The Savior and the Prince// Yugyeom & Jimin

Adjusting

At the castle, a bath was drawn for me due to Prince Jimin's orders. Many beautiful dresses were lined up for me to choose from but they were all too extravagant for my taste. They consisted of multiple colors, flowers, and unique linear designs. Jewels and beads shone brightly on some of the delicate dresses. Scanning them almost blinded my eyes. Then as if the water Gods had heard my thoughts, my eyes drew upon a simple three layered blue dress which reminded me of the blue ocean I so long to go back to. Sweet ruffles lined the edges like the waves Forte used to make for me. 

The day had gone by much too slowly and I was bored out of my mind. Jimin was busy being a prince and I was left alone in my new room. I never realized how much freedom I used to have. I missed swimming through the pressures of the water while laughing and chasing after Yugyeomie. He always had time for me and if he didn't, he would find time to come meet me. A knock on the wooden door broke my thoughts.

"Hello Miss Y/N. I came to inquire what you would like to have for supper," said Carlotta.

"You choose, I love surprises. Oh and if it's not too much, may I please join you in the kitchen? I'd love to help."

"Oh no, that wouldn't do dear. Prince Jimin wouldn't allow it. A princess must not be put in that position," she kindly declined.

"But I'm not a princess. Jimin won't mind at all." I stood up and grabbed her hand. "Now show me where the magic happens!"

As I started helping out around the kitchen this dress kept getting in the way. The sleeves were far too long that it caught on everything but being headstrong and stubborn, I somehow made it work. Carlotta wouldn't allow me to do much even if I kept insisting. I told her to treat me like one of her workers and she strictly said that since this is where no mistakes should occur, I could only handle the small jobs. We were peeling the potatoes with the other ladies in silence.Quite confident that I was the reason they were so quiet today, I decided to lighten up the mood and sang the song Mother would always sing to me. 

I know, I couldn't look
at you more because of my dream
Then just give me one day,
even if it's in my dream, just one day
Out of all those words I had to swallow
because of the excuse of reality
I'll pick one and tell it to you for sure
Let's meet when the lilies bloom
and say goodbye when they wither.

Your arms, your warmth, your heart
I want to see it all, I beg you
This moment, even the warm flower scented wind
Even the sky without a single cloud
Everything feels cold
and I'm even scared of the clear sky
If you're not here, I'm just a corpse,
so how can I breathe?

I was too shy to become your sun
so I became a cold moon
But afterwards, I keep making
a wave of blankets on top of my ocean bed.

I know I couldn't look at you, but let's meet when the lilies bloom.

"Wow you have a wonderful voice!" said one of the servants.

"Why thank you. Would you like to learn the song?" I asked cheerily.

"Oh no I can't sing miss," she said.

"Everyone can sing! I'll help you. What's your name?" I asked with a big smile.

"Maybe some other time and I'm Naheon," she replied.

I nodded with a big smile.

"Say miss, why did the Prince bring you here?" asked the other girl.

Naheon glared at her.

"Oh it's okay to ask. We're friends and I'm kind of in trouble right now so he's helping me out," I replied.

"I see. But you're not a princess so I was surprised he even befriended you. Our prince is actually quite scary. His personality can be harsh," she said.

"May I ask for your name?" I said.

"Oh of course. I'm Chae Young."

"Well Chae Young, I haven't met this prince you talk about. The Jimin I know is kind and honest," I said.

"Ahh I see," she said.

We continued peeling potatoes as we talked about the chores servants do in the palace. Finally finished, I stood up and tried to go grab a bucket. Since I'm still not used to feet, I stumbled a bit.

"Are you okay miss?" asked Naheon.

"Of course! No worries," I replied.

I volunteered to take out the food waste and even though the girls hesitated to let me, I was able to talk them into letting me.

With the big bucket in my hand, I carefully walked out to garden side to pour it out. Supposedly it's good for the land. My legs were wobbling as I tried to maintain a good balance. I could see the garden from where I was standing. I walked a little faster and before I knew it, my legs gave up on me. I braced myself to face backwards as I held onto the bucket tightly. Closing my eyes, I awaited the pain.

The grass must be soft and warm, wait, this feels like an arm.

I opened my eyes and looked up.

"Jiminie!" I exclaimed gleefully.

"That's Prince Jimin to you."

I was confused. Just this morning he told me to call him Jimin-ah.

"Why are you touching trash? You clumsy girl," he said, pulling me up.

I stood tall and looked at the bucket.

"I wanted to."

"Your dress is a mess. You need another bath," he said, looking me up and down.

"I lived by the sea, I'm always technically clean," I said giggling.

"Well you live here now, away from the sea. Be aware of your hygiene and appearance some more."

"O-okay Prince Jimin."

I was upset. He actually sounds like the prince Chae Young was describing. He was harsher than usual.

"We're alone now," he whispered.

I looked up in confusion.

"The palace always has a listening ear nearby. I told you to stop talking about your mermaid life. Honestly, it's like you want the world to know your secret," he said, pushing my forehead lightly.

"So you're known as a mean prince?"

"I can't show emotion. It'll be seen as a weakness," he replied.

"I'm sorry. Prince Jimin, are you free now?" I asked.

"We're alone now. It's Jimin. And yes for now I am," he replied.

"Then come with me to the garden," I said walking on.

He didn't move one bit.

"Jimin-ah! Hurry up," I said smiling.

He smiled shyly upon hearing his name and looked down before walking up to me.

"Being human is not that easy now is it?" he asked.

"I like it. But I get bored in that room."

"Sorry. I won't have enough time to show you around. Feel free to explore on your own," he said.

"Of course! To be human I must be around human to learn."

He pats my head and smiles. Somehow his gestures warm my heart. My face felt warm and flushed. Just for today, I forgot about looking for his wish.