masked | hyunchan

-three-

HyunJin clasps his hands behind his back as he strolls through the garden just outside of his chambers for the time being. They had told him he could walk around a bit, but that he couldn't go too far—especially at night. He was specifically told to avoid the Prince at all costs, but HyunJin can't help but want to move that way. He honestly doubts anyone would be over there with him. They all probably left to eat and get ready for bed. There's no way someone would stand guard all night when the Prince is clearly capable of handling himself.

HyunJin stops in his tracks the moment he sees just how wrong he was. Roughly five or six guards stand at attention around the Prince's chambers. They have their hands on their swords ready to draw them if necessary. HyunJin sighs and goes to turn around, but something catches his eye.

His gaze follows the deep blue sleeve he'd spotted around the nearest building. His steps are hurried as he tries to catch up with whoever it is. Truthfully, it's dangerous for him to be following someone so blindly, but the fabric he'd spotted looks just like that of the Prince's clothing. He's supposed to be tucked away safely in his heavily guarded chambers. Why is he out here where it's cold? He's not dressed for the weather.

HyunJin loses sight of the person and stops to finally take in his location. He has no idea where he is or how he got here. He swallows hard as he looks for someone—anyone—to give him directions back to where he needs to be. If they scold him for being somewhere he shouldn't be—he'll play dumb. He got lost and just kept wandering in hopes of finding his chambers once again.

HyunJin freezes in place the moment he feels a hand on his wrist. The grip loosens and the owner's hand falls to their side weak. HyunJin hesitantly spins around to see the Prince hanging his head. Loud voices call out for him, but he doesn't react to them. His mask hangs in his other hand—his fingers just barely able to keep a grip on the silk tie.

"Help me." The words fall from his lips in a breathy plea. He slowly lifts his head to reveal blood smeared across his scar.

"Wh—what happened?" HyunJin immediately reaches out to take the Prince's face in his hands. He trails his thumb through the blood to ensure it's not coming from him. He lets out a sigh of relief as he verifies it isn't the Prince's blood.

"He couldn't have gone far." One of the guards calls out—far too close for the Prince's comfort.

The Prince tugs HyunJin into the nearby building and presses him up against the wall. He places his hand over his mouth and tucks his head in the crook of HyunJin's neck. He trembles slightly while he tries to keep the two of them quiet and shielded. Footsteps come and go. Once the Prince is certain they're in the clear for a bit, he pulls away from HyunJin.

"Where's your chambers? I need somewhere to hide." The Prince asks—his voice trembles just a bit.

"I—I don't know. I got distracted following you and got lost." HyunJin admits as he lowers his gaze. He can't look the Prince in the eyes after what just happened. HyunJin's never been one to let others touch him so carelessly. He's always protected his body like it was a precious treasure.

"What was around it? What did you notice?" The Prince begins to interrogate him as HyunJin shrinks beneath his demanding presence.

"There was a garden, but I don't really remember much else. I'd have to see it to remember." HyunJin explains softly as he rubs at his arm. He chews on his bottom lip while the Prince lets out a frustrated sigh.

"Tie my mask." The Prince turns around and does his best to hold it up while HyunJin fumbles with the silk ties.

"Get on my back." The Prince insists and HyunJin hesitates. He has no right to touch the Prince. He could be killed if he's caught.