Author Note: I tried to do some research on the currency of the time period this story is set in. I found out some cool information about the Mun currency - which was a cooper circular coin with a square cut in the middle. Frustratingly I couldn't figure out/find the value of it. So to make things easier I'm just going to use dollars.

A demon could not sleep. Therefore, Hoseok needed to find something to preoccupy his time with. Normally he would wander the streets at all hours of the night, stalking for prey to entertain his demented mind. And what better way to do that then to find a drunken low-class citizen. How easy it was to swindle some money. To aggravate the simpletons into a fight against him that they'd never win. Provoke the peasant's hidden rage through their soft spots that he could easily read. To expose them of their weaknesses and vulnerabilities.

The next morning had rolled around slowly for the demon. He had decided to not venture out of his prison. For once, he stayed put, like a good little boy. That was not to say that he didn't find it agony to do so. Time passed by ever so slowly. With little to occupy his hands or attention, he had made it habit to open his door every so often and ask the guards if they'd like to play a game. Of course, neither of them conceded to his suggestion. That didn't mean that he wouldn't stop trying. Because one day he would get one of them to play a game with him. He made it his personal mission while they were tasked to watch him.

Breakfast had been a boring affair. More so because he had two sets of eyes watching him. And the people he had dined with were all staff. No one had caught his attention, all so boring and quiet. He deemed them all exempt from his devious deeds for now. He didn't need to eat, but, he did so out of the appearances that he needed to upkeep. After all, it would be odd for one to never eat a meal in their life. He didn't mind pretending to suffer through the mediocre food, especially with his guards watching him the entire time.

Thankfully, before he knew it, the two stoic guards had knocked on his door sometime around midday. Hoseok slid off his bed that he had been resting upon and sauntered his way over to his door. He opened the door at a snail's pace with his ever present smirk, definitely creeping out both Taehyung and Jungkook. He lent his right forearm against the door frame and raised a questioning eyebrow in their direction.

"Come Jester. The dressmaker is ready for you," Taehyung said as he took a step back.

"Oh how lovely," Hoseok said with glee as he exited the room, genuinely excited to meet the one he had heard many whispers about. "Perfect timing. I needed to stretch my legs."

"Mmm," Taehyung hummed as he raised an eyebrow before he started to walk away.

The walk to their location had been peaceful in a way. None of the men spoke a single word as they walked, the spitting image of intimidation. They were able to clear the path with one glance. Of course, who would want to stand in the way of two, muscular guards who were trailed by one smiling madman. Hoseok's eyes filled with amusement as he was escorted through the castle. The pair silently stopped outside a door and turned their cold gaze towards Hoseok.

"Jester, before you go in, we must forewarn you," Taehyung said as he stopped Hoseok's movements with a hand on his shoulder.

"You mustn't forewarn me not to fall in love, pea brain," Hoseok said with a cocky smirk. "That cannot be helped."

"The dressmaker is shy around others he isn't accustomed to. Do not be offended if he refuses to speak in your presence," he continued with a warning glare.

Hoseok scrutinised Taehyung's face, his smirk only grew wider as he recognised the tone of voice. Oh how curious. Protective? Oh yes, that was very interesting indeed. Things definitely just took an intriguing turn. He wondered how familiar the guard was with the dressmaker. He wondered how deep their relationship was. But he dared not to make a comment on his observation... Not yet. He was bursting at the seams, just wanting to go in and meet the tremendous dressmaker.

"Shall you two be joining us inside? Want to see me disrobe? Hmm?" Hoseok asked with a wiggle of his eyebrows. "Or will you be boring and stay out here?"

"We will be out here but we will be keeping an eye on you. Be on your best behaviour Jester. Am I understood?" Taehyung asked with a firm squeeze to Hoseok's shoulder.

"Oh pea brain, worry not. You are very much understood," chuckled Hoseok before he shrugged off the hand and waltzed into the room before either guard could blink.

