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#lord god give me the strength to not start shit in class tomorrow
cloudsmovingcastle · 2 years
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...one of these days I’ll encounter a “health” textbook that doesn’t make me furious, I’m sure of it.
but alas. evidently, today is not one of those days.
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Eternal Flame- Kol Mikaelson 3/?
Chapter 1- You're the Hybrid?
Summary: Singing. Thats all what Alexandra Gilbert has cared about since she was young and all she would care about until she met him.
With Alexandra fighting vampires, werewolves an all between she may do a thing she vowed never to do, fall in love.
And to think it all started with a walk in the woods...
The room was pitch black I could barely see what's in front of me my fingers getting clipped and cut on the item in my hands. Finally, it was fixed but then the worst thing happened. The door opened.
The room was filled with light from the lights on the ceiling of the room and all of the hard work we created was useless now with all the neatly placed mouse traps springing open making me question the reason of everything. I looked up and saw an alarmed looking Matt Donovan making me feel even more depressed, wondering what I ever did to deserve this.
"Oh come on! Seriously?!? Do you know how long this took for us to set all this up?!?" Caroline yelled at the blonde footballer essentially expressing my thoughts out loud.
"Forgot about senior prank night?" Tyler Lockwood asked his best friend.
"Clearly." he replied seeming confused by the whole ordeal that has been tradition since well ever.
"How could you forget We've only been waiting for this since freshman year!" Caroline once again yelled and not gonna lie I agree with her until last year all of us had been dying for us to prank the teachers following the footsteps of those before us trying to outdo them.
"Yeah, Matt if I'm doing this, you're doing this" Elena chipped in
"Doing what? Having fun what a travesty" I sassed rolling my eyes at my sister "Lord give me strength." I whispered so no one but Caroline would hear me throwing me a glare where I just shrugged innocently. I mean it's not my fault that Elena became boring when dumb and dumber came along.
"I'm surprised any of you are doing this" Matt said, what are we supposed to do just stand around and worry about what might happen? Feel guilty about the deaths we've caused? If we do that, we'll miss college.
"Caroline's making us." Bonnie piped up
"Not making me. To be perfectly honest I'm enjoying myself" I shrug attempting to fix a mouse trap not making eye contact with anyone but still managing to make Caroline to smile at me.
"We're about to be seniors. These are memories that will stay with us forever, and if we don't..." she trailed off still trying to be positive compared to the rest of us.
"And if we don't create memories now, then what's the point of it all?" My sister finished for her best friend making Caroline deflate at the tone of her voice making me feel like snapping at her again but for sake of Caroline I decided to focus on her more than my annoyance or Elena.
"Go ahead make fun, I don't care" She replied, obviously lying to us, hurt how the majority of her friends are making fun of an idea to get all of our mind of the supernatural by doing normal things a teen would enjoy. I wasn't the only one seeing how upset Caroline was with her boyfriend saying.
"You're all lame. And I've got ten more classes to prank." I decided to pitch in after he announced his leave.
"Yeah, I'm meeting my boys in the chem lab, we're 'doing something awesome to Jones' according to Jamie anyway" a small smirk on my face "See you losers later" winking at Caroline.
When out of the class I headed along the hall to get to the class seeing Tyler giving some students instructions "Seems like Caroline's rubbing off on you Ty" a small smile on my face, instead of verbally responding he just rolled his eyes playfully continuing to give instructions.
I kept on wondering down the dark and quiet hallway feeling creeped out. All of a sudden I heard a slamming of a door making me feel more aware of my surroundings ready to run in case of any well unusual people out there
"Who's there?" I shouted out on instinct before realising what a stupid move that was. Well done Alex if they didn't know you were here they do now my subconscious reminded me, I slowly walked towards the noise until I heard from behind me.
"Boo!" I turned around and punched whoever it was on instinct "Fucking hell Andie!" the mysterious 'creature' yelled making me realise it was just Mark then hearing laughter behind him making me see he isn't alone but thing one and two were here as well.
"Jesus Andie remind me never to get in a fight with you" Sam managed out before James saying "Yeah next boxing match I'm putting my money on you"
I give them an unimpressed look "oh you mean all 10 cent you know seeing as though the last time you bet you lost 100 dollars" casting up how he bet on the Dolphins winning the super bowl losing 100 dollars in the process. "And you. carry on way you're acting and we'll be getting in a fight quite soon" I told James.
"Not a word." was all I said to Mark knowing a sarcastic comment was coming causing him roll his eyes. "Right gents what class are we supposed to be pranking?" before following a still grinning James to the chemistry lab belonging to Mr Jones' the hatred between him and Jamie running deep with the detentions and destruction in the past 3 years.
"Of course it would be Jones. Your obsession with each other is genuinely unhealthy." Sam remarked with an eye roll.
"Gotta agree with Sammy on that Jame" Mark seconded with me making a noise of agreement while looking through the bag he brought with him finding confetti, superglue, a large cut out of about 8 feet cut out of the periodic table and purple paint?
"Yeah well, I could say same for you and Kayleigh Jackson." referring to the rivalry between Kayleigh a kind blonde braniac who was on the cheer squad and honestly the only girl in this school I would trust with my life. Her and Sam had a rivalry which stemmed from how Kayleigh fought over a red crayon with him in kindergarten ever since they fight over the most stupid things, from what colour nitrogen mixed with sulphuric acid to whose cake was better in home economics, honestly, it's just became a way of life.
"Right before we start fighting about whose rivalry is worse let's get on with the prank?" I suggested with the back up from my blue-eyed best friend.
"So, you want to superglue the periodic table coloured in purple his least favourite colour" I started before Sam butted in
"How do you know his least favourite colour exactly?"
"I have my ways you have yours" Jesus this is hard work but I tried to continue "Then rig up this contraption when he opens his door tomorrow, he'll have confetti fallen on him?"
"and superglue" he added
I stared at him for a few seconds before saying "Sounds good. I'll get started on the confetti and super glue"
We all joked and tried our best to prank Mr Jones to the best of our ability and not just because of the hated between a certain drummer and the teacher himself. After we did that, we walked to the next class Mr Curtis our favourite music teacher but before we could begin, we were interrupted by Harry from my political studies class coming in and telling all of us
"Hate to break it guys but we've been busted, teacher saw us pranking the gym hall." he told us with a sympathetic smile. once he told us this, we all groaned and complained
"That's shit"
"You're joking!"
"No. That aint right."
"Jesus Christ. Why is god against me?"
"Don't shoot the messenger guys." Harry replied with his hand up in surrender walking out of the class.
Mark sighed "Well this is shit."
"I know fucking hate this" James agreed shaking his head. I swear I saw a tear in his brown eye.
"What can we do gents? We're caught. Just think of Mr Jones face tomorrow that's all you have to think about to get through the day" I told them trying to show them a silver lining to this horrible end of a great night.
"Yeah, doesn't make it any better." The drummer moaned "Do any of you need a ride?"
"Yeah, that'd be great"
"Yes, please my man" the two other males answered the brunette.
"Can't sorry boys, have to go home with my sister. Sorry" I declined
"Good luck, Alex" Mark said somewhat making it sound sarcastic making me throw a pencil at him as he raced out the classroom.
"See ya tomorrow my girl"
"Adios gorgeous" the other two more sensible- at that moment- boys said. I waved them good bye before we walked out of the class going in opposite directions with them heading out to the parking lot and me like an idiot going through all the school looking for my sister. Texting her asking where she was.
"She better not have left me" I muttered before opening the doors to enter the Gym hall.
"Alex! get out of here!" was all I heard looking up from my phone seeing an unusual scene in front of me to say the least. An empty hall with the exception of my sister, chad from Miss Golds class and Dana the girl who co-organised the whole prank night with Caroline and a man in his 20's? next to Elena seeming to be talking to her.
For once it looked like my sister had the right so I turned and bolted towards the doors only to be stopped by the same man that was conversing with the doppelganger.
""Now, now love. Who may you be?" He said in a nice posh British accent looking into my eyes therefore me being able to understand I'm being compelled.
"Someone on vervain." I snarked back "Try an eat me and it'll be like drinking acid, or so I've been told." I told him acting innocent at the old. he rolls his eyes as though expecting the sarcasm. Stefan must have told him everything about the entirety of the school.
This dick of a vampire gripped my am tightly and threw me onto the ground.
"Jesus be a bit gentler. Love." adding a bit more English mannerisms sarcastically where he just smirked back. Asshole.
"Alex! Are you okay?" My sister asks worried for my safety. I looked around my surroundings once more seeing Dana keeping her leg up wobbling every now and kind of like she's being controlled.
"Been better, been worse." I replied to my sister getting up "What's wrong with Dana and Chad?" I asked the brunette doppelganger; she opened her mouth but before she could reply the mysterious and freak of a vampire answered for her.
"Well love I compelled them. You seem to know what that means?" I glared at him thinking of any wooded objects that would kill the vampire in front of me there's a pencil you stole from Sam in your back pocket use that but before I could I heard my sister ask the vampire.
