Jungkook led Y/N into the dimly lit weapon room, his hand gently guiding her through the arched doorway. The atmosphere felt different here, as though centuries of battles and decisions lingered in the air, carried by the gleam of sharp blades and polished hilts. The walls were lined with swords, daggers, and spears of various sizes, each one meticulously placed and cared for. The soft glow of the torches made the steel shimmer like liquid silver, casting intricate shadows around the room.

“This is where I keep them,” Jungkook said quietly, his voice steady but with a hint of pride. He moved to one of the larger displays, where an ornately designed sword rested against a stand. He ran his fingers lightly over the hilt. “Every weapon here has a history. Some were passed down, others… earned.”

Y/N’s gaze wandered over the room, taking in the sheer number of weapons. They weren’t just tools of war; they were a testament to centuries of reign and the battles fought to protect the empire. Her fingers brushed against the smooth surface of a dagger’s handle, cool to the touch and surprisingly heavy. She looked at Jungkook with a raised brow, an unspoken question forming on her lips.

He noticed her curiosity and stepped closer, taking the dagger gently from her hand. “This one,” he began, “belonged to my great-grandfather. He used it during one of the bloodiest battles in our history.” He held it up to the torchlight, letting the light dance across its surface. “It’s not the largest weapon, but it’s precise. Lethal in the right hands.”

Y/N looked at the dagger in awe. The craftsmanship was incredible, intricate designs etched into the blade, telling stories that had long been forgotten by time. She could imagine what it must have been like, her mind painting pictures of warriors and kings on the battlefield.

Jungkook’s eyes softened as he watched her admiration. “You don’t have to be afraid of them,” he murmured, moving behind her, his chest brushing against her back as he guided her hand to hold the dagger again. “Each of them has a story, but they only hold the power we give them.”

Y/N smiled, feeling the weight of the dagger once more, but this time with his hand guiding hers, it didn’t feel as foreign. She could feel his warmth radiating through her, a stark contrast to the cold steel in her hand. His presence behind her was steady, comforting.

He gently placed the dagger back on its stand and turned her to face him. His eyes were darker in the flickering light, focused entirely on her as though she were the only thing in the room that mattered. "Do you want to see more?" he asked, his voice low and inviting.

Y/N nodded, entranced not only by the weapons but by the way he spoke about them, the way he handled them as if they were part of him. Jungkook led her to another section of the room, where larger swords were displayed, each one more intricate than the last.

“This,” he said, picking up a large sword with ease, “was the sword of the first king in my bloodline. It’s been passed down from generation to generation.” He held it out to her, the sheer size of it making her eyes widen. “Go on, try holding it.”

Y/N hesitated, but with his encouraging nod, she wrapped both hands around the hilt. It was heavy, far heavier than she had anticipated, and she almost stumbled under its weight. Jungkook chuckled softly, stepping closer to steady her hands on the sword.

“It’s not easy, is it?” he said with a smile. “But with time and practice, even something this heavy becomes like an extension of yourself.”

As she held the sword, she couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of history, of responsibility. Jungkook’s family had wielded these weapons, fought battles, made sacrifices. It was more than just a collection—it was a legacy.

He gently took the sword from her and set it back in its place before turning to face her again, his eyes locking with hers. “I wanted you to see this part of my life,” he said quietly. “Because it’s important to me. And you… you’re important to me.”

The weight of his words, like the weapons around them, settled between them, but it wasn’t heavy. It was grounding.

Jungkook's words hung in the air, the sincerity in his voice making Y/N’s heart skip a beat. His eyes softened as they searched hers, and the atmosphere between them felt even more intimate in the dimly lit room, surrounded by centuries of history and the silent weight of the weapons.

Y/N took a deep breath, feeling the gravity of the moment, realizing that he wasn’t just showing her a part of his past—he was inviting her into his world, into his legacy. She stepped closer, her fingers brushing lightly against his arm. "It’s overwhelming," she whispered, her voice steady but filled with emotion. "I mean, this room, these weapons... the history behind it all."

