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The news broke out early morning of a November day. Yoongi had just woken up, getting ready for the day of practice. The TV changed from the drama Taehyungs had been watching to the breaking news.
The King and the crown prince of Korea were in a fatal accident.
Yoongi almost dropped his coffee. The room went silent while everyone takes in the tragic news. He never thought he would be finding out about his father’s and brother’s death like this. He supposes it was to be expected since never tried to make any contract with his parents in years. Yoongi then realized that his mother, who is now alone, needed someone to be with her. Even if the last time they spoke ended on bad terms, they are still family.
He wasted no time, making a call to his manager and asking for a week's break from activities. His manager didn’t ask too many questions, knowing that Yoongi would normally never take breaks voluntarily.
Yoongi motioned for Jungkook to follow him into the room, knowing that his unexpected break will cause a panic, but his boyfriend will worry more.
“What’s wrong, is everything okay?” Jungkook asked in concern, the moment the door closed behind them. Yoongi led him to the bed; they sit down before the older explained.
“I’m going to be leaving for a week. And you can’t tell anyone the reason why, no matter what happens.” Yoongi said sternly before confessing everything.
“I’m the youngest son in the royal family. I left my family to make music. And from the news this morning, I think that explains why I need to leave for a while.”
Jungkook sat still, shocked at his boyfriend's hidden identity. He held the elder’s hand tighter, part of him relieved that nothing is physically wrong with Yoongi himself.
“I should get going, I’ll try my best to keep in touch” He kissed the younger goodbye before packing and rushing out of the dorm.
“Jungkook! What the hell is wrong with Yoongi?” The room was in an uproar when Yoongi ran out of the dorm.
Jungkook puts up an act of confusion as well, promising that he is as clueless as everyone else.
-
The “palace” looked the same since the last time he lived there. The maids and butlers that took care of him all welcomed him back warmly. They lead him to his father’s office, where his mother was sitting at a table full of paperwork.
“Mother?” Yoongi caught her attention. His mom looked up from the documents and sobbed. He rushed to his mom’s side and pulled her into a long overdue embrace. It's been over 10 years since he last made contact with his family. And he regrets ever letting get to that point.
“Yoongi, I miss you so much. Thank you for coming back.” He let out tears of his own, the two stayed in each other’s arms.
“I know how happy you are and how much you love being an idol, but I need to ask this one thing from you, Yoongi.” His mom moved them to a sitting area in the office, ready to discuss the next plans. “I need you to be the crowned prince and have a public coronation.” She explained all the conditions of being the next in line for the throne and his role. His mother will step up as the decision-maker, so Yoongi can remain as the prince. But Yoongi knows it’s not as easy as it sounds. The public knew him as the prince who left to live a ‘normal life’. His reveal to the public will cause a commotion in the music industry.
“I’m willing to do it, but there is one condition that I won’t agree with. There will be no arranged marriages.” Yoongi said firmly, his mind set on having a choice in this matter.
His mom looked hopeful about his decision and smiled. “Of course, I can allow that. But can I ask if the reason is that you already have someone?” Mother’s intuition never fails, but Yoongi wasn’t sure if he was ready to come out to mom just yet.
Yoongi nods shyly, promising her that he will introduce them. The mother and son caught up on the last decade over afternoon tea. The two desperately needed some bonding time.
-
Yoongi got settled in his old room while dinner is being prepared. He finally got a chance to check his phone, which is loaded with messages from the BTS group chat and some private ones from the members themselves.
He replied to all of them, accordingly, assuring everyone that he was fine and will be able to explain sooner or later. Then he texted Jungkook and asked the younger if they can call. He got an immediate reply and a call a second later.
“How is everything over there?” Yoongi smiled from just hearing the younger’s voice. He retold the events that happened with his mom, ending it with an invitation to have dinner with her.
“Me? Dinner with the Queen?” Jungkook exclaimed, forgetting that his boyfriend is going to be the crown prince.
“My mom wants to meet you... I may have mentioned to her that I am seeing someone.” Yoongi reassured his boyfriend that his mom is nice and will approve of them no matter what.
During dinner, his mom spoke about the events for Yoongi, she suggested they have a Christmas ball to introduce Yoongi to the public before doing the official coronation. Yoongi agreed to everything, noting to himself that he needs to have a meeting with the company soon.
The next few days flew by in a blur. His mom took Yoongi everywhere with her, trying to get him to be used to the royal business. Next thing he knows, he was nervously waiting for Jungkook’s arrival. In the past few days, Yoongi mentioned that he’s dating someone in his group, to avoid any discourse when Jungkook comes. His mother, like Yoongi assumed, is supportive and told him that she’s glad to meet anyone Yoongi is seeing.
