YCHW Ch 46

The first place they headed was the marketplace. When people gradually began to appear in greater numbers, Yoonso tried to let go of Hwi’s hand, but Hwi squeezed it instead, so he could not pull away. Hwi, who was tall and had an uncommon appearance that always drew attention, was now even holding a man’s hand, so those who passed by stole glances at the two of them.

“Why are you fidgeting so much.”

Hwi grasped Yoonso’s hand even more firmly, so that he could not even move his fingers. Unable to hold his head high, Yoonso lowered his eyes and whispered.

“Aren’t they staring?”

“Eyes are for looking, so what does it matter if they look a little.”

“Still…”

“Once it becomes a familiar sight, their interest is bound to fade.”

Just as he said, people’s gazes were gradually turning away. Impressed by Hwi, who was so composed even while holding another man’s hand in the middle of the street, Yoonso decided to no longer be concerned with others’ stares.

Would others see them as just an ordinary pair of lovers? Even if they were to curse them inwardly for being shameless and making a scene, that would be because Hwi and he looked like lovers, so he ought to be happy about it instead.

He, too, was actually happy. He had never even dreamed that he would be able to be in a relationship with someone like this and walk freely through the market.

“Since we’re out, shall I buy you some sweets?”

“…Please do not treat me like a child.”

“So, are you going to eat them or not?”

“…I will eat them.”

Hwi’s eyes crinkled as he smiled, and he wrapped an arm around Yoonso’s shoulders, pressed a kiss to his head, and then pulled away. Bathed in the bright sunlight, his face was without a single shadow, and his gently breaking smile was brilliant. In that moment, he looked not like the heir to a great merchant family, nor like a high-ranking person with many burdens to bear, but simply like an ordinary young man with his lover, and Yoonso could not take his eyes off him.

“Hey, make way, make way.”

Yoonso’s gaze was broken by a procession of carts that followed. So as not to obstruct the movement of the carts carrying sacks of rice, fruits, and various chests, Yoonso stood pressed close to Hwi’s side.

“Are you saying all of that was bestowed by Prince Inchin?”

“Of course. A huge storm blew in and sailors died, didn’t they? He said he donated all this to every shrine in the area to honor their spirits and appease the gods.”

The people, who had split to either side because of the carts and were now crowded together, chattered boisterously. Finding it strange to hear Prince Inchin’s name again in this distant place, Yoonso glanced back.

“To be so generous even to a small place like this, my, what a true gentleman he is.”

“How easy do you think it is for the imperial family to know the hardships of us common folk? What a relief it is that His Majesty has someone like Prince Inchin by his side. It’s thanks to him that they look after the people’s welfare like this, isn’t it?”

Was it a coincidence? Yoonso turned his gaze to the man who had just spoken. He was not someone he had seen in Suhyang, yet the expression he used was nearly identical.

He felt a peculiar sensation, as it strangely seemed to praise Prince Inchin’s merits more highly than those of the current emperor, who was actually fighting on the front lines in the very picture of hell. Of course, Prince Inchin had done a virtuous deed, and it was only natural for him to feel closer than a Dragon’s Scion who was situated in that far-off, high place, but…

“Here.”

Hwi handed Yoonso the sweets. Just then, the procession of carts came to an end, and the gathered people dispersed. Urging him to eat them right away, he placed a sweet in Yoonso’s mouth, and a joyful laugh burst out on its own as his mouth was instantly filled with sweetness.

With that, the thoughts that had briefly crossed his mind were quickly erased.

Yoonso purposely bought this and that, enjoying the fun of shopping at the market with Hwi. After they finished shopping, they went to the coast and watched the sailors catching fish and the sea people gathering seaweed and abalone, and they looked around a small shrine situated on a cliff of unique rock formations.

After that, they had their evening meal at a humble eatery, and by the time they were done, it was nearly sunset.

Yoonso and Hwi walked slowly toward the seaside, which was bordered by a pine forest. When Yoonso sat down on the bare ground without hesitation, Hwi followed and took a seat beside him.

The ambiance of the sea, its blue hues fading as it was tinged by the sunset, was wonderful. So too were the faintly salty breeze and the sound of the waves that swelled like whispers. Yoonso looked back at the man keeping watch by his side. The man’s face was serene as he gazed at the distant sea, and the corners of Yoonso’s lips softened.

“Sir.”

“Yes.”

“As I looked around the village today, it seemed there were jobs I could do. Yehang isn’t far from here, so I could take on work moving baggage or join a merchant troupe, and since there are many fishermen, I could also help them with their work. I know how to read and write, so I believe I can properly earn my keep.”

A tranquil gaze returned to him. Hwi looked at Yoonso wordlessly before he spoke.

“You said your dream was to write your travelogues.”

