SAFBIAN Ch 88

Chapter 88

“Is it true the rear garden is under construction?”

“It was.”

His lips, still damp, glistened. He gave them a slow lick, making the already moist lips redder and plumper. If it hadn’t been for the current situation, he might not have been able to resist the urge to kiss them.

Unaware of Haban’s thoughts, Dori seemed to be deep in contemplation before asking again.

“Since when?”

“The actual duration wasn’t long, but it started quite a while ago. Why do you ask?”

It was an unexpected question for Haban. He thought Dori would be angry, asking if he was told to wear a leash even after confirming he wasn’t truly a fox.

The construction had just been completed that day. But was that really the only thing he was curious about? Haban searched the glossy eyes staring up at him, wondering if there was another reason.

“…You’re lying.”

Dori shook his head in disbelief and pouted. It looked more like a sulk than true anger.

Haban leaned against the wall and reached out to tidy the disheveled white hair.

“You’re the one who lies easily.”

“…A-anyway! It’s too quiet inside, isn’t it?”

“I’d heard you kept trying to sneak in. So that’s what had you curious.”

The construction had been deliberately done at night, so it would’ve been quiet during the day.

Haban allowed a subtle smile.

He had heard about it. That the excited fox, tail wagging wildly, had run all the way there, only to be blocked from entering and had shown clear disappointment.

Panting with his tongue out from the effort of running, the fox hadn’t gone back but wandered around the area. He was spotted by many people and, eventually, walked away sulkily, glancing back multiple times with lingering attachment.

“…For a construction site, there wasn’t a single sound, which is weird.”

Dori fidgeted with the empty cup in his hand, rubbing the rim where his lips had touched and smoothing the round surface with his palm. The smooth ceramic cup spun slowly.

Haban quietly watched and then took the cup away, placing his hand gently over Dori’s.

“I ordered silence so your sensitive ears wouldn’t be disturbed. If something has upset you, speak honestly.”

“…Do you remember promising me a walk in the garden?”

“Of course.”

That was exactly why Dori had been kept from entering the garden. Even if only he remembered the previous life, one could never be sure.

‘I—I hate you…! Haban…!’

The cries that had echoed through the garden still rang vividly in his ears. As clear as they were to him, he feared Dori might remember them too. That was the reason he ordered the renovation.

Haban slowly stroked the back of Dori’s pale hand, letting his touch trail up toward the wrist. Dori seemed to tense slightly.

‘Still so easily frightened.’

Haban clenched his jaw to restrain himself.

He wanted nothing more than to press Dori down on the bed, kiss him, and indulge in his body.

Especially after the recent incident when they had rubbed against each other below—he couldn’t help but wonder if next time, he might be able to finally enter.

‘If I coat it thoroughly with warm oil, spreading that narrow entrance should be much easier.’

In his mind, he had already buried himself inside Dori several times. He imagined pushing deep into the tight, hot inner walls, then releasing himself into the very deepest part as those soft muscles clung to him.

He desperately wanted to make all those imagined acts a reality. But as strong as his instincts were, his reason restrained him.

Dori may not realize it, but each time Haban touched him, he flinched. That expression showed lingering fear beneath the surface.

Yet, part of Haban couldn’t understand.

As a fox, it was natural for Dori to fear him—he had, after all, shot arrows, caged him, and even leashed him.

But why was Dori still afraid, even as a human? He shouldn’t have any memories of the past. Was it his instincts rejecting Haban?

That thought made Haban smile bitterly.

“But…”

At that moment, Dori spoke again. When Haban gently patted his hand to encourage him to continue, Dori’s grip tightened.

“…But why did you go with someone else?”

“Go where?”

“To the garden. You were with someone else, weren’t you?”

“…”

When Haban didn’t immediately answer, Dori felt a sudden surge of emotion. There was no denial or confirmation, which made it even more disappointing.

‘Maybe I shouldn’t have said anything. It was just a walk, after all.’

Perhaps it had been a passing comment. And if Haban were to suggest they walk together now, it would be no big deal. The residence he had given Dori even came with a small garden.

Still, it felt shameful, like he’d asked for a date and been rejected.

But everything was new to Dori.

In truth, every night he secretly tried on the clothes from the wardrobe, poured out all the accessories, and tried on different combinations. He never tired of waiting for Haban, always wondering when the promised time would come. That anticipation was what hurt now.