The butler arrived at the dining room, Yoongi and his mom stand up, welcoming their guest. Jungkook nervously said his greetings to the Queen and Yoongi laughed and the stiffness. He pulled the younger in a hug, the two has gone a few days without seeing each other.
They get started on dinner; the dishes are gradually being served. And amidst the food, his mom and Jungkook got to know each other. She asked more about the band and their personal life. Both Yoongi and Jungkook blushed at the questions directed at their relationship. His mother grew fond of Jungkook like most people do when they get to know him.
Jungkook decided to not stay the night, as he had an early schedule tomorrow. Yoongi wished it wasn’t the case, but he knew he was lucky to not have any. They said their goodbyes, and Yoongi snuck in a kiss.
And their night ended like that, his mom expressed how much she likes Jungkook and asked for the next time she will see him.
-
Yoongi went back to the dorms after everything had settled down. Still opting to keep his secret from the rest of the group, unsure how to move forward. There were a few weeks until the ball, so he knew he had time to tell the rest of them. And recently Yoongi has been thinking about the future; he’s been in a relationship with Jungkook for over 4 years and has known each other for longer. This is why he invited Taehyung to talk at a nearby cafe.
Yoongi cuts to the chase, “I think I’m going to propose to Jungkook.”
Taehyungs eyes widen at the news, “Propose?? Yoongi, the other members still don’t know about your relationship.”
“I know, and I will talk with Jungkook about that, but first I need help, you’re the one who knows him best.”
Taehyung sat back and started giving him a list of ideas.
They all got a short break from their schedule, a whole weekend off. The drive to Busan was relaxing, Yoongi felt calm despite the plans he had. The two arrived at the villa his mom had set up for them. The first night was spent recovering from the drive, and for them to catch up on sleep. But the second night, was when the proposal went down.
It went beautifully, the two of them alone in the little getaway house. Eating dinner, they cooked together when Yoongi asked the question. It was unexpected for Jungkook, but it wasn’t unwanted. Tears were shed and the rest of the trip went as perfectly as they could imagine.
-
It seems that truly nothing is perfect. A couple of days after the trip, Yoongi woke up to headlines reading: ‘The unknown crown prince is engaged to K-pop star Jungkook’. He rushed out to the living room where most of the members were already gathered there. Jungkook was nowhere in sight, presumably still at the gym. Yoongi wasn’t sure how to lessen the damage from the secrets he kept from the group. The managers eventually arrived at the dorm and soon after, Jungkook also came back.
“What is this crazy rumor?” Seokjin joked since they rarely have any scandals. Connecting Jungkook to the royal family has to be one of the most far-fetched ones. Everyone knew Jungkook rarely went out alone, the youngest could not possibly be in a relationship.
“Jungkook, this isn’t real right?” Taehyung had to conform to the youngest since he knew about his and Yoongi’s relationship.
Jungkook stayed quiet, unsure of whether to deny it or confess the truth. That made everyone even more suspicious.
Yoongi’s phone rang amidst the silence, and everyone turned to look at him. And while he excused himself to the other room, Jungkook followed suit.
“Alright, thank you mom I’ll let you know how it goes on my end too.” He ended the call and faced Jungkook who looked anxious about the whole ordeal.
“Do you know who leaked it?” Yoongi nodded at the question.
“Yeah, my mom suspects it’s one of the staff at the house.” He reassured the younger that everything is taken care of, but there is still a bigger issue to be addressed.
“What should we tell everyone?” Yoongi knew that he was in big trouble, for not only dating his fellow member but also for the fact that he was the secret prince. Management will have a field day, trying to cover up all the problems he’s created.
“I’m ready to tell them everything if you are.”
-
They walked out of the room, and all the heads turned to look at them. The two had abruptly left the room and now all the attention are on them.
“You two know something about this don’t you,” Namjoon speaks up this time, and Yoongi can only nod.
“I never meant for you guys to find out like this.”
Everyone is even more confused now, wondering what Yoongi had to do with Jungkook’s engagement rumors.
“I left home and moved to Seoul to live on my own and because I’m the King’s youngest son,” Yoongi revealed his biggest secret to his bandmates.
“So, you and Jungkook— “
And even more shockingly he told them about their engagement. “I’ve been thinking about it for a while, and with the recent developments I knew I wanted to stay with him no matter what happens.” Yoongi glanced at Jungkook while telling his story. “I am sorry for keeping all these secrets. I was going to tell you all before the public announcement.”
Taehyung was the first to go hug him, giving his condolences. “It’s okay, I understand how hard it must have been to keep this hidden.”
Everyone soon came into a group hug, showing words of understanding. It felt so good to get everything off his chest, not realizing how heavy the secrets were holding him down.
