Time travel || Wonhyuk

4: Unexpected visit

On the second day of training, Wonho swore he would collapse there and then if break didn't come any sooner. His muscles were aching badly when he woke up that morning and it was so bad that he felt like an old man suffering from chronic disease. His arms were trembling when he tried to put on the heavy armor, and he had to force every ounce of his energy, which wasn't much since he hadn't had anything to eat mind you, to even reach above his head and let the steel plate slide itself down onto his torso. Little blisters had formed on his feet from rubbing against his boots too much, he tried giving as much cushion as possible for his poor feet with some grass he plucked from the fields. Once again, he arrived at the outdoor courtyard where many other knights were already waiting to start training. Though it was only a little past dusk, the sun was already up and beating down mercilessly on his pitiful stature. Groaning inwardly, he knew that the end is nigh as his eyes followed the all too familiar figure that strode onto the raised platform.

It was a miracle he survived, really, even he himself was surprised. But more than surprise came relieve when he realised that he could finally have his long awaited first meal of the day. His legs however, had different plans in store. Right after everyone left the courtyard, they became jelly and gave out under the immense weight of the body and wouldn't budge for the life of him. God, how he wanted to move. His stomach was rumbling, the heat was unbearable and dehydration was catching up with him.

"Woah there buddy... Need help?"

Fortunately, Hyunwoo had spotted the pathetic heap on the ground and went over to help him up. Wonho could only summon enough energy for a little nod of gratitude. His throat had long dried and was burning like wild fire. With an arm draped over Hyunwoo's shoulder and the other clutching tightly onto the bamboo sword, he hobbled over to the nearest pavilion for a quick rest.

"Stay here for a while. I'll go get t-"

"Oh excuse me knights! Have you- Oh you're here!"

The Prince skipped over cheerfully, eyes glistening with happiness, face as bright as the day itself. He had a package in hand, a square shaped box wrapped delicately with a piece of intricately designed light blue handkerchief tied into a neat bow at the top with all four corners, creating a loop to hold onto.

Upon noticing the approaching prince, Hyunwoo stepped forward and knelt down on one knee, performing the knight salute that was rather new to Wonho. The said man struggled to stand up and do the same but his legs simply refused to budge. He nodded apologetically at prince, hoping that the other would understand his situation.

"Ah, please dismiss the formalities!"

He reached down and grabbed Hyunwoo's arm, trying to pull him up. Hyunwoo stood up, unsure of his actions. The prince gave him a reassuring smile and settled down beside Wonho.

"Are you alright? You looked like you were in pain earlier... I hope it wasn't because of the wound."

Wonho saw the prince trailed his eyes down his body, gaze resting patently his abdomen. Reaching out a tentative hand, he rubbed over the spot where the wound had been, over the thick layer of steel he was wearing. Witnessing such a scene was probably awkward for both the person in question and the third party. Hyunwoo cleared his throat, yet his composure remained neutral.

"If you would allow, Prince Minhyuk, I need to take my leave now to collect lunch for the both of us."

"If you would too, just call me Minhyuk! And please, go and have your lunch! As for him, I've brought food along, so no worries!"

Hyunwoo nodded and bowed again before scampering away. Meanwhile, the prince started unwrapping the parcel, revealing packed lunchboxes for two. Taking one, he placed the lunch box in front of the knight before removing the lid, revealing its delicious contents. Once again, the prince broke off into a wide grin and opened his own box. Wonho couldn't help himself but to stare fondly at the food, his stomach growling for attention. The noise made the prince giggle, a sound so melodious and pure that seemed too angelic to be real. Wonho felt his face becoming slightly heated, unable to hide his embarrassment for showing this side of himself to a person of the highest societal status.

"Sorry..."

"Don't be. You must be hungry, do tuck in!"

Picking up the chopsticks that the prince kindly laid out for him, Wonho helped himself to the food, which was much more extravagant compared to the food he gets in the knight quarters. Silently, he thanked the gods for this angel sent from heaven to deliver him this amazing meal.