"Where's Stefan? What did you do to him?"
"Stefan's on a bit of a time out" What? Stefans with that psycho hybrid? Oh my days... before anything else was said I gave out a little laugh
"You're the hybrid? the scary murderous sociopath everyone is talking about? you look like an old man with dire need of a new war-" but before I could finish, he ran towards me pushing me against the back wall threatening to kill me in a chokehold.
"That may be so but I can break your neck with a single flick." he said with a murderous tone and eyes that look like he wanted to kill me but couldn't?
"Duly noted." I managed to get out before hearing him laugh in my face letting me go and fall to the floor with a crash.
"Now what is your name sweetheart?" but before I could reply Bonnie and Matt open the doors and enter the huge hall
"Bonnie, get out of here!" My sister yelled
"Go, Bon, Leave!" I shouted along with her well attempted to shout. But in a blink of an eye the hybrid was in front of the Bennett witch, now this is a fight I would like to see. On Bonnies side of course.
"Ah I was wondering when you'd show up. Now we can get started."
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A/N: thought I'd end it like that cause I want to do two chapters an episode maybe. Therfore warning to readers itll be a while until you meet Kol however there will be bits and pieces which relate to Kol but not going to say anything else.
Let me know what you think and if I can do anything to improve my future writing or this chapter.
Also Ashleigh is a REALLY good friend of hers, her best girl friend.
Thank you for reading lovelies xxx
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thedefinitionofbts · 6 years
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Kingdom of Crystal Snow
↳ Christmas Special ❄️
Pairings: Kim Taehyung x Reader ft. Park Jimin
Genre: Comedy, Light Angst, Fluff, Royal Au (?)
Words: 10K
Description: A prince from a far off land is sent to earth to discover the meaning of crystal snow, and you are somehow just what he needs. 
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Jimin has always told you that you should change your awful habit of putting off studying for a test last minute. He calls it a bad case of procrastination. You call it “living on the edge”. And it’s not that you don’t want to change per se, it’s just hard when you’ve always relied on that rush of adrenaline from imminent doom to give you a push to take action. If it were easy to alter such an innate mindset, you’d actually be prepared to ace your final tomorrow.
“I’m going faaaaiiiil!” You groan, banging your head against the textbook laid opened in front of you. 
“What did I say about trying to cram a semester’s worth of information in one night?” Jimin says, not even bothering to glance up from his own book.
You tsk in annoyance. “Can’t you just be a little more supportive?” 
“Okay, okay” He gently closes his book and takes off his glasses to look at you. “You are not going to fail.” You can tell he’s not trying very hard to sound convincing. You’ve known him long enough to distinguish authentic support and just going through the motions to make you feel better.
“But I am!” You insist, more for the purpose of complaining out loud rather than actually getting another half-assed response from your friend of five years. “I barely understand the first chapter, how the hell am I going to learn the entire book by tomorrow morning!?” 
You were right and wrong, more or less. You were right in thinking there was no way you were going to understand the entirety of your textbook by sunrise the next day, but you were wrong in believing you would fail the entire class.
Thank Jesus Lord.
Jimin would actually, maybe, perhaps be proud to know that you were a measly 2 points away from failing, but pulled through. 2 points away from having to repeat the course and having to graduate a year later (aka having to walk with Jungkook at graduation, which god knows will go down in the unofficial history books among your group of friends for the rest of eternity). It actually feels pretty good, knowing you were blisteringly close to being depressed over winter break only to be saved from said hellish nightmare by such a blessed margin. 
2 points. Jimin would call it getting lucky, but you refer to it as “having talent”.
At the moment you are running through all the ways you can break the good news to him, debating whether you should pretend that you failed and psych him by telling him you didn’t whilst he was consoling you. But just as you were playing house with all of these hypothetical scenarios in your mind, you spot someone just appearing out of thin air on your way to the coffee shop near campus. Appearing out of thin air. Like poof, there’s your living, breathing human being delivered right under your nose. You could’ve sworn the public park wasn’t this tripped up the last time you were here, and last time you checked, you were awake and not dreaming.
Must be post-finals stress disorder.
“Ok, how the fuck did you do that?” You point at the man sprawled on the ground as if he had just flown through a time portal.
He groans in pain, rubbing the back of his head. “W-who are you?” He looks up at you, squinting due to the blinding rays of the sun that your head is conveniently just two inches away from blocking.
“I think I should be the one asking that question.” You observe suspiciously as he stands up. He’s much taller than you had expected, and slightly intimidating now that he’s towering over you.
“I am Kim Taehyung, crown prince of the Winter Kingdom.”
There are mainly two things that cross your mind as you casually register his words. 1.) It’s a shame this guy is high on drugs right now because he’s actually really attractive, and 2.) Did he actually just say what I thought he said?  
It takes every last ounce of strength you had to not erupt into laughter.
“Uhhhh, is this supposed to be some cosplay thing for the holidays, cause I’m really not into that stuff, and I’d rather not deal with drunk strangers.” You start to walk away, eyebrow still raised even as you switch your attention onward and try to erase the thought of how realistic his costume actually looked. The dude must’ve spent hours putting something like that together, so you can’t blame him for trying so convincingly to stay in character.
“Please, you must help me.” He begs, following closely behind like a lost puppy. “I can’t return until I have discovered the meaning of crystal snow.”
You stop walking abruptly, causing him to almost crash into you head on. “Crystal snow?” You turn to him, raising your other eyebrow dubiously. “You mean like snowflakes and shit?”
He looks at you confused. “It’s not that simple. It’s something that has been at the core of our kingdom for centuries. Every ruler brings a different kind of snow to the wintry realm. I must find the meaning of mine. ”
“Don’t you guys have encyclopedias or some ratchet form of Google for things like that? I mean, how the hell are you going to find answers here, on earth, a place where crystal snow literally just means snowflakes?”
He sighs. “We do, but they do not contain the information I seek, and the sorceress has never been wrong.”
“The sorceress?” You furrow your brows even harder as you begin to grasp how ridiculous this conversation was getting. “Ok, listen buddy. I don’t know what you’re trying to do here, but I need to go.”
Taehyung opens his mouth to protest, but shuts it before the next words can escape his lips.
You flash him a weird look one last time before quickly running off. Finals were over, winter break is beginning, and you have a coffee date with Jimin to get to. There was no time to mess around with a random stranger who claims he’s from another world. What was the guy smoking anyways? He had to be high or something…right?
“You’re late.” Jimin’s familiar voice cuts through your reverie.
“Only by like five minutes.” You counter, setting your peppermint latte down on the table.
The café was festively ornamented the same way it is every year, with a large Christmas tree crammed in the corner and wall decorations hanging on a space that is clearly too small for so many objects to be juxtaposed. Despite looking cramped and messy, the atmosphere was earnest and cozy, reminiscent of nostalgic childhoods and charmingly intimate conversations with those you are closest to.
Jimin’s face breaks into a smile. “I’ll let you off the hook seeing as though you just went through a week of hell.”
“Ugh, story of my life.” You roll your eyes. “I’m surprised I managed to survive.”
You decide to not make a big deal about passing the exam. Whether it was because the events from this morning had shaken you up or because it seemed insignificant in the grand scheme of things, you figure you’d rather talk about winter break and Christmas plans.
“Namjoon and Yoongi are going back home, Hoseok has this dance camp he’s doing for the next three weeks, so it’s just me, Seokjin, and Jungkook.”
“Oh boy, that’s going to be interesting.”
“Tell me about it.” Jimin sighs.
 …
 You spent the rest of the day chatting with Jimin at the café, something you had grown accustomed to doing over the years. It was a good way to pass time, or waste time, depending on how you chose to view it. By the time the two of you leave, it’s already late afternoon, and since it’s winter, the prematurely setting sun gives off the impression that it’s a lot later than it really is.
However, it’s not completely dark yet; the sky is just reaching that magical twilight hour where it’s painted with baby blues and pastel pinks. The temperature is beginning to drop, but the crisp winter air is still and almost therapeutic. You don’t notice anything peculiar at first, not until you squint your eyes and spot the one person that you wished your mind could just allow you to ignore, and maybe you would’ve if you and Jimin had not carelessly walked so close to where he was sitting.
“Oh god, why is he still there?” You quickly attempt to hide behind Jimin, the latter being somewhat taken aback by your sudden change in demeanor.
“Who?” He looks around obliviously before his eyes land on the very person you were referring to. “Oh, him?”
Said “him” just happens to be Kim Taehyung, and he was quietly sitting on the bench by the same park you had saw him suddenly appear at this morning. He was just staring at the ground absentmindedly, not even noticing you and Jimin standing a mere ten feet away from him.
“Shhhh” You quickly reach up to cover Jimin’s mouth as if it would prevent Taehyung from spotting you, which seems downright futile in hindsight because honestly if Taehyung actually cared about your presence, he would’ve gotten up by now.
“You know him?” Jimin mumbles, speech muffled by your hands.