Upon entering the room, Hoseok's eyes landed on a lone figure perched delicately on a chair, glowing softly from the light that streamed in through the window. A large sketchbook on his lap and pencil twirling between long, thin fingers. This stranger was the epitome of beauty. Dressed in a plain, light blue hanbok with dark grey baji, his face round, eyes large, nose pointed, pink, plush lips and had a jawline like none he had seen before. And when those brown eyes turned his way, a bright smile followed that lit up the room. If Hoseok was a demon, then, this man in front of him was an angel.

"My sincere greetings," Hoseok said in a deep bow, mirroring the smile, no reason to wear his usual smirk.

No words were spoken in reply much to Hoseok's dismay. The other man simply waved his hand in the direction of the empty chair that had been placed opposite him. Hoseok nodded in understanding and walked over to the designated spot, sitting down gracefully, facing the stranger at a comfortable distance. He tilted his head in curiosity as he studied the beautiful face before him. He wondered what had happened to this man in his lifetime to not make him comfortable talking in front of people.

"I have heard a lot about you, dressmaker," Hoseok smiled as his eyes raked over the others body. "I have heard of your talented hands. Of your eye for detail. Of your creative designs. Yet no one speaks of your name. My apologies for not knowing it before I've come to meet you."

A soft smile tugged at the corner of the quiet man's lips. There was a softness in his gaze as he quickly scribbled something down upon his sketchbook. Hoseok raised an eyebrow as he watched the pencil gloss over the paper. He guessed this was how they would be communicating for the entire session. He wasn't good with silences, but he supposed he could learn to be a little patient for once. The other male eventually held up the sketchbook in front of his face for him to see. Hoseok huffed in amusement as he saw what was written up the top of the page. The writing was tiny, yet elegant.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Jester. My name is Park Jimin," Hoseok read the words aloud as he lent forward in his chair. "The pleasure is truly all mine, Park Jimin. Let's begin, shall we?"

Jimin nodded his head as he turned over to a new page. His brown eyes looked expectantly up to Hoseok who got comfortable in his chair. Hoseok's legs were spread apart and his left elbow rested on the arm of his chair, propping up his head. His pointer finger grazed over his lips, back and forth, as he pondered on his wording. He thought about how best to explain his vision to the talented seamstress. His eyes locked onto the wordless man before him, seeing him ready to work.

>_<     >_<     >_<

The pair had worked quite quickly together to create multiple sketches of the vision Hoseok had for his costumes, getting through everything he needed in under half an hour. Once they had finished, Jimin had silently instructed Hoseok to stand upon the little stool off to the side with a wave of his hand. Once Hoseok was in place, the other had begun to measure various lengths and widths, scribbling them down onto his sketches for later reference.

As Jimin worked in silence, Hoseok continued to stare down at him from where he patiently stood on the stool, curious to know what the other sounded like. The silence was starting to get on the demon's nerve - a very impressive feat. He wanted some type of interaction, some type of verbal response, a single word even. He wanted to know if the dressmaker sounded as sweet as he looked. It was beginning to consume his mind in the silence. His intimidating eyes clearly made the seamstress nervous to the point his hands slightly shook as he took the measurements.

After ten minutes of Jimin taking measurements, the dressmaker hung the tape measure around his neck and scribbled the last of his notes onto the sketchbook. He came back over and held up the page they'd used just for communication. Jimin pointed to the words 'all done' that had been written underneath where he had written the instructions for him to stand on the stool.

A dark smirk grew on Hoseok's face as he slowly stepped off of the stool, continuing to advance on the dressmaker who backed away in fear. And so that was how Jimin found himself being pushed backwards until his back hit the wall, pinned in by two hands either side of his head. Hoseok tilted his head as he moved in closer, studying the scared expression in those beautiful eyes.

"You're very pretty, my Jiminie dear," cooed Hoseok in a sweet tone, almost like he was talking to a child. "How has someone as beautiful as you not found a woman to marry? Hmm?"

Hoseok did not miss the small flick of Jimin's eyes towards the two guards stood outside the doorway. Those brown eyes flickered back and forth between the pair. Oh? How delightful. What an interesting development in this situation. Hoseok would have never guessed that the dressmaker fancied the very two people tasked to watch him. Oh yes, this was very useful information.

