heart of gold // t.k.

iii.

Jungkook got off the bus along with countless other boys and girls, feeling uncomfortable already. All of the others had on pretty dresses or fancy blazers, while he wore his nicest white shirt and the least trashed pair of black jeans he owned.

A few palace officials, in navy blue embroidered suits, guided the group up the front of the palace. Jungkook's jaw dropped.

The palace was beautiful. Tall and regal, built of white bricks that gleamed in the sunlight, it looked like a true home for a royal family. Multiple towers branched off the main building, and huge castle windows decorated the walls. To the right was a little hill with a grove of trees, apples and pears hanging from the leafy branches. There was a small river flowing by the orchard, and a horse stable nestled comfortably between the palace and the trees. Winding around the castle was a moat, which was crossed by a bridge designed just as intricately as the castle itself.

Jungkook felt a smile spreading across his face before he could stop it. There was no way the prince would choose him, but if he did, this didn't look like a bad place to live.

Jungkook sneezed when a pastel pink petal from a nearby cherry tree rested on his nose. A few others gave him weird looks, and he blushed bright red. He kind of wanted the ground to swallow him up.

Before he could embarrass himself further, the palace doors opened. There, standing in the wide doorway, were the king and queen, along with Prince Taehyung himself. The king was tall, proud, and slightly intimidating, but there was a childlike twinkle in his eye as he gazed out at the crowd. The queen stood majestically by her husband's side, and it seemed like she was glowing, the sunlight catching her dress at all the right angles.

But to Jungkook, Prince Taehyung outshone both of them by a long shot. He wore a deep purple blazer with golden buttons, and his dark hair was swept to the side, although the breeze seemed to be trying its hardest to mess it up.

Jungkook stood silent and still while the rest of the boys and girls chattered excitedly or tried to call out to the prince. Jungkook wanted so badly to roll his eyes, but he also didn't want to appear rude in front of the royal family.

They're making such fools of themselves, Jungkook thought with a tiny smirk, watching a couple of girls squealing and shooting Taehyung flirty glances.

"This way, everyone!" An official began herding the group over the bridge, toward the palace. Oh my fuck, Jungkook thought suddenly as he was pushed toward the castle. This is actually happening.

The officials had everyone form a single file line in front of the prince, so they could "meet him." In an almost panicked rush, the others had surged forward so they weren't last, which of course meant that Jungkook ended up being last. With an annoyed glance at a big burly guy that practically shoved him out of the way, he took his place in the back.

Maybe half an hour later, there were only a few people left. Taehyung looked tired at this point; they were all the same. Jungkook noticed how he tried his hardest to smile at the arrogant boys who showed off their muscles and the giddy girls that practically flung themselves at him. But he was worn-out by the time it was Jungkook's turn.

Jungkook stepped up to the prince and gave a deep bow. "Your highness," he greeted, thankful that he didn't sound as nervous as he felt.

When Taehyung didn't respond, Jungkook glanced up, worried he'd done something wrong already. What he saw surprised him; the prince was just staring at him, his mouth slightly open. After a moment, he regained his composure.

"Hello," he said, giving Jungkook the first real smile so far. "What's your name?"

Holy shit, Jungkook thought, something new fluttering inside of him. His voice is deeper than the ocean.

"J-Jungkook, your highness. Jeon Jungkook."

"Call me Taehyung," he responded smoothly, reaching out his hand. Jungkook took it, slightly unsure, and they shook hands. Taehyung pulled back but leaned back in almost immediately, his chocolate brown eyes taking in every one of Jungkook's features.

"Has anyone ever told you how beautiful you are?"

Jungkook's jaw dropped, gaping at the prince. "I... um... uh..."

"Well?" Taehyung asked, smirking a bit.

Jungkook finally ducked his head. "No," he muttered, a light blush coating his cheeks.

Taehyung reached out and lifted his chin gently, forcing Jungkook to meet his eyes. "Then may I be the first to tell you? Jeon Jungkook, you are beautiful."

Jungkook's blushing increased until his face looked like a tomato, and his thoughts raced a mile a minute. "T-Thank you," he whispered.

Taehyung smiled, leaning back again. "So. Would you like to be the lucky person I select to maybe possibly become the future prince?" He asked with a grin, wiggling his eyebrows.

At this, Jungkook choked. No way. Me? Out of all these people? Why on earth would he want me?

"Umm... well..." Jungkook struggled to find words, his mouth stumbling over his thoughts. Taehyung watched him with a fond, amused expression, his arms folded over his chest.

"Yes or no, sweetheart," Taehyung said with a teasing twinkle in his eye, watching the younger boy struggle to speak.

Flustered, Jungkook finally spit out his answer. "Okay. Sure. I mean... yes! Yes, I would." He wanted to slap himself at how stupid he sounded, but he gathered all his willpower and looked Taehyung straight in the eye.

"Great!" Taehyung exclaimed, clapping his hands like a little kid. "You should meet my parents."

Well, this relationship is moving fast, Jungkook thought as Taehyung dragged him over to the king and queen.

"Aww, look at you!" The queen exclaimed to Jungkook, reaching out an patting his cheeks. "My son chose well!"

"Is he the one?" The king asked Taehyung, who nodded. Jungkook, still slightly in shock with how fast everything was going, managed to bow.

"Your majesties," he said, standing up straight and smiling at them. "It's an honor to meet you."

"Oh, he's so polite!" The queen exclaimed again. "What's your name, dear?"

"Jeon Jungkook."

The king smiled at him. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Jungkook. Why don't you have my son show you around? I'm sure he'd love to," he added, raising his eyebrows slightly at Taehyung.

"Of course!" The prince exclaimed, grabbing Jungkook's hand. "C'mon Jungkookie!"

Jungkookie? Jungkook pondered the nickname, but a smile still spread across his face when Taehyung said it. Jungkook felt another little flutter in his stomach when Taehyung grabbed his hand.

Why does he make me feel like this? I just met him five minutes ago. Nevertheless, Jungkook couldn't deny that Taehyung made him feel something he'd never felt before.

♔♔♔

a/n ;  any feedback? i'm not really sure how i feel about this so far ~ but i hope you're enjoying it 💜