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bangtan-dreamland · 5 years ago

Text

A Fairy Tale’s End [Chapter 2]

Pairing: ot7 x reader; jjk x reader; myg x reader

Word Count: 17,790

Rating: pg-15

Warning: reader is even more stressed, a brief meltdown, several confrontations, several curse words, someone drunk picks a fight with them

Genre: some angst, hurt/comfort, fluff, e2l, fantasy!au, elf!seokjin, fae!yoongi, dragon!hoseok, wizard!namjoon, vampire!jimin, kitsune!taehyung, mermaid!jungkook

Summary: You wanted, for once, to be someone important, someone needed- to be wanted and appreciated, to love and be loved. Well, you should be careful what you wish for.

AN: asdhjbasd first of all sorry for the long, long chapter bUT I swear future chapters won’t be as long,,, this is just really heavy on wordbuilding and plot with some character development ^^;;;

Also if anyone has noticed yes the ‘echo flowers’ are from Undertale uwu

A big, big thank you to @shadowsremedy�� for beta reading this!! I was losing my mind and he went and helped me make it so much better >w< Another thank you to @dee-ehn too for making the gorgeous banner above, likE LOOK AT IT IT’S JUST *insert flailing* wow my heart T^T

masterpost // previous chapter // next chapter

Taglist: @btsxdoll, @mspjm, @barbikatherine, @xxqueenwxtchxx, @catsandstrawberries, @bangtan-bestofme, @bubbletae7

»»————-　♔　————-««

The start of the journey was- quiet, and yet also quite loud, to put it one way.

It was terribly obvious, from one glance, that you were only a group of people forced into travelling together. Or at least to you, it was. For one, the way that none of you really bothered much with conversation, how each one was tense and on guard against each other- well, as much as you could read the others, anyway.

The horse under your hands whinnied as you ran your hands through its mane, and you found yourself looking at the others again in an attempt to, well, do something. Travelling, as far as you found out, was actually quite boring. Or. Well, it seemed to be, as you were only riding a horse. Admittedly, while a part of your attention had to stay on both the road and the horse, it didn’t take much before you found yourself desperate for something to do.

As it was, you were even contemplating starting up a conversation. You. Start a conversation. With them.

You sighed.

Really, when you first learned about them, your biggest worry was that you would be spending time with people like those at the castle, who, by now, you believed worshipped the ground you walked on, as creepy and arrogant as it sounded.

But… That moment then, at the castle, after introductions had been made, and your moment of panic ended, Namjoon had been the first to approach you, a genial smile on his face- but then the one from before, the vampire (Jimin, right? That was his name? You weren’t quite sure since half of your attention was spent trying not to visibly freak out while they were being introduced) strolled up to you, a smirk on his face.

“Lady Y/N,” Jimin’s voice was smooth as butter (and knowing now that he was a vampire now made the events when you met him make so much more sense), that coupled with his appearance made it easy for you to believe he was, well, a vampire. He gracefully bowed to you, extending a hand as well. “A pleasure to finally meet you.”

You forced a smile on your face, regarding him warily.

"... A pleasure to meet you too."

"Who would've known I would have had the blessing of an encounter with our ever so lovely saviour that night? Though," he sighed, his head dipping briefly to kiss your hand- the hair on the back of your neck standing upright as he lightly nipped it. The feel of what had to be his sharp fangs on your skin was not something you liked, that was for sure. "I regret not being able to have a longer talk with you."

"Park," the person (fae? The stark contrast of his bright, mint hair was quite distinctive enough, anyway) you met at the garden before- he spoke up then, his voice was low, the warning clear. Jimin only smiled innocently, his eyes like crescent moons as he obligingly stepped away from you.

"I was merely paying respects," he purred.

"Yet you do so in a manner most unrespectful," Namjoon cut in, brows furrowed as his gaze switched over to you in turn. He took a step forward- and the light frown on his face became a small smile. He bowed.

"Although we've already been introduced to each other... Heir to the Kim Coven, Kim Namjoon, at your service, Lady-"

"Lady Y/N? Who would have thought it?" You heard a new voice say your name then, before golden eyes that seemed to almost glow appeared in your line of vision. Familiar, mischievous eyes and a distinctive low chuckle- you hastily took a step back, immediately glaring at him.

And then another joined.

"You're the one I met at the inn!"

Even just remembering the chaos that erupted then made you wince. Several of them immediately started arguing- the loudest being Jimin (who cracked up and began teasing the other) and Jungkook (who looked close to actually, physically fighting him), though Namjoon and Taehyung came close, Namjoon's words getting sharper and sharper as Taehyung only continued to egg him on, throwing a few words at Jungkook as well- who, actually, you couldn't remember why he'd been fighting with Jimin... Though, it wasn't as if there was any use remembering now...

Your only saving grace then was that Yoongi and Hoseok didn't join in, and just when you were about to start speaking up (you couldn't let it go on forever, there was a limit to how much even you could take, after all)-

"Quiet." The voice, as stable as it seemed to be, growing not a single decibel louder than the others, was enough to affect everyone. The effects of his reprimand was instant- the four men instantly falling quiet, seemingly intimidated.

"If you're all done bickering like children, maybe we can continue on with why we've been assembled." Seokjin's voice was frost embodied as he swept his glance over you all. "Or are your ages only for show?"

Nobody moved- his gaze not letting up. In the wake of the silence, he looked at you. "Y/N."

You almost jumped, not just from surprise but also from how everyone's attention turned to you then. "Y-Yes?"

"Do you have any plan or information in place to start us with?"

"Y-Yes! Um..."

You suppressed the urge to run and hide, instead choosing to focus on the paper in your hands. A week's worth of research was written on it, as much as you could have gathered anyway.

"A-As elusive as, the- the Tower of Babel is, um," you took a deep breath, even as you stuttered, and told yourself to continue. "The first step to take in tracing its, um, its current location would be to, well, investigate the last confirmed area it was in. Especially when we consider that there's little information to go through, discounting rumours and myths."

"Therefore, I think that our first location should be R-Rivermouth. There should be the ruins of the old tower remaining there- it's at least a more solid clue than anything."

Icy brown eyes turned away from you, and you felt yourself sigh in relief. Was he testing you just now? It certainly felt like one- and one that you hoped you passed.

That point then on forward seemed to be a little bit of smooth sailing then. As much as the others seemed to have their own opinions and arguments, it only took a few, pointed words from Seokjin to get them moving.

And thus you all set off.

»»————-　♔　————-««

Which led to where you were at the moment, currently bored out of your life.

The first few days had been nerve-wracking, admittedly. You didn't know what to expect. You didn't know how to act around them, but soon enough, it became clear to you that you weren't the only one apprehensive about travelling with other, unknown people. The tense silence that covered you all attested to that. No one tried to speak up much, nor to do anything than follow along Yoongi (who led the way on account of being the second most experienced not only when it came to travelling, but also to fighting), though a part of you suspected it was mostly because Seokjin positioned himself at the back, where he had perfect view of you all.

It was for the best, you supposed, thinking over what you'd learned about them so far. Which, while it wasn't that much, and you still weren't quite sure what to think of them, it was obvious that you had your work cut out for you.

Hoseok was one of the few that was alright so far, you thought.

He was the one with the least amount of presence in the group, since the quest had started- something which, while initially surprised you (after all, he was a dragon, right? The thought that a dragon could be, well, quiet and wary of others when they'd been portrayed the exact opposite in media back home was a source of never ending confusion), gave your initial encounter with him at the tower make sense. Even when the fighting broke out at your first, official meeting with the others, he'd stayed out of the way.

If it weren't for the way you were hyper aware of the others, really, you would have forgotten all about him.

Still, compared to the others, that was practically a blessing.

Compared to Jungkook, that was.

Jungkook, who, in turn, was one of the loudest members so far- and a source of your never ending headaches since the quest began.

Considering your meeting at the marketplace, and how he was currently acting, the word that came to your mind most often was... Well, that he was a brat.

An attention-seeking brat, you added. Trying to show everyone that he was just as good as them, but then getting worked up over the littlest of insults (Jimin), trying to prove them wrong (or calling Jimin out on his height in retaliation to the latter calling him out on his age). Falling for sucker bets (again, Jimin, though sometimes Taehyung would join in), and getting tricked. Naive to a fault, and failing to think through his actions most of the time.

Still, considering he was apparently the youngest out of everyone...

Speaking of age... Your eyes briefly glanced over to your right, meeting crimson eyes- you quickly averted your gaze, ignoring the smirk directed at you.

Jimin, though, was a bigger pain in the ass to deal with. It only took you a day to determine that there was just one thing that kept him going in life.

It was to mess with other people.

He, you quickly deduced, was someone who got off on teasing others, enraging them, charming and using them, all the things that, if you were back home, you had no doubt you would ask if he was still in kindergarten, or what. Especially with the way he seemed hell-bent on riling up Jungkook to kingdom come over every little thing (though Jungkook would give his best to retaliate), something that he never quite succeeded at because every time he'd come close, Seokjin would promptly freeze them with a glare.

Really, it made you wonder just what the hell whoever sent him had been thinking, but then...

The flicker of a flame appeared at the edges of your vision, though you tried not to look all the same.

Then there was Taehyung, who, on the other hand, was a different kind of chaos.

The first time you met him had given you enough clues to realize that he was someone who probably took a lot of fun in pranking other people- and then watching the ensuing panic occur. The type to arrange buckets of flour atop every doorway, the type to ice over floors and watch people slip and fall, the type to drive people insane with just his words...

... or the type to let loose pigs in a castle and laugh afterwards.

Admittedly, though, ever since you'd set out it seemed as if he'd calmed down and took down the intensity of his mischief, but it still didn't take away the fact that he was still doing them in the first place.

You'd be doing something menial, like maybe set up the tents. You would be absorbed in your task- then you'd see feel something crawl near your legs, and you'd stifle a scream at the sight of a snake (lest you alert the others and make a bigger idiot out of yourself), and you'd hear the faint echo of laughter- and you would tamp down the urge to murder that ass as much as you could.

The most infuriating part about it too was how he seemed to hone in on you, setting you as his target. Taehyung felt like a whirlwind that you’d somehow caught yourself getting pulled closer into, and the only thing that kept you from truly getting sucked in was the equally intense storms the others were.

... Well, as much as Taehyung annoyed you on a daily basis though, it made having Yoongi a little bit better.

Yoongi was probably the second member of the 'not so troublesome' part of the group of men. He was mostly quiet, and calm- always pitching in to help reign in the others when they grew too rowdy, sharply scolding Jimin or Taehyung, even Jungkook.

