The sun rose again, signaling a hectic day for the Kims. After sending her husband and eldest son for work, Seo jin got to work, running to the market to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, with Jungkook tagging along. Seokjin was sent to the salon despite his resistance for a glow up session, he didn't need to do much anyways, being blessed with outstanding beauty since birth.
Seokjin returned at noon, surprised to see his father and brother already back home. Lunch was quick and light, considering the fact that they had to eat something in the evening. The house was cleaned thoroughly, room by room, dusted and cleaned inside out much to Jungkook and Seokjung's confusion because the quests would be in the main room only, and that they were made to help as well.
Though he was apprehensive and nervous for the meeting, it wouldn't hurt to pamper himself right? So he chose a massage along with facial which relaxed him and took some load off his mind for a while at least. He hadn't recovered from Namjoon's betrayal yet, but he was trying to keep the thoughts out for the sake of a peaceful mind.
Seokjin chose one of his best outfits for the evening, a baby pink hanbok with small flower embroidery on the belt. The sleeves were white in color, a perfect combination of the shades complimenting Seokjin's dewy skin, making him look prettier than he already was.
When the time came, he doused his lips in the extract of a pink flower, highlighting the plump lips and tied some strands of his hair, letting the rest of the long locks flow down his back. Then he sat silently in his room, admiring himself in the mirror and patiently waiting for someone to call him out.
After a while there was a small knock at his door and Jungkook peeped in. "You ready Hyungie?". "Hmm" he replied. Jungkook smiled at him, "You look so pretty". "Thank you" he said, a sweet smile gracing his face.
"How does he look?" Seokjin then inquired to which Jungkook gave him an unreadable expression. "He looks good but.... I advice to keep calm once you see him. I have a feeling that you're not going to like what you see", Jungkook answered honestly.
Seokjin did not have much time to think about it as a servant approached him, informing that the guests were waiting for him. So he hurriedly check his appearance for one last time and stepped out if the room. The servant handed the tray with teapot and cup at the end of the hall way. Carefully carrying it, he walked into the main room and placed the tray on the table.
It felt as though lightening had struck him when his eyes met his suitor. Before him sat the prince of the Song Kingdom and beside him sat the king. Judging by his parents' expressions, they did not expect the royal family would show up either. It caught all of them off guard. Tension prevailed in the room, weighing down on him. His hands were clammy, almost dropping the teapot in the process.
Seokjin knew that the prince had been interested in him for sometime now but it had completely slipped from his mind since he thought that he would back off after Seokjin declined to work at the palace. This was totally unexpected.
He thought the prince just fooling around but it was apparent that he was serious about it now. The fact that he even showed up at his home with his father made him uneasy. It was difficult enough to reject him alone but it would be a challenge to do that in the presence of his parents and the king.
They weren't dressed as flamboyantly as they usually did but Seokjin couldn't deny the fact that the prince had strikingly handsome features. His eyes were sharp, a thin long nose and his hair were open, the first time Seokjin saw him dressed like this and Seokjin couldn't help but think that the prince was really good looking.
He stepped back a little after recovering from his initial shock and offered them a full ninety degree bow. The king smiled kindly at him as Seokjin proceeded to serve them tea. He then took his seat between his parents, his brothers sitting on one side. After a small talk with him, they both were sent to chat in the garden for privacy.
He was surprised by the prince's nature. He was soft spoken unlike the other times when he had been loud and rough with his words. He boasted a lot , about his achievements, skills and most of all, his wealth. It was almost as though he was trying impress and woo Seokjin with the materialistic things he had to offer which was not what the omega was looking for.
What also irked Seokjin was the fact that the price kept on complimenting his beauty. Don't get him wrong, he was used to it but the way the prince talked about him was..... creepy. He talked about his soft hands and how the hanbok perfectly traced his curves. Seokjin freaked out when the prince caught hold of his hand, refusing to let go until they walked back into the house, even when Seokjin said that he was uncomfortable.
He even placed his hand on his waist, suddenly pulling him closer when Seokjin tried to pry it off by creating some distance between them. His heartbeat was ringing in his ears, panic surging through his body.
When he couldn't bare it longer, he pushed the man away, letting the prince know that his actions were making him uncomfortable. The prince, to his disgust, laughed it off saying it was only a matter of time, when they would be getting married. "Does he think that I will marry him just because he's a prince??".
