Jungkook calls for Chin Hae, his voice firm and commanding. "Chin Hae," he addresses, beckoning, "I have need of you." As the courtier enters, Jungkook's gaze fixes upon him, his eyes filled with a mix of authority and curiosity. "Chin Hae, I need information. Have we crossed paths with this young woman before?" His voice carries a certainty, the question laced with an underlying demand for answers.

Chin Hae, the king's trusted advisor, respectfully responds to Jungkook's inquiry. "No, My King," he says, his voice measured and confident. "It doesn't seem that we've previously encountered this young woman. Based on our records and my personal recollection, she is not someone we have interacted with before in the kingdom." His words carry a sense of certainty, his loyalty guiding his response with unwavering devotion to the king.

Jungkook's eyes narrow, a persistent sense of familiarity echoing in his thoughts. "Chin Hae, I have the distinct feeling that I have encountered this young woman before. Despite your assurance that our records do not mention her, I cannot shake this feeling of deja vu. It's as if I somehow know her face, her presence." His voice is tinged with a mix of curiosity and bewilderment, his gaze seeking any sign of recognition in Chin Hae's expression.

Chin Hae's voice rings clear and authoritative, his tone respectful yet firm. "My King, I understand that you may sense a flicker of familiarity with this young woman," he explains, his words measured and sincere.

"However, I must reiterate that our records make no mention of a previous connection between you and Y/N. I assure you, Your Majesty, this feeling of déjà vu is unwarranted and most likely a mere figment of your imagination." His expression remains composed, his unwavering gaze locked upon his king, offering a steadfast reassurance.

Jungkook nods, acknowledging the likelihood that his perception of familiarity might have been nothing more than a fleeting illusion. "You're right, Chin Hae. It appears that my sense of recognition could have been nothing but a fleeting trick of my mind," he admits, his voice carrying a mix of chagrin and acceptance.

"Thank you for your honest assessment. It's important to me that we approach this situation with clarity and an open mind. I appreciate your counsel as always." His gaze turns thoughtful, his mind refocusing on the task at hand—locating and retrieving Y/N's stolen bracelet.

𓆩♕𓆪

King Jungkook's castle loomed over the town, a fortress of stone that had withstood the tests of time. Its grandeur was something she had only seen in history books or movies, and now she found herself a guest within its ancient walls. The castle was a labyrinth of corridors, each lined with ornate tapestries and lit by the warm glow of flickering candles. The echo of footsteps and the occasional laughter of courtiers filled the air as they went about their duties.

Y/N had been given her own chamber, which was larger than any room she had ever seen. A four-poster bed with velvet drapes dominated the space, and a large fireplace crackled with a welcoming fire. The windows, adorned with intricate stained glass, offered a view of the bustling town below. Each morning, she was woken by the sound of a rooster crowing from the nearby stables, a stark reminder that this was not her own time. Despite the grandeur, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of homesickness for the comforts of the 21st century.

Her days in the castle were filled with a whirlwind of new experiences. She attended royal banquets where the food was rich and plentiful, though she often had to feign knowledge of the unfamiliar dishes. She walked in the castle gardens, breathing in the scent of roses and lavender, and listened to the lute played by a skilled minstrel. King Jungkook was attentive and kind, though she could sense the weight of his responsibilities in his eyes. He was a man of honor, and she felt safe under his protection.

One afternoon, while wandering the castle's halls, Y/N found herself drawn to the grand library. The arched ceilings stretched high above her, and the walls were lined with thousands of leather-bound tomes. The scent of aged paper and ink was intoxicating, a stark contrast to the digital screens she was used to. She ran her fingers along the spines, feeling the grooves and the history beneath her fingertips. It was here that she discovered her newfound love for the written word, as she poured over texts that spoke of distant lands and ancient wisdom.

The castle's architecture was a marvel that never ceased to amaze her. Each archway, each carving, told a story of craftsmanship and dedication. The stained glass windows cast a kaleidoscope of colors on the stone floor, painting a silent narrative of biblical tales and royal lineages. Y/N paused before a particularly intricate window, her eyes tracing the delicate lines that brought to life scenes of knights and dragons, feeling a strange kinship with the artisans who had toiled over these very panes centuries ago.

