"The Second Ruler" {Completed} (Yoon-Min)

•°37°•

In the backyard

Woo-shik inhaled deeply, savoring the moment, and then sat calmly. “Yoongi, how many days has it been since you last cooked?” he asked, clearly missing Yoongi's handmade food.

Jimin, however, was taken aback. “He can cook?” he asked, his eyes wide with surprise.

Yoongi chuckled, a bit embarrassed. “Yes, I can cook. It’s been a while, though. I’ve been a bit preoccupied with other matters.”

Seo-joon grinned. “Yoongi’s cooking is something to behold, Your Highness. He has a talent for it, though he doesn’t get to practice often.”

"How many sides are there to you that I don't know about, huh?" Jimin asked, raising his eyebrows with a playful glint in his eyes.

Yoongi smirked mischievously and leaned closer to Jimin. "There are a lot of sides, my love," he whispered, caressing Jimin's cheek.

Jimin's cheeks flushed, his eyes widening as he quickly pushed Yoongi away softly.

"Yoongi, stop teasing me," he muttered, his shy eyes casting down.

Yoongi laughed, and for the first time, everyone present heard the melodious sound of his laughter.

Yoongi had always been a strict mentor and coach for all of them. They had never seen this side of him before.

Seo-joon smiled, feeling happy for him. "You know, Your Highness, seeing Yoongi like this is very rare," he said softly.

The aroma of the backyard was filled with the scent of delicious food. Yoongi frowned while Jimin smiled.

"Seeing him like this? What do you mean?" Yoongi asked, raising his eyebrows.

Seo-joon chuckled. "I mean, seeing you so relaxed and happy. It's a side of you we don't often get to witness. Usually, you're so focused and serious."

Yoongi's expression softened as he glanced at Jimin. "Well, I suppose Jimin brings out the best in me," he admitted, his voice tender.

Jimin's smile widened, and he reached out to take Yoongi's hand. Before he could reply, a deep and soothing voice emerged from the entrance of the courtyard.

"So, my presence in your life meant nothing, huh, Yoongi?"

Once again, the scene was about to repeat as everyone started to stand, but they paused when Taehyung gestured for them to remain seated.

He walked closer, his black hanfu, though night attire, looked as royal as it should be for the handsome Emperor of Goryeo.

Beside him stood, Jungkook, clad in a pink hanfu, as ethereal as the moon.

Yoongi settled back as he saw Taehyung sit on the mat beside Hyung-sik, followed by Jungkook.

He replied playfully, "Honestly, your presence in my life was not more than that of a younger brother who just knows how to order people around."

Taehyung chuckled and leaned against the stairs leading to the porch.

"For a grumpy and stubborn guard like you, having a person like me around is essential, you know."

Yoongi smirked, shaking his head. "Always so full of yourself, Taehyung."

Jungkook, with a soft smile, interjected, "It's good to see you all together like this. It feels like old times."

Jimin nodded, his eyes twinkling with affection. "Indeed, it does. These moments are rare and precious."

Taehyung's expression softened as he looked around at his friends and family.