Nobody was able to sleep after that whole emotional catastrophe. Not you, not Taehyung, and not Seung-Cheol.
Probably not Jimin either because that man somehow sensed emotional disasters from three kingdoms away.
The next morning, the palace was quiet. Perhaps too quiet, the dangerous kind. The kind that happened before disasters.
You decided to hide in your room away from the others. You didn’t want to run into either men that know your secret and also who you confessed to. Was it bad of you to confess to both of them at the same time?
You hiding happened for about seven minutes before Jimin came bursting open your doors.
“GOOD MORNING!”
A pillow flew at him as you screamed into your bed, yelling at him to get out.
“GO AWAY!”
“NO!”
Jimin marched dramatically, “I HAVE CONCERNS.”
“NO!”
he pauses for a moment, “I have gossip.”
You immediately sit up, “…Continue.”
Jimin pointed at you aggressively, “I KNEW IT!”
“DAMMIT YOU TRAITOR!”
He laughs and sits next to you on the bed. Jimin knows it’s improper for a man and woman to be in a bedroom alone if they aren’t married. However, he didn’t care.
His eyes scan your face, and he immediately felt his heart racing. Oh how he hates this so much. No woman has ever made him this nervous it was usually the other way around.
Jimin wanted to leave these feelings behind him because Taehyung was his friend. They grew up together and he was one Jimin allowed to know the true him.
However, he couldn’t help but be drawn to you.
“Hello? Are you good?” you waved your hand in front of him.
He snaps out of his thoughts and finally looks at you, his attention on you.
“Sorry, I was distracted.” he admits.
A grin spreads across your face, “Jimin thinking? Possibly about what?”
He stays silent for a moment before deciding to answer, “About you.”
Jimin licks his lips and continues, “Growing up, I was taught that emotions get in the way of everything. That they were tacky and should be suppressed. So naturally, I viewed everyone I came across as nothing. Every women that I messed with were nothing to me.”
A pause was held for a moment and you felt your heart racing.
“But for some reason, you’re different. I came to care about you, and I hated seeing you cry. I loved seeing you laugh and get frustrated with my remarks. I think…. I like you.”
You remain silent for a little. Last night was enough emotions as it was, and now Jimin was adding it on.
“I already knew that.” you roll your eyes playfully.
He laughs and nudges your arm, telling you to be quiet.
“I need you to know this Jimin,” you say, “My emotions are a bit high right now. Everything is too much and I’m just… afraid.”
Jimin raisss an eyebrow, “Afraid? Of what?”
You sigh, “I don’t know how to say this and you might think I’m crazy and take back those words, or you might think I’m lying and hate me.”
“I won’t think that.”
A dramatic pause for effect and then you continued, “Last night when I was talking to Seung-Cheol and Taehyung, I told them something while confessing to the both of them.”
He gasp and his eyes grow wide, “YOU CONFESSED TO THE BOTH OF THEM AT THE SAME TIME?!”
You hit his arm harshly, shushing him and giving him harsh glares.
“That’s not the point let me finish!” You yell frustratedly.
“Ok, continue.”
“Jimin, I’m not even from this world. I don’t belong here, I’m not even meant to be in this world.”
His face held confusion but he allowed you to continue.
“I remember reading a book, throwing it out of anger. The next day I was transported in this world as Lady Lim.”
Jimin’s face pales a bit, “W-what are you trying to say?”
“I am from a world far into the future. Everything here doesn’t exist anymore back in my time. We have cars, phones, TVs and much more.”
He places his two pointer fingers on his lips, deep in thought at your sudden confession.
“So, you aren’t from this world?” He whispers and you nod your head, “So, Lady Lim died?”
You nod your head again, “I remember before I got transported here, she visited me in a dream. She begged for me to deliver her justice and sent me here, away from my family.”
“Is that why you acted so different from the Lady Lim before?”
“Yep,” you say, “However, I don’t think she was evil.”
Your mind goes to the book. Recalling the moments of Lady Lim’s horrible times of bullying Meo-Soon and being possessive over the guys.
“I mean, I think her surroundings changed her. You guys are fake characters in the story, it explains everyone’s past and how their actions caused the plot to move. She was kind before, always hoping for the best and loving everything. But, the way everyone treated her made her change.”
Jimin let out a sad sigh as he started to recall all the things. How the guys would talk badly about her, try and avoid her and even be sarcastic with her. He never realized how hurtful that could be.
“I’m not excusing everything that she said to Meo-Soon, but I believe there is more to the story when it comes to her and I’m trying to figure it out, but it’s just too hard.”
He hums in thought before speaking, “I see what you mean. I can’t pinpoint a time where I noticed something strange, but there have been times I’ve seen Meo-Soons attitude switch up when I would enter the room.”
You agreed with him because there was something wrong about Meo-Soon. Not that it was jealousy, but it was the fact that Lim was painted at the villain, but there is something lying beneath Meo-Soon that just chills you.
“Wait,” he says, “Is that how you were able to prevent my death? How you knew about the set up and everything?”
“Yeah.”
He takes in a deep breath and slowly exhales it, as thoughts swirled his mind of everything. You from a different world, Meo-Soon not being who she says she is. It was a lot.
“And we are book characters?”
You awkwardly laugh, “Yeaahhhh, you guys are.”
“So you’ve seen the future of everything?”
“Yes.”
He hums in thought for a moment. “Wow, this is… a lot. I never expected that to come out of your mouth.”
A laugh escapes your lips once more, “Yeah, I knew it would be too hard to believe. But Jimin, I can’t sit here and say that I don’t have feelings for you.”
“Ever since you consoled me in the gardens after Taehyung berated me, I always kept thinking back to that time and it’s something I can’t fake it. But it’s unfair to you.” you whisper, touching his face softly, “There are two others yet, it feels like i’m playing each and every one of you. I don’t want you to question your worth or anything.”
He smiles cheekily and places his hand onto of yours that was grazing his face. “Yeah, that’s not something I think. If anything, it’s going to make me fight more.”
You laugh and stand up from the bed, “I am going to tell the rest of the guys about who I really am. There is much more, but Seung-Cheol also said to wait until everyone was present.”
Jimin laughs and stands up as well. He felt much lighter now hearing that you held feelings for him and that maybe his efforts weren’t wasted.
He left soon after that, and you decided to just sit in your room in deep thought. You didn’t know how the rest of the guys were going to take it, and that more than anything scared you.
As your eyes were wandering around the room, you noticed one of the dressers drawers that was slightly ajar. Weird, you don’t ever recall leaving it open.
You stood up and walked toward it. As you opened it, you noticed a very worn down paper that was folded in half. It was stuffed in the corner, as if hiding from the eyes of the people.
It made you a little uneasy, you don’t remember ever seeing this paper in the drawer. You looked through all of these, how did a paper suddenly appear?
But then you realized that you did come across a necklace of your real mother in the garden, which still has you wondering how it even ended up here.
You picked up the letter and unfolded it. There were many words written and as you continued to read, your whole body shook with anger and sadness. Every word felt like a jab, like a knife twisting in your stomach.
Stuffing the letter in your bra, you immediately paced the room. Could the old Lady Lim have left it for you to find? It was her hand writing, in fact her name was signed on the bottom!
You knew you had to show the others, now or never.
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Later that evening, a meeting was called. Namjoon, Jin, Yoongi, Hobi, Jungkook, Taehyung, Jimin, Seung-Cheol, and you.
They rather keep it private as of right now, so Taehyung only brought them in. Everyone sat around the table, looking at you and waiting for anything to be said.
You just sat at the head of the table, biting the bottom of your lip as your hands squeezed together. Your breathing was uneven as you tried your best to calm your nerves. Seung-Cheol, Taehyung, and Jimin took it well, but that’s not to say the rest of the guys will.
“So, what did you want to tell us?” Jin asked as he leaned forward. His brown eyes bore into yours and it made you even more nervous.
Taking in a deep breath, you spoke, “I have something to tell you guys and you might not believe me or might think I’m crazy.”
Hobi gasped dramatically as did Jungkook. That almost made you chuckle, but the pressure you’re facing was too much to allow any laughter from you.
Everyone still remained silent so you could continue. So you did. You told them everything - how you’re not from this world, how you’re a 21 year old college student in debt, how Lady Lim met you in your dreams and transported you here. Every little bit.
After you were finished, the guys who didn’t know just froze in their spots as your words settled in the air. Out of all the things said, they didn’t expect you to even say that.
You saw Yoongi sit back with a long sigh, “Well, that answers everything.”
Your eyebrow rose, “You’re not gonna question me further?”
He snorts at that, “Probably about future events, but what you just said makes perfect sense. I’ve always had a feeling ever since I first met you that something was different. You predicting Jimin’s death confirmed that for me.”
Yeah, that should’ve been obvious from the start you thought. Honestly, if the war wasn’t getting closer each day, you wouldn’t have said a thing and instead would’ve kept quiet about everything.
But everyone in this room? You were starting to care for them.
“So, Lady Lim is actually dead?” Jungkook asked, eyes wide in disbelief.
You nodded your head, “Yes. She was accused of betraying her country and was tried two days after the war ended, then killed.”
Silence hung in the air for a moment before Hobi spoke up, “Who killed her?”
Your throat started to feel sore and tight. The memory of her death and the guilt in the present Taehyung’s eyes made you feel sad. No one in this room deserved what they were handed.
“Taehyung killed her.”
Everyone looked to the prince who just looked at his hands in shame. Even though the event hasn’t happened yet, he still has anger and remorse for his actions. In actuality, it did happen, and he was foolish to even allow that to occur. He was a coward to kill her.
“Who else dies?” Namjoon questions.
“Seung-Cheol, Jimin, and Lady Lim. That’s all the story explained.”
Everyone still remained silent and were still in heavy shock of it all. The part that shocked them even more was that you were calm. So calm about everything.
“When I woke up as lady Lim, my only thought was to keep quiet, end the engagement, and live far away from everyone. But then, I started to care for you guys and it just made it so hard,” a tear slipped from your eyes, “You all deserve a good, happy ending. Even Lady Lim deserved hers.”
You pause for a moment as your voice became chalky, “I found out the truth about Lady Lim. Everything, how she was set up, the night she found out who was behind it all, and who tried to murder her.”
The guys pause and Taehyung suddenly looked up from his hands. His eyes were wide and red, body was shaking in anger.
“She found out who did it?”
A sigh left your mouth as you dug in your bra to retrieve the letter you found earlier. Gently, you unfolded it and presented it to the group.
“Lady Lim had a feeling she was being watched. She expressed it deeply in the letter. She hired someone to investigate further and found documents of history of payments to the Southern region. Someone else found out and tried to silence her. When it failed, a palace maid was ordered to frame her, once it was successful, Lady Lim was killed.”
Guilt settled in all the men’s chest except for Seung-Cheol. Obviously he was the one to believe in her and protect her, so he felt nothing but sadness.
However, the rest felt guilty and anger. She died thinking she was alone, thinking she was hated by everyone, and loved by none. Their harsh treatment towards her l that they thought were called for at the time, seems so disgusting now.
“Who was the maid that framed her?” Jin asked, voice a bit shaky.
You took a deep breath in, “Meo-Soon.”
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It feels rather strange. During the course of two weeks, I felt eyes on me. It wasn’t eyes from someone I know, and they watched my every move. I tried bringing it up to Taehyung, however he refused to listen and walked away from me.
It did hurt quite a lot, but I shall try and not hold it against him. Maybe he has too much on his plate? There were other times I tried bringing it up to the guys, but they all never listened. It hurt me a lot that me being scared didn’t alarm them.
That night, I hired someone to investigate for me. Mia suggested I do so since none of the guys would listen. I am rather thankful that I did because I found out someone has been out to get me. The investigator also found out payment documents of everything and all of my suspicions were answered.
Meo-Soon was the daughter of Hwang Gi-Hun, the man who owned many banks on the Southern region. There was something always off about her. I knew it since the first time she insulted me in private. There were many times she pushed me, yet started a rumor that I did it to her. Everything that I did? was all a set up.
I know this now after finding out that her and her father were trying to take me out of the picture so that she could reign next to Taehyung.
After finding those out, I still remember this night clearly. It haunts me and will do so forever. I tried sleeping that night, but felt like sudden danger was approaching.
Suddenly, my window was blown opened and a figure stepped in. I knew what he was there for, and all I remember was fighting back while screaming. Thankfully I was saved in time, but the whole events rattled me. I almost lost my life.
The day after, I told the guys what happened. But why did they not believe me? Why is it that everytime Meo-Soon approaches, they have life fill their eyes with love and care. I tried telling them, but they silenced me everytime.
Was I truly alone? Did none of them care that I almost died? What did I do to deserve this?
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Your heart broke again after you finished reading the letter, hands tightly holding onto the paper as you felt your body shake in anger.
A part of you tried to reason with yourself that the guys don’t act like this now, but you couldn’t help but feel anger about how they use to act towards the old Lady Lim. She died alone and afraid, while the others didn’t do much to stop it.
The guys in question didn’t know what to do or say. They were thinking nothing but guilt and sadness. How truly horrible were they to ignore Lady Lim who was afraid for her life? They recalled back to those moments she tried telling them, but they waved her off.
“She was never the villain. All she wanted was love.” you whisper, “I’m trying everything I can to not place the blame on you guys. But it’s so hard after reading this letter. She was alone.”
Hobi cleared his throat, trying to prevent himself from crying, “Meo-Soon actually set her up? Her father was the sole reason for that as well?”
Seung-Cheol in that moment spoke up, “I was talking to one of my officials and had him conduct a background check on Hwang Gi-Hun. Turns out, he is from the Southern region and owns many banks there. His wife died during labor and his daughter isn’t on record, it was as if he kept her in the dark.”
Taehyung was angry and horrified. The fact that while he chose someone who was truly evil this whole time, his fiance was slowly withering away. He did nothing and always ignored her.
Was he truly the villain of this story?
“You said we are story characters, how come you never told us about any of this? Meo-Soon setting you up and all of that?” Jungkook asked.
“Because if I did, would you guys even believe me?” you scoffed, “You all hated Lady Lim, so whatever I said you all would’ve thought it was out of jealousy. Besides, the book never stated anything about Meo-Soons background, this letter was news to me too.”
Yoongi slammed his fist on the table and it shocked you. He was usually reserved and quiet, he never once did any of this.
“We need to find that document before Meo-Soon or her father does. War is coming soon and in order to prevent Lady Lim’s death, we need that paper.”
Jimin nodded his head, “I agree. It’s time to right our wrongs and deliver justice to Lady Lim.”
That’s when it hit you. When you first met her in your dreams before coming here, she asked for justice to be delivered. At first, you thought it was to prevent her death, but now you’re starting to uncover more of the truth.
All of that made you wonder, why did the author leave these details out? Was there something more that you didn’t know?
“I’ll contact one of my father’s men to dig through the Hwang household,” Taehyung states, “In the mean time, why shall we do with Meo-Soon?”
“Nothing,” you say, “It’ll only cause suspicion and her father will act faster.”
Jin shakes his head, “No, that can’t be the only way. She can’t be roaming around this palace. We don’t know when she would frame you, she needs to be locked up.”
“I understand this is out of anger,” you say to Jin, “But let’s this rationally, by doing so everyone will think I did it out of jealousy. More rumors will spread and if her father finds out? He will fake payment documents and frame me even more faster.”
Jin remains silent as his lips trembled, “She needs to pay for this. While she’s playing in our faces, she was secretly behind all of this bloodshed? Jimin almost died because of her father, Seung-Cheol died in the war, and you,” he points to you, “You died alone and afraid. I can’t have that again.”
His eyes held sadness and revenge and it startled you as you never once seen Jin act like this. Out of all the guys, Namjoon and Jin were the ones you weren’t quite the closest with, but they were the ones that were currently the angriest out of everyone.
“I agree with Y/N,” Seung-Cheol says, “We are basing this off of emotion, we must think this through. We will have someone watch over Meo-Soon and make sure she doesn’t do anything. Meanwhile, Taehyung and I will gather some people to find those papers.” He then turns to you, “In the meantime, you need to stay low. He is after you it seems and he won’t stop until his daughter is crowned with Taehyung.”
You smiled at him as he agreed with you, it made your heart soar. Everything about him made you warm and happy, and you really needed that after reading the letter.
Taehyung stands up and walks towards you and before you could question him, he gives you a tight hug. His hands wrapped around your waist as he pulled you into him, his breath fanning your neck as he held tighter, like if he let go you would leave him forever.
Suddenly, you felt tears fall onto your neck and his body shook a little.
After a little, he looks into your eyes without releasing you, “I will fight until my last breath to make sure you have your happy ending. Y/N, I will never let you get hurt.”
⚜︎𝓢𝔂𝓷𝓸𝓹𝓼𝓲𝓼⚜︎ Y/N never expected the last thing she would see before she died was her fiance who was running to her in panic. She also next expected to wake up in a world where cars, phones, and TV’s exist. She also didn’t who or what these “BTS” people are, but they were kind enough to take her in!
𝒲𝒽𝒾𝓁𝑒 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓌𝒶𝒾𝓉 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓈 𝓈𝓉𝑜𝓇𝓎, 𝒸𝒽𝑒𝒸𝓀 𝑜𝓊𝓉 𝓂𝓎 𝑜𝓉𝒽𝑒𝓇 𝑜𝓃𝑒 ☞ A SECOND CHANCE (BTS X ISEKAI’D!READER)
ℙℝ𝔼𝕍𝕀𝔼𝕎 𝔹𝔼𝕃𝕆𝕎 ☟
“What is that?” Your voice asks, a child like questioning gaze rested upon your face.
Jungkook raised an eyebrow, “You mean a car?”
Your eyes widened and you repeated the foreign word, “C-car? What does it do?”
Before he could respond, your gaze flickered to a screen and you immediately ran over to it. Panic rose within you as you lightly tapped the TV.
On display was a news reporter, reporting the daily weather. However, you didn’t think that. You got scared and assumed he was trapped in a tiny prison.
You grabbed a broom and raised it up, ready to set the man free. But Jungkook appeared behind you, catching the broom with his hands before you could cause property damage.
“What are you doing?!”
A gasp left your lips, “He’s stuck in there! We must free him!”
Jungkook looks to you then the screen, “He’s not trapped, he’s ok TV.”
Your head tilted, “Is that a new term for prison? Why are you ok with him suffering?!”
You once again tried to reach for the broom to smash it, but Jungkook swooped in and wrapped his arms around your waist and picked you up.
He walked you both outside where your attention was quickly shifted to everything around you. Tall towers, many screens displaying random trapped people. Many of those cars Jungkook explained to you zoomed by, almost causing you to jump back.
“How does one even get around here? It’s a trap!”
Jungkook just sighs and pulls down his hat and pushes up his mask to cover his face more. Just who is this girl and why does everything fascinate her?
ANOTHER PREVIEW ☟
Stepping into the museum should’ve felt foreign to you, however everything around you seemed all too familiar. Knight armors, crowns, dresses, even couches were all on display.
Namjoon was by your side as he observed your face. You looked like something punched you in the gut. When your eyes drifted to a painting in another room, you gasped as you ran to the front of that painting and Namjoon quickly follows. He wanted to call out to you, but he didn’t want to risk gaining the attention from, possible fans.
As he finally caught up to you, he noticed your eyes filled with tears. Lips trembling as your chest heaved heavily.
“Mama…?” You whispered out, hand stretching to just feel a bit of that portrait. Your mother was smiling brightly, gold crown graced her head while a blue royal robe laid upon her shoulders. In her hands she was holding a tulip.
“She hates tulips.” You say once more, figure still trembling.
The tour guide from beside you both paled at your words. Yet, you continued on.
“She hated tulips, they always made her sick.” You laugh bitterly, “her favorite was Willow Trees because of what they represent.”
The tour guide paled even more and Namjoon noticed this time.
“H-how did you know that?” The tour guide asks, “that information isn’t public yet. We only found out about this two days ago by a journal.”
Your eyebrow rose, “a journal?”
You have yet to realize that you weren’t just a few years into the future, you were centuries upon centuries far in.
You look back to the painting and felt sad, but suddenly a loud crack was heard and all that was displayed in the museum started to shake and glow while turning toward you.
Seconds later, windows shattered and everyone screamed in a panic. The tour guide gasped once he noticed the painting. The queen was no longer holding a tulip, it was replaced with a gold necklace which was opened and that showed a certain princess who just somehow looked like you.
The room disappeared as well as everyone else. You couldn’t breathe or think properly because all you saw was that horrible symbol.
All you kept thinking about was that damn symbol and the horrible events that will follow. All those forgotten memories came washing back. This wasn’t supposed to happen until chapter 89-91.
The siege, the betrayal, the fire, and Seung-Cheol.
“Y/N.” someone spoke from afar.
your name was spoken again and warm hands were placed on your shoulder. Everything snapped back and your eyes zeroed in on Seung-Cheol who was the one that was calling out for you.
He stood directly in front of you with concerned eyes and suddenly the damn gates opened.
A cry left your lips as you you tried stifling them with your hands. Many tears ran down your eyes as you tried to cry silently.
The heartbreak is one you haven’t felt since your mom died. Panic started to surge and another cry left your lips as the room froze at the scene.
Nobody had ever seen you cry like that, as if you lost a dear loved one that was close to you.
Your legs gave out and you fell to your knees, holding your chest while crying loudly. You just couldn’t take it anymore. You can’t lose him.
Seung-Cheol crouched down in front of you.
“Hey.” He whispered, “Talk to me.”
All you could think about was his death. You couldn’t outright say ‘hey i read this book, amazing but uhm you die btw!’
You looked up and everyone was alarmed at the amount of tears rolling down your face. Even Yoongi looked unsettled by it.
Taehyung stepped forward instantly with a concerned look, “What’s wrong?”
You couldn’t answer him, because how could you say the man you’re falling in love with dies?
Seung-Cheol gently took your hands and you felt a sense of grounding. Just the simple fact of his hand holding yours calmed you down a bit.
However, you remembered the original scene, the exact one to be precise.
You recall the capital burning, war everywhere and the black Phoenix banners flying above the city walls.
There you were, trapped under some debris, unable to move and escape. When you looked up, you noticed Seung-Cheol lying there, bleeding out. He mouthed something but you didn’t know, the author never said.
he died saving you. He chose you.
“Everyone out.”
It was silent as your voice was dangerously calm, almost unnerving.
The room froze and Namjoon blinked, “What?”
“Out.” you snapped, looking at everyone except Seung-Cheol.
And for the first time since arriving in this body, everyone obeyed and fled out the room. Everyone realized something, you weren’t having a normal reaction, it wasn’t panic. Instead, it was grief. Deep grief.
Taehyung stayed behind a bit, wanting to be with you through all of this. He wanted to protect you, to hold you in his arms.
However, he walked out through the doors to give you two privacy.
“Tell me.” he says.
You shook your head, “No.”
“Lady Lim.”
“No.”
Your voice cracked, broken and afraid.
He squeezed your hands, not forcing, demanding or anything like that. Just terrified.
That broke you because you couldn’t just sit there and pretend that you were lady Lim. That you knew nothing of the future.
Now that you remembered, every second felt precious to you.
More tears fell from your face as you finally answered, “I’m scared.”
His expression softened instantly, “Of what?”
The answer sat in your throat, but you spoke anyways.
“I’m scared I changed everything except the one thing that matters.”
For the first time, confusion flashed across his face. But also, recognition.
Somehow, outside the chambers stood Taehyung who was hearing everything.
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The chamber was silent. All that was heard was the rain pattering against the window.
You both sat there in silence.
Regret formed in you as you cringed at the words that left your mouth.
Because Seung-Cheol was really looking at you. The same way Yoongi did when he was about to uncover emotional crimes.
