"I can't believe I'm not dead yet!"

"Me either. I thought I was gonna die right after you."

"Guys-"

"I could've sworn Yoongi and Jimin were trying to kill me."

"They probably were."

"Guys!"

Both makes whipped their head towards the older male. Seokjin sighed in frustration, wrapping clean bandages on Hoseok's arm.

"Make sure you both rest up. And next time Jungkook, maybe go a bit easier with Yoongi. He popped his shoulder out of place again." Seokjin scolded. Jungkook blinked, tilting his head in confusion.

"Huh? That wasn't me! I know Hyung has a bad shoulder! Is he okay?"

Seokjin blinked, averting to the prince in front of him. Hoseok paled and bowed his head with guilt raising in his chest.

"I'm sorry! I wasn't aware he had a bad shoulder I didn't even know he had pop his shoulder out of place!" Hoseok apologized. Seokjin looked pretty startled before slowly finishing wrapping his bandage.

"It's alright. I honestly thought it was Kookie. Kookie is a huge muscle pig and tends to forget his strength." Seokjin sighed, standing straight. Hoseok pulled his sleeve down and stood up. He rubbed behind his neck as he bowed his head once again.

"Still, I'm sorry."

"It's fine. It wasn't too bad. Just be more careful. Both of you now get out I have cooking duty today." Seokjin pushed the two makes out of his tent. Hoseok tumbled out while Jungkook whined.

"He's so mean! Oh! Hey wanna wrestle?" Jungkook asked with a grin. Hoseok winced slightly, rubbing his wounded arm.

"I rather not. My arm is busted and I still have until tomorrow to survive."

"Understandable. Well then! Let's go visit Y/n!" Jungkook exclaimed, hooking his arm under Hoseok's and dragging him.

"Wait HUH?!"

"She's most likely preparing for her parents anniversary! So you know that means!"

"Um? No? I didn't even know that was a thing until I came here."

"Right! Well it's a special dinner we have right after Danger Tournament to celebrate when Robin Hood rescued his love and Y/n's parents wedding anniversary! It's how they fell in love with each other! It's important we have it every year! Do you know why?"

Hoseok shook his head as Jungkook continued to drag him along. Jungkook beamed as he continued.

"Y/n's parents were soulmates! It said on that day you would find your soulmate! When Y/n's father rescued her mother, they had a celebration that night for stealing from the king, but this before he was a king, and giving to the poor, that very night, her parents danced until their feet hurt and fell in love all over again. They say their eyes would have a warm hue and their skin would have a honey glow. They even say that their appearance would look more appealing than before, even the temptation to kiss them would increase tenfolds."

"Henceforth a year later him marrying her mother! So there's this myth if you dance, you would find your soulmate! Every single male and female are required to dance to find their soulmate! It's a chance people take. Y/n's father established this a year after his marriage when he found out people experienced the same thing. Y/n has kept it all these years going to honor her father and mother."

"Wow. That's actually pretty cool. Having a chance to find their soulmate? That's beautiful."

"But! There's a catch, if you do not want to be wedded nor looking for a partner, you have the option to sit down or find a dance partner who has the same wishes. Since Y/n has had no interest in marrying, every year she picks one of her merry men to dance with her. This year, it's Namjoon. Unless something bad happens to him." Jungkook gave a eerie smile which caused Hoseok to swallow.

'So that's what they were talking about last time.'

"But that's not why we're visiting Y/n! We are visiting her because during this preparation, she tries on dresses." Jungkook wiggled his eyebrows with a smug smile. Hoseok felt the apple of his cheeks turn red.

"O-okay what does that have to do with anything?"

Jungkook scoffed, halting in his tracks. He placed his arm around his shoulder with a smirk. He pointed his index finger at his chest causing Hoseok to grow tense and stiff under his hold.

"We both know Y/n doesn't dress lady like, therefore this is a rare opportunity to see her in different dresses. Of course knowing her she's gonna wear someone underneath and perhaps not wear a full on dress which is why we need to go visit her. Just don't mind Seonghwa he's the dress designer who customized her dresses into you know more her."

"B-but it's rude!"

"Please! She'll and Seonghwa would appreciate the input! Besides, your not really gonna miss this once in a life opportunity are you?" Jungkook raised his eyebrow as he squeezed his shoulder. Hoseok swallowed, averting his eyes on the ground. He shyly shook his head with his cheeks growing more red even the tips of his ears were starting to burn. Jungkook pat his shoulder with his famous bunny grin.

