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

Chapter - 40

After getting dressed in their comfortable robes, Yongbok and Hyunjin made their way out of the bathing chamber. The air was filled with a sense of tranquility, and they exchanged glances filled with affection as they walked side by side through the dimly lit corridors of the palace.

As they approached the main hall, Yongbok paused, taking Hyunjin's hand in his. "Are you sure you're okay with everything that just happened?" he asked, searching Hyunjin's eyes for any hint of uncertainty.

Hyunjin smiled, squeezing Yongbok's hand gently. "I'm more than okay. I've never felt this way about anyone before. You make me feel safe, loved... alive."

Yongbok's heart swelled at Hyunjin's words. "I feel the same way. You've opened my heart in ways I didn't think were possible."

Just then, a familiar voice interrupted them. "Well, well, well! Look who it is! The lovebirds finally decided to come out!" It was Wooyoung, grinning mischievously as he leaned against the wall, arms crossed.

Yongbok and Hyunjin shared a look of surprise before both breaking into laughter. Hyunjin blushed slightly, feeling a mix of embarrassment and happiness at being caught. "We weren't doing anything!" he protested, even though the flushed look on his face said otherwise.

"Yeah, sure," Wooyoung teased, winking at them. "Your faces are telling a different story. So, how was it? Was it magical? Did you turn into swans after?"

Yongbok rolled his eyes, chuckling as he felt Hyunjin's warmth beside him. "You have a wild imagination, Wooyoung."

"Can't help it! I'm just trying to live vicariously through you two," Wooyoung replied with a dramatic sigh, dramatically clutching his heart. "But seriously, I'm happy for you both. Just don't forget about your friends when you're busy being all lovey-dovey."

Hyunjin laughed, finally relaxing in the presence of his friend. "Don't worry, we'll still hang out! We wouldn't leave you behind."

"Good!" Wooyoung said, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Now, who's up for a midnight feast? I heard the kitchen staff made some amazing desserts tonight!"

Yongbok looked at Hyunjin, who nodded eagerly. "Count us in!"

As they headed towards the kitchen, the atmosphere was light, filled with laughter and playful banter. The bond between the three of them felt stronger than ever, and Hyunjin couldn't help but feel grateful for the friendships he had found in this palace.

As they entered the kitchen, the delicious scent of pastries and sweets enveloped them. They filled their plates with an assortment of desserts, and as they settled down at a small table, Hyunjin and Yongbok exchanged secretive smiles over their plates. The warmth of their connection continued to grow, even amidst the laughter of their friends.

With each passing moment, Hyunjin realized just how much he cherished this new chapter of his life. He had found love and friendship, a combination he never thought he would experience in the palace. And he was determined to hold onto it, no matter the challenges that lay ahead.

As the three of them were enjoying their midnight feast, Wooyoung leaned back in his chair with a sly grin. "Oh, by the way," he began, his voice loud enough to grab everyone's attention. Minho, Jisung, Seonghwa, Taehyun, Seungmin, Jeongin, and In-Yeop, who had also been raiding the kitchen for snacks, all looked over curiously. "You guys won't believe what I saw this morning."

Minho raised an eyebrow, glancing at Wooyoung suspiciously. "What did you see this time?"

Wooyoung's grin widened as he continued, "I woke up early, right? And guess who I found snuggled up like two kittens, all cozy and wrapped around each other in Hyunjin's bed?"

The room fell silent for a moment before a chorus of gasps and laughter erupted from the group. "No way!" Jisung said, his eyes wide, immediately looking between Hyunjin and Yongbok, who both froze in place.

Hyunjin's face flushed bright red as he tried to stammer out a response. "It's... it's not what you think!"

"Oh, it's exactly what we think," Minho chimed in, a wicked smirk playing on his lips. "I knew something was going on between you two. You can't hide it from us anymore!"

"Yeah, and you should've seen them," Wooyoung continued, thoroughly enjoying the chaos he had just unleashed. "Yongbok was holding Hyunjin like his personal teddy bear. I've never seen anything more adorable!"

Seonghwa crossed his arms, chuckling softly. "I always knew you two would end up like this. You're practically inseparable during training."

Taehyun added with a grin, "So, when's the wedding? Should we start planning now?"

Hyunjin covered his face with his hands, utterly mortified. Yongbok, on the other hand, was doing his best to stay composed, but even he couldn't stop the faint blush creeping up his neck.

"Alright, alright, leave them alone," In-Yeop finally spoke up, though he had a teasing glint in his eye as well. "Let them breathe!"

But Jeongin, who had been quiet until now, couldn't resist chiming in. "No way, In-Yeop. This is too good! I mean, come on, Hyunjin, I didn't know you were so cuddly!"

Hyunjin groaned, still hiding his face in embarrassment. "I wasn't— I didn't— It wasn't like that!"

"Oh? So you're saying you didn't enjoy it?" Seungmin teased, leaning closer with a playful smirk. "Because from what Wooyoung said, you seemed pretty comfortable."

Yongbok finally spoke up, trying to save them both from further teasing. "Alright, alright, we get it. You caught us. Now can we please move on?"

But Minho shook his head, clearly enjoying every second of this. "Not a chance. This is the best gossip we've had in months. You two just made our week."

Jisung pouted dramatically, "I'm just hurt that I didn't get to see it myself! Come on, Wooyoung, you could've woken me up to witness the moment!"

"Next time, I promise," Wooyoung said with a laugh.

Hyunjin finally uncovered his face, narrowing his eyes at Wooyoung in playful annoyance. "You're the worst, you know that?"

Wooyoung just grinned innocently. "Hey, I'm just spreading the love!"

Despite all the teasing, there was an undeniable warmth in the room. Their friends were clearly happy for them, even if they enjoyed poking fun a little too much. Hyunjin leaned into Yongbok slightly, feeling comforted by his presence despite the embarrassment.

"Alright, enough already," Yongbok said with a chuckle. "You can all laugh it up now, but don't forget— we'll get you back when you least expect it."

The group erupted into laughter once again, and for the rest of the night, the teasing continued, but it was all in good fun. Hyunjin and Yongbok exchanged knowing smiles, feeling grateful to have such supportive—and slightly mischievous—friends by their side.