The words still hung in the air and it was dreadful.
“What thing?”
You wanted to jump out of the window, unfortunately the chamber was on the third floor.
He watched you carefully, not suspiciously, but in a concerned way.
“Lady Lim.” his voice said which made your eyes sting. That damn scene is playing on repeat in your head.
Seung-Cheol shifted closer to you, not in a crowded way, but in a way that comforts you.
“Look at me.” he says gently, hand still holding onto yours firmly.
Your eyes look to him and you just fell again, harder. His black hair, slicked back but one s the and hanging loosely in the front of his face. His lips, plush and moist. Everything about him was so perfect. If he was in your world, he’d for sure be a kpop star.
When both of your eyes locked together, grief overcame you once again as the scenes of his death to plagues your mind.
That’s when he noticed it, the heartbreak, everything. It unsettled him, deeply. Because people didn’t look at the living like that, only the dead.
“Have we met before?” he asks.
You froze and you knew that answer was coming. However, you still weren’t prepared. Because that’s exactly what it has been with every meeting, every conversation you both had, every laugh.
It was like you were remembering him, not meeting.
He saw the panic and that was enough to answer any questions he had.
He knew her real name, he read it in her diary. However, a part of him wanted to think it was all fantasy. But prediction after prediction deemed that assumption wrong.
“That’s impossible.”
Your stomach dropped because for the first time, he wasn’t confused at all. He was putting the pieces together just like Yoongi.
The warnings, predictions, knowledge, and the grief. Everything was adding up.
Seung-Cheol then realized, you weren’t afraid of the Black Phoenix, you were afraid for him.
The realization hit like a punch and his stomach dropped briefly.
Nobody had ever looked at him that way before, not friends or family. Like losing him would destroy them completely.
The room remains quiet until he spoke.
“Do I die?”
Silence, dark and heavy silence settled in the room at the question.
Your face drained of color and he closed his eyes briefly. Because that right that answered that dreadful question.
The air left his lungs, not because he feared death oddly enough. He accepted that possibility years ago with his position, was does that to people.
What shook him was that you looked utterly broken. As if you already lost him once.
And suddenly since the first time reconnecting with her, he came afraid.
Not of dying, but of leaving you behind.
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The silence still was heavy after many minutes of his question. You didn’t know what to say or how to talk, it got stuck in your throat.
The answer was written all over your face and he already knew the outcome.
Outside the door, Taehyung became completely still as his face drained of color. His heart raced as many thoughts came to mind.
Because now, all the pieces were finally together. The panic, the sudden annulment, your words, and the warnings. It was all right there in front of his face.
You weren’t predicting danger, you already knew. Somehow, you already knew the outcome.
Inside the room, Seung-Cheol slowly exhaled as he stared at your sad face.
Your eyes held sadness and remorse, but also anger and revenge. Your free hand was clenched tightly, draining of color.
“Say something.” He says gently.
You shook your head, “No.”
“Lady Lim.”
“I refuse.”
“Y/N.”
You froze once more, eyes widening and heart dropping out of your booty hole. What did he just say?
“W-What….?”
He sighs and closes his eyes once more, “I already had a feeling. About two weeks ago, I was in your room after dropping off some flowers and I noticed a book on your vanity. I’m sorry that I read it, but it said everything that I’m now understanding.”
You didn’t know what to say or do, he knew who you were for a while yet didn’t say anything. Does he hate you? Does he hold some resentment for lying?
When he noticed, he quickly continued talking, “Yet, I understand why you didn’t tell anyone. It’s pretty crazy possessing the body of a princess. I wanted to say something, but I wanted you to be ready. I didn’t want to scare you away.”
A tear fell from your eye as you placed your free hand on his face softly, giving him a sad look. He was perfect, everything about him was so unique and perfect.
“I refuse.” you suddenly say and stand up.
He looks confused and stands up as well.
“I don’t care what the future says.”
Your hands trembled but your voice didn’t, it was firm and determined, “You are not dying.”
You sounded serious and he remained silent seeing this. For the first time, he truly understood.
You weren’t afraid of war, the Black Phoenix, or fate. You were afraid of losing him.
His chest tightened painfully because god, nobody ever fought so hard for him before. Not like this with tears in their eyes.
A finger was pointed at him, “You aren’t dying on my watch.”
“That not usually how death works.”
“I DONT CARE!”
A genuine laugh left him because you looked like you were going to fistfight fate herself.
Fresh tears slid down your cheek, “I mean it, fuck what the future has to say. You aren’t going.”
Now he understood why Yoongi kept looking suspicious, why Taehyung looked confused, and why you reacted to events before they even happened.
It should’ve frightened him, but all he could think about was how you would burn the world down before losing him.
The chamber doors suddenly opened and both of them jumped.
Taehyung walked in and you immediately knew that he heard everything. He stepped closer cautiously as his expression was unreadable.
“How much of the future do you know?”
Panicked rose in you because that was the one question you tried avoiding since chapter 1, or whatever chapter you came in.
You looked between the two men you came to care about the most and you realized that if you told them the truth, everything will change.
Including the fact that according to the original novel, Taehyung was supposed to marry Meo-Soon, Seung-Cheol was supposed to die as well as you.
There was no good answer to this. If you lied, they would never believe you again. If you told the truth, they would think you’re crazy!
“Enough to cry over my death.”
Taehyung’s eyes shifted from Seung-Cheol, then to you. The realization hit him too and suddenly this wasn’t some political scene, an espionage, or a prophecy.
You were grieving futures that haven’t even happened yet. And that terrified him the most.
“You’re both going to hate me.” You say.
“No.” both of them immediately answer.
You then whispered the answer they’ve been waiting for.
“You guys aren’t real.”
Both men blinked at the response and you immediately got annoyed with yourself.
“LET ME EXPLAIN.”
“YOU BOTH ARE REAL NOW!”
They both looked confused.
“Oh wow, that makes everything so much clearer, thank you Lady Lim.”
Seung-Cheol laughed which caused Taehyung to laugh.
“I hate you both.”
“No you don’t.”
Anyways so you explained everything , how you were from another world in the far future, how you were reading the novel, got angry then sucked into the story as the princess.
By the end of it, both men didn’t know what to say. It was all so confusing and you couldn’t blame them. You’d be the exact same way if someone told you that you were a novel character.
Taehyung slowly sat down on the couch, “I lose you?”
You looked emotional again as you nodded your head. Because yes, he did. He chose Meo-Soon over you, then killed you.
He stared at the floor quietly, “The engagement ends, I kill you, and marry Meo-Soon?”
You nod your head and shrugged your shoulders, “Eventually.”
Taehyung felt guilt and anger swirling through his body. Hearing the fact that you were named a traitor and he killed you broke his heart. Not once did he ever consider it doing that ever.
“I don’t want that.”
As the words left his mouth, Seung-Cheols jaw tightened because this wasn’t theoretical anymore. The original story, the plot and the romance. Taehyung was actively denying it.
The atmosphere was unbearable as Seung-Cheol spoke up, “And me?”
You stopped breathing once the scene enters your mind. His death, the fires, the blood, everything.
Your eyes filled instantly and that was an answer enough. He understood that he was supposed to die.
He walked toward you once more and you felt as though he was going to walk past you and out of the door.
Instead, he stood close to you and softly touched your cheek.
“Look at me.” He says.
Once you do, you saw a smile plastered on his face, as if he didn’t just hear the news of his death.
He leaned forward and spoke.
“I guess we will just have to prove the author wrong.”
.
.
.
.
.
.
Taehyung looked personally offended, “That was your reaction?”
Seung-Cheol glanced to him, “Should I panic?”
“Most people would.”
“Will it help?”
“…No.”
“Then I won’t.”
You physically covered your face once he removed his hand and Taehyung looked irritated.
Your hands shook Seung-Cheol softly.
“YOU DIE!”
“Yes, I heard.”
“And you’re not concerned?”
“I am.”
“YOU DONT LOOK CONCERNED?!”
He smiled softly, “That’s because you’re already concerned enough for the both of us.”
You knew he had a point and Taehyung looked like he wanted to throw a chair.
As silence settled for a little, Taehyung asked the one question he was hesitant about.
“How does he die?”
Your stomach dropped at the scene became even more clear now. Everything, all of it.
Your eyes filled once more and suddenly Seung-Cheol didn’t even want to know himself. Not because he feared dying, but because he hates to see that look on your face.
Both men understood something because you weren’t trying to save the kingdom or anything, you were trying to save people.
Specifically, the people you have grown to love. That hit them both hard as they realized this all came down to love. That’s what moved this so called plot.
You swallowed hard then whispered, “You died saving me.”
The two froze and Taehyung appeared hurt.
You liked down at your hands, “The city was burning, the Black Phoenix breaks through the walls.” you were now remembering every little detail, “The building collapses and I’m trapped.”
Your voice shook a bit more as Seung-Cheols chest tightened. Because this wasn’t a story anymore, you were remembering things.
“The ceiling falls and you pushed me out of the way.”
He remained silent as he looked at you, “You survived.”
You slowly nodded your head.
“Two days later I was accused of betraying the kingdom and I was killed.” you say then looked to Taehyung, “By you.”
Seung-Cheol understood as he realized everything now. He does and you survived, you’ve been carrying that survivors guilt for a future that hasn’t even happened yet.
His heart broke a little because no one should carry grief alone.
Taehyung looked distraught and sad as the words kept replaying in his mind. He kills her and marries another. How heartless was he?
Seung-Cheol understood the sadness and grief you had. The reason you cried when you remembered, the reason you panicked, and the reason you refused to let fate change things.
It wasn’t because you were afraid of losing him, it was because you already did. That destroyed him even more.
Taehyung looked to you with longing and regret. All the way you’ve been acting, the distance you created, asking and even begging for the annulment. The way you looked to Seung-Cheol. It was much deeper than what fear could describe it.
You weren’t choosing between two men. One relationship was being written while the other ended tragically.
It wasn’t a fair fight and you gave up an already written battle.
Then suddenly, Seung-Cheol asked the one question that you never would have expected.
“Did you love me?”
You stopped breathing and didn’t know how to react. Taehyung closed his eyes because he already knew what the answer was.
His voice softened, “In that future before I died.”
The room suddenly felt too hot and you wished the floor would just swallow you away from all this awkwardness.
In the original novel, your character never once stated that she was in love with him. But your chest tightened because that’s not the whole truth now.
You looked down then whispered, “I don’t know.”
He froze slightly and you laughed weakly through the new tears running down.
“Because that future wasn’t mine.”
The answer hit everyone because you were right. That was Lim Dan-So’s future, not you, not this version.
“But this one is.”
The meaning changed and so did everyone else. All that you thought was simple, became extravagant.
“I don’t know if I loved you in that future.” you say, “But I’m starting to in this one.”
Taehyung felt his heart shattered to pieces, it broke him entirely yet he couldn’t blame you. The way the book has written everything made you run into another man’s arms.
But sudden you looked to Taehyung, “And for some reason, it’s the same with you.”
Namjoon played with your heart and subsequently broke it. He's done toying with you but what happens when he realizes he wants more from you than he originally thought?
♡Princess
Covetous Namjoon is the gift that keeps on giving.
⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧
𝕶𝖎𝖒 𝕾𝖊𝖔𝖐𝖏𝖎𝖓
coming soon
⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧
𝕸𝖎𝖓 𝖄𝖔𝖔𝖓𝖌𝖎
coming soon
⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧⛧
𝕵𝖚𝖓𝖌 𝕳𝖔𝖘𝖊𝖔𝖐
♡Covetous
A story of obsession, fear, and lust. You're a maid whose Masters forbid you in meeting their guests for the night but your luck runs dry when you run into them and catch the attention of Lord Hoseok himself. He's smitten from the beginning and thus, your fate has been decided.
You and Yoongi have been together for 3 months. It's been an extraordinary time together despite having to keep quiet about it to avoid media attention. His brothers are super supportive, but maybe a little too much. You don't notice it until it's too late though and now you're thrust into a life you didn't ask for.
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Ⓒdalchiid || all rights reserved || do not copy, edit, repost my work anywhere. to do so will be a copyright infringement and you will be held accountable.
Your mind raced as you walked to the room where Seung-Cheol was waiting for you.
Was this going to be awkward now knowing Taehyung is also vowing for your hand? You hope he would at least act normal.
Upon entering the room, Seung-Cheol looked straight at you and his eyes softened. It was as if he saw the most beautiful scenery in front of him. His smile was gentle but bright and it made you physically clutch your chest.
“Oh gosh.” you say.
He gives you a confused look, “What’s the matter?”
“You don’t seem the understand how handsome you look when you do that. This needs to stop.”
“Stop being handsome?”
“No! Stop being so nice!”
“Nice?”
“Yes, stop that.”
A chuckle leaves his mouth as he steps closer, “Well, I don’t think I can do that,” he holds your hand in his, “But, are you ready to go out?”
You excitedly nod your head and allow him to guide you outside where the carriage was waiting. The ride wasn’t too long nor was it awkward, it was the same as usual.
When you both entered into the village, you both walked together while saying hi to the people. Many bowed down and many children would run up to the both of you a giggle.
One young girl walked up to Seung-Cheol with a small flower, several of its petals plucked and wilting, but she presented it with the biggest smile on her face that melted your heart.
Seung-Cheol grabbed the flower and dropped to the ground and bowed while thanking her. Your eyes widened at the scene and it made your heart leap with joy seeing this.
Once he stood up, flower still in hand, you two continue to walk. Many of the men in the village stopped to give him a bow and you a respectful salute.
It felt nice and felt welcoming. A part of you was afraid to even come out after many rumors were swirling of your character, but everyone seemed to forget about it.
A mother was off to the side, cradling her baby who was crying out loud. She tried her best to quiet the poor child down but was to no prevail.
Upon seeing this, you walked up to her with a gentle smile. The mother’s eyes widened.
“I’m sorry your majesty! My child hasn’t been fed properly since last night and we don’t have enough money for milk, so I’m trying my best!”
You felt terribly sad for her and the child.
“Please, do not apologize. May I hold her?”
The mother weakly nodded her head and handed you the crying baby.
You cradled the child in your arms, swaying side to side gently while patting the bum of the baby. The crying settled a bit, but it was still there.
You cooed at the child and held out your finger to which it grasped in her tiny hand. At the sight your heart melted, how can such a human be so tiny and innocent? The child looked to you with wandering eyes.
The baby finally calmed down and the mother started to thank you, however you weren’t finished.
You handed her the baby and told her to stay put. Quickly finding a tiny shop, you bought multiple cases of food, baby products, and some things to help the mother herself.
Instructing your servant to carry it while you helped, you walked back to the mother who was talking with Seung-Cheol and presented her with the gifts.
“No mother and child should go without the basic necessities of life. Please, take these and feed the child as well as yourself.”
The mother started to tear up as she looked at the gifts presented to her.
“Your majesty! You didn’t have to do any of this! I’m sorry if i made you feel that way.”
You simply shook your head, “No, I wanted to help. No person should have to deal with this. Please, take the gifts and rest.”
Instructing your servant again to bring the gifts to the mother’s house, you and Seung-Cheol continued to walk down the village.
“That was lovely what you did back there.” he finally said, giving you a warm smile.
You felt your cheeks heat up at the compliment, “Anyone would have done it. I’m just glad that the mother and child got what they needed.”
The two of you spent most of the time trying food and just talking amongst yourselves. While doing so, another pair of eyes followed the two of you.
Taehyung stood off to the side, hiding between a tree and a bush. He didn’t want to do this, but jealousy moved him to just watch the two of you. While he hated seeing you with another man, just seeing you happy made his day.
Not to mention what you did for that mother and child got his heart beating pretty fast.
“What we doing over here?” a voice asked from behind.
He jumped and turned around to see his six other friends behind him in wonky disguises.
Hobi had a cowboy hat and a mask to cover his face. However his outfit was still royal, which definitely would give away his status. Namjoon had his hair styled differently and worse glasses, which obviously showed who he truly was.
Yoongi dressed casual but with no hat or face protection. Jin wore the same outfit, but had a mustache on saying that he wanted to grace the people with his face. While Jungkook and Jimin were twinning with the same lame outfits.
“What are you guys doing dressed like that?” Taehyung asked.
“You’re really asking us this when you have a fake beard on while stalking Lady Lim on her date?” Namjoon asked.
Fair enough, Taehyung thought.
“Please leave, I didn’t ask any of you guys to tag along.”
Jimin laughed dramatically, “Well, you’re not the only one wanting to keep an eye on Seung-Cheol and the princess.”
Taehyung rose an eyebrow at that, “What are you trying to say?”
Yoongi sighed at the scene, “Isn’t it obvious? Jimin here also likes Lady Lim.”
The awkward silence stretched between all of the men as Taehyung looked at Jimin with betrayal.
Jimin just shrugged his shoulders, “At least I told you.”
“You didn’t tell me, Yoongi Hyung did.”
“Same difference. Besides, our friendship is more important. I won’t go behind your back, but I won’t lie about my feelings.”
Taehyung sighed, “Well, this is awful then.” He then turned around, “I’ll deal with that later. I need to catch up to them.”
As he walked in the village, the six others wondered behind. Everyone gave them weird looks, some of them probably already knowing who they were but chose not to say anything.
“Also, those disguises suck. Everyone knows who we are.” Taehyung muttered.
“Well I’m glad they see my face,” Jin says as he somehow looked intensely to the side, pouting his lips and pushing his hair aside.
“Is your ego ever going to turn off?” Jungkook asked.
“That’s like asking Jin to drop dead.” Hobi added with a laugh.
Taehyung drowned them all out as he spotted you and Seung-Cheol sitting on a bench while eating what looks to be bread.
He quickly sat down at an empty table and pretended to look around to not make his presence noticeable. The others sat down with him.
Hobi brought out a book and pretended to start reading it.
“Where did you get that book?” Yoongi asked, “You didn’t have it before and you don’t even have pockets big enough.”
Hobi shrugged his shoulders and continued to “read”
“The book is upside down by the way.” Jimin added with a laugh.
The laugh was pretty loud and gained yours and Seung-Cheols attention.
Namjoon hushed him and covered his face while Jungkook fell to the floor and sprawled out.
“Wow, thanks a lot Jungkook, she definitely noticed us.” Hobi sighed.
“Why me? Jimin Hyung is the one that laughed out loud?” the young man questions.
“Lady Lim knows about your weird habit of sprawling on the floor. Beides get up the ground is filled with bacteria.” Jin says while scolding him.
All seven men noticed you approaching them with a hard gaze and they pretended to be in deep conversation while holding their faces.
“You all look familiar, do I know you?” You asked, giving each of them a look.
Jimin deepened his voice, “Sorry madam, we are just simple men having lunch together. Nothing unusual.”
“Nothing unusual?” you asked, “Why is that man sprawled in the floor still?”
Jungkook sighed, “Everyone does this, it’s not just me!”
Jin chuckled, “Sorry, he hit his head as a child. As you can see, we don’t know you.” as he rubbed his fake mustache, it fell to the ground and exposed his face.
You shake your head and groan, “Why am I not surprised.” you picked up the fake hair, “Also, these disguises suck. Jin didn’t even try.”
“I thought it was pretty good.” Hobi responded.
“You’re reading a book upside down, pipe down Hobi.”
You give them each a hard look before your eyes fell on Taehyung who still remained silent and covering his face.
“Did you really have to follow me?” you questioned him, “You promised not to bother us!”
Taehyung shrugs his shoulders, “I haven’t done anything to sabotage him. I just wanted to check on you.”
His words melted your heart a bit but you remained firm, “You seven idiots better return back to the palace or I’ll scream so loud everyone will think I’m getting mugged.”
All seven of them gave you a questioning look.
“Mug? As in coffee mug?” Jungkook asked, standing up once more.
“No- you know what? Never mind. Please head back and let me continue my time.”
Before you could turn around, Seung-Cheol appeared at your side with a tight smile as he eyed Taehyung.
“Hello everyone, what brings you out here today?” he asked, jaw tight.
“We should be asking you that.” Jimin says, one eyebrow raised and a pout on his face.
“I am spending time with Lady Lim. It was an arrangement we both made last night.”
Taehyung rolled his eyes, “Yeah yeah no need to rub it in.” he mutters on his breath, “We were just strolling by, nothing much.”
Seung-Cheol held in his laughter. “Well, if you guys aren’t busy, would everyone like to join us?”
Your eyes widened as you looked to him, “TRAITOR!”
Jimin gasped offendedly, “Does Lady Lim not want us here?”
“Wow, you finally understand! Congrats sweetie, you want a cookie?”
Jimin’s eyes brightened, “Cookie you say? Or you?”
You slapped the back of his head, “Enough. Either calm down or go home I don’t care.”
The seven men stood up and walked with you and Seung-Cheol. Taehyung remained to your left side and Seung-Cheol to the right and you felt suffocated. Why are they acting this way? Can’t you just live in peace?
You left your spot and walked next to Hobi who was munching on a cookie.
“Feeling suffocated?” He asked once he stoped munching.
“Yes,” you sighed, “I thought they’d be mature but I feel both of their dagger of eyes pierce right through my skull.”
He laughs once more, “Well, since it seems as though you’re going to spend a few minutes with me, tell me about yourself Lady Lim.”
“Tell you what? We’ve known each other for years.”
“True, but I never gave you a proper chance to express who you truly are.”
The words settled warmly in your chest and you felt yourself heat up. Just hearing the regret in each other tones when they talk to you makes you a bit happy that Lady Lim will get the true ending that she deserves.
You still recall how angry you were when she died in the end, accused of a war crime she didn’t commit, and killed by her own fiance.
The only one who truly stood by your side was someone, but you can’t recall who exactly it was. Could it have been Mia?
“Well, I love reading. Anything that involves murder mystery books or romance as well as thrillers, I’ll spend hours just reading.”
Hobi noticed the way your eyes sparkled at the thought and it made him smile.
“There was this book I read, entitled The Silent Patient it was remarkable and beautiful, but the plot twist was insane. You never expect it to be someone spoken from their point of view.”
“The Silent Patient? I never heard of that book. Where would I be able to?”
You realized you said another modern thing, talking about a book from your current era that he surely won’t be able to understand nor comprehend.
“Uhm, never mind. It’s an old book and I can’t find it anymore. Anyways, I also love dancing as well. Something that always has calmed me down.”
“You dance? I never seen you dance before.”
A slight chuckle left your lips as your eyes remained in front of you.
“When I was young. I don’t do it as much because I lost my passion for it.”
It was true. When you were much younger your mother enrolled you into a dance academy and you absolutely loved it. That was all that you talked about even when you hit your teen years.
So when your mother died, your passion for dancing also became a void. It was something you took away from yourself and you don’t know how to get it back.
You wish you could tell him your other hobbies, but they all were from your world that he wouldn’t possibly understand. He would think you were talking crazy.
As the day turned into evening with the sun dipping low, all of you guys decided to head back to the palace. All of you decided against taking the carriage back and decided to enjoy what nature had to offer.
You stopped and pointed to a willow tree and jumped with joy, causing the men you were with to look at you.
They saw you clap your hands while jumping up and down, when you stopped you held onto a necklace and gave it a kiss, whispering something to it.
Taehyung saw tiny tears start to form and he immediately stood by your side.
He stayed silent as you gripped onto the necklace while mouthing something’s only you could hear.
The rest drew in closer and looked to the tree. It was grand and beautiful, swaying a bit from the evening breeze. Even during the middle of winter, it thrived beautifully.
“You like willow trees?” Namjoon asks you.
Softly, you nodded your head and smiled brightly, the evening sun cascading on your face. Weird, he’s never noticed you in this light before, it looked nice.
