LOVESTRUCK ROYALTY

Chapter - 18

As the weeks passed, the atmosphere in the palace felt more joyful and relaxed. Hyunjin and Felix had embraced their new titles as lovers, and the bond they shared deepened as they navigated the challenges of impending parenthood. They found comfort in each other, sharing tender moments filled with cuddles and soft kisses.

One sunny afternoon, they decided to take a break from the palace's routine and visit a nearby garden. The vibrant flowers and gentle breeze provided a refreshing change of scenery. Sitting on a bench surrounded by blooming cherry blossoms, they felt at peace.

"I'm so glad we decided to come here," Felix said, leaning against Hyunjin. "It's nice to escape the palace for a bit."

Hyunjin nodded, soaking in the beauty around them. "It feels like a breath of fresh air."

As they chatted, Hyunjin's phone buzzed with a message from Yeonjun, their newly assigned bodyguard. Felix had requested that Yeonjun join them at the garden, and Hyunjin felt a sense of comfort knowing he'd be there for support.

Moments later, Yeonjun approached, wearing a relaxed smile. "Sir Hyunjin, Your Highness," he greeted with a slight bow, his demeanor respectful yet friendly.

"Hey, Yeonjun!" Hyunjin replied, waving him over. "Thanks for joining us."

"It's my pleasure," Yeonjun said, taking a seat beside them. "I hope I'm not interrupting your time together."

"Not at all," Felix assured him. "We're just enjoying the day."

As they talked and laughed, Hyunjin felt a wave of emotion wash over him. But then, without warning, a sense of anxiety gripped him, and he found himself fidgeting with the hem of his shirt.

Yeonjun noticed the change in Hyunjin's demeanor. "Sir Hyunjin, is everything alright?" he asked, concern lacing his voice.

Hyunjin took a deep breath, trying to compose himself. "I'm just feeling a bit... overwhelmed, I guess."

Felix placed a reassuring hand on Hyunjin's back. "It's okay to feel that way. We're all navigating this together."

Yeonjun nodded in agreement. "It's completely normal, Sir Hyunjin. If you'd like to talk about it, I'm here to listen."

Hyunjin appreciated Yeonjun's patience. "I just worry that I won't be ready when the baby arrives. What if I can't handle it?"

"Being a parent is a learning experience," Yeonjun said gently. "You won't have all the answers right away, but that's okay. You have a support system, and you're already doing great by acknowledging your feelings."

Feeling a bit lighter, Hyunjin looked at Yeonjun, gratitude shining in his eyes. "Thank you, Yeonjun. I didn't expect to feel so much pressure."

Yeonjun smiled warmly. "You're not alone in this. Just remember, it's okay to have tough days. Your strength lies in your willingness to share those feelings."

Hyunjin felt a wave of comfort as he listened to Yeonjun's words. The pressure of impending parenthood still loomed, but with supportive friends like Felix and Yeonjun, he knew he could navigate the journey ahead.

As the afternoon wore on, they shared stories and laughter under the blooming trees. Hyunjin began to relax, the anxiety slowly fading away. The garden felt like a safe haven, a reminder that there was beauty and joy even amidst uncertainty.

Later, as they prepared to leave, Felix turned to Hyunjin with a smile. "See? A little time outside can work wonders."

Hyunjin nodded, feeling lighter. "I really needed this. Thank you both for being so understanding."

"Always," Felix replied, pulling him in for a quick kiss.

Yeonjun gave a playful salute. "As your loyal bodyguard, it's my duty to ensure you're both happy and safe."

With their spirits lifted, they made their way back to the palace, feeling ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead—together.

 [✨A little Yeonbin moment here cause we need them✨]

As Yeonjun stepped out of the king's office, he took a deep breath, organizing his thoughts after a productive meeting. Just then, he spotted another guard, Soobin, standing by the door, preparing to enter.

Their eyes met, and in that instant, the world around them faded away. Time seemed to stand still as they locked gazes, both of their hearts racing in sync. Yeonjun felt a warmth spread across his cheeks, his mind momentarily blank as he took in the softness of Soobin's features and the intensity in his eyes.

Soobin, equally captivated, blinked slowly, as if trying to process the connection between them. The air felt charged, electric with an unspoken understanding, each second stretching longer than the last.

Suddenly, the king's voice called from inside, snapping them out of their trance. "Soobin, come in!"

Startled, they both quickly averted their eyes, a blush creeping across their faces. "Right," Soobin muttered, barely able to contain a smile as he opened the door, his heart still racing.

Yeonjun felt a mixture of exhilaration and embarrassment as they parted ways, stealing one last glance over his shoulder before turning down the hallway. Their encounter lingered in the air, a moment neither would soon forget.   

Seven months into the pregnancy, Hyunjin's baby bump had grown significantly, a beautiful roundness that brought with it both joy and discomfort. He found himself battling morning sickness more frequently, and headaches often punctuated his days. The cravings had taken a strange turn as well—he'd been known to request odd food combinations, like pickles with peanut butter or ice cream topped with hot sauce.

One cozy evening, Felix and Hyunjin found themselves snuggled up in their bedroom, enjoying a rare moment of intimacy. They were wrapped in each other's warmth, laughter echoing softly as they shared stories and dreams for their future family.

Just as Felix leaned in closer, Hyunjin suddenly felt a strong kick from the baby. It startled him, and he jumped, instinctively placing his hand over the spot where the kick had landed.

"Are you okay? Did he kick too hard?" Felix asked, concern etched on his face as he caressed Hyunjin's bump gently.

Hyunjin nodded, though the shock lingered. "I think so... just surprised me," he said, still holding his stomach.

Moments later, another kick landed, more forceful this time, causing Hyunjin to jump again. "He's kicking a lot recently," he said, scrunching his face as he waited for the sensation to settle.

Felix's expression softened, a mix of awe and affection washing over him. "Let me help," he said, leaning down to press soft kisses against Hyunjin's bump. He whispered sweet nothings, his voice a soothing balm. "Hey there, little one. You're doing amazing. Just take it easy on your mom, okay?"

Hyunjin's heart melted at the sight. Watching Felix interact with their baby filled him with warmth, a sense of love that enveloped them both. "You really know how to make me feel better," he said, his voice softening.

Felix looked up, his eyes shining with love. "That's my job. I want to make sure you both feel safe and cherished." He continued to shower the bump with kisses, murmuring gentle words of encouragement.

As Hyunjin relaxed into the moment, he felt another gentle kick, but this time it was accompanied by a sense of connection—a reminder that their family was growing. "It's like he's saying hi," Hyunjin chuckled, the earlier discomfort forgotten.

Felix grinned, his playful spirit returning. "Maybe he's just excited to meet his amazing parents."

Hyunjin laughed, feeling a rush of happiness. "He definitely has a lot of energy already!"

With the intimacy of the moment wrapping around them, they shared soft kisses and sweet laughter, their bond as a family deepening with each passing day. In that room, surrounded by love, Hyunjin felt grateful for the journey they were on together, ready to embrace whatever the future held.