Jungkook’s gaze never left hers as he nodded, his lips curving into a small smile. "It is. But it’s also part of who I am. I wanted you to know me... fully."

He took her hand in his, guiding it to one of the smaller swords hanging on the wall. "This one," he began, his voice barely above a murmur, "was the first sword I ever trained with. I was barely old enough to lift it properly, but my father believed that if I were to become a true king, I needed to learn discipline and control."

Y/N ran her fingers along the hilt, feeling the smoothness of the worn leather. She could almost picture a younger Jungkook, determined and strong, wielding this sword for the first time. Her heart swelled with a mixture of pride and awe, knowing how far he had come.

As she stood there, lost in thought, Jungkook’s fingers intertwined with hers, pulling her attention back to him. He looked at her with such intensity that it sent a shiver down her spine. "But none of this," he gestured to the room, the swords, the history, "means anything if I don’t have you by my side."

Y/N’s breath caught in her throat as the weight of his words sank in. There was a vulnerability in his eyes, something raw and real that she hadn’t seen before. It wasn’t just about his past, or his legacy—it was about his future, the future he saw with her.

"Jungkook…" Y/N whispered, her voice trembling slightly.

He cupped her face in his hands, his thumb gently tracing her cheek as he leaned closer. "I mean it," he said, his voice hushed but firm. "I want you, Y/N. Not just for tonight, or for tomorrow, but for every day after that. I want to build a life with you."

Y/N felt her heart race, her emotions swirling inside her like a storm. The intensity in his eyes, the way he spoke with such conviction—it made her feel like the only person in the world. She leaned into his touch, her hands resting against his chest as she looked up at him. "I’ve never wanted anything more," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Jungkook smiled softly, his forehead resting against hers as they stood in the stillness of the weapon room. The history and weight of his past surrounded them, but in that moment, it all faded away. All that mattered was the two of them—together, here, now.

He pulled her closer, his arms wrapping around her waist as he held her tightly. The warmth of his body against hers was comforting, grounding, and Y/N felt a sense of peace wash over her. She closed her eyes, resting her head against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart.

For a moment, they stood there in silence, wrapped in each other’s embrace. The flickering torches cast soft shadows on the walls, and the ancient weapons stood as silent witnesses to their moment. Y/N could feel the love radiating from Jungkook, the unspoken promises in his touch, the future they were both ready to embrace.

After a while, Jungkook pulled back slightly, his eyes searching hers once more. "There’s one more thing I want to show you," he said, his voice soft but filled with purpose.

He led her to a corner of the room where a small, unassuming box sat on a wooden table. Y/N watched as he carefully opened it, revealing a delicate, intricately designed necklace. The pendant was shaped like a small sword, its blade encrusted with tiny gems that sparkled in the torchlight.

"This," Jungkook said, lifting the necklace carefully, "was my mother’s. She wore it every day, a symbol of strength and protection. She gave it to me before she passed, and I’ve kept it close ever since."

Y/N’s eyes welled with emotion as she looked at the necklace, the weight of its significance pressing down on her. Jungkook gently fastened it around her neck, his fingers lingering on her skin as he did so. "I want you to have it," he whispered, his voice barely above a breath. "To keep it with you. As a reminder that no matter what happens, you are my strength."

Y/N’s heart swelled with emotion as she touched the pendant, her fingers trembling slightly. She looked up at Jungkook, her eyes brimming with tears. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I’ll cherish it always."

Jungkook smiled, his eyes soft and full of love. He leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead before pulling her into his arms once more. "I love you, Y/N," he whispered against her hair. "More than you’ll ever know."

Y/N felt the weight of Jungkook's love surrounding her as he held her close, the warmth of his embrace offering a sense of security she had never known before. She smiled softly, running her fingers across the pendant that now rested on her chest, feeling its cool surface against her skin. The significance of the moment overwhelmed her, but amidst the depth of emotion, another thought surfaced—something lighter, something playful.

