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

Chapter - 51

Morning arrived slowly, with sunlight streaming through the tall windows of the infirmary, casting soft golden light over Hyunjin's still form. Hyunjin's been out for two days now. Yongbok had barely slept, his hand never leaving Hyunjin's as he watched over him throughout the nights. Minho had stayed as well, standing guard by the door, ever vigilant.

Hyunjin stirred slightly, his fingers twitching in Yongbok's grasp. Yongbok straightened immediately, eyes focused on Hyunjin's face, hoping for a sign that he was waking up.

Hyunjin's eyes fluttered open, slowly adjusting to the light. His gaze was unfocused at first, but as he blinked away the haze, his eyes found Yongbok's. A small, weak smile tugged at his lips.

"Yongbok..." Hyunjin's voice came out hoarse.

Yongbok let out a sigh of relief and leaned closer to him. " I'm here. It's okay. You've been unconscious for two days, Hyunjin. You scared me."

"I'm sorry," Hyunjin murmured, his voice still weak. He attempted to sit up, but Yongbok gently eased him back onto the bed.

"Don't push yourself," Yongbok said softly, his concern clear. "You're still recovering."

Hyunjin sighed, realizing the toll the past few days had taken on him. His memories of the battle were hazy, but he remembered the chaos, the blood, and Hongjoong's crazed obsession with him. He winced at the thought.

"Hongjoong..." Hyunjin began, trailing off.

"Hongjoong is dead," Yongbok said firmly, his tone laced with finality. "Minho killed him after he tried to use you as a pawn in his twisted game."

A wave of relief and sorrow washed over Hyunjin. While Hongjoong had caused them so much pain, his death marked the end of a dangerous chapter in their lives. 

Hyunjin shifted slightly, grimacing as he adjusted to a more comfortable position. Yongbok helped him without hesitation, his movements gentle and full of care.

"Yongbok," Hyunjin whispered after a moment, his voice hesitant.

"What is it?" Yongbok asked, leaning closer.

"I... I thought I was going to lose you," Hyunjin confessed, his voice cracking with emotion. "When I saw that guard coming for you, I... I didn't think. I just..."

Yongbok hushed him softly, his thumb brushing over the back of Hyunjin's hand. "You saved my life," he said, his voice full of tenderness. "But I need you to focus on your own now. I can't bear the thought of losing you either."

Hyunjin's eyes filled with tears, but he blinked them back, too exhausted to speak. Instead, he simply squeezed Yongbok's hand, finding comfort in his presence.

For now, the war could wait. The kingdom could wait.

All that mattered was that Hyunjin was still with him. And as long as they were together, they would face whatever came next—side by side.

Suddenly the door to the chamber creaked open.

It was In-Yeop, Hyunjin's older brother, his expression a mixture of concern and relief as he stepped into the room. He crossed the distance quickly, his eyes scanning Hyunjin for any signs of lasting harm.

"Hyunjin..." In-Yeop said softly, sitting beside his brother. "I came as soon as I heard. I was so worried."

Hyunjin's eyes softened, and he reached out to take In-Yeop's hand. "I'm okay, hyung. I'm still here."

"You're more than just okay," In-Yeop replied, his voice tight with emotion. "You fought harder than anyone should've had to, but I'm proud of you."

Yongbok stayed silent for a moment, giving them space. But his heart tightened as he watched the brothers reunite. He stood up, moving to the window to give them a bit of privacy, but Hyunjin's eyes followed him.

"Yongbok, don't go," Hyunjin said softly, making his lover pause. "Stay."

In-Yeop smiled at Hyunjin's words, clearly understanding the depth of their relationship. "I'll give you two some time," In-Yeop said, squeezing Hyunjin's hand one last time before standing. "But I'll be back to check on you later."

Once In-Yeop left, the silence between Yongbok and Hyunjin lingered, thick with unspoken feelings.

"Yongbok," Hyunjin began again, his voice shaky. "Thank you. For everything. I wouldn't be here without you."

Yongbok turned to face him, his eyes filled with the love and concern that had been burning inside him for days. "You're my everything, Hyunjin," he said, his voice soft yet strong. "I can't lose you. Not now. Not ever."

Hyunjin's heart swelled at the sincerity in Yongbok's words, and before either of them could think twice, Hyunjin reached out, pulling Yongbok closer to him. Yongbok didn't hesitate. He cupped Hyunjin's face gently and leaned in, their lips meeting in a soft but deeply passionate kiss.

The kiss was slow, filled with the unspoken promises they had made to each other—the promise to protect, to love, and to never let go. Hyunjin's hand tangled in Yongbok's hair as he deepened the kiss, his body still weak but his emotions overpowering everything else.

When they finally pulled apart, their foreheads rested together, both of them breathing heavily but feeling more connected than ever.

"You're never getting rid of me," Yongbok whispered with a small smile.

"I don't want to," Hyunjin whispered back, his voice full of affection.

Yongbok kissed him again, softly this time, before sitting back down beside him, keeping his hand on Hyunjin's. "Rest now. There's time to prepare for what's next, but right now, just focus on healing."

Hyunjin nodded, feeling safe for the first time in what felt like forever. With Yongbok by his side, he knew he could face anything—even the war that loomed ahead.