Once upon a time, there was a boy with golden eyes who had everything but an adventure. Coincidentally, there was also a prince who had all the adventures in the world but no one to share them with.
OR
When Jungkook finds a handsome young man bleedi...
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Although Jungkook didn't know it, he wasn't the only one struggling to sleep. Two hours later and one floor above, a lonely prince tossed and turned in fine linen sheets, feeling an itch in his chest far below his skin.
Was he angry? Oh, certainly. Quite furious. At least he was a few hours ago. But now...
He had a lovely time with Hoseok. It was a much-needed distraction from the chaos of the morning's failed execution. The nobleman was always so pleasant, so proper, so... perfect?
But if he was so perfect, why were Taehyung's thoughts still consumed by that fiery, raven-haired boy in the infirmary? Spending time with Hoseok had only reminded him of that missing piece, that little nagging part of his heart that longed for something he knew wasn't meant for him.
Truth was, he wished he could be mad. He wished he could blame Jungkook for releasing the Gallerian prisoner and throw him out of his home and heart. It would sure make his love life a lot easier. But could he fault the kid for having a kind heart? For not wanting to see someone hanged? Could he hate him for showing empathy? Maybe it was everyone in the palace that needed a bit more of that.
Damn it. He'd have to let the boy stay.
Now, he couldn't completely let Jungkook off the hook, especially for attacking him, but Taehyung felt bad for chewing him out earlier. The prince didn't need to see his eyes to know the boy was crying, and that hurt him. More than he'd like to admit.
So after a night of restless sleep, Taehyung walked down to the kitchens and put together a little apology gift. Pastries, cut up fruit, fresh bread, jams, and any food he could think of to put in a palace breakfast basket.
Swinging the basket from his hand, he bounced up the stairs to the infirmary. White sheets and an empty bed greeted him. He frowned, suddenly terrified that Jungkook had packed up and left.
"Where is Jungkok?" he asked a passing nurse, stomach twisting into knots.
She bowed quickly, looking serious. "He left us this morning."
Taehyung mouth went dry. Gone? Last night all they'd diagnosed was a mild concussion...
Was he too late?
Fear gripped his stomach as he glanced back to the empty bed. Jungkook couldn't be dead, he couldn't. Perhaps he'd taken Taehyung's words too harshly, packed up and left?
"I'm sorry," Taehyung said, trying to remain composed. "He's... departed?"
The nurse wiped her hands on her white apron and nodded. "We released him earlier this morning. He should be resting in his room by now."
Heaving a breath of relief, Taehyung thanked her and ran out to find Jungkook. He reached his door quickly, knocking perhaps too hesitantly for a prince.