“I love what they represent and it allows me to… feel at peace.”
“What does it represent?” Jungkook asked.
“Many things, but my favorite is Grief and Remembrance. The drooping of the leaves and branches symbolize mourning and lost of a loved one that passed away. It also means healing and renewal. When I was little my mother would always take me to one and she would tell me stories.”
A tear fell from your eye as you recalled the many times your mother would take you to the willow tree, the only one in your town that was close to you.
Even on days she returned tired from work, she still took you there because it made you happy. That was a selfless act you will always remember.
You wiped the tears and hid the necklace once more, “Anyways, we should return before it gets dark.”
🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺
Three days have passed since and everything felt normal. Perhaps too normal.
It was the kind of normal that felt like something bad was going to happen. All of this war talk and you haven’t heard anything from the resistance in the past few days.
You hated it because you knew something was going to happen. Because nothing in a fantasy novel stayed this peaceful.
That’s why when you headed out of your room at sunrise, you felt nothing but dread. Something was wrong and you could feel it. You always listened to your gut feeling and it was telling you that danger was ahead.
You could feel it. The border attacks have stopped, the ambush failed, and no villages have reported new incidents. That alone unsettles you deeply.
In the story, the fighting never stopped after the first attack, in fact it increased even more. However, with you changing the plot, the enemy for sure adapted.
Later that afternoon, the palace was busy with messengers, military officers, and nobel men.
Everyone moved with nervous energy and you felt it as you were walking in the gardens.
Your eyes spotted Yoongi and Namjoon reading several maps that laid before them. The two together always meant something bad.
Cautiously, you approached the two.
“What happened?” you asked, yet neither of them spoke up. Silence stretched between the three of you.
Suddenly, Yoongi slid a paper to you and your stomach dropped.
Several villages, different kingdoms, and different locations. All reported attacks within the last two days.
“Oh.” you say.
“Yep.” Namjoon nodded oh grimly.
Your heart started to pins as you realized that this wasn’t part of the novel, at least you don’t recall it ever happening.
“The attacks are escalating.” Namjoon says.
Your eyes flickered to him, “The East kingdom?”
Yoongi shook his head with a long sigh, “That’s the problem. We don’t think it’s just the East anymore.”
You felt your heart drop once more. Another organization behind this? The original story only involved one enemy, one kingdom, and one war.
It was simple yet tragic. However, hearing that there might be others involved made you realized something dreadfully. Because of your actions, you caused another enemy to enter.
Was the book trying to make up for the plot it’s losing? Jimin being alive definitely changed some effect as the war becoming bloody was due to Jimin dying.
If someone was behind all of this, you had no chance to stop it. That thought alone made you dizzy and Yoongi noticed. The terrifying Cat Man.
“You already knew that possibility.”
It wasn’t a question, it was a statement. One that made you quickly look away. He was getting closer to the truth, and it scares you.
Later that evening, another emergency meeting was called and the mood was awful. Usually in emergency meetings no one smiled, but the atmosphere was somewhat bearable. Now? It was filled with rage and dread.
The kind of silence that soldiers carried right before war and as you entered the chambers you immediately knew something bad has happened.
Jungkook stood near the map furiously while Jimin was pale. Namjoon looked exhausted and Hobi wasn’t even smiling.
Your eyes went to Taehyung who just entered and they widened seeing the scratch on his cheek, fresh and angry.
You froze as your surroundings disappeared and all you saw was blood seeping from the cut. Because in the original story, Taehyung’s first injury happens right before everything fell apart.
“Taehyung.” the words escaped your mouth before you could stop them.
Everyone looked up and saw your pale face as you walked closer to the man.
“Why are you bleeding?”
Jimin blinked, “That was your first question?”
“YES?”
“It’s just a scratch.”
“ON HIS FACE.”
No one said a thing and Jungkook just whispered to Jin, “She’s going to kill him.”
Meanwhile, Taehyung tried his best not to smile. You were caring about him and it made him smile.
You saw the smile slowly appear on his face, “Why are you smiling?”
“Because you’re worried about me.”
“I am ANGRY.”
“Worried.”
“Angry.”
“TAEHYUNG!”
Unfortunately, someone else was also watching the whole scene. Seung-Cheol. And unlike usually, he didn’t look jealous, rather he looked more so concerned.
While everyone saw you worrying over Taehyung, he saw something different: You looked terrified.
As if you thought something worse was going to occur. The part that scared him was that when she usually thinks that way, something bad does happen.
Then, Namjoon spoke which destroyed the room. “We found evidence.”
Silence covered everyone as each held their breath, watching Yoongi unravel some paper and placing them on the table.
His expression was dim and dark, something you’ve never seen before.
“The attacks aren’t being funded by the Eastern Kingdom.”
Your shoulders tensed and your breathing became unstable because suddenly a memory popped up.
Not who, but what. A secret organization, a group manipulating the kingdoms behind everyone’s back.
However, the readers didn’t know this until chapter 89, not chapter 23.
Your face drained of color and Jin noticed it right away and saw the fear on your face, the remorse, and the sadness.
Recognition as well.
And suddenly, he realized something terrifying as well. You weren’t just recognizing events, you were predicting them. As if you’d seen it before.
When it first happened when you prevented Jimin’s death, Jin stayed silent and opted to just observe you instead. He didn’t want to scare you away, so he decided to remain quiet.
Then, Yoongi dropped the bombshell.
“The symbol found at every attack site…”
He unfolded a bloodstained banner and you stopped breathing. Because on that banner was the one symbol she immediately recognized.
A black Phoenix with burning silver eyes. And now you remembered, the organization behind the attack. The people responsible for the many deaths that have occurred and will occur later on.
They were the true enemies and villains of this story.
She was someone I once loved. Her hair, her eyes, her body, her personality. Everything about her was all that kept me sane. I could read her like a book. The way her eyes sparkle a certain way when certain things are mentioned, her breathing pattern if she’s anxious, and her shoulders.
Always tensed when scared or conflicted. It was the first thing I noticed about her. In fact, our first meeting is something that replays in my mind often.
She freshly turned 16 whilst I was 17 almost 18. I visited her castle while traveling with my father who was just appointed as the new Chief Strategist of the Crown. It was a position filled with great trust and honor.
I was excited for my father and I didn’t even think I was going to meet her. Whilst mine and her fathers were conversing, I walked in the garden just to get time for myself. That’s when I saw her, alone on the bench crying in her hands.
My natural instinct was to comfort a crying damsel in distress. As I approached, she quickly wiped her eyes and stood up with a fierce face.
Her first words to me was something I’ll forever view as romantic.
“You did not see anything, you hear me skinny boy?”
I was taken aback by the sudden change in emotion, but I couldn’t help but laugh at it. It was delightful.
After seeing me laugh, she stomped her foot and crossed her arms, still giving a harsh glare.
“Why are you laughing? I never said a joke!”
Awkward, people would’ve called our first interaction.
Heavenly is what I say.
After that, she and I became close. Especially since my father was assigned a live in space. Naturally, we were going to become closer.
However, time was cruel and nothing ever remains happy.
I was 21 when my father was murdered and I felt like my whole life died before my eyes. He was all I had, my mother died when I was 5.
Everyday I mourned him and I still do. The only thing that kept me sane was her. Everything about her calmed me down, and it made me sad with all those rumors swirling around her.
She was kind, respectful, and most of all graceful. It wasn’t until an accident occurred when she fell from her horse and sustained a major injury.
I still remember how she looked as she laid upon her bed, still and looking lifeless. It pained me seeing this and not being able to wake her up from that cruel slumber.
She can’t leave me, especially not after my father left.
The day she woke up, I was happy. Life returned to my eyes and I felt the need to live once again.
However, she looked to me as if I was a stranger. She didn’t remember my name, age, and our history. Was this some cruel joke?
That will forever haunt me, losing the one person whom I’ve grown to love and cherish.
Shortly after her incident, her marriage to Prince Taehyung was announced. My heart shattered to pieces and I felt numb from my head to my toes.
I saw the way he treated her, the way he groaned whenever she was near him, the way he pushed her away from any affection. I also saw Meo-Soon, the girl that captured his attention.
It broke her heart. From afar I saw her face dim as she saw the two secretly meeting. I wanted to comfort her, wrap my arms around her and whisper sweet nothings.
But I couldn’t.
All the rumors about her pushing Meo-Soon, spreading gossip, and bringing cruel were all fake. I saw it with my own eyes and were baffled how something so small got turned into something so huge.
Every incident I witnessed, Meo-Soon was manipulative. Her façade slipped behind closed doors and her harsh words to her in private were filled with malice.
I wanted to step in, but the thought of being strangers struck my mind. I was disputing and foolish. I was a coward.
I couldn’t take it, seeing her hopelessly fall for Taehyung while he cruelly turned her away. The rumors about fake scenarios, I just felt bad I couldn’t do anything.
So I left. I went far away, far away from my childhood, from my home, and most importantly from her.
I tried distracting my mind, but my every thought always drifted to a certain princess.
One day, I heard the news that she fainted. I couldn’t stop my body from getting on my horse and speeding to her castle.
I knew there was no way I could out right show myself. So I went under the guise as a servant first. It last for a little, but when the Eastern province started to show signs of revengeful war, your father and I started to work together.
He then assigned me to be the doctors son and act like I was new so that word wouldn’t spread of a possible war.
That’s when I first spotted her. All well and the same look as before, fierce and determined.
She was someone whom God had crafted with such particular care. Someone that God had fashioned from the gentlest parts of heaven and the cruelest part of fate, for he allowed me to know you, yet never truly have you. For I had searched every corner of the world and found that no soul could ever compare.
And in that moment, I realized something dreadful.
No amount of distance had lessened the feelings I possessed for her.
If anything, it only taught me how impossible it was to live without them.
However, something was different about her. It was as if she woke up entirely new.
Her eyes still held the same expressions, her shoulders still tensed. But, she didn’t look for Taehyung every time he appeared. In fact, she would stand at the very end the room so as to not be beside him. As if conversing with him would kill her.
She was more outspoken and stood up for herself. In that very moment when she defended Meo-Soon publicly, I was astounded.
she was in arms reach yet, I was too much of a coward to step in. So when the opportunity arose to check on you after a particular day, I felt my heart race.
Her, lying in bed with a small smile on her face. It was gentle, yet it pulled me in so strong that I was tempted to graze your skin with my hands.
I saw her eyes light up in curiosity at my approach, and speaking to her for the first time in years felt like the biggest war I had faced.
I decided that since time was cruel, it could also be kind and remorseful. So when she started to sought me out with random excuses, I felt like I had a worth to live again.
She was my everything and still is.
However, she wasn’t the Lim I grew up with. No, she was someone that possessed her body.
I found out when I stumbled upon a notebook lying opened on her vanity. It was disgraceful of me to pick it up and read it, but I couldn’t stop once I read what was written.
She wasn’t Lady Lim, she didn’t even belonged in this world. Someone from an outwardly part of heaven possibly, that was somehow summoned into the body of the princess.
She expressed sorrow and worries over the fact that she might never seen her real family again. Her actual name was a name so unique, I loved how it tasted on my tongue when I first spoke of it.
Y/N.
I should feel angry, should feel betrayed that the heavens have once again decided to be cruel and keep my apart from my love.
But, getting to know her throughout my entire time there, I grew to love her. Not as Lady Lim, but as Y/N.
I will always mourn Lim and love her as I did myself, but Y/N possessing her body made it feel like new memories with the same woman, just different.
I grew to love her as a person. So when she spoke of an event happening that was going to take the life of Prince Jimin, there was no doubt in my mind to question her.
Seeing that she was spiraling when people weren’t taking her words seriously, I stepped in. I still remember when I slipped up and called her by her real name that I thought all progress I made with her will be lost.
However, it wasn’t.
I felt nothing but happiness when she announced her annulment with Prince Taehyung.
The opportunity was within arms reach, and I could finally have her.
But when he announced to everyone of the wedding date, my heart shattered once again. Rage and sadness was all I felt when her eyes landed on me.
I know she was not to blame, but I couldn’t help but feel that all my effort was gone.
My entire world, my everything, my princess, and my heart.
Y/N is someone whom I’ll fight for, someone that I will thank God for allowing us to meet again, and someone that I will carry a part of me for the rest of my days.
🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺
What felt like forever thrashing around, you became tired and just went slump in Hobi’s arms.
Once he deemed that it was safe enough to release you, he took a step back.
You glared at Taehyung with hatred that burned brighter than any tower anyone has seen.
“You promised me, Taehyung. Why did you do this?”
He gulped and walked a little closer to you in caution, “I already explained why. You are someone I will not give up.”
You gave a bitter laugh at that, “So you thought trapping me in this loveless marriage will make me forget all that you’ve done?”
It was silent for a moment.
“This isn’t love, Taehyung. It’s guilt. You only began loving me when I found someone else.”
It was true, and everyone knew it. Yet, no one had a right to say anything as they also were the reason why you felt so lonely.
It wasn’t just Taehyung being the reason for your emotions, it was everyone on this balcony.
No one said anything to make it right and only saw you when you changed.
“I will forever beat myself up looking back at everything that I’ve put you through. I will spend the rest of my days making it up to you.
“Right now it may seem that I only love you out of guilt, but once I took time to see your worth, I knew I wouldn’t be able to handle the pain of you gone.”
You remained silent as his words settled in the air. The rest of the guys didn’t know what to do, so they didn’t say a word.
Taehyung, noticing you didn’t know how to respond, continued.
“How about this,” he licks his lips, “Give me three weeks to prove my worth and a day before the wedding if you haven’t fallen for me yet, I’ll give up and announce the annulment. Just allow me to love you and prove my worth.”
A long sigh left your lips as you thought it over. You still had a thought to punch him, but you were too hungry to even inflict violence on the young man.
“Fine, I’ll allow it.” you say, “However, you must know I have interest in Seung-Cheol. My heart aches for him and I will not allow distance between him and I. You cannot harm or sabotage him in anyway. Do I make myself clear?”
He nods his head happily, stepping closer to give you a hug. Seeing the approaching man, you stuck your arms out to block him.
“Yeah no, it’s too early for that. We shall go back in and continue the façade of this whole marriage. But I will tell Seung-Cheol the truth.”
🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺
As the eight of you slipped inside unnoticed, you talked amongst the nobles who congratulated you and Taehyung. Acting wasn’t your best suit but you made damn sure to try your best.
As you continued to converse, your eyes drifted off toward Seung-Cheol who was in his own conversation. He wasn’t acting like he normally would and it saddened you seeing this.
You excused yourself and walked up to him once the gentlemen he was talking to left. As he noticed your figure, he gave you a faint smile.
“Can we talk for a moment?” you asked, eyes sparkling with hope.
He lets out a tiny laugh, “I already know what you’re going to say. He did it without your consent, I know you didn’t want to go along with it.”
A smile forms in your face as all the tension left your shoulders, “I’m so glad you understand. Trust me, I didn’t want this either. However, I gave him a chance to prove his worth before the wedding.”
the sadness once again returned at your words and you felt your heart shatter.
“But I also told him that my heart belongs to you. To only you and during this I will continue seeing you.”
The smile once again returned and it made your day. It was so bright you were for sure thought you were going to become blind.
“Well then, I see I need to step up my game.” He jokes.
“Step up what? You already set the bar so damn high I don’t think he, or anyone else, can top it.”
The words slip out and he started smiling from ear to ear. It was the love the words carried that allowed him to take a deep, satisfied breath.
“Well then, tomorrow there is no meetings for either of us to attend I’m assuming. Would you like to stroll the village?”
You quickly nod your head, eyes and smile bright.
And someone else noticed too.
Jimin stood fare from you and contemplated everything. He knew you had feelings for Seung-cheol, but he wanted you to see him.
He hated how his feelings got to mixed up for you and he didn’t know how to handle. But all he knows is that he wants to outdo both men and have you see the real him.
🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺
The next day approached and you awoke to Mia shaking you to get ready for breakfast.
All the events were still very much in your head so you didn’t have the energy to fight her on allowing you to sleep in more.
It was draining seeing how the princess had to wake up early each morning just to attend breakfast. You missed your old life and sleeping in.
When she finished up, she guided you to the dining hall and once you entered, your eyes widened.
It was a scene you never witnessed before and you didn’t know if you were dreaming.
Because why was Taehyung helping set up the table with the servants?
“You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” Taehyung says once he looks up.
You stutter a bit before gaining sanity back, “What are you doing?”
“… helping?” he answers, unsure himself.
You yelped when you pinched your arm.
“What are you doing?”
“Making sure I’m not dreaming. THE Prince Taehyung is helping? What is happening.”
He laughs a bit as he sets down the last set of forks. “I talked to my mother this morning.”
Your eyes widened, “The queen?”
“Yes, she is my mother,” he laughs, “I asked her for advice and she said the best way to someone’s heart, is to prove the change.”
His eyes softened and you felt your heart race. Him being so close made you feel warm and you hated it.
Your eyes then looked to the table and noticed that only eight plates were set.
“Why are there only eight plates? What happened to the others?”
Taehyung looked back and then to you once again, “Just us and the guys are eating. Your parents are in an important meeting and can’t make it.”
A sigh left your mouth. Being stuck in this room with those men was certainly something you didn’t want especially early this morning.
Before you could respond, a servant walked in and bowed to the both of you.
“i’m sorry for interrupting My Lady and Prince, however I have news to relay to the Lady.”
You nod for her to continue.
“Sir Seung-Cheol is here and requests the lady’s presence.”
Your head tilted in question.
“Me? Why is that?”
“He wants to accompany you on a stroll in the village.”
That’s when the thought rung in your head about the conversation you and him had. You did remember agreeing to these plans.
Taehyung sighed and groaned.
“Of course he did.”
You sighed as you shook your head. Oh god, you forgot that you’re now in a love triangle and these men were vowing for your hand.
“Tell him I’ll be there shortly.” You say to her, dismissing her from the room.
When she left, you look at Taehyung again.
“Don’t do that.” you say.
He pouts and looks down, “Do what?”
You run your fingers through your hair as best as you can before it got tangled.
“Tell the others that I won’t be able to attend.”
He whines a bit, “You’re really going to go to him?”
“Taehyung we talked about this.” you say, then stepped a bit closer, “I’ll say this. You helping out with this breakfast is beautiful. I loved seeing that.”
He gives you a huge smile and you felt your heart leap just a tiny bit. Taehyung was dangerous and he for sure knows that.
That smile made your heart continue racing and you could feel your mind gushing.
“Stop that.”
“Stop what?”
“Stop doing that smile and looking so handsome. It’s irritating.”
He pauses, laughs, then smiles once again.
“Good to know.”
“IM LEAVING!”
🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺
a/n; sorry for not updating in a while. I’m on new medication and it lwk like took a huge hit on me. anyways here is this chapter!!!
“Sometimes, we have to reflect on ourselves and realize, were we ever wanted?”
Your breathing evened out as you lifted your head from Mia’s shoulders. Nose stuffy, eyes puffy and red, you looked like a mess frankly.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to ruin your outfit.” you sniffle out.
Mia laughs at your remark, “My lady, it’s just my work clothes, it’s ok. Let’s get you cleaned up.”
You followed her lead but then stopped, “Can we actually just sit in the gardens while drinking tea? I just need air rather than makeup.”
She nods her head and takes you out to the garden, the cold air welcoming your overheating body. It felt nice, like the fury and sadness was cooling down.
The walk to a table and chairs wasn’t far and it felt nice to sit down and just enjoy around you without those troublesome men.
As Mia leaves you alone to fetch some tea, you look down on your lap. Fingers intertwining with one another as you started to feel another surge of sadness.
You were too confident about changing the outcome. After last night, you felt like everything was going to be alright, that maybe you could deliver justice and go home to your family.
From behind, you heard rustling in a bush and it caused you to raise your guard up. Slowly, you stood up and walked to the noise, praying that if it’s a murderer, them killing you would send you back home.
As you got closer, the noise stopped and it frightened you. If it was a person, they are watching you right now.
Bending down and moving the dead leaves out of the way, you spotted a silver necklace. It was rather worn down with small scratches scattered on the heart pendant.
You picked it up carefully and examined it. Why does this look so familiar? When you turned it over, your heart dropped. On the necklace was a heart with the words “Forever in my heart”
With trembling hands, you opened the locket and saw the picture of your mother. Smiling bright as she held you in her arms. You recalled it was the day you graduated HighSchool. Diploma in your hand and gown still on, it was the happiest day of your life.
She cheered the loudest in the crowd and you’ll never forget that feeling. You remember her even chanting your name while clapping her hands. At first, you were embarrassed, now you miss that moment.
But then, you paused. How did this necklace end up here? You don’t recall wearing it when you got transported here. Was this a message? You didn’t know what or how it got there or who could’ve dropped it off.
Your mind went to Seung-Cheol, especially how he knew your actual name. Still needing to question him about it, you looked to the necklace as some weird sign. Is the universe saying something?
“What do you have there?” a voice asked.
Immediately, you shut the locket and closed your hands around the necklace. Turning around, you noticed the one man you didn’t want to see at the moment.
“Jimin,” you sighed, “What do you want? Here to berate me too?”
His eyes hold a glint in them, something you don’t recall ever seeing during your time here.
“You think this is funny? Do you enjoy seeing me upset?” You crossed your arms firmly, tears starting to build up, “You want me to say it? There, you guys win. I’ll leave all of you alone to Meo-Soon and I won’t ever show my face again.”
He still didn’t respond and it angered you, seeing him just standing there, blonde hair swaying a bit as his grey suit looked perfect.
Jimin was the perfect image of a Kpop idol, you thought to yourself. But you discarded that thought as you went up to him and started hitting his chest. You weren’t the strongest, so it didn’t really hurt him in the slightest.
“Just say it! I want to finally hear it again so I can just go in peace! I’m tired of this! You don’t understand!” you cried, stopping yourself from hitting him and just laying both hands on his chest, “You don’t understand how lonely it is when the man your supposed to marry looks to another woman. And how his friends also vow for her love, while throwing me aside.
“I know I wasn’t the kindest to her, I wanted to redeem myself and how others see me. It will never work, and I’m fucking rambling and don’t know how to-“
His cut you off by wrapping his arms around you in a tight embrace. You froze as your hands still stayed on his chest.
Wasn’t this improper? People still believed you were engaged to Taehyung, so if they see this surely rumors would spread about you both.
However, the warmth from his hands and his breath tingling on your neck made you feel a little better. The tears started to slow as you finally just laid your head on his chest, eyes closed and breathing returning to normal.
You both stayed like that forever it felt like, but really it was just a minute. You totally didn’t count it in your head.
As he released you from the embrace, he still kept his hands on each of your arm, as if holding you still. His eyes searched for yours and you could no longer see the funny, egotistical, and snarky prince that you’ve been seeing everyday.
Instead, his eyes held warmth and worry. As if seeing you this upset was hurting him too.
“W-why did you hug me?” you whisper, “don’t you hate me too?”
He sighed as he licked his lips, thoughts wandering to try and find a reason. All that he’s doing is shocking to him as well because he never experienced this before.
Jimin has bedded women and pretended they never existed, he’s never once comforted them or even gotten to know them. However, you were different. He knew you well enough to know who those tears were for, and he just had the sudden urge to just comfort you.
“I don’t hate you,” he whispers, “I never did.”
You shake your head with a heartless chuckle, “Don’t lie to me, I’ve heard the rumors.”
Jimin shrugs his shoulders a bit, “That was back then when I distanced myself from you. I never gave you a proper chance, and now that I see it, I knew I was wrong and I’ll fully admit it. I’ll go on top of the palace and shout it to everyone.”
Your heart started to race because you didn’t know why he was suddenly saying this. Was he hit in the head?