As she turned to continue her exploration, she heard the voice of Chin Hae, one of the king's most trusted advisors, from behind her. "Are you comfortable here, my lady?" he inquired, his tone a blend of formality and genuine concern. She felt his eyes on her, assessing her every move, and she wondered if he knew she didn't belong in this time. "Is there anything you require to make your stay more pleasant?"

Y/N took a moment to gather her thoughts before turning to face him. Chin Hae was a man of few words but profound insights, and she had come to appreciate his company. "I am well, thank you," she replied with a smile, trying to sound more at ease than she felt. "The castle is magnificent, and everyone has been very welcoming." She hoped her response was sufficient to quell any suspicion he might harbor.

He nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. "I am glad to hear it," he said. "The king values your presence and your comfort is of the utmost importance to us all." His gaze lingered for a beat longer than necessary, and Y/N felt a slight shiver run down her spine. It was clear that he knew she was an outsider, yet he had been nothing but kind to her since her arrival. "If you ever find yourself in need of anything, anything at all, do not hesitate to ask."

With that, he bowed and took his leave, leaving Y/N to ponder his words. She continued her exploration, her curiosity leading her deeper into the library's shadowy corners. As she moved, the candlelight danced across the pages of the books, casting flickering shadows that played with her imagination. Her eyes fell upon a tome that looked particularly ancient, its cover adorned with gold leaf and intricate designs. Gently, she pulled it from the shelf, feeling the heft of its age in her hands.

𓆩♕𓆪

The sudden sound of distant laughter and the thwack of arrows piercing the air pulled her from her reverie. Curiosity piqued, she followed the noise through the castle's twisting corridors, her footsteps echoing softly on the stone floor. Emerging into the sunlit courtyard, she found herself in a world of archers and knights, their bows drawn and swords flashing as they practiced their martial skills. The sight was a stark contrast to the quiet, dusty library she had just left.

Y/N watched from the shadows of an archway as the men and women, dressed in the vibrant livery of the king's guard, moved with a grace that belied their deadly purpose. Each archer released their arrows in a symphony of motion, the projectiles arcing through the air to thud into the distant targets with unerring accuracy. The knights sparred with one another, their steel clanging rhythmically as they danced around the training grounds. Sweat glistened on their faces, and the air was filled with the scent of effort and determination.

Taking a deep breath, she stepped out of the library, the leather soles of her shoes whispering against the cold stone as she descended the grand staircase. The royal staircase was a masterpiece of craftsmanship, with a banister carved from a single piece of oak that curled like a serpent to the floor below. The steps were wide and shallow, designed for the elaborate gowns of the time, but she found them surprisingly comfortable. The walls were adorned with portraits of past monarchs, their stern gazes following her descent, as if watching over the castle's newest inhabitant.

As she reached the bottom, the sounds of the training courtyard grew louder. The archery area was ablaze with color and movement, as the royal archers competed in a friendly tournament. The archers were a mix of nobility and common folk, all striving to outdo one another under the watchful eyes of their king. Y/N felt a strange excitement stir within her, a longing to join them, to feel the bow in her hand and the rush of releasing an arrow. It was a sensation she had never experienced before, a yearning for a skill that seemed so alien to her modern life.

Her eyes scanned the crowd and fell upon King Jungkook, who was seated on a raised dais at the far corner of the courtyard. He was dressed in his royal finery, his expression as unreadable as the ancient texts she had been studying. She felt a peculiar mix of comfort and anxiety at his presence, a reminder of the precariousness of her situation. Despite the warmth of his hospitality, she knew that she was an enigma to him, a puzzle to be solved.

Ignoring the tension that seemed to coil around the king's regal form, Y/N approached the archers, her heart racing with excitement. She had never tried archery before, but something about the graceful dance of bow and arrow called to her. The archers paused in their competition, curious at the sudden appearance of the foreign guest. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. "Please, don't let me interrupt," she called out, her voice carrying over the courtyard. "I just wish to watch and learn."

A murmur of surprise rippled through the crowd, but the archers, noticing the king's nod of assent, resumed their contest. Y/N found a spot at the edge of the field, her eyes glued to the archers as they drew back their bows, muscles tensing and releasing in a fluid motion that sent their arrows flying. The precision, the power, and the beauty of their craft was mesmerizing. She longed to feel the weight of a bow in her own hands, to be part of this timeless tradition.

