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

Chapter - 56

As dawn broke, soft rays of sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. Hyunjin stirred awake, feeling the comforting weight of Yongbok's arm draped over him. He blinked a few times, memories of the previous night flooding back, causing a shy smile to spread across his lips. However, as he shifted slightly, a dull ache reminded him of their passionate encounter.

Yongbok, sensing Hyunjin's movement, opened his eyes and smiled down at him. "Good morning, darling," he murmured, his voice still thick with sleep.

"Good morning," Hyunjin replied, his cheeks flushing slightly as he met Yongbok's gaze. He felt a rush of warmth at the intimate memories they shared.

"Are you feeling okay?" Yongbok asked, noting the slight wince on Hyunjin's face. "You look a bit sore."

"Just a little," Hyunjin admitted sheepishly. "But I'm fine."

Yongbok chuckled, sitting up and stretching his arms overhead, exposing more of his toned chest. "If you want, I can carry you around the palace today," he teased, a playful smirk dancing on his lips.

Hyunjin's cheeks turned crimson as he playfully hit Yongbok on the shoulder. "I can walk, thank you very much!" he shot back, trying to sound indignant but unable to hide his smile.

After they both got out of bed, Yongbok helped Hyunjin clean up and get dressed, his hands gentle as he adjusted the fabric of Hyunjin's shirt. He moved around the room with a sense of purpose, tidying up the sheets and making everything neat, while Hyunjin watched, still a bit dazed from the night before.

Just then, the servants arrived to help Yongbok with his attire. They froze in surprise at the sight of Hyunjin fully dressed and lingering in the room. The atmosphere was thick with curiosity as they exchanged glances, unsure of what to make of the scene.

"Your Highness, is everything—" one of them began, but Yongbok waved them off with a smile.

"Everything is fine. Thank you," he said firmly, dismissing them with a nod. The servants hesitated for a moment longer before leaving, whispers trailing behind them as they exited the room.

Once they were alone, Hyunjin got up to walk but immediately stumbled, his legs still a bit unsteady from the previous night's activities. Yongbok was quick to catch him, concern flashing across his features. "Are you sure you're alright?" he asked, his brows furrowing slightly.

"I'm fine," Hyunjin insisted, though the lingering soreness made his voice waver. "Just a bit sore."

Yongbok chuckled softly, leaning closer. "Maybe I should carry you after all," he teased, amusement dancing in his eyes.

Hyunjin's cheeks flushed deeper, and he pushed Yongbok playfully. "I said I'm fine!"

As they made their way out of the chamber, Hyunjin felt the slight limp in his step, and it didn't take long before he reached the barracks. The moment he stepped inside, his friends Jisung, Wooyoung, Taehyun, and Seonghwa were already gathered, their laughter echoing through the space. In-Yeop, Hyunjin's older brother, stood among them, arms crossed and an amused expression on his face.

"Look who it is! The great warrior returns!" Jisung called out, noticing Hyunjin's awkward gait.

"Hyunjin, are you okay?" Wooyoung teased, eyes sparkling with mischief. "You're walking like you've been in a battle. Did you take on more than you could handle last night?"

Hyunjin's face turned beet red, and he tried to play it off coolly, but the embarrassment made it difficult. "Shut up! I'm fine!" he shot back, though his friends' laughter only grew louder.