“You’re only saying that because I saved your life that night. If that never happened, would you even have given me that chance?”
Quickly, he nods his head.
“Even before that, I noticed how different you were. That’s why I always teased you.”
His words took effect as you just stood there, looking in his eyes.
“I don’t know how to say this, but a lady should never have to think such thoughts. I know I can be a bit much, but seeing how upset you got, I just had to find you.”
You stood back a bit, gentle shock plastered on your face.
“Jimin, if anyone were to see us like this, rumors will spread. I don’t want to damage your reputation.”
“I don’t care. I just want you to be ok.”
You almost smiled at his words and nodded your head, “I am much better now hearing your words. That means more than you know, Jimin.”
He brings his arms back to his side, a gentle smile resting on his face. Suddenly, he grabs your hand and tugs you along, back to where you were first seated.
Mia hasn’t arrived yet with the tea and you were thankful. Or else if she saw what just happened between the two of you, she would bomb you with questions.
He sits you down and then takes one across from you.
“You feeling better at least?” he asks.
You flash him a grin, “Much better than before. That was thoughtful of you.”
“I am quite kind.”
“Here you go again.”
The two of you shared a chuckle.
“You know, I was also wrong about you.” You suddenly speak up.
He gives you a quirked eyebrow and sits up a bit.
“I heard rumors from others that you were stuck up, bed every woman that breathes near him and just rude. That’s why I was snarky back, I didn’t want you to perceive me as weak.”
He gives a heartfelt laugh, his eyes squinting along, “Well, some of them are true, but I have been working on myself lately.”
“I can tell, it’s refreshing.”
You both sat there in silence, letting the sounds of birds chirping make the sound for you both.
“So, you ended the engagement with Taehyung, huh?”
Yep, you knew the question was going to be asked, either now or later.
“Yeah, I’m still unsure why he didn’t tell you guys when I first told him.”
“Same with me, none of us knew except his brothers of course.” he pauses for a moment, “That was a good choice.”
A laugh left your mouth, “Because you saw how desperate I was becoming, right?”
He shakes his head, “No, I saw how lonely you looked. I see everything. When Meo-Soon would enter how his eyes would find hers first, I saw how that affected you. I was a fool to keep quiet.”
What. The. Fuck.
Is this man actually saying those words? Was he hit? Is this a dream? You were so confused and a bit troubled.
“that…” you paused, “I’m glad you noticed. It was about time.”
“You deserve someone that looks to you like you hold the moon.”
You freeze a bit. A thing about you is that you hate assuming people’s actions and words. But you couldn’t help but feel as though he was hinting at something more.
“Are you saying you could do that?” the words leave your mouth quickly and you wish you could jump off a bridge.
You had a habit of saying things without thinking, and now you made this moment awkward and he is probably going to take back everything he has said.
His eyes widened just a bit as he stares at you.
“Was it that obvious?”
Jaw opened and practically to the ground. He actually just confessed to you, and he’s not laughing or taking those words back.
You thought he was going to get offended at your remark, but he instead embraced it. Since when did he like you?
“Are you being serious?”
He sighs and then stands up, brushing the dust off of his pants. “I know this is sudden and I didn’t want it to come out right now, especially with what happened with Taehyung. However, one thing I don’t do is lie. So yeah, I’ll be honest. I don’t need an answer now, but I’m glad you know.”
Your eyes watch as his figure walks away, the confidence and teasing returning to his body. Confusion swirls through your head as you try to make sense of what just happened.
When did those feelings ever developed? In the novel, Jimin and Lim despised one another, now he likes you?
Your eyes widened as you realized you changed yet another plot of the story. You never intended Jimin to develop feelings for you, but now that he confessed you just don’t know how much the story will change towards the end.
“You’re tensed once again.” a voice called out.
Immediately, you snapped out of it and noticed Seung-Cheol walking towards you with a soft smile on his face.
Your body warms just at the sight and you try to clear your throat to distract him from noticing.
“My shoulders were tenses weren’t they?”
“Yep, you’re finally catching on,” he laughs, “Mind if I join you?”
Once you nod your head, he sits across from you with a long, tired sigh.
It was quiet and you expected him to start the conversation, but he just kept looking around. That’s when the question hit you.
“Hey, I have a weird question to ask you.”
He turns to you, “Oh? Go ahead.”
You try to find the right words, “Back when the whole ambush thing happened, you said a name. I don’t know if i was just imagining things, but you said the name Y/N.”
You tried to find any reaction in his eyes, but there is none. It was like this was a typical normal conversation for him.
“I did?” he asked, puzzled expression written on his face, “Wow, a lot happened so it must’ve slipped my mind.”
“No, it’s ok. I just thought I would ask. It kept eating at me.”
Silence once again swirls around the both of you, but it wasn’t awkward at all. It was nice and peaceful, like you could truly just be yourself and not have to act like someone else. He gave you comfort, and you’re starting to crave that.
When Mia arrived back with empty hands, she apologized. “I’m sorry my lady, but the banquet is starting and your parents want you present. Let’s get your makeup fixed and we shall head there.”
Dread enters you as you realized you’re going to have to face Taehyung once more. At least this time, after he announces due annulment, you’ll be free and you won’t have to see any one of them again. You’re just thankful your parents allowed this and won’t give you such a hard time.
As you stand up, you give Seung-Cheol a smile, “I’ll see you there.”
.
.
.
.
.
.
The place buzzed with people of high status, many gossiping and laughing amongst each other. Some of them discussing politics and others just simply existing.
Taehyung stood with the others, giving half smiles to ones that pass and ending conversations with men or women. He didn’t care, he just wanted to see you. To say sorry, to say how stupid he acted.
He knew it wasn’t him talking, it felt like something controlling him, and no matter how long he needs to tell you that, he will. The thought of you hurting because of him doesn’t sit well.
The six of them noticed Jimin walking up to them, a wine glass in his hand and a smile plastered on his face.
“Where were you?” Hobi asked, stuffing his face with a cookie.
“Just out and about, doing what I usually do.”
Namjoon deadpanned at his response, “What you usually do is cause problems. Who were you bothering?”
“I’m wounded Namjoon, I’ve been on my best behavior the entire time I was here.”
“Yeah, whatever. Just sit down and eat.” Jungkook said, handing him a piece of bread.
Taehyung still remained quiet as his eyes kept drifting to the door. He waited for your entrance and kept rehearsing his lines of his apology to you.
When the grand doors opened, a guard walked up, “Now entering, Princess Lady Lim, daughter of the King and Queen.”
Everyone stops their chatter and looks up to the stairs where you make your entrance. Your hair was pushed back into a bun, half of your hair left out, swaying with your movements. Your dress was yellow and fluffy, the ends of it dragging on the floor. Glitter and diamonds decorated the whole thing, glistening off the many lights in the room.
Everyone remained quiet as you walked down, head held high and a small smile on your face. Many of them expected you to walk to Taehyung and latch on his arms, instead you walked straight up to another man and started to converse with him.
Many who knew of Lady Lim were shocked. Why isn’t she walking up to her fiance? Did she hit her head?
Taehyung, noticing the glances at him, cleared his throat and walked up to you and Seung-Cheol. His arms wrapped around your shoulder and he pulled you into a tight embrace.
Anger flooded through your body and as much as you wanted to tear yourself away from him, you knew you couldn’t do it now.
So instead, you just allowed him to hold you. As he did so, he whispered many apologies in your ear, expressing his sadness and how much he regretted hurting you.
You didn’t know what to say, but you could see the many whispers of the people at the scene. It was usually you forcing the hugs, but now he on his own went up to hug you. And it was a long hug.
Seung-Cheol just stood there, a smile present on his face even with deep within, he felt awkward. He knows you two will end it soon, but he just couldn’t bear the thought of him holding you tightly.
When he finally releases you, he holds onto your hand and gives each of them a kiss.
You allow it but then whisper to him, “Why are you doing this? Don’t you have to announce the annulment? You’re sending mixed signals here.”
He just laughs like you said something funny and pulls you away from Seung-Cheol.
“Just wait, I’ll announce it soon.”
Your eyes widened, “Wait, you’re actually going through with it?”
He didn’t respond and instead just brought you back to the other men waiting. They all witnessed Taehyung try and make his claim on you, and it confused each and every one of them.
“Well,” Yoongi says, “This is rather… strange.”
“For me as well.” you say and sit down next to Taehyung.
He pats your shoulder with a smile.
“Just because I allowed you to hug me, doesn’t mean I forgive you by the way.”
“OOooh, I felt that one.” Jimin laughs.
You both look at each other and the sudden memory of the events from earlier play in your head. Heat spreads across your face as you quickly look away.
“Strange,” Jin says, “You usually retort back to Jimin.” a grin is now plastered on his face, “What happened?”
“Nothing.” you both say at the same time, which made it really obvious that something clearly did happen.
When your parents enter, everyone bows down to them as they make their way into the center.
Your father is given a wine glass to which he holds up, “I know right now times are a little stressful,” he says out loud, “However, we will remain strong and fearless in the times of danger. This banquet is to show the others that no matter what they throw at us, we will remain stronger.”
Everyone cheers, holding their glasses up with a huge smile.
Oh how every single one of these people are fools. They really think their money prevents anything bad happening to them.
Your father turns to you and Taehyung, “Prince Taehyung Kim, son of the Western Kingdom is here to make an announcement.”
Taehyung slowly stands up and walks next to your father. He looks around with a smile, which is weird because why is he smiling when he’s going to announce the most mind shattering news?
Hope swirls within your body. Freedom is seconds away and you couldn’t wait to taste it.
“The events from the last few days had me thinking quite a lot,” he says, “Mainly about my marriage to Lady Lim.”
Many of the people stilled at his comment and so did you.
“Sometimes, pressure and the outcomes of war can either damage a relationship.” he pauses, “Or strengthen it.”
He eyes your confused face and beckons you over. Once reality hit, you stood up and walked towards him. Your mind racing because you didn’t want to be in the center once he announces it. Your happy face would cause too much confusion and gossip.
When you stood by his side, he continued.
“My engagement to Lady Lim was at first out of pure duty, that I will not lie about.”
Bitch.
“But now, seeing her in a different light, makes me want to say this for everyone here to listen.”
He wraps his arm around you, causing your eyes to widen.
“The wedding has been set for January 30th.”
What. The. Fuck.
Record scratch.
Did he actually say the one thing you warned him not to do?
Your eyes find Seung-Cheol who just stares at the both of you. Usually his face is hard to read, but you could definitely see the confusion and sadness plastered on it.
Everyone around was confused but cheered nonetheless, many giving their blessing and others gasping at Taehyung’s sudden confession.
You didn’t know what to say or do. This wasn’t supposed to happened, you were supposed to be free after today, but now it felt like a new prison. And this time, everyone was here to witness Taehyung’s love to you.
Before you could turn to him and whisper, many of the councilmen swarmed the two of you, clearly happy that the wedding was finally given a date.
You played along, a fake smile on your face as Taehyung makes your arm loop around his.
No matter how hard you try, you couldn’t change this part of the novel and it worried you. Why doesn’t he hate you? It would’ve been much easier if you just acted like Lady Lim, make him hate you even more and then want to end it.
Instead you did the opposite and made him, along with two other guys, fall for you.
When the people finally stopped swarming you two, he allows you to pull him away to the terrace outside.
As you two entered, the other six men followed. Usually you would’ve barked at them to leave, but your mind was clouded with anger that you didn’t care.
“Bitch I am going to swing on you and that’ll be the last thing you see!” you cursed him, “If there weren’t any witnesses around, I’d throw you off this terrace. Why the fuck would you do the opposite of what you promised?!”
Anger fuels your body as you start punching his chest, yet again not strong enough to hurt him.
“You lied to me! You said you would end it! I proposed the idea so you could pursue Meo-Soon, why would you do this?”
He gives a gentle smile and as much as he looks handsome, you still hated him.
“Hello? You’re not going to say anything?”
He chuckles softly, “Lady Lim, you have no idea what you do to me. All that I said last night was true, I am not giving up and even if it means you hating me for it, i’ll spend years making it up to you.”
Your eyebrows furrow, “Years? Bitch you better go back in there and take those words back!”
He just laughs once again, “I know it’s all sudden, but I promise I will do everything in my power to make things right.”
Hobi noticed you taking off your earrings and heels and he immediately stands behind you. Before you could lunge at him, Hobi wraps his arms around you.
“Let me go Hobi! Words aren’t going through his head, I need to beat it into him!” you grit out, thrashing against his arms.
He holds on tighter and turns to Jungkook, “Kookie, make sure no one enters. Lady Lim is about to kill Taehyung.”
“Kill?” you laugh, “Killing would be an easy way out for him. Let me go!”
Taehyung just stands there, acting like you weren’t going to kill him.
“You don’t want to admit it, but I know a part of you holds feelings.”
His words make you freeze mid thrash.
“I can read you, you know,” he says, “I know you’re trying to make me hate you, i know you’re trying to act like this was for the best. However, you lie badly.”
“I know Seung-Cheol is in most of your heart, but I don’t care. I want you, I will shout it to everyone for the rest of my days if I have to. It’s you that I want, you that I want to wake up next to and kiss. It’s you who I want to marry.”
You’re still frozen in Hobi’s arms and for a second, your brain shuts down. Your face reddens at his words and your knees became weak.
However, you’re still pissed at him.
“I’m going to fuck you up just wait until he lets me go and it’s on!”
——-
sorry that it’s short 😞 ill make it up to yall somehow
omg i’m getting another fic idea, similar to my BTS one, but this time with members of enhypen. reader gets transported, but needs to solve the murder of the OG princess. lmk what yall think ehehehehe😋😋😋
also sorry for the late post of chapter 6, i lwk took a break bc i have a bad habit of trying to push chapters out fast, i burn out and end up abandoning the story. i don’t wanna do it to this one, so ive been taking things slow. ITLL BE POSTED SOON I PROMISE
“Her eyes, the way they sparkle, shine, and have emotions. Something about her changed, and slowly I’m starting to see her.”
As the emotions from earlier dimmed down a bit, Jimin remained quiet. No teasing, flirting, or laughing. Just thoughtful silence and for some reason, that felt more dreading.
You sat by the fire, still trying to prevent your heart from exploding with emotions. Servants walked in with new tea and candles, trying their best to keep a steady atmosphere.
Your head hurt as realization keeps on hitting you. The story was unraveling now and it scares you even more that your actions would speed up the plot, no longer allowing you to predict changes.
Now because your changes, you don’t know if all of your knowledge would change. You already remember war planning, routes the enemy took and much more, but what if the story changes that as well?
You hated this feeling more than anything.
“You’re spiraling again.”
You looked up and saw Seung-Cheol standing beside you, holding two cups of steamy tea.
“How do you keep noticing that?” you whisper, taking the cup from his hands.
“Your shoulders tense first.”
Wow, how intimate of this man. If he keeps it up, you might just cry from your thighs.
He sat beside you, not too close but not far either. It was perfect, enough to bring you warmth.
“Thank you.”
He nodded once again before continuing, “Do you want to talk about it?”
That question alone shocked you. People never asked if you wanted to talk, they usually expected emotional labor, explanations, or composure.
However, he always gave you a choice.
You stared at him softly, “Im scared of changing things too much.”
silence, not confused. Just thoughtful.
“I wanted to stop bad things from happening,” You say, “But now everything feels unstable.”
This wasn’t about survival anymore, it was about events.
People’s futures keep changing. Relationships, war, and feelings.
And Taehyung’s…
It was obvious he started seeing you in a different light.
Seung-Cheol sat back a bit, “Can I tell you something?”
You nodded faintly.
“The future changes no matter what we do. People spend their lives trying to control outcome,” he pauses, “But eventually you realize that the only true control you have is how you treat others beside you while events changes.”
Shit, ok Shakespeare. you chuckled to yourself.
You stared at him with awe because he always knew what to say that was right at the moment.
“You really enjoy emotionally dismantling me, huh?” you chuckled, earning one in return.
“I think you’re just tired of carrying everything alone.”
That soft smile, gosh it always warms your body.
When the council chambers suddenly opened, you noticed Jimin walked in. He was so quiet, that you didn’t notice he slipped away for a moment.
The second he noticed you two, his gaze softened a little. Not teasing, but emotionally.
He walked up to you in a careful manner, as if he didn’t want to scare a fragile bunny away.
Then, unexpectedly. He bowed to you. Not a grand one, but a respectful one.
You blinked once.
“What are you doing?”
He looked up and for once, there wasn’t flirtation in his eyes. Just sincerity.
“You saved my life tonight.”
The thought came crashing down again. This wasn’t just a book now, these were real people with real emotions.
Jimin, the man that was your least favorite fictional character, was now standing in front of you.
“I…” you looked down quickly, “just remembered somethings. No big deal.”
But Jimin shook his head, “No big deal?” he questions, “If you hadn’t spoken up, I wouldn’t be here. You chose to speak.”
He was right, you could’ve chosen to keep that information to yourself, saving yourself only. But you chose to share it, which saved a life.
Jimin have you a genuine smile as he bent down to whisper the last thing, “You’re kinder than you think you are, Lady Lim.”
And somehow, that almost made you cry.
You stared at him as his words had taken effect on you because he didn’t say that you were kinder than before or that you were surprisingly kind.
Just that you are kinder than you realize.
“Well this is awkward,” He sheepishly smiles.
“How so?”
“Having emotions in public, not my best gesture.”
Seung-Cheop snorted from beside you.
Jimin pointed at him accusingly, “Don’t encourage this atmosphere.”
“This atmosphere?” you repeated.
“Yes,” Jimin gestured dramatically between them, “Whatever deeply emotional thing is happening over here.”
You immediately covered your face, “Please stop perceiving things.”
“Never.”
Despite yourself, you laughed quietly.
He visibly relaxed at the sound, causing you to quirk an eyebrow.
Oh, he was trying to lighten the mood. How thoughtful of the prince.
Then, a familiar voice echoed from the doorway.
“I sleep for one hour and somehow feelings happened?”
Jung Hoseok walked in with Yoongi, the scary cat man.
Followed behind them both were Namjoon and Taehyung.
You noticed Namjoon looked exhausted, Hobi looking thoughtful, and Taehyung noticing you first.
It has always been you first lately, and it made you feel guilty.
He noticed your soft smile as you looked to Seung-Cheol.
Namjoon moved to the strategy table with a long, tired sigh, “The Northern routes have been successfully changed.”
Immediate relief entered into everyone as you noticed Jimin exhaled beside you.
“No causalities?” Seung-Cheol asked.
Jin shook his head, “None.”
The originals first death has been avoided. Actually, more so changed.
Hope fluttered in your chest because just maybe, the future hasn’t changed.
But then when that feeling of fear kicked in, you felt yourself start to spiral.
Because if you changed one major event, would the story introduce another casualty to correct itself somehow?
Your thoughts started going everywhere and you felt suffocated.
Yoongi noticed you from across the chamber.
“You’re doing it again.” He says.
You looked up with wide eyes, “Doing what again?”
“Thinking yourself into misery.”
Hoseok snorted while he rubbed his hands together and yawned, “I don’t get how none of you guys are tired.”
Jungkook gave him an unimpressed look, “Hyung, you slept through the whole thing. How are you tired?”
Jin walked in with a tray of food, “I brought snacks.”
Hobi jumped up with a grin, “You really know how to make me happy.”
Namjoon rose an eyebrow, “During a military crisis?”
“Yes.”
“… fair enough.”
The chambers mood lessened a bit as everyone started to munch on the snacks Jin brought. It felt nice to have a tiny bit of normalcy return.
“You know,” Hoseok started as he sat down across from you dramatically, “Everyone in the palace thinks Lady Lim is secretly magical now.”
You choked on your cookie, “I’m sorry WHAT?”
Jungkook nodded while taking a bite of a piece of bread, “Some servants think you’re blessed by the gods.”
“Others think you’re haunted.” Yoongi added.
“THATS WORSE!”
Jimin grinned, “Personally I support the haunting theory.”
Taehyung faintly smiled. It was a tired smile, but still bright and hopeful. Made you realize why Lim fell so hard for him, because even though he faced serious pressure, he always held a warm smile.
It hurt you as you realized you’re starting to care for him, maybe not in the same way as before. But still as a human being.
Before you could think yourself into misery once again, Seung-Cheol leaned towards you, “You should rest.”
You looked at him carefully. The candlelight softened his features while rain continued to pour against the window.
The look on his face made you paralyze. You wanted to learn more about this guy, you wanted to be there and cheer him on through everything while offer comfort.
Jimin noticed the look on your face and his eyes widened as he looked at Taehyung, then back to you.
He realized the same thing. You were genuinely falling for Seung-Cheol.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
As jimin noticed it all now, his teasing grin melted off his face. That, more than anything, scares you the most.
He might joke around constantly, but once he notices something that involves feelings? He’s right on it.
And now he realizes something you were too scared to admit out loud. You were falling for someone else.
Not a crush or fascination, but genuine real love.
Jimin’s gaze flickered toward Taehyung and you made the mistake of following it because he was staring right at you.
Not at Seung-Cheol, but at you.
Like he was trying to understand something that was slipping through his fingers.
The guilt hit you even harder because you never wanted to hurt him, that’s the last thing he deserves to feel.
Now that you fully understood him and why Dan-So fell for him, it made you question your thinking. While you wanted to be selfish and go for love for the first time, the thought of Taehyung’s face flashed in your mind.
Why should you feel bad? In the book, he hated her! He wishes she was gone and did everything he could to avoid her. Now that she truly found love, he’s starting to see the real her?
Yes, in his defense the original Dan-So was lowkey evil, but now that you think about it, he never gave her the chance to prove her worth. He always assumed and Dan-So decided to do any means necessary to make him hers.
But Seung-Cheol, he felt like peace. You didn’t have to prove anything to him, didn’t have to even show him your so called better side for him to notice you. He already knew what you were worth, unlike Taehyung.
Hoseok suddenly sat up in his chair with a loud huff, “Well, this atmosphere is absolutely horrible.”
Everyone blinked as he pointed around the room, “Too much feelings, not enough snacks.”
Jungkook handed him a slice of bread to which Hoseok jumped with joy. Awe, their friendship is healing.
Namjoon rubbed his eyes tiredly, “Can we survive this potential war before feelings get in the way?”
“Too late,” Jimin muttered.
You glared at him instantly, “Stop narrating my life.”
“Impossible,” he grinned, “It’s interesting now.”
Yoongi who was still reviewing documents from the table looked up, “She’s embarrassed because you’re correct.”
You gave him a look that screamed traitor, “Why is everyone here emotionally evil?”
Seung-Cheol laughed from beside you and you suddenly felt warm. His laugh was cute.
Taehyung noticed that too and then looked away. Almost making you feel a bit guilty for finally moving on.
The tragedy was clear as day before you, Taehyung only started to understand you once you stopped chasing him. It wasn’t fair to either of you, mainly you.
Namjoon stood up and started walking to the doors, “It’s getting late, we should head on to bed.”
One by one, everyone started to file out the chamber while bidding the other goodnight. All that was left was you, Seung-Cheol, and Taehyung.
Great, how awkward.
Before jimin left he gave you one last glance, “I’m glad you’re still here.”
That tightened your chest because in the novel at this point, Dan-So and Jimin hated each other so much. Insults being thrown from both of them and little remarks here and there.
Yoongi followed after jimin and turned around as well, “You did well tonight. Rest up.”
As the three was left alone, Taehyung sighed softly, “You saved people tonight.”
You looked down awkwardly, “I just got lucky.”
“No,” he replied softly.
The expression of his face nearly shattered your heart, “I think i forgot how much warmth you carried.”
The words hit hard and it almost made you tear up. He genuinely is missing the old Dan-So and it tore you up.
