“welcome to the grand library.”

Minho is visiting the doctor to complete his yearly check up, for the sake of his health and for the company to be updated on his current condition. Which leaves Hyunjin and Felix together. Hyunjin had a scheduled photoshoot session earlier today with one of the brands he’s become an ambassador to, but it ended earlier than expected. Therefore, he returns back to the company building to meet up with Felix. 

Without fail, at this time, Hyunjin finds Felix eating alone in one of the empty unoccupied rooms within the building. Felix jumped in his seat when suddenly and loudly greeted by Hyunjin. After calming down a bit, Hyunjin drags a chair over to sit across from him. 

“So, how’s your day been so far?” Hyunjin chimed out with a charming smile. 

“Alright, I guess?” Felix said after swallowing a mouth full of food. “What about you?” 

“It’s good but…” 

“But?” Felix repeated curiously, looking directly at him. 

“Have you done it yet?” 

“Done what?” 

“Judging by that answer, I’m assuming no.” 

Felix just sighs defeatedly, using his spoon to draw a circular pattern in his small bowl of soup. 

“I’m scared to.” 

“What do you have to lose?” 

“A whole lot! Our friendship! Our group’s unity? I don’t want to see us fall like that because I made things awkward.” 

“You making things awkward? Please.” 

“Hyunjin I’m serious… plus, I don’t know if she even likes me.” 

“Of course she likes you!” 

“Yeah, but as a friend.” 

“Hmmm I don’t know about that Lix.” 

“... What do you mean?” 

“Pft, so you didn’t watch the latest episode of Girl’s talk?” 

“No? Why?” 

“Because Y/N was featured on there. You might want to see this specific part.” Hyunjin chuckled out, pulling his phone out of his pocket to bring up that one clip he had in mind since it’s becoming quite viral. 

“Y/N please tell us, truthfully, girl to girl. Are you into anyone?” The host asks. 

“... Yes I am actually.” You bashfully nodded in response from where you sat. 

Felix’s attention was entirely on the screen of Hyunjin’s phone as he listened to every single word spoken. 

“Really? Have you told this special guy yet?” The host further questions curiously. 

“I’ve tried. But I don’t think he gets the hint.” 

“What have you done to tell him?” 

“Plenty of things. I always try to sit next to him. Bring him some of his favorite snacks. Give him words of encouragement every morning. I did confess to him and…” 

“WAIT REALLY?! AND WHAT DID HE SAY?!” 

“Yeah, I like you too as a friend.” You sighed to see the host drop her jaw in astoundment. 

“Wow Felix?! You friend zoned her!” Hyunjin finally exclaims. 

“Crap! I thought she’s just being nice?” 

“She’s nice to everyone but with you, she’s extra nice. You just didn’t notice.” 

“Was it that obvious?” 

“Sure it was, so much so that our manager even pointed it out to you once and you thought nothing of it.” 

“... What do I do Hyunjin?” Felix asks, a little distraught as he ruffles his hair. “How can I fix this?” 

“Go to the flower shop, buy her some flowers, grab some of her favorite snacks and drinks, then find a good time to bring her somewhere private to confess.” 

“Hopefully our schedules will align at some point.” 

“I’m sure it will and if it doesn’t, then you have tomorrow.” 

“Thanks Hyunjin.” 

“You’re welcome Felix. I’d gladly be your wingman anyday!”

“Wow! I came all the way here and that’s all you have to say to your fan?” You teased. “Now tell me, Jeongin, what have you been up to?” 

“I’ve been doing well. I’ve been missing a certain someone though.” He sighs out, almost wanting to sulk on the spot. 

“Really? And who would that be?” 

“You.” He boldly announced causing the fans behind you to scream in disbelief, just thought to be average fan service when it had so much meaning under those words. 

“Are you happy to see me?” 

“More than happy. I sure hope you come to every fan sign from now on.” 

“Wanna hold hands?” You playfully remarked. 

“Yes!” He answered a little too quickly. 

