Chapter Text
Black is a very becoming color on some. It can really accentuate a person’s features rather than wash them out.
That’s what Jungkook was thinking as he stood by Seokjin’s side watching him have a conversation with someone.
Wearing a black hanbok, Seokjin looked especially dashing. It made Jungkook feel weird to the point that he had to look away, blushing in embarrassment because he couldn’t be ogling at Seokjin like this. Seokjin was after all his fathers age!
But unlike his father Seokjin’s features were so much more defined, so crisp. His face did not look like he was 41 years old. His body wasn’t that of a 41 year old either.
Tall and lean with broad shoulders and long limbs, Seokjin really stood out among the older men in the village. He was rich, learned and well spoken.
Then came his face that Jungkook knew for a fact had inspired some local artists. He was so very handsome. His skin perfect and soft. His eyebrows perfect slits, his forehead marked by nary a wrinkle. A regal nose and plump lips that would drive many to sin.
Then there were his eyes. Warm pools of brown. That shone when he smiled. And what a smile that was.
So charming, so sweet, so inviting, so indulgent.
Anyone would get lost in it. Like how Jungkook was lost in it now.
“Jungkookie…sweetheart are you okay? Why are you so red? Are you feeling faint?” Seokjin was asking, reaching out to touch Jungkook’s forehead as Jungkook blinked back to the present.
Oh now he was really truly embarrassed. Turns out he was indeed caught staring at Seokjin.
“N-no…so-sorry.” He managed to say as he looked at the ground. His heart galloping when he felt Seokjin pat his head.
“Alright let’s go. Let me take you home. It’s late, your father must be upset.” Seokjin said as he extended his hand waiting for Jungkook to hold his fingers before taking him to his horse.
Seokjin seated Jungkook first. The stallion obediently bending and then standing straight as Seokjin put away Jungkook’s groceries in the storage bags before he climbed behind the young man.
“Is this okay?” Seokjin whispered, his lips touching the shell of Jungkook’s ears making Jungkook pray that they weren't too warm.
For now he jerkily nodded his head before he heard Seokjin smile and then command his horse to a trot.
As they rode home Jungkook looked to his side, seeing their reflection in the water. His heart reacting weirdly at the visage.
Jungkook knows he should be riding on his own. Those his age had their own horses. Their own carriages too. But they also had money which Jungkook lacked which is why he had to take the communal carriage to the market.
Something he did today. But then he got distracted by the local drama troupe who was performing in the main square and found himself stranded when he was informed the last communal carriage had left.
He’d either have to pay extra for a personal carriage or walk home.
He didn't have the money so he was ready to walk with all his groceries but then he heard someone call his name and turned around to find Seokjin looking at him in concern wondering why he was away from his home so late.
When he explained, Seokjin had scolded him lightly for being careless. But he also knew how Jungkook, like his father, always loved the arts and so he was gentle with him before telling him he’d drop him home.
Jungkook had no other option. He also didn’t want to seem disrespectful so he’d agreed leading up to him waiting beside Seokjin as he spoke to someone and everything that followed. Ending with him sitting on Seokjin’s horse with one of Seokjin’s hand banded around his waist and the other holding the reins of his stead.
“Are you sure you are okay Jungkookie? Why are you so quiet?” Seokjin asked as they reached his humble front yard. As expected Jungkook’s father was waiting by the entrance. His hands on his hips as he looked ahead in worry.
“Just…appa.” Jungkook whispered, his heart clenching on seeing the visible relief on his fathers face when he looked at Seokjin and Jungkook.
“Aigoo Jungkookah! It’s so late! Where were you?” Jungkook’s appa asked as he rushed to hug his precious son.
But before Jungkook could reply Seokjin said, “Aish sorry Namjoonah…it’s my mistake. I saw him at the market and told him I’d bring him back.”
Namjoon who was in the process of greeting Seokjin only could thank him profusely while telling him it was all okay especially since Jungkook was safe with him.
“We don’t have much to offer Seokjinah…but we have enough to share so please do stay for dinner?” Namjoon requested making Seokjin furrow his brow at his friend. “You make it sound as if this is the first time I’m eating here Namjoonah. Did you forget if it wasn’t for you two I’d probably starve while in mourning?” Seokjin asked as Namjoon smiled at him, looking at Jungkook and saying, “Why don’t you rush through dinner Jungkookah.”
Jungkook nodded his head, bowing to his father and Seokjin before he rushed to take the groceries away and go to the kitchen as Seokjin tied his horse.
His father wasn’t wrong. They didn’t have much. Even their little hut was extremely humble. There was only one room and then straw mats fashioned as walls that separated the living area from the kitchen.
As Jungkook watched Seokjin sitting with his father he couldn’t help but be ashamed at the very obvious difference.