Still, though, as much help and rational as he seemed to be, you couldn't quite bring yourself to fully relax around him, because, as it was, he seemed to be quite on board the 'Lady Y/N, our saviour!~' ship too.

Though, admittedly, it was in a reserved way- what with how he subtly looked to you for guidance, letting you make the decisions, even when you didn't have the faintest clue what to do. It wasn't exactly something you would have advocated for, or encouraged in the slightest.

Then again, it wasn't quite as bad as Namjoon.

You didn't think you needed to explain that statement anymore than you did- the reminder of not only your first meeting, but every encounter after spelling it out quite neatly in your head.

'Lady Y/N, is there any way I can-'

'Lady Y/N, do you perhaps need help-'

'Lady Y/N, I assure you, I would love nothing more than to-'

'Lady Y/N-!'

You groaned even as you remembered the numerous events, his voice ringing in your head like a puppy yipping and yapping for your attention, as horrible as it made you sound like.

With all that in mind... While at first you never would've thought it, Seokjin was probably the person you appreciated the most out of your companions so far.

Oh, he made it clear to you, not just from the moment you met that he didn't think much, if at all, about you, as the leader of the quest- something which, while you didn't like the way he told you about it you did agree with.

Still, him taking over the reigns as you all set out on the journey had done you a huge favor, even if he didn’t intend it that way. Especially when you didn't have the slightest clue how to make the others listen to you- and no, you didn't count Namjoon in, or Yoongi.

It had been Seokjin who'd seamlessly got the rest to listen to him, and make camp, who'd assigned roles without the others raising much of a fuss, and, to your never-ending relief, seemed to be really proficient in catching wildlife and gathering herbs to eat.

After all, you all had to set out lightly, carrying only basic necessities and emergency supplies with you as you were supposed to always be ready to move in case of danger. It was something you had no trouble agreeing with, remembering your first day.

With his help, no matter how rowdy the others could be at times, so far, it'd been quite peaceful... If you didn't take in the aforementioned headaches your companions gave you, that was.

A week couldn't go by any faster, although eventually, you all arrived at your destination.

Rivermouth.

»»————-　♔　————-««

The town, you first thought as you approached it, was aptly named. Built around a huge river that seemed to snake through the town’s roads, leading into the sea at the end- Rivermouth, situated at the foot of the mountain was well off in how they had access to not only the bountiful forest to their north, the sealife to their south but also the roads that made them a popular stop-by, as they were directly on the way to the capital.

Or so you heard from Namjoon anyway.

It was hard to appreciate the town and all that it had to offer, when the moment you all arrived, you felt the familiar pressure of reality weight down hard on your shoulders.

You gripped the reins tighter, eyes darting around nervously- at the unfamiliar dirt streets, the wooden houses, the crowds of people in the streets (although thankfully, no one pointed out to you guys).

It was easy to forget, for a moment, as you left the city and traveled. It was easy to think, to feel, that you were back home. It was easy to think of the whole experience as a dreaded camping trip where you had to endure travelling with strangers, most of which were weird as hell.

Back at the capital, it was hard to run away from the situation in any way- everywhere you looked, it only served to remind you of where you were.

But out in the wilderness? It was much easier. It wasn’t as if the others were keen to show off the fact that they weren’t human either, and if you ignored all the extra appendages they had (and actually getting used to them after a while), then it was easy to see even Taehyung’s illusions as pranks. Elaborate pranks, but pranks nonetheless.

Now again, though, you were harshly brought back to reality. Your new reality. Your momentary, all-too-real-you-might-die reality.

You released a low whine at the back of your throat, resisting the urge to hide away from the public’s eyes lest they somehow realize who you were.

"Are you alright, Lady Y/N?" The tremble that ran through your body was not lost on Namjoon, who gave you a concerned look. "If you feel unwell in any way, I-”

"No!" You almost yelled the words out. Even though they hadn’t been the best company so far, you really didn’t want to know what the others would say or think if you all had to stop now because of you. The mere thought of it made your stomach even sicker with nerves. "No, no, sorry, um, I'm alright, just-" you faltered, voice coming out weaker. "I'm not, um, I'm not good with crowds..."

"... Our first priority is to get to the inn," Yoongi offered, eyes assessing your form, before he turned back with a grimace at the streets. "Though the crowd is really thick."

It was then that Jungkook perked up, instantly cutting in with a confident tone in his words. "I could easily locate the inn, and then return to lead us."

You tensed up, then, preparing yourself for the response that seemed to be almost a routine by now-

"Really now. And how, do you think, will you be able to pass through the crowd?" Jimin's giggle was mocking as he regarded the younger with a raised eyebrow. “Here comes the puppy again, ever so obediently wagging its tail.”

You sucked in a hiss of breath as the two started arguing again, cringing.

For some reason, as much as Jimin was an ass to you all, he seemed to focus most on Jungkook. That whenever the younger would speak up about something or offer to a task, he would instantly be there butting heads with him. And it wasn’t rare to hear Jungkook make snide comments about Jimin being a vampire either. It always gave you a huge headache, and the fact that it’d become a common thing to the point where you all expected them to argue whenever one of them spoke up was really-

Well.

You tried to stay out of it, though. Even if you wanted to stop them, there was always the what if lingering in your mind. What if they refused to listen to you? What if they got mad at you instead? What if you failed, causing an even bigger problem, and the others would know?

It was much easier to leave them be and endure their bad moods afterwards.

Even if currently, the growing volume of their voices made you wince.

“better than a bloodsucker who just idles around without contributing anything-”

"-’contributing’, you say- aren’t you always so eager to please, do you really crave their praise so much-"

Jungkook’s hiss was full of repressed fury, just about to break through. "Hypocritical of you to say when your entire race is but a collection of power hungry animals desperate for others’ attention, as though someone who has to resort to using trickery to charm others has room to talk. No one would trust a vampire with anything, and why would they?"

Jimin’s responding laughter was soft, airy, but the look in his eyes then could have frozen a man over.

“Perhaps, but still, it’s better than a bootlicker currying favor by doing even the most menial work. Or perhaps, you do them because it’s all you can amount to? After all, it’s obvious that you don’t have much, if any experience dealing with the human world. Really,” his lips curled in a sneer, even as his voice remained soft, “it only makes your efforts all the more pitiful. Laughably pathetic.”

That seemed to have broken the proverbial last straw on the camel's back then, as, with a snarl, Jungkook leapt forward, his arm raised into a fist- one that would have hit Jimin, if it wasn’t for Seokjin suddenly holding him back. It was followed by a brief glance at you, one that seemed to say, ‘well? What are you going to do?’.

You looked back at him with wide eyes, and then at the situation- what did he want you to do? Could you even do anything? Hell, you barely even knew them and you weren’t a match at all for them in any way!

You barely saw him purse his lips at your inaction, turning instead to give his attention solely to the almost fight.

“Calm down,” he sharply scolded Jungkook. Restrained, the younger furiously fought against Seokjin’s hold, but the latter only held him back even tighter, until Jungkook could only squirm. When the younger slumped forward, finally out of energy, only then did he let go. Jungkook fell to his knees then, though he got back up not a second later, the fury in his eyes visible to everyone.

You could sense the hush that had now befallen the street, especially when Jungkook was let go by Seokjin. Any words in your mouth died as the amount of attention on you all increased, your heartbeat doubling and then tripling in anxiety. You took a small step away from the scene, all parts of you screaming to hide away from the prying eyes of the crowd-

Jimin’s gaze locked on to you and you stilled at the sharp look in his eyes.

“... I’d hate to be the cause of a bigger disturbance. I believe no one will mind if I leave for now, hm?” The smile that graced his face then was different, sharper and darker- you shivered and leaned away, having to physically stop yourself from taking another step back. The small motion didn’t escape his attention and he scoffed, before turning away and leaving, the crowd turning to look at his figure before it was swallowed up.

Your stiff figure didn’t let up until the crowd’s attention on you guys dispersed, and even then your movements remained jerky, the feel of their gazes on you remaining like ants crawling on your skin.

In the silence that followed, surprisingly, it was Taehyung who made the first move, not even a few seconds after Jimin’s departure.

“I’m going to go after Jimin,” he didn’t offer so much as he declared, immediately setting off in the same direction that the other left in.

You opened your mouth to speak- then thought better of what you were about to say. In the end, you opted to just nod your head weakly. “I- um, okay. We’ll- we’ll, um, we’ll be heading straight for the i-inn then...”

And that was that.

»»————-　♔　————-««

When you went to look for them hours later, after arriving and settling down at the inn, it was to another fight.

Which. Really. How was your luck so bad that you kept getting dragged into the one thing you hated most row after row?

The voice of the man yelling inside the apothecary could be clearly heard even from outside, but it wasn’t that that alerted you to the whereabouts of the people you were looking for- it was the crowd that had formed around the door.

It only took a look inside to confirm your guess. You apologetically pushed through the crowd, wincing with every complaint from the people you passed through.

When you arrived at the scene, it was to the sight of surprisingly just Taehyung, face blank, though the tense form of his body and the pursed lips gave away his irritation. Across him, a man, obviously drunk, was shouting slurs at him.

“-damned creatures! Your presence brings nothing but trouble, and I’m not having it!”

A growl, one that you interpreted with a jolt of shock, to come from Taehyung. What the hell…?

“Showing your true colors, aren’t you?” The man sneered, before spitting to the side. “You may look like a human but everyone here knows you’re just a greedy mongrel-”

“Stop!”

The word fell from your lips automatically, even as you inwardly berated yourself for just stepping in without a plan.

The two men turned to look at you, both startled, one suspicious and the other one… Curious? Shocked? Whatever emotion passed through Taehyung’s face then was gone too fast for you to even see properly, but whatever.

You focused your attention to the drunken man, hoping to appease the wild cannon before it erupted.

“Sir,” you started, unsure exactly what to say, but going on ahead anyway. “Can you please calm down? What happened?”

“Calm down!” He yelled, agitated. “Calm down she says! Why, there’s a bloody yokai, a kitsune in here and you’re asking me to calm down!? I just about caught him stealing, and he denies it and I’m supposed to calm down!”

You hissed quietly, eyes flickering from Taehyung’s now scowling form, several bottles of what you presumed to be ingredients in his hands, to the man’s self-righteous posture, a bottle of beer in his.

“I’m sure it wasn’t like that,” you assured him. “But, if you really think so, then I’ll pay for whatever you think he took. Okay?”

“What, are you with him?” He glared at you, the acrid stench of his breath making you want to recoil away. “Bah, whatever. Pay and then get out quickly. We don’t need his kind in here.”

You gritted your teeth at his words, but still you inched closer to the counter anyway, pulling out your money, setting out several coins until you felt it was enough.