“He’s just some crazy guy I ran into this morning.” You explain, releasing your hold on his mouth. “The reason I was late in the first place was because I couldn’t get him off my back.”
“Was he insistent on getting your number?”
“No, no” You shake your head. “He kept asking for my help because he claimed to be a crown prince of this snow kingdom and was sent to earth to find something.”
There’s a fleeting pause before you hear Jimin laugh out loud, throwing his head back and everything.
“I’ll give him props for being creative.” Jimin says in between fading giggles.
You roll your eyes, slumping your shoulders in defeat. You hadn’t noticed until now, and you blame Jimin for laughing so loudly, but Taehyung had looked up from the ground and was now staring at you and Jimin.
“Hey, he’s looking at us” Jimin comments as you continue to make eye contact with Taehyung. “Should we, uh, go before he comes over?”
You can hear Jimin’s question loud and clear, but your eyes remain glued to the boy sitting on the bench. It’s strange that you’re just now noticing how odd and unearthly his appearance was. His sculpted, almost otherworldly, facial structure and flawlessly transparent skin was clearly not a result of makeup, and the way that his silver speckled irises expressed a sort of disorientation that made your heart clench ever so slightly should’ve been enough to convince you that he was maybe telling the truth. As absurd as his whole story was, you somehow begin to think he maybe wasn’t lying about being from another world, but it wasn’t his strikingly non-human features that made you want to help him, it was the way he dropped his gaze, not even making a motion to stand up, the pure hopelessness engulfing his entire being that compelled you to walk over to him, even though Jimin was baffled as fuck by now.  
“Y/N” You vaguely hear Jimin call from behind you, but you don’t stop until you’re standing right in front of the male sitting on the bench, who by now is looking as confused as Jimin.
“Prince Taehyung, right?” You voice, crossing your arms as his head tilts up to look at you.
You watch Taehyung’s Adam’s apple bobble up and down as he swallows nervously while he nods.
“You’re very far from home and you can’t get back until you’ve discovered the meaning of crystal snow, correct?”
He nods again.
You let out a long sigh. “I’ll help you.” At this point, you don’t even know what possessed you to act so boldly. It was like you were in some role-playing mode where you had this urge to act all cool and pretend that the situation wasn’t completely ludicrous. But he did appear out of nowhere, so he was either telling the truth or just a really talented magician. You hope it's the former.  
“You will??!!”
Both Jimin and Taehyung speak at the same time, almost making you jump out of your furry down jacket. It was almost amusing how similar their reactions were, but it evidently wasn’t the time to laugh.
You clear your throat and looked back and forth between the two of them. “Yeah.” You finally manage to say with poise before beginning to walk as they both scrambled to follow you.
“Will you take me to find crystal snow?” Taehyung’s deep voice is a clear contrast to Jimin’s slightly high-pitched tone.
“I would if I knew where that could be found.” You reply.
“Does it not snow on earth?”
“It does, but it’s just…snow.” You pause to think. This was going to be a lot harder than you had originally planned. You had completely forgotten the reason Taehyung had even asked for your aid, and truthfully, you didn’t really think this whole “offer help” thing through before just jumping into it. “There are places around the world where it snows more than others. Like the north and south pole…” You trail off.
“Can you take me there!?” Taehyung sounds too hopeful, and you almost want to tell him that people don’t actually go to those places and there was no way in hell you were going to accompany him in the event he decides to go.
“Whoa there, she’s not going anywhere with you.” Jimin interrupts, making you wonder why he was getting so protective all of a sudden. It’s not that he ever acted like he didn’t care or put on an absentminded façade when it came to you, in fact he had been your best friend for years and always looked out for you, but his particular reaction at that moment would have any outsider wondering if he was-
“Are you her suiter?” Taehyung’s direct question makes both you and Jimin fall silent. You’re cheeks begin to heat up, and judging by the way he was sinking deeper into his scarf to hide his face, Jimin was feeling quite embarrassed to.
An awkward silence falls over the three of you.
“We’re just friends.” You finally manage to voice, avoiding direct eye contact with either of them.
The rest of the walk to your apartment is strangely less dramatic, other than Taehyung explaining everything about the place he came from, and why he needed to find this mysterious crystal snow that you’re starting to think is going to be impossible now.
“Each ruler brings a different kind of snow to the kingdom. My father’s snow is opaque and white. The flecks of precipitate are large and float for long periods, dancing in midair before slowly drifting to the ground, which is why our nation is called the Kingdom of Ivory Petals while it is under his rule. The prophecy states mine will be crystal.” Taehyung’s explanation almost sounds like a fairytale, something too distant to grasp or even fully comprehend.
“So when you take the throne it will be called Crystal Snow?” You inquire, switching the lamp next to the couch in the living room on and allowing light to fill the previously dark room.
“Yes, the Kingdom of Crystal Snow.” Taehyung gazes wistfully out the window at the sparkling cityscape that is now twinkling in the distance.
Jimin nods slowly. “That sounds really cool, but we don’t really categorize our snow like that, or more accurately, it doesn’t hold as deep of a meaning here on earth. 
“Are you sure it’s actual snow and not some sort of gemstone we have to dig up from the ground?” At this point, you’re just throwing out random ideas because you have this hunch that it’ll increase the chances of hitting a plausible target.  
Taehyung shakes his head dismally. “I wish the sorceress told me more.”
You continue to run through anything and everything you can think of, but none of it sounded likely. By the time you were finished, it was already verging on midnight.
“Why don’t you spend a few days in the city, see if you can find anything here and then decide what to do next. I mean, you were sent here for a reason, right? Maybe what you’re looking for is closer than we think.” The tone of your voice sounds more encouraging than you actually feel, but it was the best decision you could come up with for now.
“Yeah, and it’s the holidays, maybe something magical will happen.” Jimin agrees and Taehyung doesn’t argue.
 …
 So it’s not that Jimin wanted to leave you with a stranger in your house, knowing him, he’d want anything but that. But the truth of the matter was, he lived with 5 other guys and there was just no way their tiny apartment could fit an extra person, not when Jungkook was already exiled to the couch.  
And Taehyung seemed harmless enough, because by the next morning you wake up to him lying face flat on your couch, snoozing away like any other 20-something year old college student who had just pulled consecutive all-nighters right after finals.
You’d be doubting the validity of his royal claims if it weren’t for-
“We need to get you some new clothes.” You eye his princely wardrobe up and down. “This isn’t going to cut it if you don’t want to stick out like a sore thumb.” You tug on Taehyung’s blue and silver robe and scrunch your nose at how distasteful it looks. Don’t get you wrong, like it was gorgeous for a Halloween costume and all, but completely unfit to roam a modern city in.
“This” Taehyung holds his sleeve in front of your face. “is made from the finest silks harvested in the everlasting ice caves. Its fibers are crystalized for decades before they are deemed fit for our most skilled tailors to transform into fabric for the royal families.”
You can tell he’s mildly offended, but what else could you do? You couldn’t just let him walk around like that. “And it’s gorgeous, so wouldn’t it be better if it doesn’t get ruined on Earth?” You’re fairly proud of yourself for coming up with such a convincing argument, one that to your relief works because fortunately for you, Taehyung is relatively cooperative for a prince set to be king.  
But you’ve spoken a bit too soon.
It shouldn’t have come as a surprise that finding clothes on earth that Taehyung would actually be willing to wear is a challenge in and of itself. You sort of expected that a prince would have expensive tastes, but you had no idea he’d have such an affinity for luxury brands. In retrospect, maybe you shouldn’t have taken him down the street where only the wealthiest of city dwellers even dare to tread (or the poor who go to window shop in prospects of experiencing that sensation of being surrounded by gold).
It was supposed to be out of sight out of mind, but by the time you recognized your mistake, it was too late because his eyes literally lit up as you passed the likes of Saint Laurent, Valentino, Givenchy, and most notably…Gucci. And you most certainly can’t believe you are dropping 4K for an outfit you are buying for someone you just met yesterday, but at least you can return it as soon as he leaves earth…right?
“So how do you like it?” You watch as Taehyung examines his reflection in the mirror of the shop, turning and doing all of these model like poses that you swear he must have practiced, because how?!?
“It’s quite nice” Taehyung responds, fixing the collar of the floral button up and performing one last pose in the mirror. He then turns to you with a faint smile that makes your heart skip a beat. “Thank you.” 
Fuck. Why does he look like he just walked off the cover of Vogue?
“Uh, yeah, n-no problem” You reply rather nervously, questioning why the room was getting so hot all of a sudden. 
So maybe Taehyung didn’t force you to buy anything for him, you wanted to ok? You just couldn’t bring yourself to denying him of something he clearly wanted, clearly as in nonverbally spoke to you through his sultry eyes. Fuck.
People on the streets start doing double takes, even going as far as to ask what agency he models for. Taehyung doesn’t understand why everyone passing by is staring at him like he’s some circus freak, only blinking in a dumbfounded way when he flashes them an innocently shy smile that puts your maternal instincts on overdrive. Some girl runs up and asked for a picture with him, in which you have to kindly turn down through partly gritted teeth. You were beginning to wonder why you even bothered to buy him “normal” clothes when he’s drawing just as much attention as he would’ve had he been wearing his royal attire.