You held hands. His grip on yours was very firm but gentle. He never took his eyes off of you, unwilling to pay attention to the fan’s recording him. 

“I’m afraid your time is up, please move on so the other fans can have their turn.” 

“I see. Hope to see you again, Jeongin.” 

Before you left, he whispered something only you could hear. 

“Please call me.” 

And you nodded, making a silent promise to do exactly that.

“Hmmm…?” He hums mildly quiet, looking down to absorb all the information provided to him. 

“Okay, I’ll be back.” You chimed out of nowhere to plant a kiss onto his cheek. 

“Hey, where are you going?” He asked curiously to then eye the camera you’re holding in your hands. “And why are you holding a camera?” 

“I’m going out for a little field research.” You shrugged. 

“Field research? Like where?” 

“Into the herd of stegosaurus fields.” 

“What?! Absolutely not! That’s too dangerous!” He protested, standing up with his arms crossed over his chest. 

“Oh come on, Jisung. I’ll be careful. I’m only going to observe from a distance.” 

“My answer is no. You can get seriously hurt!” 

“Please?” 

“No…” 

“I’ll teach you how to do a velociraptor call?” 

“... Fine.” 

The two of you geared up, got your IDs, passed the check points, and here you are, out in the beautiful nature to observe these giants. Gentle giants. You and Jisung hid in a bush nearby, quietly watching everything before you. It’s quite miraculous to see certain patterns of behaviors in creatures from millions of years ago that are now roaming in the present. The mothers and babies of the herd are always together, near the center while there’s a male, the head of the herd to guard, to protect, and to charge if needed for the herd to get away. 

“See, wasn't it a good idea?” You whispered, snapping some pictures every once in a while. “Look at them? Aren’t they just beautiful?” 

“Yeah, but it’s best if we get out of here soon. I have a feeling the herd’s male is sensing our presence.” 

“Just one more picture…” 

The moment you said that, everything started to shake. The ground before you rumbled like an earthquake awakening. The herd of stegosauruses yelped in fear, charging towards a different direction. Then comes an ear piercing roar, deep, guttural, and unfathomably massive. Whatever made that sound… you don’t want to know. 

“We need to get out of here now!”

You swear it took you, Minho, Felix, and Seungmin so much longer to make it before watching all this food from each pot and dish be moved onto someone’s plate in seconds to then disappear into their stomachs. To say that you are amazed would be a great understatement. You’re unfathomably bewildered. You’ve never seen a group of people eat this much food so vivaciously, ever. 

The entire table’s surface was used up, no corner left open in order to serve all the food. With the eight of you alone, in about the next half an hour, there was nothing but sauces and crumbs left on plates, pots, and bowls. The food would’ve been gone faster if they solely focused on eating. Once you all finished, lots of content sighs could be heard all around the table with everyone’s bellies being full– including yours. 

“Wow, that was good! I can’t wait for dinner!” Jisung nonchalantly chimed out. 

“... HUH?!” You couldn’t help exclaiming, staring at him with disbelief. 

You can’t believe what you were hearing. You would think after eating five full plates of food, equivalent to a heavy three full course meal, that they would be good for the rest of the day. But nope. From what it seems like, this is simply a light meal for them. Nothing new to them. 

“Pft… hahahahahaha!” 

All of them started laughing at how shocked you are. But lovingly so. 

“What’s so funny?” You asked, looking around, still a little dumbfounded. 

“Oh Sweetheart, you have no idea how much we can really eat.” Chan mused in between his chuckle, wiping away his tears. 

“This is nothing for us. If anything, we’ll all be hungry in the next few hours or so.” Minho said with an accomplished smirk pointing at you. 

You could only stare back at him blankly, speechless. 

“I’m scared to see what your weekly grocery shopping bill looks like…” 

“By now, it’s probably moved into the five digit range.” Changbin casually spoke up. 

Your eyes widen at such information. 

“F-FIVE DIGITS?!” 