“Jungkook,” she murmured, pulling back slightly to look into his eyes. Her voice held a softness, a hint of playfulness. “Can I ask you something?”

He tilted his head, his expression curious as he watched her. “Of course,” he replied, brushing a loose strand of hair away from her face. “Anything.”

A small smile crept onto Y/N’s lips, and she glanced around the room once more, taking in the ancient weapons that lined the walls. “Do you mind if I… click a picture? Of these?” She motioned to the swords and shields around them, then her gaze flickered back to him, mischief glinting in her eyes. “And maybe one of you too?”

Jungkook’s lips curved into an amused smile, his expression softening at her request. He chuckled quietly, a sound that sent warmth radiating through Y/N’s chest. “You want to take pictures of weapons… and me?” He teased, though there was no judgment in his voice—just affection.

Y/N nodded, laughing gently. “Well, you’re a part of history, too, you know,” she said, her voice light. “And I can’t miss the opportunity to capture this moment.”

He smiled, his eyes filled with warmth as he stepped back slightly, gesturing towards the weapons with an exaggerated flourish. “Permission granted,” he said with a mock-serious tone, causing both of them to chuckle.

Y/N grinned, quickly reaching for her DSLR camera that hung from her shoulder. She adjusted the lens, focusing first on the intricately crafted swords and shields, clicking away as the shutter of her camera captured the room's history, preserving it in still images. The sound of the camera echoed softly in the quiet space, mixing with their shared laughter.

After snapping a few shots of the weapons, Y/N turned her attention back to Jungkook. She tilted her head, lining him up in the viewfinder, and smiled to herself at how naturally he fit into the ancient room, as if he belonged to both the past and present.

"Alright, now you," she said playfully, her finger hovering over the shutter button.

Jungkook leaned against the wall, crossing his arms over his chest, an amused glint in his eyes. He was relaxed, comfortable, and the way he looked at Y/N sent a soft flutter through her heart. She snapped the picture, capturing the king of her heart in a moment of stillness and quiet strength.

“That one’s going to be my favorite,” Y/N said with a small laugh, lowering her camera.

Jungkook raised an eyebrow, chuckling as he pushed himself off the wall and took a few steps closer to her. “Oh, is it now?” he asked, amusement lacing his tone. “And why’s that?”

Y/N looked up at him, her eyes sparkling with affection as she met his gaze. “Because,” she said softly, her voice carrying a playful lilt, “It’s the one where you look like a king… but also the man I love.”

Jungkook’s smile softened, and without another word, he reached out, gently pulling her into his arms once more. His fingers traced along her spine as he pressed a tender kiss to her forehead. “You have no idea how much you mean to me,” he whispered against her skin, his voice filled with a quiet intensity.

Y/N leaned into his embrace, her camera still clutched in her hand as she smiled against his chest. "Maybe one day," she whispered back, her voice full of warmth. "But for now, this is more than enough."

They stood there, in the dimly lit weapon room, surrounded by history and the quiet hum of the present. The future was theirs to create, but in that moment, time seemed to stand still, with only the two of them wrapped in each other's arms, perfectly content in the shared silence.

Jungkook’s lips curled into a soft smile as he brushed a strand of hair away from Y/N’s face, his fingers lingering on her skin. The quiet intimacy between them had become second nature over the past months, and yet, there were moments when his admiration for her struck him with renewed intensity.

"Can I paint you again?" he asked softly, his voice carrying a familiar tenderness, as though the request was a gentle secret shared only between them.

Y/N’s laugh was light and filled with affection as she tilted her head to meet his gaze. "Will you ever get tired of painting me?" she teased, her eyes sparkling. “It’s been a month since you first painted me, and I’ve already lost count of how many times you’ve done it since.”

Jungkook chuckled, his hand resting on her waist as he gazed at her with unwavering devotion. “I don’t think I could ever get tired of it,” he said, his tone sincere. “Each time, there’s something new to capture—something I didn’t see before.”

