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

Chapter - 65

Riki led Yongbok through the quiet streets, their footsteps muffled by the dirt road as they reached a modest, one-floor house. The structure was simple, with a small garden in front and soft candlelight flickering through the windows. Riki stopped right outside the house, glancing over at Yongbok.

"This is it," Riki whispered, pointing toward a window on the far side. "That's Hyunjin hyung's room."

Yongbok looked at the dimly lit window, his heart pounding at the thought of seeing Hyunjin again. His mind raced with everything he wanted to say, the apologies, the reassurances—but more than anything, he just wanted to see him, to know that he was okay.

"Stay here," Riki said, turning toward the window. "I'll get him."

He crouched near the window and tapped lightly on the wooden frame. The sound was faint, but loud enough to be heard inside. Riki leaned closer and whispered through the small gap at the bottom of the window.

"Hyunjin hyung... it's me, Riki. Please, open the window."

There was silence for a moment. Then, after what felt like an eternity, they heard the quiet shuffling of footsteps from inside the room. The window creaked open, revealing Hyunjin's pale face. His eyes were red and puffy, evidence of days spent crying and not sleeping. He looked surprised, almost disbelieving, to see Riki standing there.

"Riki... what are you doing here?" Hyunjin whispered, his voice hoarse.

Riki glanced back at Yongbok, who was hidden under the cloak, and motioned for him to step forward. "I brought someone with me... someone you need to see."

Slowly, Yongbok stepped out of the shadows, pulling down the hood of his cloak. When Hyunjin saw him, his breath caught in his throat, his eyes widening in shock.

"Yongbok..." Hyunjin's voice broke, and for a moment, he couldn't speak. Tears welled up in his eyes, his emotions overwhelming him.

Yongbok stepped closer, his heart aching as he saw the state Hyunjin was in. "Hyunjin... I'm so sorry," he whispered, reaching out to touch Hyunjin's hand resting on the window frame. "I never wanted this to happen."

Hyunjin shook his head, tears spilling down his cheeks. "They threw me out, Yongbok... they told me I could never come back."

Yongbok's grip tightened around Hyunjin's hand, his own eyes filling with unshed tears. "I know, and I'm going to fix this. I promise. You mean everything to me."

Hyunjin bit his lip, trying to stifle his sobs. He had been so broken these past days, trapped in a dark world of hopelessness, but seeing Yongbok again was like a ray of light breaking through.

"You came for me," Hyunjin whispered, his voice trembling.

"I'll always come for you," Yongbok replied softly, brushing his thumb across Hyunjin's knuckles.

He held Hyunjin's hand tightly, gazing into his tear-filled eyes. "Hyunjin, listen to me," he whispered, his voice filled with determination. "I'm going to get us both out of this. Ryunjin... she doesn't want this marriage either. She's going to help us. We have a plan, but I need you to hold on a little longer."

Hyunjin blinked through his tears, his voice shaky. "Ryujin? The princess?"

Yongbok nodded, gently brushing a lock of hair away from Hyunjin's face. "Yes, she's on our side. She understands. And she's willing to help us stop this wedding. We're not alone in this."

Riki, standing nearby, stepped forward, his expression serious but hopeful. "In-Yeop hyung and the others are going to help too. We've all been talking. Minho, Taehyun, Seonghwa, Jisung—everyone. We're all going to make sure this works."

Hyunjin's heart fluttered with a mix of hope and fear. He had felt so lost, so abandoned, but now, hearing that there was a plan—a chance—made his chest tighten. "You really think we can stop this?" he asked softly.

Yongbok smiled, leaning closer. "I know we can. I'm not going to lose you, Hyunjin. Not now, not ever. Just wait a little longer, darling. Please. I'll fix everything."

Before Hyunjin could respond, Yongbok cupped his face in his hands and pressed a soft, lingering kiss to his lips. It was gentle but filled with a promise, a vow that they would make it through this together.

When they pulled apart, Yongbok gave him one last reassuring look. "I love you," he whispered, then turned and nodded to Riki.

Riki nodded back and motioned for Yongbok to follow him. Together, they slipped back into the shadows, heading toward the palace once again.

Hyunjin watched them go, his fingers lightly touching his lips where Yongbok's kiss still lingered. His heart ached, but for the first time in days, there was a spark of hope in his chest. He just had to hold on a little longer.