왜...?(Why...?) Hyunjin x SKZ

.5._Echoes of the Past_

Echoes of the Past

Disclaimer:

English is not my native language, so sorry for any upcoming mistakes.
There may be some swearing, but not much.
The sentences or texts between '_____' are their thoughts.

=> If you're uncomfortable or dislike these elements, please consider not reading.

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Hyunjin stirred from a troubled sleep, the remnants of his nightmare clinging to him like an unwelcome shroud. His head pounded with the aftereffects of the storm of memories, and he felt a persistent heaviness pressing down on him. The room seemed to close in, the walls echoing with a tension that mirrored his own troubled thoughts. Seungmin, ever attentive to Hyunjin's distress, quietly entered the room. His face was a canvas of concern, eyes scanning Hyunjin with a mixture of empathy and worry.

"Prince Hyunjin," Seungmin said softly, his voice carrying a soothing cadence . "Is there anything you need? Perhaps some fresh air might help clear your mind."

Hyunjin looked up, his vision blurred and his thoughts muddled. The offer of fresh air seemed to hold a promise of relief, and he nodded slowly. The idea of ​​stepping outside, even briefly, felt like a small escape from the oppressive atmosphere that had settled around him. With Seungmin at his side, Hyunjin carefully rose from the bed, feeling the weight of his own weariness in each unsteady step.

They moved through the dimly lit corridors; the silence punctuated only by the soft shuffle of their footsteps. The castle's labyrinthine halls seemed endless, but the cool air from the open window ahead beckoned like a distant promise. As they approached the source of the breeze, Hyunjin drew in a deep breath, savoring the refreshing sensation.

The corridor beyond the window was bathed in a soft, golden light, the sun's rays filtering through the castle's grand architecture. Hyunjin welcomed the change of scenery, though his mind remained clouded by the earlier turmoil. Seungmin followed closely, his gaze flicking around, ever watchful of Hyunjin's condition.

As they stepped further into the corridor, the bustling activity of the castle became apparent. Chan, Changbin, and Han stood at the end of the hall, their presence radiating a blend of concern and tentative relief. Hyunjin's attention, however, was drawn to two other figures standing slightly apart from the group. They were not part of the usual entourage, their unfamiliarity piquing Hyunjin's curiosity.

The two boys seemed oddly familiar, their features sparking a distant memory that tugged at the edges of his consciousness. They were older now, their appearances refined by time, but there was something about them—a connection that Hyunjin could not quite place. The sense of recognition was disorienting, and he felt a pull towards them, as if they were pieces of a puzzle he was desperately trying to solve.

Seungmin noticed Hyunjin's distracted gaze and followed his line of sight. "Do you know them?" he asked, his tone gentle and inquiring.

Hyunjin shook his head, though his expression betrayed his uncertainty. "I... I'm not sure. They look familiar, but I can't quite remember when or where I might have seen them."

The two boys stood with a quiet intensity, their eyes observing the surroundings with a mixture of concern and curiosity. The taller of the two exuded a confident demeanor, his posture protective, while the shorter boy's calm demeanor suggested a deeper understanding of the situation.