In his arms

The morning light crept in slowly, golden and soft through the paper screens of the eastern wing.

Seo Yul stirred.

His eyelashes fluttered as his body shifted slightly under the covers. The fever had lessened, leaving only the dull heaviness in his limbs and a light ache in his head.

But something was off.

Warmth.

Not just the covers but something else. Someone else.

A strong arm rested around his waist, firm and unmoving. He could feel the steady rhythm of a heartbeat behind his back, and the warmth of breath brushing against the top of his head.

His own breath caught.

Slowly, with stiff, unsure movements, Seo Yul turned his head and froze.

King Hwan Seong.

Lying beside him. Holding him.

Seo Yul's heart leapt into his throat. He stopped breathing for a moment, terrified to move even an inch.

The king's eyes were still closed, his expression calm, almost serene in sleep. His brows weren't furrowed like they always were, and the tension that usually sat between them was gone. For the first time, he looked… human.

Seo Yul couldn't understand.

Why?

Why was he here?

Why was he in his arms?

He couldn't remember the night before. Only flashes the sound of rain, his own body shaking with cold, a dream, a hand… and then nothing.

His throat felt tight. His whole body stiffened.

He tried to slip away quietly.

But as soon as he moved, the king's grip around his waist tightened.

Seo Yul gasped softly.

King Hwan's eyes opened.

Sharp. Aware. Like a wolf jolted from sleep.

For a moment, neither moved. Neither spoke.

Seo Yul's wide, terrified eyes stared into the king's. And the king he didn't say a word. He simply looked at him, their faces inches apart.

Seo Yul tried to pull back, but the king's arm didn't budge.

"Don't," the king said softly, his voice low with morning roughness. "You'll faint again."

Seo Yul's mouth opened slightly, but no sound came out. His lips trembled. He didn't know what to do, what to say. He didn't even understand what was happening.

Then the king sat up slowly, letting his arm fall away.

"You had a fever," he said simply, avoiding the boy's eyes now. "You were delirious. You held onto me."

Seo Yul's heart was still pounding.

The king stood, brushing his robes into place with quick, controlled movements. His face was unreadable again, mask returned.

He looked at Seo Yul once, briefly not cold, not cruel, just unreadable before heading toward the door.

But right before leaving, he stopped.

"…Eat something," he said without turning around. "You're too light."

And then he was gone.

Leaving Seo Yul sitting in bed, dazed, confused… and more unsure than ever of what this man truly was.