“And I think,” he pauses for a second, “I realized too late.”
Beside you, Seung-Cheol lowered his gaze as the atmosphere tensed once more.
You had no idea why he was saying these things. After all, tomorrow he was supposed to announce to everyone that you both shall not be wedded.
You looked at Taehyung and realized the truth. Taehyung and Dan-So were never monsters, just two lonely people aching for affection who were taught to love in all the wrong ways.
He was taught duty first, emotions second, and survive quietly.
She was taught devotion equals worth, marriage equals survival, and that being chosen equals love.
By the time the two understood each other, everything was already broken.
“Taehyung,” you say quietly as his eyes snapped towards yours.
Before any of you could say anything, Seung-Cheol stood up and gave a soft smile, “I’ll wait outside.”
There was no jealousy or bitterness in his voice, it was respectful. It made you smile warmly.
As he left, you faced your ex betrothal.
“I don’t think you realize how lonely I was.” You answer quietly.
His expression dimmed as your words dawned on him.
“I know,” he says, “I saw pieces of it. Everytime I tried getting closer, you clung tighter instead.”
your chest aches painfully, “I loved you so much that it destroyed me.”
The words shattered him and he looked to you like he physically felt it.
He looked towards the darkened window, “I know.”
No wonder this story wrecked readers emotionally, this man was just everything.
“When you changed,” he said, “I thought I still had time.”
Not fix the engagement or anything, but to fix both of you and that hurt a lot. Because you weren’t the same girl anymore and you know he sensed that too.
You looked toward the door that Seung-Cheol stepped through and felt warmth just thinking about him.
You laughed weakly, “This is such a mess.”
“Yes,” he whispered. Then he looked at you carefully and asked the question you’ve been dreading, “Are you falling for him?”
The words landed gently. There wasn’t any accusation in his tone, but gentleness.
You didn’t want to lie as you felt like that was cruel, but you didn’t know how to answer without hurting his feelings.
You shouldn’t care, after all he hates you.
As he noticed your expression, he nodded faintly, “I see.”
Oh god, the guilt hit you so hard you didn’t know what to say. Should you defend yourself and bring up how he treated you? Or would that make it worse?
Despite the sadness that lingered, he gave you a gentle smile. “He looks at you like he already knows every part of you that you’re afraid of showing.”
Your breath caught because he was right.
His gaze lowered, “I think I’m only beginning to understand you now.”
You couldn’t breathe properly as the chamber suddenly felt too small because he looked at you with the kind of sadness that came from realizing something too late.
You looked away and bit your bottom lip.
“I never meant to hurt you.” he whispered.
Well, you did. You thought bitterly to yourself.
“I know.” is all you said.
Despite everything between them, he still treated you with care and gentleness.
The rain outside softened into a drizzle as the thunder faded.
The storm was passing but here in the room emotions were high.
He stepped closer to you, the warmth radiating off his body.
“When I thought you loved me,” he admitted, “ I took that for granted.”
You couldn’t bare to look in his eyes as you knew the words held truth.
The original Dan-So loved him loudly and everyone thought it would last like that forever. No matter how badly she got hurt or how lonely she became.
He swallowed before continuing, “You stopped chasing me,” he says, “And suddenly I realized I was looking for you everywhere.”
This wasn’t how the novel was supposed to go. He was supposed to fall for Meo-Soon, end the engagement publicly while Dan-So spiraled into sadness.
But now? Taehyung was also changing along with the novel.
He laughed once, “Now I see why you were frustrated with me.”
You blinked through the ache in your chest, “What?”
“Because I never saw you properly until you stopped asking me to.”
Oh, that was horrible and it weighed down on you like a ton. His eyes held a glimmer of hope, as if hoping you would throw your arms around him and accept him again.
Did he truly think you were that easy? While you did felt some type of guilt, the knowing of the future and how he treated Dan-So stuck in your mind.
“Taehyung,” you whispered, “You still have to call this engagement off.”
He gave you a sad look and took another step forward, “But,” he pauses again, “What if I don’t want to?”
He had to be joking, you know he has to. He never said it before and even thanked you for ending it, so why take back those words? Was it because you saved his best friend’s life?
“ Taehyung, you can’t say that. Not after everything.”
He shook his head “Originally, I agreed to this marriage because it was my duty. But now?”
He takes your hand in his and gives it a faint squeeze, “I want to fight for us.”
This wasn’t the original Taehyung anymore. He isn’t walking away and giving up while choosing Meo-Soon. He’s looking deep in your eyes and pleading for another chance.
“I know I’m late,” he says, “I know I hurt you, but if there is a chance we misunderstood each other all these years, then i don’t want to lose you without trying.”
Your chest ached as his words crashed into you once more. A part of you, well Dan-So, still had feelings for him and maybe even the real you.
But this isn’t how the story is supposed to go. If you keep changing it, what else will change in the future?
Fear flashes across his face as he took in your expression.
“Do you love him?”
You looked to the door instinctively and that answered his question.
Instead of anger falling onto his face, it was replaced by determination.
“Then I’ll make you fall for me again.”
He releases your hand and took a step back.
“Taehyung, emotions are high right now and you will regret that in the morning. I plead with you, sleep on it and I guarantee you will end it tomorrow. You promised.”
He didn’t say anything and instead left through the doors, leaving you all alone. You didn’t know what to do and how to go about it.
That man basically said the words Dan-So desperately wanted to hear, but now that it happened you didn’t know what to do.
You were supposed to deliver justice just as she pleaded. So you tried, but it made you wonder. What other injustice is she talking about?
You tried remembering the book and how each event unfolded. It made no sense to you on how you’ll fix it.
It was supposed to be quiet, you slip away after ending things with Taehyung and remove yourself completely from the story. But now? You accidentally created a huge love triangle.
As you arrived to your bedroom and Mia dressed you in your nightgown, you couldn’t even sleep. How could you? You basically altered most major events, preventing the death of Jimin, emotionally devastated yourself, and caused two guys to look at you with love and affection.
As rain continued to drizzle down, you tossed and turned as your mind raced.
But then, your eyes suddenly widened as you remembered something. During this emotional time, you forgot something shocking.
Seung-Cheol called you by your actual name, not your characters. You know for sure that you didn’t imagine it, it actually happened. He even said for you to remember, which made it even more weird.
What does this man know? And if he knows you’re not the original Dan-So, how did he know your name?
A knock was heard on her door and you stood up to open it. Who on this Earth was awake at this moment? And why were they knocking on your door?
You opened it and noticed Taehyung in all his glory. He had his night wear on and his hair was a bit damp.
“What are you doing awake?” you asked, pulling him inside and shutting the doors.
“I couldn’t stop thinking.” He answered.
You rolled your eyes, “So you decided to wake me up along with you?”
“It’s not like you were asleep.”
“I could’ve been!”
He laughs and walks in further, taking in your room. “I just couldn’t stop thinking about us,” He says, “When you stopped laughing with me, fighting to be by my side, and stopped looking for me it hit me hard. I looked for you everywhere without meaning to.”
You sighed and covered your face, “Couldn’t this wait until the morning? It’s improper for an unmarried man to be in a women’s bedroom this late at night.”
Taehyung looked at you and stepped closer, his hands cradling your face as he made you look up. He’s never been this close and it caused you to stutter.
He placed a gentle kiss on your nose, forehead, then your lips. His eyes ranked over you as he licked his lips, “I know you want me to sleep on it, but I’ll be honest, my answer still stands that I will not give up on you.”
If Dan-So was in your shoes right now, she would cry hearing those words she always wanted to hear.
Right now? Not so much.
He was caring and kind, however you knew how the ending will go. You dead and Meo-Soon winning. Regardless she will win, but if you could prevent the death of you, everything will be better.
“Taehyung,” you whisper, “I think you should go. It’s late and I don’t want people to get the wrong idea.”
He steps back a bit and assesses your face. The way your eyes widen once you’re conflicted, or the way your hands clench when you’re frustrated, he’s seen it all.
“I understand, sleep well.”
When he finally leaves, you lay down in your bed and try your best to allow sleep to consume you.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
“Y/N, what are you doing?” your father asks as he stepped into your room.
You place your pencil down and look up at him, trying to hide the paper that was in your hands.
He held out his hand, telling you to hand it over.
Once you did, his eyes lowered with sadness. On that paper was the obituary of your mother. Her picture smiling back that was taken after Christmas Eve. She had a pearl necklace that your father just gifted her. Her hair was up in a nice bun and she had a red dress.
1973-2025 In memory of Gracie L/N.
The words stared back at him, laminated and a bit faded. The funeral was weeks ago, but you still kept that paper. You always had it in your purse, it was like your mother was with you everywhere she went.
She was the staple of this family and glue. Once she died on that fateful day, everything was ruined. Your father promised for things to get back to normal, but it was shaky.
You couldn’t blame him, his whole world died and yet he had to put on a brave face for his three children.
“Princess,” he says and kneels down to your eye level, “Im so sorry.”
You see the tears gleaming in his eyes and your heart ached more. He was trying.
“Don’t be. It’s not your fault. Thank you for trying.” You say and give him a tight hug.
He returns it and starts to sob in your shoulder.
“i miss her so much.” You say, lips trembling.
.
.
.
.
.
“My lady!” your maid yells, giving you a little shake. “It’s time to wake up!”
Your eyes open and you saw the bright sun shine through. The storm must’ve passed when you were sleeping and you were grateful for that.
The dream was terrible, it was more like a nightmare. You hated remembering that time and how much your dad cried.
He never cried in front of your family, always saying that he needs to be brave for everyone. To see him cry that hard shattered you.
You missed him, you missed your siblings and you just miss your mom. Guilt still rings through you when you remember how if you were there, she would still possibly be here.
Your maid helps you stand up and walk to the vanity to get you ready for the day. It was the Banquet that Taehyung is holding to announce the annulment.
People are thinking it was just to properly tell the world that your guys love was still strong, but they will surely be shocked to hear the news.
She dressed you in a red gown that fell onto the floor gracefully. Bright sparkles dazzling it throughout the whole outfit. It was off the shoulders and hugged your figure perfectly.
“Is everything alright, my lady?” Mia asked, eyeing you gently.
All you did was nod, “Yes, just a terrible nightmare.”
She knew you didn’t want to talk about it, so she just continued dressing you up and styling your hair.
“Everyone is getting the hall ready for today’s event. Would you like to go there?” she asks.
The possibility of running into the seven men were high, so you shook your head.
“I’ll walk the garden for a little, clear my mind and all. Thank you.”
Before you walked through the doors, she handed you a furry cardigan to keep you warm in the cold winter weather.
You placed it on as you walked down the corridor. Today would’ve been better if you didn’t have that dream last night, and now you’re all sad and bitter.
This feeling was all too familiar and you hated it. So, to prevent yourself from saying anything rude to anyone, you chose to clear your mind.
As you walked outside, the cold weather greeted you. It felt nice since your body was a bit hot from all those horrendous thoughts.
You continued to walk around, stop a few times to inspect the plants and trees. The peacefulness welcomed you, until it didn’t.
Standing before you was Meo-Soon talking with a strange man. He had a beard and a suit on. They seemed rather comfortable with each other considering their distance and it puzzled you. Just who was this man?
You tried walking a bit closer to hear their conversation, but your feet accidentally stepped on an old leaf, signaling your presence.
Both of them turned around startled and saw you looking at them.
They both bow to you.
“My lady,” the man says, “It’s an honor to meet you.”
You walked closer and eye Meo-Soon and the strange man. “Who are you and why are you conversing with my servant?”
He gives you a raised eyebrow and turned to look at Meo-Soon.
“I was asking you, no need to look at her.” you say plainly.
The man chuckles, “My apologies. I am Hwang Gi-Hun.”
You raise an eyebrow, “What family are you affiliated and why are you walking alone in the garden with my servant?”
“I was just conversing with your servant, sorry for the trouble.”
“I also asked about your affiliations.”
“I am from the Highland Village. I own three banks there.”
Your eyes narrow at his words. That village was located in the East, bordering the Southern region.
“So, you’re from the Highland village and came to the banquet today. If I am mistaken, it seems as though you two are rather familiar with each other.”
Meo-Soon flinches and her eyes start to dart everywhere that isn’t you.
“We have met when I visited a year ago. I didn’t know I would get lectured for talking with a familiar face?”
Irritation bubbled within you at his words.
“I don’t know if you’re trying to be snarky, but I would appreciate if you were respectful. Please, my servant has much to do.”
Your eyes snap to Meo-Soon who apologizes and runs off, leaving the two of you alone.
“I have to get going, see you soon my Lady.”
He walks off in the opposite direction without looking back. Your eyes closed in on his hands that were clenched at his sides.
Something was up. Meo-Soon didn’t start working here until five months ago.
You quickly walked back inside the palace and into the study room. Inside was the seven men along with an official you recognized.
Mingyu, one of your palaces trusty knights. His father and grandfather helped aid in wars, he was much respected for following in their footsteps.
As you entered, all eyes landed on you.
Jimin grinned and Hoseok brightened up seeing you.
Namjoon was off in the corner with another person, probably conversing about pointless politics. Jin was talking with Yoongi and Jungkook was once again, sprawled out on the floor.
Taehyung was on the couch and perked up when he noticed you. His hands grazed your body and he almost felt heat rush to many places.
“Lady Lim!” Jimin says, “Nice to see you.”
You give him an eye roll and walk up to your knight, “Mingyu, I need your help.”
He looks to you after stopping his conversation with another person, “My lady, what is the issue.”
Everyone in the room quieted down and you hated that. You didn’t want them overhearing.
“There is someone I need you to look into. His name is Hwang Gi-hun. He claims to be from Highland village, but I feel as though something is wrong.”
Mingyu raised an eyebrow, “Something is wrong? What brought this on?”
“I feel as though we should talk about this somewhere else, please fo-“
“The Highland Village?” Namjoon speaks up, “That borders the southern region.”
“Yes, I am rather familiar with that.”
Yoongi gives you a look, “Why do you need tabs on him.”
You shake your head, “What happens in this palace is none of your guys concern. I am relaying this to my knight.”
Jimin grins once more, “Well, I am rather intrigued. You should’ve stepped out.”
Dammit, he was right.
All you did was stick your tongue out to him and turn to Mingyu, “I saw him conversing with Meo-Soon earlier, but something is off. I feel it in my tatas.”
As the last word left your mouth, you cursed yourself. Why the hell would you say tatas in front of them old men that don’t even know what that term is.
Everyone gives you a confused look, probably because of the strange word you said.
Dammit, curse you and your brainrot sayings.
“I mean, I feel it in my bone.” you say.
Taehyung appears next to you, “You saw him conversing with Meo-Soon, how is that weird?”
“Why would a grown man be conversing with my servant? Just the two of them?”
Taehyung stepped closer, “So are you saying Meo-Soon is in on whatever you’re thinking?”
This bitch. Is he trying to accuse you in front of everyone? You already have a bad reputation of hating her, he’s making it sound like that hatred never left.
“I never said that,” you seethe out, “I am talking about the man.”
“What does Meo-Soon have to do with this then?”
Is he really trying to start an argument with you?
Irritation rose once again, “Did I say she was acting weird? No, I didn’t. This doesn’t concern you.”
He sighs and shakes his head, “It sounds like accusations toward Meo-Soon who has done nothing but her job. Why bring her name up?”
Your fist clenched and your shoulders tightened. Everyone in the room looked at you both, Jimin was even quiet.
“Why are you suddenly so invested why I said her name?”
“Because she’s been nothing but kind. This would be out of character for her.”
Your smile tightened, “I didn’t say she did anything, just that she was conversing with that man. Why are you defending her?”
“Because, you hated her before and you claimed to have stop, but right now what you’re saying is the exact opposite of your claim.”
Your mouth fell opened at his words. Your day started off shitty, but now this definitely irked you more.
“Taehyung,” you say firmly, “Either you step back and butt out of it, or you continue and say something you’ll regret. i’m giving you the chance.”
He pauses for a second, “I’m just asking what everyone in this room is thinking.”
You looked to everyone and noticed their faces. It pained you seeing it because it was obvious everyone was thinking the same thing.
Did they truly think that bad of you.
“Don’t let last night take away from the fact of your history of hating Meo-Soon.” He says.
The words broke you. Last night you assumed everything will go well. You saved Jimin’s life, and even Taehyung vowed to fight for you again, why was he suddenly acting this way?
You didn’t know what to say or what to do. Everyone, except Mingyu, is looking at you with such distaste. Did your actions last night mean nothing to them.
“Taehyung,” you whisper, lips trembling slightly, “I hate you.”
You walked towards the door, tears slowly falling down your face, “If you don’t announce the annulment tonight, I will have all seven of you casted out of my palace.”
It daunted on you, no matter what you do or how hard you try to salvage Lim’s character, no one will ever believe that you changed. As the doors closed and you gone, everyone turned to Taehyung who just stood there, mind replaying all that happened.
Mingyu followed after you after giving each of them a stern look.
“Well,” Jimin says with a sheepish smile, “That was rather awkward.”
Jungkook stood from the floor, “Hyung, what does she mean by the annulment?”
Jin gave an amused grin, “He didn’t tell you guys?” he asks, “Lady Lim ended the engagement. He’s supposed to announce it tonight.”
The four that didn’t know the news gasped as they looked to Taehyung who was still in deep thought. His kind replaying the events from earlier. All that he said, he didn’t even mean. It felt like his mind controlled him and told him to say those things.
All that he built with you last night was thrown out the window and he hated that.
“I messed up.” he says, running his hands through his hair.
“You both are no longer engaged?!”
he walks out the room quickly, hoping to still find you. He didn’t mean anything and he didn’t know why he said that.
Something made him say that and to see your sad face, it broke him.
Maybe a part of him did yearn for Meo-Soon, but a larger part yearned for you as well.
He was about to turn a corner but heard your shaky voice. He saw your head in your maids shoulder as you sobbed into it.
“No matter what I do,” you whimper out, “I’ll always be the bad guy.”
He stayed silent and noticed the other six were behind him. Taehyung gave them a glare and told them to hush up.
“It’s ok my lady, It will all be fine.” your maid soothes you.
“I just can’t take it, Mia. All of this. I’m not even supposed to be here! I want to go home, I want to see my family.”
You were saying nonsense.
“My lady, you are home, your parents are in their meeting right now.”
You shake your head.
It was true to Dan-So, but it wasn’t true to you.
“You don’t get it!” you yell out, “I’m just tired. I had that horrible dream of my mom, and now Taehyung accused me in front of everyone and no one stopped him. They all hate me.”
Your maid rubs your back soothingly while holding you tightly.
“You have Seung-Cheol, my lady. Doesn’t he bring you happiness?”
“He does,” you cry out, “I love that man, but he deserves someone that isn’t so broken. I just don’t want to be here right now.”
Taehyung’s heart aches at your words. He hurt you and didn’t realize how badly. The way your body trembled as you cried your heart out, makeup rubbing off on your maids clothes.
“Don’t say that, my lady. I promise you, they are fools for how they treated you. After the prince announces the annulment, you’ll be free.”
The six men noticed Taehyung’s grimaced face at your maids words. He didn’t want to end it, and he didn’t plan on it.
He wanted to turn back to give you privacy, but your cries froze him.
“I just don’t get it, I saw Meo-Soon talking to that man, I saw how weird that man is. He’s from the Highland village and owns three banks! That right there is a concern! Why don’t they take me seriously.”
“They did when you told them about Prince Jimin last night.”
You wipe your eyes, “Yes, but why won’t they believe me today? What changed?”
Taehyung turned around and walked back inside that room, the six others following behind him.
They have never heard Dan-So cry before, and if they did it was a childish cry when none of them wanted to hang out with her.
But this time? It sounded painful and raw.
“Maybe,” Jungkook says, “We judged her too harsh. We should’ve heard her out.”
Namjoon nods his head, “Him owning three banks and being from Highland Village raises enough red flags.”
Taehyung sighs and sits down, truly troubled by everything. He was a fool to berate you in front of everyone. And now? You’ll never view him the same.
He knows you held love for him, maybe not romantic as you did before, but you cared for him. And he messed up that care you had.
“I’ve never seen her cry like that,” Hoseok says, “It kind of broke me.”
Jimin, who usually smiles looked to Taehyung with a dimmed expression, “You need to make things right.”
Everyone froze at his words.
Did the playful, flirty Jimin really say something so serious?
“A lady,” he says, “Should never have to cry like that. Either you make it right,” he pauses, “Or I will take this as an opportunity.”
All he does is walk about the doors and left them to their own conversation.
Jimin was shocked himself. He never imagined having to defend you, the one person he found so annoying and troublesome. Before he arrived here, he dreaded the fact that he would be in the same place as you.
However, you weren’t like before. The loud, rude, and obnoxious girl was replaced with a kind, shy, and assertive woman.
It was like overnight you became someone entirely new. Last night when you spoke up and saved him made him realize something.
He never saw you properly, never even gave you the chance. But after you saved his life because you were concerned, he kept looking at you.
Your soft face, the way your eyes always spoke for you. And how you thought of others. It aches his heart in ways he didn’t understand.
He stopped walking and placed his hand over his chest, feeling his rapidly beating heart.
A grin fell on his face as he realized something. “Oh wow,” he says, laughing softly, “I guess Taehyung has another competitor.”
The war discussions was pushed to later tonight, so your parents took this opportunity to have a tiny banquet with everyone, including the councilmen.
As much as you wanted to stay in your room, you knew being there would be a safer option. However, a part of you felt empty. all day today you haven’t seen Seung-Cheol and it made you sad.
You wanted to look for him, but decided against it.
the banquet room was filled with tables that had many foods, drinks and and flowers. Everyone stood around the room, laughing and gossiping.
You wore a a fluffy ball dress, light baby blue with white ruffles. Quite rich, if you do say so yourself.
Everyone you passed by gave you a bow to which you returned with a smile. Spotting an empty seat, you sat down with your maid by your side.
“I know as the daughter of the queen and king I should socialize,” you sigh, leaning towards Mia, “However I do enjoy having moments to myself.”
Your eyes noticed the doors open and the seven famous princes walking through. A groan left your mouth and you slid down the chair, covering your face and praying to god they don’t notice you.
“My lady?” Mia asked, “Is everything alright?”
You put your finger to your mouth and motioned for her to act like you were there. She understood and looked around her, pretending to be rather busy.
However, Jimin the evil man, you dubbed him as, noticed everything. Right now? He noticed you.
Luxurious robes, perfect hair, and annoyingly attractive.
and unfortunately, a grin so smug you wanted to fight him on the spot.
“There you are,” he says dramatically, the others following suit, “The palace is experiencing political instability and here you are, causing more tension.”
you pointed to yourself, “Me?!”
“Yes, you.” He laughs and takes a seat across from you.
Taehyung looked tired as he sat down next to you and you looked toward the heavens.
“I miss the silence.”
“You were just talking to your maid a second ago.” Jimin replied.
“YOU RUINED IT!”
That slipped out a bit too fast, whoops. Everyone froze at their table, including you.
Jimin’s eyes widened dramatically, then slowly, dangerously, his grin returned.
“Well.”
Taehyung’s expression dimmed, the rest looked at you with amusement. which somehow made it worse.
You buried your face into your hands, “I’m moving into the forest.”
“You’d last two days.” Jimin said.
“Incorrect, I’d become one with nature.”
Namjoon voice suddenly popped up, “Yesterday you got lost in the library for forty-five minutes. In your own palace that you grew up in.”
You gasped, “WHY ARE YOU HERE TOO?”
Namjoon looked deeply unimpressed, “We’ve been searching for you.”
“Why is everyone emotionally attached to finding my location?”
