Y / N'S P O V

It had been weeks since I last spoke to Jungkook. The silence between us was suffocating, a constant weight on my chest. I missed the time we spent together, the stolen moments in the garden, the teasing remarks that had once filled the air. His presence had been steady, grounding in a world that wasn't mine. And now, it felt like I was drifting, lost without him.

I had tried to convince myself that it didn't matter, that the distance was necessary, but it was all a lie. The truth was painfully clear now, lurking beneath the surface all along. The feelings I had been battling, the confusion and frustration, it was all because of one undeniable truth—I loved him.

The realization hit me harder than I expected. Love. That's what it had been from the start. It wasn't just some fleeting affection or a passing interest. I loved him, even if he didn't know, even if he couldn't see it. And now, knowing that he would soon marry Jasmine made it all the more unbearable. It was like a knife twisting deeper into a wound that had been festering for weeks.

But what could I do? How could I even face him now, knowing how I felt? Knowing that my heart was tangled in something far more complicated than I ever anticipated?

But what hurt most wasn't just missing him—it was the fact that I couldn't tell him. I couldn't walk up to him and say, I love you, because how could I? How could I tell a king, a man whose life was dictated by power, responsibility, and a marriage to someone else, that a girl from the future had fallen for him? It was absurd. It was impossible. Yet, every fiber of my being ached for him, for us.

I thought about the nights I stayed awake, wondering if he ever thought about me the way I did about him. Or if he had moved on completely, preoccupied with the war and his kingdom. Maybe that's why he never tried to reach out after our last conversation. Maybe he was done with me.

I felt a sharp pang of guilt as I thought about how I'd been avoiding him for weeks. I hadn't even tried to explain myself; I just hid like a coward. It wasn't fair—to him or to me. Every time I saw him in the distance or heard his name, my heart would race, and I'd turn the other way. It was pathetic. I was pathetic. How could I be so afraid of confronting him when I knew deep down what I wanted?

I kept telling myself that it was for the best, that staying away would make things easier, less complicated. But the truth was, I was terrified. Terrified of what I felt, terrified of rejection, and terrified that if I admitted my feelings, it would ruin everything.

But avoiding him... it had only made things worse. Each day felt heavier, the silence between us more unbearable. And I hated myself for it—for not being brave enough to face him, to tell him how I truly felt. What if I had lost my chance? What if, by pushing him away, I'd pushed him too far?

The regret gnawed at me. I should've been honest, should've told him how much he meant to me, instead of pretending like I didn't care.

I sat in front of the dressing table, my eyes tracing the familiar contours of my face in the mirror, but it was as if I was looking at a stranger. My reflection seemed hollow, like someone drained of life and caught in a maze of emotions I hadn't asked for. My fingers absentmindedly brushed the edges of the table, yet my mind was far away—lost in memories of him.

Jungkook.

I didn't want to admit it, but the truth had slowly sunk in, undeniable and suffocating. I missed him. Every day without his presence had felt heavier than the last. But what was worse—far worse—was the realization that the feelings I had been battling, the ones that had kept me awake at night and haunted me during the day, were not just fleeting emotions. They were real. This was love.

Love for a man I had no right to love.

My breath hitched in my throat as the thought of him with Jasmine twisted like a knife in my chest. He wasn't mine. He never was. He had a fiancée, a future already mapped out with her. How had I been so foolish to forget that? To imagine—no, to let myself hope—that there was something more between us. That maybe, in some way, he could ever feel for me what I had come to feel for him.

The ache in my chest deepened, a heavy, painful weight I couldn't shake. How had I let this happen? How had I allowed my heart to betray me like this? I had tried to push him away, to ignore the growing feelings inside me, but every glance, every moment we spent together had only made it worse. And now, after weeks of silence, all I could do was sit here, alone, and realize how deeply I had fallen for someone who could never be mine.

My gaze fell lower, avoiding my reflection as shame filled me. What kind of person falls for someone who's already promised to someone else? Jungkook wasn't free. He had responsibilities, a kingdom to rule, a fiancée waiting to be by his side. And here I was, the outsider—stupidly hoping for something that was never meant to be.

Loving him wasn't just hopeless. It was wrong.

