The night air was crisp, carrying the scent of blooming lotus from the pond nearby. The moonlight bathed the towering mountains, casting long shadows across the temple courtyard. The river murmured in the distance, a constant companion to the stillness of the night.

Jungkook sat alone in the study room, his fingers gently turning the pages of an old book. The words on the pages were soft, melancholic—full of unspoken thoughts. His sharp eyes, deep and unreadable, were fixed on the flickering candle in front of him. The flames danced in rhythm with his thoughts, as if they, too, understood the emotions hidden beneath his composed exterior.

A quiet knock at the door broke his trance.

“Come in,” he said, his voice calm, neither warm nor cold.

The door slid open, revealing Namjoon, his older brother. Like Jungkook, Namjoon rarely spoke unless necessary, but when he did, his words carried weight. He stepped inside, the wooden floor creaking slightly beneath his measured steps.

“You’re reading late tonight,” Namjoon noted, his tone gentle but firm.

Jungkook merely nodded, setting the book aside. He knew his brother had more to say, so he waited.

Namjoon sat across from him, pouring himself a cup of tea. He took a slow sip before speaking. “Father and Mother may not be here anymore, but our clan still depends on us. You should rest early.”

Jungkook exhaled softly. “I know.”

Namjoon studied him for a moment, then placed something on the table between them—a letter sealed with an unfamiliar emblem.

“The Clan Masters have made a decision,” Namjoon said, tapping the envelope lightly. “We are to meet with the Kim Clan soon.”

Jungkook’s eyes flickered with interest for the first time that evening. The Kim Clan—known for their prodigious warriors and unbreakable loyalty. He had heard many things about them, but one name stood out: Taehyung.

A prodigy with a sword, skilled in swordsmanship, and—if the rumors were true—a young man as radiant as the morning sun.

“I hear their youngest heir is as mischievous as he is talented,” Namjoon continued, a slight smile touching his lips. “Taehyung.”

Jungkook remained silent, but something within him stirred. A name had never carried weight before, yet this one lingered in his mind longer than it should have.

Meanwhile, in the Kim Clan Estate

Taehyung balanced on the edge of the lotus pond, one foot on a smooth rock, the other barely grazing the water’s surface. The night was quiet, except for the rustling leaves and the occasional chirp of crickets. He enjoyed the peaceful stillness, his mind quieting with the serene atmosphere.

“Still causing trouble at this hour?”

Taehyung grinned as he turned to see his older brother, Yoongi, watching him with a mix of amusement and exasperation.

“I was just appreciating the night,” Taehyung said, hopping off the rock effortlessly.

Yoongi sighed. “You have a meeting with the Jeon Clan soon. Try to act at least a little responsible.”

Taehyung tilted his head. “The Jeon Clan, huh? I heard their youngest master, Jungkook, is like a statue—cold and unreadable.”

Yoongi smirked. “That’s what makes this interesting. You love challenges, don’t you?”

Taehyung’s eyes sparkled mischievously. “Of course.”

The First Meeting

The Kim Clan arrived at the Jeon estate at noon the next day. The two families met in the grand hall, the air thick with both tension and curiosity.

Jungkook stood beside Namjoon, his expression unreadable. Across from him stood Taehyung, his gaze bright and filled with mischief. Their eyes met for the first time, and in that fleeting moment, something unexplainable passed between them—something neither could ignore.

Taehyung, unable to resist, let a small smirk play on his lips. “I thought you’d look scarier,” he said playfully.

Namjoon stifled a laugh, and Yoongi gave his younger brother a warning glance, but Jungkook merely raised an eyebrow. “And I thought you’d be taller.”

Taehyung blinked, caught off guard, before bursting into laughter. “Well, well, it seems the statue can talk.”

Jungkook said nothing, but a ghost of a smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

From that moment on, neither could deny it—fate had begun to weave their destinies together.

TO BE CONTINUE....

[ NOTE --- Jungkook ( top , lan chan ), Taehyung ( bottom ,wai wuxain ) ] .

I just wanted to make Taehyung wear a Jungkook dress that's why. 🥰😘

The Jeon Clan Academy was bustling with students, each immersed in their studies, practicing cultivation techniques, or sparring in training grounds. Inside one of the grand halls, the students gathered for their daily lesson, the atmosphere filled with the rustling of parchment and the soft murmurs of discussion.

Jungkook sat in the front row, his posture straight, his hands moving fluidly as he copied a complex cultivation text. His long, dark hair was tied neatly, a thin forehead ribbon keeping any stray strands away from his face. His aura was calm, almost unreadable, yet it held an undeniable presence that made others take him seriously.

Behind him, however, sat Taehyung, a completely different energy radiating from him. While Jungkook was focused, Taehyung was anything but. His lips curved in a faint smirk as he discreetly folded a small paper man, his fingers moving with practiced ease. The paper shimmered slightly, infused with his spiritual energy.

This wasn’t an ordinary paper figure—it was an enchanted Paper Man. Once activated, it would do whatever Taehyung wished.

