Royal Messages: Love Beyond the Screen || Kim Teahyung

Chapter 5: Mystery Friend

Over the next few months, the bond between Y/N and Taehyung continued to flourish through their late-night conversations. Their friendship, though conducted in the digital shadows, became an integral part of their lives. However, the mystery surrounding Taehyung's identity remained intact, a secret they both guarded fiercely.

Taehyung had never revealed his true name or royal lineage to Y/N. In her eyes, he was simply "Tae," a friend who shared her interests, dreams, and insecurities. His anonymity allowed them to connect on a level that transcended the constraints of their real-world identities.

Conversely, Y/N had yet to divulge the harsh realities of her daily life to Taehyung. She didn't share the torment she endured at school, where bullying was a cruel routine, or the fact that she was an orphan who had to work tirelessly to support herself. Instead, she chose to focus on the positive aspects of her life, sharing her dreams and aspirations with Taehyung.

Their messages were filled with laughter, inside jokes, and heartfelt conversations. They discussed their favorite books, movies, and even exchanged song recommendations. Taehyung marveled at Y/N's resilience and her unwavering kindness, and Y/N found solace in Taehyung's support and companionship.

In the present moment, Taehyung reclined in his chamber, the soft glow of his phone casting a warm, inviting light across the room. He had just received a message from Y/N, and his fingers danced across the screen as he composed a reply. It was a familiar and cherished routine, one that brought a smile to his face.

As he typed, Taehyung's thoughts drifted back to a particular evening in the palace library, a memory that had stayed with him like a treasured gem.

Flashback:

The grand palace library was a place of quiet elegance, a sanctuary of knowledge where towering bookshelves stretched toward the vaulted ceiling. Rows of leather-bound tomes stood sentinel, their pages filled with the wisdom of centuries.

On this particular evening, Taehyung and Jungkook had retreated to the library's cozy alcove, away from the prying eyes of the courtiers and the weight of their royal responsibilities. The soft candlelight bathed the room in a warm and inviting ambiance.

Taehyung was seated on a plush velvet chair, his phone in hand, while Jungkook lounged comfortably on a nearby chaise longue, a book open in front of him, though his attention was more on his friend than the pages.

Jungkook couldn't help but notice the gleam in Taehyung's eyes and the perpetual smile that had settled on his lips whenever he was engaged in his digital exchanges. His curiosity had been piqued for quite some time, and he decided it was finally time to inquire about the source of Taehyung's joy.

Leaning in closer, Jungkook lowered his voice, his tone laced with curiosity. "Tae, you've been grinning at that screen for months now. What's the secret?"

Taehyung's cheeks flushed slightly as he contemplated whether to reveal the secret that had brought a newfound brightness to his life. He had guarded Y/N's existence like a treasured gem for months, their unique connection remaining hidden from the world. However, in the library's hushed ambiance, with Jungkook's curiosity unabated, Taehyung couldn't resist the urge to share.

With a soft smile, Taehyung began, "Well, you see, it all started when I accidentally messaged the wrong number, thinking it was you."

Jungkook's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Seriously? How on earth did that happen?"

Taehyung chuckled at the memory and began to recount the fateful day when he had sent a message intended for Jungkook to Y/N instead. He explained how their conversation had taken an unexpected turn, leading to a friendship that had blossomed like no other.

Jungkook listened intently, his curiosity growing with each detail. "So, you've been chatting with this Y/N person ever since?"

Taehyung nodded, his smile softening. "Yeah, she's become a really good friend of mine. We talk about everything, and she's incredibly kind and hardworking."

Jungkook leaned in closer to Taehyung, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he couldn't resist the opportunity to tease his friend further.

He nudged Taehyung playfully with his elbow and a sly grin formed on his face. "Come on, Tae, spill the beans. Is she your secret girlfriend?"

Taehyung's cheeks flushed a shade of pink as he protested, "Jungkook, you know she's just a friend. We've never even met in person."

Jungkook's teasing only intensified. "Oh, I see how it is. You're playing it cool, but I've seen that smile on your face every time you chat with her. Are you sure there's nothing more to it?"

Jungkook's mischievous grin widened as he continued to tease Taehyung about his newfound friendship with Y/N. He leaned in closer, his tone dripping with playful sarcasm.

"Sure, sure, Tae," Jungkook teased, raising an eyebrow for dramatic effect. "Just a friend, huh? You seem awfully chummy with this Y/N person. I won't tell anyone, don't worry."

Taehyung's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as he attempted to defend himself. He waved his hands in a dismissive manner, trying to downplay the situation. "Come on, Jungkook, you know how it is. We're just really close friends, that's all."

Jungkook couldn't resist the opportunity to continue ribbing his friend. He leaned back in his chair, adopting an exaggerated tone of faux seriousness. "Oh, I see. Just really close friends who talk all the time, share secrets, and make each other smile. Totally platonic, right?"

Taehyung couldn't help but chuckle at Jungkook's antics, realizing that his friend was enjoying the playful banter. He playfully rolled his eyes, deciding to play along.

"Exactly, Jungkook. Platonic friends can do all of that and more," Taehyung replied, his voice filled with mock seriousness. "Besides, you're reading too much into it."

"Sure, sure, just a friend," Jungkook quipped, his tone filled with mock skepticism. He raised an eyebrow theatrically, as if he was about to expose a long-kept secret. "I won't tell anyone, don't worry."

Taehyung's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and he tried to play it cool. "Jungkook, seriously, it's not like that. We're just friends, okay?"

Jungkook couldn't help but laugh at Taehyung's flustered response. He knew that his friend was fiercely protective of his privacy and that he cherished the unique bond he had formed with Y/N.

"Relax, Tae," Jungkook reassured him, his laughter contagious. "I'm just messing with you. If you say she's a friend, then she's a friend. But you've got to admit, it's pretty entertaining to see you smile like that whenever you're texting her."

Taehyung rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress his own laughter. He appreciated Jungkook's playful teasing, and it lightened the mood in the library.

"Alright, alright," Taehyung conceded, a playful glint in his eye. "But seriously, don't tell anyone about her. Our conversations are... special."

Jungkook nodded in understanding, his teasing demeanor giving way to genuine support. "Don't worry, Tae. Your secret is safe with me. I won't spill the beans about your mysterious friend, Y/N."

Returning to the present, Taehyung couldn't help but smile as he recalled that memorable evening in the library. Jungkook had always been a trusted confidant, and despite the teasing, Taehyung knew his friend would never betray his trust.

As he continued his text conversation with Y/N, Taehyung's fingers danced across the screen. He recounted the library incident, how he had shared a glimpse of their unique friendship with Jungkook, and how his friend had teased him about her.

📱 Taehyung: Haha, speaking of which, I just remembered the time I told Jungkook about you, Y/N.

Taehyung's message carried a fondness for both Y/N and his friend Jungkook, the two people who had unknowingly played pivotal roles in his life.