At the shopkeeper’s shaky greeting and ‘thank you for your purchase’, you finally heard the man move, steps shaky, grumbles leaving his mouth from behind you.

“Don’t ever let me see you in here again, dog,” he hissed out, to Taehyung, you thought, before finally stumbling away, still drunk as hell.

You looked behind you then, feeling yourself relax a little as you saw the crowd disperse now that everything was over. Grinning, you turned to Taehyung-

“... What was that for?” He snapped at you, and you stared at him, stunned.

“Wha-” Any word you could have said then died as he stepped forward, closer, the brunt of his anger suddenly falling on you. “W-What do you mean?”

“You know what I mean,” he narrowed his eyes at you, the irritation thick in his voice. “Meddling in without a thought, and even going so far as to pay for what I supposedly ‘stole’.” Taehyung laughed then, but it was without mirth.

“I-”

“Did you think, perhaps, for a second, that you could have asked both of us what happened?” The growl that was still present in his voice, accentuated by the low timbre of his voice made his words all the more intimidating. “That instead of instantly accepting his words as the truth, you could have taken another look and not just sided with him, but also asked me?”

“Or do you really believe us to be what he said?”

“I-” you stammered, your voice leaving you as he towered over your form. You wanted to protest, defend your side, but the look in Taehyung’s eyes paired with the angry feel to his words made you tremble. “It wasn’t- I mean…”

Your voice came out weak, and even then it was only because of the rising indignation in your chest. How could he think for a moment that you agreed with that man? You didn’t- it didn’t even cross your mind at all! You just wanted to deescalate the situation before anyone got in trouble, and he was being all pissy now? He didn’t even let you explain your side! “I didn’t think that at all, okay? I just wanted to stop the fight.”

“Did you?” He bit out. “Well, I suppose congratulations are in order then, Lady Y/N. For once, you accomplished what you wanted to do.”

You clenched your fists at the patronizing tone of his voice. “Yeah, I did, but now I have to deal with you being like this. I guess you’re right, I shouldn’t have butted in.” If you were annoyed by his attitude towards you, well. It was one thing to feel guilty for messing up- but getting angry at you for no reason? That was one thing that you hated, more than anything. And wasn’t he being hypocritical?

I know when I make a mistake, because I do it all the time. But now you’re insisting it’s my fault- and you won’t even hear me out.

Silence enveloped the two of you then, the two of you glaring at each other, Taehyung’s glare venomous- still, you held your ground, unwilling to give way. He wanted to be like this? Fine, but you knew unlike the other time, you’d actually tried to help. It wasn’t your fault he wanted to be- that he just assumed stuff!

“... You know what, forget it.” He eventually stepped away, a bitter undertone to his words. “I’ll thank you not to interfere in my problems the next time around. We’ll be at the inn tomorrow on time; don’t bother looking for us until then.”

You kept quiet as Taehyung swiftly pushed past you, his body tense and the scowl on his face made all the more intense with the sharp looks he sported, not unlike an angry god.

When the doorbell rang, you let out a small sigh of relief, even as you felt a wave of sharp discontent and frustration rise in your chest. You dithered where you were then, wanting to leave, to go somewhere else, but after what happened just now…

“Y/N? The Saviour, Lady Y/N?” The sound of the shopkeeper’s voice made you jump.

You cringed, the anger leaving you as anxiety replaced it. Your hands immediately pulled your hood up, as though that would help you now that they’d probably seen you and confirmed who you were and oh god why did you even go after them-

The shopkeeper only stepped away after seeing your reaction, an apologetic look on their face.

“My apologies, milady. I should have realized- well. I really do apologize. Especially after the scene just now...”

You sighed, relaxing a fraction when you realized they weren’t about to mob you or anything. “No, um, it’s fine. But- I, um, I should go…”

It was when you were a few steps away that you heard them say softly.

“Milady?”

You hesitated, before slowly turning around.

“Going by what I witnessed just now… If you’d like some privacy, there is a beach known only to us villagers. Outsiders are forbidden from taking a single step on it, but- of course, you are the exception, milady. It’d be our honor to have you use the beach in any way you need it.”

That made you linger where you were for a moment. Maybe you’d take them up on the offer. What wouldn’t you do for some peace right now, after all?

You smiled shakily at them. “Thank you- um, for the offer.”

And then you left.

»»————-　♔　————-««

The next day had come all too fast, bringing another set of troubles alongside the first. Coming back to the inn after your altercation with Taehyung, you didn’t know what to expect when you saw both men again- but the next morning, as you set out for the ruins, it was as the events in question had never happened- both men seemingly the same as before. Or, at least for Jimin,- Taehyung had turned to ignoring you.

Still, you felt that the silence was better than the alternative, unsure how to clear up the misunderstanding without getting past a confrontation.

“So this is where the tower was, previously…” You murmured as you walked through the empty remains of a hall, the stone weathered and crumbling under the weight of not only time but the local flora.

“Or so the texts say,” Namjoon confirmed from ahead of you, an open book in his hands as he read while walking. “It’s quite a sight to behold, isn’t it?”

“... It really is,” you agreed. You bit back the frown that threatened to form on your face at the sound of someone scoffing behind you, a mutter following that, while not loud enough to make out was still audible. Even now, or maybe especially after yesterday’s events, the tension amongst you was thick as hell. Not really something you liked or appreciated, but…

You inched closer to Yoongi.

“I don’t think I have to repeat it, but I’ll say it again, in case there’s anyone who wasn’t listening earlier,” Seokjin’s voice carried over easily in the ruins, echoing off the walls. “Although I don’t think they still exist, this place used to be full of traps in the past. Be careful.”

Currently, Namjoon and Yoongi were set ahead of you all, Yoongi’s expertise in sensing magic combined with Namjoon’s vast knowledge giving them an upper hand in recognizing anything. You were positioned somewhere between the back of the group with Jimin, Jungkook and Seokjin, and Taehyung and Hoseok who were a little ways ahead of you.

Your placements as Seokjin had dictated turned out to be effective in halting any fights. Yoongi and Namjoon had no trouble working with each other, and Taehyung was the same with Hoseok. While Jimin and Jungkook still had their problems with each other, with Seokjin acting not only as the rear guard, but also as chaperone, the most that they had been acting out was with pointed glances and glares.

Still, you knew it was only a matter of time before something happened- that it wouldn’t take long for another argument to break out.

You were right.

You didn’t even know what started it, but before you it could even register in your mind-

“Jungkook. Jimin.” If before Seokjin’s voice was ice, now it was steel. “Should we have left you two at the inn?”

“He started it!”

You resolutely kept your attention on the walls before you, even when Jungkook exploded, frustration thick in his words.

“I didn’t so much as start anything, so much as I was pointing out facts,” Jimin nonchalantly said. “Is it really my fault Jungkook reacts like a child throwing temper tantrums when he hears words he doesn’t like hearing, even if they’re the truth?”

At that, even you had to wince. It didn’t take long to know that if there was something Jungkook hated, it was being likened to a kid, something that his age didn’t help, being the youngest. But before it could dissolve into another brawl-

“I believe I’ve found a clue!” Namjoon’s voice shouted in the distance.

You could have slumped forward then out of sheer relief at the sudden interruption, the yell getting the others’ attention. You could hear them all pause, before the sound of movement echoed, until the area fell silent again, as you were the last one remaining in the room. You sighed, turning around-

Your steps faltered.

Where the hell was Jungkook?

You instantly began looking around, hoping to catch a glimpse of the missing member, when-

Aha.

-you caught glimpse of the edges of a cloak disappearing into one of the corridors.

… Damn it. You internally groaned when you realized just what he was doing. Still, you knew if you didn’t come after him then, no matter what happened he’d get scolded by the others (though mainly Seokjin or Yoongi). Which, you could leave this small problem up to them, but…

You sighed as you remembered their stances on Jungkook’s behaviour.

You instantly took a step forward in that direction, glancing at the others quickly, if only to make sure that they weren’t about to stop you or come after you-

“... And like a child he goes off sulking, never minding if he gets lost like one,” Jimin drawled ahead of you, before side eyeing you. “If you desire to go after him and deal with his temper tantrum, please, be my guest.”

“... Well-” you started, your voice quiet. “It’s not exactly like that. But- I mean… Someone has to bring him back, right?” You didn’t mention how it felt as though the fight was partially your fault- though you knew there wasn’t really much you could have done. At this point, it felt as though the words themselves were like a broken record in your head. You couldn’t have done anything. Why would they listen to you? They hate you, and they don’t respect you, why do you think that they’d even give you a second to speak at all?

Still, the expecting and disappointed looks on the others’ faces seared themselves into your mind, replaying every time.

You didn’t even know why or how you thought it was okay to after him (seeing as there was still the possibility of traps in the ruins)- but still you did, following him through several turns, a few times almost calling out (and then hastily shutting up because every time you did, it either didn’t feel like the right time, or you forgot what you rehearsed yourself to say), as he went around the ruins. He was seemingly searching for clues in his own way too, though to no avail, until you reached what seemed to be a dead end.

Then you winced at the frustrated grumbling you could hear even from where you were, a thread of disquiet forming in your stomach.

“Jungkook,” you hesitantly called out his name. His head snapped up, doe eyes wide, before they narrowed as he caught sight of you.

He crossed his arms, frowning. “What do you want?”

“I-” you faltered, confused at his words. “W-What do I want? I came after you because you- um, you suddenly left, I was worried. I mean… Didn’t Seokjin, um, say that this place was, well, filled with traps back then?”

“I can handle myself,” he grumbled. “On the miniscule chance that I would activate a trap, the possibility that I would get hurt is very little.”

“That’s not the point,” you argued softly. “I’d- well, I’d like it if you didn’t take, um, chances in first place. And- I mean, the others might be looking for us, or, um, we might get lost…”

You fidgeted. “Besides, when I went after you, Namjoon found something. I know, um, that- you’ve been-” you dithered over the words in your head, unsure which to pick without coming off as weird in any way, “-worried, about the quest, but- I mean, you don’t have to push yourself so hard!”

Jungkook’s lips pursed, fists tightening even as he remained quiet.

“I don’t want to hear that from you,” he started. “You, who has to be the most useless one, despite being the leader,” he said bitterly, taking a step away from you, and closer to the walls.

The unsease you were feeling grew, and you couldn’t stop yourself from taking a step forward.

“Since the beginning, in what way have you ever truly acted like a leader? When have you ever benefited the search? Yet even if you do nothing, still they flock around you.”

You took another step.

“I… I know,” you said. Jungkook’s words hurt, but then again, none of it was really new to you in any way…

And another.