Seokjin realized that his behavior in front of his parents was just an act. Behind the mask stood a disgustingly proud and rude prince who behaved like spoiled child. His achievements were impressive but Seokjin would have considered thinking about his offer of marriage if he hadn't been so rude and invasive of his personal space. He regretted that even for a moment or so, he had thought of accepting his offer. Perhaps he was too rushed in judging the prince.
Before leaving the prince tried to bribe his father by promising him expensive gifts and trade opportunities he would be provided if Seokjin married to him. When the time to leave came, instead of asking him, the prince turned to his father, "Will you be kind enough to give me your son's hand in marriage?". His father smiled in response. "I appreciate you asking me your highness but my son will choose his life partner himself". The prince seemed taken aback, clearly not expecting it.
Seokjin took a deep breath, preparing to deliver his thoughts and decisions, making sure to choose the words which would lessen the blow because he was sure the prince was not going to like it. "Forgive me your highness but I do not think we are compatible. Our personalities are clearly different from each other's and I believe this would create a lot of problems in the marriage. I also deem myself unfit for the title of the queen. We are simply not made for each other and instead of being each other's supporter, this stark differences in our personalities will only cause more problems and unhappiness", he answered.
The king understood and did not show an extreme reaction. He acknowledged Seokjin's decision with a nod and a small smile. "Although I would have loved to have you as my son-in-law, I respect your decision Seokjin".
"Thank you for having tonight Noble Kim, we had a wonderful time", saying so he stood up, the prince following him. Seokjin heaved a sigh of relief.
The prince suddenly spoke up, "Are you sure about your decision? Do you really want to lose the chance of becoming a queen and harness so much power and wealth?". He had dropped his act, talking roughly.
"Yes your highness", the omega confirmed. The prince narrowed his eyes, forehead creasing in annoyance. "Well that was unexpected. I wonder if this is the only reason....." he said, a glint in his eyes. Seokjin instantly looked up, heart picking up pace again.
"Yes your highness", he stuttered nervously, worried about the fact that it might cause his father to inquire about it.
The king gave his son a disapproving look but did not intervene.
"I give you one more chance Seokjin-ssi. Think about my offer carefully. We will return in two days for your final decision. I ask you choose wisely". Seokjin looked at his father who nodded at him so he turned towards the royals and bowed, "I will think about it your majesties".
The prince nodded in response before walking away without another word. The king thanked them once more and left to join his sons who was surrounded by his Hwarangs.
XXX
Taehyung ran through the hallways, barging into Namjoon's room without knocking. "For the hundredth time Tae knock before you wa-". "Did Seokjin hyung's father do anything? Or is he in favor of the royal family?", Taehyung cut him off.
Namjoon frowned on hearing that. "No... nothing as far as I know. Why are you asking about it? What happened?"
"The King and prince visited them at their home today evening. I don't know what they talked about but they were in there for quite some time". "Really? It must be something important then. It is rare for the royal family to visit someone at their home. But I wonder, how could they go there during the day time. Wouldn't the people notice them and attract unwanted attention?"
"We took a route from the woods. Both of them were in disguise. No one other than us that they were there". Namjoon nodded his head in response.
"Are you okay hyung? I heard from Hobi hyung about what happened. I'm sorry", Taehyung said to him, face softening. He could understand what his brother was going through. Being forced to send the person he loved away from himself would have been heartbreaking. He knew Namjoon was hurting.
His uncle had always been strict with Namjoon. Growing up, Namjoon did not have much say in the decisions about his life, where he would study, what he would study and what he would become had already been decided by him. Namjoon had been an obedient child as well, making sure he did not do anything to trigger his father's temper. He worked hard to earn praise from his father.
Whenever Taehyung came over for a night's stay, he observed that during dinner time it was routine for his uncle to ask Namjoon the activities he performed during the whole day, but never asking if he enjoyed his day or if he had fun which Taehyung found unsettling since he came from a close knit family. He had this emotional bond with his parents, something which Namjoon did not.
Aunt never really paid attention what Namjoon was doing. She was kind and sweet but wasn't ready to listen to Namjoon's chatter as a kid. For this reason he craved for affection though he never admitted it. Being the only child, he did not even have a companion in the house. Moonbyul was a good friend but not the kind he wanted.