Again they burst out laughing, seeing how totally surprised you were as if it’s not an everyday occurrence. 

“Is that something really that surprising?" Hyunjin asked, tying his hair back into a loose ponytail. 

“Yes actually!” 

“Wait, so then how much do you spend for your weekly grocery trips?” Seungmin added curiously as he took a sip of water from his cup. 

“Well…” You tried doing the math in your head. “Hmmm? I mean if I wasn’t given the full ride scholarship, I’d probably just be spending two digit figures, three if I really want to push it.” 

Now that was news to them! 

“WHAT?!” They shouted, as if you just said something way too absurd. 

T-Too loud! 

You flinch, eyes closed shut, hands flew up to cup your ears. 

“Gah sorry!” Jisung whispered. 

They all quickly lowered their volumes. 

“But seriously… two digit figures? Three at most?!” Felix repeated, too stunned to speak. “That’s… crazy!” 

Before you had the chance to say anything, you felt Chan’s hands on both of your cheeks, gently guiding you to look at him. His eyebrows are knit together with concern. His charming smile morphed into a thin frown. His face was serious as he looked down at your smooshed face in his hold. He’s firm though soft. 

“Sweetheart…” He addresses you sternly. “Are you okay? Do you need money? Do you have enough for this week? How much do you need? I’ll wire it all to you now.” 

Wow. 

Just like that. 

“Chan, I don’t need your money.” You struggled to speak as you shook his hands away from your face. 

“But how can you live comfortably?” Minho drops the question they’re all wondering, genuinely curious. 

You shrugged, “I just can. I grew up with just my mom. Having a limited support system. Money has always been tight for us, so I make the most with what I can. I’m frugal half the time, but I won’t deny myself a treat here and there.” 

That explanation didn't make them feel any better. Almost deepening their concerns further. 

The room went quiet. 

“You’ve lived like that, your whole life?” Hyunjin asked, hinting towards his astoundment. 

“Pretty much. I don’t mind. I’m used to it.” 

It’s only when Chan speaks up did the discomfort of the quietness go away. 

“Baby…” His voice was low and attentive, with his hands holding yours. “I mean it when I say this, don’t ever hesitate to ask me or any of us for money.” 

“What? No way!” You shouted in protest, your head shook disapprovingly. “Absolutely not. I can’t ask you guys that.” 

“Jagi, look around. We’re more than well off. You can ask us. There’s no shame to it.” Minho said, further supporting what Chan said earlier. 

“I understand and I’m grateful, but…” You sigh. “I don’t want to be seen as a charity case. I’m fine with how I’m living currently.” 

“But promise us, if you’re ever tight on money, you’ll ask us.” Changbin boldly announced with the others nodding firmly. 

“I don’t know…” 

“Y/N.” Changbin called. 

“Okay, fine. I will.” You relented. 

“You promise?” He raises a stern brow. 

“Yes, Binnie.” 

“Good.”

“Okay, since we’re done. Can you guys help me bring all these pots, dishes, and utensils to the kitchen so I can clean up?” Minho asks. 

“I’ll help.” 

“Oh no Y/N.” 

“What? Why?” 

“You’ve helped enough for today. Go have fun. Leave this all to me.” 

“But…?” 

“No buts, go and relax.” 

You better listen, My Little Fox… 

His wolf mischievously cooed out. 

“Okay fine. But at least let me help you bring these things to the kitchen?” 

“You have a deal.” He chuckled out. 

The pots were the first things brought to the kitchen as you stacked up all the plates, then returned to the dining room for the utensils. The sink and kitchen counters are filled with dirty dishes. 

“Are you sure you don’t want me to help?” 

Please~!

No, Little Fox. Be good and listen.

“I’m certain, Jagi.” Minho teases, slightly leaning forward to reach your eye level to look into your eyes. “We’ve been through a lot today, so rest for me.” 

After saying that, he planted a kiss on your forehead. 

“M-Min!” 

