MY CROWN PRINCE | JEON JUNGKOOK

Episode 15: The Unseen Bonds

Minha rushed through the halls of the Kim residence, her heart heavy with the weight of the news she had just heard. The fear of losing Taehyung and Mina to the King's decree gnawed at her, leaving a cold, uneasy feeling in her chest. The moment she entered the grand hall, she was greeted by the familiar faces of her family, but the atmosphere felt tense, almost suffocating.In the center of the room stood Master Kim Jinhyuk, his expression grim as he spoke with the others. Mina sat with her usual grace, her eyes downcast, while Lee Minhyuk and the others exchanged worried glances. As Minha silently approached, she was met by Mina's soft gaze."Anneong, eonni," Minha mumbled, her voice barely above a whisper.Mina turned her head, offering a small smile. "Yaa, Minha-ya, why are you so late?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.Minha hesitated, feeling a lump form in her throat. "Ani, eonni. Just... because I..." she trailed off, unable to explain the whirlwind of emotions crashing through her.Mrs. Kim, ever the practical one, interjected, "Nampyeon Aboji will be here soon, and he will be furious if we make any decisions about the wedding without him," she said, trying to lighten the mood, though her words felt hollow in the face of the uncertainty surrounding them.Jinhyuk sighed deeply, his eyes weary. "I know, but the King's order is clear. We have to move quickly," he said, his voice laced with frustration. "He told me we must have everything arranged as soon as possible."Lee Minhyuk, ever the voice of reason, leaned forward. "What did he tell you exactly?" he asked, his gaze sharp.Jinhyuk sighed again, running a hand through his hair. "He said that after the marriage, Taehyung and his wife must be sent away from Silla. They'll live in Baekje for now, and only return after Sooyeon's marriage," he revealed, his words causing the room to fall silent.The tension in the room thickened. Mina's gaze immediately shifted to Taehyung, her worry palpable, but he simply gave a small, reassuring nod to calm her. "But why did the King tell you to do this?" Minha asked, her voice trembling with confusion and fear. All eyes turned to her.Mina quickly whispered, "Minha-ya, shh," but it was too late."No! Eonni, I can't just sit here and pretend everything is fine! Taehyung has always been there for me—when you weren't around, it was him who made me laugh and kept me going. And now they want to send him and you away? What will I do without you both?" Her voice cracked as tears welled in her eyes. "What should I do, eonni?" she sobbed, the emotion pouring out.Mina's heart broke at the sight of her sister's tears. She reached out, her voice soft but filled with love. "Minha-ya," she whispered, struggling to keep her own tears at bay.Master Kim Jinhyuk, who had always treated Minha like his own daughter, looked at her with understanding but also a deep sadness. He knew how difficult it would be for her, and it pained him to witness the pain in her eyes. But there was little he could do. This was the King's command.---**Flashback: The King's Decision**In the palace gardens, King Jeon Kyung-si stood next to Jinhyuk, his expression pained but resolute. The two men walked side by side, their footsteps silent in the cool night air."Minister Kim, I've always regarded you as a friend, but you know I trust no one else in this palace," the King said softly, his voice tinged with sorrow.Jinhyuk nodded respectfully. "I understand, Your Highness," he replied, his tone neutral.The King sighed, his gaze distant. "As you know, I lost my first wife, Jeon Eun Mi. She was my first love," he murmured, a hint of vulnerability in his voice."I know, Your Highness," Jinhyuk said quietly, his heart heavy with the weight of the King's words.The King paused, taking a deep breath. "But I must not allow my personal grief to cloud my judgment. I am not just a man who mourns the loss of his wife; I am the King of Silla. And what is best for the kingdom must come first," he continued, his voice firm. "Sooyeon must marry the King of Goguryeo. And you know very well that we cannot afford a war with them. We must ensure peace."Jinhyuk nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "But Your Highness, what will happen to my son Taehyung and his soon-to-be wife?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern.The King's gaze darkened. "I've decided that Taehyung and his wife must leave Silla after their wedding. They will be sent to Baekje. It is essential that we maintain good relations with their empire, and I trust that Taehyung will be able to handle this. He is strong, and he is your son. After Sooyeon's marriage, they can return," the King decreed, his words final.Jinhyuk bowed deeply, though his heart was heavy with the weight of the King's decision. "As you wish, Your Highness."---**Back to the Present**As Jinhyuk looked at Minha, sitting before him with tears in her eyes, his heart ached for her. He knew how much this decision would hurt her, but there was no escaping it. "Minha-ya," he said gently, his voice soft but firm, "I know this is difficult for you. But I promise you, Taehyung and Mina will return soon. This is for their own good, and for Silla's future. Please, trust me."Minha sniffled, wiping her tears away. "Arasseo, aboji. I'll wait for them," she said quietly, though her voice betrayed the sorrow she felt.Jinhyuk smiled sadly, relieved by her words. "Gomabda, Minha-ya," he said, his voice filled with affection. "Minhyuk-ah, our Minha has grown up, hasn't she?" he joked lightly, trying to ease the tension.Minha shot him a playful glare. "Ani, ani! I'm not getting married! Not yet!" she shouted, her face flushed with embarrassment. "I'll think only about eonni and Taehyung," she added, storming off in a huff.Everyone chuckled softly as they watched her run off. "She's still a kid," Jong Suk said with a smile."Ha, yeah," Minhyuk agreed, his voice filled with warmth.---**Meanwhile, Under the Stars**Jungkook stood alone in the garden, staring up at the stars, his mind filled with thoughts of his family. "Eomma, bogo shipeo," he whispered to the night sky, his heart aching with the weight of his longing.A voice called out from behind him. "Jungkook-ah."Jungkook turned to see Seokjin standing beside him, his presence calming."Hyung," Jungkook greeted, his tone quieter than usual.Seokjin stepped closer, his gaze following the stars as well. "Don't you miss your family?" he asked, his voice thoughtful.Jungkook looked at him, his eyes filled with unspoken pain. "I do," Seokjin replied softly, his voice steady.Jungkook exhaled slowly, his voice barely audible. "I don't have enough memories with my mother... How can I live my life with only blurry memories of her?"Seokjin's expression softened. "It's not about forgetting them. It's about carrying their love with you, even when they're not here," he said, placing a hand on Jungkook's shoulder. "You don't need a lot of memories. Just their love, their guidance, and the strength they gave you. That's what makes you strong."Jungkook thought for a moment, then his lips curved into a small smile. "Hyung, do you mean Lee Min Ha?" he asked, his tone lightening.Seokjin raised an eyebrow, his smile playful. "I didn't mention her," he said, though there was a knowing glint in his eye.Jungkook's expression softened. "Well, hyung, kind of," he admitted, a slight blush coloring his cheeks.---**End of Episode 15**