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Among the Great Deities of Life, the Sun and Moon Gods have watched over human beings and their fortune over millenia on end. The Mighty God of the Sun provided life, warmth and happiness, while the Benevolent God of the Moon blessed those that laid their gaze upon him in the darkness of the night good fortune and the fulfillment of their most profound dreams.
Jungkook feels drawn away from the warmth. He despises the burn of the rays of sun touching the skin, and while grateful, he has never said a single prayer in thanks to their magnificent God of the Sun. No, instead, Jungkook lurks in the shadows, and waits for the sun to be gone.
It is only after the big star hides behind his town's hills that he can truly breathe. The moon never makes a big entrance, Jungkook doesn't watch it appear, but one moment it's gone, and the next it's right in his sight. He cannot help but smile.
The sky is dark and filled with stars, and the wind is chilly, ruthless now that the burning sun has left, but Jungkook welcomes the goosebumps on his arms with grace. The moon calls to him, and like that, Jungkook puts on his finest clothes and makes his way to the shrine.
The God of the Moon was one of the most praised and honored among all the deities of life. With such a big presence and beauty, the God of the Moon deserved nothing short of big and beautiful shrines where humans could pray their wishes and be heard. The most common shrines were built surrounding lakes, its clear surface reflecting the pure white of the Moon's borrowed shine and its blessings on humanity.
Jungkook is earlier than any of the other devotees, he always makes sure to arrive first to be the closest to the beauty and blessings of the moon. He lets his eyes travel across the lake's smooth surface, making sure there is no leaf or blemish there to ruin the moon's reflection. Satisfied with his thorough check, he makes his way to his usual bench, sitting right in the middle of it to try and avoid having someone else sit with him. He takes a deep breath of cold air and closes his eyes, putting his hands over his chest to pray.
Gracious Deity, I'm before you with my heart open to your mercy and fortune. Thank you for all my blessings, I shall make sure to honor all of them as it is what you deserve. Listen to my prayers, moon, as I need you.
Jungkook gets lost in his silent prayers to the moon, in a place deep into his spirit where only him and the moon exist. He lets out his hardships, his joys, the deepest secrets and desires of his young heart, and for a moment, his back chills even more as he feels the cold touch of two hands. But he doesn't feel afraid, instead he lets out a shaky sigh and is grateful to the moon once again.
Life was peaceful and prosperous, until years and years passed, and humans showed themselves restless, violent, throwing their blessed upon happiness to the side to be part of war, deceit, envy and crime. Thing was, such was the God of the Moon's mercy and kindness that He often blessed every being that stepped onto His shines, extremely so. The overly abundant fortune of some filled humanity's hearts with jealousy, greed, and a constant desire for more, for who could be the luckiest when the Moon smiled down upon all of them?
Jungkook works peacefully under the shade of a tree. He is glad the clouds are absent today so that he can make the most of the sunlight to draw, the scratch of his pencil on rough paper being his only company. After having asked the moon for fortune on his inspiration, he had been blessed with a mind full of ideas once he woke up, brightening his mood considerably.
Furthermore, he managed to sell his portraits for more coins than he'd usually get, taking some of his worries off his shoulders. So one could understand that Jungkook is beyond happy with the lucky day he's had.
His work in progress gets darkened by the shadow of someone standing before him. Rising his eyes, Jungkook sees one of the many men that live in his town, although they have never exchanged a single greeting.
"May I help you?" he asks politely with a smile despite his confusion.
"You look happy, Jeon," the man remarks with malice in his voice. "What's with the stupid smile?"
The smile vanishes and confusion is the only thing left. "E-Excuse me?"
"Do you think you have it easy selling those stupid drawings? That you don't have to work your back off because you're so special?"
Suddenly, Jungkook feels fragile in his sitting position, but before he can stand up, the man grabs him by the collar of his shirt and pulls him up to his feet. Jungkook struggles but a quick jerk of the man's arm is enough to make him freeze.
"Please, I-I did nothing to you," Jungkook tries to reason, his heart beating loudly, his hands holding onto his tools with all his might.
"You have no idea what it's like," the man snarls. He grabs Jungkook by the hair, making him cry out at the harsh pull. Without a moment to react, Jungkook is thrown towards the trunk he'd been leaning against, his head hitting the wood with a painful sound.
He barely manages to avoid hitting his face on the floor, using his hands to catch some of his fall. He breathes heavily and looks at the man, his eyes widened in horror as he watches his pencils and paper being destroyed by the man's hands. His heart hurts, yet no words come out of his mouth. Tears flood his eyes and his aggressor laughs at him.