“If you don’t stop looking this cute, I might just have to chase you around.” 

“Okay! Okay! I’m going!” You went off running with your head steaming with thoughts. 

“You’re getting soft, Minho.” Chan lets out, leaning against the door frame, amused to see his second in command act in such a way. 

“Heh… can you blame me?” Minho shot him a knowing look, rolling his sleeves up as he turned the faucet on. 

The water flows out steadily as the sound of plates start clanking away. 

“That I can’t. She is adorable.” Chan stated, taking one last sip of water from his glass. “And beyond precious.” 

“Love sure does make people go crazy.” Minho pointed out, putting some dish soap onto the sponge. 

“But it’s not just love. The bond is insanely strong. I can’t imagine what life would be like without it now.” 

“I can tell, my wolf can’t stand being a foot away from her. But luckily, I have him under control.” 

“Same here. Let’s hope that what we have now will last forever.” 

“Who wouldn’t wish for that? This is everything I could have asked for.”

“Hey… Jisungie?” You greeted, sitting up to place your attention entirely on your boyfriend. 

He doesn’t say anything back yet, just sitting on the couch with his hands moving frantically. The box was ripped open for him to lift out a… smaller box? But why does it look familiar? Hang on, that’s your group’s album box! The latest one too! 

“It’s here! It’s finally here! After waiting a whole week!” He chimed out. “Please, please, please!” 

“Seriously Jisung? I could have gotten you one for free?” 

“Shhhh shhh! This is part of the experience that a boyfriend should have to support his girlfriend!” 

So you let him have his moment. You watched him look excitedly through the album’s book, examine the CDs that come with it, as well as the other little merchandise included in the package. But the most important item of all are the photocards for him. 

“Please…?” He pleaded, closing his eyes as he lifted the two photocards in the air. “W-Who did I get?” 

“Me.” 

“REALLY?! ON BOTH CARDS?!” He beamed, turning the cards around to look at them himself. “Yes! Thank you universe!” 

“Jisung, you know you could’ve asked?” 

“Hey! You also buy our album packages too! It’s only fair! I want to experience the same excitement.” 

“I guess?” You shrugged. 

“Now sign please! I want your autograph!” 

“... You can’t be serious, Baby?” 

“Oh I’m very serious! If you don’t believe me, I’ll show you my growing collection.” 

“... YOU HAVE A COLLECTION OF MY GROUP’S MERCHANDISE?!" 

“EXCUSE ME BUT YOU DON’T?!”

“Y-Your highness, where are you going?” One of his attendants worryingly asked, following right behind him in his excited stride. 

“To the crown prince’s studies, do not follow me!” He happily chirped out as people stared at him. 

That was all he said before breaking into a full sprint. He just ran without stopping. Surely it breaks every royal protocol or etiquette whatever people want to make judgement under, but the scolding would be his concern for later. For now, he has to tell Chan and the rest of his brothers about this big news. 

“Sixth prince, what are you doing here?” One of the royal guards at the entrance asked. 

“I am here to speak to the crown prince.” 

Nothing more needed to be said. Felix wasted no time getting in. The only point where he did stop was when he now stood in the same room as Chan which was in his studies. Chan sat there, stiffly in his chair, eye focused, mind buzzing with thoughts about his royal responsibilities. He doesn’t even need to look up to know who stood before him. 

“Lix? Why are you here?” 

“Hyung, you won’t believe it!” 

Chan doesn’t show much interest from his lack of reaction. His hold on the brush stays steady as he writes down his answer to a certain problem found within a court document. But Felix won’t be having him half focused on what important news he has. 

“The Northern princess, did you know she’s gotten better?” Felix announces, drawing closer to Chan’s desk. 

“I did not. I’ll be sure to have a maid send her flowers later to congratulate her.” 

“Hyung, you don’t get it. She’s changed.” 

“What do you mean she’s changed?” 

“I met with her today and her entire demeanor has shifted. Quite odd yet alluring.” 

