Chapter Text
Staring solemnly outside the window, Jungkook smiles at the sight of birds singing on the tree branches. It makes him think of the music that would be playing in the background as he dances the night away with his very own prince charming. That would be a dream come true.
A ball has always been something Jungkook has wanted to go to, he’s fantasised about going to one even when he was a child. He longs to see the glitz and glamour and the fancy outfits, even though he knows it will never happen.
There’s something so enchanting about the whole experience and he wishes he could be one of those lucky people who get the chance to go to one.
He turns away from the window to carry on dusting the living room. Walking over to the fireplace, Jungkook grabs the duster with a limp hand and starts wiping the surface. Thankfully, the house is quiet for the meantime – due to his stepsisters and stepmother going out to shop. Frowning at the thought of them spending his late father’s money, Jungkook’s movements become harsher against the wood.
It angers him like nothing else.
They don’t deserve his father’s money, in fact, they don’t deserve anything the man left behind.
Jungkook always tries to remember the good times he had with him, but it’s hard not to think about all the sad memories. From the day his mother died when he was just ten years old, to the day his father remarried the most awful woman who later moved in with her two – just as bad – daughters and finally, the day his father passed away.
He misses his parents every second of the day. It’s hard to live in the house he grew up in, had so many amazing memories in and now it feels like his home isn’t even his anymore. The comforting space he used to have now feels stressful, like he’s carrying weights on his back. It isn’t fair, but there’s nothing he can do about it.
Everything feels like a mess. Being locked inside with countless chores to do is tiring, yet the only place he’s allowed to sleep in is the attic. His own room has now been revamped into his stepsister’s room. He feels like a prisoner in his own home.
Picking up the small clock to dust the surface underneath, his eyes zoom in on a brick that looks noticeably different from the rest. Tucking the rag into his pocket, Jungkook reaches out tentatively and grips onto the brick before pulling it out. He marvels at the now hole in the wall and bends down to peek inside.
“What is this?” he whispers, fingers touching a piece of paper.
Pulling the folded paper out of the gap, he opens it up and curiously tilts his head at the note.
He skims through it and scoffs, thinking it’s just a stupid prank one of the sisters have decided to pull on him, so he screws it up and shoves it back into the gap along with the brick.
It’s always the same thing with the sisters. They can’t seem to leave him alone.
There’s noise from the hallway and Jungkook frowns, knowing his stepfamily have returned from shopping. Great. What was supposed to be his quiet day cleaning will now become disastrous.
Footsteps quickly come clattering into the living room and Jungkook braces himself for whatever nonsense will be thrown his way in a matter of seconds.
“I would have liked to think that the whole place would be spotless by the time we got back, but clearly you can’t even do such a simple task,” his stepmother tuts.
If he had been braver maybe he would have shot back a snarky remark, but instead he hangs his head in feigned shame. “I’m sorry, I’ll do better,”
“And to think I was going to let you come with me and your sisters to the ball. You’ve really let yourself down this time,”
Gulping, Jungkook’s grip on the rag tightens and he turns his gaze to look down at the floor.
He didn’t even know there was going to be a ball anytime soon and even though he knows now, there’d be no chance that his stepmum would ever let him go, he still feels upset.
His mind begins to wander about all the different suits he could wear if he were to go. So many different colour combinations to choose from makes him wonder how anyone could ever decide what they should wear, but then again, the people that can go probably have every fancy dress in all the different colours and styles whereas he is stuck with his usual scruffy and torn clothes.
Then, Jungkook is reminded of the note and his eyes flicker over to the fireplace before glancing at his stepmum.
Of course, she instantly notices where he was looking and marches across the room. “At least you cleaned one thing. Finish the rest of the house now, your sisters and I need to try on our gowns for the ball,”
She’s definitely doing it on purpose, the bragging, and he can’t believe they even got an invitation. Who in their right mind would invite them to a ball?
Silently watching as the woman leaves the room, Jungkook tries his best to ignore the sneery giggles coming from the sisters and instead turns his attention back onto the tasks he’s been set.
He feels a small amount of hurt that he wasn’t invited, but then again, he isn’t too surprised. Honestly, it feels like he only exists inside these walls. There’re probably barely any people that remember him anymore. He rarely goes outside unless it’s to do more things for his stepmother or sisters, it’s very rare that they go out and get the things they need by themselves.
So he really should have realised that something was off when they announced that they were going shopping and that he was to stay home and tidy the place up.
It’s incredibly unfair and he knows if his father was here he wouldn’t allow any of them to treat him so badly, but he’s not here anymore.
When he’s sure everyone is upstairs, Jungkook quickly moves back over to the fireplace and finds the piece of paper once again and re-reads it.
‘Follow the stones till you reach the cottage at the end, there you will find your fairy godfather who will grant you your wish!
Be aware of those nearby.’
Hm, maybe it’s a little too complex for one of the sisters to write. It’s definitely odd and he’s not too sure if he should believe it, yet for whatever reason he feels like he should even though the idea of him having a fairy godfather is highly unlikely.
Who knows, maybe this note will lead to great things. For now, though, Jungkook should focus on making the house spotless.
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Tucking the note into his pocket, Jungkook double checks whether everyone is still upstairs ogling their new gowns before making his way out the house undetected.
It would be a shame if they didn’t fit, he thinks and snorts at the thought. That would be a sight to see, how he would love to see their faces when they realise that they wouldn’t have anything suitable to wear to the ball.
But even that wouldn’t make him feel any better. Hopefully, this fairy godfather will be able to help.
