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

Chapter - 22

The grand hall was filled with flickering candlelight, casting a warm glow on the assembled guests. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as nobles and dignitaries took their seats, eager for the evening's entertainment. Yongbok sat among the royal family, his gaze fixed on the stage, his heart racing with excitement. He couldn't wait to see Hyunjin perform, knowing how hard he had practiced for this moment.

As the performance began, a group of young women adorned in flowing dresses stepped onto the stage, their movements graceful and fluid. They danced in perfect synchronization, twirling and swaying to the music, their eyes glimmering with hope as they attempted to impress the princes seated before them. However, Yongbok and his brother, who sat at the forefront, maintained neutral expressions, their indifference palpable despite the performers' efforts.

The queen, seated beside her sons, kept stealing glances at them, a hint of worry etched on her face. She hoped that one of them might take a liking to one of the girls, but the princes remained stoic, their eyes betraying no hint of admiration.

As the last note of the performance faded, applause erupted in the hall, a mix of polite clapping and genuine appreciation for the young women's efforts. But as the stage cleared, Yongbok's heart raced even faster, anticipation building as it was finally time for Hyunjin and the other guards to perform.

Yongbok shifted in his seat, unable to contain his excitement. His heart pounded in his chest as he watched Hyunjin and the other guards take their positions. The moment Yongbok's eyes landed on Hyunjin, he forgot how to breathe.

Hyunjin looked more beautiful than any woman Yongbok had ever laid eyes on. His long hair flowed elegantly over his shoulders, framing his face in soft waves that seemed to catch the light. He wore an exquisite ensemble adorned with intricate embroidery, the fabric shimmering with every slight movement. The delicate ornaments that dangled from his ears and adorned his neck complemented his beauty perfectly, catching the glimmers of the candles surrounding them.

With a subtle touch of makeup enhancing his features, Hyunjin appeared absolutely breathtaking. As he stood poised and ready, their eyes met across the room. A warm blush crept across Hyunjin's cheeks, and he smiled shyly at Yongbok, a spark of connection igniting between them.

In that moment, the world around them faded away. Yongbok felt a swell of emotions surge within him, a mix of admiration and longing as he watched Hyunjin take a deep breath, ready to begin.

The music started, and the hall filled with the harmonious sounds of traditional instruments, inviting and rich. Hyunjin moved with grace, each step deliberate and filled with an elegance that captivated the audience. As he danced, his body flowed effortlessly, the rhythms of the music guiding him in a way that made him seem ethereal, almost as if he were floating above the ground.

Yongbok leaned forward in his seat, his heart swelling with pride and adoration. He felt honored to witness someone so talented, and he couldn't help but cheer for Hyunjin silently, his eyes glued to every move he made.

As the dance unfolded, Yongbok's heart raced with every twist and turn, every leap and spin Hyunjin executed flawlessly. He couldn't take his eyes off him, feeling a powerful connection that made the entire room feel like it was spinning around them.

In that moment, it was clear: Hyunjin was the star of the night, and Yongbok was utterly spellbound.

As the final notes of the dance faded into a crescendo of applause, Hyunjin's heart soared. He caught Yongbok's gaze, a bright smile breaking across his face, which Yongbok instinctively returned, though his heart raced faster than he anticipated. The world around them melted away, leaving just the two of them in that moment of connection.

But that connection was quickly interrupted as the announcer called for the next segment—a combined performance where all the girls would join the boys on stage. Yongbok's excitement turned to apprehension as the young women took their places beside the guards, each pairing up for the next dance.

As the girls approached the boys, Hyunjin found himself paired with a beautiful dancer whose eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. She stepped close, her hand delicately resting on Hyunjin's chest while her other hand clasped his, guiding him into position. The moment felt electric, yet Yongbok felt an unsettling twinge in his chest.

He couldn't help but focus on the way she held Hyunjin's waist, her fingers gliding against the elegant fabric of his attire. The sight was enough to ignite a wave of jealousy in Yongbok. He clenched his jaw, watching as the girl gazed up at Hyunjin, her eyes filled with admiration that made Yongbok's stomach twist.

Hyunjin, ever the professional, maintained his composure, but there was an undeniable warmth in his smile as he returned her gaze. Yongbok's breath hitched as he imagined the soft whispers they might be sharing, the laughter that could fill the air between them.

He forced himself to look away, yet he couldn't shake the feeling of jealousy gnawing at him. As the music began again, he felt a knot tighten in his stomach every time he saw Hyunjin and the girl move in sync, their bodies closer than he wished. The rhythm of the dance was infectious, but it only amplified his frustration.

The dancers moved gracefully, twirling and spinning, the boys leading with poise while the girls followed, each step echoing the harmony of their intertwined lives. But Yongbok found it hard to focus on the dance itself. His gaze kept drifting back to Hyunjin, who was shining brightly in the spotlight, a radiant figure among the ensemble.

With every flourish and twirl, he felt his heart waver, the sting of jealousy becoming a fierce reminder of his own feelings for the beautiful guard. How could he feel this way? And why did it have to hurt so much to see Hyunjin with someone else?

Just then, their eyes met again across the stage, and Hyunjin's smile widened. Yongbok felt a rush of emotions—love, longing, and a desperate need to hold Hyunjin close. In that fleeting moment, all the noise around them faded, and he silently willed Hyunjin to look past the girl, to see him standing there, waiting.

But as the dance continued, he could only watch, caught in a battle of emotions, yearning to close the distance between them but feeling tethered to his seat by the weight of unspoken words.