Part 1

Part- The true beginning of a masterpiece

Year, 1854 Korea

The royal carriage slowly entered the palace gates, its wheels rolling over the cobblestone path.

News of Jungkook’s return from America had already spread across the kingdom. People whispered excitedly everywhere

"the young prince is back! The jewel of Korea has returned!"

Banners fluttered in the wind, and townspeople lined the streets, bowing as the carriage passed.

Soldiers stood at attention, and palace attendants greeted him with deep respect.

But Jungkook hardly noticed any of it.

He sat tall in the carriage, dark hair falling over his forehead, wearing the scholar’s robes he had brought from abroad. His eyes, sharp and thoughtful, were fixed on something far away, far beyond the pomp and excitement.

"I want to find that scar boy… I hope I can thank him now, he thought"

jaw tight, heart racing.

At the palace gates, King Seokjin awaited, tall and elegant in his crimson and gold robes. His smile was warm, proud, and commanding.

Min Yoongi, Jungkook’s older brother, stood beside the king, calm and steady, his dark eyes quietly protective.

“Welcome home, Jungkook,” Seokjin said, voice strong but gentle.

“The kingdom has awaited your return.”

Jungkook inclined his head politely.

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” he said softly. But his gaze didn’t linger on the king or the banners or the crowds. It searched the palace grounds, hoping, praying, to see one familiar face.

High above on the palace balcony, the High Lady,Kim Namjoon’s wife watched carefully. Beautiful, poised, and sharp as a blade, her ambitions were clear to anyone who dared look. She wanted control over everything, even the young prince. But Jungkook did not notice her.

His world was focused on one thing finding the scar boy who had changed him so long ago.

Jungkook entered the Palace... although his face was covered with mask but his eyes were mesmerizing

Everyone was wondering how much beautiful their Prince will look in today's party

Jungkook was looking around thinking thing have changed too much but he flinched listening a voice from behind

"Welcome back Prince, I hope you're more sensible now"

High lady whispered

Jungkook scans her....

She hasn't changed all these years

Still that taunting talks which Jungkook doesn't like but he can't disrespect her

He just bow in front of her...

"I hope I will not disappoint you, Your highness"

Jungkook said calmly maintaing the respect

"Ofcourse, Jungkookie is matured...right my boy"

"Ofcourse Yoongi hyung"

Yoongi put his hands on the younger Prince's shoulder

"Get ready man! Today's the big day...Many kings are coming to look and welcome you tonight

Get ready fast"

Jungkook nods..he never loved these gatherings but he can't refuse to it at all

That evening, the palace was alive with music, laughter, and the soft glow of lanterns. A grand party had been arranged to celebrate Jungkook’s return.

Kings and nobles from neighboring kingdoms had come, dressed in fine robes and jewels. The palace halls were filled with chatter, clinking cups, and the scent of fresh flowers and roasted meats.

King Seokjin stood near the center of the hall, greeting the guests with a warm smile. Min Yoongi stayed close to Jungkook, always watching, always careful.

Jungkook, however, barely noticed the music or the decorations. His dark eyes scanned the crowd, searching every corner. He moved quietly, as if he were invisible. He didn’t care about the noble guests, their bows, or their compliments. All he wanted was one thing.

The scar boy…~

The High Lady watched from her seat with a cold, calculating gaze.

She noticed Jungkook’s strange behavior how he avoided the nobles, how he barely smiled, how his eyes always seemed to look for something else. She frowned

" He is not like the other princes. He is dangerous in his own way"

She thought

Jungkook slipped through the crowd, careful not to bump into anyone. He passed the visiting kings, their golden crowns and velvet robes gleaming under the candlelight.

One king bowed deeply to Jungkook, smiling politely. Jungkook nodded slightly but didn’t stop.

Finally, he reached a quiet balcony overlooking the palace garden. The music from the party felt distant here. He leaned against the railing, letting his eyes sweep the grounds below. And then… he saw him.

A young boy, working quietly among the soldiers in the garden below. A scar ran across his cheek, faint but visible. His hands moved skillfully, arranging flowers for the evening decorations. Jungkook’s heart skipped a beat.

"It’s you…"

"Oh God it's really you"

he whispered.

The boy glanced up suddenly, sensing something, but Jungkook was already hidden in the shadows. His heart pounded

" I will finally be able to thank you…"

He stayed there for a moment, watching the scar boy, remembering the day long ago when their paths first crossed. Every detail came back, the fear, the danger, the bravery. And now, after all these years, Jungkook had a chance to repay him.

But before he could move, a voice called from behind.

“Kookie?” Yoongi’s quiet tone broke his focus.

Jungkook turned slightly “I’m fine,” he whispered, not taking his eyes off the boy below.

“I just… need a moment.”

Yoongi nodded slowly

“Be careful. The High Lady is watching. And so are the other nobles. Don’t let them see you acting strangely.”

Jungkook didn’t answer. He only focused on the boy below, his mind racing with plans. Tonight, he would not reveal himself. He would stay in the shadows, watch, and wait for the right moment.

The party continued inside, with music, wine, and laughter filling the hall. But on the balcony, Jungkook’s world had narrowed to a single point... the scar boy, quiet and unaware, who had changed his life in ways no one else could understand.

Soon… I will find a way to reach you, he thought.

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