“So the weatherman said there’s an 80% chance of snow tomorrow.” You look up from your phone app.
“The weatherman?” Taehyung tilts his head as he looks at you like you had just spoken in a language he didn’t understand. “Is he the ruler of snow on this planet?”
You have to hold back a laugh at his childish statement that sounded downright silly yet came off endearing because he genuinely didn’t know. “No Tae, he’s uh, just some guy that makes predictions about the upcoming weather based on atmospheric readings and stuff.” You pause, realizing Taehyung is probably not going to understand any of what you just said.
“So like a wizard?”
“Uh, yeah sure” You lie, not wanting to go into an entire lesson on something that doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things.
“Will it be the first snow of the winter?”
“Huh?”
Whether it was because Taehyung’s question had caught you off guard or the way he was gently staring at you, crystal clear pupils with cerulean hues searching into yours like he waiting for a sign of recognition or anticipating something magical to happen. You find yourself with a blank mind, mouth waiting to relay a response but getting no signal from your brain. “I-I guess it will be.” You murmur, averting your eyes and clearing your throat before your body loses any more of its functionality.
“I really hope I make it back before the first snow hits the kingdom.” He’s not looking at you anymore, but instead staring at the clear sky.  
“Does something happen if you don’t?” Your eyes follow his to some fictional place above.  
He turns back to you. “I will lose my right to the throne.”
You swallow heavily. “Dang…that sounds pretty serious.”
“My father is prophesized to pass this winter.”
You don’t really know how to respond to such a revelation, not that you were ever good at consoling people to begin with. You literally tried to crack a joke when Jimin’s cat died two years ago and thought it would cheer him up, which ended up doing more harm than good.  
“So basically the first snow will be your coronation.” You attempt to use reasoning this time around.
Taehyung nods. “If the flakes are not crystal, the people will not accept me as the new king.”
 …
 So as expected, the weatherman was wrong about the snow. You weren’t excessively disappointed because you had never put much faith into the accuracy of weather predictions, if anything you just felt kind of bad for Taehyung because you found him eagerly sitting by the window the next morning, waiting for white snowflakes to fall from the sky. Which they never do because weather readings are shitty, and nothing on earth is ever 100% guaranteed, even if it claims to be.
You don’t think you’ve ever hated the weatherman this much for being wrong.
“It’s bound to snow eventually.” You pat Taehyung on the shoulder, a weak form of comfort, but within the same category nonetheless. “We’ve always had a white Christmas, and even if the weather says it’s not going to snow, there are a lot of miracles around this time of year.” You personally don’t believe in miracles, but the words had flown out of your mouth before you had a chance to stop them.  
Taehyung just nods, not fully understanding what Christmas miracles were since it’s probably not a cultural thing where he’s from, but he does understand what you’re trying to do, and you’re relieved you’ve managed to restore some of his optimism.  
“So what’s the Winter Kingdom like?” You query, thinking that perhaps knowing more about him and where he’s from will reveal some clues as to why his snow is destined to be crystal…not that you understood the differences between the various types of snow or anything. But small talk, right?
“Cold.” He grins, mouth forming a rectangular shape and you wonder why you never noticed how distinct his smile is, but then you come to realize that this was the first time you’ve seen him smile in such a way, like really beam so brightly that his lips are stretching from ear to ear. “The land is blanketed in sheets of snow, and all of our infrastructure is made of diamond-like ice.”  
“Do you miss it?”  
Taehyung sighs. “In all honesty, I don’t.”
Your ears perk up, eyelids fluttering open wider. “So you don’t actually want to go back?”
“Not if I had a choice.” He looks at the floor and smiles less enthusiastically. “It’s not very fun tending to royal matters every day, but my people need me, and it is my duty to take the place of my father.”
“Oh, right…”
 …
  Jimin doesn’t think any of this is actually going to work out. He doesn’t have faith, and you don’t blame him. Heck, you more than fully agree with his doubt, but you were really being unlike yourself for not giving up despite the odds. You had spent the last weekend scouring the city for clues, nonexistent ones at that, but a little voice inside was threatening you with the belief that if you didn’t at least look like you were trying, Taehyung would leave and look for someone more “qualified”. He would finally come to terms with how useless you were, and leave you…not that you wanted him to stay…but you more than obviously do. 
“I’m not trying to be a Debbie Downer, but Y/N, do you seriously think he’s going to find his ticket to the throne here on earth?”
“Well what am I supposed to do, Jimin?” You burry your head in his couch cushion that smells oddly like Jungkook, and you know exactly why. You scrunch your nose and toss it off to the side. “He’s all alone, and I barely had the guts to come over here today and just leave him by himself at my place.”
“You left him in you’re apartment…alone?” Jimin’s jaw hangs slightly.
You narrow your eyes suspiciously. “You’re point?”
“I dunno. Like what if he burns the whole place down or something?”
“Why are you acting like he’s a pyromaniac? He’s a winter prince.” You cross your arms protectively, frowning at how ridiculous you thought Jimin was being. 
“You didn’t even trust me to be alone with your laptop until we had known each other for months, and now you’re just letting strangers stay at your place alone?” Jimin looks to be a mix of disbelief and a tinge of jealousy.
“Jimin, I’ve been sleeping with the guy for the past week, if he wanted to kidnap me or steal my stuff, he would’ve done it by now.”
“You’ve already slept with him?!” He probably didn’t intend for his voice to get so loud or for it to sound so alarmed, but it does and it makes you jump a little in your seat.
“Not like sleep, sleep…but just sleep, you know?” You quickly defend.
A look of relief washes over Jimin’s face, not that he really cared who you actually slept with…it’s just surprising to him that you would trust someone so easily, when he literally had to work his butt off to even get you to go out to eat with him and his buddies for the first few months you had met. 
“But still…what does he have that I don’t?” He mutters.
“Height” Jungkook’s voice startles the both of you, but he was clearly unaware of what you two were actually talking about by the way he nonchalantly plops down on the couch and turns on the TV.
Jimin looks like he’s about to run up and kick the younger male’s ass, but refrains from doing so seeing as though you were still in the room.  
“How did you know he was tall?” You inquire, astonished that Jimin would tell Jungkook about Taehyung without your permission.
Jungkook casually turns to look at you. “Who?”
“Taehyung”
“Who’s Taehyung?”
“The guy-” You stop yourself before continuing. “Wait, so who were you referring to when you said he had height over Jimin.”
“Well, I mean, isn’t every one taller than Jimin?” Jungkook cackles obnoxiously, leaning back against the couch.
“Do you want me to kick you in the balls?” Jimin’s voice is strained as he tries to hold back his annoyance.
“Can you guys not do this now?” You roll your eyes at their childishness.
“So who’s this Taehyung guy?” Jungkook cocks a brow. “New boyfriend?”
“He’s a prince.” Jimin mutters.
“A prince?” Jungkook huffs dubiously.
“He’s not from around here.” You explain.
It takes a good half an hour for you and Jimin to convince Jungkook that the two of you weren’t pulling some lame prank on him. Jungkook isn’t exactly the type to cast aside something just because it sounds outlandish, but he’s also not going to readily believe in whatever his friends tell him, especially something as unbelievable as this.
“Crystal Snow huh?” Jungkook’s eyes are wide as he stares into oblivion, nodding his head as he pokes his tongue in his cheek. “Like snowflakes?”
You shake your head. “That’s what I thought at first too, but apparently there’s a deeper meaning.”
“Of course there’s a deeper meaning. If it was just snow, I doubt he’d be sent to earth to find something his entire kingdom is covered in, literally.” Jimin tosses a couch cushion to the side and leans forward against his knees. “It has to be something he can only find here…like love or something.”
“As expected from the romantic one…” Jungkook mutters.
“Last time I checked, you wanted to meet your soulmate by hearing a bell in your head.” You comment, knowing fully well that it’s something your group of friends still make fun of him for, playfully of course. Jungkook’s face heats up, but you decide to not see how red it can get.
You turn to Jimin instead. “So you’re saying love doesn’t exist back in his kingdom?”
Jimin furrows his brows. “I’m just saying it’s probably not something tangible and snow is always portrayed as romantic or at least somewhat along those lines, right?”
“Wow, you two are really determined.” Jungkook comments before getting up and heading to the kitchen to grab something to eat. The room feels a lot dimmer now that the television screen is back to black.
“Maybe make him watch some romantic winter movies?” Jimin suggests. “And if that doesn’t work-“
“If that doesn’t work, I guess I’ll just have to hope he’ll have an ‘ah-ha’ moment when it actually snows.” You sigh, finishing the sentence for him.  
 …
 So maybe Jimin was right about leaving strangers alone in your apartment, or maybe you should’ve told Taehyung how to turn on the lights because by the time you make it back, the entire place was pitch black. But that couldn’t be it because you could’ve sworn he had seen you turn on the light switch before and he was definitely intelligent enough to put one and one together.