Now this definitely caught Chan’s attention. Felix knows him well enough when Chan wants more information about something. He sets his brush aside to look up at Felix. His gaze is curious and sharp. That’s when Felix spills everything, not a single detail was left out. Even then, Chan had a hard time believing what he was hearing. He nearly scoffed at such a description about you. 

“You’re sure of it? You didn’t just imagine this eye opening encounter?” Chan questioned, leaning back in his chair. 

“Hyung, I know what I saw and I definitely know what I heard. If you don’t believe me, why don’t you pay her a visit?” 

“Hmmm…” 

Chan does think about it. But his answer doesn’t come out when his eyes dart to someone at the door. Felix turns around to have his smile grow bigger. 

“Minho-hyung! You’re back!” 

“Woah? What’s gotten you to smile like that?” 

“The Northern princess seems to have finally shown her colors.” Chan said. 

“What does that mean?” Minho questioned, raising a wandering brow. 

“I met her today and she’s completely changed for the better.” 

“Really? Hard to believe that she’s anything other than a shy girl brought here to fulfill this heavy responsibility by father’s order.” 

“The two of you will just need to see her again. I promise, you’ll be blown away.” Felix persuaded. 

“I have work I must complete.” Chan sighed. 

“You always have work.” Minho chuckled. 

“Then why don’t I take a look?” 

All heads turn back to the door to see Hyunjin leaning against the doorframe. 

“Why do you all have to gather within my studies?” Chan amusingly asked. 

“Because it’s the only place where we are free to speak. Anyways, tell me more about the princess, Felix.” 

So Felix explains the entire encounter once more for both Minho and Hyunjin to hear. The two of them seem just as intrigued as Chan was. They all have met you once but the impression you left them with didn’t settle with them well until Felix brought this news to them. 

“I think it’s about time we pay our princess a visit. Must be quite lonely to be in a foreign palace while being stuck in their quarters.” Hyunjin mused. 

“I’ll go with you. I wanna see if this is just an act.” 

“I assure you two, it’s not! I can feel her! Her words are spoken with the utmost sincerity!” 

“If Felix is vouching for her then… I’ll agree with his judgement as this is not the time for me to go venturing.” Chan sighs, returning to his work. 

“Come on! Let’s go!”

Park Seonghwa, someone you deemed must’ve lived comfortably under a rock, to not know who you are. Not in an arrogant manner but out of surprise. It’s not everyday, you meet someone who doesn’t have a single clue who you are. But that was honestly a breath of fresh air. Since your transfer, you and Seonghwa have been put on many of the same missions. The two of you didn’t click right away but when you did, wow was that magical. 

Within six months, he got down on one knee and proposed to you. What better answer could you give then a big loud yes! Your wedding was small and private just the way the two of you liked and preferred. However, not even three months later within your marriage did tragedy strike. 

The two of you got assigned to another mission. No big deal. Everything was going great until one little misstep. You and Seonghwa successfully stole a brief case full of top secret information, you two ran for it. Alarms were blaring, men were running the two of you. It’s only when you reached the rooftop did Seonghwa face the worst moment of his life.

There was a helicopter waiting for the two of you on the landing pad, you handed him the brief case. Seonghwa thought nothing of it as he got in but… you didn’t. Instead, you slid the door shut, locked it from the outside, and gave the sign to the pilot to go. The pilot does as instructed, causing Seonghwa to scream. 

“S-Stop! STOP! What do you think you’re doing! We can’t leave her!” Seonghwa shouted, trying to break open the door but it didn't budge. 

Then BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! 

Three loud gunshots rang into the air. 

He looked through the small helicopter door’s window to see you lay flat on the ground, motionless with a pool of blood around your stiffening body. 

“NOOOOOOO!” 

PRESENT TIME

“W-Why? Why didn’t you tell me?” Seonghwa cried within his car, parked by the edge of an ocean. 

