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

Chapter - 28

As the training continued, Prince Yongbok found it harder to focus on anything other than Hyunjin. His eyes followed him, watching the way he moved, his grace on horseback, the subtle determination in every arrow he shot. He couldn't understand why he was so drawn to him—why his heart raced every time their eyes met. The lingering memory of last night, though foggy, made something stir deep within him.

Yongbok's brow furrowed as he glanced down at the reins in his hands, tightening his grip. What was this feeling? Why did Hyunjin occupy his thoughts so much? He wasn't usually someone who let emotions get in the way of his duties, but lately, it had been impossible to keep the young guard out of his mind.

"Yongbok," Minho's voice broke through his thoughts.

Yongbok startled slightly and looked over at his brother, who was observing him with a raised eyebrow. "What is it?" Yongbok asked, trying to mask his distraction.

"You seem... distant," Minho said, his tone neutral but laced with curiosity. "You've been staring at Hyunjin for the entire practice."

Yongbok's stomach twisted at his brother's comment, and he quickly looked away, feigning indifference. "I'm observing the training," he replied, though the excuse sounded weak even to him.

Minho's knowing smirk made Yongbok shift uncomfortably in his saddle. "Observing, sure," Minho said lightly, then paused before adding, "But you've been more focused on him than anyone else. Something on your mind?"

Yongbok hesitated, his mind racing. He knew Minho wasn't the type to push too hard, but there was an unspoken understanding between them. Minho could always see through him.

"I..." Yongbok started but trailed off. Could he even admit what he was feeling? Could he tell his brother that every time he looked at Hyunjin, his chest tightened in a way he couldn't explain?

Minho waited patiently, his expression softening. "You know you can talk to me, right?"

Yongbok sighed, glancing back toward Hyunjin, who was still practicing with the other guards. The sight of him only made the confusion inside him grow stronger.

"I'm not sure how to explain it," Yongbok said quietly. "I... I think I might have feelings for him."

Minho raised an eyebrow, clearly not expecting such an admission. "Feelings? For Hyunjin?"

Yongbok nodded, feeling the weight of his own words as they left his mouth. "I can't stop thinking about him. It's driving me mad. And last night... I did something reckless."

Minho's curiosity piqued. "What happened last night?"

Yongbok hesitated, unsure of how much he should reveal. The truth of the kiss was hazy in his mind, but he remembered the sensation of it—the rush of emotions that had come with it. "I kissed him," Yongbok admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I was drunk, and I don't remember everything, but I know it happened."

Minho blinked, clearly surprised. "You kissed him?"

Yongbok nodded again, his gaze dropping to the ground. "And now... I don't know what to do. I feel like I need to talk to him, but I don't even know where to begin. What if he doesn't feel the same? What if I've crossed a line?"

Minho was silent for a moment, considering his brother's words. Then, with a small, reassuring smile, he said, "You'll never know unless you talk to him. You're not someone who runs away from things, Yongbok. If this is how you feel, then face it. Talk to Hyunjin and see where he stands."

Yongbok nodded, though the nervousness in his chest didn't subside. He knew Minho was right—he couldn't keep avoiding the issue. But the thought of confronting Hyunjin, of possibly facing rejection, terrified him. Still, he couldn't ignore these feelings any longer.