swagat nahi kroge hmara?

The river snaked gently through the garden, its surface reflecting the last vestiges of twilight, caught somewhere between the deep purples of dusk and the golden remnants of a vanishing sun. The castle stood solemnly in the background, its grand pillars and ivy-draped arches half bathed in the soft light of lanterns that were slowly being lit. There was a haunting serenity in the air-the kind that only existed in the quiet moments when the world paused to breathe between day and night. The wind carried the faint scent of roses, mingled with the cool freshness of the flowing water. The atmosphere itself seemed suspended, heavy with an unspoken longing that mirrored the two figures standing waist-deep in the river's gentle current.

Jimin's breath hitched, the cold of the river biting at his skin, yet the warmth of Taehyung's presence beside him was enough to drown out the chill. His eyes fluttered, the soft ripples of the water cascading around his waist with each small movement he made. He watched Taehyung through half-lidded eyes, marveling at how the waning light danced across his husband's bare shoulders, how the water clung to his skin like liquid silver. There was something timeless about him, the way he stood tall, poised-like a statue carved from marble, his elegance draped in an aura of quiet power. Every subtle movement Taehyung made, the way his hand reached for the water, gliding through it as if it responded solely to his touch, was like a reminder of his royal lineage-regal, untouchable, yet impossibly close.

The sound of the river filled the silence, rushing softly around them, but for Jimin, it might as well have been drowned out by the erratic pounding of his heart. He took a breath, his lips parting slightly as he let his fingers trail through the water, watching them shimmer under the growing moonlight. "Do you remember?" Jimin's voice was soft, nearly lost in the cool breeze that swept through the garden, brushing past his damp hair. His words were laden with an emotion that seemed to settle over the both of them like a weight they hadn't realized they carried. "The last time we stood here..." His voice faltered, eyes lifting to meet Taehyung's as if seeking something in those dark, unreadable depths-something that would tether him to this moment.

Taehyung's gaze shifted, his eyes tracing the familiar features of Jimin's face, the soft curve of his lips, the slight crease in his brow. He remained silent for a moment, the memories flooding back, too overwhelming to express all at once. Instead, he let his fingers brush lightly over Jimin's arm, trailing up to his shoulder in a touch so delicate it sent a shiver down Jimin's spine. Taehyung's lips quirked into a faint smile, but there was a gravity in his expression that made the air between them thick with a past neither could easily forget. "How could I not?" Taehyung finally whispered, his voice low, almost reverent. His hand came to rest on Jimin's cheek, the thumb brushing over the water droplets clinging to his skin. "Everything feels the same... and yet, nothing is."

Jimin's heart twisted at the words, an ache settling deep in his chest. His own hand rose, hesitant, before his fingertips grazed Taehyung's collarbone, tracing the outline of his shoulders as though to remind himself that this wasn't a dream. "It feels like we've been here before," Jimin murmured, his voice barely more than a breath, "but this time, we're not waiting for the end." His hand dropped back to the water, the ripples breaking the stillness as his eyes lowered, suddenly overwhelmed by the weight of their shared history-one filled with heartbreak and separation. But there was something different about this moment, something that felt infinitely more precious.

The wind picked up slightly, rustling the leaves of the nearby willow trees, their long branches swaying and casting delicate shadows over the water. Taehyung moved closer, his arms wrapping around Jimin's waist, pulling him into a gentle but firm embrace. The coldness of the river was forgotten as the warmth of their bodies pressed together, chest to chest, the space between them vanishing in an instant. Jimin's breath stilled, his heart racing as he looked up at Taehyung, their faces so close that the tips of their noses nearly touched. He could feel Taehyung's breath, warm and soft against his skin, and for a brief moment, it felt like the rest of the world had ceased to exist.

Taehyung's eyes flickered, filled with a tenderness that Jimin hadn't seen in years, not since they were young, reckless, and unaware of the trials that awaited them. His voice was hushed, as if speaking too loudly would break the fragile beauty of the moment. "This time," Taehyung said softly, his thumb tracing small circles on the small of Jimin's back, "we're not running anymore." There was a finality to his words, one that spoke of years spent apart, years spent yearning for this exact moment, standing in the river, under the twilight sky, with nothing left to hold them back.

Jimin swallowed thickly, his hands sliding up Taehyung's chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath his fingertips. "We're here," Jimin whispered, his voice trembling slightly with the raw emotion coursing through him. "And we're not letting go."

