For the remainder of the days, Seong-min did nothing.
No sly glances. No lingering caresses. No locked doors or hushed words intended to unsettle him.
Ji-hwan knew better than to think so.
The king was waiting.
Court life, however, continued. Ji-hwan maintained his attention on palace affairs, carefully holding his ground. If Seong-min was keeping himself in check, then Ji-hwan would employ these days to solidify his own ground.
And yet…
The missing king's games created a void.
Ji-hwan should have breathed easily. But each time he walked past Seong-min in court—each time the king's eyes glided right over him as if he was just a shadow something inside him turned.
Had Seong-min tired of it all?
Had Ji-hwan… made a mistake?
Then—Seong-min struck.
Late one night, when Ji-hwan was readying to leave for bed, a royal guard came.
"The king wishes to see you, my lord."
Ji-hwan covered up his surprise. "At this time?"
The guard bowed. "His Majesty says it is something urgent."
Ji-hwan sighed and trailed behind.
When he entered Seong-min's study, he was anticipating documents, a late-night political debate.
What he was not anticipating was one cup of wine waiting for him.
Seong-min, reclining informally, waved toward the chair opposite him.
"You and I have played too much," he whispered. "Tonight, let's talk honestly".
Ji-hwan's heart sped up.
What was he planning now?