황실의 사랑 이야기 (Hwangsil-ui Sarang Iyagi) - The Imperial Love Story

Chapter - 21

Hyunjin slipped through the door to his quarters, the weight of Yongbok's words still heavy on his heart. The moment he stepped inside, he was greeted by the familiar warmth of his friends, who were gathered in the cozy room. Jisung was lounging on a plush chair, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. Wooyoung leaned against the doorframe, a teasing smile playing on his lips, while Taehyun and Seonghwa sat cross-legged on the floor, their heads bent over a game board.

"Hey, Hyunjin!" Jisung called out, looking up from the game. "What did the prince want?"

Hyunjin hesitated for a moment, a flicker of uncertainty passing over his features. "Just... checking in," he replied, trying to keep his tone casual, but the tremor in his voice gave him away.

Jisung raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Just checking in? That sounds like more than just small talk."

Wooyoung pushed off the wall, stepping closer with a grin. "Did you two kiss or something?" His playful tone made Hyunjin's cheeks heat up, and he quickly shook his head, but the look on Wooyoung's face only grew more mischievous.

"What? No!" Hyunjin protested, but even as he spoke, his mind flickered back to the moment when Yongbok's hand brushed against his sleeve, the electric thrill that had surged through him. "We didn't kiss."

Taehyun looked up from the game, his expression serious. "You're blushing, though," he pointed out, the corners of his mouth twitching into a knowing smile. "That definitely means something."

Seonghwa laughed softly, nudging Taehyun. "Come on, it's not like Hyunjin would let that happen." He turned to Hyunjin with a teasing glint in his eyes. "But seriously, what was it about?"

Hyunjin sighed, the playful banter starting to wear on him. "He was just asking if I was adjusting to my role. You know how it is—being part of the royal family and all."

Jisung leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "But it's different with Yongbok, isn't it? There's always been something there between you two."

Hyunjin ran a hand through his hair, feeling a mixture of frustration and embarrassment. "I don't know what you're talking about," he lied, but even as the words left his lips, he felt a nagging sense of truth that he couldn't shake off.

Wooyoung crossed his arms, a playful smirk still on his face. "Right. Just admit it! You like him, don't you?"

"That's not—" Hyunjin started but faltered, realizing he couldn't deny the way his heart raced at the thought of Yongbok.

"You're scared, aren't you?" Taehyun said, his voice gentle yet probing. "Scared of what it means to feel something for him."

Hyunjin felt his defenses slipping, and he leaned against the doorframe, eyes narrowing. "I just... it's complicated," he finally admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "Being with him means navigating a world I'm not sure I belong to."

The room fell silent as his friends processed his words. Jisung broke the stillness, his expression turning serious. "We're here for you, Hyunjin. No matter what. If you need to talk about it, we'll listen."

"Yeah," Wooyoung added, more sincere now. "And if you decide to make a move, we're here to support you."

Hyunjin felt a rush of gratitude toward his friends, but the turmoil within him remained unresolved. He wanted to reach out to Yongbok, to explore the feelings stirring inside him, but fear held him back.

"Thanks, guys," he replied, a soft smile breaking through his anxiety. "I'll figure it out. Just give me time."

As the laughter and light banter resumed around him, Hyunjin couldn't shake off the weight of Yongbok's command. Don't avoid me. Would he really be able to face the prince again, knowing the connection that lingered between them? He closed his eyes for a moment, the faces of his friends bringing comfort, but in the back of his mind, the longing for something more with Yongbok burned brighter than ever.

1 week later...

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over the castle grounds. In a spacious courtyard adorned with vibrant flowers and lush greenery, Hyunjin and the other guards gathered to practice their traditional dance for the royal family. The air was filled with the sound of laughter and the rhythmic beat of drums, setting a lively atmosphere for the upcoming performance.

Hyunjin stood at the front, leading the group with graceful movements that flowed like water. He wore a simple yet elegant outfit, the fabric swirling around him as he executed each step with precision. His concentration was palpable as he counted the beats, his body instinctively flowing into the choreography. Each spin and leap was infused with a passion he hadn't fully acknowledged until now, as if the dance gave him a moment to express all the emotions he held inside.

"Keep it together, Hyunjin!" Jisung called out, playfully nudging him as he stumbled slightly during a complicated turn. "You're leading us, remember?"

"Right, right! Sorry!" Hyunjin laughed, shaking off the momentary lapse and refocusing.

Wooyoung, trying to mimic Hyunjin's movements, interjected with a grin. "You make it look too easy! I'm pretty sure I have two left feet!"

"Just keep practicing," Hyunjin encouraged, his voice warm and lighthearted. "You'll get it eventually!"

Meanwhile, standing on the castle balcony, Yongbok observed the scene unfolding below. The prince leaned against the railing, his heart fluttering as he watched Hyunjin dance. There was an undeniable grace in his movements, a beauty that transcended mere performance. The way Hyunjin's hair caught the breeze and how his expressions shifted from focus to joy captivated Yongbok completely.

Every step Hyunjin took seemed to resonate with something deep within him, sparking a flicker of excitement. The anticipation of tonight's performance filled Yongbok with an eagerness he hadn't expected. He found himself smiling unconsciously, his thoughts drifting to how enchanting Hyunjin would look under the night sky, performing for the royal family.

"Your Highness," Seonghwa's voice pulled Yongbok from his reverie. "Are you ready for the evening's festivities?"

"Yes," Yongbok replied, a hint of enthusiasm coloring his voice. "I can't wait to see them dance."

"Especially Hyunjin?" Seonghwa teased, raising an eyebrow with a knowing smirk.

Yongbok chuckled softly, rubbing the back of his neck in embarrassment. "He's... talented. I admire his dedication."

"Admire? It sounds like you might be more than just an admirer," Seonghwa quipped, a playful glint in his eyes.

Yongbok shot him a quick glare, but it was too late—the corners of his mouth betrayed him, lifting into a grin. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves."

Back in the courtyard, the music continued to play, and the guards rallied together, their movements synchronizing more with each passing moment. Hyunjin felt the energy of the group, their laughter and camaraderie lifting his spirits. Yet, amidst the joyful chaos, a part of him remained acutely aware of Yongbok's gaze. He could sense the prince watching him, though he didn't dare look up, afraid to lose himself in those deep, admiring eyes.

"Alright, everyone! Let's take it from the top one more time!" Hyunjin called out, shaking off his lingering thoughts. As they began again, he poured all his emotions into the dance, determined to make the upcoming performance unforgettable—not just for the royal family, but for himself and the prince who inspired him in ways he was still beginning to understand.