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

Chapter - 32

As Hyunjin sat against the tree, the memories of the kiss from two days ago still lingered in his mind, swirling with the confusion that had taken root since. The sound of footsteps drew him from his thoughts, and he looked up to see Jisung, Minho, and Jeongin approaching, their expressions a mix of concern and eagerness.

"Hey, Hyunjin," Jisung said, settling beside him. "We were worried about you. How are you holding up?"

Hyunjin sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm okay, I guess. Just trying to process everything."

Minho exchanged a glance with Jeongin before speaking. "Is this about the kiss? You told Yongbok about it, right?"

Hyunjin nodded, a wave of frustration washing over him. "Yeah, I did. But he doesn't remember anything, and it feels like that moment never happened. Part of me is relieved, but the other part... it's hard to explain." 

Jeongin leaned in closer, his curiosity piqued. "Do you wish he remembered?"

"Maybe," Hyunjin admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "It felt meaningful in a way, but now I feel like I'm just overreacting. I'm just a guard; he's a prince. This whole situation is so complicated."

Minho raised an eyebrow. "But that doesn't mean your feelings aren't valid. He clearly cares about you if he confided in you. He could have chosen anyone."

"Yeah, but what if he sees it as just a drunken mistake?" Hyunjin replied, feeling the weight of doubt. "What if this is just a phase for him?"

Jisung nudged him playfully. "You'll never know unless you talk to him. Avoiding it won't make it go away. Just be honest with him."

"Easier said than done," Hyunjin mumbled, staring off into the distance. "What if I ruin everything by opening up?"

Jeongin shrugged. "Then you'll figure it out. It's better to take a chance than to always wonder what could have been."

Hyunjin looked at his friends, their unwavering support giving him a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos of his thoughts. "Thanks, guys. I guess I just need to gather the courage to face him."

Just then, they heard a commotion nearby as Yongbok and his entourage approached, laughter echoing through the trees. Hyunjin's heart raced at the sound, a mix of anticipation and anxiety swelling within him. He turned to his friends, a sudden wave of determination washing over him.

"Maybe it's time I stop avoiding him," Hyunjin said, rising to his feet. "I need to talk to Yongbok. I can't keep pushing this down."

"Good luck!" Jisung cheered, a grin spreading across his face as they watched Hyunjin head toward the prince.

As he walked closer, Hyunjin took a deep breath, steeling himself for whatever might happen next. No matter how complicated things were, he knew he had to face his feelings head-on.

Hyunjin took a deep breath, summoning his courage as he approached Yongbok, who stood by the training ground, laughter still echoing from his friends. "Can we talk?" Hyunjin asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Yongbok turned to him, his expression shifting from playful to serious. "Of course," he replied, gesturing for Hyunjin to follow him to a quieter corner of the training area, away from prying eyes.

Once they were out of earshot, Hyunjin hesitated, his heart racing as he struggled to find the right words. Finally, he blurted, "I've been thinking a lot about... about us."

Yongbok's eyes widened, surprise flashing across his face. "Us?" he echoed, a mix of hope and uncertainty in his tone.

"Yeah," Hyunjin continued, his voice trembling slightly. "I'm scared about what happened that night. I didn't expect to feel this way, especially not towards you. But I do, and it's terrifying."