"You have no idea what it's like," he repeats, the wrath seemingly gone from his body as he leaves Jungkook, beaten and devastated, crying under the tree.
Concerned for the future of humans and Deities alike, the God of the Sun brought the God of the Moon a companion, a soul partner created out of the Moon's own reflection from the biggest and cleanest lake on Earth. With all the wisdom from being born from Earth itself, the God of the Sun gave this second deity the eternal task of being the reason to the God of the Moon's endless benevolence, bringing fortune and joy, but never too much.
Jungkook's parents tried to persuade him against going to the lake that night, claiming that a good night's rest would do him good to make his body feel better soon. Jungkook managed to convince them instead. Time would heal his body and do little to heal his heart, standing before the moon could bless him and heal both.
His walk is not as enthusiastic as usual, and he hopes the moon smiles at him again despite his saddened mood. He stops by the entrance of the shrine where two tall statues guard its entrance.
Legends tell the story of the descent of the Deities of Life to Earth, and those who were around to see it made sure to portray the higher beings' physical appearances, sharing this knowledge from generation to generation. The statues depict said figures in stark white marble.
To the right is the original God of the Moon, called Seokjin by the people on this side of the world. The statue shows uncanny beautiful features, a perfect set of eyebrows and lips that catch Jungkook's attention more than they should. To the left, was the moon's second deity, Namjoon. This second deity showcased strength where the first showed delicacy, and wisdom on his face where the first showed dreams. Jungkook was well versed on the joint work of the Gods of the Moon and their never ending balance. Besides their blessings, Jungkook had to admit these Gods were of immense beauty.
Jungkook sits on his bench and touches his heart, closing his eyes but not praying, not yet. He soaks in the cold, the pure scent of the water and trees nearby, and he lets his heart cry.
It's not long before Jungkook feels the touch of cold hands on him again, this time caressing his head in a caring manner. He feels a presence - no, two presences near him, but he doesn't dare open his eyes.
"I think you overdid it," a low voice seems to whisper right inside his mind.
"I didn't think it could cause... this."
"You're not perfect. We never are."
The hand on his head moves to his cheek and Jungkook shivers. "It's surprising, he came back. There's no resentment in his heart."
"He's good."
The cold surrounds him like a freezing embrace and Jungkook feels stuck in his place. The voices, blended as one now, put their blessing upon him.
"You shall be happy, Jeon Jungkook. Forgive the misdeeds of this careless god."
Jungkook's heart is about to beat out of his chest as he snaps his eyes open. There are two faces he recognizes in front of him, shining in dreamy light. They smile at him and make his eyes close again.
By the time he opens his eyes again, he's alone in the shrine.
Lovers often went to the Gods of the Moon looking for fortune in their relationship, looking up at the shining sky orb that didn't hurt their eyes like the Sun did. The Gods of the Moon often blessed lovers with fortune and a bright future ahead, it was often rumored that the Gods themselves were creatures of love.
Jungkook has dreamt of the Gods' faces ever since his experience at the shrine. He has never heard of an experience like this, and he is still half-sure that what he saw was a delirium of his fragile heart. But for whatever reason, the faces remain burnt into his mind, present at every moment.
He is almost shaking as he enters the shrine, looking away from the statues so as to not feed his already scattered thoughts. He sits on his bench and risks a bright smile at the moon before lowering his head.
"I think I saw you last night," he whispers quietly, swallowing down the embarrassment of addressing Deities in such an informal way. "I think it was you, but I don’t know what I saw, please, please give me a sign."
Jungkook closes his eyes then, smiling despite his concerns. Before long, he doesn't feel alone anymore.
"Keep your eyes closed."
Jungkook's breath hitches. "Who are you?"
There is silence until another voice, this one lower, speaks. "Do you remember your faith?"
He nods and the first voice sounds joyful as he speaks again. "What is your faith?"
Jungkook inhales deeply and he feels subtle touches on his hands. "I believe in you," he starts, "even if I can’t hear you, or see you, I still believe."
"You've been so good, Jungkook. Open your eyes."
Carefully, Jungkook does as he is told. There is no one near him, but a faint glow across the lake makes him squint his eyes as he tries to discern the figures at the distance.
Two men stand tall, wearing white cloaks and looking right at him.
Jungkook smiles despite the shock inside his body, and he doesn't dare say a word. Instead, he watches as the Deities walk towards the lake, their glow growing brighter as they approach the water. Once their bodies get in contact with the lake, they slowly fade away. Jungkook is alone in the shrine, but he doesn't feel alone at all.
On the matter of lovers, it was often said that every Deity of Life had a special place for those devotees close to their heart. As part of their powerful beings, Deities could often come down to Earth in a human form to visit their lovers. A Deity's love was one of the greatest blessings that could fall upon a human being.