As Haban’s silence dragged on, Dori’s shoulders slumped. When his grip loosened, Haban pulled his hand back.

“It wasn’t like that.”

“…Then what?”

“I did go to the garden, but Jinhu and Jipyeong were with me.”

Unless it was a secret rendezvous, it was only natural that a man like Haban would be accompanied by such figures. One was his guard, the other the Empire’s chancellor. There were surely court attendants following as well.

“Isn’t that the same thing?”

“It’s not.”

But Haban remained calm. He kept holding Dori’s hand and reached for the ceramic jar on the table with his other. Inside were crimson fruits soaked in honey.

He plucked one out and offered it to Dori, who opened his mouth. As he bit down, the tart flesh burst, blending with the sweetness of the honey.

Dori tilted his head, wondering when that had appeared in his room, and kept nibbling each one Haban offered.

Until he realized he’d been distracted.

“It is the same thing! You’re marrying someone else!”

Dori abruptly pulled his hand away.

Haban’s expression instantly hardened. Dori flinched in surprise, and though Haban forced his features to relax, his hand slammed the jar’s lid down with force. The small jar wobbled dangerously on the table.

“Someone’s been feeding you nonsense. Who was it?”

“Wh-who said that is beside the point!”

“First, you seem to be misinformed. Calm down and sit properly. What if you hurt your ankle again?”

Haban pressed Dori’s shoulders down into the chair and took his hand again. His larger fingers intertwined firmly with Dori’s. When Dori tried pulling away, he found it completely locked in place.

“Huuh…”

At Haban’s sigh, Dori winced.

Then—

“…It was Jipyeong.”

“Huh?”

Dori hadn’t caught the beginning of the sentence and reflexively asked back. Haban’s thick brows twitched in displeasure, but he repeated in a firm, yet gentle voice:

“I said the one marrying the princess of the Jin Nation is Jipyeong.”

‘Haban… isn’t?’

And Jipyeong?

In his confusion, Dori’s eyes darted around. Haban watched him and tilted his lips in a crooked smile.

Why was he so surprised? Why did it matter?

‘Come to think of it, he was quite interested in Jipyeong.’

Even at the training grounds—when hiding in the bushes and asked what he was watching, hadn’t he pointed to Jipyeong?

‘Maybe I should change tomorrow’s training setup.’

Haban smiled serenely to hide the darkness inside. The more Dori tried to confirm the truth, the deeper his smile grew.

Since it was late, they postponed the walk in the garden. Even with the lights off and lying in bed, Dori was still deep in thought.

‘Why did it change from Jinhu to Jipyeong?’

He knew. He was aware that somehow, the main plot was still following the original novel. That’s why he was worrying about it so much now.

‘I was wrong to think I could escape before.’

Failure was inevitable. The first time “Dori” tried to escape in the original, he had disguised himself in a servant’s uniform and was caught by Haban. He only succeeded the second time.

So even if Dori didn’t try to run now, just as in the novel, once Haban’s marriage was brought up, he might end up having to leave the palace again.

‘This is so frustrating.’

It felt empty and maddening.

But there was nothing he could do. At the very least, he wouldn’t leave empty-handed this time, so he should start packing—

No, what the hell!

‘Who said I’m leaving!’

Dori pouted in frustration.

“Can’t sleep?”

Haban wasn’t asleep either.

Instead of replying, Dori rustled under the covers. He wrapped his arms around Haban’s waist and rested his head on his chest. He could hear the rapid thumping of his heartbeat.

“Haban, your heart’s always beating so fast.”

“…”

“Are you sick or something?”

Dori raised his head. He could feel Haban’s gaze on him.

Ignoring it, he began to undress Haban. When he pulled lightly on the robe and undid the knot, Haban didn’t resist. Encouraged, Dori’s hands became bolder.

Slip—his robe opened, revealing a firm, sculpted chest.

Dori traced it with his palms. The strong heartbeat, the taut muscles beneath, all felt strange but oddly pleasant.

“…Stop.”

But when his fingers brushed a raised nipple, Haban caught his hand. His eyes, which had been shut, opened to reveal a dangerous glint in their dark depths.

Dori hesitated for a moment before unclenching his hand. Then, suddenly, he leaned forward and buried his face in Haban’s neck.