Chapter 29: A Fit Tailored by Misunderstandings

Strange words, as if meant for no one in particular, flowed from him like a quiet incantation. His shoulders looked unusually heavy, as though he were carrying a burden all on his own.

Kebel wanted, somehow, to share that weight with him, but the only thing he could really offer was to stay by his side.

Moved by that thought, Kebel reached out and placed a hand on his shoulder. It was a thoughtless gesture, but the firm muscle beneath his fingertips made his mouth fall open.

“Whoa.”

He had assumed Osh would be slender and delicate, just by appearance. But the solid muscle he felt, well-defined yet not excessive, was unexpectedly… perfect.

If he had to describe it, it was exactly the kind of physique he liked. Not too much, not too little. The kind that made his hand wander without thinking.

Before he knew it, Kebel was kneading from Osh’s shoulder down to his arm, eyes sparkling with admiration.

“Kebel?”

“Ah, sorry. I didn’t realize. That bothered you, didn’t it?”

“Not really… it’s fine.”

Though his words said one thing, his expression suggested otherwise, so Kebel reluctantly pulled his hand away. Even so, the admiration in his gaze was impossible to hide, and Osh stared right back at him.

“I thought you wouldn’t have any muscles,” Kebel said honestly. “But Osh, your body’s actually really nice.”

“I’ve been working out consistently… because it seemed like you liked muscular builds.”

“What? Me? Since when do I like that?”

Kebel frowned as if appalled, waving his hands in denial, only for Beryl’s image to flash through his mind. Tight clothes stretched to the limit, excessive muscle bulging underneath… Just imagining it made him shudder.

“Never. Absolutely not. Even if I did, I think your level is just right.”

“Really…?”

“Yeah. Actually, do you want to feel mine too?”

Kebel cheerfully held out his arm. No matter how hard he worked out, he could never build muscle, it had always been a sore point. Even when he gained some, it disappeared quickly, leaving him soft again. His body looked like someone who had only ever held a pen.

Annoyed by it, Kebel grabbed Osh’s hand and placed it on his own shoulder.

“Here, feel this. Soft, right?”

“…”

“Want to try here too?”

As if making up for all his frustrations, Kebel rolled up his sleeve and presented his forearm. His pale skin, untouched by the sun, reflected the light smoothly. At such close range, even the fine hairs were visible, and Osh’s throat bobbed.

His green eyes flickered like wildfire, but Kebel didn’t notice. He simply pushed his arm forward again.

“See? No muscle at all, right? I don’t know why I can’t build any.”

“…”

“Guess you don’t like it either. I mean, who would like a guy with no muscles?”

Kebel’s shoulders drooped in disappointment, like a pitiful little cat. When Osh still didn’t respond, Kebel finally took his hand and placed it on his forearm himself.

Osh’s jaw twitched.

Then, with a restrained sigh, he spoke.

“Don’t go around showing your body like this to other people.”

“Isn’t that obvious? Why would I do that with anyone else? I’m only showing you.”

“If that’s the case… then I don’t mind.”

The tension in his eyes softened. Seizing the moment, Kebel placed his own hand over Osh’s and pressed it more firmly against his arm, smiling brightly.

“So? Soft, right?”

“…Yes.”

The warmth of Kebel’s skin through his fingertips made Osh stiffen. Startled, he quickly pulled his hand away and touched the spot with his other hand, as if lingering on the sensation. He turned his head aside, avoiding eye contact, and his neck was flushed red.

Seeing him like that for the first time in a while, Kebel couldn’t resist teasing.

“Why are you so shy? Are we going back to being awkward again?”

With a mischievous grin, he reached up and brushed along Osh’s neck.

In an instant, Osh turned his head, and his lips brushed briefly against Kebel’s forehead.

It was so sudden that Kebel froze. The spot burned as if scorched, and he instinctively stepped back, but Osh’s arm wrapped around his waist, pulling him in.

“Kebel.”

“Y-yeah?”

“You’re the one who’s blushing. It’s not like we’re strangers.”

His eyes curved in a dangerously alluring way. He brushed Kebel’s hair aside and gazed at him intently.

Unlike the Crown Prince’s rough, cold touch, Osh’s hand was warm, gentle and soothing. The softness of it made Kebel’s eyes flutter shut.

‘Someday, someone would take him away.’

Just imagining it stirred an unexpected pang of jealousy.

But that didn’t mean he liked him. It was more like… the feeling of having carefully raised something precious, only to have it taken away.

Opening his eyes again, Kebel met Osh’s gaze.

****

Two days before the Crown Prince and Enok were to meet, a tailor sent from the imperial palace arrived at the ducal estate.

The man had long, curled black mustaches and a narrow, elongated face, like someone straight out of a comic. His long eyelashes curled beautifully, and his outfit was far more eccentric than most.

“Greetings, Young Duke. I am Naeppong, a tailor serving the imperial family.”

The name sounded perfectly normal, yet somehow Kebel kept hearing it as “I’m pretty.” He barely managed to suppress a laugh, clearing his throat awkwardly.

The tailor’s hands were covered in rings, so many that it would’ve been easier to count the fingers without them. Thin golden bangles adorned his wrists, and his pinky nail was painted a bright pink.

Though Kebel knew he should respect personal taste, his gaze kept drifting. The tailor, clearly pleased, puffed up with pride. Then, with a commanding gesture, he signaled to his attendants.

They immediately laid out several catalogs on the table, arranging them neatly before opening to marked pages.

“As you can see, these are the most fashionable colors in the capital right now. With your fair complexion and delicate features, I recommend combining these designs and colors. Would you like to take a look?”

Kebel glanced at the selections.

They were dazzling, so much so that they practically screamed “main character.” The bold colors made his nose wrinkle slightly. It wasn’t his taste at all.

But all the nobles would be there that day, and as a member of the Iliya family, appearances mattered. He had no choice but to endure it.

Feeling already exhausted, Kebel nodded.

The tailor beamed with satisfaction.

“Young Duke, His Highness the Crown Prince will also be wearing a matching outfit.”

“The Crown Prince… as well?”

“Yes. He instructed that once your choice is decided, he will follow your dress code. We will prepare violet attire embroidered with gold thread, symbolizing imperial authority.”

There was nothing more to say. The Crown Prince had already given his order, and Kebel’s partner that day would be him.

Though the violet color felt burdensome, Kebel nodded reluctantly.

At once, the tailor pulled out a measuring tape.

His movements were smooth and precise, clearly the work of a professional. Watching him, Kebel couldn’t help but think that imperial tailors truly were on another level.

“However, His Highness emphasized that the outfit must be tight… If that aligns with your preference, Young Duke, then we can-”

“No! I don’t like that.”

Kebel cut him off immediately.

‘Tight clothes? Since when do I like that?’

Beryl’s image flashed in his mind again, bulging muscles, clothes stretched to their limit.

He shook his head vigorously.

Just when did he end up being misunderstood like this?

Kebel silently vowed to clear things up with Beryl the next time they met.

📚 Also on NHV Novels

Night Has Fallen, Mafia—Send Your Text Messages

BLDramaModern

Read Now →
Not interested