His father dressed in a worn gray handok that had visible patchwork done by Jungkook himself and then Seokjin in a black handok that looked rich though so simple. The material gleamed as the fire Namjoon built reflected off it.
None of those differences however seemed to matter to Seokjin. He never till date had treated Namjoon and by extension Jungkook with anything but kindness. Having been Namjoon’s friend right from the time they were seven.
In a time where wealth divided society Namjoon was born with a brain not suited for a poor family. He was smart. His reading and language skills were better than all. He was extremely good with numbers and the sciences.
But his folks couldn’t afford sending him to better schools which is why it surprised everyone when the minister’s family offered to pay for his education at the best school - a school attended by the children of the elite with traveling instructors who were extremely knowledgeable.
Though the minister’s intention’s weren’t noble. Turns out his wife was a volunteer teacher at Namjoon’s old school and had wanted for Namjoon to attend the same school as her son since he was a weaker student. Essentially wanting Namjoon to do not only do his school work but their son’s too.
Something that Namjoon did quietly while also facing bullying from the elite children. Something he also endured quietly. Then little Namjoon’s responsibilities increased when there was a new transfer student who he was tasked to help. That student being Seokjin who unlike others treated him well.
So well indeed that he began defending Namjoon against bullies and became his best friend not caring for their very obvious class divide. Seokjin’s father, after all, worked for the monarchy and his home was almost seven times larger than Namjoon’s.
Namjoon and Seokjin’s friendship had a lot of tongues wagging. Their friendship lasting over decades had even more tongues wagging.
The duo graduated school together and then while Seokjin had the opportunity to travel to study Namjoon stayed behind in the village opting to work at his old school as a teacher.
Being smart unfortunately didn’t open doors then. You still needed money and influence and Namjoon had refused any kind of help. Still Seokjin would write him letters and when he’d visit he’d bring with him books on various topics so that Namjoon could also keep up with new discoveries.
Then it came time for Namjoon’s marriage. Which was a small affair with a local man named Hoseok who was kind and sweet. He smiled like the sun and knew both Namjoon and Seokjin from before.
There was barely a reception. Both Namjoon and Hoseok, not having much but that didn’t stop Seokjin from attending. Then when it was his turn Seokjin insisted on Namjoon and Hoseok helping with rituals and being involved.
Seokjin married a beauty. Park Jimin. They met when Seokjin was traveling and it’s believed Seokjin was madly in love. Obsessed with his spouse.
After his marriage he stayed behind for a bit. Witnessing the birth of Jungkook but then when Jungkook was 5, Jimin and he left to travel. Seokjin had the money to spare and also worked as a merchant and scholar while Jimin just loved to see new places.
It was during Seokjin’s travels that life dealt a series of blows to Namjoon. Starting with a fire that ravaged his home leaving him and his family destitute. Then he was indebted to loan sharks for the money he needed for a new home.
Then the kingdom suffered with a greedy king who only wanted more taxes leaving the poorest of the poor even more poor. Namjoon had to work multiple jobs, Hoseok too and even Jungkook did odd jobs though they usually were house jobs.
Jungkook couldn’t even go to school because Namjoon couldn’t afford it. He couldn’t even afford the opportunity to teach his own son.
In all this time Seokjin still wrote to Namjoon. Telling him about his life but Namjoon never told him about his struggles. Instead always wishing Seokjin well and being happy for his friend.
Then when Jungkook was 15 tragedy struck when Hoseok fell ill. With no money and no proper medications the illness soon spread to Namjoon too but he survived while Hoseok unfortunately didn’t.
It was while he was watching his father lose his sanity over Hoseok’s remains that Jungkook felt entirely hopeless. But then at that moment he felt a hand on his shoulder and when he turned around faced Seokjin who was shocked by everything.
Horrified that his dear friend had endured so much in his absence. Livid that Namjoon had never said anything. Still Seokjin didn’t shout. He didn’t fight. He only held Namjoon, letting him cry on his chest while Jimin held Jungkook close.
To make up for not telling him the truth Seokjin paid off the loan sharks affording Namjoon the opportunity to have just one job and while Seokjin would have done more, Namjoon refused. He understood Seokjin came from a good place but he couldn’t take advantage of his friend.
So now they lived humbly with the little they had with Namjoon finding the time to educate Jungkook once he was done with his work. It wasn’t the best life but still father and son would celebrate their little wins with the little they had. But the hard work, struggle and grief had taken a heavy toll on Namjoon.
He fell ill more often and looked way older than his age. Still he continued working hard. His only concern being Jungkook’s future.
“You worry too much! Jungkookie will always be taken care of!” Seokjin always told him and though Namjoon wanted to believe that, he knew better.
Jungkook was beautiful. Soft features with a sweet disposition. His skin was soft like cream. He had a button nose and soft cherry lips with an adorable smile where his front teeth would show like a bunny. And then there were his eyes. Big and shiny.