"Alright then! Off we go!"

⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️

{BRUH THIS MAN IS FAR TOO DANGEROUS PLEASE HAVE MERCY SEONGHWA-}

"Yeah I don't like it. It's too-"

"Puffy?"

"No, bright. Have anything in black?"

The black haired man sighed, placing his two fingers on his forehead resting his elbow on his arm.

"Pearl you did black last year and the year before that, this is your parents 15th anniversary, can't you bring more colors in and not look like your going to a catholic funeral? Remember your covering your face with a veil your going to look like the devil himself or in this case, herself."

"But Seonghwa this is too heavy to dance in and you know how clumsy Joonie is."

"Pearl, don't use him as an excuse to not wear that dress. Look why not choose a different color, remember the concept this year is birds, birds tend to have bright colors."

Y/n sighed, looking down at the Lacey dress that hugged her hips and dripped down to her ankles. She looked over her shoulder with pursue lips. It was a soft baby blue dress that hung below her shoulders with puffy sleeves. It was nice and simple yet Y/n felt it was too bright. It didn't scream her at all.

"I'm just trying to give you more options Pearl, but ultimately it's up to you."

Y/n looked back at the said man with thin lips. Seonghwa stood with a hand in his hip and his other hand holding a pencil of sort. A small table was on the corner that was filled with pages of different designs. His circle glasses hanged on his nose with his grey eyes staring at her form, most likely thinking of a new design to change her previous one of probably annoyed with her demands, she can never tell really. His black hair was gelled back exposing his forehead with some strands of hair tickling his forehead. He was wearing a simple dress shirt with black trousers.

"Can't you change it just slightly? Or perhaps pick a less bright bird?"

Seonghwa hummed in thought.

"Okay, what bird?"

"I say a dove!"

Jungkook withdrew the tents curtains as he marched right in dragging Hoseok with him. Hoseok gagged a little with Jungkook's arm wrapped around his neck. Y/n chocked on her spit the moment that word left Jungkook's lips. Seonghwa placed his pencil behind his ear and crossed his arms.

"A dove? But doves are mostly represented in marriage, also their white which represents too much of marriage." Seonghwa explained. Y/n cleared her throat but heat coated her cheeks.

"R-right. This isn't a wedding Jungkook-"

"But IT is! It's your parents wedding anniversary!" Jungkook proclaimed.

"Your the prince right? Have any thoughts?"

Seonghwa pointed towards Hoseok who's cheeks were rosy. Hoseok cleared his throat, feeling it grow dry. His eyes then wonder off to Y/n. That blue dress glowing in her skin. He felt his body shiver before clearing his throat again, he needed to focus.

"Well, blue is a nice color and goes with her skin, but wouldn't it make sense to have you as a Robin? You know like her name? But if not then I say a black swan."

Everyone blinked as they stared at him. Seonghwa raised his eyebrow, placing his hand on his hip.

"Elaborate."

"Black Swans symbolize something and I think it's really stands fo what Y/n is all about. It's signifies an insight about yourself, which is basically changing your position from a victim to a victor. It's also a reminder to move on feeling powerless and embracing your personal power. It has such a strong meaning that really suits her." Hoseok explained, licking his dry lips. His voice slightly wavered once his eyes met Y/n's. Her eyes shined in awe and another emotion that was making Hoseok weak. His knees suddenly felt weak and his breathe hitched. The thumping in his chest couldn't stop and rang in his ears.

"I like it, what about you Pearl?"

Y/n blinked, moving her gaze away from Hoseok's luring orbs. The back of her neck suddenly felt hot as she cleared her throat.

"Yeah I like it, can you make a dress out of it?"

Seonghwa hummed, walking towards his desk to flip over some pages in his books. 

"Well it's gonna a bit challenging but I think I can work something up. I'm thinking feathers and maybe not black."

"What?! It's called a black swan!"

"Perhaps but I'm thinking more color, you also need it. What color do you suggest prince?"

"It's Hoseok. Um maybe navy blue? It's dark but there's some color to it."

Seonghwa smiled, grabbing his notebook to write down what Hoseok said.

"Yeah I agree, we'll keep the dark scheme but add a bit of flavor to it. Feathers might be too much if we add a lot so maybe just a little. Also I'm thinking of a corset! Oh Y/n do you mind if Namjoon wore one? You know to match your concept?"