For a moment, the world held its breath with them. The river continued to flow, its waters swirling gently around their bodies as the first stars began to twinkle in the sky above. There was something poetic, almost mythical, about the way the moonlight now bathed them, casting a silver glow over their entwined figures. It felt like they were part of a story written long ago-one of reunion, of love lost and found, of two souls who had traversed time and fate to find their way back to each other.

Taehyung lowered his head, his lips brushing against Jimin's in the lightest of touches, a kiss filled with promises unspoken, with a love that had survived the harshest of storms. The kiss deepened slowly, both of them savoring the quiet intimacy, the feeling of finally being home.

______

The cool night air wrapped around them like a silk cloak, the warmth of their bodies pressed together fading just slightly as Taehyung pulled away, his forehead still resting gently against Jimin's. A low chuckle rumbled in Taehyung's chest, the sound almost a purr as his lips quirked into a mischievous smirk. His eyes glinted in the soft moonlight, a playful yet dangerous glint that Jimin knew all too well. The corner of Taehyung's mouth curled up as he tilted Jimin's chin up with a single finger, his voice low and velvet, tinged with an old-world grace that suited his royal stature perfectly.

"My beloved," Taehyung began, his voice smooth and deep, the kind of tone that always sent a shiver down Jimin's spine. "Did I not promise you something more thrilling tonight? Something a little more..." His words trailed off as his thumb brushed Jimin's lower lip, the touch both tender and teasing. "... exhilarating?"

Jimin blinked up at him, heart still racing from the kiss, his mind half lost in the warmth of their moment. But then Taehyung's words registered, and he felt a flutter of excitement stir in his chest. "The horseback ride," Jimin whispered, his eyes widening slightly in surprise. His gaze flickered toward the towering stables near the garden's edge, now only visible in the faint glow of the distant lanterns. The idea of riding at this hour, under the cover of night, when the castle was at its quietest, filled him with a strange mixture of exhilaration and apprehension. "But it's so late..." he hesitated, though the spark of excitement in his voice betrayed his curiosity.

Taehyung's grin widened as he took Jimin's hand, pulling him toward the riverbank. "Precisely, my love. It is late. The perfect hour for a king and his queen to slip away into the night, unseen, untouched by the eyes of the court. We are free tonight," he said, his voice now almost a growl, rich with anticipation. "Just the two of us, in the open air, with the stars as our only witnesses."

Jimin's pulse quickened at the way Taehyung spoke, the way his words curled around the notion of adventure, danger, and passion all at once. There was no denying the thrill that shot through him at the mere thought of it-of riding alongside Taehyung under the vast night sky, the wind in their hair, the entire kingdom asleep and unaware of the quiet rebellion unfolding in the shadows. His lips parted in a smile, soft but tinged with excitement. "Lead the way, Your Majesty," Jimin replied, his voice dipping into an accent of playful formality that he knew Taehyung loved. "It seems this queen has a taste for the wild tonight."

Taehyung's laugh was low and sultry as he hoisted himself out of the river with effortless grace, his body glistening in the moonlight. He reached for Jimin, pulling him up and into his arms, water dripping from their skin as they stood together on the riverbank. Taehyung's fingers lingered on Jimin's waist, his gaze devouring him as if he couldn't quite believe they had the freedom of this moment. "You've always had a taste for the wild," Taehyung murmured, his voice husky as he leaned down to press a lingering kiss against Jimin's temple, the gesture tender, but laced with something more heated, more dangerous.

Without another word, Taehyung took Jimin's hand, leading him barefoot across the damp grass, their steps soft and silent as they approached the stables. The scent of fresh hay and polished wood greeted them, and Taehyung moved with the practiced elegance of a royal who had been riding since childhood, his movements fluid and sure. He reached for the stable doors, swinging them open with a soft creak, revealing the two majestic horses waiting inside-his stallion, midnight black and sleek, and Jimin's mare, a beautiful chestnut with a glossy coat that shimmered even in the low light.

Taehyung turned to Jimin, his eyes softening as he approached the mare, running his hand along her mane. "She's been waiting for you, my queen," he said quietly, the fondness in his voice evident as he helped Jimin up onto the horse's back. The sight of Jimin perched elegantly on the mare, his hair still damp, the faint glow of the moon casting a halo around him, was enough to make Taehyung's breath catch. There was something utterly divine about him in that moment, a beauty that seemed almost otherworldly, yet so very real, so very his.