Fortune has been on Jungkook's side. He makes sure not to show it off, lest he awakens the envy of those around him yet again. Not everything is good luck, not by a long shot, but he prefers it this way. He keeps visiting the shrine constantly, and even on the days he is unable to, he never forgets to send a heartfelt prayer from his home at night before going to sleep. He trusts Seokjin and Namjoon can hear him.
Weeks pass, and the next time Jungkook wears his finest clothes to visit the shrine, he carries something else within his person. He feels only a little silly, his appearance and offering making it seem as if he were ready to attend a date. In a way, Jungkook feels that is the case, even if whoever he could tell would probably laugh at him if he spoke his thoughts out loud.
As is his routine of years, Jungkook sits on a bench, holding his offering between his hands, holding it close to his chest as he prays. He tells the Gods about his day, his fortunes and hurdles of his day to day, as if talking to an intimate friend.
“I have something for you,” he whispers, tightening his hold on his offering. “It’s not a lot, nothing compared to what you’ve given to me, but I’ve been working hard, and I’ve been doing so well and it’s all thanks to you, I’m… so grateful to have you in my life. Please accept my offering.”
He opens his eyes and stands up with a sigh, trying to shake the nerves off himself. He walks to the edge of the lake and crouches, touching the ground to keep his balance. On his free hand rests a box that he manages to open one-handed to present its contents.
There are two folded pieces of paper, each of them containing a portrait of each of the Gods, made by Jungkook himself. He had attempted to finish these drawings many times, but he wouldn’t settle for anything less than perfection for two Gods. Carefully nestled inside the drawings are two silver rings. Jungkook spent most of his savings on them, but he knows his offering - the Gods - are more than worth it. The rings are identical, made of shining silver engraved with two circles representing the new moon and the full moon. Balancing the two moons, a four-pointed star is also engraved right between the moons. There is nothing grandiose about the rings, and Jungkook marvels at the simplicity of it, hopeful that the Gods will appreciate its subtle but heartfelt meaning.
Proceeding with caution, Jungkook places the open box over the water, making sure it floats before giving it a push with his fingertips, watching as it steadily sways to a deeper part of the lake. The box eventually stops, and Jungkook swears the moon shines brighter for a moment before the box sinks into the lake, leaving only a faint ripple behind.
Jungkook smiles widely, closes his eyes with a little “Thank you” and stands up to make his way home. The moon watches over him until he crosses the threshold of his house, its Gods fondly smiling at him from the sky.
And so time goes by, longing humans and longing Deities, awaiting the day they shall be reunited in a realm beyond life.
The day feels peculiar to Jungkook, a sensation at the deepest of his gut that he cannot explain. Life has been good to him, as it tends to be lately. The work fares well, his parents are healthy, and the rare sightings of Seokjin and Namjoon when Jungkook finds himself alone at the shrine bring him infinite happiness. He is still unsure as to how special he might be to Gods such as them, but he is sure the love and admiration in his eyes hasn't dimmed a single bit. The moon will be full tonight, the closest to Earth as it will be during the year, and Jungkook can't wait to appreciate the sight of it.
Night falls and so does the silence as Jungkook gathers yet another offering for the Gods. He places the moon shaped pendants in the pocket of his trousers; three seconds later, he hears a wail from outside.
"Somebody help!"
Almost by instinct, Jungkook looks out the window to find a lone child looking lost in the street. He goes out and calls out to the girl. "What's wrong?"
The girl is crying big tears, her voice barely understandable through her sobs. "I l-lost my little brother i-in the shrine for the Moon, please help me find him!"
Jungkook freezes at the mention of the shrine, and his heart hurts at the despair clear on the girl's face. "I'll help you, go for your parents, tell them to go to the lake, understood?"
With a shaky nod from the girl, Jungkook smiles at her as confidently as he can before speeding off in the direction of the shrine. The place seems empty as he enters, not a soul in sight. He quickly walks around, looking towards the trees. "Hello? Are you there?"
There is a small sound that gets louder; a recognizable splash of water that makes Jungkook turn right towards the center of the lake, where a tiny boy, surely no older than three, flails his arms around trying to stay afloat.
Jungkook's eyes fill with overwhelmed tears, his mind indecisive over what to feel; relief at finding the child, shock at seeing a person inside the Moon's lake, or fear at approaching the water he'd never learnt to swim on. These thoughts run through his mind in a second, and he spares another one to apologize to the Gods before taking a run to jump into the lake.