E N D  O F  Y / N'S  P O V

𓆩♕𓆪

Jungkook rode his horse through the open fields, the wind rushing past him, tousling his dark hair as a faint smile tugged at his lips. The sky above was painted in soft shades of dusk, a mix of fading oranges and purples, but none of it seemed to weigh on his mind. His thoughts were elsewhere, focused on the task ahead, the silent plan he had meticulously set in motion.

The rhythmic sound of his horse's hooves beating against the earth was the only noise filling the otherwise quiet evening. There was something peaceful about the journey, something purposeful.

As the towering silhouette of the castle came into view on the horizon, Jungkook's smile deepened. He had been preparing for this moment for what felt like a lifetime, and now that it was so close, he could almost feel the weight lifting off his chest. This wasn't about war, or power, or kingdom politics—this was something personal. Something he had to do.

His eyes glanced briefly at the skyline, then ahead, back to the path leading him to the castle gates. His heart raced, not with nerves, but with anticipation.

The victory against the Jung dynasty had already spread through the kingdom, and the townspeople had gathered outside the castle walls to celebrate. Flags bearing the emblem of the Jeon Empire fluttered in the breeze, and the glow of lanterns and torches lit the path ahead. From all around, voices cried out in praise of their king, their victorious ruler.

Jungkook's expression remained composed, though there was a flicker of something in his chest—a sense of accomplishment, perhaps. But it wasn't the victory against the Jung dynasty that fueled him. That battle had been a means to an end, a step in the direction he had chosen for reasons he kept close to his heart.

His thoughts were elsewhere—far from the glory of battle and the cheers of the crowd. He had something else on his mind, something far more important than the spoils of war. The true victory was yet to come.

As Jungkook stood before his mother, the warmth of her embrace lingered, wrapping around him like a comforting cloak. In that moment, he felt the weight of their shared history, the countless instances where her unwavering support had anchored him through storms. It was these quiet exchanges that reminded him that beneath the crown and expectations, he was still her son, cherished and understood.

"You did remarkably well," she said, her voice steady yet laced with emotion. "Your victory has reignited hope in our people. They needed this, Jungkook. They needed to see that their king is strong and unwavering." Her eyes glimmered with admiration, a testament to the countless hours she had spent worrying about him, yet believing in his capability to lead.

Jungkook nodded, feeling the gravity of her words. "It was necessary," he replied, trying to keep his tone measured. "The kingdom needed to know that I would do what it takes to protect it." Even as he spoke, he felt a tumult of emotions rising within him, the enormity of his responsibilities bearing down on his shoulders.

"You've proven your worth time and again," she continued, her voice imbued with pride. "Your courage inspires not just your soldiers but also the hearts of the people. They see you not just as a king, but as a beacon of hope. You've rekindled their faith in a brighter future."

Jungkook felt a surge of emotion, the reassurance flowing through him like a lifeline. He took a moment to absorb her wisdom, feeling the strength in her belief. "Thank you, Mother," he finally said, his voice steadier now, a sense of resolve building within him.

He felt a smile tugging at the corners of his lips, the weight of his burdens lightening just a fraction under the glow of her words. "Now go," she urged gently, giving him a soft nudge toward the door. "The people are waiting for you. Show them that their king stands strong, not just in battle but in spirit."

Jungkook took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before turning to his mother, who stood with her hands clasped together, concern etched across her features. "Mother," he said, his voice steady yet filled with urgency, "I truly appreciate your unwavering support during this tumultuous time. But there's something crucial that requires my attention, and I can't linger here any longer."

His mother's expression shifted from worry to understanding, her brow softening slightly. "I understand, Jungkook. You are a man now, with responsibilities that weigh heavily on your shoulders," she replied, her voice warm and comforting. "Just remember that no matter how burdensome it may feel, you don't have to shoulder it all alone. Your family is here to support you, always." The sincerity in her words resonated with him, reminding him of the strong bond they shared, one that could weather even the fiercest storms.

"I will remember that," he assured her, gratitude threading through his tone. "But right now, I need to act swiftly. There are many things at stake that require my immediate attention." With that, he turned toward the exit, his heart racing with a mix of anticipation and anxiety.

Just then, the heavy door swung open, and his father stepped into the room, his presence immediately commanding attention. The king, a figure of authority with a serious demeanor, surveyed the scene with a discerning gaze. Jungkook could feel the weight of his father's scrutiny; he knew how his father had felt about the war against the Jung dynasty.

