Chapter 10: Healing Hearts and Shattered Bonds

                                    

                                          
The pall of grief hung heavily over the palace in the weeks following the funeral. Namjoon's heart felt as if it had been ripped from his chest, leaving a gaping void in its wake. He wandered through the halls, lost in his thoughts, each corner of the palace echoing with memories of his grandmother—the warmth of her laughter, the wisdom in her words, and the unconditional love that had always enveloped him.
Namjoon's grandfather, a stoic figure, gathered the family one evening in the drawing room. His eyes, usually sharp and alert, held a depth of sorrow as he spoke. "We must remain strong, for your grandmother would have wanted it. She may be gone, but her legacy lives on through us."
Seokjin watched from a corner of the room, feeling a swell of sympathy for Namjoon. The pain radiating from him was palpable, each word from his grandfather resonating with an urgency that seemed to pierce through the silence.
"Namjoon," his grandfather continued, voice steady but heavy with emotion, "I need you to be bold, to take on the responsibilities that lie ahead. Your grandmother may be gone, but she entrusted us with this family. We must honor her memory and hold together."
Namjoon nodded slowly, though his eyes were distant. "I'll try, Grandpa. I promise."
As the meeting ended, Seokjin approached Namjoon, heart aching for the boy who had lost so much. "Are you okay?" he asked softly, his voice barely above a whisper.
Namjoon looked at him, vulnerability flickering in his gaze. "No, not really," he admitted, a shaky breath escaping him.
Seokjin felt a pang in his chest. "I'm here for you, you know. Whatever you need."
Namjoon forced a small smile. "Thanks, Jin."
In the following weeks, Seokjin took it upon himself to care for Namjoon, ensuring that he ate, rested, and didn't wallow in his grief alone. Each day, he would prepare meals, often experimenting in the kitchen, and bringing the food to Namjoon's room.
"Here, I made your favorite," Seokjin said one day, entering the dimly lit room with a steaming bowl of rice and vegetables.
Namjoon glanced up from where he sat on the edge of his bed, his expression a mix of gratitude and sorrow. "You didn't have to do that, Jin."
"I know, but you haven't eaten much lately," Seokjin replied, setting the bowl down on the table. "Please, just try it."
Namjoon picked up the spoon, hesitating as he gazed at the food. After a moment, he took a bite, and Seokjin watched, his heart swelling when Namjoon's face lit up, if only for a brief moment.
"It's really good," Namjoon admitted, surprise evident in his voice.
Seokjin smiled, relief washing over him. "I'm glad you think so. I'm trying to make sure you're okay."
"You're too good to me," Namjoon said, his voice filled with a softness that Seokjin hadn't heard before.
Seokjin shrugged, trying to play it cool despite the flutter in his heart. "Just doing what I can. You're family now."
In the following days, this routine continued. Seokjin made it a point to knock on Namjoon's door every day, offering food and companionship. Though the prince often felt overwhelmed by grief, he slowly began to appreciate Seokjin's presence. It was a light in his darkest moments, a reminder that he wasn't entirely alone in his sorrow.
One morning, as they shared breakfast, Namjoon sighed deeply. "I think it's time I complete the visits to the kingdom's corners that my grandmother wanted. She always believed I should understand our people better."
Seokjin felt a twinge of disappointment. "You're leaving?"
"Just for two months," Namjoon reassured him. "I think it'll help me clear my head and focus on my responsibilities. I owe it to Grandma."
Seokjin's heart sank, but he understood the necessity. "I get it. But... what about us?"
Namjoon looked thoughtful. "I'm sorry for forcing you into this marriage. With Grandma gone, we don't need to force anything on each other. I'll try not to interfere with your life while I'm away."
"Namjoon," Seokjin started, but the prince raised a hand to stop him.
"I just need some time. I'll be back, I promise."
With that, Namjoon gathered his things, preparing for the journey ahead.
Meanwhile, Yoongi remained a constant support for the family, especially during this tumultuous time. He knew that with Namjoon leaving, someone needed to step up and protect everyone. He took it upon himself to keep a watchful eye over Seokjin and the palace.
"Are you sure you'll be okay while he's gone?" Jimin asked one day, concern etched across his features.
Yoongi nodded. "I won't let anything happen to him or anyone else. We'll all look out for each other."
Taehyung chimed in, leaning against the wall with a mischievous smile. "Are you saying you care about Jin?"
"I care about everyone," Yoongi shot back, his expression unyielding. "Namjoon might be off exploring the kingdom, but I'll make sure he doesn't have to worry about us while he's gone."
Jimin nodded, feeling reassured by Yoongi's determination. "We'll keep the palace safe. And who knows? Maybe this time apart will help Namjoon and Seokjin figure things out between them."
In the days following Namjoon's departure, Seokjin found himself surprisingly lost without him. Although their interactions had been minimal, the prince's presence had grown significant in a short span. Seokjin missed the way Namjoon's eyes sparkled when he laughed, the warmth of his smile, and the quiet strength he had shown during his grandmother's last days.
He would often find himself wandering through the palace, memories of their shared moments replaying in his mind. Seokjin would catch himself imagining Namjoon's reactions to the meals he'd prepared, wondering if he was eating properly on his journey.
One evening, while sitting in the garden, Seokjin felt a wave of nostalgia wash over him. He recalled their first awkward breakfast together, the way they had bickered over simple things, and how he had tried so hard to stay angry with him.
But now, as the moonlight bathed the garden in silver, he couldn't help but feel that anger slowly fading away. It was being replaced by something softer, a flicker of warmth that he hadn't expected.
"Maybe I was wrong about him," Seokjin murmured to himself, glancing up at the stars. "He's more than just a prince. He's... he's just a person, hurting like the rest of us."
Days turned into weeks, and the absence of Namjoon lingered in the air. Seokjin focused on his responsibilities, helping his father with the estate while trying to process the change in his feelings toward the prince.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Envi: Sorry for the short chapter! Jin's love is starting to bloom—let's see who will propose first.