Then you realize the power must’ve gone out because the entire complex was void of light and freezing cold because the heating had ceased as well.
“Taehyung?” You call out, feeling against the walls with your outstretched arms.
“I’m in the bedroom” You hear a familiar baritone voice drift over, and sure enough there he is, overgrown bangs covering his glossy eyes.
“What are you doing in here?” You question, barely able to make out the silhouette of the man standing by the window where the smallest amount of moonlight was filtering in through the blinds.
“Sorry, I was just looking through some of your old pictures.” He murmurs. “And then the lights went out and I thought I had angered the gods, but they won’t seem to listen to my apology.”
He genuinely sounded scared, and you have to try and not run up to give him a hug. “It’s just a power outage. The lights will be back in no time.” You reassure him, despite knowing that the electricity won’t be back until tomorrow at the earliest.
“So it wasn’t me?”
You shake your head. “Of course not!”
“Oh, ok, that’s good.” He slowly puts the photo he was still nervously holding in his hands back in to the bedside drawer. “Well, I’ll just let you rest…”
He starts to walk out the room, but something about being left alone in a cold dark room makes you-
“Do you want to sleep here tonight?” Your question hangs in midair, long enough to notice, but not long enough to make you retract your offer before Taehyung could accept it.  
And you didn’t know why you were expecting him to be icy cold, but he was actually inexplicably warm. Warmer than the rays of sun hitting your skin on a chilly winter day, warmer than the wisps of heat from a crackling fireplace in the middle of a snowstorm, and certainly warmer than you imagined a winter prince would be.
“Is this ok?” Taehyung’s voice is low and creamy, and it makes you wonder if you are dreaming as you nuzzle closer to his chest. You don’t really know how it happened, but somehow you ended up in a position where you were enveloped in Taehyung’s arms, but you have a hunch it’s because you were shivering so hard he felt obligated to offer you some warmth. Or maybe there was more to it than that.
“Are you uncomfortable?” You murmur lazily, pulling back a little out of courtesy.  
“No, no” Taehyung replies quickly. “It’s just…I-I’ve never shared a bed with a woman.” His statement is so soft you almost couldn’t make out the last part.
“Oh right, royal marriages are arranged” If you weren’t already half asleep your heart would be racing by now and you’d be tripping over your words like there’s no tomorrow. “Don’t over think it. Just do whatever feels right.”
You’re lucky Taehyung’s a gentleman, or more accurately a noble prince because two practical strangers doing whatever feels right in bed usually doesn’t end up being right.
Taehyung shifts into a more comfortable position, one in which your face is buried into the crook of his neck and his chin is resting gently on top of your head. The world was still moving at its regular pace, and the room was icy cold, but the heat of his body is lulling you into the realm of slumber.
  …
  “It’s called science”
You didn’t really know what you were doing with a glass cup and silver spoon, mixing a whole bunch of salt in not enough water, an attempt to create an oversaturated solution.
“Science?” He says it in that same confused tone he always does, and it makes you flash him an assertive look that is not fitting of your randomly conjured idea.  
“If it’s not going to snow, we’re going to make crystals some other way.” You reason in an attempt to sound like you know what you are doing.
Confidence is key.  
You even had a rock candy jar set up in the kitchen this morning, and you were planning on going window shopping in some of the jewelry stores downtown right after you set up the evaporation apparatus.
Maybe you were just insane and maybe all of your efforts are useless, but you didn’t want to give up. And despite never being the type to clutch onto unrealistic expectations or endure through things that you knew you’d never succeed in, you were somehow persuading yourself that as long as you kept trying, something was bound to come out of it. As pathetic as it sounds, you were also secretly enjoying all of this just, success or failure, because it meant spending more time with Taehyung. Seriously, what was wrong with you?
Impractical logic aside, thank goodness the jewelry shops downtown are not on the same street as the luxury fashion brands, because your wallet still hasn’t recovered from being sucked dry at Gucci, and you know for a fact that another look of longing from Taehyung’s glittery eyes will weaken your already crumbling resolve to not put yourself deeper in financial debt.
Strolling along the shop lined streets; you gradually forget why you were looking at jewelry to begin with because Taehyung starts humming this beautiful melody that you are sure isn’t from Earth, and it urges you to allow yourself to enjoy his soothing company, freed from all the concerns that had subconsciously plagued your mind, even if it’s just for a little while.
There was virtually no one in the area, sans the occasional car and dog walker. You presume it’s because everyone had already finished doing all of their Christmas shopping by now and were probably all waiting to exchange gifts in 2 days. It’s serene and relieving to know you don’t find the need to fill in the silence, because just walking alongside Taehyung was comfortable enough to feel at home, something you don’t think you’ve ever experienced before, because even with Jimin, things get a bit awkward if neither of you talk for longer than 10 minutes.
Hours pass by and you start to wonder if the salt water from this morning has already evaporated from the shallow dish you had poured it in, or if sugar crystals have latched onto the string inside the Mason jar. Just as you were pondering over these things, Taehyung stops in front of one of the jewelry shops, staring at a stunning gemstone through the freshly cleaned glass window.
“It’s a diamond wedding ring.” You explain casually, glancing over at the piece he was observing. “Cause diamonds are supposed to be a symbol of forever and stuff.” You shrug, not really interested in these kind of things since marriage was leagues away from your current very, solo, single life.
“A diamond wedding ring?” Taehyung’s curiosity surprises you.
“Yeah, in our world we used those for marriage.”
“Ah, the union of two lovers.” Taehyung nods in understanding. “We have something similar back in the kingdom, but it’s made of a kind of ice that never melts.”
This time it’s your turn to nod, and although you are trying to avoid eye contact for reasons you claim you aren’t aware of, you can feel his attention settle on you once more. “So ummm, have you-uh…do you know who…” You bite your lip, regretting even bringing the topic up. How the hell did that question slip out?  
Taehyung shakes his head. “There was another part to the prophecy…” He inhales deeply before proceeding. “I will rule without a queen.” 
Your eyes widen at his statement. “Wait, what? Why?” You don’t know why you’re getting so worked up over something that doesn’t even really affect you, or at least, isn’t supposed to. But it isn’t even just you; because who wouldn’t find a prophecy like that beyond unbelievable? Not only was it was unfair, but it also made no sense whatsoever because doesn’t every ruler have to procreate? What King rules without a Queen? How else are they supposed to continue the royal bloodline?
Taehyung huffs a weak laugh, one that gives off a powerless sort of acceptance. “When I first heard about this, I thought I was surely cursed. But the sorceress told me that I end up living a happy life, so maybe it’s not as bad as it sounds.”
“Geez” You let out a breath you didn’t know you were holding. “This prophecy sounds more and more like some evil doctrine written by the angry gods.”
Taehyung turns to you with a playful glint in his eyes, and you’re caught between a storm of pity and endearment. “Because I looked through your old photographs without your permission, right?” You know he’s trying to lighten the mood, and you’re more than grateful you don’t have to use you nonexistent comforting skills. 
You laugh lightheartedly. “Eh, it’s fine. I don’t have any dark secrets that need to remain buried. Although I would prefer that one photo of me with birthday cake all over my face to remain anonymous.”
“You were very cute as a child,” He unexpectedly says before pausing and adding- “Still are.”
“W-what?” Your heart skips a beat and you can sense the heat rapidly flooding your cheeks. “I-I, uh…thanks?” You mentally face palm at your own awkward response, but what were you supposed to say when he just blurts stuff out like it was the most normal compliment he could’ve given you in that not-so-suitable moment?
You almost feel attacked (in a good way, you guess…). It’s definitely not how you ever imagined being complimented, but it makes a kind of giddy warmth spread throughout your chest, and you almost forget about the bitter cold wind that is blowing towards your face.
  …
  You were originally planning on going home for Christmas, but you didn’t think introducing Taehyung to your family and extended family would be a very good idea. Not that you wouldn’t love to see the jealous look on all of you female cousins’ faces if they assumed you had found a new boyfriend who was hot as hell, with visuals that were literally unreal if you had to describe it in not-so-poetic words.
“Can we go there?” Taehyung points at the scene in the television where one of your favorite Christmas movies was flashing across the screen.
So yeah, the Grinch isn’t exactly a romantic winter movie, but you really wanted to watch something festive and traditional, especially since Christmas films were something you looked forward to watching every year. 
“It’s just a movie. Whoville isn’t real.” Your eyes remained glued to the screen where the people of Whoville were waking up and realizing all of their presents and Christmas decorations were stolen.  
“Oh…it’s not?”
There’s a certain amount of disappointment tangled in his voice, tearing your attention away from the movie. You never felt bad about being direct with Taehyung, and he never took your blatant honesty offensively (minus that time with his silk robe), but it’s been an entire two weeks and the two of you had not come any closer to finding crystal snow, or any snow at all for that matter. You could tell he was starting to lose hope, and you can’t help but feel regretful about how limited your aid to him was.