“Because,” Jimin answered instantly, “Your life has become entertaining.”
“Seek help.”
“You know,” Jin said, “The council meeting will start after this.”
Ah, that’s right. The border attack.
Reality hit everyone and Taehyung sat up immediately and even Jimin lost his teasing energy.
You noticed the shift and your stomach tightened at the idea.
The original stories war arc began with meetings like that.
Whispers, politics and fear.
Afterward? Nothing really returned to normal. How could it?
Your maid bent down to whisper to you, “I spotted Sir Seung-Cheol with a group of men outside. Should I ask him to come over?”
Your eyes widened. Oh shit, he’s here? Do you look good?
Noticing, Jin leaned forward, “Expecting someone?”
“No, not that it’s any of your business.”
Namjoon raised an eyebrow, “I’m shocked I haven’t seen you with Seung-Cheol today, why is that?”
Jimin gave him a confused look, “You know Seung-Cheol?”
“Why do you say that as if you know him?” you asked, “He is the son of my palace doctor.”
“Hm.” Jimin replied, looking deep in thought.
“What’s the matter?” Jung Hoseok asked, “You only end your sentence with ‘hm’ when you realize something.”
Jimin shook his head, a grin plastered on his face again, “It’s nothing. Just that names sounds rather familiar.”
You felt Taehyungs eye on you and it made you rather uncomfortable. He hasn’t stared at you like this since ever, not even would he look at Lady Lim in the novel. So why is he suddenly so invested in you?
“You should rest.”
There it goes, that worrying. Like you were fragile and wouldn’t understand the implications that is happening soon.
you crossed your arms stubbornly, “I don’t need to be hidden away every time something serious happens.”
Taehyung sighed softly, “No one is saying that.”
“It’s implied.”
Jungkook quietly watched you for a moment before speaking.
“She wants to feel useful.”
silence, direct hit.
You stared at him betrayal.
“Whose side are you on?”
his expression gentle, “Yours.”
That was absolutely dangerous and he knows that. In the novel, the two did converse here and there, but not enough for him to say something like that.
Jimin clutched his chest and looked away dramatically.
“Absolutely disgusting. I can feel new chemistry developing right before my eyes.”
“JIMIN.” Taehyung snapped, giving him a glare.
“What? I’m observant. Move fast buddy.”
“You are annoying.”
“Those things coexist beautifully.”
Namjoon rubbed his temples as if he regretted knowing any of them. Yoongi was silent the entire time, probably thinking the same thing.
Meanwhile? your brain short circuited as you dwelled on his words. Yours. One word, so simple. Yet your heart warmed completely.
Made you feel guilty. Taehyung wasn’t a bad person per se, he was trying and you knew he was.
However, it was a little too late.
If you were to compare him to Seung-Cheol, you heart would beat for the second man. He felt safe, felt like he chose you too. No pity, nothing. It warmed your heart at the thought.
Maybe it was time to find your happiness.
As the banquet came to an end, you headed to the council chambers with the seven men and felt nervous.
It was tense, no one argued, no one said anything strange. But, you could feel the shift. It was strange and loud.
Taehyung grew quieter too and distant. Somehow, that bothered you more than anything.
Jimin noticed it to your dismay.
“Well,” he says, “This is becoming catastrophically emotional.”
“I’m begging you to stop speaking.”
“You woke up suddenly different, I’m hearing about a different man that caught your attention and even Jungkook is putting the moves on you.”
“Don’t say that and please, shut your mouth.”
Jung Hoseok walked next to them with a plate of fruit from the banquet, saying something that he would hate for it to go to waste.
“How bad is the emotional situation?”
“Severe.” Jimin replied instantly.
Taehyung sighed and Namjoon looked to be one more moment away from retiring.
As you all continued walking, the doors showed themselves with guards standing tall.
This was the moment and it was all to real. This was actually happening.
The atmosphere tensed and and remembered the novel again.
political meetings always led to secrets, bad decisions, and emotional suffering.
Because that was basically the holy trinity of fantasy dramas apparently.
As the doors opened, you froze. There, next to your father was as Seung-Cheol, pointing at the map and discussing something with him.
The eight of you walked in further, gaining his attention and his eyes landed on your confused face.
He smiled and walked towards you slowly. As he stood in front of you, the men beside you watched cautiously.
“I knew why the name sounded familiar. Is this your Seung-Cheol?” Jimin asked lazily.
you didn’t know what to say and just stared at him. Did he lie to you? Wasn’t he the son of the palace doctor? Why is he here?
“I apologize for not saying anything sooner, I needed time. I should probably introduced myself properly. I am part of the Northern Neutral Delegations to help aid in this upcoming possible war.”
He saw your eyes hold hurt but also confusion.
“Why did you say you were the son of the doctor?” you asked, voice slightly trembling.
He sighs, knowing he messed up, “I had to come undercover under the guise of the doctors son. Your father needed help with negations and this was the only way without drawing attention. I apologize if I betrayed your trust.”
Betrayed your trust was a bit much. Yes, you didn’t expect this but you weren’t that mad.
“No need to apologize, I understand why that was needed.” You replied, giving him a soft smile.
In return, he gives you a brighter one and picks up your hand to give it a small kiss. This was normal, but because of your growing feeling you felt hot.
you didn’t feel just understood by the man, you felt wanted. Not needed. Not tolerated. Not chosen out of obligation. Wanted.
the realization hit too hard that you almost looked away and unfortunately Taehyung noticed that too.
Of course he did.
His gaze lingered on her face a second too long before looking away. The atmosphere felt tense once again, like it was fragile enough to break.
Before you could fully sit down to get comfortable, Taehyung turned to you, “You don’t have to attend if this becomes too much.”
You froze once again. There it was, that gentleness and somehow… it hurt worse. Because you could hear the care underneath it.
Not romantic, but real.
You looked at him carefully and realized something aweful.
Taehyung was starting to mourn the old Lim Dan-So too. Not because he loved who she became at the end, but because this new version made him realize who she use to be before everything went wrong.
You recalled from the book how Lim Dan-So followed Taehyung around because he was afraid of being lonely. He confided in you and you promised to always be there. You still remembered how Dan-So carried a dead bird around, thinking it was still alive. She brought it into the doctors office and pleaded for him to heal the animal.
She was kind before then, her surroundings changed her.
You softened slightly, “I can handle difficult conversations.”
Taehyung finally looked at you directly, “I know.” he said quietly, slowly eyeing Seung-Cheol who was still by your side for some reason.
Before you could think too hard about everything, the doors swung opened and the tension once again returned.
Maps spread across the long table, military officials started arguing quietly. Messengers rushing between nobles.
Seeing this, you all stood around the table as discussions began.
You noticed the moment Seung-Cheol made his appearance more loudly. Everyone obviously has a deep respect for him, he carried authority naturally.
The realization made your chest tightened. Nope, not today.
Namjoon stepped forward to one of the officials, “Report.”
he bowed quickly, “Three villages near the Eastern border were attacked. Homes burnt, several civilians missing.”
Your stomach twisted. This was no longer a novel you were reading, it was actual people.
Taehyung’s jaw tights and Jungkook looked furious.
“The East kingdom doesn’t have enough forces for an organized attack,” the commander said, “Someone is supporting them.”
The room fell quiet and your mind raced immediately.
Because in this novel, there WAS betrayal later.
Someone secretly funding the Eastern resistance.
But who was it? You tried your best but just couldn’t remember.
Yoongi suddenly spoke it, “The attacks were coordinated too clearly for desperation alone.”
Right, because his family controlled financial networks meaning he understood patterns like this.
One of the commanders frowned, “You believe someone is backing them?”
A chill ran down your spine because you remembered enough to know: the hidden supporter eventually causes catastrophic damage.
If you couldn’t remember who it was soon, people would get hurt. More and more.
Seung-Cheol observed the map and spoke it, “These weren’t random. They are testing our response time.”
Oh shit.
Even Namjoon looked surprised as Seung-Cheol’s darkened.
“Someone is preparing for a larger scale attack.”
Silence crashes through the entire room and you realized something dangerous.
The war arc is starting sooner than it was supposed to.
.
.
.
.
.
.
It hurt you like a bucket of ice. This war was happening sooner and you know it was due to your actions. If things kept shifting, everything you knew about the future would surely change.
Oh god, this was really bad. Your breathing grew slightly uneven before you told yourself to focus.
think. In the original novel, tension built slowly, border attacks escalated over the months, political alliance fractured afterwards.
But this? It felt accelerated.
Like something- or someone - was pushing these events faster.
You realized something again, Seung-Cheol wasn’t just some representative, he carried himself like someone who experienced war first hand.
Not a politician, but a survivor.
“People with power believed conflict would remain far away from them,” he said calmly, “They were wrong.”
Your chest tightened painfully as you realized people like Seung-Cheol become calm after surviving chaos.
Maybe that’s why you felt so relaxed around him. He felt safe because he knew what fear felt like.
One commander scoffed quietly, “Even if conflict grows, The Eastern forces are weakened.”
Seung-Cheol’s faced the commander, “That mindset gets civilians killed.”
Everyone looked at him with respect and with more seriousness.
Yoongi crossed his arms thoughtfully, “If someone is financing these attacks we need to identify who benefits from these prolonged instability.”
A hidden supporter, the thought made your stomach turn painfully. You still couldn’t remember who, but you remember gasping with wide eyes.
It was that serious.
If you could just remember, you could possibly prevent more attacks and lost lives. The old helplessness crept back in and it hurt you.
Not enough, not smart enough, and not useful enough.
You could barely notice yourself drifting further until Seung-Cheol’s hand brushes yours under the table.
Small. Brief, definitely intentional.
You are startled slightly and when you looked to him, neither of you spoke.
He didn’t want to draw attention, he just kept looking at you with steadiness.
Like he noticed the spiral before it consumed you.
Oh shit, this was was going to ruin you emotionally.
Those tiny gestures said that he was here for you, to breathe, and that you’re not alone.
But of course, Taehyung spotted it as his gaze dropped to your guys hands.
Something shifted in his expression much more quieter this time.
Oh no, you thought. this wasn’t supposed to happened. Taehyung wasn’t supposed to notice you like this. He was supposed to fall in love with Meo-Soon while Dan-So spiraled desperately.
The meeting continued around them. Strategies, scouts, and border reinforcements.
Yet, you didn’t really pay attention because for the first time since arriving here, or actually in your entire life, you wanted something selfish.
Not survival, not changing the plot.
Seung-Cheol.
The realization terrified you instantly. Because if there was one thing stories loved doing, it was destroying the things people loved.
And judging by the way Taehyung looked at you now, the story was already beginning to change.
.
.
.
.
.
The meeting ended hours later, yet the air still felt tense. It was heavy and you hated it.
Fear has settled in the kingdom and you hated how familiar that feeling was.
People pretending everything was alright when really underneath? They were a mess.
The officials slowly filtered out the chamber one by one.
Namjoon stayed behind to discuss some logistics with a commander
Jungkook and Jimin argued quietly about border patrols.
Hoseok had somehow fallen asleep in the chair halfway through the discussion.
Honestly? Valid. If given the chance, you would’ve done the same.
You stood near the window to organize your thoughts and that’s when you heard footsteps.
Taehyung. Of course.
For a moment, neither of you spoke.
Moonlight spilt across the floor as it finally peaked behind a small entrance of the clouds. Rain was still pouring as it tapped the glass.
“You’ve been quiet.”
You forced a quick smile, “That’s rare enough for people to notice?”
Taehyung didn’t smile back this time. “You looked frightened during the meeting.”
Direct hit once again. Holy cow why did he notice everything about you? Usually he never does.
“I don’t like people discussing war like it’s inevitable.” you looked away to the rain outside.
Taehyung’s expression shifted at your words. “It may not be.”
“But you think it could become that.”
Silence answered for him and that hurt a bit more. Because you knew he was trying to remain calm for everyone.
That was the burden of being a prince. No panic, no weakness, and no uncertainty.
Even now he looked exhausted beneath all of that composure.
Suddenly, the words of his mother hit.
“When his father died, you were the only one that could make him laugh. Allowing him to be himself.”
Oh god, the original Dan-So and Taehyung ruined each other slowly.
Taehyung leaned against the window beside her, “You seem happier around Seung-Cheol.”
He was straight with it, even thought he knew it was going to be awkward.
Your pulse stumbled and you carefully looked at the man in front of you.
“He’s easy to be around.” you say quietly.
The honesty slipped out before you could stop them and his gaze lowered briefly.
“I see.”
He was trying now, you could tell. Trying to understand her, to reconnect with the person he once knew, and the person he once considered a friend.
You weren’t entirely that person anymore and no matter how much kinder he had become towards her, the fear from what you read was still in your head.
“Do you ever think,” Taehyung softly says, “That we misunderstood each other for too long?”
Your chest tightened because he was right. Too much history existed between the two, and you didn’t want love built from regret and guilt.
Before you could answers, the doors opened and Seung-Cheol reappeared. His eyes shifted to you and softened to which Taehyung noticed.
He approached calmly, “You should sleep.”
The words sounded simple, but unlike everyone else saying it tonight, his voice carried concern rather than dismissal.
“Bossy.” you smiled.
“Observant.” He replies, standing a little closer much to Taehyung’s dismay.
He stared between the two and that’s when something shifted in his chest. It was jealousy.
He finally understood that someone reached you in ways he couldn’t, or in ways he didn’t want to.
The thought made your chest tightened because he didn’t deserve cruelty. But you couldn’t force yourself backwards and built it off of guilty feelings.
“The storms getting worse.” Seung-Cheol says, now observing the outside.
You looked out and noticed the clouds darkening even more, the rain getting harder and lightening getting harsher.
That’s when dread entered you.
A memory slammed into your head.
The novel. Rain, a storm and a border village.
Color drained from your face because you remembered now. Not the betrayal, but the death.
The death of someone important.
Someone dies during the first major storm after the border attacks. Judging by the worsening of the storm, the night had already arrived.
.
.
.
.
.
Your breath caught in your throat again as you started to panic.
Fragment pieces from the novel crashed into your head.
Rain soaked roads, blood, and someone collapsing.
someone was going to die tonight.
You stepped back to which Taehyung gave you a concerned look.
“What happened?”
You barely heard him as you scolded yourself to think, think of anything.
In the original story arc, the persons death happened earlier on which shattered the group.
Someone important enough to change everyone around them.
However, the details were a bit blurry because all you really remembered is getting angry and crying over Dan-So’s death.
Seung-Cheol noticed your panicked face.
“Y/N.”
That name - not her characters name - your actual name and that snapped you right back.
What?
“What do you remember?” he asked quietly.
That question froze you. Because he didn’t ask what was wrong or what happened, but he asked her what she remembered.
Like some part of him knew you carried knowledge you shouldn’t.
You looked at him sharply and for one terrifying second, wondered if he knew. Not everything, but enough.
Taehyung noticed the change and stood a little closer to you.
“What’s going on?”
Your breathing increased as you tried thinking of ways to sound less weird. Would they believe what you’re going to say? How were you going to say this?
“I think,” you whispered, throat slightly swollen, “Someone is endangered tonight.”
Silence.
Taehyung straightened immediately, “Who?”
Frustration cracked through your mind, “I don’t remember.”
The room stilled. It didn’t make any sense and you knew that.
“Remember what?” Taehyung frowned.
Your hands trembled as you remembered what you just said.
Seung-Cheol placed his hand on her shoulder, “Focus on what you do know.”
You squeezed your eyes shut as you tried to recall.
Rain, storm, the border.
and then-
a crest.
Southern Kingdom colors stained with mud.
Jungkook.
Your eyes snapped opened, “Oh my god.”
Taehyung’s face hardened instantly. “What?”
“The Southern Patrol.”
Everyone froze and your chest heaved.
“The border patrol near the Eastern Border villages.”
Taehyung looked confused, “How would you know about that assignment?”
Because Jungkook volunteered for that in chapter Forty-three after a fight with Namjoon.
And because afterwards, he changed.
The memory his you like a knife. Jungkook screaming someone’s name.
“It’s a trap.” you whispered.
the room fell in dead silence and Taehyung stared at your sharply.
“How could you possibly know that?”
you looked terrified now because you didn’t know how to answer that.
“I just KNOW ok?”
Thunder cracked loudly from outside. taehyung looked genuinely unsettled by you, not in a suspicious way.
Because this was strange for you to act this way.
Seung-Cheol spoke calmly.
“We should verify the patrol routes.”
Taehyung gave him a confused look, “You believe her?”
Seung-Cheol didn’t hesitate. “Yes.”
You stared at him in disbelief. He believed you, didn’t even question your sanity or anything.
Taehyung looked conflicted now, “Seung-Cheol-“
“If she’s wrong,” the man said sharply, “We lose nothing but time.”
Then his gaze lowered, “But if she’s right?”
Silence swarmed the room as Taehyung turned around towards the door, “I’m calling the commanders back.”
Your knees almost gave out but luckily Seung-Cheol was there to capture you.
“It’s ok.” he consoled.
But it wasn’t. Because you understood something horrifying. The more you change the story, the more unstable your memories become.
And eventually you might not even remember the future at all anymore.
Your breathing became uneven as Seung-Cheol held onto you. The room felt small suddenly.
Reality crashed down because this was no longer fiction, this was actual people dying.
if you remembered wrong, people died. If you stayed silent? people still died.
There was no safe option.
“Hey.”
Seung-Cheol’s voice cut through the chaos. Gentle and soothing.
You looked up as his hands remained on your arm, allowing you to come back to reality and calm down a little.
you squeezed your eyes and forced yourself to inhale then exhale slowly allowing the anxiety to melt away.
Then Seung-Cheol’s expression softened, “There you are.”
Shit, that was unfairly tender and it got you hot.
The council doors swung opened and Namjoon, Taehyung, Yoongi, Jungkook and several military commanders walked in.
The atmosphere immediacy sharpened again as Jungkook looked around curiously.
“What’s wrong?”
Taehyung’s eyes flickered to Seung-Cheol who was even closer by your side, then he turned away.
Namjoon stepped forward, “Explain everything from the beginning.”
Well, you couldn’t exactly say that you were transported into their world and reincarnated as Lim Dan-So. Also that you knew the ending and how their operations on the border was a trap.
Not ideal.
Everyone waited.
Jungkook looked increasingly concerned as you swallowed hard.
“I,” you said weakly, “Remember hearing about the patrol routes being unsafe.”
Yoongi narrowed his eyes instantly, “Who did you hear this from?”
Your brain scrambled again as you tried thinking of anything without sounding suspicious.
“The servants.” you say.
That sounded fake even to you, and the silence answered that question for you.
“The servants,” Namjoon said slowly, “Were discussing military strategies?”
“People gossip!”
“Not usually about classified routes.” Yoongi clarified.
God, the terrifying Cat Man strikes and you wanted to evaporate.
Suddenly, Seung-Cheol spoke up, “What matters now is whether the warning has merit.”
Everyone quieted immediately which was interesting.
Taehyung crossed his arms, “And you think it does?”
Seung-Cheol nodded his head, “Her reaction wasn’t manipulative.”
You blinked at that and paused. Did he truly defend you in front of everyone even though you sounded crazy?
His eyes glanced towards you softly, “She reacted like someone genuinely terrified.”
The room fell quieter after that because he was right. You weren’t being dramatic, you were terrified and they’ve never seen this reaction from you before.
Jungkook stepped closer, “What exactly do you remember?”
You felt yourself stutter at the question. Really, it was just fragments. Not much.
Rain, mud, and screaming.
Suddenly, another image surfaced. A silver emblem. Northern Kingdom insignia.
Jimin
Your eyes widened as you stepped back a bit, “Oh god.”
Everyone froze.
Taehyung tensed up, “What?” he demanded.
You looked him deep in the eyes with a terrified look, “Jimin.”
Silence crashed through the room and Jungkooks eyes darkened.
Namjoon straightened and Taehyung looked alarmed.
“What about Jimin?” Yoongi asked.
You pressed your fingers to your temple desperately.
“It wasn’t the southern patrol,” Your words come out shakily, “The attack targets the Northern reinforcements.”
The memory slammed fully into place. Jimin’s horse collapsing in the mud. Arrows being shot. Blood being spilt.
“He gets ambushed during the storm.” you breathed out.
The room went dead silence. Not the confused type, but in a terrifying way.
Because you didn’t sound like you were guessing anymore.
Jimin himself lowered his arms and for the first time since you saw him, he looked genuinely terrified.
“How,” he asked shakily, “Would you know that?”
Your throat closed at his question because you didn’t know how to respond. You didn’t know how long you could keep this up.
You were starting to care about these people too much and knew them much more deeply than they think. Jungkook’s hidden grief, Taehyung’s loneliness, Yoongies quiet understanding, and Seung-Cheol’s warmth.
If someone died right now, especially someone within this circle, it wouldn’t feel like fiction anymore.
Before anyone could say anything further, Seung-Cheol appeared by your side as if he was your shield.
and you realized something terrifying.
No matter how complicated things got and if Seung-Cheol keeps appearing at her side like this, you might actually start falling in love with him.
.
.
.
.
.
No one spoke for several seconds as the rain hammered against the window.
Thunder rolled low through the chamber and in the middle of it all, you stood trembling beneath everyone’s stare.
You crossed a line now and there is no pretending it never happened, no going back.
Taehyung looked unsettled, Namjoon looked analytical, Yoongi looked like he was putting pieces together on a puzzle, and jimin- he looked to you for the very first time.
Not like he did before with the teasing smile and remarks, but something deeper.
The silence broke when Jungkook spoke, “When does this happen?”
You swallowed hard, “Tonight.”
Jimin’s eyes widened, “I was going to do a routine check tonight after the discussion… H-how…”
Suddenly, immediate movement exploded in the room. Commanders rushed towards the maps, orders were shouted, and guards sprinted from the chamber.
Namjoon immediately started reorganizing patrol routes.
Taehyung ran to the strategy table, “Recall the Northern reinforcements immediately.”
One commander hesitated, “Your majesty, if we do this without any proper evidence-“
“If she’s right,” Taehyung snapped, “Then people will get killed.”
His words shocked you and made you freeze. He actually believed you.
Jimin still hasn’t moved and kept staring at you as the chaos went about around them.
“You were scared for me.”
His words were soft, not like anything you’ve seen before.
You looked deep into his eyes and saw the real him. Not the teasing and flirting Jimin, no the one that dealt with loneliness.
The original novel painted Jimin as a wary person underneath everything. He believed people only wanted him for his title, charm, and usefulness.
Not him.
And he somehow looked genuinely shaken up at the fact that someone looked terrified of losing him.
“Of course I was.” You say.
Before anymore could be said, a commander rushed in with a worried expression, “Your majesty!” he said, “We confirmed movement near the Northern route.”
Silence crashed and everyone looked unsettled.
One of the commanders looked pale, “So the ambush was true…?”
Jungkook cursed quietly under his breath and Namjoon barked out orders.
Taehyung looked to you, not in a suspicious way, but in a terrified way.
You were scared, he hated that.
You knew things that shouldn’t have been known to most people in this room and if word were to get out, people will get the wrong idea.
They might think you are a spy, magician, or possessed.
Your breathing started to tighten once again. Too many eyes and pressure.
But then warmth touched your hand and you looked to see Seung-Cheol grazed his hands over yours.
He’s done this twice now whenever you got nervous and anxious.
It felt like he truly knew you. He leaned down only for you to hear, “You did well.” he whispered.
The words shattered you as it was unexpected because the entire night you felt guilty, slow, and useless.
Not once had you considered that maybe you helped saved people’s lives tonight.
Taehyung noticed too as he eyes Seung-Cheols hand over yours and something in them dimmed.