Jimin laughed softly, the sound light and carefree as he settled into the saddle, his hands gripping the reins with practiced ease. "I must admit, I've missed this," he said, his voice a soft murmur as he looked over at Taehyung. "Riding with you like this... it feels like the world is ours."

Taehyung mounted his stallion in one fluid motion, his eyes never leaving Jimin's. "It *is* ours, Jimin. Tonight, and always." He urged his horse forward, riding up alongside Jimin's mare until their legs brushed, his hand reaching out to clasp Jimin's gently. "Shall we, my love?" he asked, his voice low and full of promise. "Let's ride until the stars are nothing but a blur above us."

With a single nod, Jimin smiled, his heart racing as they kicked their horses into motion, galloping out of the stable and into the wide-open expanse of the castle grounds. The wind whipped through their hair as they rode side by side, the rhythmic pounding of hooves the only sound that broke the stillness of the night. The trees flew by in a blur, the moon high above them, casting long shadows on the ground as they rode faster, faster-two figures disappearing into the dark, lost in the wild beauty of the moment.

Taehyung glanced over at Jimin, the sight of him laughing, his eyes bright with joy, igniting something fierce in his chest. He slowed his stallion just enough to let their hands meet once more, fingers intertwining as they rode, their connection unbreakable even amidst the rush of the wind and the thrill of their midnight escape.

"I'll never let you go," Taehyung whispered, his voice barely audible over the sound of their galloping horses, but Jimin heard him. He felt the truth of those words, deep in his bones, as he squeezed Taehyung's hand tighter, his smile softening.

"Then we'll ride forever," Jimin whispered back, his voice full of quiet determination.

And in that moment, under the watchful gaze of the stars, it felt like they really could. The horses slowed their pace as they entered the shadowed embrace of the forest, the rhythmic pounding of hooves now softer against the damp earth. The dense canopy above was only partially visible, with gaps of moonlight filtering through the ancient trees, casting an ethereal glow that made the whole scene feel like something out of a dream. The thrill of their ride still buzzed through the air between them, their hands occasionally brushing as they urged their horses forward.

Then, the first drop fell.

Jimin gasped softly as it landed on his cheek, cool and sudden, a brief shock against the warmth of his skin. He glanced upward just as the sky seemed to crack open, releasing a soft, steady rain that pattered against the leaves, turning the world around them into a gentle symphony of droplets. The horses whinnied softly, their sleek coats beginning to glisten under the rain as both Jimin and Taehyung pulled their cloaks a little tighter.

"It's raining," Jimin said softly, his voice a quiet marvel, as if speaking too loudly would shatter the delicate beauty of the moment.

Taehyung turned to look at him, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "So it is, my love." His voice was thick with warmth, the rain bringing an unexpected sense of peace, a reprieve from the wild ride that had set their hearts racing. "The first rain of the season... it's always been a blessing, hasn't it?" His eyes glinted, a touch of nostalgia hidden in his words.

Jimin nodded, smiling as he allowed the rain to wash over him, his cheeks flushed from the cool air and the warmth of their shared excitement. "I remember when we used to watch the first rain from the castle's highest tower," he mused, his voice soft as memories of their past came flooding back. "I would always say it felt like the sky was blessing us. And you'd laugh, call me sentimental."

"I never meant it," Taehyung murmured, voice hushed as he reached out to touch Jimin's shoulder, his thumb brushing softly against the wet fabric. "I loved every bit of your sentimentality. I still do."

The rain had begun to fall in earnest now, cascading through the thick canopy above like a veil of silver threads. Taehyung and Jimin rode side by side, their cloaks dampened, the earthy scent of wet leaves and damp soil filling their lungs. The steady rhythm of the raindrops on their skin was almost hypnotic, a quiet symphony that lulled their horses into a steady trot through the forest. The darkness was deepening, the last vestiges of twilight fading into a velvety black that made the forest seem almost endless.

Jimin leaned forward slightly, his fingers curling tighter around the reins, his gaze drifting to the side where Taehyung's figure, tall and regal, cut a striking silhouette against the darkening sky. His wet hair clung to his forehead, strands of it plastered against his pale skin, and despite the rain, there was a calm contentment in his eyes-a silent joy that radiated from the depths of his soul. Jimin couldn't help but feel the same. His lips parted, ready to speak, but just as he opened his mouth, a distant sound reached their ears-a rhythmic pounding that wasn't quite thunder.