"Father," Jungkook greeted respectfully, standing tall to meet his father's intense gaze, trying to project confidence despite the swirling emotions within him.

The king studied him, brows slightly furrowed as if weighing his son's decisions against the expectations of a ruler. After a moment, he said, "You really did it, didn't you?"

"Yes, Father," Jungkook replied, steadying his voice, determined not to waver. "I believe it was necessary to take decisive action. Our kingdom needs to know that we are strong and united. We can't allow threats to linger without confronting them."

To Jungkook's surprise, the king's expression softened, revealing a flicker of pride. "I can't say I fully agree with everything about this, but seeing you stand firm in your beliefs makes me proud." The weight of his father's praise was unexpected but welcomed, filling Jungkook with a sense of validation. "You've taken the welfare of the kingdom into your own hands, reminding the people that their king is a leader willing to fight for their safety and prosperity."

Jungkook felt a swell of pride at his father's words, the mixture of admiration and understanding forging a deeper connection between them. "I know this decision is fraught with challenges, but the Jung dynasty poses a real threat to our people. We can't afford to stay passive while our subjects suffer under tyranny."

The king nodded slowly, absorbing his son's fervor. "Your mother has always believed in you. While I may not agree with every choice you make, I can't deny you've acted with purpose. Your strength will resonate with our people, and they'll rally behind you."

"Thank you, Father," Jungkook said, feeling the pressure in his chest ease slightly at the acknowledgment. "I will fulfill my duties with the utmost commitment. I owe it to our kingdom to protect and serve them."

His father stepped closer, placing a reassuring hand on Jungkook's shoulder, a gesture of solidarity and pride. "Just remember, real strength isn't just about fighting. It's about knowing when to stand your ground and when to show mercy. Lead with your heart as much as you wield your sword."

Jungkook nodded, taking his father's words to heart. "I'll do my best, Father. I promise to make choices that reflect not just strength, but compassion, too."

With that, the king stepped back, allowing Jungkook to leave the room, the weight of his father's pride and expectations resting on his shoulders. He felt invigorated, prepared to face the challenges ahead, knowing that his family stood firmly beside him.

With a renewed sense of purpose coursing through him, Jungkook stepped out of his room, his mind fixated on one destination: Y/N. The weight of the recent battles and decisions seemed to fade as he thought of her, an anchor amidst the chaos surrounding him. The victory over the Jung dynasty had been significant, yet all he could truly think about was her. Each stride he took felt lighter, imbued with the hope that perhaps they could finally bridge the distance that had grown between them.

He hurried down the dimly lit corridors of the castle, the sound of his footsteps echoing off the stone walls. Flickering torches cast dancing shadows, creating an almost ethereal atmosphere as he passed servants and guards who recognized their king's determined stride. They exchanged curious glances, sensing the shift in his demeanor; a man once burdened by the weight of expectation was now invigorated by a single thought: Y/N.

Spotting a maid passing by, he called out with authority, "You there!" The urgency in his tone was unmistakable, as if the very mention of her name could summon her to his side. The maid paused, her eyes widening slightly at his commanding presence, caught off guard by the intensity with which he approached her.

"Yes, Your Majesty?" she responded quickly, instinctively straightening her posture, fully aware of the gravity of the moment.

"Where is Y/N?" he inquired, urgency lacing his voice. The question rolled off his tongue like a prayer, a desperate plea wrapped in royal authority. He felt a surge of anticipation, hoping for the answer he longed to hear.

"She's in her room, my lord. I saw her there not long ago," the maid replied, her demeanor shifting to one of utmost respect. Jungkook could sense the weight of her words, the potential for connection hanging in the air like the scent of blooming roses. His heart raced at the thought of finally confronting her, the space between them aching to be bridged once more.

With that, Jungkook made his way towards her room. The corridor stretched before him, each step echoing with an urgency that felt almost palpable. It wasn't far, but with every stride, it felt like an eternity to reach her door. His heart raced, anticipation coiling tightly in his chest, urging him onward as if time itself were conspiring against him.

Standing before her door, Jungkook raised his hand and knocked softly, the sound barely reverberating in the silence that surrounded him. "Y/N?" he called, his voice low and gentle, hoping to coax her out from whatever space she had retreated into. When no answer came, a flicker of concern sparked within him. Taking a deep breath, he pushed the door open gently, the creak of the hinges echoing in the stillness as he stepped inside.