She shook her head playfully, her smile growing. “You’ve already painted me so many times, Jungkook. I’m starting to feel like one of those portraits hanging in the castle.”

He laughed at that, the sound deep and warm. “Maybe, but none of those portraits compare to you,” he said, his eyes never leaving hers. “Besides, I don’t paint just because of how you look. It’s the way you make me feel when I’m with you… it’s like I need to immortalize that somehow.”

Y/N felt her heart flutter at his words, the weight of his affection settling over her like a comforting embrace. She loved the way he saw her, not just as a muse, but as someone he cherished deeply.

With a soft sigh, she leaned her head against his chest, her arms wrapping around his waist. “Fine,” she murmured, “I guess I can sit for you one more time. But if I do, you’ll owe me.”

Jungkook raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “Oh? And what exactly do I owe you?”

She looked up at him, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “I’ll think of something,” she said with a wink.

He chuckled once more, his heart swelling with adoration for her. “Whatever it is, I’ll gladly give it to you,” he whispered before pressing a kiss to her forehead. “But first, let me paint you, just one more time.”

-

Y/N smiled as she nodded, feeling the familiar warmth of his love wash over her. She knew that, for as many times as he painted her, each one held a piece of their journey together, a story told through brushstrokes and colors. It wasn’t just about capturing her likeness—it was about the way he saw her, the way he loved her. And in that, she found herself falling for him all over again.

The air in the white rose garden was crisp, carrying the delicate scent of the flowers that surrounded them. Y/N sat gracefully on a stone bench in the middle of the garden, her red gown striking a sharp contrast against the sea of pale roses that bloomed around her. The vibrant hue of her dress reflected the warmth of the setting sun, casting a soft glow over her skin as the light filtered through the garden.

Jungkook stood a few feet away, his easel set up with the canvas stretched tight, his eyes flicking between her and the painting. His brush moved fluidly, tracing the lines of her figure with precision and care. The silence between them was comfortable, broken only by the occasional rustle of the leaves or the quiet swish of his brush against the canvas.

Y/N’s posture was poised yet relaxed as she let her gaze drift across the garden, allowing him to work without distraction. Her fingers lightly brushed the soft fabric of her gown, feeling the delicate silk under her touch as she sat in the stillness of the moment. Every now and then, her eyes would meet Jungkook’s as he glanced up, his expression one of quiet focus, his love for her evident in every stroke he made.

The red of her dress stood out like a single flame amidst a field of white, and the way Jungkook captured the contrast on his canvas was mesmerizing. He seemed completely absorbed, as though nothing else in the world mattered but this moment, this vision of her.

Jungkook paused for a moment, stepping back slightly to take in his work, his dark eyes flickering with satisfaction as he saw how the painting was coming together. His gaze returned to Y/N, lingering on her for a second longer than before, as if he were memorizing every detail.

Y/N shifted slightly on the bench, her soft smile never leaving her lips as she watched him work. The serenity of the garden, the muted colors of the setting sun, and the soft, rhythmic sound of Jungkook’s brush made the entire scene feel timeless, as though they existed in their own quiet world—just the two of them, surrounded by white roses and the glow of dusk.

As Jungkook painted, his eyes would dart back and forth between Y/N and the canvas, his brush moving almost instinctively. His concentration seemed unbreakable until, after a long pause, he spoke. His voice was soft, almost reverent, as he admired the vision before him.

"You," he began, his tone filled with something indescribable, "you look like a flame in the middle of a winter's first snow. That red gown of yours, it burns so vividly against the purity of these white roses, as if the roses themselves were planted only to frame you. To cradle your presence."

He paused again, his brush lingering just above the canvas, then he continued, his words weaving around her like poetry. "There’s something about how the roses bend in the breeze, as if they lean toward you, captivated by your warmth. And yet, you’re untouched—untouchable—like a queen among them. The contrast of red and white is more than colors; it’s life and purity, passion and peace. You... are both at once."

