Promise- Minsung

Chapter Fifteen

"Where are you heading, General?" asked the guard that stood at the entrance of the cave. The taller general was blocking his view of that behind him.

"To the village," Jungkook said simply.

"I'm sorry," the guard made a gesture towards some of the other guards nearby. "But I must ask you to head back to the palace. You must have-"

"- An escort, is that right, soldier?" Taehyung stepped out from behind Jungkook. "Indeed, he has one. So let us through quickly, so that I can get back here quickly! And brother," he glanced at Kim Mingyu, who was a few feet away. "Can you go check with Namjoon-hyung for me? I put together a traveling group for Princess Jeongyeon, but I'm not sure that it all went as smoothly as I think."

"Of course," Mingyu hurried off, leaving the embarrassed guard to fend for himself. "I-I'm sorry, General. I did not see you there!"

Taehyung's cheeks burned as well, as he was once again reminded of his child-like appearance and how he was vertically challenged. He had a small build, and a round face, and looked like a doll, rather than a fearsome general that was to fight off the enemies of his country. His company, however, was. Even though the Lee General was still on the shorter side, he had firm muscle that could be seen with or without his armor on. He had fierce looking eyes, and a sharper jawline. And above all, he never smiled, unlike the goofy, aloof grin that seemed to be tattooed on his own face.

As usual, Taehyung brushed this off. "Move out of our guests' way, so we can be off!" he ordered, and the young guard scurried away from them, and they entered the tunnel.

They were met by forest on the other side. Surprise. Taehyung glanced at the general. "Do you intend on walking there?"

"General... you seem to not realize that I was sent here with the sole reason of protecting my prince on the journey. Now that I am here.... I have nothing to do. I have all the time in the world, so why not walk?"

"Because you brought me with you..." Taehyung grumbled, loud enough for Jungkook to hear. He chuckled, but said nothing, let the two walk in silence.

As they crossed a small creek, Jungkook peered down into the water. "Are there fish in this stream?" he asked, squinting down as the water tumbled over the rocks.

"Not up in these parts, no. But farther upstream maybe. I've been there with my older brother before, but I will not say that he is talented with the likes of fishing. We did not catch anything."

Jungkook nodded, dipping his fingertips into the chilled water. "Then you and I will have to go sometime, so you can feel the pride of catching your first fish!"

"You... and I?"

"Yes. Who else?"

"I... do not annoy you?"

"General, that title should intrigue me. But I am also curious about you, as a person. There is much more to one than their title."

"I assure you, I will bore you. Perhaps you would like me to introduce you to some other young ladies in town, who are sure to spark your interest as well-"

Jungkook stood up straight again, and nimbly jumped over to the side of the bank where Taehyung stood. "I do not waste my time with women. They do not please me the way men do."

Taehyung nodded absentmindedly, before properly taking in Jungkook's words. "W-what?" he sputtered, blinking in surprise. "Then... d-did you just ask me to come with you because you think I am attractive? Do I look like a woman?"

"No. If you looked like a woman I would not think you to be as beautiful as I do."

"O-oh."

Jungkook smirked at him, before briskly walking towards the towering wall in the distance. Taehyung followed after him, a dumbfounded look upon his face.