Following the path the note describes, Jungkook finds himself walking for quite a while, until he finds himself in front of a bridge.
He crosses the rickety and worn bridge with a look of determination. There’s only a little way left till he reaches the cottage which seems to be in a similar state to the bridge.
Running the rest of the way along the pebbled path, Jungkook knocks on the wooden door and takes a step back as he waits for the fairy godfather to appear.
It may just be a silly childish thought, but this is not what he expected. In fact, it’s far from what he thought it would be. In his mind, a fairy godfather’s home would be more homely. The cottage in front of him looks like it’s had more wear and tear than his ragged clothes.
A spiked gate surrounds the area which isn’t too strange to him; it could just be to feel more secure. Jungkook can’t imagine how many people would come here if they knew.
Finally, he hears movement from inside and impatiently shifts on his feet, keeping his gaze low.
The door to the cottage creeks open, revealing an older man with a sour expression, greying curly hair falling messily on his forehead. “What is this about?” he frowns.
“I got a note, it told me to come here to see my fairy godfather. Is that you?”
It feels slightly awkward, asking someone if they’re his fairy godfather – which feels bizarre in itself – and he can only hope that he’s at the right house, but he didn’t see any others nearby so this should be the right place.
“Well then, you better come inside,” There’s a peculiar tone in the man’s voice which makes a shiver run down his spine.
He is far from what he was expecting.
Stepping inside, Jungkook smiles in thanks as the man opens the door further for him and he waits for him to tell him where to go – not wanting to intrude any more than he already has.
The man leads him into a tiny living room, the décor plain and miserable. “My name is Daejung. Sit down and we can start discussing your wish,”
Jungkook does as Daejung says and cringes at the way the old couch dips when he sits down. “How does this work? I don’t know what I should wish for, especially if I only have one wish,”
“If I told you, how do I know that you’d keep it to yourself? I can’t have people randomly turning up at my home all the time,” he replies, crossing his arms in a manner which can only be seen as intimidating. “As for your wish, I think you should go with the one thing you desire. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, I don’t give people second wishes.”
Nodding his head with a gulp, Jungkook ponders over the answer for a moment. Only one wish, yet so many options to choose from.
Maybe it’s best to ask for some time to think what he should decide. This one wish could grant him life changing things and he doesn’t want to waste it on something that might not be of great use to him.
“Can I think about it? I’m not sure what to wish for at the moment,” Jungkook replies, his hand playing with the material of his trousers in a self-soothing manner.
“That’s fine, just be careful in the meantime. Don’t wish for anything by accident,”
He chuckles nervously because he knows that could be something he might do and he hopes that he won’t be so careless to do so.
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By the time the sisters and his stepmother come back, Jungkook has finished polishing all the shoes and is now standing inside what was once his bedroom.
“Jungkook, dear, don’t you wish you could go to the ball?” They ask while he combs their hair.
“Oh, I doubt I’d ever be able to. How could I possibly go to the ball?” he replies, suppressing his disappointment. He’s not surprised that they’d ask him this, they love to rub everything they receive and do in his face. Making a mockery of him seems to be one of their only hobbies, besides being spiteful.
“See? He knows how everyone would laugh at the sight of him at the ball! He doesn’t belong with the rest of us,”
It makes him angry and he wishes he could bring himself to cause tangles in their hair, but he doesn’t. There’s no need to try and worsen what can’t be fixed.
He’s aware that he’s seen as a joke to them, they make it painfully obvious. It gets to him, of course it does, he hears it everyday and sometimes he believes them. Other times, he stands tall because deep down he knows that he’s not what they say.
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Over at the castle, Taehyung is getting ready for his meeting with his father. His valet had placed some clothes on his bed while he was taking a bath. Letting out a sigh as he changes into the suit, he thinks about the grand ball that will be taking place in just a few days. It’s going to be a disaster.
Why his father ever thought it would be a good idea to invite everyone in the nearby neighbourhoods and his own he doesn’t know. Sure, he understands that this day is going to be one of the most important days of his life, but does there really need to be so many people?
The ball is for him, so it would have been nice if Taehyung could have been the one to choose who to invite. This is going to determine who he marries and he doesn’t want to marry someone he doesn’t click with just for the sake of being king. It isn’t fair to him or whoever he marries.
Exiting his room, Taehyung walks down the small passage and into the grand hall to get to the staircase.
He assumes his father is in the solar where they usually have their private meetings away from prying eyes. Knocking on the door, he waits a few seconds before entering the room and takes a seat at the opposite side of the desk to his father sitting with his back away from the wall. “What is this about?” he questions.
The king leans back, crossing his arms over his chest with a scowl. The wrinkles on his forehead crease and Taehyung holds back a wince, preparing himself for the worst. It’s never good news when his father sits like that, as though he’s about to scold a child for disobeying their parents, and he feels himself growing anxious as he waits for the news. He hopes it’s nothing too bad as he had overheard his parents murmuring about bringing the date of the ball forward and that simply will not do. Honestly, that would be worse than postponing it. Perhaps if he had more time Taehyung would be able to find someone on his own without the need of a ball to bring him and a potential suitor together. He mentions this to his father.
“Well, there was a problem with the invitations. Your mother and I specifically told them not to send one to Lady Tremaine and her daughters, however it seems they have done so anyway,” The king rubs at his temple, looking deeply annoyed by the fact that the woman everyone in the neighbourhood dislikes will be coming to the ball.