Y/n rolled her eyes, crossing her arms over her chest.

"I don't care he can wear whatever but if you insist fine, give him a matching set."

"Actually I have an idea if you don't mind." Hoseok smiled warily. The thought of both of matching left a terrible taste in his mouth, he thought it was best if they changed it. Especially since many people already think their couple and Hoseok was willingly to change that so fast. There was no reason to add fire to those rumors. Seonghwa pushed up his glasses as he shook his head.

"No please proceed, you come up with such great ideas."

Hoseok's cheeks dusted pink before he spoke.

"I was wondering, why not have her merry men match with her? Like she'll be the black swan while the others are white? I know you said no white earlier but that's for women during marriage. We're having the men wear white so it doesn't contradicts with it."

"I like it, original and completely reverses the whole white thing. Alright I'll start designing, if you don't mind can I take Jungkooks measurements, Pearl?"

"Yeah sure. Let me just change back real quick." Y/n said before going behind the curtain to change. Jungkook whined, and looked over towards the male.

"Must I really?"

"Yes Jungkook. Stop whining, Tch you and Mingi are so similar sometimes it hard to tell who's older." Seonghwa huffed, sketching back in his book.

"Come on Kookie it's not that bad. At least Seonghwa is nice about it, stylists back in the palace didn't even warn me when they took my measurements." Hoseok patted his shoulder.

"If you don't mind prince-"

"Hoseok."

"-Hoseok, but can I take yours too?"

Hoseok blinked, pointing to himself with parted lips.

"Me?"

"Yes. Are you not apart of the merry men? I mean the way you and Jungkook conversed I assume you were. Even the exchange you and Y/n had seem like you guys were close. She took your idea which is pretty rare coming from her. She's so stubborn and couldn't choose any of the dresses I made. But the moment your idea was presented, she seem to like it."

Hoseok quickly shook his head with a nervous chuckle.

"Oh nononono I'm not, Jungkook is just strangely fond of me and so is Seokjin. The rest want my head on a silver platter for what I said the first day I came here. And Y/n-"

"He's just someone who lives here and another mouth to feed." Y/n said walking out of the curtain in her usual attire. Seonghwa flickered his eyes towards her.

"Ah my apologies Pearl. So is he not going to be part of the dance then?"

Y/n tied her hair back with a raised eyebrow. She flickered her gaze towards Hoseok who was standing a bit awkwardly. She giggled to herself as she scanned him up and down. She cleared her throat not realizing the affect she caused to the prince. Hoseok blushed a deep shade of red, stiffing his posture. Y/n covered her mouth when another giggle escaped her lips.

"No he is. From what I heard, he's one hell of a dancer."

Y/n grabbed her belt to tie it around her waist before walking towards Seonghwa.

"I say give him the same theme as my merry men. I've never seen the prince wore white nor heard of it. Also make you sure you trim his hair by then." Y/n then looked over towards the flustered prince. She gave a charming smile as she winked at him, not really sure where this confidence came from. She walked towards the prince, her fingers pushing back his bangs to expose his forehead. Her face so close, Hoseok wondered if she could hear his thumping rapid heartbeat.

"And maybe style his hair to expose his forehead while your at it. I think he'll look handsome if you do. Anyway write that down Seonghwa I gotta see what the makeup plans are from Hyunjin. Bye boys,"

"Bye little dove." Y/n whispered near the Prince's ear. She then gave a smile towards the other two and left the tent.

Hoseok's face was burning, his eyes wide and his body stiff. His knees buckled as he touched his cheeks. His ears were even red. Jungkook whistled that came out more like a disbelief chuckle. Even Seonghwa stopped his movements to just stare at the space where Y/n was at.

"Damn."

Both Seonghwa and Jungkook said in unison. Hoseok laughed nervously before his knees finally gave out and collapsed on the ground. He covered his eyes with his hand, his heart thumping loud in his chest. Jungkook looked down at the prince who was laying flat in the ground.

"I've never seen her do that." Seonghwa said startled, even his own cheeks coated with pink. No one was gonna deny how beautiful she was so seeing such a beautiful girl glow like that nearly caused Seonghwa to fall like Hoseok even though he didn't like her like that.

Jungkook nodded in agreement, touching his own cheek that also a bit pink.

"Me either. Like damn, if I didn't support Hyung I would've taken her myself."

Hoseok didn't say anything, swallowing down hard with his heartbeat increasing as he recalled her gestures.

