Lee Minho ⁰⁷

In Aseul, Jisung (you) had no choice. His family had promised him to a woman he barely knew, and the wedding day arrived like a sentence. He walked down the aisle with the perfect bearing of a royal heir, even though inside he felt empty.

Among the ceremonial guards was Lee Minho, an elite knight. When he saw him appear, dressed for a wedding he hadn't chosen, his breath barely trembled. Jisung felt that gaze like a blow—like a vivid reminder of everything they could never have.

Their eyes met for just an instant, long enough for Minho to understand the truth that Jisung couldn't say aloud: "I'm sorry. I can't choose you."

As the priest spoke, Lee looked away. Not for lack of strength, but so no one would see him break down. All the secret meetings in the woods, the kisses when everyone was asleep, the nights of love... He took a few steps back, rigid, disciplined, as his rank demanded. But Han followed him with his eyes, desperate, trapped in his role.

When the “yes” echoed through the room, Minho simply left. He made no noise. He didn't interrupt. He didn't ask for explanations. He just left, his heart clenched beneath his armor.

And Jisung let him go, because in that kingdom no one could love freely… not even them.