Hyunjin, gentleman

In the kingdom of Aldebaran, where stone walls stood like eternal oaths and bells marked the rhythm of life, lived Princess (Y/N), sole heir to the throne. From birth, her destiny had been written in golden ink: a political marriage, strategic alliances, and a flawless reign. No one ever asked her if she desired anything different. Every dawn, (Y/N) watched the castle courtyard from her balcony. There, the royal guards trained, clad in gleaming armor, wielding swords that sliced ​​through the air. Among them all, one stood out without even trying: Hyunjin, the youngest captain of the guard.

"Princess, you shouldn't lean out so far," the maid said nervously one morning. "The wind is cold."

"Leave me alone," she replied gently. "I need to feel that the world exists beyond these walls."

From that day on, the silent encounters were repeated. Stolen glances in the corridors, brief nods, an overly cautious respect. Until one night, fate decided to push them beyond the limit. [Name] had escaped to the gardens after an argument with her father, the king.

"You will marry the Prince of Norval before winter," he had told her in a firm voice.

With tears held back, she ran among rose bushes and dry fountains.

—Your Highness… stop.

It was Hyunjin, wearing the dark cloak of a night guard.

"You shouldn't be here alone," she added, looking down. "It's dangerous."

"Dangerous for whom?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper. "For the princess or for the woman?"

Hyunjin lifted his face. For the first time, there were no barriers.

"For both of us," he replied. "If someone sees us..."

"Then don't look like you care," [Y/N] interrupted. "Because that's even more dangerous."

A heavy silence fell between them.

"I never meant to break my oath," he finally said. "My life belongs to the crown."

—And mine too —she whispered—.

Hyunjin took a step back, struggling with himself.

—If you keep talking like that... I won't be able to anymore.