-
Once everything settled, Yoongi went to look at the public’s comments on the news alone. They were mostly traditional homophobic remarks, but still a lot of positive statements from the fans. And the discussions of how the prince looks like, considering the last time he's been shown was when he was a baby.
There was still a lingering thought of how much the group's dynamic will change if his identity is revealed. How will the public accept this? Having a prince in a K-pop group is unheard of. Is this the end of his career? The only reason he ran away from his home was in the first place.
It was like Jungkook had a sixth sense of always knowing when Yoongi is spiraling in his thoughts. The younger quietly came into his room and sat down next to him.
“Everything okay?” He moved closer to the older, who wrapped his arms around him.
Yoongi nodded but confessed, “Am I making the wrong choice? His whole life was dependent on his older brother’s succession, but now he is forced to do something he never thought would happen.
And like some magical deity Jungkook is, the youngest understood immediately. “I don’t think you’re making a wrong choice, it's more of like a choice you don’t want.” Yoongi knew this, but deep down he did not want to admit it. There was a mountain load of things he regrets doing regarding his family, and just this once he does not want to let down his mom. His mom, who lost her husband and son, Yoongi knew he had to step up and take on the role.
“Whatever happens, I’ll always be here for you.” Jungkook takes Yoongi’s hand into his. And the older feels the ring on his finger that gave him the biggest reassurance.
-
Time flew by quicker than Yoongi would have liked, it was already Christmas morning. The reveal of his status was inevitable since his coronation will help fortify the royal lineage. With his mom as the one who is actually in control, Yoongi’s title is more so for formalities. So uncertainties of who will ascend to the throne after the Queen does not transpire.
Management was also understanding since this is something higher than they can control. It’s not like he has much to do as the crown prince, mostly appearances and meetings with other officials. Other problems that they’ve discussed concerning the relationship. For now, no confirmations will be released, leaving it up to the public to draw up their conclusions. The discovery of Jungkook’s connection to the prince will solely be through the group, so posing the past rumors as some senseless press story. All the publicity details have been looked over; the only thing now is the actual ball.
-
Thinking it over, it was probably unwise of them to invite the whole group. It made sense that the biggest K-pop group will be invited to the Christmas ball, and other groups were as well. Except that there wasn’t an engagement rumor between the other groups. All eyes were all Jungkook now, awaiting to see the interaction between the unknown prince and the idol.
The Queen made all the necessary speeches, welcoming and thanking everyone. Then, the biggest moment of the night finally arrived.
“I would like to introduce everyone to my son” She gestured to the group at the front, and Yoongi stepped out and goes to stand next to his mom. The atmosphere of the room changed completely. Gasps and sounds of confusion flooded the room.
“Good evening, everyone,” Yoongi greets the guests. “I know it is a great shock to see me standing up here, as it is the same for me.” He laughs a little, trying to lighten up the mood.
“After leaving the royal affairs over a decade ago, I never thought circumstances would lead me to take over the role of my brother’s, and eventually my father’s. I hope everyone can be understanding of the situation and accept me as the crown prince.” He finished off his speech and the event started.
Yoongi mingled with the crowds, next to his mother, who introduced him to all her friends. They all praised him on his successful career, mentioning their daughters who haven’t found a partner yet. He knew that the night would not have ended without him hearing a proposal for someone’s daughter. But he looked to a person across the room, the one with a hidden necklace with matching rings. He smiles, politely declines, and moves on to the next group of people.
And eventually, he ends up with his bandmates. This time he introduces his mom to them. Flashes of photography went off, the whole public awaiting this interaction.
“I’ve heard so much about you boys, thank you for taking care of my Yoongi over these years.” His mom sincerely thanked the group, and they all said words of appreciation for Yoongi as well.
All eyes were on Yoongi, but for some reason, he could not care less. The sense of relief from his two worlds colliding made him feel less nervous. Yoongi gravitated toward Jungkook without realizing it and ended up right next to the younger. It was a royal ball, and at that moment, the music started for the dance to begin. The older was raised to be a prince, so even if he was rusty, he still knew how to waltz.
Yoongi knew deep down that the two of them were not going to be able to deny the rumors with what he was about to do, but he also knew the company had a backup plan for that.
“May I have this dance?” Yoongi was being overly formal as a joke but was serious at the same time.
Jungkook looked at a loss, unsure if this was a good idea. “I don't know how to ballroom dance.”
Yoongi smiled and he eased the younger’s worries by taking the lead. Once again, camera flashes went crazy, but he couldn’t care less.
“Management is going to kill us.” Jungkook chuckled while trying his best to follow Yoongi’s footwork.
“It would be treason if they tried to kill the crown prince.”