“And yet it’s as if you don’t care at all, while I have to do so much just to receive acclaim-”

And another.

At this point, the distance between you two was only a few feet now. Your every sense locked on to the area around the two of you, feeling something off. A sense of danger, so to say.

“I- okay,” you slowly said. “But, still, why don’t we just-”

“- and anothing thing, don’t tell me what to do!” Jungkook bit out, taking another step backward- the tension you sensed in the air sharpened to the point where your instincts overtook you.

“Jungkook, watch out!”

With only a single foot between the two of you, you quickly pulled him away from where he was, a wave of fear and surprise cascading over you- even if now that meant you and him had switched places you didn’t regret it at all.

It was the small tremble of the earth that alerted you to something wrong- then the shadow covering you- before the rough force of something tackling you settled in.

Your head rang as something loud echoed through the open space only a moment later, even as it felt like eternity, something like the fall of a boulder- but, that couldn’t be. Where would one even appear from?

Your last thoughts as you fell under the sweet spell of unconsciousness was that whoever pushed you sure could move fast.

»»————-　♔　————-««

When you woke up, it was in a familiar situation, to the sight of unfamiliar sheets. For a moment you could only linger in between the land of the living and that of the asleep, but even so you eventually forced yourself to get up.

And then the events of the day before sunk into your mind.

You shot up with a gasp, hissing when the pain hit you.

“Lady Y/N!”

You flinched away at the loud sound, your ears ringing- then the sound of murmurs filled the room, ones you recognized to be Yoongi’s and Namjoon’s.

“Namjoon?” You eventually croaked out as your senses readjusted to the world of living. “Yoongi? Hoseok?”

Namjoon, standing by your bedside- Yoongi, sitting behind him, and Hoseok in the corner opposite you all... You looked around, wondering where the others were.

You felt yourself physically wince as you met Seokjin’s eyes, for once unable to read anything in them, not even the displeasure he’d maintained with you ever since you met.

You immediately averted your gaze, choosing to focus on the others instead. “W… What happened? Where are the others?”

“After the two of you left, we went after you when Namjoon pointed out you were both missing. Thankfully in the nick of time too. Jungkook activated a trap in the ruins,” Yoongi was the first one to speak up, and you looked back at him. “It shouldn’t have worked anyway, but it did. A piece of the archway fell and almost hit you. Would have, if it wasn’t for Hoseok getting you out of the way.”

“I’m sorry,” Namjoon’s face, filled with shame appeared before you. “I should have known that the traps might still be active.”

“No, no!” You immediately rebutted, before dithering for something to say. “Don’t be sorry- um, if you’d known you would’ve told us, so…” You winced at your words as it seemed to have the opposite effect of what you wanted. “That is, I mean, Hoseok saved me so it isn’t as if I was hurt in the end, right?”

Something passed over his eyes then- though you failed to see it. Still, at the sight of your distressed face, he fell silent, before nodding. “I… I suppose that’s true.”

You turned to Yoongi. “That said… Um, I can remember that much- but what after?”

“You fell unconscious when the rock fell,” he continued. “We had to go back to the inn after that. Namjoon treated you, and we began to debate if we should go back and search without you, or if we should wait for you to take up. Still… Jungkook and Jimin had an argument. Taehyung took Jimin’s side, we attempted to break up the fight… But Jungkook ended up leaving.”

“No one knows where he is. The same goes for both Taehyung and Jimin.”

You heaved a sigh.

Great. What a disaster. Remembering the state of your group as you’d all set out to the ruins, the fight with Taehyung, and to an extent Jimin- not to mention Jungkook.

And now you were all too aware of Seokjin’s stare on your back, the thoughts you’d been trying to keep down suddenly rushing up again, whirling in your mind.

Don’t do that don’t do that don’t do that (I know what you’re thinking I know I fucked up I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m trying my best can’t you see that please please pleASE-)

You slowly breathed out.

“... We should-um, go on ahead with the plans. We’ll- we’ll meet back up here in a few hours, just…” You trailed off, trying to keep your voice even, though you knew your current mood was all too obvious. “B-Be careful. We’ll- er, we’ll set out again soon, o-okay?”

You resisted the urge to take in deeper breaths, resisted every urge to just let go of the building emotions in your chest.

“... Alright, Lady Y/N,” Namjoon hesitantly agreed. Hoseok fidgeted with his hands, shooting you concerned looks, and Yoongi’s eyes remained on you. Still, all three followed your request.

The door closed shut- and you let out a sigh.

Seokjin’s voice was even- though you could still sense the hidden tone under his words. “Aren’t you going to go after him?”

“I-” you faltered. “I can’t. I mean...”

(-he’s right everything he said was true-)

You kept your gaze stuck on the floor, then, a part of you beating painfully fast as the conversation continued.

“Really. Why not?”

“W-Why…” You cringed, your mind immediately scrambling for reasons to offer. But Seokjin’s voice remained calm, as if he hadn’t just suggested something ridiculous to you. “I’m not sure if you heard what he said, but-”

He smoothly cut you off. “Are you talking about how he said that you’re the most useless one, despite being the leader? Seeing as he all but screamed those words, yes, we heard them.”

You fell silent at his words, the familiar fall of your mood making itself known.

(-I know I know I’m sorry please-)

“... It’s not like- I mean, it’s not as if he’s wrong anyway, so...” you murmured, gaze falling down to the sheets that covered you. “I-I haven’t been exactly useful or helpful in any way since we started…”

And wasn’t that the truth?

(-please please can’t you just drop it-)

“You think I haven’t noticed?” He countered, before adding, “so you’re just going to give up like that.” You could practically imagine him raising an eyebrow at you then, unamused. “Without even putting up a fight.”

You avoided his gaze, afraid of the reaction that would be on his face. You’d faced that tone too many times to not be familiar with its matching expression- disappointment. “Yeah, well- what can I do anyway? That’s not something I’m good with at all, so… I-I mean, I’ll just make it worse, so… um, It’d be best for me to leave it alone, isn’t it?”

(-I can’t, I’m sorry, I hate that I’m letting you down-)

“Hah.” The mockery in his voice was clear.

“This again? Even though I knew I shouldn’t have expected anything…” Faint- but clear, but present, all the same it was there and it was said.

You winced. “I’m doing my best, okay?” You protested weakly, though, even as the words left your mouth, you knew it was the wrong thing to say- Seokjin’s gaze turning frigid.

“... Do you?” He spat, his gaze sharp. “Even now you aren’t trying at all, you’re just running away again! Even from the start, and until now, all you’ve been doing is running away. Do you think that you can solve every problem like that?”

“Ever since we left, every incident that we’ve encountered, I handled it- not because I wanted to, but because I knew that if I didn’t, you certainly weren’t going to do anything about it. I thought that maybe with time you’d step up- but I guess I was mistaken.”

He scoffed. “You’re a disappointment.”

(-pleASE JUST STOP I KNOW I KNOW I KNOW ALREADY)

All at once, you felt the strain of the last few days finally breaking you down, having pushed you again and again until you just. Couldn’t. Take it.

You fully snapped, your fists clenched tight against the bedsheets.

"What," you gritted your teeth, your voice shaky as you glared at him, caution and dread turning into fury and a mix of other emotions that you couldn't separate, "is your problem?"

"What part of 'I never asked for this' do you not understand?" You snapped at him when he opened his mouth to rebut. "No, shut the fuck up and listen!"

"You're disappointed that I'm the one who came to this world, that I'm the one who came to be the 'saviour', but guess what," you hissed, viciously jabbing a finger in his chest. "I never wanted to go on this quest either!"

"I never wanted to be- to be worshipped like some kind of god, I never wanted to go with a bunch of judgemental, overgrown kids who think that they're all so high and mighty, that they're-"

You hiccoughed as a fierce swell of emotions made itself known.

"I didn't- I didn't ask to wake up here in this world and lose everything ever familiar to me," you choked out, your voice thick with unshed tears. "I’m sorry if you think I’m always just ‘running away’ or whatever but I can’t, okay!? I don’t- all of this, I’ve never even done anything like this, and I just- I just want to go home. I just want to see my home again and go back to the life I had. I miss feeling at ease alone, miss cooking and eating food that I love, miss the late nights where even if I'm not as happy as some people want to be, I'm content and I'm- I'm-"

You crumpled then, folding in on yourself as the cries became too heavy to speak through, your frame trembling as small whimpers and sobs left you. You did your best not to show how close you were then to fully breaking down, though you doubted you succeeded.

When your muffled hiccups and sniffles dried down, you looked up.

tired

tired.

You were so so so tired.

You just wanted out.

You wanted out of everything, out of this quest and out of this world.

But you couldn't. You couldn't, so you had to do what you could do. You had to play along, you had to move on and you had no other choice but to do what the story wanted and finish the damn quest.

"S-So," your voice cracked, and you had no doubt you looked like a mess then. You didn't care though, your eyes only set on one person. "So, don't you dare look at me like my very existence is a disappointment, because I assure you, if I had a choice, I wouldn't be here at all," you laughed bitterly, remnant tears now spilling down your cheeks and unto the ground.

For a moment you savored the hush that fell unto the room, letting yourself breathe-

And then you stood up, pushed past him and slammed the door.

»»————-　♔　————-««

As soon as you were at a distance away from the room, you released a shaky exhale, letting the familiar sting of tears come. What were you going to do now? You knew, when you started that it’d take a miracle to complete the quest- but so soon, not even a week since its start and you had already botched it up badly. And now the confrontation with Seokjin…

A fresh batch of tears began to roll down your cheeks.

You didn’t want to think about it, think about how you didn’t know why you were even chosen, nor how did whoever did thought you could ever lead these men-

Forward, you forced yourself to think as you took in deep breaths, trying to calm yourself down. I have to keep moving forward, because that’s the only way I can go.

No use moping. If you had energy to cry, then you had energy to think of a solution, didn’t you?

You slipped out of the inn, your hood pulled up as you stepped through the back door. You winced as the loud noise of the bustling life of the town reached your ears- before you ducked your head as someone passed by. You still weren’t sure what you were going to do then, but you thought- well, you had to leave, if only for a little bit. Take a small break, alone, truly alone. You didn’t want to stay in that room for a second longer with Seokjin, nor did you want a chance for any of the guys coming back to check in on you or what.

Still, where would you go though? As you stepped out of the room, you had to acknowledge- there was no privacy, no peace and quiet to be had in the small town. It wasn’t as if you knew where to go either in the search of a place to think.

But.

If you’d like some privacy, there is a beach known only to us villagers. Outsiders are forbidden from taking a single step on it, but… of course, you are the exception, milady. It’d be our honor to have you ruse the beach in any way you need it.

