Uncharted Affections

Min Jun opened his eyes slightly. His head felt lighter, and he could breathe much better than this morning. The medicine given by the physician had really helped him get through the rough day. He felt grateful for that.

Min Jun glanced to the side, looking at Uk, who had probably dozed off after he did. A tiny smile formed on the prince's face while watching the older man peacefully asleep.

This is much better, hyung-nim! When you're around me, you're always stiff and serious! I'm glad to see you like this. You look more human and natural... Min Jun thought to himself.

His gaze slowly lingered on Uk's features, from his eyes down to his nose. Ahn Uk wasn't particularly handsome compared to other men he had met. Those men used to have porcelain white skin, silky long hair, sharp eyes, and thin lips. They were differ compared to Uk. Like the Heaven and Earth.

But, being different didn't mean Uk was unattractive. He had his own unique beauty. With his chocolate skin that shimmered under the sun and a pair of dark chocolate eyes, Uk's look was one of a kind. A rare sight among the pale-skinned people.

What caught Min Jun's attention most were Uk's lips. They fit his face perfectly—not too thin, not too thick. They complemented his features, making Uk even more interesting to look at.

But for Min Jun, it wasn't Uk's appearance that made the prince's heart flutter.

It was his caring gestures that swayed his heart.

To be honest, no one knew the truth behind Min Jun's naughty and sassy attitude. He might be known as a troublesome prince, even his royal family sometimes thought the same. But this poor prince had a lonely life, even until now.

Being the second son, his parents never really cared about him. The main focus of the royal family was on the Miju Seja, his older brother. Then he had a sister, born five years after him. As the first princess, she was nurtured with love and care by Wangbi, seen as a key prospect for expanding the kingdom's power.

So, this ordinary prince remained an outcast. Nothing special. He was just the second prince. Not even a fragile princess. Ordinary. Plain.

That's why he hated being called du beonjjae wangja. That title was a constant reminder of how invaluable he was. His terminal illness made things even worse. He gradually lost the care of his parents, as he was no longer a credible heir like the Miju Seja. His life revolved only around the loyal stewards at The Red Ruby. They were all he had left.

Until Uk came into his life.

Uk's caring nature and company filled the gaps left by his family. He felt alive again, thanks to him. The thought of losing Uk in the future made him act up, so they could grow closer and create a bond that perhaps will lock the man forever with him. Min Jun did tried his best to make Uk realize that nothing could bring the prince's happiness more than being with Uk.

The conversation about the purpose of life that they had before had cleared up Min Jun's mind, making the reason even more stronger. He, who had always lived recklessly and aimlessly, suddenly found a purpose, thanks to Uk. His thoughts about life and its purpose made him think deeply about life.

Since then, admiration turned into something more intimate.

He unconsciously fell for his older bodyguard.

***

The sound of firecrackers outside startled both men in the palanquin. Min Jun hid himself in Uk's embrace, shielding himself from the noise. Realizing the young prince was scared and not in good health, Uk provided the best protection he could, unconditionally.

After a while, the noise subsided. Both men were panting from the shock, staring at each other, still holding on together. Uk found it hard to take his eyes off Min Jun. His protective instincts were so strong that he couldn't let the prince go. Min Jun still remained in his tight embrace, unable to leave as well.

No words were spoken. Only the sound of their breathing filled the air. Their locked eyes created a dangerous sense of intimacy. Slowly, they leaned closer to each other, step by step, closing the gap between their face and...

"Orabeonim!"

Both Min Jun and Uk jumped away from each other, snapping back to reality as the small, cute voice startled them.

"I'm sorry!" The voice quickly retreated. The palanquin's door was shut hastily.

Uk, analyzing the situation quickly, jumped out of the palanquin, only to find himself surrounded by a group of people in royal sapphire attire. He couldn't hide his shock when he saw His Royal Majesty Wang Ki and Wangbi Ki, dressed in their emerald green royal robes with dragon sigils.

"Jeonha mama!" Uk immediately dropped to one knee. Wang Ki smiled warmly at him.