His words hung in the air, as if they were part of the painting itself, swirling in the quiet space between them. Y/N's eyes softened as she listened, her heart catching every syllable. She felt the depth of his admiration, how he saw her not just as a figure in front of him but as a muse, someone who stirred both his art and his soul.

Jungkook stepped closer to the canvas, adding delicate strokes to her figure. "I’ve painted so many scenes of you, and yet, each time it feels like I’m capturing something new—something hidden until this very moment. Today, here, you are a vision of love’s intensity, as if this garden exists only for you, to mirror the fire and grace in you."

Y/N's lips curved into a soft smile, her heart swelling with affection as his poetic musings wrapped around her like a tender embrace. She glanced around the garden, taking in the scene through his eyes—the way her red gown stood in stark contrast against the pale roses, how the world around her seemed to pale in comparison.

His words were more than just compliments—they were his way of telling her how he saw her, how deeply she affected him, and how he loved her, not just for her beauty, but for how she illuminated the world around her.

Jungkook finally lifted his brush one last time, finishing a stroke before turning his eyes to meet hers. In the golden light of the evening, his expression was filled with awe, as if he were the one lucky enough to witness the most beautiful painting life had ever created.

Jungkook’s brush had just left the canvas when the sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the garden. Y/N glanced over her shoulder, her brow furrowing as she caught sight of Chin Hae running toward them, his voice strained as he called out Jungkook’s name.

"Your Majesty!" Chin Hae's voice was breathless, his usual composed demeanor replaced with an urgency that instantly put both Jungkook and Y/N on edge. Jungkook frowned, lowering the brush, and Y/N shifted in her seat, the peaceful atmosphere in the garden now charged with tension.

Chin Hae reached them, panting heavily as he bent over, hands on his knees, struggling to catch his breath. Sweat glistened on his forehead, and it was clear from his disheveled state that he had been running for quite some time. Jungkook’s eyes narrowed with concern as he rose from his stool, stepping closer to Chin Hae.

“What happened?” Jungkook asked, his voice steady but laced with genuine concern. “Why are you in such a rush? Is everything alright?”

Chin Hae took a few deep breaths, finally straightening himself, though the urgency in his eyes had not faded. "Your Majesty," he began, his words coming out between gulps of air, “I’ve been searching for you for hours. No one knew where you were, until... someone told me you might be in the garden of white roses."

Jungkook exchanged a quick, worried glance with Y/N before returning his focus to Chin Hae, who still looked as though he was trying to piece together his words. "What’s going on?" Jungkook asked again, his voice firm but kind.

Chin Hae swallowed hard, his eyes wide as he delivered the words that made the air around them grow even thicker with tension.

“They finally did it.”

-

Y/N’s expression faltered as she looked between Jungkook and Chin Hae. The sudden shift in their mood was unmistakable. "What happened?" Her voice held a thread of urgency now, a tension creeping into her tone.

Chin Hae, still catching his breath, spoke with a grim determination. "Lee Kyung-sik. He made his move. We’ve been tracking him for months, but today, he launched an attack. We held him off, but it’s clear... they’re preparing for something bigger."

Jungkook’s gaze darkened, his lips pressing into a thin line. The calm composure he wore most of the time seemed to crack, just a little, under the weight of the news. "Did anyone...?"

"No casualties," Chin Hae assured, though his face remained serious. "But this is just the beginning. We need to prepare. He won’t stop until he has what he wants."

Jungkook’s eyes never left Chin Hae as he processed the information. "Then we fight. Gather the men. We’ll leave at once."

Y/N, still standing, felt the gravity of the situation weighing down on her chest. "Jungkook, are you—"

He turned to her then, cutting off her question with the weight of his silence. His look was fierce, but there was an undercurrent of something softer—something that only she could see. "Stay close to the castle. It’s not safe out there."

His words were firm, but there was no mistaking the concern in his voice. She could feel it in the way his fingers lingered at her wrist before he stepped away. This battle would be different. They all knew it.