Could you? You hesitated, not wanting to rely on your ‘saviour’ status, but then the chatter of the crowd reached your ears-

“Have you heard? The saviour is in our town! Our town!”

“What, only that? I’ve seen them walk around! Why, one of the vendors told me he even had the honor of meeting them when they bought food from him…’”

“I’ve also seen the saviour’s companions wander around… what are they looking for, I wonder?”

“Ahahah, is there any point thinking that- we’re just villagers. Our role is only to support them- no need to be too nosy!”

“True, true…”

… Tired.

It hadn’t even been three full days, yet you were already tired. Peace and quiet… You just wanted respite from the heavy gazes your ‘status’ put on you.

You tapped a nearby villager on the shoulder. “... Excuse me, do you know where the apothecary is?”

»»————-　♔　————-««

As you stepped onto the sand, your feet sinking down, you had to admit- they were right.

The beach, seemingly devoid of all life at the moment was like a safe harbor for you- for once, no attention was put on you, no eyes following your every move. The area was still and quiet, and if you didn’t know any better, you’d think that you were truly far away from all life- but you knew that wasn’t true. The village was only fifteen minutes away from where you were.

Still, it was a nice, rare, feeling that you indulged in for the moment.

You walked over to the coastline, feeling the gentle lap of waves around your feet. The water was cold and heavy, that even though you only came close enough for only your feet to be submerged, you still felt the chill travel through your body.

Looking up, you saw the sea. The time was still too early for the sky to be anything but dark, yet you could see the colors slowly start to lighten up. Daybreak would come soon- but for now, the sea only looked forbidding and mysterious. Your mind wandered over to Jungkook at that.

How did a kingdom look under the sea? How did they live?

An entire race of people who lived down there… You couldn’t even begin to imagine it. All your mind could bring up was from movies you’d seen before, and you wondered if their kingdom was anything close to that. It’d been three days- but you still hadn’t adjusted to your now reality. You didn’t think you ever could, really.

You were brought out of your thoughts when you heard the telltale sound of footsteps, your body instantly tensing, wary of enemies- only to deflate at the sight of hair the color of mint and a smile, amusement visible in their face.

You turned back to where you had been- viewing the sea. A part of you wanted to ignore Yoongi- you came here alone so you could be alone, for crying out loud. But-

You sighed as he sat down next to you, close enough that you could feel him near but not actually close enough for your shoulders to touch. For a moment you wondered if he’d speak up, but he only remained silent as he hummed lightly, the tune reminding you of the flute he’d played once. The two of you sank into a comfortable silence, the tension that had built up in you with his arrival seeping out.

“What do you want?” You eventually asked. “And how did you find me?”

For his part, Yoongi only gave a shrug. “It was easy to ask around the places we’d visited. Not to mention, after that fight… I thought you’d want to go somewhere you could be alone.”

"... You heard us?"

"I stayed near just in case," he admitted. "The two of you don't have the best track record together after all."

You cracked a small smile at that. "True. Still, you knew I wanted to be alone, and yet, you’re here.”

“Someone has to though,” he pointed out.

You let out a wry laugh. “Yeah, but still, that doesn’t change much, really. I mean, if you heard us, then what are you here for then? I mean, it’s not like he was wrong, was he? I don’t even- I don’t know what you want me to say. I’ve been trying to tell everyone that I’m not what you’re looking for and this happens and-”

You shuddered, for a moment wondering if you really were going to cry again- but you’d already done that, and even when you tried to grasp for any emotion inside you felt numb.

“-and I… I don’t know, I guess. Sorry,” you added, before burying your head in your arms, letting the fabric muffle your hearing and sight. For a moment you let the illusion of you being alone envelop you like a blanket, seeking comfort. “Just, um… Sorry.”

You stayed quiet after your speaking, dreading Yoongi’s response. You returned your gaze to the sea again, a part of you noticing that they’d become even lighter than before- you could slightly see the sand below

He sighed- you withdrew tighter into yourself.

“Look at me.”

Which was why when Yoongi spoke next, then- it was the gentleness in his voice that surprised you.

Despite the way that Yoongi’s words were a demand, the tone in his voice made it feel like a request instead- and so you looked back at him, still feeling timid. When you met his eyes though, you couldn’t find any judgement or disappointment. Instead, Yoongi’s eyes were kind- sympathetic. “Everyone possesses their own skills, their own strengths- and weaknesses. Maybe it’s true that you haven’t been able to show your skills since we began this quest… But, you know what? We’ve only started. You don’t need to be so harsh on yourself.”

You smiled bitterly. “... Okay, but what if I don’t know what my strength is? If I don’t have one?”

Yoongi only smirked. “Then you simply have to look for it and define it yourself, of course. And if you don’t have one, then you could make one, couldn’t you?”

You looked at him, stunned. His cheeks reddened, but he continued all the same.

“Anyway… I don’t believe at all that you’re useless. If you were, you wouldn’t have been able to come on this quest, much less become the leader,” he continued, the smile remaining on his face as, for once, you began to really take in his words. “I guess what I’m trying to say is… I believe in you. Even if you don’t think that you can be what we need, and maybe you can’t now- but I know you’ll grow into your role. Therefore, even if it’s just a little… I want you to believe in yourself too. Give yourself a chance.”

You fell silent once more as you mulled over his words, the quiet of the air around you broken only by the rhythmical lapping of the waves. You reevaluated Yoongi’s behaviour since you met, for once seeing them in another light- when he subtly, simply accepted you being the leader of the quest, even when you hate it and everything associated with it. Instead of continuously letting yourself go along with everything, believing that your efforts would only be useless- maybe you just try, at least, first.

Maybe there was some truth in his words.

“... Believe in myself… even just a little, huh?” You exhaled, watching rays of light slowly cast a gentle glow over the ocean waters- the sky turning to beautiful colors of red and orange, a pink glow appearing as well. The sparkles of light reflected into your eyes, combined with the stunning view of the daybreak- for once, since your arrival, you felt a rush of comfort and ease settle down in you.

“... Give myself a chance.” You murmured.

“... Thank you,” you eventually told Yoongi, before breaking out into a sheepish expression. “Come to think of it, I think this is the first time we’ve actually had a serious one-on-one talk since our first meeting… You’re, um, actually really nice.”

“I’m not nice,” he deadpanned, before he frowned. “Wait, then what did you first think of me then?”

“That you were way too nosy and interested in other people’s lives,” you cheekily replied, a smile coming on your face for once, small it was as he rolled his eyes. “Although, hmmm, let me guess, everyone sees you as cold and intimidating?”

He rolled his eyes. “You’re not far off the mark.”

“Well,” you slowly started. “Now I know that isn’t true though. You’re actually quite kind.”

Silence covered the two of you once more- this time, only broken by the chirping of the birds- and you got up, thinking over your next actions. As Yoongi followed your movements, you found yourself hesitating for a moment- before you grabbed his hand, and, drawing him into a hug, you lingered for a few moments as you spoke. “I think... I think I needed that. S-So, um, thank you for talking to me,” you flushed, hurrying over your words before you grew too embarrassed to get them out. “That said, um, I should- I’m going to go after Jungkook and apologize- so, um, bye!”

Before he could react, before he could do more than tentatively hug you back you drew back you began to run away. “I’ll see you later at the inn- I’ll be back quick!”

You could only hear a low chuckle from behind you.

»»————-　♔　————-««

Where could he be?

It was only minutes in your search that you realized a glaring flaw in your plan- you couldn’t talk to Jungkook if you didn’t know where he was- and you didn’t even have a clue.

All that you could remember was that he’d left the inn from the others, and that he wouldn’t have left Rivermouth- but, still. The town was still, well, a town, one that you were unfamiliar with. You let out a heavy sigh. You didn’t quite think it out when you left, did you?

You slowed down your steps, unwilling to just run without a destination in mind- when you caught sight of black hair. You held your breath- before the man turned to the side, and you saw a familiar face.

“Jungkook!” You cried out his name, running over as quick as you could before he decided to get away, or something. “Wait for me, I need to talk- what is that?”

Halfway through your words you looked at him in astonishment as the glint of the metal in his palm stole your attention- a hairpin that held a familiar set of pearls.

It was obviously delicately crafted, the wooden part of it long and slender, the end decorated with what seemed to be small, white flowers that you immediately recognized to be tulips. Numerous, and yet even more amazing was that each had pearls in the middle, making it glimmer in the sunlight. The amount of work put into making it clearly had not just been a little- what with the flowers being so detailed that you could have mistaken them for being real.

But that didn’t eliminate the question of why Jungkook had it- you looked up.

Jungkook’s expression then was similar to yours, wide-eyed in surprise as well before he averted his gaze too, red quickly rising to his cheeks.

“... For you.” In a manner that reminded you of the time you met him, he thrusted the hairpin into your hands. “... As an apology. No woman will turn down jewelry, right? ”

“... For me?” Your voice came out as quiet, bewildered, and when you turned back to Jungkook, you found him nervously nibbling on his lips, a furrow on his eyebrows as he looked at you with- determination?

“I-” he paused, before seemingly gathering his courage. “Yes, it’s for you. Is it possible- I mean, I wish to- may I talk to you? Alone.”

“Um- okay,” you agreed, feeling equal parts relieved and confused. “I wanted to talk to you too, a-anyway.”

Jungkook’s lips curled into a slight smile.

»»————-　♔　————-««

So here the two of you were, at the pub- which, early enough in the morning was quite sparse, the only people inside ones eating breakfast. The two of you had sat down to order food as well- though, you noticed with a degree of amusement, that Jungkook had ordered a wide array of dishes.

While waiting for your order, Jungkook began to speak, his voice low.

“I was at fault earlier,” he started- shaking his head firmly at you when you moved to protest. “It is. No matter what others say, I put us all in danger by being childish… and I apologize for trying to run from the blame.”

“Especially to you, who I almost killed,” he murmured, contrite.

You looked at him, stunned. You didn’t expect Jungkook to apologize- what more, to actually look and seem ashamed of his actions. You hesitated, the words you’d originally been preparing to say vanishing as you carefully thought over what you wanted to tell him. The kanzashi in your pocket felt heavier now that you realized its significance.

“... You’re- uh, forgiven,” you murmured, relishing in Jungkook’s reaction then. Apparently, he didn’t expect you to just so easily say that. Still, you continued forward, your voice trembling a little but pushing on all the same. “I… know I don’t have much to offer. Even if people say that I’m the ‘prophesied one’,” you huffed at the title, a wry smile on your lips. “And… I know it isn’t that obvious, but I just want everyone to succeed safe and sound.”