“How can one travel with an empty purse? Even if I had left this place, I would have had to earn money somewhere, so it is the same here.”

“For you to say you will earn money while you are with me… it makes me lose face.”

“I do not wish to live as an idle person and just squander your wealth, sir.”

“When there is an easy way to come under my care.”

“I do not wish to place even my livelihood upon your shoulders, sir. Wouldn’t you also be more at ease if I find my own role here?”

Hwi had his own work, so he would not be able to stay here indefinitely. But that did not mean Yoonso could just follow at his heels wherever he went. Only by earning a living and establishing himself here, by broadening his own world, could he also become a dependable lover who could offer his shoulder to Hwi.

Hwi took Yoonso’s hand, then slowly stroked the back of it with his thumb.

“How could you do such rough work?”

“Why would I be unable to do what everyone else does? I can do it well.”

When he gave a reassuring smile as if to say he should put his worries to rest, Hwi’s fingers slid between his. The sensation of the soft valleys of his hand touching and rubbing against his was rather risqué, and his toes curled. He caressed the back of Yoonso’s hand, as if scratching it with his fingertips, and then lifted his eyes.

“Alright.”

The low voice sounded muffled, as if it were spreading through water. Yoonso paused to study Hwi’s face, then soon raised his hand and carefully pressed a kiss to the back of Hwi’s.

It was the first time he had initiated a kiss, and his cheeks grew hot. Yoonso covered the back of Hwi’s hand with his own palm, as if to store the warmth his lips had left behind. Then, he grinned, and Hwi stared at Yoonso intently, as if trapping him within his pupils.

Unable to overcome his shyness, Yoonso turned his head and took in the sea with his eyes. The sun had already sunk low, and the sunset was blooming ever more deeply.

He was not a child who could not fall asleep alone, but looking at the empty bed, he did not feel like lying down. Just as he was pointlessly loitering near the bed, Hwi’s voice came from behind him.

“Shall I put you to sleep?”

When he turned around, Hwi was leaning against the doorway. Seeing the look in his eyes, as if he knew his feelings perfectly well, Yoonso hesitated, unable to give an immediate answer.

He knew full well how two men shared affection, so he was hesitant about lying in the same bed. He knew it was something they would have to go through someday, but he was hesitating, wondering if it might happen today.

“It seems you are expecting something quite naughty. But I will not hold you no matter how much you beg, so do not worry.”

“What are you talking about? I was not expecting anything, and I will absolutely not beg.”

Ashamed that his thoughts had been read, Yoonso spun around and climbed onto the bed. He lay down, pressing himself close to the wall, and cast a sideways glance, and Hwi let out a low laugh, then came over and sat a little distance away from Yoonso.

He pulled the blanket up to Yoonso’s neck and gently patted one of his shoulders with a large hand. Was he not lying down because he did not intend to sleep here? Feeling a little disappointed for some reason, Yoonso fiddled with the bedcovers and stole a glance at Hwi.

The candlelight faintly illuminated Hwi’s cheek. While patting his shoulder, Hwi would also lift his fingertips and trace Yoonso’s ear and jaw. The ticklish touch made him realize just how much closer they had gotten since confirming their feelings for each other.

Now, once the formal notice for selecting a wedding date arrived, he would marry him. It still felt bewildering that such a happy event had occurred in his life. His father and mother would be appalled if they found out. What would Yeondeok say if he heard the news?

His thoughts then unexpectedly extended to Hwi’s parents. As for himself, it was as good as having cut ties with his family and left, so it did not matter what he did now, but a belated worry arose as to whether it was alright not to even have received his parents’ permission. They probably would not approve of his existence if they knew of him. That would be a natural reaction, so he was not particularly sad. Just a little bitter.

“Sir.”

“Yes.”

“May I ask what your parents are like?”

Hwi’s hand movements slowed, as if he were contemplating the answer. Yoonso stole a glance at his neatly trimmed, tidy fingernails.

“Well, only one thing comes to mind right now. My father was irresponsible, and my mother wanted to hold him responsible for that irresponsibility.”

He had guessed that his relationship with his parents was not very good, but the story that came from Hwi’s mouth was unexpected. Yoonso took Hwi’s hand that was resting on his shoulder and stroked it gently.

“Do you resent them?”

“No.”

Indeed, Hwi’s face was impassive, as if there was no resentment or hatred at all. However, that very reaction allowed Yoonso to gauge the distance between Hwi and his parents. Yoonso calmly considered his feelings and then carefully asked.

“They would not approve of me, would they?”

Hwi turned his head completely to look down at Yoonso. Then he swept his fingers through Yoonso’s hair, as if catching the strands on his fingertips.

“Their opinion is not important. Because no one would dare to judge you.”