Join V(Kim Tae-hung), a skilled archer and avid reader, as he discovers an ancient book in his grandparents' village. The book, filled with mysterious symbols and forgotten stories, leads him on a journey of time travel and romance. As V unravels th...
Her eyes softened, and she moved closer to him, wrapping her arms around him. "I love you, Kook," she whispered, feeling comforted in his embrace.
Jungkook smiled, hugging her tightly. "I love you too, babe."
Just then, a soft knock sounded on the door. They broke apart as Jimin entered, checking on them. "Everything okay?"
Jungkook nodded and looked at Jimin gratefully. "Thank you, Jimin. If it weren't for you guys, I don't know what I would've done. I'm so grateful to all of you."
Jimin nodded, a determined look in his eyes. "We're in this together, Kookie. We promised we'd help."
He glanced at them both. "Now, we just need to figure out how and why Mi-Rae's uncle is teleporting... and what part Ji Bu-In is playing in all of this."
Mi-Rae looked between the two of them, her brows knitting together. "Do you think she's working with my uncle?"
"It's possible," Jimin replied. "But her actions don't fully align with his motives. She's after something else—maybe the same thing as the stone or maybe something more powerful."
Tae nodded and smiled. "Na-Rae is coming out of the palace tomorrow. By next day, she'll ask her father about the directions on the hairpin."
Everyone nodded in agreement, the plan settling among them. After a few more reassurances, they all retired for the night, each lost in their thoughts. Jungkook never left Mi-Rae's side, and the two of them slept in another room, finding comfort in each other's presence.
In Ji Bu-In's chamber:
the festivities of the evening had just come to an end. Ji Bu-In paced restlessly, her mind running over the events. The marriage discussions had gone smoothly, but something was amiss. She entered her chambers, only to freeze when she noticed the empty bed. Her eyes narrowed, tension flickering across her face.
Ji Bu-In turned sharply and called out, "Royal Guards!"
Within moments, two guards entered, bowing. "Yes, Bu-In Nim?"
Ji Bu-In's voice was sharp. "Has anyone entered or left my chambers recently?"
The guards exchanged quick glances before one replied, "No, Bu-In Nim. We have been here the entire time. No one has entered, and no one has left."
Ji Bu-In's jaw tightened. "Very well. I want you to search the grounds. Look for the princess. If she is not here, we may have an imposter among us."
The guards nodded and quickly left to follow her orders. They made their way to the princess's chambers, where they knocked lightly on the door. After a moment, Soojin opened it, looking at them with a slight frown.
"Is something the matter?" Soojin asked.
The guards bowed respectfully. "Bu-In Nim sent us to check on the princess and ensure she has everything she needs."
Na-Rae, who was standing in the room, gave them a faint, amused smile. "Tell her I don't need anything. I plan to rest now."
Soojin nodded and closed the door after them. She and Na-Rae shared a knowing smile, feeling the thrill of successfully deceiving Ji Bu-In.
The guards returned to Ji Bu-In, bowing deeply. "The princess is in her chambers, resting as you requested."
Ji Bu-In's expression darkened. "Fine. But keep your eyes open. If you see any girl acting strangely, as if she might be impersonating the princess, bring her to me immediately."
"Yes, Bu-In Nim," the guards replied in unison, hurrying off to carry out their new orders.
The Next Morning
As planned, Na-Rae arrived at Yuna's house, accompanied by Soojin. Dressed in her usual attire, she looked around, her gaze eventually landing on Mi-Rae. The two stared at each other, a mix of wonder and curiosity flickering in their eyes.
Jungkook chuckled, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Even though you're quite similar, my babe here has the most beautiful eyes." He nudged Mi-Rae gently, then turned to Na-Rae, adding with a grin.
Tae stepped in just in time, catching Jungkook's teasing remark. With a soft smile, he looked at Na-Rae. "Perhaps. But my minion has the prettiest smile," he said, making Na-Rae blush.
Everyone laughed, the atmosphere lightening. In the midst of the laughter, Na-Rae suddenly turned to Jungkook, her brow furrowed with curiosity.
"Jungkook... on the day of the auction, you said, 'Enough, babe, come to daddy...' What did you mean by 'daddy'?" she asked innocently.
An immediate silence fell over the room. Mi-Rae and Minho's eyes widened in shock, Jungkook nearly choked on his drink, and Tae, caught off guard, gasped, struggling to suppress a laugh.
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