A LOVE SO PAINFUL
The Turmoil
In The Kingdom Geumseong...
The King's palace was glowing with golden lights.
Music filled the air. People were smiling, laughing, celebrating.
It was the royal wedding.
Taehyung stood near the altar, dressed in his commander uniform, his sword resting at his side. His face was calm… but his heart was breaking.
In front of him, the princess—his princess—was getting married.
Taehyung
Calm down, it's okay... don't break...
He said in his mind for multiple times.
But his eyes didn’t listen.
They kept going back to her.
The way she smiled.
The way she looked so happy.
Not with him.
Never with him.
Taehyung
Stay still... it's okay...
At the same time, behind a pillar decorated with flowers…
A boy stood quietly.
Jungkook.
He wasn’t supposed to be seen.
Just a servant.
Just someone who didn’t belong here.
But his eyes were fixed on the groom—the king from another kingdom.
His chest hurt.
His hands trembled.
Jungkook
Why do I feel this way...
He mumbled slowly.
Tears slowly rolled down his cheeks.
He tried to wipe them away.
But they didn’t stop.
Taehyung noticed.
A small movement.
A shadow behind the pillar.
He turned slightly… and saw him.
A stranger.
Crying.
Hurting.
Just like him.
But somehow… more broken.
For a moment…
The wedding, the crowd, the noise—
Everything faded.
All Taehyung could see…
Were those tear-filled eyes.
And suddenly…
He wanted to walk up to him.
To ask…
"why are you crying...?"
or maybe...
To stop those tears himself.
The music grew louder.
People cheered as the wedding rituals continued.
But Taehyung couldn’t hear anything anymore.
His eyes were still on the boy behind the pillar.
Those tears…
They didn’t stop.
The ceremony ended.
People clapped.
Music grew louder.
The bride and groom walked away together… smiling.
Taehyung lowered his eyes.
It was over.
The one thing he feared the most…
had finally happened.
He took a deep breath and stood straight again.
A commander should not look broken.
Behind the pillar…
Jungkook quickly wiped his tears.
He knew he shouldn’t be here.
If someone saw him like this, he could get in trouble.
So he stepped back… quietly… trying to leave.
But his eyes betrayed him.
One last time—
He looked at the king.
The man he could never have.
Taehyung turned again.
The place behind the pillar was empty now.
The boy was gone.
For a second… he felt something strange.
Like he had lost something.
Someone.
Later that night…
The palace was calmer.
The lights were softer.
Taehyung walked through the long corridor alone.
His footsteps echoed.
His mind was not at peace.
Not because of the wedding.
But because of those eyes.
That stranger.
Those tears.
Taehyung
Why did he look like that…?
Taehyung stopped walking.
For the first time that day…
The princess was not in his thoughts.
It was someone else.
A boy he didn’t even know.
Far away,
in the servant quarters…
Jungkook sat quietly on the floor.
His head resting against the wall.
His eyes were red.
But now… empty.
Jungkook
I shouldn’t feel this way…
He thought.
But no matter how much he tried…
He couldn’t forget the king...the groom.
Two people.
Two different worlds.
Same pain.
Same night.
Morning came.
The palace was busy again.
Servants moved quickly.
Guards stood in lines.
Everything looked normal.
Taehyung was walking through the corridor.
His expression was calm again.
Cold. Controlled.
Like always.
But his mind wasn’t.
Those eyes…
He still remembered them.
Those eyes…
He still remembered them.
On the other side—
Jungkook was carrying a tray of tea.
His hands were steady… but his thoughts were not.
Jungkook
Don’t think about him…Just work…
But he can't.
Never.
and he don't know why.
They turned the same corner—
At the same time.
Thud—
The tray slipped.
Cups fell.
Tea spilled on the floor.
Jungkook quickly bowed, panic in his voice.
Jungkook
I didn’t see— I’m really sorry, Commander—
Taehyung froze.
That voice.
He looked down.
And there he was.
The same boy.
The one from yesterday.
Peaking through the pillar.
For a second—
Neither of them spoke.
Jungkook slowly lifted his head.
Their eyes met.