He himself isn’t too happy about it either. He’s heard stories of that family from both his parents and almost all the workers in the castle. “Can’t you just tell them it was a mistake? I don’t want some nosy family messing up the ball,” In actual fact, he wouldn’t really care but just because of who this family is, he does.
The maids are always gossiping during the nights when they think everyone else has gone to bed, so Taehyung knows a bit about the people his father rules over.
“We can’t. There was one invitation that was meant for that address, the maids must have thought we made a mistake or something,”
“And you’re sure that we can’t do anything about it? Can’t I just go there and tell them this was a big misunderstanding? Come on, father, I can’t have them there. They’ll ruin the whole night!” Taehyung exasperates.
Nodding, the king mumbles something incoherently and taps his fingers against the desk. “I agree that the night will surely be a disaster but It’s far too late into this to tell them there has been a mistake and besides, I wouldn’t let you go there. Those women are absolutely off their rockers. I doubt you’d be able to get any sense out of all three of them,”
They share a chortle before a knock on the door disturbs them. It’s unusual for anyone who isn’t family or someone that’s here for business to knock on the door of the private room but still, the king lets them in.
Surprisingly, Taehyung’s mother trots in and makes herself comfortable on the seat beside the king. “Is this about what I think it is?” she snoops, resting her chin on her gloved hand delicately.
“It is indeed,”
“Then, I must say I am absolutely bewildered that Lady Tremaine and her daughters are coming! Good gracious, they are the worst. I recently bumped into them while going shopping for a new bag and then the disastrous women came over and grabbed onto my arm as though we’d known each other our whole lives. The nerve of some people, I say,” she complains.
Taehyung sits, watching his mother with a humorous gaze. He’s always found it so astonishing in the difference of his parents – mostly his mother – when they’re away from public eyes. It’s easy for him to say that he prefers his family like this rather than the overly posh persona they put on.
“Didn’t you say you went to school with her?” the king joins in. “Wasn’t that a long time ago? Besides, I have to agree. Those girls of hers are dreadful too,”
Rising out of the chair, Taehyung excuses himself after his parents continue to banter back and forth. They don’t realise that he’s left the room too focused on their conversation, so he quietly closes the door behind him and hurriedly walks into the buttery.
With little time left until the ball, he really needs a drink or two. If this family is as awful as everyone around him says, then he’s definitely going to need far more when the night finally arrives.
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A few days later, Jungkook is awoken by the sound of knocking on the attic door and he groans a little too loudly. His stepsister only knocks louder, this time jiggling the door handle – which thankfully is locked, having hidden a key to the attic before they even moved in. Back then, he would have never expected to be needing it for something like this.
“My shoes need cleaning before we go to the palace, have it done before we get back,” He rolls his eyes at that. The sisters barely ever go out, so their shoes are more than likely to be perfectly fine to wear to the ball therefore there should be no reason for him to clean them.
But he knows they don’t care about that.
It’s amusing to him that the women are so interested in looking their best for the ball as if they think they have a chance at winning the prince’s heart. Even he isn’t that foolish.
Standing up from the blanket on the floor, Jungkook walks over to the door and unlocks it before pocketing the key.
Thankfully, he doesn’t hear any movement from behind the door and he lets out a sigh of relief. This is the one place he can have to himself and he plans on keeping it that way. He’s learned the hard way that he has to wait until he’s certain no one is standing silently behind his door, waiting to walk in and trample over his treasured possessions – including his photographs of his mother and father, as well as many sketches he’s managed to make after pinching a pencil or two from the living room.
He walks out and heads down the stairs, keeping his eyes on the ground. There’s a strange feeling bubbling inside of him and he takes a deep breath before walking into the living room, flashing a small smile at the family in front of him.
“The laundry needs doing. Make sure it’s done by the time we get back and have dinner prepared,”
He nods his head and starts to walk into the bathroom downstairs, ready to gather the laundry.
Sometimes he just wants to go out and do what he wants, whether it be dancing in the rain or meeting new people. The life he has now is tiring and boring. It’s the same thing every day: do this and do that, why can’t he live his life for himself?
It’s unfair, but there’s nothing he can do about it. He’ll just have to wait until the day he’s set free.
Perhaps by busying himself with all of these chores the time will fly by and sooner or later he will no longer have to work and live with his stepfamily.
Thankfully, Jungkook had already soaked the clothes in lye overnight. That, however, was the easy part.
He grabs a large copper pot and fills it with water and brings it over to the boil. Taking out the clothes one by the one, Jungkook begins the first round of scrubbing with the washboard. The process is incredibly tiring, going back and forth between equipment and repeating some of the steps. He imagines it would be easier if he had someone helping him with the different stages and almost laughs at the thought.
If that day ever did come, he feels as though he would be too bewildered to move! Alas, Jungkook knows that there’s no way the stepsisters would want to help with the chores. That would be far too much work for them.
Honestly, they probably haven’t had to do a day of hard work in their lives. How nice that must be.
After the second round of scrubbing is complete, Jungkook places the cotton and linen cloth into the boiling water. The small amount of laundry left is set aside to be rinsed.
He heaves a sigh, hands on his hips as he stares down at the tub.
There’s a squeal of delight from inside the château and Jungkook can only imagine what they’re gossiping about. The ball, of course. It must be nearing the date for the ball and everyone in town is most likely making last minute changes to their dress or shoes. How he’d love to join in the fun, but his desire to go to a ball is a wish away from him.
Finally, Jungkook makes his way over to the washing line and starts pegging the clothes out to dry.
By the time he goes back inside his stepmother is already beckoning him over and he has to force himself to go over to her.
