehyung striding in, his face hardened with an expression Jungkook hadn't seen in years. Behind him, Jin and Hoseok followed, their expressions equally grim, though not as accusatory as Taehyung's.

"Taehyung?" Jungkook said, straightening. He could sense the tension radiating from his younger brother immediately, and something told him this wasn't going to be a simple conversation.

Taehyung stopped a few feet away from Jungkook, his eyes burning with frustration. "No majesty, it's your brother talking today and you've to listen. I've been patient, Jungkook," he said, his voice sharp. "I've tried to hold my tongue, but I can't stay quiet anymore."

Jungkook's heart sank, already knowing where this conversation was headed. He cast a quick glance at Jin, whose expression was a mixture of concern and understanding, and then at Hoseok, who looked uncharacteristically serious.

"I told you from the beginning," Taehyung continued, his voice gaining momentum, "that humans are selfish, pathetic creatures. And now... you're seeing it for yourself, aren't you?"

Jungkook's eyes narrowed, his jaw tightening. "This isn't the time for this, Taehyung."

"No, it is," Taehyung shot back. "You've been blinded by your feelings for him. Look at what he's doing to you! You confessed your love, and he couldn't even say it back. And now, look at you. You're a mess, and all because of him."

Jungkook clenched his fists at his sides, trying to hold back the wave of frustration building inside him. "Jimin needs time. He's trying to understand what's happening between us. This world isn't easy for him to grasp, heck he doesn't even know anything about me."

"Time?" Taehyung scoffed. "He's had time, Jungkook. He's had time, and all he's done is leave you in doubt. He's incapable of being your mate. You, the Emperor of the Water Realm—how can you even consider tying yourself to a weak, selfish human?"

Jungkook's chest tightened at the words. "Jimin is not weak," he snapped, his voice rising in defense. "He's strong in ways you can't see, Taehyung. Just because he's human doesn't mean—"

"But that's exactly the problem!" Taehyung cut him off, his eyes flashing with anger. "He is human, and because of that, he will never understand what it means to rule by your side. Do you know what your people are saying? Do you even know what chaos you've created in the Water Realm?"

Jungkook stilled at that. His heart began to race, a creeping sense of dread unfurling in his chest. "What are you talking about?"

Jin, who had remained silent until now, stepped forward, his voice gentle but firm. "Taehyung is right about one thing, Jungkook. The news of Jimin—of you possibly having a human mate—it's spread throughout the Water Realm. And... not everyone is accepting of it."

Jungkook's eyes widened in disbelief. "What do you mean?"

Hoseok sighed, rubbing the back of his neck as he exchanged a look with Taehyung. "The people in the Water Realm are angry, Jungkook. They've heard about Jimin, about him being human, and they don't like it. They don't trust him as their Empress. They think... they think you've weakened yourself by choosing a mate from the human world."