“Listen Tae, I’m sorry I’ve been the shittiest form of help you had the misfortune of finding on this planet-” You’re not allowed to finish what you were going to say because the hand that reaches up and caresses your cheek makes you stop mid-sentence, mouth still hanging agape.
Lifting your gaze you are met with a pair of eyes so tender that you swear your breathing has stopped all together. There is a stillness that falls over your living room, and even the subtle flashing of the TV in your peripheral is not enough to convince you that time has not stopped as well.
“Your kindness was more than I could’ve asked for.” His eyes are now tracing along the contours of your face as he continues to cup your jaw in his graceful hands, skin smooth and soft. You vaguely see his tongue poke out and wet his lips from the corner of your eye, but your attention was too focused on his glistening pupils in that moment to notice him leaning closer and closer, until the distance between the two of you was nonexistent.
His lips envelope yours in slow and steady strides. Taking his time to taste you like the most opulent fruit in the forbidden garden, and allowing you to subside from initial shock and fall into the realm of relishing in the sweetness of his enchanting touch. You lose track of the seconds that pass by, and you don’t notice the movie ending and the screen fading to black. Fuzzy clouds that are too nebulous to make out are gradually beginning to cover the moon, and that’s when the magic happens.
“It’s snowing!” You gasp as he breaks away from the kiss.
Taehyung’s gaze trails after the finger you had lifted to point out the window.
 …
 Once upon a time, a winter prince fell in love and crystals fell from the sky.
You don’t remember what happened after it started snowing last night. You do, however, recall running out the door without your coat and forgetting about how easy it was to catch a cold because you were too excited over nothing as you soon came to discover the next day.
“You should be glad I called Seokjin right away.” Jimin says as he feeds you a spoonful of hot soup, courtesy of the resident chef.
“I could’ve just called him myself.” You defend, voice hindered by your stuffy nose.
“But then I still would’ve had to bring it over.” Jimin counters. “Am I right or am I right?”
You mildly roll your eyes. “Yes, Jimin, thank you for the kindness you have shown me.”  
“Well, at least I know you’d do the same for me.” His eyes transform into half moons as he beams, choosing to ignore your sarcastic tone.
“Would I though?”
Jimin’s crescents narrow into slits, and he stops feeding you.
“I’m kidding, I’m kidding. Of course I would!”
His smile makes a return. “By the way, where’s Taehyung?”
You nod your head towards the bedroom window, facing the area where Taehyung was still outside watching the snowfall.
“I’m still banking on that ‘ah-ha’ moment, because after this, I’m all out of ideas.”
“Did you make him watch romantic winter movies?”
“Umm, not exactly…” Your mind has a flashback of scenes from the Grinch, and subsequently the kiss that happened less than 12 hours ago. You inform Jimin of what had happened, skipping the unnecessary details for obvious reasons.
“You kissed?!” He shouts so loudly you swear Taehyung could hear him from outside.
“Yeah… about that… I don’t know how it happened, but I didn’t pull away and it was actually…quite nice….” You scratch the back of your neck awkwardly.
“Oh my fucking god.”
“Why are you acting like I did something illegal?”
“It’s not that…” Jimin sighs. “It’s just…you’ve really fallen hard.”
You cross your arms defensively, pursing your lips and scrunching your nose in distaste. “And you would know because…?”
“Y/N, you’re friends with six of the hottest guys in the country, and we’ve all tried to get in your pants at one point or another. Minus Jungkook who couldn’t talk to girls until a year ago.” He lays out the facts on the table.
Your face twists in mild disgust. “Stop stroking your ego. And ewww, can you not put it so vulgarly?”
Jimin lets out a prolonged sigh. “The point is, you don’t fall for people easily, and the fact that you were soft for him from the start really says something.”
You ponder over what Jimin had said- the conclusion that he, as your friend of many years, had come to- and deem it not incorrect, yes, double negative. But you also weren’t so keen on readily accepting the indisputable fact that you had fallen for someone who was not even of your world, and a prince of all unearthly beings you could’ve had the chance of stumbling upon.
Completely absurd, right?
Taehyung comes back inside shortly after Jimin leaves in the evening. He had been outside all day and yet his body temperature is still as warm as it always is. He slips into bed quietly, assuming that you were asleep but you stir a little to signal to him that you were still awake. For once you are glad that your fever can act as an excuse for how flushed your cheeks are looking, not that it would’ve been obvious in the dark room anyways.
“So did you find it?” You inquire meekly, face still half covered by your blanket.
He hums delicately, eyes still concentrated on the wintry scenery outside.  
“I think I’m leaving soon.”
You poke your head above the covers in minor shock. You obviously hadn’t expected this moment to come so quickly, but then again, you had been hoping the snow would provide him the answers he was searching for, and it was supposed to be a relief that it did. It’s just you had anticipated to have more time to at least say goodbye, but it seems that you will not be granted that kind of closing fulfillment.  
“I can sense her approach.” Taehyung says, voice not giving away any sort of emotion from what you could tell.
“Holy shit, the sorceress?”
He nods and you can hear the friction of his head against the pillow.
“Am I going to like, meet her? Is she scary?”
“No and no” He chuckles lightly. “She will not appear in her physical form when she comes to take me, but she is very beautiful.”
“So the Winter Kingdom is just full of ethereal creatures.”
“That’s one way to put it.” The both of you laugh, but it doesn’t wash away the subtle stinging that lodges itself in your throat.
A long silent passes, and neither of you make a move to address the unknown fate that is drifting in the space between you.
At one point you almost do it, just ask the question that is burning on the tip of your tongue, but you’re afraid to hear the answer you fear he’s going to give you. Maybe it’s best that you don’t know, so that you can continue to believe in happy endings.
 …
  When Taehyung does leave, he does so soundlessly. Early the next morning in those seconds before dawn where the sky is the darkest but the sun is just around the corner.
To him the feeling is foreign even though he is being taken home, and there is a certain amount of uncertainty and hesitation even though the sorceress reassures him the prophecy has, indeed, been fulfilled.
“You understand now, don’t you?” The elderly woman’s voice echoes under the ethereal light raining down from above, colors splitting into their respective wavelengths and casting rainbows in the space around him.
Taehyung only nods at her words, not entirely paying attention to how he was being transported back to the Winter Kingdom. But it didn’t really matter because he’s preparing to re-enter the palace, to be welcomed by his family, and to fall back into his old life.  
The palace has not changed one bit, walls still as smooth and icy as they were when he left, albeit he has not been gone for all that long. His mother is ecstatic to have him back, and his father only nods in acceptance knowing his reign will soon come to an end.
“Welcome back, my son.” The King is perched on his throne, looking down at the prince who will soon be inheriting his kingdom.
“Thank you father” Taehyung bows ceremoniously.
“I assume you have learned what you needed?” The King’s voice is not harsh, but laced with a hue of sympathy that is unlike his usual demanding self, like he knew the destiny that was to befall his son and was feeling rather apologetic.
“Yes, father.”
“Very well then.” He exhales before calling for one of the royal servants to bring Taehyung up to his bedroom, a magnificent chamber located on the second floor of the Winter Palace.
Taehyung bows one last time before taking his leave back to his room where he can have time to think over all that has happened. Never had his legs felt this heavy walking up the grand staircase, and never has he felt this reluctant to walk into his room as if he had never left, as if the past few weeks was nothing more than a distant dream.  
“Your majesty, would you like change out of those… rags?” The servant lady’s comment was not intended to be offensive, but the way she referred to his earthly garments sparked a flame of anger in Taehyung, one that he would’ve acted upon had his mother not walked in before he could contest. 
“He most certainly would.” Her voice is commanding but not forceful enough to come off as aggressive.
“Mother” Taehyung gasps.  
“My son, I’m so glad you are back.” She walks over and embraced Taehyung warmly, a hug he eagerly returns. “How was it? How do you feel? Were the people on Earth kind to you?” The questions come quicker than he can answer. 
“It was amazing, mother. I was so happy.” He rests his head against her shoulder, staying in that position for just a tad bit longer.  
“You met her, didn’t you?” She murmurs.  
Taehyung nods tenderly, trying to come to terms with the muted aching that has settled in his chest, making a home at the center of his heart.
The layers of contiguous white expanse covering the land are waiting to welcome the snow his heartfelt yearning will bring as the frozen trees and icy cottages display the timelessly enthralling scenery he has known since he was born.
The people of his kingdom will never know the true meaning behind the snow he is destined to gift the wintry world, but he knows, and despite the hidden sadness that lies at the root of its beauty, he’s holding onto the conviction that it will become less painful one day.
You had defied every expectation he had for the meaning of his snow; every possible explanation the world could have given him an answer for, as well as everything he ever knew about himself and what his heart is capable of creating. His snow that is breathtakingly beautiful and different from that of all of his predecessors is a precious fairytale that will remain engraved in history books for several millennia.  
The yearning of star-crossed lovers who have not given up on the hope that they will one day meet again, like crystals that have yet to melt into tears.
“Someday…” Taehyung whispers, gazing at the crystal flowers that are now starting to gently fall from the sky.