“Our shoes need polishing; you should know where everything is by now. Don’t make a mess of the place, we’re going out for a bit,” she tells him before standing and trotting away with the sisters.
It’s funny, he thinks, how she tells him he should know where everything is when this has been his home longer than it has been theirs.
Still, he moves over to where the shoes are kept and cuddles them to his chest as he walks back into the garden.
Returning back to the house, he grabs the polish – a mix of soot and beeswax – and then heads back outside. He sits down on the grass and grabs the first pair of shoes. It doesn’t matter to him if the product stains his clothes, it’s not like he has the fanciest of rags anyway.
As he works, his thoughts return to the ball. He hadn’t been told when it was to be happening and it only increased his curiosity.
He’d heard the sisters talking to each other about the prince, yet he’s never seen the man before, only heard brief descriptions of him from them. Apparently, this ball is to be a special one as the prince is to choose who he will be getting married to. He wonders how anyone could choose their partner just from dancing with them for a while.
Jungkook envisions himself at the ball wearing a magnificent suit while dancing with the people of France. It’d be a great time to get to know what the real world is like, rather than his poor excuse of a family.
“I wish I could go to a ball,” he sighs dreamily.
Suddenly, a bright light appears in front of him and he gapes in bewilderment. The light gets bigger and bigger until finally, Daejung is standing in front of him with a wide smile on his face. “Your wish has been granted. You shall go to the ball,”
Aghast, Jungkook rises to his feet, “What? No, please can’t you give me another wish? I didn’t mean that one,”
Daejung shakes his head, “I can’t. There’s only one wish and you just used it. I did warn you. Besides, haven’t you dreamed of going to a ball?”
“I have, but I would have wished for something better. A ball only lasts for a night, I feel like I wasted it.”
“Well, the ball is tonight so I’ll need you to grab some things for me. You should make this the best night of your life…” Daejung informs.
Jungkook bites at his lip, still feeling disappointed in himself for carelessly wishing for something that he doesn’t really need but there’s no turning back now. “What do you need?”
The corner of Daejung’s mouth curls upwards into a smirk and he explains to Jungkook what he needs to collect. His fairy godfather then disappears in a flash, leaving the young man to look around the garden for any sign of the rodents and the pumpkin.
Thankfully, he spots a pumpkin in the vegetable patch and hurries over to pick it up. Jungkook isn’t too sure why Daejung needs some rats, mice and a pumpkin of all things but he decides it’s best not to question him – he’s definitely wiser than he is. So he carries the pumpkin over to the front of the château and starts searching the ground for any sign of rats and mice. He hopes it doesn’t take too long because time will go by quickly and he can’t miss the ball, it will be a wasted wish as well as missed opportunities.
A sudden movement near the bushes catches his attention, he bends down to have a look and comes face to face with a few mice. Jungkook grimaces as he picks them up, hating the feel of them trying to scratch their way free. “Can’t you just stay still?” he complains, still trying to find some rats.
It feels impossible at this point. He doesn’t even know where rats would be hiding other than sewers and there’s no way he’s going down there to search for some when the ball is tonight.
There’s still so much to do before the ball begins and he’s nervous of doing anything wrong or upsetting his fairy godfather into scrapping his wish all together. He has to find those rats.
Thankfully, he doesn’t have to look very far as a large greasy looking rodent tries to sneak past him but he’s much quicker and picks it up by the tail with a sound of triumph. It’s then that the sparkles appear and Daejung is once again standing in front of him.
“Ah, great. Put them on the floor next to that pumpkin and don’t worry about them running away. Soon, you’ll be able to go to the ball.” Daejung smiles, gesturing over to the pumpkin.
“But I still don’t have anything to wear…”
The godfather tuts, watching as Jungkook does as he instructed. “You think I’d forget about that? We’ll save the best till last.”
A queasy expression appears on Jungkook’s face when he finishes setting the mice and rats down beside the pumpkin, wiping his hands on his frayed trousers. He wishes he could excuse himself for a second to go and wash his hands, but he’s far too invested in what Daejung may have in store for him.
“Stand back,” Daejung tells him before waving his hands, muttering incoherent words until finally he flicks his wrists towards the mice and the young man beside him watches in amazement as the four mice turn into beautiful stallions, tall and white silky fur with the mane a cool grey.
Next, he turns to the rats and repeats the actions and the rodents turn into footmen. Jungkook looks over at the pumpkin and marvels when he realises what it’ll turn into. A carriage. He's seen them before, mostly when he was younger and he’d watch with his parents as all the carriages rode past their home and Jungkook would jump with joy at the sight of them.
And now he’ll be having his own.
How he longs for his parents to be here with him and join him to the ball, but of course, that won’t be happening.
“What are you thinking about?” Daejung asks, placing a hand on his shoulder.
Sighing, Jungkook shakes his head as he stares at the horses. “My parents, they would have loved to have seen all of this. They loved going to the balls, but they stopped when they had me. My mother never trusted anyone to look after me, so they’d always stay home instead. It’s probably why I fell in love with the idea of going to a ball.”
Something shifts in Daejung’s eyes, a flicker of emotion that he quickly covers up. “I remember seeing your parents at some of the balls. Though, I wasn’t invited to them. No one ever knew that, this will be our little secret.” he smiles with a playful wink.
“You knew my parents?”
“I knew your mother; I don’t think I had the pleasure of meeting your father. Your mother was very sweet, I remember how she always wanted to try new things,” Daejung’s expression softens as he thinks back to the time, he knew the young man’s mother and he turns to look at Jungkook. “I suppose the two of you are quite similar in some aspects.”