Jungkook should have been born a prince. He looked like a prince but was born to a pauper.
It was especially discouraging for Namjoon to see how there were no good prospects available for Jungkook though he was registered as being able to bear children as was the norm then.
Others his age and younger were already married and some even had had children but Jungkook remained unmarried, marred by rumors of bad luck.
Namjoon also got called a fool for rejecting the few proposals he’d gotten for Jungkook. But he stood by his decision because he wasn’t going to throw his son’s life away by tying him to the village drunk or the man with an abusive history!
“Jungkookah is nice. But he’s too nice Seokjinah. All of 21 but naive I must say. He’s not dumb or stupid, no. I blame myself really because I’ve kept him isolated. Or I must say our struggles have kept his isolated from others his age. He really doesn’t know this world other than this village. And as he grows older it’s becoming apparent the village isn’t looking at him like a child either.” Namjoon said grimacing as Seokjin peered at him asking for an explanation.
“No one has attempted anything thankfully but it’s just the way everyone looks at him. It’s obvious none have any good intentions. I fear sending him anywhere by himself. I make sure he dresses extremely modestly. I don’t worry for nothing. I’m scared that someday someone who he considers a respectable elder will take advantage of him.” Namjoon said sighing as Jungkook rushed out bringing the foldable table with him.
He then went back and forth a couple times bringing the containers with food out so that they could all eat together.
Something the trio did as Seokjin kept praising Jungkook’s cooking, making the boy blush!
“Why don’t you get him married then?” Seokjin asked when he and Namjoon were having a nightcap as Jungkook did the dishes.
“I would if there was someone good enough. Nothing is hidden from you Seokjinah. We have nothing to offer. ‘Good’ proposals ask for a dowry which I can’t afford and those who’ve asked for his hand are the worst of the worst! Also unlike our time kids nowadays don’t want to marry and then struggle. They want to struggle, make something of themselves and then settle. It’s not a bad thing really but it doesn’t make sense for my Jungkookah! I don’t know why life is so hard for us. I don’t mind the struggle, I’ll willingly struggle even more but why does my son have to suffer?” Namjoon said with tears in his eyes that he quickly wiped away as Jungkook came to him with a blanket to cover him from the night chill.
Seokjin, who was watching silently, noticed how Jungkook himself had no blanket. His hanbok wasn’t even made of a thick material. He’d have to be cold too! But Jungkook seemed only to care about Namjoon and Seokjin didn’t like that.
Not that Jungkook cared for his father but that he didn’t seem to care for himself. Sure it wasn’t a luxury he had but Seokjin had it. Seokjin had that luxury.
“You’re doing what?” Seokjin asked Namjoon a few weeks later when his friend sheepishly asked Seokjin if he’d had a lightly used hanbok to spare.
“I’m presenting Jungkookah at the village square during the harvest festival with the others who are looking for marriage prospects.” Namjoon said only for Seokjin to argue back with, “Like some farm animal at auction?? What is wrong with you?”
Namjoon then took a deep breath looking at his friend with something that scared Seokjin. His fears bearing fruit almost immediately when Namjoon said, “I’m dying Seokjinah.”
Turns out the illness never left Namjoon. It was just eating him up from the inside without presenting any terrible symptoms. “The doctors don’t know how long it’ll be. They just told me to have my affairs in order. One infection, a fever and it may take me.” Namjoon said as Seokjin sat down heavily, his eyes full of tears.
“My Jungkookah is all I care about. I want to make sure he has someone to take care of him. The harvest festival is visited by many who come from outside the village so maybe someone will be interested.” Namjoon said as he held Seokjin’s hand.
“I’ll send you to the best doctors! I’ll take care of everything! Nothing will happen to you! We’re only 41!!” Seokjin said but Namjoon understood his friend. Seokjin was always passionate about his love for Namjoon.
“You can’t control destiny Seokjinah. Just for now if you have a hanbok to spare for my Jungkookah. I don’t want him standing there in rags.” Namjoon said, making Seokjin rush to fulfill Namjoon’s wish.
Jungkook felt exceptionally odd standing at the village square when the day arrived. It wasn’t the ‘standing at the village square’ part that was odd, rather it was what he was wearing.
He knew his father had borrowed a hanbok from Seokjin. He guessed this hanbok would have to have belonged to Jimin because of the size but that’s not what Jungkook marveled at. What he couldn’t get over is how the material felt over his skin. So luxurious, not itchy, not rough, not uncomfortable but soft almost like being wrapped in cream.
For a moment Jungkook wondered what it’d feel like if he got to wear robes like this all the time? It was a very negligible luxury for the rich but for Jungkook it was so different. He couldn’t help but think further; what if he didn’t have to struggle this much or worry as much?
What if Namjoon could actually relax and not have to work so hard? What if Jungkook could actually be happier?