“... I realize that,” he hesitantly offered. “I... I heard from the citizens that you saved Seokjin when you first came. And… That moment, at the ruins, you saved me as well.”

You wince at the reminder, falling silent again.

“I’m sorry,” he bit his lip. “You don’t- it was not a smart idea to bring up that topic, I realize.”

“No, no,” you immediately waved your hand, sighing. “It’s okay. I guess I was just a little worried about us as a team. I mean, this just reminded me that, just- we’re all still wary of each other, right? We really didn’t have any time to get to know each other. As a team. And- um, yeah.”

“... A team, huh?”

“Yeah? I mean, in a way, we’re, um, comrades or team mates, aren’t we?”

“I believe you’re the only person to call us that,” he murmured, amused, though he slightly smiled at you after. “But I like it.”

The conversation between the two of you was cut short as a waiter approached, in their hands your order. You both started eating- and then you snorted, chortling at Jungkook.

“Whoa, slow down.” You laughed as he continued to devour the food in front of him, a happy smile on his face. “You can always eat it again sometime. Maybe in the next town. Aren’t you even full already?”

“You don’t know that though,” he huffed, stuffing a loaf of bread in his mouth after. “Besides, I’m still growing. An abundant amount of food and nutrients is needed.”

“You’re going to get sick eating so much so quickly,” you pointed out. He side-eyed you, raising an eyebrow in mock offense.

“I wouldn’t. I’ll have you know that I’m not that weak,” he rolled his eyes, making you laugh again- what was the connection between being weak and not choking on their food? Jungkook, however, seemed to take your reaction as a challenge instead. “Here, I’ll prove it to you.”

Digging into his food with even more energy than before, he began to clear dishes at a faster speed- you readied the glass of water beside you.

Indeed, it only took a few moments before Jungkook began to suddenly cough, tears welling up in his eyes from what had to be a reaction to the food. You pushed the glass of water towards him- he chugged it down instantly.

You stifled the laughter building up in your throat at the indignant look on his face.

“Not that weak, huh,” you couldn’t help teasing him. Jungkook scrunched up his nose- you cracked up.

“How was I to know that food would have such a weird flavor, especially when mixed with other foods?”

You blinked at him in confusion. “What do you mean- um, have you… Have you never tried this before?”

His lips twitched, and dare you say it, Jungkook seemed to be pouting, a light blush on his face. “No, not really.”

But this is a common dish in the kingdom. The maid’s words from before resounded in your head, and you frowned, hesitant to speak up about your guess. While it was true that the meals served back at the feast were fancy and probably something only the royals normally ate…

“Jungkook, have you…Is this your first time on land?”

Even as you spoke the words, you knew they were true, at least to some degree- Jungkook’s head whipped to you in surprise, doe eyes wide.

“Wait, really?” You blurted out. “But, I mean- aren’t you like the prince of your kingdom? Royalty?”

His lips twitched into a smile at your naivety. Jungkook seemed to calm down then- pausing for a few moments, before he sighed. “I’ve never left the comforts of my kingdom before, unlike now,” he confirmed your guess.

“But…”

“Mermaids…” He started explaining, “While we are not solitary creatures, we still don’t mix well with those on land. Our bodies… our history, and our culture were made for the watery depths of the ocean. More than that, we’ve never-” He paused, shrugging. “Never needed help from any other species.”

“So when-” You hesitated to say Jimin’s name, not wanting him to get angry. “-when it was said that you don’t have much experience in this…”

“Yes. I’ve never even met a human before this quest,” he admitted. “I was barely able to keep up with the different etiquettes and customs not only humans, but also other races have.”

For a moment he fell silent, eyes lowering to the table. And when he spoke again, his tone was different- more vulnerable.

“I- what happened at the ruins… I’m not sure if you were told about it, but Jimin and I had an argument,” he revealed. “He called me naive, ignorant, childish… Really, it was only the usual. And while I reacted the way I always did, this time… When I ran away, I began to think over his words. And I realize…”

His cheeks flushed pink as he looked up at you. “I have been acting like a child, haven’t I? Rushing headstrong into every task just to prove that I could, assuming that I knew what to do, being stubborn…”

"I... I promise to be better."

Jungkook's voice was barely a whisper then, low enough that you wondered if you were just hearing it. You looked up- eyes stared straight back at you- though you wondered how long his gaze would hold, with how red his face was.

"I mean-" He faltered, hands shooting up to partially shield his face, before he set them down again abruptly. "I mean, that."

"That...?" You gently prodded him, unsure where he was leading.

"That I'll be more mature!" He almost yelled, before his head thudded on the table as he, in your view, tried to become one with it. You bit back the laughter forming in your throat.

Still, Jungkook groaned as he looked up, a pout on his face. "Can't you refrain yourself from laughing," he sulked. "I'm doing my utter best to be serious with you."

"I know you are," you reassured him, feeling the beginnings of a smile settle on your face anyway. "I'm listening, I really am."

He sighed. "You… To tell you the truth, when I joined this quest, it was because I wanted to prove to everyone that I could be someone great… But, honestly, now I wonder if I haven’t been too hasty. It seems all I have done is nothing but to bring trouble,” he sighed despondently, frowning at his plate.

“That’s not true.”

He paused, looking back at you.

“You said it yourself, didn’t you? This is your first time here, so you’re still- um, you’re still learning, so…” You flushed under his attention. “So, I mean- that just means you still have room to grow. So don’t- um, it’s okay to make mistakes. You’ll… learn,” you finished lamely, before groaning. “That was terrible, wasn’t it?”

You hid your face in your arms, slumping on the table. This time, it was Jungkook who burst into warm chuckles. You hesitantly looked up- meeting his warm eyes.

“Maybe a little.” He laughed even more when you pouted, though he soon cleared his throat. “Still, it was clear to me what you wanted to say in the end, so- please, don’t worry about it.”

“Right,” you mumbled. “Right,” you repeated, before you remembered the kanzashi in your hands- carefully putting it in your hair then, twirling your hair into a bun before you inserted it.

You had to admit, you almost didn’t want to use it, afraid that you’d break it, or that you’d lose it, or something- but the way that Jungkook’s eyes widened with surprise, before he shyly smiled… Well, it was worth it. You could only hope you looked good with it.

“How does it look?” You adjusted it- too tight- mindful that moving it too much would cause it to come undone.

“... You look beautiful,” he admitted. You giggled at his response, especially when you noticed the light flush on his cheeks.

“... If the two of you are done having a heart-to-heart then, you should go back and get some rest, don’t you think?” A sudden voice joined in, making you two startle.

You looked up- meeting Yoongi’s eyes as he sent the two of you mildly amused looks. “Considering you-” he nodded at you, “are supposed to be on bed rest and you-” this time he raised an eyebrow at Jungkook, who sheepishly winced, “haven’t been back at the inn since last night.”

“Since when have you been standing there?”

“Jungkook, you haven’t slept at all?”

As both of your voices rang out in the morning air, you kept the frown on your face as you looked at Jungkook with concern, while he nervously avoided your gaze.

“... I, uh... “

You huffed. “We, are going to get you into a bed now. Right now.” As you spoke, you felt your eyebrows furrow even more at the signs of his sleep deprivation that you could see now, the most prominent being the bloodshot eyes that he sported.

When Jungkook appeared to protest, you only stared him down firmly- until he sighed, defeat being practically written all over him. You grinned, and then turned to Yoongi.

“That said, how did you know we were here?”

He only smirked. “I’ve been here from the beginning, Y/N. I was here before you two even arrived. This is the only pub in town, you know.”

You looked down at his table- covered in empty dishes- before facepalming, a groan leaving you. Yoongi only huffed in amusement at the two of you. “If you two are done, we should get going,” he repeated. “Do you know how long I had to wait for the two of you to finish talking?”

“I heard you the first time, old man,” you childishly rebutted. Yoongi raised an eyebrow at you, while Jungkook let out a snicker- and then covered his mouth with his hand with a horrified look on his face.

“Because you act like one,” you explained, a light, teasing smile on your face. “Always quiet, always tired, always exasperated… I also read that faes live the longest after elves.”

He snorted at your reasoning. “And here I thought we were friends,” he said, and if it wasn’t for the slight smile on his face you’d take him at his word- this time, though, you could read him better and you only beamed at him.

“The two of you are on good terms?” Jungkook asked, a curious glint in his eyes as he slowly relaxed, realizing Yoongi wouldn’t get mad at him. You shyly shrugged.

“Yoongi helped me- um, he talked to me and helped me realize some things after earlier.”

“Oh.” Jungkook fell quiet at that. “And then you went looking for me,” he said, the sentence coming out a statement. You nodded.

“... Then, uh- thank you, Yoongi,” he mumbled hesitantly, eyes darting over to Yoongi who only shrugged in response, though you could see him slightly smile.

“Yeah, yeah, let’s get going already.”

»»————-　♔　————-««

“Thank you,” Jungkook eventually repeated as the three of you exited the pub, the sun now comfortably hanging in the sky, the morning sunny but not overly so. “Not only for hearing me out, even as I made all those blunders... And- that is, um, cheering me up,” he added shyly.

“No,” you smiled, feeling lighthearted for once in a long while. “I should thank you, and Yoongi too. You two helped me figure out some things about myself, remember? Maybe- we could do this again?”

“... Eating at a pub?”

“Is your mind always focused on food?” Yoongi shook his head teasingly at Jungkook, who tensed before relaxing again, a playful smile appearing on his lips too.

“I mean… eating out has to be better than staying inside our rooms all day, with that option we at least get to see the town,” he rebutted, his smile growing wider when he saw no real annoyance in Yoongi’s eyes.

“I’m resting, to replenish my energy,” Yoongi rolled his eyes. “Just getting here to this town made me more tired than I’ve been for the past ten years. Looking after you brats is no joke.”

Jungkook snorted, ignoring his last sentence. “For the past ten years, is it? Shouldn’t it be imperative you get more exercise then?”

“I’m a nature spirit, do you think plants move, why would I need to get more exercise-”

You couldn’t help giggling at their banter, reaching out to bump both shoulders playfully as you brought back the topic to before. “Jungkook, we don’t have to keep eating at a pub though, I’m sure we’ll be able to find other places to eat at in the next towns. And Yoongi, maybe we could walk around and explore too?”

“If I have to,” Yoongi sighed, but you could see him smile and you chuckled.

“I’ll look forward to it,” Jungkook grinned.

»»————-　♔　————-««

When the three of you returned to the inn, it was to a somewhat strange sight so far. While the three of you had been out eating, apparently you'd missed something- it would explain Namjoon seated by the table, the map that was laid out before him, Seokjin seated not far off with a cup in his hands.