Jungkook nods, his lips pursing in sadness. “My dad used to say the same thing, it’s been a while since anyone’s said that. I didn’t know the two of you knew each other. Were you friends?”
“Something like that. Now let’s finish up here and get you into some nice clothes, the clock is ticking.” Daejung enthuses, stepping aside as he looks down at the pumpkin. With a wave of his hand, the pumpkin grows into a glass carriage the colour a beautiful baby blue with elegant white ribbons wrapped around it.
Stepping in front of Jungkook, Daejung’s hands stay by his side for a moment. “For this part, I’m going to need you to think of something you want to wear and repeat it while I work my magic.”
Jungkook nods in understanding and closes his eyes as he thinks of the outfit he’s had in mind for years.
With another flick of his wrist, Daejung allows the outfit Jungkook is thinking of to become real. Now dressed in an all-white suit along with white platform shoes. The bottom of his trousers have neat frills covering his ankles and the blazer littered with silver buttons looking like gems. His black hair is parted just off his forehead, showcasing his big deer-like eyes.
“Perfect, the only thing left to do now is to get you to that ball. Make the most of your time there.” The godfather sneers before disappearing into the air.
Now standing by the side of his carriage, Jungkook lets out a breath before stepping inside as a footman opens the door.
Clasping his hands in his lap, Jungkook sits on the cushions and waits for the ride of a lifetime to begin. It’s slightly nerve-wracking finally being able to go to a ball of his dreams, although he doesn’t know what this ball is for, from what his mother used to say it could be anything.
This is going to be a once in a lifetime opportunity and he hopes that nothing goes wrong, this night can’t be ruined. He won’t let it happen, not this time.
The journey to the castle won’t take too long, but with the number of thoughts rattling inside of his head, Jungkook knows it will feel like the ride will go on forever. In a way, he’s glad it will. It’ll give him a chance to sit down for once and think about everything that’s happened and everything that could happen soon.
He’s worried about what Lady Tremaine and her daughters will say when they see him there. Honestly, he’d love to see their faces even if he is terrified of what they’ll be thinking. His stepmother has the power to do whatever she likes in that house and Jungkook knows that by going against what she wanted he could be putting himself in risk of losing shelter.
Though he knows that he should only be thinking about the positives right now, it’s hard for him not to when he could return home after the ball and see that he’s no longer welcome there.
For now, he’ll try his best to stay positive about the rest of the day even if he can feel the nerves bubbling in his chest.
Turning to look out of the window, Jungkook smiles softly at the sight of the castle standing high upon a hill. There’s many carriages coming and going outside and he marvels at the sight of all the different people and their outfits. For a moment, he falters as he looks at the expensive garments, knowing that he could never afford something so high end and beautiful.
It feels strange remembering that he too is wearing something that makes him blend in with the rest of the attendees.
He can’t wait to get inside.
Within seconds, the carriage comes to a halt and Jungkook takes a moment to collect himself while waiting for the footman to open the door. This is really happening. His dream is coming true.
“Thank you,” he says when the door opens, and he steps out with his head held high.
Staring up at the castle surely brings back memories of the times he and his mother used to walk past the castle, listening to the stories his mother used to tell him about her times going there.
It’s his time to show everyone who he is, what’s really behind the mask he created long ago. It’s his time to prove that he’s more than just a servant.
Some people have come with their partners and children – if old enough – or friends that have decided to go together so it feels a little lonely for Jungkook to walk up the slope alone while being surrounded by groups of people.
But he’s used to it, being alone in the attic for years has definitely allowed him to stay composed and not crumble under the eyes of many people when he walks through those doors. His heart is pounding against his chest when he reaches them, yet still manages to smile politely at the doorman for opening the door before he steps inside and instantly all eyes turn to him.
His mother had mentioned that to him, the heads swivelling over to see who could be walking through the doors, any of them, just in case the royal family turns up amidst the ball. He doesn’t know if the family actually live here or if they live close by, which would make sense if that’s the reason why everyone stares at the entrance. But then again, some people, such as his stepmother, would only look over to see – judge – what the guests are wearing.
He feels like it would be a little strange for the royal family to not live in such a big place, there’s probably enough room for the entire street.
A shoulder brushes past him, excusing themselves as they pass by. Jungkook isn’t bothered by it, it’s so crowded in here that he’d expected that to happen at least once. What does bother him though is how everyone seems to be looking in their direction, although he knows their eyes aren’t on him.
Looking over at the person who bumped into him, Jungkook sees a man, who seems to be a little taller than he is, dressed in a black suit with what looks like shiny embroidered leaves on the blazer and a white button up top with a frilly collar. The man’s hair is wavy and black, falling just above his sharp eyes.
The man is handsome and very clearly rich, that’s for sure.
In all honesty, Jungkook finds that he looks like an ancient vampire and he’s slightly intimidated by it.
Jungkook gulps, his breath caught in his throat and he takes a step backwards when the man is suddenly surrounded by men and women.
Whoever he is, he must be someone important.
Glancing around the grand hall, Jungkook marvels at the decor and beauty of the room, all of which he has only ever imagined and now he’s seeing it all with his own eyes. It’s an honour to be here, even if he wasn’t really invited. This whole experience will be something he’ll treasure and remember for the rest of his days.
A smile graces his lips as he wanders around, the room is truly a sight to see. Something so majestic and laced with history with every step he takes.
