Second Chance

Chapter 02

Flashback:

The palace was bustling with activity, a sense of excitement and anticipation in the air. Decorations adorned every corner, flowers and ribbons hung from every available surface, and the scent of delicious food wafted from the kitchens. Today was a special day, a day the entire kingdom had eagerly awaited for ten long years. The Prince was returning home.

As preparations continued, the Queen watched everything with a keen eye. "I want everything perfect today. No mistakes, or you'll find yourselves out of the palace," she commanded, her tone leaving no room for error. Her son, Kim Taehyung, was returning after a decade in Paris, and she wanted his homecoming to be nothing short of spectacular.

The King, on the other hand, was more relaxed. "Come on, Mrs. Kim. He’s been in Paris for ten years. He might not appreciate all these traditional rituals," he suggested gently.

"Keep your opinions to yourself, or else…" she trailed off, shooting him a stern look. Just then, a maid interrupted them with news. "Your Majesty, the Prince has arrived at the airport."

"Excellent," the Queen said, her face lighting up with excitement. She hurried off to check on Bambam, making sure he was ready to meet his best friend.

The King, left alone in the hall, noticed Jungkook nervously chewing his nails in a corner. "Jungkook," he called out. Jungkook quickly straightened up and approached him.

"Yes, Your Majesty? How can I be of service?" Jungkook asked, bowing respectfully.

The King smiled kindly. "I’d like you to stand behind me and Kai when we welcome Taehyung. Are you okay with that?"

Jungkook nodded, his voice steady despite his nerves. "As you wish, Your Majesty. Even your requests are my command."

Satisfied, the King turned away, and Jungkook quickly left, trying to calm his racing heart. He was anxious about seeing Taehyung again after so many years. As he hurried down the corridor, he bumped into Mingyu, who caught him by the waist just in time.

"Koo, are you okay? What’s going on?" Mingyu asked, concern written all over his face.

Jungkook sighed, his anxiety evident. "I’m just really nervous, Min. I don’t know if he’ll remember me. Will he still see me as his friend after all these years?"

Mingyu squeezed his shoulder reassuringly. "Of course, he will remember you, Koo. Who could forget you? Just be yourself."

Jungkook nodded, but he was still unsure. "And what about how I should address him? Should I call him by his name or refer to him as Prince?"

Mingyu thought for a moment before answering. "I think you should call him Prince. It’s probably safer, at least until you know where you stand with him. If he wants you to call him Tae, he’ll let you know."

Jungkook hugged Mingyu gratefully. "Thanks, Min. You always know what to say."

As the time for Taehyung's arrival drew closer, the tension in the palace grew. Kai, standing nearby, was snapping at the workers, his nerves fraying. The King noticed and chuckled softly. "Kai, don’t take your nerves out on the staff," he advised gently.

Kai bowed his head. "I’m sorry, Your Majesty. I’m just so anxious. I don’t know how to act around him after so long."

The King patted him on the shoulder. "Everything will be fine. Just be yourself."

Kai nodded, trying to take the King’s advice to heart. He was determined to make a good impression on Taehyung, to show him how much he had changed and grown in the ten years he had been gone.