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

Chapter - 72

Two years had passed since the whirlwind of emotions that led to Yongbok and Hyunjin finally being together. The seasons changed, and with them, their love deepened, blossoming into something beautiful. Now, as Yongbok sat among his friends, he felt a spark of excitement and nervousness that made his heart race.

They gathered in a cozy corner of the palace garden, the sun casting a golden hue over the blossoms, creating a perfect backdrop for what was to come. Yongbok glanced around at the familiar faces—his best friends, his confidants, and the people who had supported him and Hyunjin through thick and thin.

"So, what's the plan?" Wooyoung asked, leaning forward, his eyes glinting with mischief. "How are we going to make this proposal unforgettable?"

"I want it to be special," Yongbok replied, running a hand through his hair. "Hyunjin deserves the world. He's done so much for me, and I want this moment to reflect that."

Jisung, who had been married to Minho for a year, chimed in. "What if you proposed in the same garden where you first confessed your feelings? It's meaningful and beautiful."

"That's a great idea!" Taehyun agreed, nodding enthusiastically. "We can decorate it with flowers, maybe some fairy lights to create a romantic atmosphere."

Seonghwa, ever the planner, added, "We could set up a little picnic for just the two of you after the proposal. A place to celebrate your love in private."

Yongbok's heart swelled at the thought. "I love that! But I also want to involve everyone, to show him how much our friends mean to us." He glanced at Ryujin and Yeji, who were seated together, smiling encouragingly.

Ryujin leaned in, her eyes sparkling. "What if we all wear colors that symbolize love? Red or pink, maybe? It could be a beautiful gesture to show unity and support for your love."

"Perfect! And we can make a path of petals leading to the spot where you'll propose," Yeji suggested, her enthusiasm contagious. "It'll feel like a fairy tale."

Riki and In-Yeop, who had been listening quietly, exchanged glances. "We can help set everything up," Riki said, his eyes lighting up. "We can even get the other couples involved. It'll be a celebration of love for all of us!"

Seungmin, who had been quietly pondering, finally spoke up. "What about a special moment where each of us shares a memory or a thought about your relationship? It could add a personal touch to the proposal, making it even more heartfelt."

Yongbok nodded, feeling his excitement build with each suggestion. "That's a wonderful idea! I want Hyunjin to know how much he means to all of us."

Minho, who had been watching with a proud smile, leaned forward. "And make sure you practice your words, Yongbok. This is a moment you want to get right. Speak from your heart."

"Right!" Yongbok said, determination setting in. "I'll write down what I want to say, and maybe I can even ask him to share his feelings first."

"Make it a love confessional!" Wooyoung teased, nudging him playfully. "Like, 'I love you, Hyunjin, and I've got something to ask...'"

They all laughed, and Yongbok couldn't help but feel grateful for this support system. With their help, he could make this proposal truly special.

As they continued to brainstorm ideas and share laughter, Yongbok felt a surge of confidence. He was ready to take this next step with Hyunjin, to ask him to be by his side forever. It wouldn't just be a proposal; it would be a celebration of love, friendship, and the incredible journey they had taken together.

The sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the garden as they finalized their plans, each detail falling perfectly into place. Yongbok knew that with the love of his friends and the deep bond he shared with Hyunjin, this moment would be one they would cherish forever.

The day of the proposal arrived faster than anyone expected. The garden, where Yongbok and Hyunjin had shared so many intimate moments, had been transformed into a dreamy, romantic setting. Rows of lanterns hung from the trees, casting a soft, warm light, while flower petals lined the path leading to the center of the garden. Fairy lights twinkled overhead, creating a magical atmosphere as dusk settled in.

Yongbok stood at the entrance to the garden, his heart pounding in his chest. He was dressed in a deep crimson suit, the color of love, just as Ryujin had suggested. His hands trembled slightly, but it wasn't out of fear—it was anticipation. Today was the day he'd ask Hyunjin to be with him forever, and every second felt like a heartbeat closer to that dream.

Nearby, Jisung, Minho, Wooyoung, Seungmin, and the others watched from the sidelines, dressed in varying shades of red and pink, symbolic of the love they shared for one another. They were ready to play their part in making this evening as memorable as possible.

"Are you ready?" Jisung whispered as he approached Yongbok, squeezing his shoulder for reassurance.

Yongbok took a deep breath and nodded. "More than ever."

Meanwhile, Taehyun, Seonghwa, and Ryujin had brought Hyunjin to the garden under the pretense of a simple dinner with friends. Hyunjin had no idea what was in store for him. As he approached the entrance, the scent of flowers filled the air, and the sight of the lantern-lit path made him pause in awe.

"What...what is this?" Hyunjin asked, looking around in wonder.

"You'll see," Ryujin said with a mischievous smile. "Just follow the path."

Hyunjin's heart began to race. There was something about this night that felt different. As he walked, his breath caught in his throat, realizing this wasn't just a dinner—it was something much more. His gaze followed the trail of petals until they led him to the center of the garden, where Yongbok stood, waiting for him.

"Jagi?..." Hyunjin whispered, his voice soft with surprise.

Yongbok smiled, his eyes full of love as he stepped forward. "Hi, Jinnie."

Hyunjin took a few steps closer, his heart racing, his eyes shining in the soft light. "What's going on?"

Yongbok exhaled, his nerves fading as he focused on the one person who mattered most to him. "I've been thinking about this for a long time," he began, his voice steady but full of emotion. "About us, and how far we've come. From the moment we met, to all the challenges we've faced, and the love we've built together... I can't imagine my life without you."

Hyunjin's breath hitched, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Yongbok..."

Yongbok reached into his pocket, pulling out a small velvet box. He got down on one knee, his heart full of love and hope. "Hyunjin, you are my everything. You've brought so much light into my life, and I want to spend every moment of it with you. Will you marry me?"

For a moment, there was only silence—the world seemed to pause as Hyunjin stared at the man kneeling before him. Then, tears welled up in his eyes, and a bright, radiant smile spread across his face.

"Yes," Hyunjin whispered, his voice cracking with emotion. "Yes, Yongbok, I will marry you!"

The words hadn't fully left Hyunjin's lips when Yongbok shot to his feet, pulling him into a tight embrace. Their lips met in a tender, emotional kiss, one that spoke of the love they had for each other, of the journey that had brought them here.

Around them, their friends erupted into cheers, clapping and whistling as the two of them stood in the glow of the lanterns, holding each other close. Wooyoung and Seonghwa exchanged grins, Minho smiled proudly, and Jisung wiped away a tear of joy as he clung to Minho's arm.

Ryujin leaned into Yeji, whispering, "I knew they'd make it."

Yeji smiled and squeezed Ryujin's hand. "Of course. How could they not?"

Riki and In-Yeop shared a look of satisfaction, happy to see their plan come together so perfectly. The group slowly approached the couple, ready to shower them with congratulations.

"You guys... I can't believe you planned all this," Hyunjin said, still holding onto Yongbok's hand, his heart full.

"Anything for you two," Jisung said with a grin. "You deserve the best."

"And now you've got a lifetime together to look forward to," Seungmin added with a smile.

Yongbok smiled, gazing at Hyunjin with all the love in the world. "I couldn't be happier."