His hands harshly gripped onto the steering wheel, he leans ahead, breathing heavily as the memories of that night haunt him. You didn’t say or show him anything. He had just discovered from a fellow agent that you were told to sacrifice yourself for the sake of Seonghwa surviving and for the information to be successfully retrieved. If only he knew, he would have sacrificed himself without question. 

Now he’s sitting here, all alone, crying his heart out. 

“I miss you, Baby… I miss you everyday. It’s not the same with you.” 

It was then that the moon rose and a quick whip of light passed, likely a shooting star. 

“Please visit me in my dreams, at least let me hold there…”

“Right…” You mumbled, you tried to bow to this person too but your back can’t handle it so you quickly rose up. 

“Greetings, Your Highness.” Junghee said calmly, still knelt before him. 

“You may stand.” He orders as he turns his attention to you. “It’s nice to see you out here, Princess Y/N.” The man softly spoke with a beautiful smile. Are you feeling better?” 

“Yes, I do feel better…” 

“Prince Felix.” Junghee mumbled to you. 

“Prince Felix. I believe this little one here is yours?” You suggested. 

“Indeed. Quite the troublemaker.” He sighs, picking up the pup before he stares at you. 

His gaze remains warm and it’s searching for something. You don’t know what, but you just offer him a kind smile back. Seeing you smile, his for you grew wider. And that’s when you swear you saw a short sparkle in his eyes. 

“Since we’re out here? Would you like to have some tea with me?” He suggested. 

“Oh umm… sure?” 

That response certainly intrigued him. He doesn’t say anything but his expression says it all. His eyebrow rose to your response. His smile got sillier. Why is he so adorable? 

“Please, follow me.” 

You do and Junghee is never far behind. The three of you only walked for a short while, still it was quite eye opening. This place, this palace is enormously unfathomable. A whole city could fit in here without a problem. You only stopped when you reached the front gates of his quarters most likely. The guards there greeted him and you formally before allowing entry. 

“Go Ujin, go inside.” Felix chirped, letting the puppy go as he stood back up to look at you. “Is there something wrong, Princess?” 

“You’re very kind, Prince Felix.” 

“You think?” 

“I do.” 

“But I don’t think that’s a very good thing.” 

He sighs, as he walks you towards the garden within his quarters. Gesturing you to be comfortable, have a seat as he prepares to brew some fresh tea leaves. 

“What makes you say that?” 

“For a prince to become a king, he must harden his heart. Grow cold and unfazed by worry. And restrain from showing weakness.” 

“I would like to disagree.” 

“Please enlighten me with your thoughts.” 

“Gladly.” You nodded, gesturing to him to sit across from you to make this conversation less tense. “That’s more of what a tyrant is than a king. You say that you must harden your heart, but it’s a known saying that the hardest hearts are the ones that easily break. Growing cold and unfazed by worry? That's not possible, you wouldn’t be human then. If you could do that, then your kingdom’s people are bound to suffer. Lastly, yes I do agree to not show any weakness but a calculated planner always thinks ahead. You could use it to your advantage when your opponents can’t see what’s coming.” 

He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. You, the Northern Princess, the one who has caught a severe fever, ill for weeks has changed. Your entire personality has basically transformed for the better. The way you carry yourself, the authority in your voice, this is coming from someone who has been described to be shy, weak, and easily spooked. He’s never imagined you to be like this. Even in your first encounter together, he saw a fearful girl instead of the strong willed minded person you are now. 

“You’re quite wise, Princess. But why do you advise me so truthfully?” He asks, wanting to see if he can detect any hidden motivations. 

But he senses none. 

You just smile at him sincerely. 

“You’re a kind prince. I hope you can rule with a clear mind and set heart. That’s all I hope to see out of you.” 

His heart was racing. His hands instinctively grip onto his robes as he stares at you in awe. This is the first time in his life where a girl can speak so freely. Makes him want to know you better. 

“Your highness, the tea?” Junghee coughed out to get Felix to snap out of his daze. 

“Right, right…” He mumbled, pouring out two cups of tea. “Here.” 