-

Y/N’s heart ached as the reality of the situation set in. The white roses, usually so full of serenity and beauty, now felt like a cruel reminder of the life she was afraid to lose. The peaceful moments they had shared in these gardens, the quiet, tender touches, and the gentle laughter seemed so distant now, as if they were part of a dream that was slipping away from her grasp. As Jungkook stood before her, preparing himself for the battle ahead, a deep, heavy sense of dread settled in her chest. She knew how wars went—how they could rip apart families, kingdoms, and even the strongest men. She couldn’t bear the thought of him walking into danger.

“Jungkook,” she whispered his name, barely able to hold back the tremble in her voice. She stepped forward, her body feeling heavy, weighed down by the crushing fear. “Don’t go. Please, don’t go.”

He turned to face her, his expression softening as he heard the desperation in her voice. He could see the pain in her eyes, the unshed tears threatening to spill. He took a step towards her, but her hand shot out, grasping his arm, her fingers trembling. “Y/N,” he began, his voice low and gentle. “I have to protect the kingdom, protect you. This is my responsibility.”

She shook her head, her hands shaking as they gripped his sleeve. “But I don’t want you to go. I know it’s dangerous. You could get hurt... you could die,” her voice cracked, her words choking on a sob. The thought of losing him, of never seeing him again, made her chest tighten as if something inside was being crushed. The safety of their life together, their shared moments of peace, their love, suddenly felt so fragile, as though it could be shattered at any second.

Jungkook’s heart clenched, the weight of her words sinking into him. He knew she was scared. He was too. But he couldn’t let her see that, couldn’t let her feel how torn he was between his duty and the woman he loved. He gently cupped her face, his thumb brushing away a tear that had escaped. “I’ll come back, Y/N,” he said, his voice low but firm. “I promise. I can’t stand the thought of leaving you either, but I have to do this. For you... for all of us.”

Her sobs grew louder, her voice breaking as she clung to him. “I can’t... I can’t lose you,” she whispered, her words so raw and full of fear. Her hands were trembling as she held him, as if she could somehow stop him from leaving if she held on tightly enough. Her breath hitched, and her tears soaked the fabric of his tunic.

Jungkook pressed his forehead to hers, closing his eyes as he held her close. She could feel the rapid beat of his heart beneath her hands, matching her own. His grip tightened around her, as if he, too, was trying to stave off the inevitable. “I know,” he whispered. “But I swear, Y/N, I’ll come back to you. I won’t let anything happen to me. I won’t leave you alone.”

She swallowed, her chest heaving as she pulled back just slightly to look at him. Her eyes were puffy and red from crying, her expression filled with a mixture of fear and sorrow. “I don’t care about the kingdom, or about your duties,” she said, her voice cracking. “I care about you. And I don’t want to live in a world without you.”

Jungkook closed his eyes, a deep sigh escaping his lips as the weight of her words sank in. For the first time, he found himself questioning everything. He had always been so certain, so focused on his role as a king, but in this moment, standing before the woman he loved, he could feel the cracks in his resolve. He wanted to be there for her, to hold her and protect her, not just as a king, but as the man who loved her deeply.

“I have to go,” he said softly, though his voice wavered. “But I promise I’ll come back. And when I do... when this is all over... we’ll be together. I won’t let anything take us apart.”

Y/N’s tears flowed freely now, her face buried in his chest as she clung to him tightly. “Please, don’t go,” she whispered against him. “Don’t leave me.”

Jungkook’s chest ached as he held her, feeling her pain, her fear. He didn’t have the right words to make it all better, but he held her close, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. “I love you,” he said softly, his voice shaking with the weight of his own emotions. “I need you to believe that. I’ll come back. I’ll always come back to you.”

And in that moment, as Y/N’s sobs quieted and she pressed her head against his chest, the world outside felt distant, as if it had fallen away, leaving just the two of them. But even as they stood there, holding each other, the looming threat of war was never far from their minds.

