Forever to Remember Me || H. Hj. ♡

Chapter II : The second offense

FOREVER TO
REMEMBER ME.



❝ Love is not expressed with words,
but with gestures, like a mime. ❞

━━━━━━━━

     As winter approached, the nights grew longer, much to Hyunjin's dismay. He would have less time to enjoy the natural daylight.

     With his cheek buried in the pillow, he awoke to the sight of fine silk curtains through which shy golden rays of sunlight seeped, softly illuminating his room with warm touches. With sleep-heavy eyes, Hyunjin turned his gaze to the ceiling and stretched his legs, feeling his body wake from head to toe. Sitting upright, he glanced at his reflection in the mirror and gave a faint smile. He often admired his appearance; he truly considered himself a full-fledged narcissist. Yet, he longed for someone to admire the depths of his soul, to carefully delve into his heart and cherish it. Someone who could invade his heart without warning and stir it up, making him feel loved. But he thought he was dreaming with his eyes open, as usual.

     His thoughts were interrupted by the bedroom door swinging open, and in walked his young servant, Wonyoung.

     "Oh! I didn't wake you up, did I? I can come back later if you'd prefer." she apologized, beginning to retreat with the tray she had brought.

     "No, you didn't wake me. Stay." Hyunjin yawned deeply, trying to shake off the drowsiness. He felt stiff; he hadn't slept comfortably.

     "Here's your breakfast and a green tea. I was told you do not like coffee." she said, motioning to the cup on the tray.

     "They told you right; I don't like coffee. Thank you, Wonyoung!" the prince said with a smile, to which she nodded in acknowledgment before leaving the room.

     Hyunjin couldn't help but notice the neutrality etched into the girl's expression. It was unusual. She hadn't even smiled at him and treated him no differently than the other palace servants did. That stupid joke from yesterday must have upset her. He had only wanted to amuse her, to become friends, but he felt he had crossed a line. Perhaps Wonyoung had thought he was flirting with her—and maybe there was a grain of truth in that—but for now, Hyunjin just wanted to get along with her and communicate openly, the way he did with Lady Choi. He resolved to keep his emotions in check and run every thought through the filter of reason, unlike what he had done yesterday.

     Shaking his head vigorously to dispel any lingering thoughts, he sat up and stretched his stiff limbs. As he did, his gaze drifted toward the wide windows in his bedroom, and he noticed the sunny weather outside. A gentle breeze swayed the acacia tree outside his window, letting sunlight filter through its delicate branches. The sunlight warmed his right arm through the long, decorative curtains that were more for show than for blocking out the light. After finishing his breakfast and getting ready for the day, Hyunjin decided that his first activity would be a walk in the nearby forest. It wasn't far at all—right at the edge of the village. He could admire it every day from his room, as his bedroom offered a splendid view of the forest, revealing a perfect tableau that seemed meant for painting.

     Determined, Hyunjin left his room, briskly passing his brother and catching him off guard.

     "Where are you rushing off to?"