"Lady Y/N!"

You'd barely spoken up before Namjoon beamed at you, thrusting something in your face. You felt someone tug you back, as whatever it was in Namjoon's hands almost hit you- you glanced to the side to see Jungkook give you a small look of concern, to which you smiled back at him to reassure him. "It was a success!"

"I... Um, what?" You looked back at Namjoon, confused- his excitement waned a little as he realized you didn't quite understand him. He cleared his throat, calming down a little, a sheepish look appearing on his face then.

"Seokjin suggested we take another trip to the ruins, to see if we've missed anything," he began to explain. "The room we chanced upon before seemed to be the very one we needed- when we returned to examine it once more, we found a small patch of echo flowers remaining there."

"Echo flowers?" You looked at him in confusion. Beside you, you could feel Yoongi stiffen for some reason.

"... Echo flowers are magical flora that repeat the last thing they've heard," he murmured.

"Oh. Um, wait, what did they say then?"

Namjoon's dimples appeared even as an embarrassed smile grew on his face. "The next clue to our quest was admittedly quite simple."

It was then that he raised the small box again- the first word that came into your mind then was a music box, but it was obviously not quite the same thing, considering the context of the conversation.

"It's a simple invention of mine- it acts as how an Echo flower would, but- oh, it'd probably be best, Lady Y/N, if you experience it for yourself."

You hesitantly accepted the box, bringing it close to your ears.

For a moment, there was silence.

And then, laughter, warm, as a voice rang out.

"I don't think I could ever forget a second of this, really. But even if I did... I make sure everything is written down, so I don't ever lose even just a moment."

"'Written down'? You didn't strike me as the type of person to keep a journal, Alex."

A chortle. "Neither did I! But here it is, anyway. Maybe after this, though, I'll keep it for anyone who wants to search for this tower too."

"Why would you though?"

"Why not?"

As the last sentence ended, the voice dwindled down, the box shutting close- and you gently pulled it away from your ear, even as your mind raced with possibilities.

"So," you started. "We're looking for this 'Alex's journal'?"

You paused as a thought struck you. "Wait, Alex- isn't that, um, isn't that short for Alexander? I mean, he was the only one recorded to have entered the tower, right?"

Namjoon made a noise of pure glee. "Yes! As expected of Lady Y/N, you immediately understood it."

"The recording doesn't give us much help, though," Jungkook spoke up then. "Unless anyone has an inkling of a clue where we could look for it."

At that, Namjoon's dimples made a reappearance.

"Then the fact that I happen to have a huge clue where it might be should be quite a big help, don't you think?" He grinned as he set out a map on the table, hands smoothening over the edges, before he pointed to what seemed to be a city not too far off from where you were. "The city of Crossroads- known for its history in anything related to the Great War, as it used to be the human capital then. If I'm right, then it should be where Alexander left all his previous items and equipment."

You felt a smile slowly appear on your face. "Namjoon, are you sure?"

"Yes," he nodded. "I'm sure. Please trust me on this."

"Crossroads it is, then," you hummed, feeling a thrill go through you at the unexpected good news. "Thank you, Namjoon! Just when I was worried we weren't getting anywhere."

"I..." He ducked his head then, a red flush appearing on his cheeks. "I'm glad to finally be of help."

Your eyes slid past him then, at the sight of movement at the edge of your vision. It was then that you caught sight of Seokjin- and the quiet expression on his face as he regarded you.

All at once, you felt the giddiness wear off as you remembered something you promised yourself to take care of.

"Namjoon, Jungkook," you interjected. Both men turned to look at you then. "It's- um, it's been a long day... We should, uh, we should all get some rest, okay? We can, um, we can talk more about this on the road tomorrow."

As they started to vacate the room, you kept your eyes on Seokjin- Yoongi's hands brushing over your shoulder in a show of support as he left.

"Back so soon? I thought it'd take you longer. ... What did you want to talk about, then?"

Seokjin’s words remained neutral, not a hint of what had happened before leaking in- still, you had to prepare yourself just to get the words out. "What I said earlier- I'm not- I won't take back my words."

He raised an eyebrow at you, and you shakily let out the breath you were holding, your voice coming out even.

"I won't take back what I said, because it's true," you repeated. "But... I had time to think, and I realize you aren’t exactly wrong either. I haven’t done anything but let others lead the way for me, letting them decide for me, so... I know it's not much, coming from me, and what I've been like so far, but..."

This time, when you looked him in the eyes again, it felt different- in a way, it felt easier.

"... I'll do my best," you vowed. “I’ll do what I can, to make this quest a success.”

This time, it was Seokjin who broke his gaze away first, focus transferring to stirring the tea he was holding. You simply grinned, then- the burden on your shoulders feeling somehow lighter. You turned on your heels, intending to go back to your room-

"I'll hold you to that."

Seokjin's voice, faint as it was, echoed clearly behind you.

»»————-　♔　————-««

You suppressed the urge to squeal, instead opting for rolling around, a grin on your face. You’d done that. You had, hadn’t you? You didn’t think you could, but you did, and you did.

… And then you groaned.

You collapsed on your bed, sinking into the cotton sheets, embarrassment of sorts from what you’d just been doing catching up to you.

You knew it was stupid to get so giddy over something so little. But!

But, at least, you made progress today. Of a sort. That was something to celebrate, right?

You brought out the hairpin that Jungkook had given to you earlier, admiring the way the pearls easily shone under the moonlight. Although you couldn’t wear it often, as travelling on a horse meant bumpy rides- the gesture was still appreciated. More so when you remembered how the pearls in question must have been from when your two first met as well.

So. Really, you’d done something right today, you nodded to yourself. Right. Though...

You exhaled a sigh as you remembered the remaining problem you still had to set right tomorrow- with Taehyung. After earlier with Namjoon and the others, you’d asked after the two, Hoseok as well, wondering where they went. Apparently, while Hoseok came with Seokjin and the others to the ruins, the two had come along (read: were ‘persuaded’ by Seokjin, most likely), and now each was in their own room. A part of you was relieved that even as angry as they seemed to be last you saw them, they were still putting in effort. Somewhat.

You’d set things right with Taehyung and Jimin, and- and you’d properly thank Hoseok as well, for saving you.

You would… You would have to try too. Do better. You would do better.

You couldn’t help the giddy grin then on your face, nor the burst of excitement that came along with the jitters. Really. You should be sleeping, but, as it was…

»»————-　♔　————-««

“Y/N.”

If Yoongi was surprised by your sudden appearance in the kitchen, hours into the night when everyone should be sleeping, he said nothing, only offering a nod

“Hi, Yoongi. Sorry- um, sorry to be a bother.” You returned the smile shyly, accepting the unspoken invitation for what it was as you took a seat across him. The rich smell of tea wafted around the table.

He only shook his head. “I wouldn’t mind some company right now, really. Don’t worry about it. That said… You couldn’t sleep?”

You smiled sheepishly. “Not after today, I guess.”

“I guess the last few days have been kind of crazy,” he agreed, hands reaching out to pour another cup of tea, before he pushed it towards you. You hesitated for a moment, before raising the cup close, the smell of milk distinct amongst the sweet tea. “That should help.”

“Ah, thank you,” you murmured, taking a sip- humming in pleasure as the sweet taste of the tea enveloped your tongue. There was something mellow, honey-like in the taste, with a hint of apple as well. Yet the milk added a creamy texture to the smoothness of the tea. You weren’t quite sure what kind of tea you were drinking, but it was admittedly delicious.

For a moment the two of you said nothing.

If the moment now had happened a few weeks ago, you would’ve been scrambling for an excuse to leave, highly wary and uncomfortable. If the time was shifted to a few days ago, you would have tried to endure it, tense and uneasy. And if it had been the day before… You would have been a nervous wreck.

But right now, it was easy to let the tension slip off your shoulders like a cloak. Even if you and Yoongi weren’t exactly friends (yet, a part of you hoped. You weren’t friends yet), it was at least easy to think of him as something close to a ‘comrade’. Someone who had seen the worst of you, and chose to help you anyway. Maybe that made all the difference, you mused.

“!?”

Though unexpectedly, someone else came down too.

With his hair in a fluffy mess, doe eyes wide and mouth in a small ‘O’, Jungkook, looked- well, like a deer in headlights as he stood by the doorway.

“I guess that makes two of you unable to sleep,” Yoongi lightly commented, amusement visible in his voice, “Sit down, will you?”

And then there were three.

»»————-　♔　————-««

“This moment feels somewhat surreal,” Jungkook started as he sipped his tea, a little smile on his face. “When I set out for the quest, having tea in the middle of the night wasn’t exactly something I envisioned. You both aren’t what I thought you would be like.”

“Really?” You blinked in surprise. “Wait, then what did you expect?”

He shrugged sheepishly. “I imagined it mostly how they describe heroes in stories. It didn’t really help what they told me about when you first arrived… I thought you would appear fully armored, with even a metal helmet, and a sword to boot. Or a bow, perhaps.”

Your lips twitched, and you huffed even as you smiled. “Sorry to break it to you, but I don’t have a deck of armor, and I’m not good with swords or weapons either. In fact, I barely even know what I’m doing here.”

Jungkook shook his head. “That’s alright with me. I don’t know what I’m doing either,” he grinned at you, the way his front teeth protruded out of his mouth reminding you of a bunny. “This just means we can learn how to be better for this quest together.”

You let out a startled laugh, your cheeks reddening. “Huh. I guess that’s true, huh?” You took another sip of your tea before you remembered something. “Well, again, I don’t have anything really amazing or what, but… Well, I do have this.”

You pulled out the item in question from your pocket, laying it out on the table for both men to see.

With a seemingly immaculate golden gleam to it, the key you laid out was simple, unassuming. It could have easily been mistaken for any other key, except the difference between others and this particular key was the beautifully engraved stars alongside the handle.

You were just about to talk about it, when you heard Yoongi mutter in astonishment. “The Key of Eden. The only key known in existence to be able to open any door, no matter if it’s magical or not.”

You looked at him, surprised. “Um- yeah. Kind of amazed you can tell what it is with just a glance, but- um, when they, I mean, when I went into his supposed treasury…” You trailed off, unsure how to word it. “I felt like- um, sorry, I know this is kind of weird but I’m serious- it was calling out to me? Like-” you fumbled, waving the object in your hand as though that would help emphasize your words. “Everything else, it felt wrong to take them what more bring them along, but, um, this key- it felt like in contrast I just had to bring it along. Does that- does that make sense? Sorry.”

“No, it’s alright,” Yoongi shrugged. “But I guess this really proves you’re not cut out for fighting at all, huh.”

