Where am I?
What's this noise I hear?
Am I still alive?
Am I?
Why is everything pitch black?
What happened to me?
"Captain! Run!"
Uk lifted his head. The image of his comrades flashed before him. He gripped his sword tightly and stood up on weak legs.
"Captain! Run! Run!"
No! His stubborn heart refused to leave. He raised his sword high, slashing at the incoming enemy that marched towards him. The more he fought, the more enemies came.
"Captain! Run! Run!!!"
Uk frowned, gritting his teeth against the sound of his sword clashing with the enemy's armor. He slowly realized something while fighting.
He was going to lose this war!
In a daze, he misstepped. It felt like his body was flying before crashing to the ground. As he fell, Uk felt his chest being ripped apart.
He paused, unable to move.
The pain was excruciating. It pierced deep into his chest, rendering him speechless. Even his body was immobile. He was stuck in the dark, fighting the pain with what little life he had left.
Is this how it feels to die?
Uk closed his eyes, ready to surrender himself to death that had probably been waiting to take him from this world. He was ready to see his parents, who perhaps were waiting for him.
He let go. Sincerely.
Suddenly, his body jolted. With eyes still closed, Uk felt the room illuminate out of the blue. He opened his eyes to meet the gaze of someone looking down at him.
A soft hand slowly touched Uk's bloody palm. The touch made the pain slightly ease, like a breeze on his skin. Uk kept his eyes on the person, still blurry but gradually, he caught their features.
Strangely, the first thing he saw was dewy, pinkish lips that seemed familiar. In a sudden epiphany, those lips approached his and tangled together in a deep kiss.
With that kiss, he felt air fill his lungs.
He could breathe again.
***
Eyes open wide.
Lips and lungs breathing heavily.
The sunshine almost blinded his sight, making him squint. Slowly, a grunt escaped his mouth. Pain was all over his body, especially his back. It felt heavy and stiff.
But Uk felt grateful to be alive, safe and sound from those haunted nightmares.
One more day to face the world.
As usual, he took some time to calm himself from the nightmare that had been a routine since he could remember. But today, he lay still in bed.
However, uneasiness lingered in the air.
When he saw the window, it hit him. Quickly, he turned around.
A figure, sleeping soundly next to him, made him feel as if the blood drained from his body. He was too shocked to blink. His brain tried to process what was happening.
Maybe today wasn't his lucky day.
While in a daze, the person slowly opened their eyes. Upon seeing Uk still in shock, a smile appeared.
"Hyung-nim..."
Immediately, Uk jumped from the bed, grabbing the red silk sheet to cover his indecent body. He gasped heavily, staring at Min Jun in horror.
"Are you okay, hyung-nim?" Min Jun asked. He wiggled a bit in bed before slowly rising, exposing his upper body, which was obviously naked.
"Behead me, daegun jaga! I deserve to die!" Uk quickly on his knees. His head almost touched the floor.
"What kind of nonsense is that, hyung-nim?" Min Jun frowned, looking at Uk in confusion.
"I don't know what happened! I don't know what I did to you! I must have done something indecent! I deserve to die! Please just cut off my head—"
"Hyung-nim, calm down..." Min Jun casually lay on his stomach, looking at Uk, who shivered like a fallen leaf. He lifted the man's chin delicately, making him look straight into his eyes.
"You didn't hurt me, hyung-nim. I'm fine. Better than yesterday, I think..."
"But we're... in your bed... and..."
"Naked? Is that it?"
"Tell me that never happened between us, please..." Uk begged. His eyes brimmed with tears. Seeing Uk's reaction broke Min Jun's heart. He wanted to tell the truth. In fact, he wanted to praise Uk for the wonderful night they had. Those vigorous kisses, those aggressive touches, full of lust and care at the same time... It was like a dream come true!
He had never felt desired like that in his life! Never!
But how could he explain all that when Uk's reaction was not what he expected?
"Just... forget about last night, hyung-nim. I forgive you, so don't think about it anymore," Min Jun replied coldly. Uk blinked in disbelief.
"Min Jun daegun..."
"And I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings. I'm going to take a shower now. If you feel like leaving, you may excuse yourself," Min Jun slowly rose from the bed, fighting the soreness in his body from last night's activities. He casually grabbed his red robe and silently walked into the bathroom.
Seeing Min Jun disappear from sight, Uk quickly grabbed his pants from the floor, along with his white innerwear. He donned everything in a hurry, lifting his shoes in hand, and left the room with horrified thoughts.
Inside the bathroom, Min Jun slowly slid down the wall, fighting his devastated feelings in tears. He knew what happened last night would change his relationship with Uk forever. He realized he had screwed up this time. However, that wasn't the reason for his broken heart.
It was more than just feeling wasted and invaluable.
The feeling was hard to describe, but one thing Min Jun was sure of.
He might lose a chance to be with Uk.
Forever.
***
Min Jun walked past his convoy, tense and alert. He checked each member, ensuring no one was left behind. When he saw Uk in his bodyguard attire, he avoided him at once, his heart still bleeding from Uk's denial.
"What a great morning, isn't it?" Dan appeared from the main house and joined the Red Ruby convoy. He was planning a short vacation to the west and had to stay a night at the Red Ruby as it was near the border.
Dan glanced at Min Jun, giving his cousin a mischievous look when he noticed the deep red mark on Min Jun's neck. Min Jun, aware of the marks, had seen them while showering, shot Dan a deadly glare.
"I won't answer any inquiries today!"
"Come on! Don't be like that!" Dan draped an arm over Min Jun's shoulder, but the prince shoved him away, making Dan chuckle.
"You better hop in or walk on your own!" Min Jun said sharply.
"Oho, come on, cousin! Don't be so mean!"
Dan jumped into the palanquin, joining Min Jun. From afar, Uk watched the palanquin with a heavy heart.
Hope Min Jun daegum won't discuss anything about it with Lord Dan!