"Am not going with you," Yunxi's voice trembled as he planted his feet into the ground, refusing to budge. He tugged furiously at his wrist, but Han Ji's grip was like iron.
"You don't have to agree," Han Ji's tone was cold, unyielding. In one motion, he pulled Yunxi along, dragging him out of the residence. Yunxi struggled, twisting his body, yet the prince did not so much as flinch. The guards around them dared not move, dared not breathe. They couldn't.
Yunxi's protests were swallowed by the heavy clop of hooves as Han Ji lifted him effortlessly onto the horse. Yunxi landed against the front of the saddle, his body stiff with resistance, but Han Ji swung up behind him, caging him in. The horse surged forward, and his home gates shrank into the distance, swallowed by the whispering trees of the woods.
The ride was harsh at first, the pounding of hooves against stone turning into the soft thuds over earth and fallen leaves. Slowly, the horse eased its pace as the forest thickened, and only then did Yunxi dare to speak.
"Where are we going?" His voice was small, carried away by the forest wind.
"I didn't kill them—if that's what you're mad about," Han Ji muttered, his voice softer, though tinged with impatience.
Yunxi turned his head slightly, catching a glimpse of the prince's profile. "Then who did? Don't lie to me," he warned, eyes narrowed with suspicion.
Han Ji said nothing. The silence stretched until it suffocated Yunxi. At last, Han Ji halted the horse. He swung down easily and reached up to lift Yunxi off, but Yunxi jerked away, slipping down from the other side instead. His landing was clumsy, but he stood tall, his face flushed with defiance.
"Don't ever jump off horses like that," Han Ji said flatly, his gaze hard. "That's not how it should be done."
Confusion flickered across Yunxi's face as he stared at him, lips parting as if to argue. Then, heart pounding, he darted forward, blocking Han Ji's path with his outstretched arms.
"Han Ji…" Yunxi's breath caught. His voice dropped lower. "You… you don't think I'm a girl, do you?"
The question struck like lightning. Han Ji's expression twisted in an instant. He seized Yunxi by the arm and yanked him close, pulling him to his side. His other hand flashed, drawing his blade in one fluid motion. Yunxi gasped, his face pressed against Han Ji's chest as the sword sliced through the air.
When he dared to open his eyes, Yunxi's gaze collided with Han Ji's dark, piercing stare. Heat flooded his face, and he tore his eyes away—only to see the snake split neatly in two, its body twitching on the forest floor.
Yunxi swallowed hard. "Oh, God…" he whispered, his voice shaky.
Han Ji exhaled. He turned away and continued walking, sword sliding back into its sheath.
Yunxi trailed after him, confusion swirling in his chest. He asked questions—who killed those guards if not Han Ji? Yunxi know his position, not yet. He only knew he was someone high. Who exactly was Han Ji behind that merciless face? But every question fell into silence. The prince did not answer, his steps unbroken.
At last, the trees thinned, and the world opened up.
They stood before a cliffside waterfall, its roaring waters crashing into the pool below. Mist rose in thick veils, dancing with the morning light. Butterflies drifted lazily in the fog, their wings shimmering like fragments of jewels. The rising sun bled gold across the rippling surface of the water, painting everything in hues of fire and warmth.
Yunxi's eyes widened in awe. He broke into a run, his feet splashing into the shallows. The fog curled around his legs as he bent to touch the surface—only to flinch.
"It's warm…" His face lit up, his eyes bright as he looked back at Han Ji. "Han Ji, it's warm! Come, see!"
The prince didn't move, his arms crossed, his expression unreadable.
Yunxi huffed, then bounded back, seizing Han Ji's hand. "Come on!" he urged, dragging him until the prince's boots sank into the water.
Han Ji's face twisted with displeasure, but before he could speak, a splash of water hit his chest. His eyes snapped wide with disbelief.
Yunxi grinned mischievously and threw another handful of water at him. "Don't look at me like that!"
For a long moment, Han Ji stood frozen, water dripping down his robe. Then, his lips curved ever so slightly—not in a smile, but something close. He bent and flicked water back at Yunxi, catching him across the cheek.
Yunxi squealed and laughed, darting away. The game spiraled into chaos—splashes, laughter, and the sound of rushing water echoing across the clearing.
Yet, behind the fleeting joy, Han Ji's mind darkened. He had never been close to anyone—not since his cousin in childhood. Every time he tried to play, his anger ruined it. He remembered vividly: the day he played darts with the third prince. A simple game, nothing more. But when the third prince mocked him—just mentioned how his mother returned late from the market—something inside Han Ji had snapped. Without thought, he turned his dart and hurled it.
The scream that followed still haunted him. The third prince fell, clutching his face, blood pouring from his eye. Han Ji had been locked in the repentance chamber for days, the king's fury heavier than the stones of the palace.
His fists clenched at the memory. Yet here was Yunxi—laughing, splashing, unafraid.
When their game slowed, they sat together on the bank. Yunxi's eyes sparkled as he gazed at the butterflies and falling water. Han Ji, expressionless, watched him instead.
He traced the curve of Yunxi's jaw with his gaze, the soft flush on his cheeks, the way his lips parted slightly when he smiled. His eyes followed every delicate movement—how Yunxi tucked stray strands of hair behind his ear, how he leaned forward to coax a butterfly onto his finger.
"Why is your chest bare?" Han Ji's voice cut through the quiet. His eyes did not waver. "Are you not already ten?"
Yunxi froze, startled, the butterfly fluttering away. His face flushed with embarrassment and hurt. "I…" he stammered, searching for words, but his throat tightened. He quickly turned the subject, fumbling. "Why don't we leave? It's getting late."
Han Ji rose smoothly and extended a hand. Yunxi hesitated before placing his hand into his, letting the prince pull him to his feet.
They returned to the horse, where Han Ji opened a leather satchel. Inside, folded with care, was a spare gown. Without a word, he draped it over Yunxi's shoulders. His fingers lingered as he adjusted the fabric, fastening it with precision.
Yunxi's breath hitched. Slowly, he lifted his eyes, only to find Han Ji's gaze locked firmly on him. It wasn't cruel, nor mocking—it was… intent. Heavy. Almost suffocating.
Yunxi looked away quickly, his heart hammering.