You wryly smiled. “I guess you can say that. Makes me feel kind of- well, hopeless...”

“There are still other ways to help,” Jungkook reassured you.

“I know,” you sighed. “But, um, I guess it’s just that I feel like I know nothing? And yeah, I’m learning, and all that, but- I mean, I’m new to all of this, and I don’t even know just why or how magic is so important to anyone in here. I mean, I’ve barely seen it in use aside from when I arrived… I just, um, I just don’t get it, I guess…”

“Weren’t there books on that at the library?” Yoongi frowned.

“There wasn’t much, really…” You sighed. Next to you, you heard Jungkook let out a soft ‘oh’, and you turned to him.

“As a fae, and one who’s lived for so long at that, you could give us an introduction to magic,” Jungkook grinned at Yoongi- who, seeing the hopeful look in your eyes paired Jungkook’s own excitement, only sighed. With an eye roll, he started talking.

Magic, as Yoongi explained it, was simply the result of a person exerting their will on the world, manipulating nature, with varying success. It couldn’t be quantified in numbers, but there were ways to feel how much in relative terms your magic was. Still, it was rarely needed, because… Well, contrary to your belief, magic wasn’t quite the all-encompassing presence you thought it would be in daily life. Oh, it was present, definitely, but it turned out that an elf could have as much magic as a human did.

Races who had longer lifespans also had less capacity for magic than races with shorter ones, Yoongi explained, the only exception being the fae who were tied almost as one to the magic of the world. Elves, and vampires, the ones who lived longest had barely any magic, but they made up for it other ways- elves had their innate knowledge of nature as well as the certain talent for bows. Vampires had their lack of need for sleeping, eating or air. Fae lives as long as elves, however, unlike them they had magic as they were born directly from and with magic itself.

“A way to tell apart pureblood vampires and ones that are turned from other races is if they breathe,” he added. “Because vampires don’t need to take in air like other races, they don’t have the habit of breathing. Their chests are perfectly still, unlike those turned.”

Your thoughts wandered over to Jimin, finally being able to put into words what exactly it was about seeing him every time that made you uncomfortable, more than the others- not just his red pupils, but the lack of human respiration, the subtle tells that told you he wasn’t human, more than the others…

“Moving on, dragon and yokai.”

Dragons and yokai lived for a few hundred years as well, though not as long as the first two. The only magic dragons possessed was their ability to shift between their draconic form and their more human one- you were taken aback to find out that breathing fire and flying didn’t require the use of magic at all, at least for them.

“Not only are the wings of dragons wide, they’re also thick and powerful- enough to lift them up and make them soar despite their weight,” Yoongi explained. “With dragon fire, they have a separate organ filled with a special fluid- when they want to breathe fire, they draw it into their throat, where water mixes with it. The resulting mixture is highly flammable, so much that the moment they open their mouth, the mixture coming in contact with air instantly erupts in flames.”

“Wow,” you breathed out, entranced by his explanation. “So that’s how dragons breathe fire.”

“... I wonder if it’s just oxygen that they need to make the flammable liquid erupt,” you mused, not noticing Yoongi’s soft smile then. To the side, Jungkook looked just as captivated by Yoongi’s words as you were, for once silent, though his eagerness was evident in the way his eyes shined.

Yokai, he told you both, were a mixed race. Some lived almost as long as vampires and elves- but just as much yokai lived lives the length of a human’s. Their only magic was to shift forms too, between their more natural form and ones that resembled humans.

“Only kitsune like Taehyung can easily switch between the two whenever they want, though. In fact, the kitsunes’ main ability to shapeshift without restrictions, and for however long as they want- it’s a huge reason why they’re considered the representatives of the yokai. Though it also comes with its own disadvantages- the source of their magic, a kitsune’s Hoshi no Tama, is separated from them when they’re in human form. If caught, it binds the kitsune to do their bidding.”

Finally, mermaids, mages and humans. All three had an average lifespan of a single century, but in return, they had the greatest potential for magic. Or, at least, mages did.

“It’s a mystery why exactly, but only a very, very small amount of humans can use magic. Most of the populace don’t, even if when we check, they have more magic in their body than dragons and yokai.” You could feel Jungkook’s curious stare almost burn a hole at your side- although, if you were in his position you probably would’ve been the same.

You tapped your finger on the table, exhaustion from the day’s events having dissipated as the conversation continued. “Wait, but I…”

“You were able to do magic, right?” You nodded your head at Yoongi’s question.

“They say your magic was able to blast the pixie to the point of it being severely injured,” Jungkook added in, before turning to Yoongi again. “That means Y/N is part of those who can use magic, right?”

Were you? You turned over the facts in your head. As much as you wanted to believe it, what happened then with the pixie- it was a one time thing. You’d think if you could do magic, you’d see a sign somehow. But no, none.

Then again, you hadn’t tried deliberately using magic...

Yoongi frowned. “That’s actually something I wanted to check right now.”

“Check?” You echoed, confused. He only nodded.

“Can you give me your hand?”

Wordlessly you acquiesced, laying your hands on the table. Yoongi pulled out a small orb, before he placed it in your hands and tapped it gently. You raised an eyebrow, but kept quiet.

Seconds passed, and then a full minute- but still, the item in question remained dull.

“But…” Jungkook gaped. “That was a magic orb, was it not? If so, then it should have lit up, at least a little. Why is there no reaction at all?”

You blinked in surprise. As much as you already expected it, a part of you was also disappointed and confused- could you do magic or not?

“That’s what I thought, too.” Yoongi examined the orb in your hands again for any change, before finally deeming it the same as ever. “I want to try something next. Keep your hands on the table.”

With that said, he grasped one of your hands in his, making a familiar feeling jolt in you. What felt like electric static at first melted away into an easygoing calm, before it felt as though you were slowly being enveloped by pressure, the heavy weight of something serious about to happen-

You couldn’t help squeaking in surprise as the orb, previously still and dull, started to shine brighter and brighter. You pulled your hand away from Yoongi, standing and leaning away to shield your eyes from the light-

- and instantly the light died down.

In the silence that followed, it was Jungkook who spoke up first. “That… That was amazing,” he said, awed, before a look of realization came on his face. “The orb lit up, however, only after Yoongi placed his hand on yours- what does that mean, then?”

Yoongi only shook his head at Jungkook’s question. “I’m about to get to that. Y/N, I want to ask you- did you feel anything when I touched your hand?”

You hesitantly nodded. “Yeah. It felt like I was standing in front of a huge wave, and it was about to crash down on me- before I started to feel like I was controlling it instead?”

“As I expected,” he murmured.

“... I think that time with the pixie too, it was like this,” you added hesitantly, remembering the event in question. “But,uh, unlike with yours, it felt like I was touching something… Something unnatural in every way.”

“Then…”

“Y/N... you don’t have any magic power yourself, but you can absorb and use other people’s magic.” Yoongi’s statement was blunt, sure- and you gawked at him.

“I- what? Really?” You blurted out. He nodded, a small smile appearing next.

“I expected it in the beginning, really. To be honest, no one knows for sure why some people have stronger magic than others. Though the ones with the greatest amount always end up in history books- royalty, commanders, pioneers. Still, the greatest of them all, Alex… he didn’t have any magic power like you,” he revealed.

“Considering their shared position as saviors, I supposed it makes sense.” The awe in Jungkook’s eyes hadn’t disappeared as he peered up at you- only strengthening. “Y/N, that’s amazing!”

“... I still don’t know how to use magic though,” you sighed. “This doesn’t change the fact that the only thing I can use is this-” You pulled out the key again, waving it in the air, “-key. Which, I might not even be able to use, seeing as it needs magic too.”

“I don’t think you need magic to use it,” Yoongi shrugged. “After all, if he didn’t have any magic, but he still used it, don’t you think it’s possible there’s a way for you to use it without magic too?”

“Besides,” he added, a glint in his eyes that made you wary. “If you need someone to teach you magic,” he turned to Jungkook with a playful smile, “she’s in the best hands already, isn’t she?”

“... What do you mean?”

“Oh! Of course,” Jungkook exclaimed with a grin. “Namjoon would love to teach you, I’m sure.”

You wheezed. “No… You can’t be serious,” you groaned, dramatically collapsing on the table. Jungkook laughed at your reaction, while Yoongi only smirked.

After that, the conversation then dwindled. Though, what followed it was a comfortable silence, only the chirping of night owls and crickets filling the air. You didn’t know how much time had passed since you went down, content to just let yourself exist in the moment for one. The familiar solace you found in being awake when the world was asleep, free to just be was one that you were all too happy to indulge in for as long as you could. Even if you were with company unlike before, but- maybe that just added to the comfort of the situation.

It was a sentiment you knew the other two shared, but then-

You yawned, just a little. Still Yoongi’s eyes instantly caught the action, and he set his cup down.

“Alright, that’s enough for tonight. The two of you should go to bed now.”

“And you?” Jungkook protested- was that a pout? You cracked up, giggling.quietly.

“I’ll be up in a moment,” Yoongi shook his head. “I just need to clean up.”

“And before any of you two say something like ‘we’ll help’ the answer is no. Go on, get to sleep.”

Yoongi’s words washed over you, reminding you of the bed upstairs-. You hummed, feeling drowsiness cover your body like a warm blanket. “... Okay,” you easily acquiesced with a yawn. “C’mon, Jungkook.”

With your approval thrown in, the younger could only scrunch up his nose as he followed after you. You journey from the kitchen to the stairs, and then your room was slow. Your thoughts went over the day’s events- you really had done a lot today, hadn’t you? Your bed seemed like heaven now- one you were eager to get into.

It was when you were at the threshold of your room that you heard Jungkook speak up, his voice a mumble as he called your name. You stopped, turning back to face him.

Seeing that he had your attention, he ducked his head for a moment- and you had to strain your ears to hear what he was saying-

“... This was enjoyable. I prefer this much better to what we had before, I think.”

- and oh, your heart stuttered, feeling warm. A small smile appeared on your face at his words.

"I feel the same, Jungkook."

He smiled bashfully, and, without thinking, you raised your hand to brush away the bangs that had fallen on his face, just so you could fully see his reaction then- ignoring the flush that erupted on both of your cheeks afterwards. Immediately you dropped your hand, and you coughed, trying to ignore what just happened.

“Thanks for tonight. Thank you for the hairpin too, I’ll take good care of it even if I can’t wear it often. I… Goodnight.”

“G-Goodnight,” he stammered. You giggled, finally heading inside your room and closing the door. It didn’t take much to get yourself ready for bed, and you collapsed down on the mattress with a sigh.

... Turning your gaze to the ceiling then, you thought, as disastrous as the last few days had been, things were starting to turn for the better.

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