The water is freezing, and Jungkook flails, much like the child, trying to orient himself after the initial shock. He moves his arms as best he can and kicks his legs like running from the cold to approach the child. Once he manages to grasp the boy, it's like a gate opened and loud wails surround his ears. Jungkook tries to hush him as he struggles to keep the boy above his head. "You will be alright, I promise. I need you to relax and try not to move, okay?"
The crying child nods but still fuses around, but at least almost half his body is outside the water. Jungkook feels his arms and legs slowly growing numb at the cold, but he refuses his arms' urge to lower, and his hand's urge to let go of the weight they carry. He looks at the entrance of the shrine and hopes that someone will soon arrive. A sudden chill of cold water over his mouth stirs him out of his stupor and he starts kicking clumsily to avoid sinking when his foot catches with something down below.
His focus is lost and the child falls into the water as Jungkook quickly tries to release his foot from the bottom of the lake. Under the water, he can't hear a lot because of the pressure of water against his ears, but he manages to open his eyes to see someone entering the water, swimming fast towards the child and him. He watches as the child is held in the man's arms, and how a helping hand is stretched his way.
Jungkook waves the man away after a meek signal to his foot. Knowing the boy is safe almost makes him sigh out the little air he has left. He bends and fights water to get closer to his foot. There is a loop of rope stuck around his foot and calf, and Jungkook's weakened hands, further slowed down by the hands, are unable to do much work untangling it. He feels himself running out of time, in all the ways that matter, and he moves his head to look up.
Never alone, the big moon glows over him. Jungkook musters the last of his strength to raise his hands towards the sky, his final prayer unspoken as his eyes close.
Gracious Moon, don't forget me.
As the Deities of Life hold a special place for their beloved, filled with peace, glory and purity.
Jungkook awakens.
He awakens and is perturbed by how easily existing comes to him. He waits for the burn inside his lungs, the pain of aching limbs, the freezing cold of the lake water, and feels nothing but warmth and comfort inside him. He sits up and startles at what he sees.
It is almost like the lake he's always known, but everything is bathed in a blue glow. He looks above and there is nothing. He gasps.
"You're okay," one voice says behind him. Jungkook squeezes his eyes shut.
"You're with us now, open your eyes," the second voice joins, and Jungkook fears, but he also trusts, and so he turns his head and opens his eyes.
Jungkook gasps. "It's you." The Gods stand before him, still beings of incredible beauty but looking more human than Jungkook has ever seen them. "Did... Am I dead?"
Seokjin sighs. "Your mortal body has passed, but your soul has gone beyond life."
"How is the kid, is he safe?"
Namjoon, calmly standing beside the first God of the Moon, smiles kindly at him. "I knew you'd say that. The child is safe, thanks to you."
That's enough for Jungkook to feel relief. "I'm so glad."
"Come, stand up." The Gods - Seokjin and Namjoon, Jungkook tries to call them in his mind - offer a hand each to help him stand up. Their touch feels smooth, and it's warm like an embrace. After they let go of him, Jungkook's eyes go to his wrists. There, on the inside, now exist two marks, two mirrored quarter moon shapes, just like the pendants he'd been carrying on his pockets before.
"How-?"
"You've transcended life, Jungkook. You are to become a Deity, if you so wish."
Jungkook stares at Namjoon with disbelief. "Why... Why me?"
It is Seokjin who replies, his smile comforting. "It's the love blessing of a God, Jungkook." He steps closer and places his palm against Jungkook's cheek, his eyes closing at the touch. "The special place that waits for those close to our heart, for the beloved of a Deity. And our beloved is you. Look at the water and see your new resting place."
Jungkook follows the movement of Seokjin's hand, turning his neck to look at what seems like the universe held within the space the lake used to hold. And there, in plain sight, stars that shine brighter than those around them form the recognizable shape of a rabbit.
Namjoon steps between Jungkook and his view of the universe, speaking quietly. "Earth's beliefs couldn't prepare you for this, Jungkook. You're to reside within the stars, there and everywhere, as such are the powers of the Gods. People on Earth can choose to believe in you just as you did for us, and you'll live as long as your stars shine bright."
"And I'll stay with you?"
Seokjin and Namjoon both smile at him now. "As long as that's what you desire."
Jungkook's heart bursts with love. "Yes, it will always be."
And the three of them hug, as Jungkook's deepest dream finally comes true.
As their lover turns into a Deity himself, the Gods of the Moon place their beloved upon the most brilliant stars in the vicinity. Thus the stars, showing the shape of a hare about to jump, its body angled towards the Moon, hold within the spirit of a new Deity being born. And the hare lives under the Moon's embrace and a timeless gaze, spreading love upon those that behold their eternal companionship.