Taehyung felt it again.
That strange pull.
Those eyes… still a little red.
Still soft.
Still… hurting.
Taehyung said quietly.
His voice was calm.
But softer than usual.
Jungkook blinked.
He didn’t expect that.
Most commanders would shout.
Punish.
But this one didn’t.
Jungkook quickly knelt down.
His hands shaking slightly.
Taehyung watched him.
Without moving.
Without leaving.
Jungkook paused.
Surprised.
A small answer.
Almost a whisper.
Silence again.
But not empty.
Something was there.
Something neither of them understood yet.
Taehyung turned to leave…
But stopped for a second.
Just one second.
Taehyung
Be careful next time.
Jungkook stayed there.
Kneeling on the floor.
Holding the broken cup.
His heart was beating fast.
Not from fear.
Not this time.
Jungkook
…Why does he feel different…?
The palace felt different that day.
Quieter.
Heavier.
The princess was leaving.
Her carriage stood at the main gate.
Decorated. Grand. Beautiful.
Just like her.
People gathered to say goodbye.
Some smiling.
Some emotional.
Taehyung stood in his place.
Straight. Silent.
Like always.
The princess walked past him.
For a second…
She looked at him.
A soft smile.
A silent thank you.
Taehyung bowed.
Nothing more.
Nothing less.
And then…
She left.
With the king.
Without knowing what happened.
And...
they should Never know...
The gates slowly closed.
The sound echoed.
Final.
Something inside Taehyung went quiet.
Not broken.
Just… empty.
Later—
The palace returned to normal.
Servants moved again.
Work continued.
Life didn’t stop.
Jungkook walked through the corridor, holding a tray.
His eyes were calm now.
Too calm.
Like he had forced himself to feel nothing.
He turned a corner—
And suddenly stopped.
Taehyung stood there.
Just a few steps away.
Jungkook quickly lowered his head.
Stepping aside.
Making space.
Like he didn’t exist.
Taehyung didn’t move immediately.
His eyes fell on him.
That same boy.
For a moment…
Time slowed.
Jungkook’s grip tightened on the tray.
He could feel it.
That gaze.
But he didn’t look up.
Not this time.
Taehyung walked past him.
Without a word.
Their shoulders almost brushed—
Almost.
Jungkook let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding.
Taehyung kept walking.
But his steps felt… slightly off.
He didn’t turn back.
Didn’t stop.
But his mind stayed there.
With that boy.
With that silence.
Two strangers.
No names.
No words.
But something had already begun.
The Eyes that don't lie
Days passed.
The palace returned to its usual
rhythm.
Orders. Duties. Silence.
Taehyung trained in the courtyard.
His sword moved fast.
Sharp. Precise.
Stronger than usual.
Clang—
The sound echoed louder than needed.
Soldier 1
Commander, you’re going too hard...
One soldier said carefully.
Taehyung stopped.
Breathing steady.
Face calm.
Every time he closed his eyes—
He didn’t see the princess anymore.
He saw…
A boy.
Standing behind a pillar.
Crying.
And he didn’t understand why.
On the other side of the palace—
Jungkook worked like nothing had happened.
Quiet. Fast. Invisible.
But sometimes…
He paused.
When footsteps passed behind him.
When a shadow moved near him.
For a second—
He would think…
And every time—
It wasn’t.
That should’ve made him feel better.
One evening—
The sky turned orange.
Soft light filled the corridor.
Jungkook was placing flowers in a vase.
Carefully.
Slowly.
Jungkook’s fingers tightened slightly.
But he didn’t turn.
Didn’t move.
Taehyung walked past him.
Just like before.
But this time—
His steps slowed.
Just a little.
His eyes shifted.
Just slightly.
Jungkook felt it.
That same gaze.
Warm… yet heavy.
His heart started beating faster.
For no reason.
For every reason.
The distance between them was small.
But it felt like worlds.
Taehyung kept walking.
Again.
But this time—
He noticed something.
Jungkook’s hands.
Holding the flowers.
Shaking… just a little.
Taehyung’s jaw tightened.
He didn’t stop.
Didn’t turn.
