Flower Boy

Guardian of the river

In the hills, there was a spacious forest in which a young boy, Jungkook lived alone.

The house he lived in had no fence, it was completely surrounded with trees, hidden from anyone else.

The boy could get everything he needed from the forest. He could collect berries and various vegetables whenever he wanted to eat.

Next to his house was a calm river, which was always quietly and calmly flowing in the morning. He could always get water from there. It wasn't the only use of the river however. He always heard the stories, that the stream carried somewhat magical powers. Whenever he felt ill, he could just bathe in it and he felt better right away. It was said that fairies used to live there. 

Jungkook was never someone who would deny the existence of magical creatures, let alone he felt the power of the water. That's why he was hoping to see a fairy one day. That was the fantasy he lived in, the aspiration that kept him alive.

The day was starting to come to an end, when he decided to take a walk alongside the stream. When he got to the river, he noticed that something was different, right away. The purplish sunlight was calmly dancing on the surface of the water. He felt at ease as he was approaching the river and he quietly sat down. His breathing became more easy as he closed his eyes and let the music of the forest fill him.

When he opened his eyes, he saw a smooth, white material in front of him. It seemed like silk, but at the same time much more softer than that. He was reaching to touch it, when it suddenly turned around. That was when he saw it. Saw him.

A figure stood in front of him. His clothes were made of the gentle material he saw before. He examined the creature in front of him. He had soft pink hair, in the colour of powder. His figure stood tall, but yet seemed so gentle, so weak. His skin was dazing in the sunlight, showing the colour of honey. His eyes were locked with Jungkook's. He felt like the individual in front of him could see through his heart right now. His face was calm, remained unbothered as Jungkook stood up.

- Hello. - he said quietly, unsure if the other would understand him. He felt that the living thing in front of him was almost inhumane. He felt like he came from another world.

- Hello. - he repeated. Jungkook was surprised, as the other spoke. Despite his looks, the creature had deep voice, but it was soulful and calming. 

- What is your name? - he asked.

- Taehyung. I'm the guardian of this river.

Jungkook understood what he was now. He was sure that Taehyung was the fairy he was willing to see for so long. He felt warmth filling his lungs, his stomach, tears filling his eyes. He saw one. Let alone the creature that stood in front of him was so captivating, so beautiful, he couldn't even believe his eyes. 

- I'm Jungkook. - he managed to say finally. - Are you a...fairy?

Taehyung smiled at him, as if he was trying to calm him down and he slowly nodded.

Jungkook's tears slowly became visible as they were pouring down on his cheeks.

The other looked surprised at the boy's behaviour. He went closer and cupped the other's face.

Jungkook's tears stopped, his breathing became slow and he felt at ease. He was also amused how the other could calm him down with a single touch.

- I'm sorry...I'm just so happy to see you...

The magical boy smiled at him again, letting go of his face. He decided to sit down, Jungkook copied his motion.

They sat next to each other quietly. Jungkook stole glances of Taehyung in every second possible, he was so captivated by the other. Thousands of questions ran through his mind he wanted to ask. He decided not to. He hoped with his entire being that they would meet often, so he could get the answers he was longing for. 

As the sun said goodbye with its last purplish orange rays, Taehyung stood up. He looked at the boy, nodded and walked to the big stone that was standing at the other side of the river. He was stepping on small rocks, careful not to get wet. He moved like he was dancing, taking gentle and considerate steps, each movement he made was delightful. The other was once again  fascinated by the creature. As he got to the other side he realized that Taehyung was going away.

- Will I ever see you again? - he softly asked.

The warm smile appeared again. - Sooner than you think.

- Goodnight Taehyung. 

- Goodnight.

As he was walking further and further, Jungkook could only see soft purple lights appear around the river as Taehyung disappeared. He noticed that a small bellflower was placed in his left hand. 

- He truly is magical. - he whispered to himself as he was walking away. 

He looked at the stream once again. It was quiet now. Almost as if it was sleeping. The surface remained mirror-like even though the water was moving. The whole area was glowing in purple due to the little firefly like lights Taehyung left behind.

Jungkook walked home. He placed the bellflower carefully in a vase and put it next to his bed. He closed his eyes and all he could hear was the smoothing voice of the forest and the dazing voice of Taehyung before he fell asleep.