Then, his eyes fall onto his stepfamily who meet his gaze with enraged expressions. A gasp escapes him as he takes a step backwards, stunned that they’d be able to spot him so easily in the crowded hall. Although Jungkook knows that he shouldn’t care what they think about him being here, even with the light makeup applied to his face and the fancy clothes and shoes he still feels insecure and cautious about who he really is.
Of course, he hadn’t expected the magic wish to wash away all his worries and doubts along with his scrubby clothes, he had felt and thought, up until now, that he was confident or at least far more confident in himself than he has been for the past years. None of this changes who and how he is on the inside, he may look assured on the outside but he’s still the same man who’s trapped inside his own home. Desperate for a chance at a better life.
As his stepmother starts marching over towards him, a hand suddenly clasps down onto his shoulder from behind him and he tenses, noticing his stepmother’s shocked expression. He turns then and is stunned to see the man who bumped into him just minutes prior.
“If you don’t mind me stealing you away for a moment, may I have this dance?” The man asks with a smile, offering his other hand out for Jungkook to take. He pays no mind to Lady Tremaine, not even batting an eye at her presence which makes Jungkook muffle a snort – he’s certain that she won’t be used to being ignored.
Before he has the chance to respond, said lady pushes in front of him and curtseys to the man, “Your majesty, I hate to intrude but I’m sure you’d much prefer dancing with one of my girls. They are far more to your standards, rather than him ,” she tells him wickedly.
It’s then that Jungkook gasps at the realisation of who exactly just asked him to dance.
The one and only heir to the throne; Kim Taehyung.
Having heard the murmured conversations of the guests, Jungkook had continuously heard the name being mentioned but had never put two and two together until now. It’s a shock, to say the least.
It has him asking himself why. Why would the prince want to dance with him specifically when there are far greater and richer people scattered all over the room? To him, it makes no sense.
“Ah. You must be Lady Tremaine,” Taehyung smiles, albeit strained and shows little to no interest in what the woman had just mentioned. “I’d love to stay and chat but I have to head elsewhere. If you’d excuse us,” The hand that was holding Jungkook’s shoulder falls to his back, a feathery touch that steers the two away from his stepmother and into the maze of people once again.
A number of heads turn to glance at the pair for a moment and it’s daunting for Jungkook, the feeling of being watched. It’s not something he’s used to but being in the arms of a prince he supposes he better get used to it until their dance comes to a stop.
Taehyung isn’t what he was expecting for a prince, although he’s not sure what he had expected. No one has ever spoken to Lady Tremaine in such a way that he’s seen and it was truly amusing to see her trying to cover up a look of ire. She too probably hadn’t expected the prince to simply brush her and her comments away.
The difference of how she would have reacted if it were Jungkook who said that springs to mind and he can’t help but to let his smile waver. All because of how much power they both hold. One of which is little to none, while the other holds far greater power than anyone in this room. Well, unless the king is somewhere around too.
“Is this okay?” Taehyung asks, keeping his voice hushed and private.
He must have noticed Jungkook’s change of expression and Jungkook thinks it’s sweet of him to ask. To notice. The lean fingers now rest on his waist, gently pressing against him as Jungkook apprehensively raises his hands to lace them around Taehyung’s neck. “Yes, this is nice,” he smiles, meeting Taehyung’s eyes in reassurance.
“That’s good,” the prince taps his fingers against Jungkook’s waist with a comforting grin of his own. “May I know the name of my stunning partner? I would have asked when I went over to you, though I hadn’t expected to be interrupted. I hope you don’t think I wasn’t going to ask,”
Letting out a breathless laugh, Jungkook shakes his head and drops his head to the floor in an attempt to hide the rosy hue creeping up his face. “I understand,” the ‘more than you know’ hangs on his tongue but he refuses to let the words fall out. “Jeon Jungkook, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
They sway to the music, the sound of the keys of the grand piano being pressed in a rhythmic pattern spreading the joy across the room. “The pleasure is all mine, Mr. Jeon.”
Jungkook’s heart is racing against his chest, something he’s never experienced in a situation like this. Due to something other than fear and anger. It’s an unfamiliar but welcomed feeling. He doesn’t want this night to end and he hopes that time moves slowly so he can treasure this moment forever.
But when does time ever go slowly when you wish that it does?
Out of the corner of his eye, Jungkook notices the infuriated looks his stepsisters are giving him. He rolls his eyes and spins around so that his back is facing them, Taehyung notices this and quirks an eyebrow.
“Are they bothering you? Those girls,” Taehyung asks, not once taking his eyes off Jungkook.
They continue their slow dancing, occasionally stepping on each other’s feet with breathy giggles. “They’re my stepsisters, Lady Tremaine’s daughters,” he’s aware that he isn’t really answering the question but how is he supposed to tell a prince that, yes, those two are bothering him and have been for many years now. It’s not like outright saying that they would be a bad thing, it’s just what the outcome of saying that could be bad for him.
The sisters could be taken out of the ball and as soon as he arrives home, it would be all hell from there.
So, Taehyung will have to come to his own conclusions from the answer he gave. “We can go to the balcony for some fresh air if you’d like to. I know it can get quite suffocating in here,” he winks then, glancing over to the stepsisters with a sly smirk.
Now this is something his mother had never told him; how sweet the prince is. Although, he would have been a child too then, so perhaps he didn’t attend the balls. “That would be nice, thank you,” he replies, letting his hands fall down from Taehyung’s neck only for the prince to interlock their hands as they walk up the stairs and out of the packed area.
His face feels like it’s heating up again and he’ll be thankful for when they’re out in the cool breeze.