Y/N pulled away from Jungkook's embrace, her hands trembling slightly as she ran them through her hair, feeling the soft strands brush against her fingertips. She exhaled deeply, trying to steady herself, but the weight of the impending separation was pressing down on her heart. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she stared at him, not wanting to let him go, not yet.

Without a word, she untied the red ribbon that had been securing her hair, her fingers moving with practiced ease. The silk ribbon had always been a small, simple thing, but to her, it held meaning—a symbol of connection, of protection. She looked up at him, her gaze intense and unwavering, and before he could speak, she took his wrist and carefully tied the ribbon around it.

"This is for good luck," she said softly, her voice breaking with the weight of her emotions. "When you're out there… when you're fighting, take this with you. Let it remind you that you have something to come back to."

Her hands lingered on his wrist for a moment before she slowly pulled away, feeling the last threads of their connection slip away, if only for a short time. She bit her lip, trying to keep her emotions in check, but it was hard when the thought of him leaving gnawed at her.

Y/N looked up at him, her voice barely above a whisper but filled with the weight of everything she was feeling. "Please, come back to me."

Jungkook watched her, his heart tightening as he took in her trembling hands and the pleading look in her eyes. He didn’t have the words to comfort her—not when he, too, was filled with a storm of emotions. But he knew one thing. That red ribbon, now tied around his wrist, was more than just a piece of cloth. It was a promise—one he would carry with him into every battle, a tangible reminder of the woman waiting for his return.

He nodded solemnly, his lips pressing into a tight line. "I will," he said, his voice hoarse, filled with the same raw intensity that coursed through his veins.

As he held her gaze, he felt something shift within him. He wasn’t just fighting for victory or glory—he was fighting for her, for the life they were building together. And with that ribbon around his wrist, he would carry a piece of her with him into every battle.

The air between them felt thick with the weight of unspoken words, the tension heavy in the space around them. Jungkook’s hand was still wrapped around her wrist, the red ribbon tied there serving as a promise, a lifeline that connected them, even in the midst of the looming danger.

Without another word, he pulled her close once more, his eyes locked onto hers. She met his gaze, her heart racing, knowing that this could be the last moment they had together before the war would take him away. He leaned in, his lips capturing hers in a desperate kiss—one that was both a goodbye and a promise.

The kiss was soft, but laden with every word they had left unspoken. It was filled with longing, with a fierce sense of wanting to hold on just a little bit longer. Time seemed to still around them as they melted into each other, the world fading away. It was the kind of kiss that said everything: I’ll come back for you; I’m sorry; I love you more than you know.

When they pulled away, their breaths shallow, both of them seemed reluctant to let go of the moment. Jungkook’s fingers brushed her cheek, wiping away the tears that had started to fall from Y/N’s eyes. She pressed her face into his palm, her own hands gripping the fabric of his tunic, feeling the warmth of him seep through.

"I’ll be back," he murmured, his voice rough, yet full of conviction. "I promise."

Her lips trembled, and she nodded, unable to find the words to respond. Instead, she tightened her hold on him, unwilling to let him go.

Jungkook stepped back then, turning to Chin Hae who had been waiting quietly a few paces away, his expression solemn. "Take her back to the castle," he ordered, his voice low, almost strained. “Make sure she’s safe."

Chin Hae bowed his head in acknowledgment, his own eyes filled with the understanding of how difficult this moment was for them both.

"I’ll take care of her," Chin Hae promised, stepping forward as Y/N's face fell into a mix of apprehension and helplessness. He moved to gently guide her away, but not before she gave Jungkook one last, lingering look.

Jungkook watched her with a tight chest, his own heart beating painfully in his chest as she began to walk away. But the pain in his chest wasn’t just from the thought of her leaving—it was the gnawing uncertainty of the battles ahead, and the fear of not being able to keep the promise he made.

As Chin Hae led her back toward the castle, Jungkook’s eyes remained locked on Y/N’s retreating figure until they disappeared from view, knowing that this was the hardest part of all. Turning back to face the path that would lead him to war, he drew in a sharp breath. He had to be strong—he had to make it back to her.

For her.

And for them.