As the tournament progressed, the archers grew more daring, their shots more complex. One shot an arrow that split another in mid-air, while another sent their projectile spiraling around a column before embedding itself in the target. The crowd cheered and applauded, their excitement palpable. Y/N couldn't help but lean in, her eyes wide with wonder. It was a spectacle that defied the very fabric of her understanding of the era, one that spoke of a unity and skill she hadn't anticipated in this far-off time.

A young archer, noticing her interest, approached her with a warm smile. "Would you care to try, my lady?" he asked, offering her his bow. She took it tentatively, feeling its weight in her hands. It was lighter than she had imagined, the wood smooth and well-worn from countless hours of use. "Thank you," she murmured, her voice a mix of excitement and trepidation. He handed her an arrow, its fletching made from the feathers of a hawk.

This was Minho, the captain of the king's archers, a man renowned for his unerring aim and good nature. He had observed her from afar, noticing her curiosity and the way her eyes lit up at the sight of their competition. With a gentle nod from King Jungkook, he had decided to introduce her to the art that was his life.

He stepped beside her, his posture relaxed yet poised. "Allow me to assist you," he said, placing a firm but gentle hand on her shoulder to guide her stance. His touch was surprisingly warm, and she felt a strange comfort in his presence. "First, you must stand like this," he instructed, positioning her feet apart and turning her body slightly to the side. "It provides balance and power."

Minho took a step back, his eyes scanning her posture with a critical yet patient gaze. "Now, nock the arrow," he said, holding out his hand to demonstrate. She mimicked his movements, her fingers fumbling slightly with the unfamiliar task. "Good," he praised, his smile encouraging. "Now, draw the string back to your cheek and keep your eye on the target." Y/N did as she was told, feeling the tension in her arms as she pulled back the string. The bow was much stronger than it looked, and she struggled to keep her arms steady.

"Breathe," Minho whispered, his voice low and soothing. "Let your breath guide the shot." She took a deep breath, focusing on the bullseye painted on the distant target. The archers around them had stopped to watch, their curiosity piqued by the unusual spectacle. King Jungkook's gaze never left her, his eyes sharp and focused, as if willing her to succeed. With a silent prayer to the universe, she released the string. The bow twanged, and the arrow shot forward, soaring through the air in a graceful arc. It thudded into the target, not quite in the center but a respectable shot for a novice.

The courtyard erupted in applause, the tension breaking like a dam. The archers, who had been watching with a mix of curiosity and skepticism, now offered her nods of respect. King Jungkook's smile was genuine as he clapped his hands together. "Well done," he called out, his voice carrying over the noise. Y/N felt a flush of pride warm her cheeks, a feeling she hadn't experienced in a long time. It was a small victory in this vastly different world, but it was hers.

J U N G K O O K'S  P O V

I watched her from my throne, my eyes never leaving her form as she took in the archery tournament. She was a puzzle, this girl from the future, and I found myself eager to understand the enigma she presented. Her curiosity was a beacon, drawing her into the heart of our world, and her courage to step forward and attempt a shot was admirable. As she took aim, I felt a strange tug in my chest, as if the very air around her was charged with something unspoken.

The way she held the bow, so tentatively at first, and then with a growing confidence, intrigued me. Her eyes focused on the target with a determination that mirrored the archers around her, yet there was an innocence in her gaze that set her apart from them. I could see the tension in her arms as she drew the string back, her body poised like a dancer's, and I knew she was feeling the power of the weapon she held. When the arrow took flight, the crowd's reaction was immediate, a mix of surprise and approval.

As the applause filled the courtyard, I felt a strange sense of pride swell within me. She had not only embraced the challenge but had done so with a grace that was not lost on my people. I watched as she exchanged words with Minho, his hands guiding her, and I knew he saw the potential in her as well. Her smile, when she hit the target, was genuine, and it warmed my heart in a way that was unexpected. The sight of her, a girl from a world so distant from our own, fitting so seamlessly into this moment, was a testament to the human spirit's adaptability.

Her cheeks flushed with the exhilaration of the shot, and her eyes sparkled with excitement. It was a sight that made me wonder what other hidden talents she might possess, what other facets of herself she had yet to discover in this archaic setting. Her beauty was not lost on me, but it was the way she carried herself, the way she approached each new experience with an open mind, that truly captivated me.

She was a puzzle, a puzzle I found myself eager to solve.