Taehyung lifted his head, eyes narrowing as he slowed his horse to a stop. Jimin followed suit, the horses stamping their hooves lightly against the soft, rain-soaked ground. The sound grew louder, more distinct-the unmistakable beat of drums.

"There's a village nearby," Taehyung murmured, his voice low and thoughtful as he turned to Jimin, rain dripping from his chin. "It must be one of the tribal settlements."

Jimin nodded, his eyes wide with curiosity, the flicker of firelight now visible through the trees ahead. The rain, though steady, didn't drown out the growing sounds of laughter and music-a joyous celebration that seemed to cut through the thick air like a beacon. "Should we see what they're celebrating?" he asked softly, the corner of his mouth lifting in a small smile.

Taehyung's eyes glinted under the dark sky, a mix of mischief and warmth that sent a familiar flutter through Jimin's chest. "It seems we've come this far," he replied, his voice light yet rich with affection. "Let's join them."

As they pressed forward, the forest thinned, revealing a small clearing where a handful of thatched-roof huts were nestled between the trees, their walls illuminated by the flickering light of torches and the fire that burned brightly at the center. Around the fire, a group of villagers danced, their arms raised, bodies swaying in time with the beating drums, the rain seeming only to intensify their movements, not diminish them.

The sight was mesmerizing-figures clad in simple, colorful garments, their laughter ringing out into the night as they moved with a wild, uninhibited grace. The firelight caught on their wet skin, casting them in shades of gold and bronze, while the rain shimmered like diamonds in the air around them. It was as if the elements themselves-fire, water, and earth-were all in perfect harmony, the moment suspended in time, untouched by anything beyond the clearing.

The villagers paused when they spotted the royal couple, their eyes widening in surprise. But it wasn't fear that crossed their faces-it was awe, a deep respect for the man who ruled over them and the one who stood by his side. The elder, an old woman with weathered skin and kind eyes, stepped forward, bowing low before them. "Your Majesties," she greeted, her voice full of warmth and reverence. "You honor us with your presence."

Taehyung dismounted gracefully, his movements smooth despite the rain that had soaked him through. His presence alone commanded the attention of the villagers, yet there was a softness in the way he smiled at them, a quiet humility that belied his royal stature. "It is we who are honored," he said, his voice deep and rich, carrying over the rain and the crackle of the fire. "We were drawn by your music, by the joy we could hear from afar."

Jimin slid off his horse with Taehyung's help, his feet sinking into the wet earth as he cast a glance around the gathering. There was something about the simplicity of the moment-the warmth of the fire, the laughter of the villagers-that stirred something deep inside him. The rain continued to fall, soaking his clothes, but he didn't care. All he could focus on was the happiness that radiated from these people, their faces lit with smiles despite the weather.

"The rain is a blessing," the elder explained, her eyes gleaming with joy. "It brings life to our crops, fills our rivers. Tonight, we dance in celebration of the gods' gift to us."

Jimin's heart swelled at her words, a soft smile tugging at his lips. He looked to Taehyung, who met his gaze with the same warmth, a silent understanding passing between them. This was what it meant to be rulers-not just sitting on thrones and making decrees, but being with their people, sharing in their joys and sorrows, celebrating the simplest of blessings.

"You are most welcome here, Your Majesties," the elder said, her voice full of warmth as she gestured toward the huts. "Please, take shelter from the rain. We will prepare something warm for you."

Taehyung smiled graciously but shook his head. "Thank you, but we wouldn't want to disrupt your celebration."

"Nonsense," the elder said with a soft laugh. "Tonight, we celebrate the rain, and what better way to honor the gods than with our king and queen among us?"

The villagers quickly gathered around, offering cloaks and blankets to the royal couple as they were led toward the fire. The warmth of the flames licked at their skin, a welcome contrast to the cool rain that continued to fall in soft sheets around them.

As they stood there, watching the villagers resume their dancing, Jimin felt a strange pull in his chest-a desire to join in, to lose himself in the rhythm of the drums, to let go of everything for just a moment and feel the earth beneath his feet, the rain on his skin, and the fire in his heart.

Taehyung noticed the look in Jimin's eyes and raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile playing on his lips. "What is it, my queen? I can see that look in your eyes. Don't tell me you're thinking of..."

