He Walks Alone in the Moonlight [COMPLETED]

SLIP OF THE TONGUE

Jihyun sat in the quiet of his room after finally managing to shoo Munyeong away, helped by the fact that she seemed to see something out the window that drew her attention. Settling on top of the blanket that covered his new bed, Jihyun looked up at the ceiling as his mind began to spin. Moonlight crept across the floor as the hours ticked by. Inevitably, Jihyun's thoughts wandered to the Crown Prince. The feeling of the prince's touch had yet to leave his skin, and Jihyun absentmindedly ran his fingers down his thigh. Biting his lip, Jihyun swung himself out of bed. This wouldn't do. No matter how uncomfortable Jihyun felt around the others, it was far worse to be alone. Not sure where he was going, or who he was looking for, Jihyun set off into the night.

He didn't know how it was possible, but the air inside of Horangi palace felt different than that of the rest of the city. It was cool, and smelled faintly of something wild. Stepping into the courtyard, Jihyun made his was towards the fountain, the brightest point, as it reflected the moon's light. No one was around, and no lights came from the other buildings.

"Perhaps everyone is asleep," Jihyun murmured to himself as he sat on the edge of the fountain, eyes tracking the lethargic fish as they swan around and around. He felt like those fish, trapped in an endless cycle with no power to break free. Jihyun reached out a finger and tapped the water, watching it ripple like fluid glass. Staring at his distorted reflection, Jihyun's heart became heavy. He plucked at the hair that now tickled his neck. He had stumbled upon such lavish treatment; a room to himself, a personal hand maid, and a closet full of items he'd never even dreamed of owning, yet he could not enjoy it. Trapped in a beautiful prison like the fish trapped in the fountain. Why had he been given such things? This could not all be part of the Crown Prince's apology. Was something going to be expected of him? Jihyun thought back to the night of the kiss. Would he have a fate like Minjoo's mother? Forced to be a part of the crown prince's future harem? The idea unsettled him. Still, it didn't seem like that was the case. Despite his father's precedent, it was unusual for royalty to take commoners as partners. Unable to come to a conclusion, Jihyun stood, once again scanning the palace grounds for signs of life.

"Jihyun!" A cheery and familiar voice called out to him. A rosy cheeked Chang stumbled from the bushes, his steps wide and unsteady. If his demeanor wasn't enough proof of his drunkenness, the scent of alcohol stung Jihyun's nostrils as the general approached. Chang slung an arm around Jihyun, the servant nearly buckling under the weight.

"I thought you were just going home?" Jihyun questioned as he struggled to stand.

"Don't you know? My house is where the party's at." Chang threw in what was supposed to be a wink, but was really more of a blink with a delay between his eyes. Jihyun nodded, not entirely sure how to handle actually seeing the affects of Chang's boisterous reputation. Huffing, Jihyun set his sights on the fountain once more, tilting Chang's heavy body towards it. With a grunt, Chang sat on the edge, swaying back and forth. Squatting to escape Chang's arm, Jihyun took a few steps forward before turning to face the general. Perhaps he could finally get some answers to his questions with Chang being in this state.

"Chang?" Jihyun started off tentatively.

"Hhmm.. hmrph?" Chang's wordless reply came as he stuck a hand out to grip the edge of the fountain for support.

"Do you know why-" Jihyun stopped as Chang leaned back, his long legs swinging in the air as the general fell backwards into the fountain. Jihyun flinched, covering his face as he braced for the oncoming splash. A pair of hands gripped his shoulders and spun him around, arms locking him in place as the sound of Chang hitting the water echoed around the courtyard. Peeling one eye open, Jihyun looked around. He was completely dry but...

"Doyooooon!" Chang sang from where he sat drenched in the basin of the fountain.

"Doyoon?" Jihyun whispered, turning in his savior's embrace, only to see the Crown Prince, hair dripping wet, wearing a murderous expression.