"Oh," whispered Hoseok with a very dark gleam entering his eyes.

He was curious to know if the guards knew of Jimin's affectionate thoughts or if they were merely just really good friends. He took one long look at the guards and concluded that neither men knew of the dressmaker's feelings towards them. He looked back at Jimin and found himself wondering why them? He knew the guards were nice to look at. But they seemed a bit of a bore, if Hoseok was being honest. They definitely weren't his type. But good on Jimin.

Now if only he could get the two pea brains to realise the beauty before their eyes that was willing to bear it all for them. He needed to do that quickly before Jimin slipped through their fingers. It was odd. How clueless they were. Because now that he thought back on it, the protectiveness Taehyung had shown earlier seemed to be for a close friend they cared deeply for. Not one that was meant for a lover. Hoseok decided that would need to change.

"Ooohhh. I see. Yes, I definitely see. Poor Jiminie stuck going through life, his heart bound by two men that do not know of his love," the entire time he spoke with his trademark smirk, running the back of his fingers gently across Jimin's cheek who flinched beneath him. "Ah, my poor baby Jimin. Fear not, I am here. I will make them see."

"Please don't do anything," the tiniest whisper filled the room, causing the Jester to momentarily pause in his actions. He could now positively confirm that the dressmaker sounded as sweet as he looked.

"Oh my poor dear Jimin," Hoseok smirked in victory as he lent in really close, forcing eye contact as he held the other's chin tightly in his fingers. "I can't promise you anything. But hey, maybe one day you will be thanking me."

And with that, Hoseok spun on his heel and walked away as if nothing had happened. He looked over his shoulder to find Jimin still tense and frozen to his spot against the wall. With a cheeky wink, he kept walking towards the door. His presence went unnoticed by the two stoic guards who were in the middle of a conversation in hushed voices. His curiosity got the better of him as he leaned against the doorway and listened in.

"Why did we have to get stuck babysitting this lunatic? Have we done something to the King to deserve being punished like this?" Jungkook asked in a harsh whisper, clearly upset.

"Hush now, Jungkook. You know Seokjin Hyung put us here because he trusts us the most. Stop complaining before I make you shut up," bit back Taehyung, clearly just as upset.

"A lunatic, did you say?" Hoseok asked, a dark shimmer within his eyes that matched the equally dark smirk adoring his face.

"I-. Uh, sorry," Jungkook managed to stammer out in fear.

"I'll remember that, pea brain," Hoseok chuckled as he walked passed the guards. Had Jungkook just tried to insult him? Adorable.

Hoseok paid neither man attention as he began to walk in the rough direction he knew his room was in. However that wasn't his ultimate destination. He had somewhere else he'd rather be. He had eyed the location the few times he had roamed the Palace and had been interested in checking it out. Since he had nothing else on his agenda, he thought it would be the perfect opportunity.

"Who wants to play a game?" eventually asked Hoseok after the silence continued to drag on between the trio.

"No," said Taehyung as the pair trailed behind Hoseok with their right hands firmly on the pommel of their swords.

"Oh come on. It'll be fun. How about this... If you win, I'll share some fun information I've learnt about you both," Hoseok turned his head to wiggle his eyebrows, the mischievous glimmer ever present in his eyes.

"You have been here a mere twenty four hours, Jester. You cannot fool us into a game. We know you haven't heard anything about us," scoffed Taehyung as he looked around the path they were walking along. "Where are you taking us?"

"The gardens. And are you sure? Want to make a bet that I haven't heard anything?" said Hoseok as he took a left turn and followed the path towards the neatly kept garden.

"Yes, I am willing to bet it," Taehyung said as he rolled his eyes. "You haven't been out of our sight. There's no way for you to have been told anything."

"Mmm, so cocky," chuckled Hoseok as he stopped at the base of a tree within the gardens. With ease, he climbed up the trunk and settled himself on one of the branches, legs swinging back and forwards. "You'll still have to win the game first before I tell you anything."

