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

Chapter - 71

 Hyunjin's family returned home, a heavy silence filled the air. The tension that had lingered for days seemed to settle like a thick fog, and Hyunjin's heart raced with anticipation. His father, who had once pushed him away, now stood before him, his expression solemn and regretful.

"Hyunjin," his father began, his voice shaky. "I need to talk to you."

Hyunjin looked up, confused and cautious. "What is it?"

Taking a deep breath, his father stepped closer. "I've been a terrible father. I was wrong to punish you for your feelings. I let my pride and my fears cloud my judgment, and I can see now how much I hurt you."

Hyunjin's heart ached at his father's words, a mix of disbelief and hope swelling within him. He searched his father's eyes for sincerity, and when he found it, he felt the dam inside him begin to crack.

"I didn't want this marriage," Hyunjin whispered, his voice trembling. "I never wanted it. I love Yongbok."

His father nodded, his gaze dropping to the floor. "I understand that now. I see that you're not the only one caught in this situation. Yongbok deserves to be happy too. I spoke with his parents today, and they—"

"They what?" Hyunjin's voice rose in intensity. "Are they going to make him marry Ryujin?"

"No, Hyunjin," his father said quickly, stepping forward and placing a hand on Hyunjin's shoulder. "They've decided to cancel the wedding. They want you to be with Yongbok."

Hyunjin felt his world tilt on its axis. "What? Really?"

His father nodded earnestly. "Yes. They care about Yongbok's happiness, just as I care about yours. I was wrong to think I could control your life like that."

Tears of relief and disbelief streamed down Hyunjin's cheeks. "I can see Yongbok?"

His father's voice softened. "Yes, but first, you need to know that I am sorry. I'm sorry for not seeing you, for not being the father you deserved. I want to make it right."

Hyunjin stood frozen for a moment, the weight of his father's words pressing down on him. And then, finally, the floodgates opened. He broke down, pouring out all of the emotions he had kept bottled up for so long—pain, fear, love, and the overwhelming joy of being given a second chance.

His father enveloped him in a warm embrace, holding him tightly as if he were afraid to let go. "I'm so sorry, Hyunjin. I wish I could take back all the hurt I caused you."

As they held each other, Riki, In-Yeop, and their mother joined in, wrapping their arms around Hyunjin and their father. It became a family hug, a moment of healing that felt like a balm on old wounds.

After a few moments, Riki broke the silence. "If you keep crying like that, you're going to miss your chance to see Yongbok! He's still at the festival!"

Hyunjin's heart skipped a beat at the realization. "What?!" He pulled away, wiping his tears in a frenzy. "I need to go! Right now!"

Without wasting another second, he dashed out of the house, running faster than he ever had before. The thought of being with Yongbok again fueled his every step. He burst into the night, the cool air hitting his face as he sprinted toward the festival, a single thought racing through his mind: he could finally meet his love.

As he ran, he could see the flickering lights of the festival in the distance, hear the laughter and music, but all he could focus on was finding Yongbok.

He ran through the streets, his heart pounding in his chest, until he spotted a familiar figure retreating from the festival with his family. "Yongbok!" he shouted, his voice echoing in the night.

Yongbok, who had been about to follow his family back to the palace, turned at the sound of Hyunjin's voice. His heart raced as he looked back to see Hyunjin sprinting toward him, a mix of surprise and joy lighting up his face.

"Hyunjin!" he called out, his own heart lifting as he rushed to meet his lover.

The crowd around them—Ryujin's family, Yongbok's parents, their friends—watched in stunned silence, realizing that something monumental was happening.

As they reached each other, Hyunjin practically crashed into Yongbok's arms, holding him tightly as if he never wanted to let go. His breath was ragged, his cheeks wet with tears, but for the first time, they were tears of joy.

Yongbok wrapped his arms around Hyunjin, pulling him close. "What happened? Are you okay?" he asked softly, his voice full of concern.

Hyunjin pulled back just enough to look into Yongbok's eyes, his own shining with emotion. "My father," he whispered, still in disbelief. "He... he apologized. He told me I could see you. He said he was sorry for everything."

Yongbok's eyes widened, and a soft smile spread across his face. "He really said that?"

Hyunjin nodded, his hands trembling as he held onto Yongbok's arms. "He said he was wrong, that he was a terrible father. He gave me his blessing to be with you, Bok. I can't believe it."

Yongbok's heart swelled, and without thinking, he leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Hyunjin's lips. "I told you we'd make it through this," he whispered against his lips. "I told you I'd fix everything."

Hyunjin laughed, a tearful, joyous laugh, and hugged Yongbok tighter. "You did. You really did."

The crowd around them, still watching in silence, finally broke out into cheers. Ryujin smiled warmly at them, and Riki, who just got here with In-Yeop called out, breaking the emotional moment with his playful tone. "Took you long enough! I thought we'd have to wait all night for this!"

Hyunjin chuckled through his tears, finally feeling a sense of relief wash over him. For so long, he had felt trapped, weighed down by the expectations of his family and the fear of being separated from Yongbok. But now, everything was different.

Yongbok's parents approached them, smiling warmly at their son and his lover. Yongbok's father placed a hand on Hyunjin's shoulder. "We care about his happiness, too," he said kindly. "We just hope the people of the kingdom will accept this change as well."

Ryujin's parents, standing nearby, stepped forward. "You don't need to worry about that," Ryujin's father said confidently. "We'll make sure the people understand that love is love, no matter the form it takes. It's time the kingdom opened its eyes."

Hyunjin smiled gratefully at them, his heart swelling with hope. "Thank you," he whispered.

Yongbok squeezed Hyunjin's hand, his own heart full of love and relief. "We're finally free," he said softly, looking into Hyunjin's eyes. "No more hiding."

Hyunjin nodded, tears still brimming in his eyes. "I love you, Bok," he whispered, his voice full of emotion.

"I love you too, Hyunjin," Yongbok replied, pulling him close for another kiss, this one longer and more passionate, as the crowd cheered once again.

As they stood there, surrounded by their friends and family, Hyunjin finally felt like he could breathe. His heart was light, his soul unburdened, and for the first time in a long time, he was truly happy.

Wooyoung's playful voice broke through the moment. "Hey, if you keep crying like that, you'll miss your chance to enjoy the festival!"

Hyunjin laughed, wiping his tears away. "You're right. I've wasted enough time crying."

Yongbok smiled, his heart full as he took Hyunjin's hand. "Come on, love. Let's go back together."

And with that, they walked back toward the palace, hand in hand, ready to face whatever challenges the future might hold, but this time, they would face them together.