   On particularly cold winter days you still think about him.
You don’t draw upon those memories on purpose, and they aren’t called forth as often as they used to be, but there are times when you are walking on untouched white expanses or when you experience the first snowfall of the season, that you are reminded of the enchanting circumstances in which you met him.
Sometimes you wonder if any of it actually happened. If he was real and still exists somewhere…out there, in the prisms of crystallized snowflakes that hold entire stories within their multidimensional crevices, and if he is perhaps thinking of you.
“Someday…” You voice into the wind.
You close your eyes, basking amidst the warm sunlight cascading from the clear, cloudless firmament, but you can’t seem to be left in peace because-
“Are you just talking to yourself?”
Your eyes flutter open, whipping your head around to see Jimin trudging up the path that is now covered in 6 inches of freshly fallen snow.
“I-uh, umm” You’re at loss for words because you swear you were alone, and no one has ever caught you in your most private moments. “I was just clearing my head.”
“You’re thinking about him aren’t you?” His question was so direct you find yourself at loss for words for the second time in a row.
“Does it matter? He’s gone.”
“Have you tried calling him back?”
You scoff. “Are you indirectly making fun of me right now?”
Jimin shakes his head violently. “No! Why would I do that?”
“Jimin, he’s from another world. It’s not like I have any way of reaching him now.”
“But still, you can’t give up hope that easily.”
As pathetic as it sounds, truthfully, you really haven’t given up hope. Because if you did, you wouldn’t still be thinking about him in your loneliest moments, and as much as you want to wave off thoughts of him returning, you can’t help but clutch onto that thread of possibility still shining brilliantly like diamonds under the sun. 
And it is on a particularly chilly day, characteristic of all winters, that Jimin’s words prove themselves right, although you refuse to give him credit for anything.
“Y/N!”
The all too familiar baritone voice startles you to the point where you find yourself stumbling backwards, slipping on a small patch of ice, and landing flat on your butt. Normally you’d be cursing in pain, but you’re too busy staring in awe of the man standing before you that you completely forget about the excruciatingly embarrassing fall you had just taken part in.
“T-Taehyung?”
“Are you ok?” He furrows his eyebrows in concern, causing you to realize you were still sprawled on the ground.
“I-uh, yeah I’m fine. B-but how-?” You cautiously stand up, dusting the snow off your pants, eyes never leaving the face of the impossibly ethereal person positioned before you.
“I decided to come back.” The boxy smile that causes warmth to spread throughout your entire being makes an appearance and lights up his face. You have to blink several times to make sure you are not seeing things, and that he is indeed not a figment of your imagination in that split second.
You can barely digest the situation you were in. “But what about you’re family? Your people! The Kingdom!?”
He chuckles. “I left it in good hands.” He voices proudly. “And it’s still snowing crystals.”
“But, but, but…” There was so much you wanted to ask. So much you didn’t understand, and it didn’t help that you were both now standing the middle of the park that has now transformed into a winter wonderland.
Taehyung reaches up to cups your cheeks in his hands, melting your frost bitten skin. “I missed you.” He whispers. “And I finally found the meaning of my snow.”
Snowflakes that freeze slowly into the clearest form of ice, pure and gentle, the way tender emotions develop into deep, everlasting love.
You aren’t able to hear the rest of what he says, or maybe he doesn’t even bother to finish because he obviously can’t kiss you and speak at the same time. All you can remember is him momentarily breaking away to ask-
“Can I be your one?”
-and you nodding before feeling the gentle touch of his lips connected to yours once again.
So yeah, you were right about believing in happy endings.  
...
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sexysilverstrider · 7 years
Text
FIRST OF ALL DONT!! EVER!!! APOLOGIZE FOR THIS!!! I LOVE THIS SOSOSOOS MUCH HOLY SHIT ANON ARE U PART OF INTSYS COZ HOOOOOOOLY MOTHERFUKCIGNG SHIT!!!!
Hey, sorry but I saw the stuff about the AU where Berkut grew up in Ram Village and I got WAY too into thinking about him as a playable unit and his role in this AU so I went and actually came up with a character sheet for him. Several of the quotes are borrowed from the cut dialogue options video for Berkut. Hope you enjoy! And I apologize for the length. As I said before, I got WAY too into this…
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Berkut
Alm’s cousin who grew up with him in Ram Village. Unlike his canon counterpart, this AU’s Berkut, having been raised in the small village, does not have a prejudice for peasants. That being said, Berkut still grows up with a great deal of pride in himself, a somewhat aggravating level of arrogance and confidence in his own abilities and strength, and an unshakable belief that he is destined for greatness once he grows up and is able to leave the village to make something of himself. His personality didn’t make him very popular when he was younger, however the love and loyalty shared between him and his cousin helped to smooth things over and within a few years everyone in the village was used to Berkut’s personality, knowing he really didn’t mean any harm. Much like Alm, Berkut grew up unaware of his noble lineage, but he wears a ring that Mycen gave him that used to belong to Berkut’s mother (the Keepsake Ring from canon, only in this AU it can only be equipped by Berkut). While Berkut does love his cousin, he is no stranger to bouts of competitiveness and jealousy when it comes to him. In the war, these negative emotions give him more insecurities as Alm is the one chosen to lead the Deliverance, as Alm shows more skills and natural ability as a leader, as it becomes clearer that Alm is the one destined for greatness, further aggravated by the reveal of Alm’s true lineage. But it’s not all negative, as Berkut grows into a fine, reliable soldier in the Deliverance. Alm admires his cousin and makes it clear that he wants Berkut by his side to help all of Valentia in the future. And he even finds love in a Rigelian Saint named Rinea, the daughter of an impoverished noble house who, despite her dislike of battle, joins the Deliverance in hope of finding a way to provide relief for her household. Despite this, Berkut’s growing insecurities make him a prime target for manipulation by the Duma Faithful and possession by Duma himself. And all this comes to a head when the Deliverance must fight against Berkut, either to end him or save him.
  Starting Class: Cavalier
Berkut’s one of a handful of people in Ram Village who owns a horse. It’s only natural he’d be a Cavalier, having been set on it since hearing of Mycen’s own adventures when he was young. His horse is a tame and gentle one, although poor Alm’s hair would disagree with that notion.
  Supports: Alm, Rinea
Berkut’s supports with Alm bring up their competitive nature as well as their mutual admiration, with supports C and B also hinting at Berkut’s growing insecurities. Berkut’s supports with Rinea have Rinea growing less shy and speaking her mind more around Berkut, while Berkut himself trusts her enough to be more open about himself. The A support for both Alm’s conversation and Rinea’s isn’t available until after Berkut’s plot arc is finished, which brings a close to his character arc involving them.
  Battle Against Berkut
Like I said earlier, as a result of both Duma and the Faithful, Berkut finds himself manipulated and possessed, against his former comrades. However, unlike his canon self, this AU’s Berkut hasn’t fully surrendered to Duma. Alm and Rinea try to get through to him and promise to free him from his possession. The battle, if you wish to save Berkut, is simple: rout the enemy (made up of a bunch of Arcanists and a cantor and a Duma Faitful member probably) without killing Berkut. And it’s not like Berkut can be killed in one shot, no his stats and the extra goodies that his possession give him make sure of that. And, to showcase that he IS fighting his possession, his AI will only attack every other turn. Furthermore, his AI does halved damage against either Alm or Rinea. If you successfully rout the enemy while keeping Berkut alive, Alm and Rinea will beg him once more to come to his senses, and their words plus the death of the other enemies is enough for him to break free and land the death blow against the Duma Faithful member. He is, of course, apologetic and guilt-ridden concerning his actions and everything that happened, and I would imagine Alm and Rinea manage to get through to him that they’re happy to have him back. Alm is glad to have his beloved cousin back once more and makes it clear that no matter how strong Alm gets, he’ll always be counting on Berkut. And it would be after this event that Berkut and Rinea get a relationship upgrade. On the other hand, if you go and rout the enemy and also kill off Berkut, of course Alm and Rinea are both horrified, they didn’t want to kill him, they didn’t mean for this to happen. Berkut says there’s nothing to forgive, that it was his fault in the first place for letting his jealousy drive him so far. Berkut wishes them and the rest of his comrades good luck I the future battles, he knows they are strong enough to finish things and free Valentia. He gives Rinea his mother’s ring, having planned on using it to propose after the war (the Keepsake Ring would only be able to be equipped by Rinea form this moment forth). Of course, Alm and Rinea don’t take the death well. In this case, certain dialogue and events in future moments would be changed if Berkut died compared to if he lived. I’d try to write pre and post battle dialogue for this event, especially the special dialogue regarding Alm and Rinea versus Berkut, but I can’t settle on just how I would want it to be like, so I leave that much up to your imagination!
  Battle Quotes
First Turn Selection (Prologue)
“I won’t run!” (full health)
“I can still fight!” (medium health)
“I have to be careful…” (low health)
  Critical Hit (Prologue)
“Leave this place!”
“I won’t lose!”