“Thank you.” 

“Drink it slowly, it’s quite hot.” 

“I will keep your worry in mind.” You grinned, blowing softly into your cup to take a sip. “Mmm…” 

“You like it?” 

“I love it. The flavor is light yet sweet.” 

“Then I shall send my servants to send you ten whole jars of these tea leaves to your quarters.” 

“As much as I appreciate your gesture, I can’t accept such a gift. Please save it for your guests. Now please excuse me as I have finished my cup, I must return to my quarters.” You advised, bowing to him before making your leave. 

“W-Will you come again?!” He nervously asked. 

“I’d love to.” You turned back to send a happy smile to then return to walking with Junghee by your side. 

“You’re truly one of a kind.” Felix hummed, watching you until your figure can no longer be seen in the distance. “I must tell Hyung.”

“Princess?! Princess?! Please wake up!” A girl cried out frantically. 

“... Nari? SHUT UP! You screaming won’t make the princess feel any better! Jeez!” 

“I KNOW THAT JUNGHEE! BUT WHAT MORE CAN I DO?! THE PRINCESS HAS FALLEN ILL AGAIN?!” 

Eh… what’s going on here? 

Why are they even arguing? 

Whatever it is, you’re about to find out when you open your eyes and sit up. 

The two girls immediately stopped their bickering. Both staring at you with wide eyes, jaws dropped in disbelief. You sit there, on the bed, a little awkward because you don’t know them and the attention they’re giving you is uncomfortable. Without a word, the shorter girl jumps up on her feet to hug you, to burst out in tears. 

“PRINCESS YOU’RE AWAKE! I THOUGHT YOU’D NEVER WAKE UP! YOU HAD ME WORRIED!” 

“Ah? Okay? There… there?” You said, patting her as she cried onto your shoulder. 

“Are you feeling better princess?” The other girl asks. 

Princess? Who? You? 

“I’m sorry… but who are you two?” 

It’s like a bomb went off into the room. 

The two girls got on their feet, again in shock before running off screaming… “PHYSICIANS! WE NEED THE ROYAL PHYSICIANS HERE NOW!” 

You take this chance to get out of bed to then come to a realization of where you are. 

… Why does everything here remind you of a historical drama? Even the clothes you wear seem very authentic. And that’s when you look into the mirror, it’s your face for sure, but certainly not the same body. Unlike your previous body, this one held strength and resilience. 

“Huh? Not bad?” You said, admiring how much healthier you look. 

“Yeah she’s… PRINCESS YOU SHOULDN’T BE STANDING!” 

“Oh? Sorry?” 

You sit back on the bed where a group of what you assume to be traditional doctors examine you. They took your pulse, asked you to follow their finger, and gave a weird and bitterly tasting medicinal brew. 

“So… is there something wrong with the Princess?” 

“Hmmm?” The elderly physician hummed, looking up at you with worry. “When was the last time the princess had a fever such as this?” 

“About a year ago?” Nari answered. “Why do you ask, Sir?” 

“I’m afraid this time the princess’s body couldn’t handle such a fever which resulted in her having memory loss. Until I get the right measurements of the ingredients needed, look after her.” 

“Understood.” Junghee bowed with Nari beside her doing the same. “Princess, do you really not remember anything?” 

“Ummm, no. I’m sorry. And… can you guys please stop calling me princess?” 

“Forgive me for annoying you princess but formalities and customs must be upheld.” Junghee spoke respectfully, kneeling before you. 

“I understand, then may you two introduce yourselves to me?” 

“I am Junghee, your bodyguard and here right next me is Nari.” 

“We have both been your companions since childhood.” Nari added. 

Judging by their words and the feeling you have about them, they’re telling you the truth. There’s no lies spoken here. 

“Then please take care of me.” 

“We will as it is our greatest duty.” Junghee announced. 

“Please rest princess, I will fetch you your favorite snacks.” 

“Thank you, Nari. And Junghee?” 