Taehyung clearly remembered the day Namjoon begged him to visit him often because of how lonely he felt. Since he had recently moved to the capital, Taehyung did not have any friends and he did not mind spending time with his favorite hyung. They became friends with Hoseok while playing around in the woods. They both had taken liking in the boy because of his bright and positive nature.
He had long realized Seokjin hyung was exactly the kind of person Namjoon had been looking for. Someone who was affectionate and understanding. He remembered how fondly Namjoon used to talk about his 'best friend' back then.
And Taehyung approved of him. He and Taehyung had instantly hit off at their first meeting. Plus Seokjin was the one who had introduced him to Jimin and Taehyung couldn't thank him enough for that. Seokjin possessed a child like innocence, which somewhere had sparked Namjoon's protectiveness for him.
Namjoon was one of the youngest trainees in his batch of military and through that he came to know how the world works a long time ago. The environment at home as well made him mature for his age. But no one could deny the fact that they cared deeply for each other.
It was evident in how they talked and looked at each other. He had seen a change in Namjoon since Seokjin returned, the omega managing to melt the walls around his brother. He had seen Namjoon transform in a good way.
He was surprised to see the romantic and poetic side of his cousin, amazed by the way he had with words. The poems he wrote evoked such powerfully emotions and he found himself lost in thoughts just by reading a few lines.
Namjoon gave him a pained smile, "I'm fine Tae. Don't worry to much about it". Taehyung grew concerned, " You're not okay hyung and you also know that. Stop pretending that everything is okay. Talk to me hyung".
His hyung's smile faltered and he looked away. He looked so vulnerable in this state, unlike the Kim Namjoon who was in control of his emotions all the time. Taehyung walked up to him and pulled him into a hug, rubbing his back comfortingly.
Namjoon wasted no time in returning, feeling tears fall from his eyes. "It's going to be alright hyung. You are going to be okay. Both you and Seokjin hyung. Hmm?". He felt Namjoon sniffle, his grip tightening.
Taehyung patted his back gently, "It's okay to cry hyung. Let it all out". No sooner he said that, Namjoon burst into tears, body rocking a little. "Until now I've lived my according to their wishes. For once, can't they think about my happiness Tae?", he whispered lowly, voice thick and wavery.
Taehyung couldn't answer that, feeling sorry for his hyung. The situation was a difficult one and solving it would be equally mind boggling. But they wouldn't make progress if Namjoon just sat mopping around. "Shhh" he whispered, pulling away from the embrace.
"Enough of crying now. You promised Seokjin hyung that you would protect him at all times. Why are you afraid now? I know who the real Kim Namjoon is and believe that Seokjin hyung is perfectly safe when he is with you. Don't disappoint him now. Harden up an talk to uncle once again. Try to convince him, maybe he'll relent this time".
The alpha shook his head, "He does not change his decisions Tae, I don't think he will ever understand".
"So you're going to give up? Remember one thing hyung. Opinions CHANGE. Try talking to him once again at least. What do you think Seokjin hyung who have done in this situation huh? Do you think he would have given up so easily?".
Namjoon thought long and hard. "Seokjin wouldn't have given up. He would have tried again until he got his way" he uttered.
"Then why are you letting go? This is an important decision of your life hyung! Being with someone you love will help you live a long and happy life. Imagine being tied to someone whom you can never love for your whole life. You'll spend your time feeling miserable. Do you want that to happen to you?", Taehyung questioned him.
"No". "Then why are you hesitating? This is your life hyung, take its control in your hands. Come one hyung! You can do this!", he encouraged his cousin. Namjoon nodded with a new spark of determination in his eyes. "I can do this. I'll talk to him tonight", he announced with newfound courage.
Taehyung grinned, his lips forming into a boxy smile, cheeks cutely puffing out. "Thank you Tae", Namjoon said turning towards his cousin with a small smile. "I really needed the pep talk". "Don't thank me hyung". "I can always count on you to fire me up", he said, ruffling the other's hair.
"I can do this. I will not let my Seokjin down again. I will keep my promise".
Thank you so much for reading! Let me know what you think in the comments section and don't forget to vote and share!
See you in the next chapter :)