That’s when you realized the actual tragedy here. Taehyung was slowly beginning to see you clearly right as you were falling for someone else.
It hurt more because you never wanted to hurt him this way.
Your heart felt safer with Seung-Cheol, but why was it still beating for Taehyung as well?
The storm lasted all night as commanders went in and out of the chamber. The chaos died down a bit.
There was one unsettling truth. If you hadn’t spoken up, Jimin would’ve been dead.
He had gone quiet after the confirmation, no teasing nor flirting leaving his mouth.
He truly saw you for the first time and it made him wonder, what took him so long?
——
Hope yall enjoyed! sorry for the errors. Also gassspppp Jimin dies in the story? Someone is secretly funding the delegations? Shiiiiii stay tuned!
The war discussions was pushed to later tonight, so your parents took this opportunity to have a tiny banquet with everyone, including the councilmen.
As much as you wanted to stay in your room, you knew being there would be a safer option. However, a part of you felt empty. all day today you haven’t seen Seung-Cheol and it made you sad.
You wanted to look for him, but decided against it.
the banquet room was filled with tables that had many foods, drinks and and flowers. Everyone stood around the room, laughing and gossiping.
You wore a a fluffy ball dress, light baby blue with white ruffles. Quite rich, if you do say so yourself.
Everyone you passed by gave you a bow to which you returned with a smile. Spotting an empty seat, you sat down with your maid by your side.
“I know as the daughter of the queen and king I should socialize,” you sigh, leaning towards Mia, “However I do enjoy having moments to myself.”
Your eyes noticed the doors open and the seven famous princes walking through. A groan left your mouth and you slid down the chair, covering your face and praying to god they don’t notice you.
“My lady?” Mia asked, “Is everything alright?”
You put your finger to your mouth and motioned for her to act like you were there. She understood and looked around her, pretending to be rather busy.
However, Jimin the evil man, you dubbed him as, noticed everything. Right now? He noticed you.
Luxurious robes, perfect hair, and annoyingly attractive.
and unfortunately, a grin so smug you wanted to fight him on the spot.
“There you are,” he says dramatically, the others following suit, “The palace is experiencing political instability and here you are, causing more tension.”
you pointed to yourself, “Me?!”
“Yes, you.” He laughs and takes a seat across from you.
Taehyung looked tired as he sat down next to you and you looked toward the heavens.
“I miss the silence.”
“You were just talking to your maid a second ago.” Jimin replied.
“YOU RUINED IT!”
That slipped out a bit too fast, whoops. Everyone froze at their table, including you.
Jimin’s eyes widened dramatically, then slowly, dangerously, his grin returned.
“Well.”
Taehyung’s expression dimmed, the rest looked at you with amusement. which somehow made it worse.
You buried your face into your hands, “I’m moving into the forest.”
“You’d last two days.” Jimin said.
“Incorrect, I’d become one with nature.”
Namjoon voice suddenly popped up, “Yesterday you got lost in the library for forty-five minutes. In your own palace that you grew up in.”
You gasped, “WHY ARE YOU HERE TOO?”
Namjoon looked deeply unimpressed, “We’ve been searching for you.”
“Why is everyone emotionally attached to finding my location?”
“Because,” Jimin answered instantly, “Your life has become entertaining.”
“Seek help.”
“You know,” Jin said, “The council meeting will start after this.”
Ah, that’s right. The border attack.
Reality hit everyone and Taehyung sat up immediately and even Jimin lost his teasing energy.
You noticed the shift and your stomach tightened at the idea.
The original stories war arc began with meetings like that.
Whispers, politics and fear.
Afterward? Nothing really returned to normal. How could it?
Your maid bent down to whisper to you, “I spotted Sir Seung-Cheol with a group of men outside. Should I ask him to come over?”
Your eyes widened. Oh shit, he’s here? Do you look good?
Noticing, Jin leaned forward, “Expecting someone?”
“No, not that it’s any of your business.”
Namjoon raised an eyebrow, “I’m shocked I haven’t seen you with Seung-Cheol today, why is that?”
Jimin gave him a confused look, “You know Seung-Cheol?”
“Why do you say that as if you know him?” you asked, “He is the son of my palace doctor.”
“Hm.” Jimin replied, looking deep in thought.
“What’s the matter?” Jung Hoseok asked, “You only end your sentence with ‘hm’ when you realize something.”
Jimin shook his head, a grin plastered on his face again, “It’s nothing. Just that names sounds rather familiar.”
You felt Taehyungs eye on you and it made you rather uncomfortable. He hasn’t stared at you like this since ever, not even would he look at Lady Lim in the novel. So why is he suddenly so invested in you?
“You should rest.”
There it goes, that worrying. Like you were fragile and wouldn’t understand the implications that is happening soon.
you crossed your arms stubbornly, “I don’t need to be hidden away every time something serious happens.”
Taehyung sighed softly, “No one is saying that.”
“It’s implied.”
Jungkook quietly watched you for a moment before speaking.
“She wants to feel useful.”
silence, direct hit.
You stared at him betrayal.
“Whose side are you on?”
his expression gentle, “Yours.”
That was absolutely dangerous and he knows that. In the novel, the two did converse here and there, but not enough for him to say something like that.
Jimin clutched his chest and looked away dramatically.
“Absolutely disgusting. I can feel new chemistry developing right before my eyes.”
“JIMIN.” Taehyung snapped, giving him a glare.
“What? I’m observant. Move fast buddy.”
“You are annoying.”
“Those things coexist beautifully.”
Namjoon rubbed his temples as if he regretted knowing any of them. Yoongi was silent the entire time, probably thinking the same thing.
Meanwhile? your brain short circuited as you dwelled on his words. Yours. One word, so simple. Yet your heart warmed completely.
Made you feel guilty. Taehyung wasn’t a bad person per se, he was trying and you knew he was.
However, it was a little too late.
If you were to compare him to Seung-Cheol, you heart would beat for the second man. He felt safe, felt like he chose you too. No pity, nothing. It warmed your heart at the thought.
Maybe it was time to find your happiness.
As the banquet came to an end, you headed to the council chambers with the seven men and felt nervous.
It was tense, no one argued, no one said anything strange. But, you could feel the shift. It was strange and loud.
Taehyung grew quieter too and distant. Somehow, that bothered you more than anything.
Jimin noticed it to your dismay.
“Well,” he says, “This is becoming catastrophically emotional.”
“I’m begging you to stop speaking.”
“You woke up suddenly different, I’m hearing about a different man that caught your attention and even Jungkook is putting the moves on you.”
“Don’t say that and please, shut your mouth.”
Jung Hoseok walked next to them with a plate of fruit from the banquet, saying something that he would hate for it to go to waste.
“How bad is the emotional situation?”
“Severe.” Jimin replied instantly.
Taehyung sighed and Namjoon looked to be one more moment away from retiring.
As you all continued walking, the doors showed themselves with guards standing tall.
This was the moment and it was all to real. This was actually happening.
The atmosphere tensed and and remembered the novel again.
political meetings always led to secrets, bad decisions, and emotional suffering.
Because that was basically the holy trinity of fantasy dramas apparently.
As the doors opened, you froze. There, next to your father was as Seung-Cheol, pointing at the map and discussing something with him.
The eight of you walked in further, gaining his attention and his eyes landed on your confused face.
He smiled and walked towards you slowly. As he stood in front of you, the men beside you watched cautiously.
“I knew why the name sounded familiar. Is this your Seung-Cheol?” Jimin asked lazily.
you didn’t know what to say and just stared at him. Did he lie to you? Wasn’t he the son of the palace doctor? Why is he here?
“I apologize for not saying anything sooner, I needed time. I should probably introduced myself properly. I am part of the Northern Neutral Delegations to help aid in this upcoming possible war.”
He saw your eyes hold hurt but also confusion.
“Why did you say you were the son of the doctor?” you asked, voice slightly trembling.
He sighs, knowing he messed up, “I had to come undercover under the guise of the doctors son. Your father needed help with negations and this was the only way without drawing attention. I apologize if I betrayed your trust.”
Betrayed your trust was a bit much. Yes, you didn’t expect this but you weren’t that mad.
“No need to apologize, I understand why that was needed.” You replied, giving him a soft smile.
In return, he gives you a brighter one and picks up your hand to give it a small kiss. This was normal, but because of your growing feeling you felt hot.
you didn’t feel just understood by the man, you felt wanted. Not needed. Not tolerated. Not chosen out of obligation. Wanted.
the realization hit too hard that you almost looked away and unfortunately Taehyung noticed that too.
Of course he did.
His gaze lingered on her face a second too long before looking away. The atmosphere felt tense once again, like it was fragile enough to break.
Before you could fully sit down to get comfortable, Taehyung turned to you, “You don’t have to attend if this becomes too much.”
You froze once again. There it was, that gentleness and somehow… it hurt worse. Because you could hear the care underneath it.
Not romantic, but real.
You looked at him carefully and realized something aweful.
Taehyung was starting to mourn the old Lim Dan-So too. Not because he loved who she became at the end, but because this new version made him realize who she use to be before everything went wrong.
You recalled from the book how Lim Dan-So followed Taehyung around because he was afraid of being lonely. He confided in you and you promised to always be there. You still remembered how Dan-So carried a dead bird around, thinking it was still alive. She brought it into the doctors office and pleaded for him to heal the animal.
She was kind before then, her surroundings changed her.
You softened slightly, “I can handle difficult conversations.”
Taehyung finally looked at you directly, “I know.” he said quietly, slowly eyeing Seung-Cheol who was still by your side for some reason.
Before you could think too hard about everything, the doors swung opened and the tension once again returned.
Maps spread across the long table, military officials started arguing quietly. Messengers rushing between nobles.
Seeing this, you all stood around the table as discussions began.
You noticed the moment Seung-Cheol made his appearance more loudly. Everyone obviously has a deep respect for him, he carried authority naturally.
The realization made your chest tightened. Nope, not today.
Namjoon stepped forward to one of the officials, “Report.”
he bowed quickly, “Three villages near the Eastern border were attacked. Homes burnt, several civilians missing.”
Your stomach twisted. This was no longer a novel you were reading, it was actual people.
Taehyung’s jaw tights and Jungkook looked furious.
“The East kingdom doesn’t have enough forces for an organized attack,” the commander said, “Someone is supporting them.”
The room fell quiet and your mind raced immediately.
Because in this novel, there WAS betrayal later.
Someone secretly funding the Eastern resistance.
But who was it? You tried your best but just couldn’t remember.
Yoongi suddenly spoke it, “The attacks were coordinated too clearly for desperation alone.”
Right, because his family controlled financial networks meaning he understood patterns like this.
One of the commanders frowned, “You believe someone is backing them?”
A chill ran down your spine because you remembered enough to know: the hidden supporter eventually causes catastrophic damage.
If you couldn’t remember who it was soon, people would get hurt. More and more.
Seung-Cheol observed the map and spoke it, “These weren’t random. They are testing our response time.”
Oh shit.
Even Namjoon looked surprised as Seung-Cheol’s darkened.
“Someone is preparing for a larger scale attack.”
Silence crashes through the entire room and you realized something dangerous.
The war arc is starting sooner than it was supposed to.
.
.
.
.
.
.
It hurt you like a bucket of ice. This war was happening sooner and you know it was due to your actions. If things kept shifting, everything you knew about the future would surely change.
Oh god, this was really bad. Your breathing grew slightly uneven before you told yourself to focus.
think. In the original novel, tension built slowly, border attacks escalated over the months, political alliance fractured afterwards.
But this? It felt accelerated.
Like something- or someone - was pushing these events faster.
You realized something again, Seung-Cheol wasn’t just some representative, he carried himself like someone who experienced war first hand.
Not a politician, but a survivor.
“People with power believed conflict would remain far away from them,” he said calmly, “They were wrong.”
Your chest tightened painfully as you realized people like Seung-Cheol become calm after surviving chaos.
Maybe that’s why you felt so relaxed around him. He felt safe because he knew what fear felt like.
One commander scoffed quietly, “Even if conflict grows, The Eastern forces are weakened.”
Seung-Cheol’s faced the commander, “That mindset gets civilians killed.”
Everyone looked at him with respect and with more seriousness.
Yoongi crossed his arms thoughtfully, “If someone is financing these attacks we need to identify who benefits from these prolonged instability.”
A hidden supporter, the thought made your stomach turn painfully. You still couldn’t remember who, but you remember gasping with wide eyes.
It was that serious.
If you could just remember, you could possibly prevent more attacks and lost lives. The old helplessness crept back in and it hurt you.
Not enough, not smart enough, and not useful enough.
You could barely notice yourself drifting further until Seung-Cheol’s hand brushes yours under the table.
Small. Brief, definitely intentional.
You are startled slightly and when you looked to him, neither of you spoke.
He didn’t want to draw attention, he just kept looking at you with steadiness.
Like he noticed the spiral before it consumed you.
Oh shit, this was was going to ruin you emotionally.
Those tiny gestures said that he was here for you, to breathe, and that you’re not alone.
But of course, Taehyung spotted it as his gaze dropped to your guys hands.
Something shifted in his expression much more quieter this time.
Oh no, you thought. this wasn’t supposed to happened. Taehyung wasn’t supposed to notice you like this. He was supposed to fall in love with Meo-Soon while Dan-So spiraled desperately.
The meeting continued around them. Strategies, scouts, and border reinforcements.
Yet, you didn’t really pay attention because for the first time since arriving here, or actually in your entire life, you wanted something selfish.
Not survival, not changing the plot.
Seung-Cheol.
The realization terrified you instantly. Because if there was one thing stories loved doing, it was destroying the things people loved.
And judging by the way Taehyung looked at you now, the story was already beginning to change.
.
.
.
.
.
The meeting ended hours later, yet the air still felt tense. It was heavy and you hated it.
Fear has settled in the kingdom and you hated how familiar that feeling was.
People pretending everything was alright when really underneath? They were a mess.
The officials slowly filtered out the chamber one by one.
Namjoon stayed behind to discuss some logistics with a commander
Jungkook and Jimin argued quietly about border patrols.
Hoseok had somehow fallen asleep in the chair halfway through the discussion.
Honestly? Valid. If given the chance, you would’ve done the same.
You stood near the window to organize your thoughts and that’s when you heard footsteps.
Taehyung. Of course.
For a moment, neither of you spoke.
Moonlight spilt across the floor as it finally peaked behind a small entrance of the clouds. Rain was still pouring as it tapped the glass.
“You’ve been quiet.”
You forced a quick smile, “That’s rare enough for people to notice?”
Taehyung didn’t smile back this time. “You looked frightened during the meeting.”
Direct hit once again. Holy cow why did he notice everything about you? Usually he never does.
“I don’t like people discussing war like it’s inevitable.” you looked away to the rain outside.
Taehyung’s expression shifted at your words. “It may not be.”
“But you think it could become that.”
Silence answered for him and that hurt a bit more. Because you knew he was trying to remain calm for everyone.
That was the burden of being a prince. No panic, no weakness, and no uncertainty.
Even now he looked exhausted beneath all of that composure.
Suddenly, the words of his mother hit.
“When his father died, you were the only one that could make him laugh. Allowing him to be himself.”
Oh god, the original Dan-So and Taehyung ruined each other slowly.
Taehyung leaned against the window beside her, “You seem happier around Seung-Cheol.”
He was straight with it, even thought he knew it was going to be awkward.
Your pulse stumbled and you carefully looked at the man in front of you.
“He’s easy to be around.” you say quietly.
The honesty slipped out before you could stop them and his gaze lowered briefly.
“I see.”
He was trying now, you could tell. Trying to understand her, to reconnect with the person he once knew, and the person he once considered a friend.
You weren’t entirely that person anymore and no matter how much kinder he had become towards her, the fear from what you read was still in your head.
“Do you ever think,” Taehyung softly says, “That we misunderstood each other for too long?”
Your chest tightened because he was right. Too much history existed between the two, and you didn’t want love built from regret and guilt.
Before you could answers, the doors opened and Seung-Cheol reappeared. His eyes shifted to you and softened to which Taehyung noticed.
He approached calmly, “You should sleep.”
The words sounded simple, but unlike everyone else saying it tonight, his voice carried concern rather than dismissal.
“Bossy.” you smiled.
“Observant.” He replies, standing a little closer much to Taehyung’s dismay.
He stared between the two and that’s when something shifted in his chest. It was jealousy.
He finally understood that someone reached you in ways he couldn’t, or in ways he didn’t want to.
The thought made your chest tightened because he didn’t deserve cruelty. But you couldn’t force yourself backwards and built it off of guilty feelings.
“The storms getting worse.” Seung-Cheol says, now observing the outside.
You looked out and noticed the clouds darkening even more, the rain getting harder and lightening getting harsher.
That’s when dread entered you.
A memory slammed into your head.
The novel. Rain, a storm and a border village.
Color drained from your face because you remembered now. Not the betrayal, but the death.
The death of someone important.
Someone dies during the first major storm after the border attacks. Judging by the worsening of the storm, the night had already arrived.
.
.
.
.
.
Your breath caught in your throat again as you started to panic.
Fragment pieces from the novel crashed into your head.
Rain soaked roads, blood, and someone collapsing.
someone was going to die tonight.
You stepped back to which Taehyung gave you a concerned look.
“What happened?”
You barely heard him as you scolded yourself to think, think of anything.
In the original story arc, the persons death happened earlier on which shattered the group.
Someone important enough to change everyone around them.
However, the details were a bit blurry because all you really remembered is getting angry and crying over Dan-So’s death.
Seung-Cheol noticed your panicked face.
“Y/N.”
That name - not her characters name - your actual name and that snapped you right back.
What?
“What do you remember?” he asked quietly.
That question froze you. Because he didn’t ask what was wrong or what happened, but he asked her what she remembered.
Like some part of him knew you carried knowledge you shouldn’t.
You looked at him sharply and for one terrifying second, wondered if he knew. Not everything, but enough.
Taehyung noticed the change and stood a little closer to you.
“What’s going on?”
Your breathing increased as you tried thinking of ways to sound less weird. Would they believe what you’re going to say? How were you going to say this?
“I think,” you whispered, throat slightly swollen, “Someone is endangered tonight.”
Silence.
Taehyung straightened immediately, “Who?”
Frustration cracked through your mind, “I don’t remember.”
The room stilled. It didn’t make any sense and you knew that.
“Remember what?” Taehyung frowned.
Your hands trembled as you remembered what you just said.
Seung-Cheol placed his hand on her shoulder, “Focus on what you do know.”
You squeezed your eyes shut as you tried to recall.
Rain, storm, the border.
and then-
a crest.
Southern Kingdom colors stained with mud.
Jungkook.
Your eyes snapped opened, “Oh my god.”
Taehyung’s face hardened instantly. “What?”
“The Southern Patrol.”
Everyone froze and your chest heaved.
“The border patrol near the Eastern Border villages.”
Taehyung looked confused, “How would you know about that assignment?”
Because Jungkook volunteered for that in chapter Forty-three after a fight with Namjoon.
And because afterwards, he changed.
The memory his you like a knife. Jungkook screaming someone’s name.
“It’s a trap.” you whispered.
the room fell in dead silence and Taehyung stared at your sharply.
“How could you possibly know that?”
you looked terrified now because you didn’t know how to answer that.
“I just KNOW ok?”
Thunder cracked loudly from outside. taehyung looked genuinely unsettled by you, not in a suspicious way.
Because this was strange for you to act this way.
Seung-Cheol spoke calmly.
“We should verify the patrol routes.”
Taehyung gave him a confused look, “You believe her?”
Seung-Cheol didn’t hesitate. “Yes.”
You stared at him in disbelief. He believed you, didn’t even question your sanity or anything.
Taehyung looked conflicted now, “Seung-Cheol-“
“If she’s wrong,” the man said sharply, “We lose nothing but time.”
Then his gaze lowered, “But if she’s right?”
Silence swarmed the room as Taehyung turned around towards the door, “I’m calling the commanders back.”
Your knees almost gave out but luckily Seung-Cheol was there to capture you.
“It’s ok.” he consoled.
But it wasn’t. Because you understood something horrifying. The more you change the story, the more unstable your memories become.
And eventually you might not even remember the future at all anymore.
Your breathing became uneven as Seung-Cheol held onto you. The room felt small suddenly.
Reality crashed down because this was no longer fiction, this was actual people dying.
if you remembered wrong, people died. If you stayed silent? people still died.
There was no safe option.
“Hey.”
Seung-Cheol’s voice cut through the chaos. Gentle and soothing.
You looked up as his hands remained on your arm, allowing you to come back to reality and calm down a little.
you squeezed your eyes and forced yourself to inhale then exhale slowly allowing the anxiety to melt away.
Then Seung-Cheol’s expression softened, “There you are.”
Shit, that was unfairly tender and it got you hot.
The council doors swung opened and Namjoon, Taehyung, Yoongi, Jungkook and several military commanders walked in.
The atmosphere immediacy sharpened again as Jungkook looked around curiously.
“What’s wrong?”
Taehyung’s eyes flickered to Seung-Cheol who was even closer by your side, then he turned away.
Namjoon stepped forward, “Explain everything from the beginning.”
Well, you couldn’t exactly say that you were transported into their world and reincarnated as Lim Dan-So. Also that you knew the ending and how their operations on the border was a trap.
Not ideal.
Everyone waited.
Jungkook looked increasingly concerned as you swallowed hard.
“I,” you said weakly, “Remember hearing about the patrol routes being unsafe.”
Yoongi narrowed his eyes instantly, “Who did you hear this from?”
Your brain scrambled again as you tried thinking of anything without sounding suspicious.
“The servants.” you say.
That sounded fake even to you, and the silence answered that question for you.
“The servants,” Namjoon said slowly, “Were discussing military strategies?”
“People gossip!”
“Not usually about classified routes.” Yoongi clarified.
God, the terrifying Cat Man strikes and you wanted to evaporate.
Suddenly, Seung-Cheol spoke up, “What matters now is whether the warning has merit.”
Everyone quieted immediately which was interesting.
Taehyung crossed his arms, “And you think it does?”
Seung-Cheol nodded his head, “Her reaction wasn’t manipulative.”
You blinked at that and paused. Did he truly defend you in front of everyone even though you sounded crazy?
His eyes glanced towards you softly, “She reacted like someone genuinely terrified.”
The room fell quieter after that because he was right. You weren’t being dramatic, you were terrified and they’ve never seen this reaction from you before.
Jungkook stepped closer, “What exactly do you remember?”
You felt yourself stutter at the question. Really, it was just fragments. Not much.
Rain, mud, and screaming.
Suddenly, another image surfaced. A silver emblem. Northern Kingdom insignia.
Jimin
Your eyes widened as you stepped back a bit, “Oh god.”
Everyone froze.
Taehyung tensed up, “What?” he demanded.
You looked him deep in the eyes with a terrified look, “Jimin.”
Silence crashed through the room and Jungkooks eyes darkened.
Namjoon straightened and Taehyung looked alarmed.
“What about Jimin?” Yoongi asked.
You pressed your fingers to your temple desperately.
“It wasn’t the southern patrol,” Your words come out shakily, “The attack targets the Northern reinforcements.”
The memory slammed fully into place. Jimin’s horse collapsing in the mud. Arrows being shot. Blood being spilt.
“He gets ambushed during the storm.” you breathed out.
The room went dead silence. Not the confused type, but in a terrifying way.
Because you didn’t sound like you were guessing anymore.
Jimin himself lowered his arms and for the first time since you saw him, he looked genuinely terrified.
“How,” he asked shakily, “Would you know that?”
Your throat closed at his question because you didn’t know how to respond. You didn’t know how long you could keep this up.