But something inside him…
Did.
Behind him—
Jungkook slowly let out a breath.
Jungkook
…Why does it feel like he sees everything…?
And far ahead—
Taehyung’s steps grew slower.
Taehyung
Why do I keep looking…?
But the silence between them…
Was no longer empty.
The kingdom of Geumseong was glowing again.
Lanterns hung everywhere.
Golden lights.
Soft music.
Laughter in the air.
It was the annual festival.
A night of celebration.
The palace looked beautiful.
Almost like the wedding day.
Taehyung stood at his position.
Royal guard.
Sharp eyes.
Calm face.
But inside…
Something was restless.
Guests had arrived.
Nobles.
Warriors.
And…
The king from the other kingdom.
Taehyung’s gaze hardened for a second.
Then returned to normal.
On the other side—
Jungkook moved through the crowd.
Carrying drinks.
Serving quietly.
Because he knew…
That king was here again.
He hadn’t seen him yet.
But he could feel it.
The music grew louder.
People started dancing.
Lanterns floated in the night sky.
Beautiful.
Peaceful.
Jungkook stepped into a quieter corridor.
Holding a tray.
Trying to breathe.
Someone was standing there.
For a moment—
Neither moved.
The festival noise felt far away.
Jungkook lowered his head quickly.
Stepping aside.
Like always.
But this time—
Taehyung didn’t walk away immediately.
Taehyung said.
Low voice.
Calm.
Jungkook
…Yes, Commander...
That was it.
Just two lines.
Taehyung looked at him properly this time.
Not just a glance.
Not just a passing moment.
Up close—
He looked even more…
Fragile.
Beautiful...
Taehyung
what the hell I am thinking...
Jungkook could feel his gaze.
Heavy.
Focused.
His fingers tightened on the tray.
Taehyung said after a moment.
Jungkook blinked.
Surprised again.
Distant laughter echoed.
Lanterns flickered.
And suddenly—
Footsteps approached from the other side.
That presence.
That feeling.
The king. Choi HaeJin...
Of kingdom Soerin...
The Husband Of Princess Erena...
Beside him walks...
The princess Erena
Of Kingdom Geumseong...
Now the queen of Kingdom Soerin...
Jungkook didn’t dare look.
But his body reacted.
The way Jungkook’s posture changed.
The way his breathing shifted.
Something inside Taehyung…
Turned sharp.
They walked past.
Without stopping.
Taehyung bowed.
Jungkook bowed too...
But his head was lower than Taehyung...
Jungkook’s eyes followed him—
King HaeJin...
Just for a second.
That one second…
Was enough.
And he understood something.
A strange feeling rose in his chest.
Heavy.
Unfamiliar.
Jungkook quickly looked down again.
Like nothing happened.
Taehyung stepped back.
Breaking the moment.
Jungkook nodded.
And walked away.
But this time—
His steps were unsteady.
And Taehyung…
Didn’t move for a long time.
Taehyung
Why did that bother me…?
The festival lights kept shining.
But something darker…
Had just begun.
Jungkook stood beside a long table.
Pouring wine carefully.
His hands were steady.
But his heart wasn’t.
King Haejin stood in front of him.
Calm. Elegant. Untouchable.
Jungkook served him before but he didn't recognise Jungkook.
Of course...
He is not someone that the King Should remember....
Jungkook
…Yes, Your Majesty.
He stepped closer.
Pouring the wine.
Carefully.
Quietly.
Haejin’s eyes rested on him for a moment.
Not too long.
But enough.
Jungkook’s breath hitched.
Jungkook
…I came a few years ago, Your Majesty.
Haejin hummed softly.
Then looked away.
Like it meant nothing.
But to Jungkook—
It meant everything.
From a distance—
Taehyung was watching.
He don't know why.
His expression didn’t change.
But his eyes…
Darkened.
The way Jungkook stood.
The way his voice softened.
The way his eyes looked at Haejin.
That same look.
From the wedding day.
Taehyung’s jaw tightened.
He again don't know why.
Steps steady.
Presence strong.
King HaeJin
Commander Taehyung.
