Chapter 3

Hyun's shoulders slumped, his eyes cast downward, as if the weight of his shattered freedom bore down on him. His mind still clung to the fleeting vision of a peaceful afternoon, immersed in the pages of his beloved book. The memory of his father's offer echoed, a stark reminder of his lost solitude. With a deep breath, he resigned himself to his fate. "Uhhm... so, Your Majesty... uh... shall we?"

Yhuki's subtle smile acknowledged Hyun's unease, his piercing gaze softening as he nodded graciously.

"Sure, Hyun. Lead the way." His elegant stride followed Hyun, their footsteps echoing through the manor's corridors.

As they strolled through the gallery, Hyun pointed out various artworks, his voice laced with a mix of nostalgia and duty. They stopped before a vibrant painting, its colors dancing in the soft light. Yhuki's eyes widened in awe, his lips parting in appreciation. "What a beautiful work... Who painted this?"

Hyun's expression softened, his eyes misting over as memories flooded back. "My mother... She painted it before she passed away due to illness." His voice trembled slightly, betraying his emotions.

Yhuki's gaze turned sympathetic, his eyes cradling compassion. "I'm deeply sorry for your loss. Her talent is breathtaking." His words were laced with genuine sorrow, his tone gentle.

Hyun nodded, continuing the tour with a quiet determination. "This one's by Artist Ryker... a family friend." He gestured to a stunning portrait, its subjects' eyes seeming to follow them.

Yhuki's eyes roamed the gallery, stopping at a child painting of Hyun and Hyuna. His gaze lingered on the child Hyun, as he gave a faint smile on his lips. "And this adorable piece?" His voice was tinged with delight.

" uhh... that..." Hyun's cheeks flushed, his eyes dropping momentarily. "My mother painted that too... when we were kids." His voice barely above a whisper, memories of laughter and love resurfaced.

(meanwhile in Hyun's mind)—"wait... , did he just said the word adorable while looking at my mother's child painting of me?

ah no, maybe I'm just overthinking it, (⁠ ⁠ꈍ-⁠ꈍ⁠)

HAHAHAHA, H*ll there's no way!!!,my sister is so cute there! maybe he was looking at my sister! "

Yhuki's eyes sparkled. "You both look so happy... Your mother captured that joy perfectly." His words were infused with warmth,as his gaze was still on the painting.

"..." Hyun didn't uttered a single word, as occasionally staring at Yhuki, whose own gaze remained fixed on the artwork.

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As they strolled through the manor's corridors, Hyun pushed open the elegant wooden gates, adorned with intricate carvings of vines and flowers. The gates swung open, revealing a breathtaking garden.

Yhuki's eyes widened,as his gaze in the vibrant tapestry of colors.

"Welcome to the solace garden, your majesty" Hyun said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Yhuki's steps slowed, his feet seemingly rooted to the path. "It's... mesmerizing." His voice was laced with wonder.

Before them, red and pink roses entwined, their delicate petals swaying gently. Tulips stood tall, their white and pink cups shining like porcelain. Gumamela flowers danced in the breeze, their red and pink hues radiating warmth. The air was alive with the sweet scent of blooming flowers.

Yhuki's eyes roamed, his face aglow with enchantment. "I've never seen such beauty." He paused, his gaze locking onto a particularly vibrant bloom. "What's that lovely flower?"

Hyun smiled, pleased to share his knowledge. "That's a rare orchid, native to our region. My mother cultivated it herself."

(Meanwhile in Yhuki's mind)—"He looked so happy mentioning his mother..., but why does my heart skips a beat when he's smiling? it's as if..... ...I'm in love? but I only meet him today, *blushes* ahem, maybe I'm just confused."

Yhuki's fingers brushed against the petals, his touch reverent. "Exquisite. Your mother was incredibly talented."

" Yeah..." Hyun smiled as he remembers a moment when he and his sister planting flowers with their mother happily.

As they wandered, the soft rustle of leaves and chirping birds filled the air. Hyun watched Yhuki, noticing the way his eyes sparkled, his smile softening.

"You seem... at peace here,do you like the garden, your majesty?," Hyun observed, his voice gentle.

Yhuki's gaze met Hyun's, his eyes shining with sincerity. "I love it. This garden is a sanctuary."

Hyun's heart skip a beat, he smiled sweetly. "Is that so, then allow me to make you a bouquet of flowers as a gift before you left, your majesty."

"Thank you, I would gladly accept it and appreciate that bouquet of flowers." his eyes soften,looking at hyun as his lips releases a gentle smile.

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"hmm... I should probably start looking for a beautiful flowers to make a beautiful bouquet." Hyun said to himself as he wandered through the garden, selecting the most breathtaking blooms. He chose a few stems of the rare, sweetly-scented "Moonlight Blossom" flowers, their delicate petals shimmering in shades of pale pink and ivory. With precision, he arranged the flowers, carefully balancing their gentle curves. He wrapped the stems in a soft, peach-colored silk ribbon, adorned with intricate lace trim, creating a stunning bouquet that exuded elegance and fragrance. "there, all done. I hope his majesty like it."

Meanwhile, Yhuki settled into a white chair, surrounded by serene beauty. He sipped tea and indulged in sweet cookies while immersing himself in a book.

As Hyun returned with the bouquet, Yhuki's gaze lifted, and their eyes met.

"Your majesty, I apologize for making you wait for too long..."

"you didn't have to apologize,Hyun. to be frank I enjoyed reading the book and drinking the delicious tea as I've waited on you." he said as he looked at hyun with a sweet gentle smile on his face.

"....Thank you, your majesty." Hyun's gentle smile illuminated the serene garden as he presented the bouquet. "Here's the bouquet of flowers that I made for you, Your majesty. A token of appreciation for admiring my Mother's art and gardens. I hope you like it."

Yhuki's eyes locked onto Hyun's, and his heart skipped a beat. The gentle gesture stirred unfamiliar emotions, like a whisper in his soul.

"...Thank you, Hyun. it's lovely" Yhuki said,as his voice barely above a whisper.

Hyun's eyes sparkled, radiating warmth. "I'm glad you like them.my mother's garden is my favorite place."

As their fingers touched, Yhuki's senses tingled. He inhaled the sweet fragrance, feeling the world slow down.

"You have impeccable taste, Hyun," Yhuki said, struggling to compose himself.

Hyun's lips curved as he gave a gentle smile on Yhuki. "Thank you,I hoped to match the beauty of our conversation, your majesty."

Yhuki's gaze lingered on Hyun's gentle smile, his mind reeling." Why did this friendly exchange feel so... different?"

(Internal thoughts for Yhuki)

What was happening? I've never felt such unease around anyone. Was it Hyun's kindness, or something else?

(Internal thoughts for Hyun)

Yhuki seemed pleased, and that warmed Hyun's heart. He enjoyed their conversations, sensing a deep connection.