You were starting to care about these people too much and knew them much more deeply than they think. Jungkook’s hidden grief, Taehyung’s loneliness, Yoongies quiet understanding, and Seung-Cheol’s warmth.
If someone died right now, especially someone within this circle, it wouldn’t feel like fiction anymore.
Before anyone could say anything further, Seung-Cheol appeared by your side as if he was your shield.
and you realized something terrifying.
No matter how complicated things got and if Seung-Cheol keeps appearing at her side like this, you might actually start falling in love with him.
.
.
.
.
.
No one spoke for several seconds as the rain hammered against the window.
Thunder rolled low through the chamber and in the middle of it all, you stood trembling beneath everyone’s stare.
You crossed a line now and there is no pretending it never happened, no going back.
Taehyung looked unsettled, Namjoon looked analytical, Yoongi looked like he was putting pieces together on a puzzle, and jimin- he looked to you for the very first time.
Not like he did before with the teasing smile and remarks, but something deeper.
The silence broke when Jungkook spoke, “When does this happen?”
You swallowed hard, “Tonight.”
Jimin’s eyes widened, “I was going to do a routine check tonight after the discussion… H-how…”
Suddenly, immediate movement exploded in the room. Commanders rushed towards the maps, orders were shouted, and guards sprinted from the chamber.
Namjoon immediately started reorganizing patrol routes.
Taehyung ran to the strategy table, “Recall the Northern reinforcements immediately.”
One commander hesitated, “Your majesty, if we do this without any proper evidence-“
“If she’s right,” Taehyung snapped, “Then people will get killed.”
His words shocked you and made you freeze. He actually believed you.
Jimin still hasn’t moved and kept staring at you as the chaos went about around them.
“You were scared for me.”
His words were soft, not like anything you’ve seen before.
You looked deep into his eyes and saw the real him. Not the teasing and flirting Jimin, no the one that dealt with loneliness.
The original novel painted Jimin as a wary person underneath everything. He believed people only wanted him for his title, charm, and usefulness.
Not him.
And he somehow looked genuinely shaken up at the fact that someone looked terrified of losing him.
“Of course I was.” You say.
Before anymore could be said, a commander rushed in with a worried expression, “Your majesty!” he said, “We confirmed movement near the Northern route.”
Silence crashed and everyone looked unsettled.
One of the commanders looked pale, “So the ambush was true…?”
Jungkook cursed quietly under his breath and Namjoon barked out orders.
Taehyung looked to you, not in a suspicious way, but in a terrified way.
You were scared, he hated that.
You knew things that shouldn’t have been known to most people in this room and if word were to get out, people will get the wrong idea.
They might think you are a spy, magician, or possessed.
Your breathing started to tighten once again. Too many eyes and pressure.
But then warmth touched your hand and you looked to see Seung-Cheol grazed his hands over yours.
He’s done this twice now whenever you got nervous and anxious.
It felt like he truly knew you. He leaned down only for you to hear, “You did well.” he whispered.
The words shattered you as it was unexpected because the entire night you felt guilty, slow, and useless.
Not once had you considered that maybe you helped saved people’s lives tonight.
Taehyung noticed too as he eyes Seung-Cheols hand over yours and something in them dimmed.
That’s when you realized the actual tragedy here. Taehyung was slowly beginning to see you clearly right as you were falling for someone else.
It hurt more because you never wanted to hurt him this way.
Your heart felt safer with Seung-Cheol, but why was it still beating for Taehyung as well?
The storm lasted all night as commanders went in and out of the chamber. The chaos died down a bit.
There was one unsettling truth. If you hadn’t spoken up, Jimin would’ve been dead.
He had gone quiet after the confirmation, no teasing nor flirting leaving his mouth.
He truly saw you for the first time and it made him wonder, what took him so long?
——
Hope yall enjoyed! sorry for the errors. Also gassspppp Jimin dies in the story? Someone is secretly funding the delegations? Shiiiiii stay tuned!
yo your fic is TOO GOOD damn! AND THE PLOT 😭 a well written BTS fic with this kind of plot is so rare to find! I'm so glad to find your fic and can't wait to see more of it 🫶🏼
OMG STOPPPPP THANK YOU 😭 this lwk gives me more energy to write bc i have sooooo many more to write down for this story lol. love you anon and thanks 💜
As the next few day rolled around, you mentally prepared yourself. You knew the servants were talking about you and Seung-Cheol hanging out and you had a feeling your parents and everyone knew about it already. You just prayed it didn’t reach the ears of the councilmen.
It was currently the 28th, nothing special but you were counting the day for Taehyung to announce to everyone about the annulment, your freedom.
It was rather strange, seeing the dark clouds roll around and pour out rain and thunder. Not that strange, but you would’ve thought it was going to snow instead. As your maid dressed you warmly, you walked into the tea room where you saw your parents, Kim brothers, but also a few new faces that made your heart drop.
Jung Hoseok, Park Jimin, Jeon Jungkook, and Min Yoongi sitting down in all their glory. They stared at you once you made your presence known. You saw their expression falter and it made you cringe.
Yeah, it wasn’t really directed at but, more to Lady Lim, but it still hurt. How bad was this girl to deserve all this hatred?
Jung Hoseok, who they nicknamed him Hobi, was currently eating a cookie while a mountain laid upon his plate. Jimin was sitting back, legs crossed as he sipped his warm tea. Min Yoongi was writing something in a book and Jungkook was weirdly sprawled out on the floor stretching.
“Well, if it isn’t Lady Lim.” Jimin said, plastering a smirk on his face as he stood from the couch.
She remembered this scene perfectly. In the story, all of them arrived at her palace to discuss some things, but it wasn’t suppose to be until later. Not a big deal you thought, but there was definitely change.
Taehyung was supposed to arrive late, maids were suppose to be swarming the place and blushing at Jimins flirting, Hobi would be stealing desserts from everyone’s plate which is actually happening, Jin would be stopping arguments that would spring up from his brothers, Namjoon would try to discuss politics no one understood. But also, Meo Soon would be in here where she would accidentally spill tea on Taehyung, strengthening their love for one another.
The thought made you mentally sigh, this was also when Lady Lim would be angry and try and throw Meo Soon out of the room, causing Taehyung to yell at her in return.
You mentally rolled yourself to remember not to act like the original Deo-Soo, that this was your moment to change the story. No clinging to Taehyung, which you’ve been succeeding the past days, but also no jealousy.
“Hyung!” Jungkook whined as he spotted Hobi stealing some of his cookies.
“You weren’t eating them.”
“I WAS GOING TO.”
A little different than the original story line, Taehyung is here on time and Namjoon isn’t discussing politics, more so reading something in a book about the palace history. The only thing that stayed the same is Hobi stealing food.
Seeing the chaos, Min Yoongi sighed, putting down his book while regretting being in the same room as the other men.
And honestly?
Valid.
“Good afternoon,” you bowed, keeping it curt and respectful.
Jimin blinked, Hoseok stopped mid bite, even Jungkook sat up from the floor. Apparently, Lady Lim never greeted people normally before.
You sat near your parents, far away from Taehyung. It felt far to you, felt like a separate island even though in reality, you were barely feet’s away from one another.
“Lady Lim,” Jimin said, “You seem well today.”
You smiled tightly, “I slept.”
Namjoon, seeing this again and thought that maybe it was going to be a one time thing, gave you a puzzled look. “Are you ill?”
“Why does everyone keep asking me that?”
Apparently, basic human decency was out of character for this woman, which was valid. You quickly grabbed a cup full of tea determined to spend the entire time to yourself.
Then, the doors swung open and in stepped Meo-Soon, gaining the attention from all seven men. You saw their eyes brighten as they eyed the servant carry a tray full of freshly brewed tea and sugar.
As if on cue with the story, she trips over nothing and spills the contents of the tea on Taehyung. Then you suddenly remembered.
Oh no.
THIS was the exact moment of the story where Meo-Soon rushes forward to help Taehyung, they touch hands and their romance will bloom even more.
You sat back, allowing the story to follow the course of how it should be. However, you were still human and seeing it in front of your eyes causes you to stand up from your seat.
This was the first time Lim Dan-So snaps with jealousy and every horrible things unravel after that.
“Your highness, are you alright? I am so sorry!”
Taehyung gently smiled at her and there it was. That look that causes thousand of fan edits from TikTok. You recalled screaming in your pillow because you had to admit, their chemistry was insane.
Unfortunately, you were now here physically present to it which was seriously awkward because in this part of the story, lady Lim grabbed Taehyung possessively, insulted Meo-Soon’s status, and accused her of trying to seduce royalty.
As you stood up, everyone around you tensed, even the other servants looked scared. Apparently, they all expected violence and uproar.
Oh my god, you thought, what kind of menace was this woman?
You inhaled slowly, eyeing the scene before turning to your maid. “Please bring Prince Taehyung a rag before the tea stains.”
Mia nodded her head and walked to get the cloth while all seven men looked shocked and suspicious. Why weren’t you reacting with jealousy?
Jimin leaned forward, a playful smirk on his face, “Well,” he said, “This was unexpected.”
Hoseok nodded his head dramatically, “I thought someone was going to get slapped.”
“HOSEOK!” jin seethed through his teeth.
“What? We were all thinking this.”
“We were absolutely not.” Namjoon lied.
Jungkook, who was now lying back on the floor stretching weirdly gave you a weird look.
“You’re acting weird today.”
You pointed at him immediately, “And you’re sprawled out on the floor.”
“… fair enough.”
Yoongi snorted in his tea, it was small and barely noticeable, but you caught it and apparently Hoseok did because he gasped loudly.
“Yoongi laughed!”
“I breathed.”
“No, no. It was a laugh.”
“I hate all of you.”
The room dissolved into chaos, your parents sighing before leaving the room unnoticed and you relaxed a bit until…
“Lady Lim, you seem different today.”
Your eyes widened and inside your head alarms were blaring.
DANGER
DANGER
you forced a smile, “I slept well.”
“That cannot possibly be the only reason. You’ve been this way ever since last week.”
Before you could respond, Meo-Soon approached once more with a new tray and tea, giving you a cautious look as if she expected cruelty and that hurt you more than you expected because Meo-Soon wasn’t doing anything wrong. She was just simply existing.
And the original Lady Lim made her life a living hell for it. You recalled all the awful things that was done such as gossiping, ruined dresses and public humiliation.
God, no wonder why readers hated her, she was evil.
Meo-Soon lowered her gaze, giving you a bow, “Lady Lim.”
You noticed everyone watching subtly, waiting for a scene. The world already decided who Lim Dan-So was. Cruel, jealous, and pathetic.
All of that made you realize something harsh. Even if you changed, no one would believe it that easily.
Suddenly, Meo-Soon rounded the table and somehow spilled the tea cup.
How clumsy is this woman? you thought to yourself as you stood abruptly, the hot contents seething into your hands.
It didn’t land in your dress as you were able to catch the cup in mid-air, but the water still burned “-Ow!”
Meo-Soon fell into her knees and pleaded with you, “I am so sorry!”
All you did was blink at her then sighed. “No need for sorry, it’s just a dress. Besides, I burned myself making ramen before, this is nothing.”
As the words left your mouth, everyone looked at you in confusion.
That’s when you realized you made a tiny slip up. In this world, obviously they don’t know the existence of ramen.
You felt your soul leave your body. Your stupid mouth worked before thinking and you said the one thing from your universe. Amazing, ten out of ten survival instincts.
Your brain scrambled to find an excuse as everyone awaited your response and Meo-Soon slipped out quickly.
Jungkook stood from the ground and sat next to Jung Hoseok, “Is that some kind of weapon?” he asked.
“A WHAT?”
“You said yourself that you burnt yourself making it.”
“No-“
Jimin interrupted dramatically, “Perhaos, it’s forbidden Western Kingdom magic.”
Taehyung deadpanned, “Everything becomes magic to you, huh?”
“Because magic is exciting.”
“No, it’s because you’re stupid.”
“Rude.”
Hoseok bursted into laughter while Jin looked like he was trying not to choke on his tea and meanwhile you were internally dying.
think, THINK FAST.
“It’s a…” you started slowly, trying to find the right words, “Noodle dish.”
The silence somehow got worse.
“You burned yourself,” Namjoon started, “Making a noodle dish? You were cooking?”
Ok, ouch. Valid, but rude.
You nodded aggressively, “You’d be surprised how possible that is!”
Yoongi suddenly spoke up, “From someone raised in nobility, you speak rather strangely.”
oh, this man was dangerously. Because unlike the others, he doesn’t get distracted by the chaos, no he simply observes others and he was currently observing you.
You could feel him noticing the inconsistency of how you talked, acted, and reacted to events. Especially the obsession with Taehyung.
“How is the wedding planning going?” Jung Hoseok asked, trying to change the topic.
You looked to Taehyung with confusion evident in your eyes. He hasn’t told his closest friends about the annulment?
“Well, I-“
“It’s none of your business.” Taehyung said, taking a sip of his tea.
You gave him a tiny glare and hoped he would tell everyone right then and there what was going to occur tomorrow.
Lady Lim spent years chasing after this man, that’s all she ever knew and she desperately held onto the fact that someday, Taehyung will love her back.
Across the room, Yoongi noticed as his gaze sharpened.
The sadness flashing across your face, the kind that doesn’t make sense for anyone spoiled and obsessive.
Interesting, very interesting indeed.
“What’s with your face?” Jimin asked.
Ok, rude.
“Oh? Do I look bad?”
He laughs and shakes his head, “Didn’t mean that, although you look beautiful. I meant; You didn’t react like usual when the topic of your wedding was brought up. Why is that?”
Oh, so everyone noticed. You thought you were subtle.
Silence stretched everywhere as you started deep into Park Jimin’s soul. Oh how you hated that man.
“I’ve just been thinking lately.” you respond.
“About?”
“Myself.” you say, a little too fast.
Everyone glanced at her in curiosity.
“I don’t think I liked who I was becoming.”
That was, at least, was honest. Everyone remained quiet as they took on her word. Did Lady Lim really say that?
“Sorry if this sounds unprofessional,” Jin said, “But, you use to look at that maid Meo-Soon with hatred.”
You stiffened at the words.
Ah, there was that issue. The real issue, not the wedding, not the clingliness.
It was Meo-Soon, the girl everyone here loved.
And the girl Lady Lim tormented.
You swallowed carefully, “I know.”
“You’re not denying it?” Taehyung questions.
“There is nothing to deny.”
Honestly? Trying to defend Lim Dan-So’s behavior would be insane, this woman was evil and even though the pressure caused her to, it still wasn’t an excuse. There was no point in pretending otherwise.
“I treated her badly,” you admitted quietly, “And she didn’t deserve it.”
Everyone froze once again at her words. Was she possessed?
You realized too late that this answer sounded shocking to everyone in the room, too shocking perhaps.
Because apparently Lim Dan-So never apologized for anything.
Taehyung’s voice softened slightly, “Why are you saying this now?”
Oh, because I know the ending.
You guys are entertainment for readers back in your world.
But, you couldn’t say any of that, so instead you just looked ahead softly, “I think loving someone for too long can make you look pathetic.”
The words slipped out before you could stop them and you noticed all of their expression falter.
Not annoyance, not frustration, but realization and also sadness.
You realized your mistake instantly because those words didn’t sound manipulative, they sounded honest. Painfully honest.
And for the first time, they all looked to her like she was a person, not a burden or problem.
The air in the room felt awkward and you hated that. You mentally cursed yourself for speaking before thinking and now they all probably thought you were even more weird.
Because emotional vulnerability? It was rather dangerous here, especially with these male leads.
“You really mean that?” Taehyung asked softly,
Shit, abort mission. Retreat back to your room.
You forced a laugh and pointed out the window, “Beautiful weather isn’t it?”
“What?” Jungkook asked.
“The weather, very lovely.” you repeat, giving them an awkward smile.
“Lady Lim, it’s raining outside.”
“Yes, I know I have eyes. Very pretty.”
Then, to your absolute shock, Taehyung actually laughed. A genuine laugh, not the fake and tiny chuckle, it was a genuine heartfelt laugh.
That somehow made things worse because you can see why Dan-So fell for him. He was handsome and knew how to make you feel special. That made him dangerous.
Min Yoongi shook his head slightly, a tiny smile evident on his face, “You really are strange.”
“She’s been acting strange since we arrived.” Jin stated.
You pointed at Yoongi, “And you’re suspicious.”
“I’m just observant.”
“You all looked to me like I poisoned your teas.”
“Well, you did threatened to do it once.”
Your eyes widened at the words, “WHAT?”
Namjoon laughs, “… You don’t remember?”
oh god, what did this woman do to these poor men? The story explained her behavior and how annoying she was, but never mentioned her threatening them harm.
“It was years ago, you were angry when we cancelled a hunting trip.” Jung Hoseok explained.
“That does not justify attempt murder.”
“You were twelve.”
“That’s even more concerning, oh dear lord.”
All do this made you realize something, the original Dan-So became obsessed with Taehyung not because she loved him too much, but because she lost herself in the way.
Everyone here met the broken version of her, not the healed. Somehow, that hurt worse.
“You’re crying.” Jungkook observed and you quickly wiped your eyes aggressively.
“I am not, do not say such lies.”
“Well all literally watched it happen.”
“The wind is aggressive today.”
“Lady, we are inside.”
They all looked confused and amused all the same time. This was new to them, but they weren’t ones to complain. It was nice.
However, before any of them could say anything, a royal guard appeared with a nervous expression.
“Your majesties,” he says.
“What is the matter?” Taehyung asks.
“The Northerns delegation arrived earlier than expected.”
Jimin’s eyebrow rose, “They weren’t supposed to come until a few days.”
The guard nods his head, “Yes, but apparently there has been multiple attacks around each village, they said this needs to be addressed now rather than later.”
You remembered suddenly. Jimin’s kingdom hates the Southern kingdom, political tension started to rise and somehow, Meo-Soon later became involved in it. Weird, you don’t recall how.
“They also requested Lady Lim to join as well.” the guard said, eyes falling onto you.
“No ❤️ “
The guard and everyone looked confused and you realized too late that you said it out loud.
you straightened immediately, “I mean-“
Taehyung covered his mouth suspiciously fast as did everyone else.
Were they really about to laugh right now?
“They as well as your parents specifically requested you by name.”
Why?
WHY?
in the original novel, Lady Lim never attended any of these because she felt like they were too boring, like they were a waste. So, why request her all of a sudden?
Then, you remembered now. It’s because this Dan-So was acting rather strange now.
“Should I let them know that you will be attending, My lady?”
You opened your mouth, ready to decline but then remembered something. Avoiding every major event might make things worse.
You needed to learn court politics, the changing plot, and how your actions are affecting the story.
Suddenly, the memory came crashing down. On Taehyung’s birthday, Jungkook would enter into the political storyline. And according to the novel? That led to war.
Shit, this story was more stressful now that you’re living it.
“… I shall attend.” You say.
The guard bowed and left the room, leaving you sighing dramatically.
“I miss the AC, these dresses make it so hot to live in here.”
Hobi blinked, “You miss the what?”
“Nothing.” you muttered.
Another suspicious look from Yoongi.
Crap, you really need to stop saying modern things.
Jin crossed his arms loosely, “You’ve been acting strange for a while.”
“Yes, you all said that multiple times. I think I get it.”
“Still, is there a reason?” Jin asked.
You panicked, “Jungkook loves climbing trees.”
The man in question looks rather offended that you brought him up suddenly.
“Yes, he’s weird we already knew that.”
DEFLECT!! Your mind screamed at you.
“He also crawls around floors. Why did no one stop him?”
“Because he’s weird, why would we?”
You stared at all of them in disbelief, “These kingdoms survived war?”
They all laughed.
You could tell they were starting to enjoy you, which was dangerous.
“Your face shifted again,” Jimin said, “Why is that?”
“I’m thinking.” you say.
“That’s dangerous.” Yoongi muttered.
“Wow, thank you?”
“I’m serious.”
“It’s crazy to me.” Jimin said, “I leave for one season and you’re acting polite. This is weird.”
Taehyung sighed, “I told you not to bother her.”
“I’m not bothering her.” Jimin said innocently, then to you, “What happened.”
You crossed your arms, “You keep asking this. Maybe I matured?”
He gasped dramatically, “How terrifying.”
Everyone looked exhausted from his already.
“Blink twice if you were possessed by a spirit.”
oh.
OH THIS MAN WAS SMART.
You nearly choked as Jin warned the younger man, “Jimin.”
“What? I’m asking important questions.”
You forced a laugh that sounded deeply unstable, “Wouldn’t that be crazy?”
He stared at you too long, simply just observing before looking as if he came to a conclusion.
“Oh,” he murmured softly.
That was not the reaction you wanted, NOT at all.
Your survival skills activated instantly at his smile, because it wasn’t his usual flirtatious smile, because this smile? It showed how smart the man was.
He was excellent at observing emotions. This man was dangerously.
Jungkook leaned forward, “What does that mean?”
Jimin straightened again instantly, a cheerful expression displayed on his face once again, “Oh, nothing.”
Liar.
What a huge liar this man was.
You realized something again, underneath his flirting, he was observant and smart. He grew up in a harsh environment, he noticed things fast.
You knew you had to be careful.
Unfortunately, Jimin kept looking at you like you were a mystery box.
“how interesting.” he mused.
You pointed a finger at him, “Don’t do that.”
“Do what?”
“That weird brain thing you’re doing.”
Jimin bursted into laughter as the rest looked confused.
“You two are strange,” Namjoon muttered.
“You attract strange people.” Jimin said casually.
Taehyung looked at you, stared deeply into your eyes as if trying to read you. He’s never done this before and it causes you to panic.
NOPE.
you clapped your hands and stood up, “Anyways! I should leave now.”
None of them moved.
“Why are you guys just sitting there?”
Jimin grinned, “Because you’re interesting.”
“That is the worse thing anyone has said.”
“Relax,” Jimin said lazily, “I’m only curious.”
“Yeah? Well curiosity killed the cat.”
He laughed at your words, “Well, satisfaction brought it back.”
Shit, he was good.
“You don’t look at Taehyung the same way anymore.” Yoongi spoke.
Silence.
Taehyung stiffened at the words. You slowly turned to look at him, eyes widened.
Jung Hoseok spoke, “I agree. Before, your eyes followed Taehyung everywhere.” he starts, “Now they look relieved when he leaves.”
…oh.
That was horrifyingly accurate, a little too accurate.
Taehyung’s expression faltered because for years, Dan-So loved him immensely. It was loud and possessive. And now? Nothing.
You realized too late that the change probably felt unsettling.
Especially to people who’ve known her forever.
Jungkook watched carefully, “Did you finally give up?”
The question landed harsher than expected.
Because honestly?
Yes, you did.
You have given up on him since before you arrived here knowing the ending.
Knew who he truly loved.
Knew that things would end badly if you repeated what Dan-So did.
And maybe, a tiny selfish part of you didn’t want to beg for affection anymore. Not after doing enough of that in her real life back home.
The thought made her chest hurt unexpectedly and you looked away first.
“I think,” you say quietly, “some people get so scared of losing someone that they forget to ask if they were ever truly wanted in the first place.”
Silence again.
Oh god was silence the most uncomfortable feeling ever in this world.
Taehyung stared at you, like actually stared as if you knocked the wind out of him. Even Jimin’s expression faltered so you immediately stood up to prevent this from going on further.
“Anyways!” you clapped again, I am going to leave before I start talking in metaphors.”
Then you turned and walked out of the room as quickly as your dignity would allow.
Behind her, silence lingered even longer in the room.
“What just happened?” Jung Hoseok asked.
Jimin watched you disappear from the room and his smile slowly returned.
“I think, he started, “Taehyung’s fiance is either having a spiritual awakening, or she’s becomes an entirely different person now.”