But now was not the time for that. As he looked about the time square he realized he’d be next.
Seokjin wasn’t wrong in calling it ‘…like an auction for farm animals…’ because that’s what it was.
How it worked was that the eligible candidate would be called to the stage and then the announcer would list their qualities and a little about their family and then wait to see if someone would be interested.
If interested you had to pay the organizers a ‘Finders fee’ and then you could start making arrangements with the candidate's family about moving ahead with a union.
Jungkook stood last in line. Looking at his father and giving him a small encouraging smile, trying hard to ignore the apprehension in Namjoon’s eyes.
However, when it was his turn there was silence. The presenter really didn’t have much to say though he tried. But it got awkward really fast.
Turns out wearing something expensive didn’t hide the truth and as Jungkook looked up he noticed how everyone seemed to be talking among themselves. It looked the locals were filling the visitors in about Jungkook’s family misfortunes.
Jungkook quickly looked at Namjoon who seemed so hurt and embarrassed and that only got worse when someone shouted, “Putting lipstick on a pig doesn’t change the fact that it’s a pig!”
There was laughter then, from his vantage point on the stage it seemed like the whole crowd was laughing in sync. Their mouths closing and opening at the same time. Almost swaying and doubling over at the same time.
Jungkook was so embarrassed he wished for the ground to swallow him. His ears hurt, his face hurt, he didn’t even know if he was breathing. He didn’t dare look at Namjoon, he wasn’t sure he’d be able to handle seeing his fathers face.
Then the announcer said, “That’s enough!” Making the crowds settle. Then as with all the other candidates he reminded the crowds of the ‘Finders fee.’ And then again quickly rushed through Jungkook’s details before he asked, “Before we close for the day let me ask again is anyone interested?”
“I am.”
There was an audible gasp from the whole crowd, in sync.
Jungkook looked up almost instantly. And as he watched he saw the crowds part into exact half making the person who’d spoken - who was towards the back of the crowd - visible.
Jungkook knew that voice.
Everyone knew that voice.
Kim Seokjin.
Kim Seokjin had stated that he was interested.
Jungkook stood frozen. His eyes locked with Seokjin as he walked through the crowd. Going straight to the announced and placing a pouch in his hand. “777 Won. He’s spoken for.” Seokjin said as everyone began gossiping.
Jungkook watched as Namjoon ran to Seokjin. Holding his hand and shaking his head as if trying to tell Seokjin to stop. But Seokjin only smiled at Namjoon, placing his hand on top of the one Namjoon had on his arm and squeezing it reassuringly before he looked back at Jungkook and extended his hand. Beckoning him to come.
Jungkook stepped ahead as if in a trance. His eyes locked with Seokjin, mouth a little open, brow furrowed slightly as if he wasn’t sure if this was all in his imagination.
But it couldn’t be. Not with the way Seokjin held his hand. Not with the way he led Jungkook down the stage. Not with the way he pulled Jungkook flush against his chest when Jungkook tripped.
“Seokjin-ssi! Are you crazy?” Someone dared to ask, making Seokjin look at the crowd still gathered there. His face was set in stone, Jungkook could feel him trembling in anger, but then Seokjin smiled as he said, “Whoever said that, identify yourself. I’ll show you how crazy I can get.”
There were murmurs then with people whispering here and there and someone else piped up, “You can do so much better. Why him?”
Seokjin looked at the crowds again, his brow raised before he looked at Jungkook who was still standing pressed to his chest. Smiling at the doe eyed man who hadn’t stopped staring at Seokjin, a very different smile, before he said, “I see no one better. None of you here have anything that makes you special! Who exactly are you referring to?”
Someone else then reiterated, “But why him? Just because his father is your friend? What makes him so special?”
Seokjin again smiled at Jungkook as he said, “Yes Namjoon is my friend but that isn’t why I’m here. I’m here for Jungkook and yes he is special. Now before I lose my cool, leave, I’m not entertaining any more questions.”
The crowds did leave as Namjoon said, “Seokjinah what are you doing? You can’t do this!”
“Why not?” Seokjin asked, looking genuinely curious at Namjoon who looked so conflicted. Honestly Namjoon didn’t know what to object with. There wasn’t a valid point other than their class difference.
The age difference too didn’t matter because having large age gaps was normal at that time.
“We don’t need your pity Seokjinah.” Namjoon said, glowering at the ground. It did indeed hurt him to say that.
But Seokjin stiffened at that, looking at Namjoon and then at Jungkook who was still in the same position as before, still staring at Seokjin.
“I do not pity you.” Seokjin said firmly to Namjoon while looking into Jungkook’s eyes. Making sure he understood as well.
“Then why?” Jungkook whispered, his eyes wet with tears. Seokjin softened at that saying, “Because I want to.” Smiling as Jungkook rested his forehead over his heart.