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The path to the waterfall was a treacherous one, carved by time and the whispers of the wind, where giant rocks stood like ancient sentinels, worn smooth by the caress of flowing waters. The air was thick with the scent of earth and mist, the soft murmur of the distant cascade calling them forward.

Jungkook stepped ahead, his boots finding purchase upon the uneven stone. His hand, warm and steady, reached back, his fingers curling around Taehyung's wrist before slipping down to interlace with his fingers. A firm, protective grasp.

"Careful, my king," Jungkook murmured, his voice as gentle as the evening breeze. "The earth beneath us may be old, but it does not promise mercy."

Taehyung let out a soft chuckle, yet he did not pull away. He let himself be guided, his heart thrumming at the tenderness in Jungkook's touch. "And what of you, my knight? Will you promise mercy if I stumble?"

Jungkook glanced over his shoulder, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I would not let you fall, my king—not even in a dream."

They moved together, step by step, crossing the rugged expanse as if the world itself had carved this path solely for them. The rocks beneath them shifted ever so slightly, but Jungkook's grip never wavered, and neither did Taehyung's trust.

The sky above them was painted in the deep hues of dusk, the first stars flickering to life as if blessing their journey. The sound of rushing water grew louder, the crisp scent of the falls filling their lungs. And with every careful step, with every silent glance exchanged between them, their hearts whispered a truth they had long known—

Jungkook's sharp eyes caught the glint of something dangerous just ahead—an unforgiving shard of jagged rock hidden beneath the twilight's shadow. His heart lurched as he turned swiftly, pulling Taehyung back before his foot could meet its cruel edge.

"King, look where you walk!" Jungkook scolded, voice firm with concern. "You were going to step on it! Do you not see where you place your feet? What if you got hurt?"

Taehyung blinked, a slow, teasing smirk curling on his lips as he tilted his head. "Is this the manner in which one speaks to a king?" His voice was deep, playful, yet laced with amusement.

Jungkook froze. His breath hitched as his eyes widened in horror, realizing his tone. He straightened immediately, bowing slightly, his ears turning red. "I—I meant no disrespect, my king," he stammered. "I only—Forgive me, I was merely worried—I should not have—"

Before he could spiral further into flustered apologies, Taehyung closed the distance between them, his fingers lifting Jungkook's chin gently. His gaze was warm, the glint of mischief softening into something far more tender.

"Ah, but if this is the voice of worry, then I wish to hear it always," Taehyung murmured. "If your anger is but a veil for your care, then scold me a thousand times more."

Jungkook swallowed, lips parting, but no words came.

Taehyung's thumb brushed against his cheek, his voice dropping lower. "Yet, if you fear your words have wronged me, let me ease your trembling heart. For there is no wound they could ever leave upon me—save for the ones I would welcome, so long as they are carved by your love."

Jungkook's breath hitched, his heart betraying him with its furious pounding. He wished to look away, but Taehyung's gaze held him captive, as unyielding as the stars above.

And in that moment, between the rustling of leaves and the distant song of the waterfall, Jungkook knew—there was no escaping this king, nor the love that bound them together.

Jungkook smirked, crossing his arms over his chest as he tilted his head slightly. His eyes gleamed with mischief, the moonlight casting a silver glow over his sharp features. "Then am I allowed to shout at you and say whatever I want, my king?" he teased, his tone laced with playful challenge.