A mischievous glint flickered in Taehyung’s eyes as he whispered a silent command. The tiny paper figure stirred, its movements smooth and lifelike, as if it had a will of its own. It hopped off Taehyung’s desk and scurried forward, dodging ink bottles and brushes with surprising agility.

Yoongi , who sat beside Taehyung, noticed the movement and sighed, already knowing that his younger brother was up to something. “You really don’t know how to sit still, do you?” he muttered under his breath.

Taehyung grinned but said nothing.

The paper figure moved stealthily across the desks, heading straight toward its target—Jungkook.

Jimin, sitting nearby, caught sight of the small enchanted creation and covered his mouth to hide a laugh. Jackson and Kai exchanged amused glances, already anticipating Jungkook’s reaction.

The tiny paper man climbed onto Jungkook’s shoulder, light as a feather. At first, Jungkook didn’t react, too focused on his calligraphy. But then, the paper figure moved toward his forehead, reaching for the delicate ribbon that kept his hair in place.

A small tug.

Jungkook stilled. His brush halted mid-stroke.

Another tug.

Jungkook’s jaw tightened. He reached up, fingers swiftly capturing the tiny figure.

The classroom fell into a tense silence.

Jungkook turned the paper man over in his hand, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly. He instantly recognized the traces of spiritual energy embedded in it. His gaze flickered toward Taehyung, who was watching him with an infuriatingly innocent expression.

Jungkook exhaled through his nose, his grip tightening just slightly before he pressed his fingers together, channeling a small pulse of his own energy. The paper man crumbled into ashes.

Taehyung smirked.

Jungkook didn’t react further, but the slight twitch in his eyebrow betrayed his mild annoyance. He turned back to his parchment, but not before casting a brief warning glance at Taehyung.

If Taehyung had been anyone else, they would have backed down immediately. But Taehyung only grinned wider.

After Class ------

The lesson soon ended, and students began to leave the hall, chattering among themselves. Jungkook, however, stayed behind for a while before making his way to the academy’s garden. The air was crisp, the scent of blooming flowers mixing with the earthy freshness of the ground. Finding a quiet spot beneath a towering willow tree, he settled down and closed his eyes, entering a meditative state.

His breathing slowed, his mind emptied, and the flow of spiritual energy within him became steady.

Just as he was reaching the peak of his meditation, he sensed a presence approaching. Without opening his eyes, he spoke.

" ----Hyung. "

A soft chuckle followed. “You’re too sharp, Jungkook.”

Jungkook slowly opened his eyes to see Namjoon standing before him, his expression calm yet carrying an air of authority. Namjoon was dressed in his usual elegant Light blue sky and white robes, and his forehead had ribbon with sky colour his flute hanging in his hand , giving him a formidable presence.

Jungkook didn’t need to ask why he was here. The answer came immediately.

“There’s been a disturbance near the eastern lake,” Namjoon explained. “A Water Ghost has been spotted. It’s been attacking travelers who pass by, and the elders want it eliminated before it grows stronger.”

Jungkook nodded, already understanding what Namjoon was implying.

“You want me to come?”

“Yes,” Namjoon confirmed. “It’ll be good and we're needed more people That's why .”

Before Jungkook could respond, another voice interrupted.

“I want to go too.”

Both turned to see Taehyung standing a few feet away, arms crossed, his face set with determination.

Jungkook immediately frowned. “This isn’t a game, Taehyung.”

Taehyung smirked. “Did I say it was?”

Namjoon watched the two for a moment before sighing. “ sure master Taehyung .”

Jungkook sees Taehyung with scary eyes,

Before the conversation could continue, another voice joined in.

“If you’re going, I’m coming too.”

Yoongi stepped forward, his usual lazy expression masking the sharp glint in his eyes. Unlike Namjoon, he wasn’t formally dressed in his robes, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t dangerous.

“Yoongia ?” Taehyung looked at him in surprise.

Yoongi shrugged. “I was bored anyway.”

Namjoon glanced at the three younger men before sighing again, though a small smile played at his lips. “Fine. But stay focused.”

With that, the four of them set off toward the eastern lake, their footsteps silent as they disappeared into the dense forest.

The hunt had begun...

TO BE CONTINUE.......

The dense forest surrounding the eastern lake was eerily quiet, save for the rustling of leaves beneath their feet. Moonlight barely pierced through the thick canopy, casting long shadows that twisted and stretched with every movement.

Jungkook walked ahead, his posture rigid yet fluid, his senses sharpened as he scanned the surroundings. Beside him, Taehyung moved with a relaxed grace, his eyes gleaming with excitement rather than caution. Behind them, Yoongi trailed lazily, his hands tucked into his sleeves, while Namjoon led the group with calm authority.

“There have been three attacks so far,” Namjoon said, his voice steady. “Each victim was found unconscious, their spiritual energy nearly drained. If we don’t stop this Water Ghost soon, it will grow too strong.”

Jungkook nodded but remained silent, his mind focused.

Taehyung, however, glanced at him with a smirk. “You’re awfully quiet, Jungkook. Are you nervous?”

Jungkook exhaled through his nose. “No.”

Taehyung tilted his head. “You sure? Your face is even stiffer than usual.”