King HaeJin
I heard a lot about you from The king...
King HaeJin
He is very proud of you...
Taehyung
My Pleasure Your Majesty...
Then he looked around and said...
King HaeJin
Geumseong is as impressive as ever...
Taehyung
We are honored by your presence.
Formal.
Calm.
Controlled.
But something underneath...
Wasn’t.
Haejin glanced at Jungkook again.
Just briefly.
Taehyung
Continue your work...
Taehyung said.
Not looking at Jungkook.
But clearly meant for him.
Jungkook flinched slightly.
He stepped back.
Quickly.
But his eyes—
For one second—
Went back to Haejin.
Taehyung saw that.
Again.
And this time—
It stayed with him.
Haejin smirked faintly.
Almost unnoticeable.
King HaeJin
Your palace has… interesting people.
Taehyung’s gaze hardened.
Just a little.
he replied.
A silent clash.
No swords.
But sharp enough.
Haejin chuckled softly.
Then walked away.
Jungkook stood far away now.
Trying to focus.
Trying to breathe.
He didn’t look up.
Didn’t dare.
But his heart—
Wouldn’t calm down.
Across the hall—
Taehyung watched him.
That same question again.
Louder this time.
And deeper than that—
Something more dangerous.
Taehyung
Why does it bother me…?
Breaking Silence
The festival was ending.
The music was softer now.
People were leaving.
The palace felt quieter again.
Jungkook walked alone through a side corridor.
Empty.
Peaceful.
He stopped near a window.
Moonlight fell softly on his face.
He closed his eyes.
Tired.
And whispered.
Jungkook
...I shouldn’t have looked.
Taehyung
You keep doing that.
Jungkook’s eyes opened quickly.
Taehyung stood behind him.
Jungkook stepped back slightly.
Lowering his head.
Jungkook
…I’m sorry, Commander.
Taehyung didn’t reply immediately.
Instead—
He walked closer.
Slow.
Measured.
Taehyung
Why do you look at him like that?
The question came out calm.
But heavy.
No one had ever asked him that.
Taehyung’s eyes didn’t leave him.
Jungkook’s fingers tightened.
Jungkook
…It doesn’t matter.
That made Jungkook look up.
For the first time—
He looked directly at Taehyung.
His eyes were shining.
Not with happiness.
But something deeper.
Jungkook
You wouldn’t understand.
Jungkook said.
Voice breaking slightly.
The words were quiet.
But firm.
Something in Jungkook cracked.
Silence filled the space.
Jungkook
I know I shouldn’t feel this way… I know it’s wrong… but I can’t stop it.
Jungkook
Please forgive me...
Jungkook
I see him and… it feels like my chest is being torn apart.
Tears gathered in his eyes again.
Jungkook
But he doesn’t even know I exist.
Jungkook
I’m just a servant.
Taehyung felt something twist inside him.
Something closer.
Something sharper.
Taehyung
…Then stop looking,” Taehyung said quietly.
Jungkook smiled faintly.
Sad.
And this time—
Neither looked away.
Taehyung
…You think I don’t understand?
For the first time—
Taehyung’s calm expression cracked.
Just a little.
Taehyung
I stood there… and watched someone I loved marry another man.
Taehyung
I Couldn’t say anything... because I only have a sword to protect her....not a crown to have her....
His voice was steady.
But his eyes weren’t.
Taehyung
So don’t tell me I wouldn’t understand.
Jungkook’s lips parted slightly.
Jungkook
…You loved the princess…? he asked softly.
Taehyung didn’t answer.
But he didn’t need to.
Jungkook understood.
Two different stories.
Same pain.
The distance between them…
Didn’t feel so big anymore.
Jungkook
…Does it get easier? Jungkook asked.
Taehyung
But you learn to live with it.
But this one—
Was softer.
Taehyung turned slightly.
Taehyung
…What’s your name?
Jungkook
....Jeon...Jeon Jungkook...
Taehyung repeated it quietly.
Like he was memorizing it.
Taehyung
...get some rest.
But this time—
It felt different.
Jungkook stood there.
Heart calm.
For the first time in days.
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