But before he could finish, Jimin had already stepped forward, his bare feet sinking slightly into the wet earth as he moved toward the dancers, his eyes glinting with quiet mischief as he reached out to the nearest villager, his hand open in invitation. The young woman looked startled for a moment, glancing nervously between Jimin and Taehyung, but Jimin's smile was enough to put her at ease. With a soft laugh, she took his hand, leading him into the circle of dancers.

The villagers cheered as Jimin joined their dance, their movements quick and light as the drums picked up pace once more. The rain, still falling steadily, soaked through his clothes, making them cling to his lithe frame, but he didn't mind. In fact, the coolness of the rain against his skin only heightened the warmth that bloomed in his chest as he spun and swayed with the others, his feet light against the wet earth. His laughter rang out, joining theirs, as if he had shed the weight of royalty for just a moment, becoming one with the celebration around him.

Taehyung stood back, watching with a mixture of amusement and awe as Jimin danced, his movements fluid and graceful, as if he had been born for this moment. The firelight caught in his hair, the rain glistening on his skin, and Taehyung couldn't help but feel his heart swell with love-so much love that it almost hurt.

Jimin was always beautiful, but like this, with the rain falling and the firelight dancing in his eyes, he was otherworldly. Taehyung's breath caught in his throat as he watched Jimin laugh, his joy so pure and infectious that even the villagers couldn't help but be drawn to him, their eyes filled with admiration for their queen.

At one point, Jimin's gaze flicked over to Taehyung, his eyes bright and full of mischief. He raised a hand, beckoning Taehyung forward with a playful smile. "Come dance with me, Your Majesty," he called, his voice light and teasing, yet thick with affection. "Don't let me have all the fun."

Taehyung hesitated for only a moment before surrendering to the pull of Jimin's voice. He shrugged off his cloak, the rain now a welcome companion as he stepped into the circle, the villagers parting to make room for their king. Jimin's smile widened as Taehyung approached, and when their hands met, it felt like the world had narrowed to just the two of them.

And then they danced.

They danced as if nothing else in the world mattered-as if there were no court, no crown, no kingdom. It was just the two of them, spinning and laughing, their hands reaching out for each other, their bodies moving in perfect harmony with the beat of the drums. The rain fell heavier now, but it didn't matter. The world seemed to blur around them, the firelight flickering in the corners of their vision as they moved together, their hearts beating as one.

At some point, Taehyung caught Jimin around the waist, pulling him close. Jimin gasped, his laughter fading into soft, breathless sounds as Taehyung leaned down, pressing their foreheads together, their noses brushing. "You're beautiful," Taehyung whispered, his voice hoarse with emotion. "I love you more than words could ever say."

Jimin's eyes softened, his hands coming up to cup Taehyung's face, his thumbs brushing away the rain that dripped down his cheeks. "And I you," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "I always have, and I always will."

They stayed like that for a moment, standing still amidst the wild, joyous celebration around them, lost in each other's eyes. The rain fell harder, the drums beat louder, but all they could hear was the sound of their own hearts, beating in perfect sync.

Finally, with a soft, breathless laugh, Jimin pulled away slightly, his eyes glinting with mischief. "But you still haven't danced with me properly, Your Majesty."

Taehyung laughed, his heart light and full as he pulled Jimin back into the dance, their bodies moving together in perfect rhythm once more.

They danced together, their movements in perfect harmony, as if the rhythm of the drums was the beat of their hearts. The villagers cheered them on, their voices rising into the night as the rain continued to fall, the fire burning bright and strong. The world outside the forest seemed to fade away, leaving only the warmth of the fire, the laughter of the villagers, and the love that bound Taehyung and Jimin together.

And in that moment, with the rain falling and the firelight casting golden shadows over them, Taehyung couldn't help but fall in love with Jimin all over again. And Jimin might've cried silently, letting his tears mingle with the rain.

He looked above, watching the clouds shed tears of joy and thanked the gods above for listening to his prayer, for giving him back his reason to survive, for returning back his husband to him, for returning Kim Taehyung, the same prince who used to look at him eyes filled with love to him- once again.

FLUFF? FILLER? IDK WHAT IT IS-

I JUST RANDOMLY THOUGHT OF GIVING A VMIN CENTRED CHAPTER BEFORE FOCUSING ON THE DRAMA AND TWISTS. Especially Jimin deserves it after so long time of suffering.

vote- 40+

date- 6th oct 24

words- 4365