Prince's Gamble | HAOBIN

18. Wrong Universe

Hadn't Taerae specifically requested to have training separate from Zhanghao? Why was he here now? As soon as he saw Taerae, Zhanghao knew it was a mistake to have Hanbin trailing in behind him. Hanbin recognized the situation immediately, looking at Zhanghao for what he should do. 

Taerae's expression was unreadable as panic flooded in Zhanghao's eyes before he began to shoo Hanbin back out the door. 

"This isn't good, is it?" Hanbin said, as soon as they were out of the room. 

"Um, no it's not." Zhanghao replied, biting his lip. 

"What happened?—" Hanbin started, but at the anxious look on Zhanghao's face, he changed his words, "Don't worry, I'll leave now." Hanbin reassured him. 

Zhanghao's shoulders relaxed, "Thanks Hanbin. I'll tell you later, okay?" 

"Okay." Hanbin smiled, before he headed off, holding up a hand to wave to Zhanghao. 

Zhanghao gave him a small smile back before he took a deep breath and re-entered the training room. Gunwook and Taerae were still in similar positions from when Zhanghao and Hanbin had stepped outside, staring at Zhanghao as he walked in. 

Gunwook cleared his throat, breaking the awkward silence, "You're late, Zhanghao." 

"I know, I know.." Zhanghao said. Walking over to weapons rack, Gunwook joined him. "I thought you said he wanted to train separately now?" Zhanghao mumbled from the corner of his mouth. 

"Yeah he did," Gunwook said, "But this morning he barged in saying he wanted to train at this time again with you." 

"Oh, okay." Zhanghao said, picking up a practice sword as he had forgotten his own in Hanbin's room. Moving towards the center of the room, Zhanghao stood on the training mats, looking directly at Taerae. However, as Gunwook signaled to start, Taerae stayed quiet—no greeting, no playful remarks, nothing. 

But it didn't bother Zhanghao, seeming it would be much more awkward if they did try to talk to each other. It was only when training finished that Taerae went to leave the room, without any sort of goodbye or farewell. Zhanghao exchanged one look with Gunwook, before he ran out of the room to follow Taerae. 

"Taerae, wait!" He called out, making Taerae turn. But at the sight of Zhanghao, he turned back and continued walking. Zhanghao sighed, before following him despite. "Taerae, please." 

Taerae stopped, turning around once more, "Zhanghao, just stop." He said, holding a weak hand towards Zhanghao. "Just leave me alone." He said, before taking off, leaving Zhanghao standing in the castle hallways. 

—

When Taerae had walked into the room at Zhanghao's training time, he had expected there to be bright smiles which welcomed his return. He knew things would be a bit shaky between him and Zhanghao at first, but he wanted things to work. He had stayed away for long enough already. 

Although, Zhanghao had hurt him a little bit, Taerae and tried to understand and he knew it had been sudden and abrupt for Zhanghao. And so, he had decided to rejoin training with Zhanghao, in the hope to retry it with him. He had been optimistic at first, but those thoughts dropped as soon as he saw Zhanghao walk into practice late. 

It wasn't even about Zhanghao, it was about who had been right behind him, the smiles on their faces blowing Taerae's out like a candle.       

Sung fucking Hanbin. Taerae thought to himself. If Hanbin hadn't existed, would it have worked out for him and Zhanghao? Maybe in another universe they would've been walking the hallways together, hand in hand, as they spent time happily together. 

But this was this universe. 

And in this universe, Hanbin did exist. He felt like a wall in Taerae's way, blocking him from getting to Zhanghao. He wanted to punch that wall. 

And so he did. 

However, not Hanbin, and rather the light grey castle wall which was now stained with a tiny splatter of red. Holding his fist in pain, Taerae watched as blood seeped from his knuckles, he smiled to himself. Pain. 

"Might I ask what you're doing?" A voice said from his left. As Taerae looked up, he found himself looking at the young prince who was leaning on the wall as he watched Taerae. 

Taerae hid his fist behind his back, "Oh, nothing." He mumbled. 

Yujin rolled his eyes, "I know anger when I see it." He said, walking over to Taerae, "I've experienced it all too often myself." Grabbing Taerae's hand, he gazed at it, observing the scratches. 

"You should probably get this patched up." Yujin told him, "And maybe don't stain our wall next time?" 

Taerae looked away sheepishly, "Sorry." 

Yujin dismissed his apology, "C'mon, I'll take you to the nurse." He said, before beginning to walk away. Jogging to catch up, Taerae walked next to Yujin. Although still in his teens, Yujin could easily pass off as someone in their early twenties. It was the way he held himself, walking with confidence, not to mention his good looks. Taerae guessed it ran in the family. 

"So, you don't like my brother, do you?" Yujin turned to Taerae. They had reached the nurse's office. 

Taerae stared at him, "..Not particularly, if I must be honest." 

Yujin scoffed, "Guess that's where we have something in common."