"We are not here to play games," said Taehyung as he shook his head, annoyed with the jester and his persistent nature.

"So you've said. Anyway, I'm not telling either of you what I know unless you play a game with me. The offer is on the table at all times for when you two pea brains come to your senses," shrugged Hoseok as he focused on the beautiful sight before him.

The gardens were rather calming. A variety of trees, bushes and flowers covered a vast amount of land, all currently in full bloom. Colours of the entire rainbow laid before him and reflected in the surfaces of the small ponds scattered around the place. The place was rather peaceful. He was mildly surprised no one else was out roaming the picturesque landscape. It was the perfect weather for it in his opinion.

"Jester?" Taehyung finally broke the silence as the two of them stared up at Hoseok.

"Yes?" asked Hoseok as he turned his head to look down at the guards below him.

"I am sorry you overheard us before," said Taehyung as he nudged Jungkook with his elbow.

"Yeah, we really are sorry. I apologise for calling you a lunatic," continued Jungkook as he bowed his head.

"Worry not little Jungkook," chuckled Hoseok as he turned his eyes back to the scenery before him. "I already accepted your first apology. Intimidation makes one say crazy things."

"I'm not intimidated," Jungkook said as he puffed out his chest.

"No?" he chuckled without looking down. "Fear then."

"Nor do I fear you," rebutted Jungkook with a fierce look in his eyes that went unnoticed by Hoseok.

"No? Mmm. Well in that case I find you to be the lunatic," Hoseok said before he threw his head back and laughed loudly. After he managed to regain his composure, his twinkling eyes set upon the two below him, causing a shiver to run down their spines. "You'd be crazy to be neither intimidated nor fear me. I believe the saying goes... Better the devil you know than the devil you don't know. Best you remember that for future reference little Jungkook."

The two guards shared an uncomfortable look between one another. The ominous words sending fear through their bodies. They both wondered who the hell was being allowed to stay at the castle. The pair shared a knowing look between them, both thinking the same thing. They'd need to keep a closer eye on this mysterious guy from then on, the warning putting them both on edge.

>_<     >_<     >_<

Hoseok hummed a pleasant tune to himself as he walked the darkened streets. It turned out that being a good little boy for one night was all he could manage before he got too bored and was itching to create some chaos. He had bid the guards goodnight, grabbed his money pouch and cards of deck, and immediately jumped out the back window. He had turned himself invisible as he snuck through the quiet castle. And perhaps he had caused a poor maid to trip over with a carefully placed foot. Or perhaps it was all just a coincidence. Who's to say?

People turned their heads in confusion as they heard the strange noise pass by them with no explanation of where it originated from. Hoseok smirked as he continued his leisurely walk, finding a little satisfaction in the confusion he was already causing. There wasn't much to do at night time. It appeared that most people were either at home or at the local taverns. His eyesight locked on a bustling establishment further down the road. Perfect.

A rather strong wave of alcohol and sweat wafted towards Hoseok the second he entered the tavern. It was quite an unpleasant odor. As his eyes scanned the immediate area, all he could see was filth and rubbish. But considering he was in a place for the commoners and not in a place meant for the wealthy, he wasn't at all surprised at the unkept presence of the business. In fact, he was used to it as he preferred to mingle with the unfortunate poor folks.

Hoseok weaved his wave through the crowd until he reached the only empty spot at the bar. He sat upon the bar stool and looked around the packed establishment. His brown eyes twinkled with mischief as he weighed up his many options. He could feel the excitement thrum through his veins. Oh how he missed this. He had a nightly routine he'd perform in other cities, never once bored in his travels. This was the type of environment he thrived in.

Stretching his arms, he simultaneously tapped the shoulders of both the men either side of him. Of course, with him being invisible, both men turned around and yelled at one another for disturbing them. Confusion erupted between the pair as to who initiated the contact. It was safe to say the two soon became enthralled in a messy fist fight that had the attention of most of the tavern, jeering both men on loudly. Hoseok rather enjoyed the moment a glass bottle was passed to the shorter of the pair and was soon smashed upon the head of the taller. Seeing as the fight was getting out of hand, one of the three bartenders ushered the two brawling men outside.

