The Crown Prince could not sleep.
Every time he closed his eyes, he felt it again—the moment of weakness.
The fleeting press of lips.
The sharp gasp of panic.
The way Dan-Bi had staggered back as if burned.
And yet—
He had not pulled away first.
That single thought unraveled everything.
He had spent his life walking a straight path, knowing his duty, knowing who he was.
But now—
Now, he wasn't sure of anything.
Dan-Bi, however, had mastered avoidance.
Where once they crossed paths daily, he now kept his distance.
If the Crown Prince entered a room, Dan-Bi left.
If their gazes met, Dan-Bi looked away.
It was infuriating.
The Prince found himself searching for Dan-Bi without meaning to.
He had always been amused by the scholar's sharp tongue, his wit, his stubborn defiance—
But now, he found himself drawn in ways he could not understand.
Late one evening, the Crown Prince found himself wandering the palace grounds, his thoughts in turmoil.
And then—
He saw him.
Dan-Bi stood alone by the lantern-lit corridor, his figure bathed in moonlight.
He was leaning against a pillar, staring at nothing.
The perfect moment.
Before he could second-guess himself, the Crown Prince moved.
"You've been avoiding me."
Dan-Bi stiffened but did not turn.
"Have I?"
The Prince exhaled sharply, stepping closer.
"Do not play dumb. You run every time I enter a room."
Silence.
"I am your Crown Prince," he pressed. "Have I done something to offend you?"
Dan-Bi's fingers curled.
"Your Highness should not concern himself with mere scholars." His voice was steady, but the Prince heard the tension beneath it.
"Do not lie to me."
Dan-Bi inhaled deeply.
Then, finally, he turned—meeting the Prince's gaze head-on.
"You wish to know why?" His voice was quiet, almost bitter. "Because you are playing with fire."
The Prince frowned.
"What?"
Dan-Bi's jaw tightened.
"You think this is a game? That you can toy with me like some court intrigue?"
The words were cold, but his eyes burned.
"What happened that night was nothing," Dan-Bi said. "Forget it."
Something in the Crown Prince snapped.
"You think I can simply forget?" His voice was low, almost dangerous.
Dan-Bi's breath hitched as the Prince stepped even closer.
"Tell me you felt nothing," the Prince challenged. "Look me in the eyes and say it."
Dan-Bi opened his mouth—but no words came.
Silence stretched between them, thick, suffocating.
Then—
Dan-Bi turned sharply, his hands clenched.
"Your Highness should not question himself over a single mistake."
A mistake.
The Prince stared.
His own heart pounded in his ears, and for the first time in his life—
He did not know what to do.
Dan-Bi stepped back.
"Good night, Your Highness."
And then—
He was gone.
But the Prince stood frozen, watching him disappear down the corridor, the ghost of that kiss still lingering.
And he knew.
This was far from over.