"But like, you good bro? You look dead."

"No! She was a-so close I c-could've k-ki-"

"Kissed her? Should've went for it."

"Jungkook!"

"So it's true, the prince likes her."

"It's Hoseok and No I don't! Why does everyone keep figuring it out!"

⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️

Hoseok yawned as the sun was finally down and settled beneath the horizon. He wanted nothing more but to sleep. But Jungkook was being annoying as hell towards him. He stuck to his side like glue but was annoying the older male. He teased him for nearly fainting at what Y/n did earlier.

"I hate you."

"Hm nah ya don't! I'm definitely your favorite! I mean come on Tae obviously didn't think the same!"

Hoseok pulled his lips in a thin line. Right, Taehyung. He hasn't even seen that guy all day since after what happened with the sword fight. It was clear Taehyung wasn't as fond of him as he assume. His first friend and yet he left him like nothing.

"What's new? Everyone leaves me." Hoseok muttered. Jungkook stopped his rambling, turning his head to face the prince.

"You good?"

"Yeah I'm fine. Look it's been a long day and I have another fight tomorrow, I'm going to call it a day. I'm really tired and still have like two fights tomorrow before I get to the last round." Hoseok explained. Jungkook nodded, with a beaming smile.

"Sure! I'm sure your gonna win Hyung." Jungkook grinned. Hoseok felt warm looking at the younger male. At least someone supported him and that's all he wanted, support. Something he never had, he's always been alone, but this time he isn't.

"Thanks Kookie." Hoseok ruffled his hair before retreating his hand. Jungkook laughed like a little kid giving him a smile so wide that his eyes nearly disappeared.

"Don't worry about Namjoon Hyung! You'll win Y/n's heart first! You'll win both, the tournament and her heart!"

Hoseok laughed and shook his head, his smile soft and warm.

"Goodnight Kookie."

"Goodnight Hyung!" Jungkook beamed, waving him as Hoseok walked back to his tent. Hoseok felt warm all over as he couldn't stop smiling. He finally had support, someone to help him a long the way. A companion, a friend. Hoseok giggled to himself with rosy cheeks thinking about how adorable the younger male really was.

"He's like a cute little brother. Yeah, a little brother I never got."

⚔️⚔️⚔️⚔️

Morning came a lot faster than Hoseok hoped and was dreading it the next day. Hoseok felt the morning cool breeze as he splashed his tiredness away with water. He ruffled his messy bed head and stood up as he shook his wet hands. He yawned one last time then started walking away from the river bay. His sword was tied on his side, using the back of his hand to wipe away the remaining water droplets that hang around.

"Hyung~"

Hoseok turned his head only for Jungkook to duck his head with his large palm. He ruffled the older males' hair with a giggle. Hoseok chuckled pulling his head back once Jungkook let go of his head.

"Morning Jungkook."

"Morning! So I wonder who your fighting this time! From what I heard, Mingi and San made it to the last rounds. So maybe it's one of them? Who knows!" Jungkook grinned. Hoseok shrugged, rolling back his shoulders that felt stiff. Jungkook hook his arm under Hoseoks and started to drag the lad.

"Come on! I wanna see who it is!"

"I'm coming Jungkook! There's no reason to drag me!-"

"Morning Yoongi Hyung!" Jungkook beamed, halting his steps. Hoseok stumbled forward before standing straight. His eyes met the scary dark ones coming from Yoongi. Yoongi yawned, flickering his dark eyes to the younger male.

"Morning Kookie. Why are you dragging the prince?"

"Because I wanna know who he's up against! Is it Mingi or San?"

Yoongi raised his eyebrow, yawning again.

"Actually, we changed plans yesterday and let Mingi and San battle yesterday. San lost to Mingi, then Mingi lost to Namjoon."

Hoseok paled, his eyes growing wide. There was no way he was prepared for this. The color just drained from his honey skin. He swallowed with wide eyes, Yoongi even chuckled at his startled expression.

"Yes prince that means-"

"Your going against me! Gee can't wait to battle with you, Hoseok."

Namjoon appeared to his side causing Hoseok to pale even further. He even felt Jungkook tighten his hold on his stiff arm. His whole body was stiff and frozen. His chocolate eyes were staring up at the tall man. His plump lips pulled into a cocky smile. Hoseok is never sure about a lot of things and tends to over think a lot, but for once, Hoseok knew exactly what was gonna happen.

He was gonna die.

For sure.