"Gisa Ahn! It's nice to see you again! Stand up, please!" said Wang Ki. Uk slowly rose but kept his head low.

"Who's that, jeonha mama?" asked a girl in a pink royal robe with a crane sigil.

"That's Gisa Ahn Uk, your brother's new head bodyguard," Wang Ki replied calmly. The girl nodded, her lips curling into a smile as her eyes lingered on Uk.

After a moment, Min Jun emerged from the palanquin. He looked radiant, different from his state that morning. His pale skin had a hint of redness, making him look fresh. As he exited, the entire convoy knelt.

"Greetings, jeonha mama!" said Min Jun, bowing slightly to his father. He glanced at his convoy, slightly embarrassed by their actions.

"Everyone, rise!" Min Jun sighed. Slowly, they stood but kept their heads low.

Min Jun glanced at Uk, who stood a little behind him. He smiled, but Uk maintained his serious composure.

He's back to being Gisa Ahn.

"How was the journey, son?" asked Wang Ki, his eyes lingering on Min Jun. His second son was thinner than he remembered, a hint of concern on his face.

"It was fine, jeonha mama. But can we cut this short? It's freezing out here," Min Jun subtly dismissed further conversation. He was tired, and he knew his convoy felt the same.

"Fine. Come inside. Settle down, and we'll see each other at dinner," Wang Ki relented, knowing Min Jun disliked lengthy conversations in such conditions.

"Head eunuch, lead everyone to the guest quarters at the back," Min Jun ordered. The man nodded, quickly gathering everyone into a group to move together.

"Hyung-nim, not you. You have to usher me to my room," Min Jun called Uk sharply. Uk walked over, feeling hesitant.

Min Jun let the convoy leave first. Once they dispersed, he glared at Uk.

"You're stiff again, hyung-nim."

"We're surrounded by your family, Min Jun daegun..."

"I don't care. You listen to me and ignore them!"

"But, jeonha mama was there—"

"You're my bodyguard. You listen to me!" Min Jun poked Uk's chest, ordered strictly. Uk fell silent, glancing at Min Jun.

The prince leaned closer to Uk, making the bodyguard look deep into his eyes. Uk saw dissatisfaction in his gaze, judging by how the prince squinted his eyes.

"Daegum, you're standing too close—"

"You said you'd always obey me. So, if I want to stand this close..." Min Jun leaned even closer. "Or maybe position myself like this..." The gap between their faces narrowed. "You have no choice but to accept it, do you understand?" Min Jun smirked.

He saw Uk flustered, the man immediately lowering his gaze to avoid eye contact. Looks like his daring move made the man losing his mind. The feeling of proud slowly overpowered the prince. He felt happy that he can teased Uk like this. He loved seeing the man in blush like that.

Min Jun stepped back, letting Uk breathe. Actually he could teased him more. Or perhaps, taking much more daring approachment but that could be done later. He was done teasing him as a punishment for being too stiff for today.

"Guard me to my room," he said after a moment, giving Uk an intimidating look.

"After you, daegum..." Uk gestured for Min Jun to lead. The prince sighed in annoyance. Uk was so hard to play with!

Finally, he had no choice but to push Uk to stand in front of him.

"Guard me like this, hyung-nim. Do you expect me to take the arrow instead? What kind of bodyguard are you?" asked Min Jun.

"I'm fast enough to shield you, don't worry..."

"No. Stand in front. I like it that way," Min Jun insisted. Uk gave in, walking ahead of Min Jun. As they walked towards the main house, Uk noticed how Min Jun tried to match their footsteps. He didn't dare turn back, but when Min Jun slightly grabbed his robe from behind, he glanced back.

"Daegum?"

"Just keep walking. Don't stop or I'll fall," said Min Jun. He was truly depending on Uk. Walking behind the older man made him feel safer.

And somehow, their position resembled a newlywed couple entering their home.

Sounds romantic, doesn't it?

What a sneaky move, my prince!