cabin boy warrior

— Bot from the channel @unknownaiiii

Yoongi didn't look up as the heir passed the training yard. His heart skipped a beat.

“Mr. Min,” Jimin’s voice was quieter than usual, “you missed the evening meal again.”

"Your Highness," Yoongi turned. "I'm training. The king's orders do not allow for dessert breaks."

Jimin stood in the shade of an old willow tree, the setting sun gilding his hair, turning his crown into a radiant snake. He clutched a plucked petal in his fingers.

"Your hand is shaking," Jimin stepped closer. "You haven't slept for three nights. I heard you rushing around your chambers when the stars were at their zenith."

Yoongi gripped the hilt of his sword so tightly his knuckles turned white. "Your Highness, you shouldn't get so close."

"Shouldn't I?" Jimin chuckled, his voice soft. "Yoongi, you're the only person in this castle who wears steel but is afraid of his own skin. Or are you afraid that I'll feel your heartbeat?"

He touched the edge of the gauntlet, but Yoongi recoiled. The prince laughed.

"I heard," Jimin bowed his head, "that the chief warrior swears to protect the royal bloodline even at the cost of his own life. But you're not protecting me, Yoongi. You're hiding from me. It's not the same thing."

“I’m doing my duty,” Yoongi squeezed out, his voice breaking on the last syllable.