With the crowd heavily distracted, Hoseok took the opportunity to drop his invisibility. No one saw the man appear out of thin air. Just how the demon would prefer. Although his sudden appearance amongst the chaos startled one of the two remaining bartenders. Hoseok squashed his trademark smirk as his eyes caught the other's stare. The tall, bulky man hung the dirty cloth over his shoulder before he walked over to server the stranger. Hoseok brought out his little pouch of money in preparation.

"Didn't see ya there, sorry for the wait Mister," the bartender bowed his head in apology. "What can I get ya?"

"Surprise me," Hoseok smirked as he placed a generous amount of coins upon the bar.

He didn't miss the way both the bartenders eyes and those of surrounding patrons eyes shot open, wide with surprise and intrigue. Hoseok tucked his pouch away safely before he settled in. He silently watched as the bartender turned around to make a concoction of who knows what. Not that he could get intoxicated from alcohol, another curse of his creation, but he did rather enjoy the consumption of it. All he knew is he couldn't wait to have the slight burn glide down his throat and that fire warm his cold heart.

The bartender, not so gently, placed the glass of dark brown liquid down next to the small pile of coins. The man swiped the coins into his palm before he nodded once more and walked away. Hoseok did not hesitate to grab his beverage. After a satisfying long sip, Hoseok sighed happily and looked around him. His mind raced with all the possibilities, all the chaos, all the tricks in his books. However, before he could even think to enact upon one of them, a person sudden slid into the chair next to him and shot him a friendly smile.

"You're not from around here," the other man suddenly stated, a slight slur to his words.

"No, I'm not," chuckled Hoseok as he turned his body to face the man next to him.

"You stand out like a sore thumb in here," he laughed loudly as he slapped his sweaty hand on Hoseok's upper arm. "What brings you here?"

"Work," answered Hoseok with a smile.

"Oh? A traveller are you?" asked the stranger.

"You could say that," Hoseok nodded before he took another long sip.

"What do you do?" the man asked as he squinted at Hoseok in suspicion. "Wait no, let me guess! Your physique is one of someone that does a lot of labour. Hmm. A fisherman? Or a builder? Or a seasonal farmer picker?"

"Good guesses, but no, I'm an entertainer of sorts," explained Hoseok with a small smile.

"Oh, that's cool," nodded the man. "Can you do any tricks right now?"

"I can. In fact, I have a deck of cards with me. Would you like to play a game?" he asked as his dark smirk and mischievous twinkle returned to his eyes. "I'll be able to find whatever card you picked after you place it in the deck and I shuffle it."

"Sure," the man nonchalantly shrugged.

"Would you like to bet some coins if I'm able to find your card?" Hoseok asked as he brought out his card deck. After all, he was guaranteed to win, this was his usual method to pick up cash on the road.

"I'll give you $10 if you can find the card," he said as he placed the money on the bar, without hesitation.

"Perfect, now, pick a card. Any card. Don't let me see it and make sure to remember it," Hoseok said as he fanned out the cards in his hands, numbers to the floor, while he looked off to the side as he patiently waited.

A few people nearby happened to spot the deck of cards in Hoseok hands and soon a small crowd formed. Whispers of intrigue floated through the small audience as they watched with interest. Hoseok felt the man take a card and then shoved it back into the pile in a different spot a few seconds later. The second he felt the card, Hoseok turned it invisible and slowly floated it back out of the deck. He distracted the man and the crowd from his devious act by shuffling the remaining deck as quickly as he could - almost at an inhuman speed.

While he was shuffling the cards, he was navigating the invisible card through the air and towards the man's drink. Hoseok secretly watched as the card slowly submerged itself into the liquid and smirked to himself, excited for the reveal. He looked around all the faces as he stopped shuffling the deck. With his right hand, he clicked his fingers over the cards, before he fanned them back out, numbers to the roof, and showed them off.