The staircase feels like it’s never ending, almost as if it wants Jungkook to suffer in his flustered state but Taehyung doesn’t seem to care, not even when he turns to flash a comforting grin his way.
It’s a split staircase, and they turn to the right which leads up to the more secluded areas of the castle. A family portrait hangs on the wall, the brush strokes so clean it could be mistaken for a photograph. It looks recent, Taehyung still looking the same although dressed in a fitted black suit with pops of blue signifying their superiority.
“We could go out onto the main balcony, but I fear my mother or father might intrude. I hope you don’t mind going out onto mine, it’ll be far more secluded though,” Taehyung explains before coming to a stop outside of a door. The corridor is long, longer than any Jungkook has seen before. It’s like the staircase and the great hall, everything is far greater than any normal home and his own château.
It’s frightening, in a way that would leave you wondering which way out you’re supposed to take. So many ways to get lost and trapped inside until the foreseeable future.
Pushing the door open, the prince leads Jungkook into his room which yet again is of great size. It’s so much bigger than his own room, well, the attic, and he questions why one needs so much room when there’s very little furniture and décor in here.
There’re paintings on the wall, beautifully created abstract art that doesn’t feel like it should belong in a royal’s room. Saying that, it gives a sense of normality to the prince that even though Taehyung is of higher status than him, he still likes and enjoys the same things everyone else does. It’s… refreshing.
“Whatever’s fine, I don’t mind,” Jungkook replies, looking around the room in awe.
The doors are wide open already, possibly by the servants to air out the room and Jungkook marvels at the curved stone balcony. It’s an enchanting view, the whole of the town being visible from so far up in the moonlit night.
It’s nearing eleven o’clock.
So much time left of the ball, yet so little time to be prepared for the events soon to arrive.
“Here we are,” Taehyung drops Jungkook’s hand then and leans onto the stone, looking out at the sky.
Without taking his eyes off the prince, Jungkook nods in agreement, “It’s beautiful,” his voice sounds airy, which comes to a surprise even to himself. Who knew one person could take his breath away? Literally . Turning quickly, feeling an ounce of worry that Taehyung will realise that the view he was looking at was most definitely not the sight outside.
“You’re not as smooth as you think you are, Jeon,”
Jumping at the sound of Taehyung’s voice, Jungkook stays staring out at the town trying to gather his thoughts before responding. He feels like he shouldn’t be surprised that Taehyung knew he was looking at him. There’s something about his eyes that screams fierce, albeit with some exceptions. It’s like he’s getting to know all these features about Taehyung without really knowing him.
He won’t shy away from the confrontation though; in fact, he’ll face it head first and hope that the prince wasn’t disturbed by his comment. “I was simply telling the truth, I’m a man of my words you know,”
“That’s good to know,” Taehyung laughs, endeared. “Is this your first time attending the ball?” he leans against the balcony, a tilt of his head as he peers at Jungkook.
A pang of worry hits him then. What if Taehyung knows that he wasn’t on the guest list and starts asking more questions? Or even worse, calls the guards to escort him out. “It is. I’ve always wanted to attend one,”
“How come you have never gone to one before? We try to hold one every year for different occasions, this one is a little more special than the rest,”
Debating what to answer, Jungkook hums in thought and looks at the stars appearing in the sky. “I’ve never had the chance to, this is the first time I’ve had an invitation,” he lies, clasping his hands together. “What makes this one so special?”
Lips curling upwards at the mention, Taehyung replies sheepishly, “This is for me to find the person I want to marry,”
Oh .
Jungkook feels his mouth part, shock written all over his face. How could he forget such a huge detail? He knew this already, but with all the rushing around and worrying it had completely slipped his mind.
To think that Taehyung could marry one of these lucky guests gives him something to think about. His stomach sinks. Just imagining how he will be home doing the same chores for hours on end while Taehyung could be getting married to the love of his life. It’s formidable.
He’s turning twenty-three soon. Jungkook should be out looking for the one for him too, not doing the dishes and laundry for his stepfamily. How he wishes things could be different.
If only he had the strength to stand up for himself. Yet by doing that, he knows he would have nowhere else to go.
“Well, at least there’s plenty of options,” he chuckles halfheartedly. “How old are you? If you don’t mind me asking,”
Taehyung nods, “I suppose there is, however I have already narrowed it down quite a bit. I’m twenty-four, and you?”
Only two years older. And yet their lives are so different, but here they are together, enjoying their time in the open air. “I’m twenty-two,”
“And what do you do when you’re not saving a damsel in distress from their own sweaty dance?” Taehyung jokes, turning around on the balcony to face towards his room.
Huffing in glee, Jungkook swats at Taehyung’s arm, purposely missing in case of accidently causing offence. “I have to say, I had thought it had been the other way around. Perhaps we saved each other?” he comments while trying to think of an answer to his question. Surely, he can’t tell him the truth but he doesn’t want to go home from today knowing he lied to the prince, of all people. “I’m not really doing much of anything at the moment. My stepfamily, Lady Tremaine, keep me busy all the time so I haven’t been able to do much of anything for myself,”
“That doesn’t sound right, sure helping around here and there is fine but you should be able to do what you want as well. You’re an adult, she has no business sabotaging your life,” Taehyung frowns, all previous happiness drained. He takes a deep breath before speaking again, “If they weren’t in the picture, what do you think you’d be doing?”
What would he be doing? It’s a good question and Jungkook isn’t sure if he has the answer. After spending the majority of his time working, if you could even call it that, for Lady Tremaine and the sisters, Jungkook doesn’t know if there’s anything he’d be good at in the real world.