“Get out!”
  Enemy Dodge (Prologue)
“No!”
  Enemy Deals 1 or No Damage (Prologue)
“Is that all?”
  Finishing Blow (Prologue)
“We’re done!”
  Retreat Quote (Prologue)
“I…I’m sorry I wasn’t better…”
  First Turn Selection (Main Story)
“Very well!” (full health)
“I won’t falter.” (medium health)
“I must tread lightly.” (low health)
  Critical Hit (Main Story)
“Pleasant dreams…”
“It’s all over!”
“Know who you’re facing!”
“Out of my sight!”
  Enemy Dodge (Main Story)
“What?!”
“Damn!”
  Enemy Deals 1 or No Damage (Main Story)
“Pitiful!”
“Was that all?”
  Finishing Blow (Main Story)
“Meet your end!”
“Begone!”
  Defeated Enemy
“The honor was all yours.”
“A disappointing display…”
“I refuse to fall behind!”
  Ally Defeats Enemy (General)
“Very good.”
“A worthy display!”
“We should train together more.”
“Leave some for the rest of us.”
“I must give you credit where it’s due.”
  Ally Defeats Enemy (Alm)
“Excellent form, cousin.”
“I won’t let you have all the glory!”
“*chuckle* You just keep improving, don’t you?”
  Ally Defeats Enemy (Rinea)
“A valiant victory, milady.”
“Keep doing that!”
“It’s a blessing to have you with us.”
  Ally in Trouble (General)
“You need to heal.”
  Ally in Trouble (Alm)
“Heal, you idiot…”
  Ally in Trouble (Rinea)
“You should heal yourself, milady.”
  Healed by Ally
“You’re too kind.”
  Using Healing Items
“What is this swill?” (disliked)
“This is…palatable…” (neutral)
“Very satisfying!” (liked)
“Oh, I do like this!” (loved)
  Summary Screen
“Victory comes naturally to me.” (easy battle)
“Ugh…That was more trouble than they were worth.” (hard battle)
“I should be…more cautious now…” (fatigued)
  Mourning (General)
“Men die…This could be your lot tomorrow…”
  Mourning (Rinea, only available after Berkut’s plot arc)
“Rinea, no! Gods please…Please…Not her…”
  Level Up Quotes
“Strength makes all the difference in battle.” (2+ stats up, HP/Attack/Defense focused)
“I challenge anyone to land a blow against me.” (2+ stats up, Speed/Skill focused)
“I have no need for divine favor.” (2+ stats up, Luck/Resistance focused)
“Hmm? I suppose it was nothing…” (1 stat up)
“It seems I’ve reached my pinnacle!” (most stats capped)
  Class Change Quote
“If I must change to get stronger, so be it.”
  Casual/Retreat Quote
“Ugh! They were…stronger than expected. You’ll have to finish thing up without me.”
  Death Quote (only available after his plot arc is finished)
“How could I be…so damn careless? Alm…It seems I must break my vow to you…Rinea…Forgive…me…”
  Final Battle Quote
“Your madness has brought you to ruin…and you nearly took me down with you. But I have found my peace. Now let me guide you to yours.”
  Others’ Quotes Referring to Him
Berkut Defeats Enemy (Alm)
“Heh…I couldn’t be prouder.”
“You trying to show me up again?”
“As expected from you!”
  Berkut Defeats Enemy (Rinea)
“That was incredible, my lord!”
“You never fail to amaze me.”
“I hope I can protect you one day.”
  Berkut in Trouble (Alm)
“Even you can’t do this forever.”
Berkut in Trouble (Rinea)
“Shall I heal you, my lord?”
  Mourning (Alm, pre-battle with Rudolf)
“Get up, Berkut! We said we’d go home together! Didn’t we?!”
  Mourning (Alm, post-battle with Rudolf)
“*sobs* Damn you, Berkut…You swore you wouldn’t die on me!”
  Mourning (Rinea, pre-end of Berkut’s plot arc)
“My lord! Open your eyes, I beg you!”
  Mourning (Rinea, post-Berkut’s plot arc)
“Berkut, no! My love, please, you can’t leave me!”
  Endings
Berkut Ending (If Rinea Survived)
“Despite having lived in Zofia his whole life, Berkut made a home for himself in Rigel following the war. His cousin appointed him as an advisor and asked for his assistance in helping to unify Valentia from the Rigelian side. Berkut’s efforts endeared him to Rigel’s people, making him quite beloved, despite his somewhat harsh nature. Berkut married Rinea soon after King Alm’s coronation, much to the disappointment of Berkut’s many admirers, the pair building a happy life for themselves and their children in the years after.”
  Berkut Ending (If Rinea Died)
“Following the war, the loss of his love wearing deep on his soul, Berkut never truly settled down in either Zofia or Rigel. Worrying for his cousin, King Alm appointed Berkut as an advisor for Rigel, hoping the position would provide some stability. Berkut took to his work rather well, easing concerns and dealing with tension from rebel groups, becoming a well-respected figure throughout Valentia. However, anyone who knew him would agree that they had rarely seen any other man surrounded by so many people yet look so lonely.”
  Rinea Ending (If Berkut Survived)
“Lady Rinea’s hard work in the war paid off for her family, her noble house saved from total ruin. This brought much more attention to Rinea than she was ever used to, and she never did grow to feel fully comfortable among the other nobility. Rinea found herself most at peace in her beloved, quiet garden, beside her dear husband, Berkut. They made a warm family for themselves in Rigel and lived out the rest of their lives in happiness.”
  Rinea Ending (If Berkut Died)
“Despite her efforts in the war bringing her formerly impoverished house much prestige, Lady Rinea became even more withdrawn than ever, rarely interacting with the public except when absolutely necessary. If there was anyone she did seem to regularly speak with, it was King Alm himself. The pair could be spotted now and then, sometimes in deep conversation and other times silent, helping each other to grieve over their shared loss and becoming dear friends in the process.”
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kyul-blog · 7 years
Text
mY FiRsT oPeRatioN (near death probably)
January 2005;Crimea Ukraine(when it was belong to Ukraine) it is starting to snow again that day ; to be exact it is on Friday afternoon;when we had our last day of class prior of short winter break (1 week time), my friend a.k.a my classmate having small potlucks, we all have to cook some dishes and we shares together for the diner. that is when it happen. i did not know i cannot tolerate any more ‘sambal’ which is super spicy, which in turn already causing harm to my GIT system.
late that night i suffered terrible stomachaches, associated with nausea, vomiting( until only water left to be thrown out) ,diarrhea (also until only water came out)-yeewwwww gross!!! i had fever and headache also, maybe due to the loss of water from my body through these series of projectiles episodes of diarrhea and vomiting.
my classmates and few friends came to visit me, they suspected i am having acute appendicitis however cannot differentiate with food poisoning, so treat it as symptomatically until we seek further help from hospital the next day.
it does not stop that night though, after nothing to throw out already, i finally able to sleep, yeah literally, because it is clear to me that i do not have energy anymore to get up.the next day i wake up as usual, but seriously dehydrated, with no appetite, drinking clear water for my breakfast and i started to feel painful over my abdomen, it cramped!! shit!i cannot move around due to this severe pain.
an ambulance was called upon. the medical team came on and have a check up on me, they diagnose me with perforated appendicitis, with urgent rush they pushed me onto the stretcher and send me to the hospital. i am no more with energy and failing to catch up what happen to me.
luckily i have had my insurance policy together with me, proceeded with open appendectomy on the day of my hospital admission. they took high risk consent from my classmate due to my last meal less than 2 hours.
the operation successfully done that day, what i remembered is the time i was send to the operation theater, that time they pushed me on the wheelchair, wearing only my underwear cover with the blanket.
the moment i closed my eyes when i was put on the operation table, i only heard a few words before i fall asleep, and the moment i got up from sleep is after extubation i guess, i did not feel anything abnormal that time only a brief of memory of having good sleep.
i was sent to general ward. and i did not realize how i have been reacting under the after effect of general anesthesia wake up later on, when they gonna serve me the analgesic and antibiotic treatment.
that when i realize the operation is really painful. it is really  pain that i do not know how to describe it. i got several shots on my buttocks for painkiller.
every time everyday the surgeon will come and see me and asking me how am i doing post operatively, i do not understand the situation fully that time, our language is really different and i was just about 6 months in Ukraine, how the hell am i gonna understand it fully.
everyday i am asking the surgeon when i can be discharge back to my colleague, my friends, i want to start study for my exam and i am really worried. after 7 days warded, i got discharged from the hospital.
recovery took a lot from me, but yeah, after more than 10 years, i write it here. i don't want to forget that. it is one of the most challenging experiences that i go through in my life. i wish i could write everything down. but it gonna take so much time. in here some occasion i skipped, because i feel i can recall it when i read this story again. i hope my next operation also will gone well.
p/s ; next operation is tomorrow. oh God please gimme strength and health and speedy recovery. thank you Lord for giving me this opportunities.
IG _khairulanuar.hassan_
Twitter @kyul85
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