"You'll find your card is no longer in the deck," Hoseok made sure the man looked briefly at each card. "Correct?"

"It's not there," the man gasped as he swayed slightly on his chair, his drunken mind blown.

"But I do know where it is," smirked Hoseok as he neatly tucked all the cards back into one pile. He made sure to return the card in the drink back to visible - heavens knows it would have all been useless if he didn't.  He clicked his fingers on his right hand, once more, for dramatic effect before he pointed to the cup in the man's hand. "I think you'll find your card in there."

"No," the man barked out a laugh before he sobered up at the absurd suggestion, disbelief on his face. "No, really?"

The crowd simultaneously seemed to hold their breath and leant in as the man plunged two fingers into the drink. No one could believe it when, from the drink, he pulled out a card from the liquid. But not just any old card... No. It was the card he had originally picked. A small round of gasps and applause swept through the audience, everyone absolutely gobsmacked at the trick. Hoseok simply held up his hands in deflection of the attention before he collected his rightfully won coins and the alcohol drenched card.

"Wow! How did you do that?" the man exclaimed as he shook his head in shook.

"It was magic!" someone chimed in loudly.

"Magic isn't real," scoffed Hoseok while he internally laughed at how right they were. "It was simply a very well timed slight of hand trick."

"Enjoy your well deserved money," dejectedly said the man as he shook his head, stood up, swayed for a second, and then pushed his way through the crowd.

Hoseok let out a dark chuckle before he downed the last of his drink. He made sure he had everything back in his pockets and proceeded to calmly push his way through the people still gathered near him. If he was being honest, there were definitely some people trying to talk to him, but he tuned them out. He didn't care to interact with them in that moment. In his mind, he was satisfied by his adventure to the tavern. Not only had he caused a fight but he had also won a bit of money. Just another casual night in his books.

The cold, fresh air hugged Hoseok the moment he stepped outside of the admittedly humid building. He took a deep inhale to ground himself, slowly exhaling and allowing a rare carefree smile to grace his features. Looking around the mostly empty streets, he decided it was time to make his way back to his room. The instant he begun to walk, he started to hum to himself. He honestly really wasn't good with silences.

Truth be told, Hoseok didn't think he'd find any other chance to cause chaos on his walk. But boy, oh boy, was he wrong. About halfway back to the Palace he came across a delightful opportunity that was too good to pass up. A lone boy, no older than fifteen years old, had been pushing a cart full of apples up the slightly elevated path. Obviously he had been transporting the freshly picked fruit in order for it to be sold the next day at the market.

How unfortunate that boy just so happened to cross paths with a very unruly Jung Hoseok. The demon took one look around the desolated streets and instantly made up his mind. Closer the two walked towards one another, on a one way course to collision, only to the knowledge of one. The poor boy didn't stand a chance with his eyes casted upon the ground and a devious demon heading his way.

In a blink of an eye, the pair crashed into each other. The poor boy dropped the handles to the cart as he fell with Hoseok to the ground. They sat up straight, rubbing their sore heads in confusion, as apple after apple tumbled passed them. Further and further the apples rolled down into the darkness, some falling victim to the pitch black street, never to be found again. Hoseok watched with glee at the miserable look on the tired boy's face. What a perfect way to end his night.

Hoseok hoisted both of them back onto their feet, bowed a quick apology, and escaped without offering a hand. He continued to happily hum to himself as he walked away from the scene of the crime. His itch for chaos had been satisfyingly scratched. The hunger to wreak havoc had been fed. He could happily go about the next few days without being so disruptive to those around him. Or at least, he told himself he could. Because if an opportunity presented itself to the boisterous demon, he would surely seize it.

"We all got vile needs. Living is a violent deed," Hoseok sung quietly to himself as he walked back towards the Palace. The dark grin on his face and fire within his eyes caused the very few he came across to look the other way in fear. "So I spread my soul like wild seed."

Author Note: I promise Hoseok will finally meet Yoongi in the next chapter! Sope is on its way!