Silent Vows (Boylove)

Chapter 9

"Boy," Youngjae's voice rumbled low, a deep growl that reverberated through the room, "you've been testing my patience lately."

Daehan's heart hammered in his chest as Youngjae's unexpected address sent a jolt of fear coursing through him. 'Boy?' Did the crown prince already know his secret? Or was it merely a drunken slip of the tongue, born from the haze of alcohol-induced recklessness?

With trembling hands, Daehan gestured his question, his eyes wide with apprehension. "What do you mean, Your Highness?" he implored silently, his gestures betraying his uncertainty.

As Youngjae closed the door and settled beside him, Daehan's confusion only deepened. "I don't know," Youngjae said.

Daehan gazed at him, the turmoil of emotions swirling within him. Perhaps it was merely the wine clouding Youngjae's judgment, and his secret remained safe for now.

Youngjae's penetrating gaze bore into Daehan, the intensity of his purple eyes searching for answers. "You received a forged letter," he stated, his voice tinged with a mixture of frustration and curiosity. "Why did you not inform me of this?"

Daehan's hands moved in intricate gestures, his expression reflecting his own perplexity. "Your Highness, I attempted to convey the truth," his signs conveyed, "but in your anger, you were unreceptive."

A tense silence settled between them, Youngjae's expression inscrutable as he regarded Daehan. In the depths of his gaze, Daehan glimpsed a myriad of emotions flickering, elusive and enigmatic. Was it guilt, sympathy, or perhaps something else altogether?

Youngjae's voice cut through the air once more, "I also wasn't aware of your literacy..." he admitted, his tone tinged with a hint of curiosity.

Daehan's response was swift, his hands moving in fluid motions to convey his reply. "Your Highness, though I may lack the ability to speak, I am not devoid of education," he affirmed, his signs resolute in their declaration.

A smirk danced upon Youngjae's lips as he reached for paper and brush. With deliberate strokes, he penned a simple yet potent declaration: "You are mine." Handing the paper to Daehan, he fixed him with a pointed gaze. "Remember my handwriting," he instructed, his voice carrying a weight of authority.

Daehan accepted the paper, his eyes scanning the neat script etched upon it. Despite Youngjae's inebriation, the handwriting remained flawless, each stroke a testament to his precision. The words, though simple, carried a weight that sent a shiver down Daehan's spine, their implications stirring a tumult of emotions within him.

Daehan delicately tucked away the paper, his gaze meeting Youngjae's with a gentle concern reflected in his captivating grey eyes. With a series of graceful gestures, he conveyed his worry, "Your Highness, you've had quite a bit to drink... Perhaps you should rest now."

"Indeed!" Youngjae flopped down beside Daehan, prompting a surprised flutter in Daehan's chest as he realized Youngjae intended to sleep beside him once more.

Before Daehan could fully process the situation, Youngjae pulled him down, enveloping him in a comforting embrace, just as he had done the previous night.

Daehan's cheeks flushed with a deep blush at the unexpected intimacy, his heart fluttering with a mixture of confusion and warmth. Despite the surprise, he found himself yielding to the embrace, allowing himself to be drawn into the comforting embrace of the crown prince, his emotions swirling in a delicate dance of uncertainty and budding affection.

"You're a good boy," Youngjae murmured softly, his arms wrapping around Daehan in a tender embrace. "I'm sorry for my earlier actions... You forgive me, don't you?" His gaze locked with Daehan's, seeking reassurance in the depths of his eyes.