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

Chapter - 34

A few days had passed since the incident in the forest, and life at the castle had returned to its usual rhythm. The guards had completed their training session, and though Hyunjin was still recovering from his wound, the healing process was going well. He didn't participate much in the training, but Yongbok had made sure to keep an eye on him, subtly checking in without drawing too much attention.

Now, as the guards rode back toward the castle, Hyunjin found himself lost in thought, feeling the cool wind against his face. His wound still ached a bit, but what was more unsettling was the memory of the kiss from a few days ago—his feelings for Yongbok. Everything felt more intense, more confusing. He glanced over at the prince, who was riding ahead with Minho, laughing about something. Seeing him like that made Hyunjin's heart flutter all over again.

They reached the castle gates, and as they dismounted their horses, Hyunjin caught Yongbok's eye. For a brief moment, the world seemed to slow, but Yongbok quickly turned away, busying himself with something else. The prince had been keeping his distance these past few days—no doubt to give Hyunjin space. It was appreciated, but also left Hyunjin with a strange emptiness.

As the guards dispersed, Jisung came up beside him, playfully bumping Hyunjin's shoulder. "You doing alright? You seem a bit out of it lately."

Hyunjin sighed, shaking his head lightly. "Yeah, just... still recovering, I guess."

Jisung raised an eyebrow. "From the wound or... something else?"

Hyunjin shot him a look, and Jisung smirked knowingly. "Thought so. Well, just so you know, the prince hasn't been the same either. He's been quieter, more distracted. Almost like he's—"

"Jisung." Hyunjin cut him off, his tone firm but not unkind. "I don't need you reading into this."

Jisung chuckled, putting his hands up in defense. "Alright, alright. Just saying... you're not alone in this." With a wink, he jogged off toward the others.

Hyunjin shook his head, but deep down, he knew Jisung was right. He wasn't alone, but that didn't make things any easier. His feelings for the prince were real—scary, but real. And he had no idea what to do with them.

Just then, Yongbok's voice cut through his thoughts. "Hyunjin."

Startled, Hyunjin looked up to see the prince walking toward him. He was alone, his usual carefree expression replaced with something more serious.

"We need to talk," Yongbok said quietly, his eyes meeting Hyunjin's with an intensity that sent a shiver down his spine.

Hyunjin hesitated, but nodded, following Yongbok as they walked toward a more private area of the castle gardens. The air between them was thick with unspoken tension, and Hyunjin's heart raced with every step. When they finally stopped, Yongbok turned to face him, his expression unreadable.

"How's your arm?" Yongbok asked, his voice soft.

"It's... healing," Hyunjin replied, his gaze dropping to the ground. "Thank you... for checking."

Yongbok took a deep breath, stepping a little closer. "I've been thinking... about us. About what happened."

Hyunjin's breath hitched, his chest tightening. He wasn't ready for this conversation. Not yet.

"I'm sorry," Yongbok said suddenly, catching Hyunjin off guard. "For pushing you that night. I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable or—"

"Stop," Hyunjin interrupted, shaking his head. "It's not that. It's just... I don't know what to do with these feelings, Yongbok. They scare me."