Although, there is one thing he had loved watching his father do when he was younger and soon picked up for himself. Drawing. Art is surely something he finds fascinating, like all the different styles and brush strokes. Every painting is unique because it holds its own makeshift signature of the artist.
Perhaps that is something he’d consider doing, if he ever gets out of the hands of his stepfamily.
He tells Taehyung all of this, unaware of how he gets into more and more detail, moving his hands around frantically as he speaks.
The fond look the prince gives him is another thing he doesn’t catch. “You’ll have to show me your art sometime. I like my art too, perhaps we could spend some time drawing each other or the sceneries, if you’d like,”
Jungkook freezes at the implication that he wants to see him again. Who would have thought that this would happen when he set off for the ride here? He certainly hadn’t. This is all beyond his wildest dreams.
Everything feels so surreal all of a sudden.
He’s talking so informally to a member of the royal family, the prince , as though they’ve known each other for years. But Taehyung doesn’t seem to mind, otherwise he would have said something and he definitely wouldn’t have invited him to spend more time with him.
It’s bizarre, really, how this night is going.
“I’d like that,” he blushes, eyelashes fluttering delicately.
Taehyung grins, opening his mouth when the bedroom door suddenly swings open, revealing his mother dressed in a cherry red dress with pearls draped around her neck. The men stare at her in surprise, watching the queen march across the wooden floor to get to them. Her arms crossed as she reaches them, standing in the middle of the doorway.
How does one even act in front of the queen? Jungkook has actually thought about it a lot, especially when he was a child and playing royals with his family but seeing her right in front of him is astonishing, to say the least.
He bows as soon as he notices the glance towards him, his heart nervously thumping against his chest. Why hadn’t he been this anxious about meeting Taehyung? As soon as they started dancing, he felt his nerves dwindle little by little and blanketed by an overwhelming sense of comfort.
It felt like an instant connection and he ponders if Taehyung felt it too.
“Who do we have here? I must say, I feel like I recognise you but I can’t say I’ve ever met you before,” the queen speaks with a gentle touch to his shoulder, slowly letting him stand back up.
He’s met with a puzzled look and lips that quirk upwards. “Jeon Jungkook, nice to meet you,” he replies, voice shaking a little.
Taehyung stands silently beside him, watching the encounter with bright eyes.
Visibly lighting up, she clicks her fingers at the revelation, “Ah, a Jeon. I knew I’d seen those eyes somewhere,”
“You knew my parents?” his voice comes out airily, staring at the queen in wonder and hope.
He’s spent his days lost in the shadows and now he finally feels like he has someone to talk to about all these things he wishes he could let out to the ones who are supposed to be his family. The fact that it happens to be the royal family is worrisome, so many rules and orders to follow – which sounds familiar – he can’t imagine he’d ever be allowed back in the castle just to speak his mind to those that understand.
Even if Taehyung says he’d like to see him again.
Sometimes promises are meant to be broken.
Still, the excitement is exploding inside of him. Joy spread through his veins for the first in so long. He won’t let it wither away now. Not on this night.
“I did,” the queen smiles fondly at the memories, “We were young when we met, possibly around the same age as you and Taehyung are now. She was a kind-hearted woman, someone I wish I’d seen more of,” she sighs sullenly but quickly puts on a warm expression and suddenly announces her leave and disappears back out of the room. Not before flashing a playful wink to her son.
“She seems nice,” Jungkook gushes.
There’s a gentle glow in Taehyung’s eyes, a sparkle that spreads across his face and ends in the pit of his stomach quickly transforming into butterflies. This is the first time someone he could – would – like romantically has met his mother and he’s over the moon that it turned out well.
And that his mother and Jungkook have something to talk about, that doesn’t include fashion and wealth like everyone else usually talks to his mother about. She isn’t like his father, who barely talks to anyone unless he has to, so he hopes that if he is able to Jungkook more often then they’ll be able to talk and talk without any unnecessary awkwardness.
“Yeah, she is. She doesn’t usually smile that to anyone other than my dad and I, she clearly likes you too,”
Too .
Risky, perhaps. But sometimes things are worth the risk and seeing the way Jungkook’s eyes light up under the soft glow of the moon, illuminating down the side of his face, Taehyung knows that it’s worth it.
He’s worth it.
It’s funny how they’ve only known each other for a short amount of time, yet here he is, already feeling some type of way towards the younger man. Still, the night has only just getting started...
The clock is ticking, the sound of the hand moving with every second suddenly feels like it’s ringing loudly inside of Jungkook’s head. Counting each minute they have left until the night comes to an end.
An abrupt and solemn end.
A life full of despair and strain, one that is finally starting to seem bright seems so unreal to Jungkook. What he knows is that whenever things start to look better, there’ll always be something to drag him back down to the gutter.
He’ll go back to what he knows. Scrubbing floors and polishing countless shoes, hiding behind the mask he’s built to protect himself from those like his stepfamily.
Getting lost in the chores is better than having nothing at all. At least he has somewhere to return to. He knows he shouldn’t think about any of this now, but it’s like a never-ending song looping around his mind at any given time. It’s tiring.
So he tries to block out the ticking and the thoughts that cloud his head and looks back up into the prince’s eyes. “You think so?”
He’s met with a heartfelt grin, a comforting hand squeezing at his bicep. “I know so,” Taehyung whispers, letting the silence fall back upon them.
Maybe, just maybe, this could be the one chance that things do start looking up for him. A chance to live and love.
Jungkook beams for the last time that night.