Jungkook shot him a look—one that promised silent retribution—but before he could reply, Namjoon stopped in his tracks.

“We’ll need to take the boat,” he said, gesturing toward the wooden vessel tied to the dock. “The Water Ghost doesn’t come near the shore—it lurks in the deeper parts of the lake.”

Without hesitation, the four of them boarded the boat. Namjoon took the helm, guiding them toward the center of the lake. The water was unnervingly still, the mist curling around them in an almost sentient manner.

Yoongi reached into his robes, pulling out a talisman. He pressed it against the boat’s edge, infusing it with spiritual energy. “This should keep us stable if it attacks.”

Jungkook kept his gaze on the water, his grip tightening on his sword. “It’s close.”

A gurgling sound rose from the depths.

Then—

The water beneath them exploded.

The boat rocked violently as a monstrous Water Ghost surged from the depths, its translucent form towering above them. It had hollow, glowing eyes and jagged, shifting features. Its long, liquid body slithered around the boat, encircling them like a predator playing with its prey.

It began circling them, moving faster and faster, stirring up massive waves that threatened to overturn the boat.

Yoongi cursed under his breath. “If we stay here, we’re sitting ducks.”

Namjoon’s eyes flashed. “Then we take the fight to the sky.”

In one swift motion, all four of them leapt into the air—landing atop their swords as they floated above the lake.

Jungkook balanced himself effortlessly, his sword glowing beneath his feet. Taehyung stood beside him, one hand casually resting on his hilt, looking completely at ease.

Namjoon, hovering slightly above them, brought his flute to his lips.

The first note pierced through the air.

A shockwave of energy rippled outward, forcing the Water Ghost to halt its movements. The creature screeched, its form trembling as Namjoon’s melody held it in place.

Jungkook seized the opportunity and lunged forward, sword aimed for its core—

But the Water Ghost retaliated faster than expected.

A clawed hand shot forward—straight for Jungkook.

Jungkook barely had time to react before a strong arm wrapped around his waist and yanked him back.

Taehyung moved first.

With one smooth motion, Taehyung spun Jungkook behind him and raised his sword, slashing through the Water Ghost’s attack. The impact sent a wave of spiritual energy rippling through the air, pushing the creature back.

Jungkook, caught off guard, stumbled slightly. His heart pounded—not from fear, but from the sudden realization that Taehyung had protected him.

Taehyung turned his head slightly, his voice low. “You okay?”

Jungkook swallowed, his pride bruised. “I didn’t need your help.”

Taehyung smirked. “Sure you didn’t.”

The Water Ghost roared, its body reforming instantly. It coiled around them, its tendrils lashing out violently.

Namjoon’s melody grew sharper, weaving through the air like a blade. Yoongi threw his talismans, each one burning upon contact, weakening the ghost.

Jungkook moved to strike—but the ghost suddenly lashed out, knocking him off balance mid-air.

“Jungkook!” Taehyung called, eyes widening.

Jungkook barely had time to react before the Water Ghost’s clawed hand shot forward, aiming straight for his chest.

Time slowed.

A flash of silver—

A rush of wind—

And then—

Jungkook was there ---

He moved in a blur, grabbing Taehyung’s wrist and pulling him onto his sword. At the same time, he twisted his blade, deflecting the ghost’s attack with a precise, deadly arc. The sheer force of his spiritual energy sent the creature reeling backward.

Taehyung landed against Jungkook’s chest, their balance shifting for just a moment before Jungkook steadied them both.

For a brief moment, Jungkook felt the warmth of Taehyung’s breath against his cheek.

“ why are you holding my waist ?” Taehyung murmured.

Jungkook scowled, quickly pulling away. “Tch. Focus.”

Taehyung smile but obeyed.

Namjoon, still playing his flute, shot them a knowing look. “You two can fight later.”

Yoongi smirked. “Or not. It’s fun watching them.

Jungkook ignored them, tightening his grip on his sword. “Let’s just end this.”

With a sharp cry, the Water Ghost lunged one final time, its entire form twisting into a monstrous tidal wave.

This time—

They all moved.

Namjoon’s melody reached its peak, freezing the ghost in place. Yoongi’s talismans ignited, burning through its defenses.

And in the final moment—

Taehyung and Jungkook struck together.

Their swords glowed with golden energy as they sliced through the Water Ghost’s core. A deafening wail rang out as the creature disintegrated, its form melting into the lake like mist under sunlight.

Silence fell.

The water calmed. Their swords hovered above the now-still lake.

Jungkook let out a slow breath, stepping back onto his own sword. Taehyung turned to him, a victorious glint in his eyes.

“You’re welcome, by the way,” he teased.

Jungkook clicked his tongue. “You just happened to be in the way.”

Taehyung smirked. “Right.”

Namjoon sighed, lowering his flute. “Let’s head back before you two start bickering again.”

As they soared toward the shore, Jungkook couldn’t shake the memory of Taehyung’s arm around him, the way he had instinctively protected him.

For the first time, Jungkook found himself watching Taehyung—not as an annoyance, but as something else entirely.

Something dangerous.

Something he wasn’t ready to name.

To Be Continued ------