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

Chapter - 27

The forest was alive with the rhythmic pounding of hooves, the whizzing of arrows slicing through the air, and the occasional cheers of the guards. They were in the midst of target practice, shooting arrows while riding their horses, a skill that required immense precision and balance. Hyunjin, as always, was a natural, his movements graceful yet powerful as he rode with confidence. His bowstring hummed as each arrow struck the center of the distant targets, hitting its mark perfectly every time.

Yongbok, however, was far less focused on the actual training. He sat atop his horse next to Minho, but his eyes were constantly drawn to Hyunjin, watching his every move. The way Hyunjin handled the horse, the sharp concentration on his face, the slight narrowing of his eyes just before he released the arrow—it was captivating.

Minho, ever observant, noticed Yongbok's lack of attention to the training. He smirked slightly and leaned closer. "You know, you're supposed to be watching the archery, not Hyunjin."

Yongbok flinched, tearing his gaze away from the archer and snapping it back to Minho. "I—I was watching the training," he muttered, but the heat rising to his cheeks betrayed him.

Minho raised an eyebrow, amused. "Sure you were."

Yongbok cleared his throat, trying to regain some semblance of composure. He knew he had been staring, but he couldn't help it. There was something about Hyunjin that had been pulling at him ever since that night. Even though his memory of the kiss was a blur, something in him couldn't shake the magnetic pull he felt toward the young guard. He had tried to dismiss it, to focus on his duties, but now, watching Hyunjin from afar, it was impossible to deny how much his thoughts revolved around him.

Hyunjin's hair blew in the breeze as he rode, his form steady, eyes locked on the target ahead. With a smooth motion, he pulled back the bowstring and released another arrow, which soared through the air and hit the target dead center once more. A few of the other guards clapped in admiration.

Minho noticed the way Yongbok's expression softened, his gaze filled with something deeper than simple admiration. It was almost like... yearning.

"So, are you going to admit it?" Minho asked, his voice casual but laced with curiosity.

"Admit what?" Yongbok shot back, his tone defensive.

Minho chuckled, shaking his head. "That you've got a soft spot for him."

Yongbok didn't answer immediately, his lips pressing into a thin line. He didn't want to acknowledge what Minho was implying, not yet. It was too complicated—too... confusing.

"I just admire his skill," Yongbok muttered, turning his gaze back to the training field. Hyunjin was lining up for another shot, his body in perfect sync with the movements of the horse beneath him.

Minho hummed, clearly not convinced. "Is that what we're calling it now?"

Yongbok shot him a glare but said nothing more. His heart was racing again, and he hated how much control Hyunjin seemed to have over his emotions, even without knowing it. Watching him, Yongbok was filled with an inexplicable urge to be closer to him, to understand what it was about Hyunjin that made him feel this way. It wasn't just admiration, and he knew it, even if he wasn't ready to say it out loud.

The training continued, but Yongbok's mind was miles away. He watched as Hyunjin finished his practice, his eyes following him as he dismounted the horse, patting the animal's side before leading it back toward the rest of the group.

For a brief moment, Hyunjin glanced back in Yongbok's direction, their eyes meeting. Yongbok felt his breath hitch in his throat. Hyunjin gave a polite nod, not knowing the turmoil swirling in the prince's heart, before turning away again to speak with the other guards.