“Yes?” 

“Can you walk me around?” 

“But you must rest princess. Your body needs to recover its strength.” 

“Trust me, Junghee. I’m alive and well.” 

Those words couldn't be any truer until now. Junghee didn’t object any further. With you dressed and the addition of a heavy coat, she walked with you. Out of your quarters where you can admire this new world your soul has been brought to. Certainly beautiful. A better scenery than what any historical drama production could accomplish. Everything now just feels whole. Content. Purposeful. To feel the sunlight against your skin was refreshing compared to the stuffy atmosphere within your hospital room. 

During a moment of distracted bliss, you suddenly see Junghee stand before you. A guarding stance. Something charging right at you. 

“Stop right there!” She ordered, pulling out her sword as a defense. 

“Huh…?” 

Your eyes followed to where she was pointing at her sword to see… ahhhh a puppy! How adorable! 

“Junghee, relax, it's just a puppy.” 

“Princess be careful, you don’t know if it’s feral.” She reasoned. 

Right as she said that, the little pup rolled on its back side, exposing its belly. 

“Awww you’re adorable!” You cooed, crouching down to give it a belly rub. “Where’s your mom? You shouldn’t be running out here all by yourself, little one?” 

“Ujin! Ujin?! Ujin-ah?! Where are you?!” Someone fearfully calls out. 

The person’s voice grew louder and louder till they made their appearance known. 

“Ujin! There you are and–”

After the delivery, the doctors and nurses warned your parents of the distressing news. The news of how you are unlikely to live for the next couple of days let alone within those next stressful hours. Of course, you parents were heartbroken. But the two of them and the medical team within the hospital did everything they could to preserve chances of living. Even then, the likelihood of you living on was slim. Yet, you proved them wrong, but… you wish you didn’t. 

There have been days where all you did from morning to night was curse yourself for an early death. Because is life really worth living when all it evolves around is being stuck in the hospital with literally little to no prospects for your future. You’re doomed. You can’t do anything without causing pain to yourself. Everything and anything you do needs assistance from one person or more. You might as well be considered a living doll. One who’s lost the spark of life, just waiting for this game to come to an end. 

Your parents thought they could handle it. After all, you’re their daughter. Their first child they brought into this world. They’ll love you no matter what the circumstances are. But, you can tell, your never improving health is affecting them. Having quite a negative impact. But they’ll never say it, unwilling to admit it when you can clearly see the signs. The financial burden of your hospital residence is like placing a mountain over your parents shoulder. They work tirelessly for your treatments with no improvement in sight. There’s no point in continuing on like this. 

You begged them to just pull the plug on you. Multiple times. But it just leads you to a screaming match where a group of nurses have to break you and your parents apart. It hurts you just as much as it does to them. You hate yourself. Deeply. You feel so useless. 

“Nurse…” You mumbled, watching her place your breakfast on your night stand. 

“Yes?” 

“Is there any way I can obtain a consent form to stop my treatments?" 

The nurse only offers a saddened frown. Her hands rested on her stomach as she kept her head down. Slowly, she just shakes your head. There you go, that’s your answer. 

“I’m sorry…” That’s all she said before leaving the room. 

The way that you just want to scream into your pillow is becoming unbearable. So you just cry, quietly. You stare up into the ceiling, wondering how much longer you can live like this. 

“I can’t keep living like this… it’s not even worth shit.” 

On that same day, more so at night, you felt a weird sensation. A weird gut feeling of sorts. You were sleeping. Trying to. Your body is but your conscience stays awake. With your eyes closed, you hear the door to your room being opened. Weirdly, quietly and tactically. You slowly open your eyes, adjusting to the dark, expecting to see a nurse. 

But the person who entered your room wasn’t a nurse, no scrubs, no ID, nothing that gives you a hint that they are even a member of the medical staff, instead this person wore all black attire. Even their face is covered up, making you unable identify a single feature on their face. Without saying anything, they rushed over to your bedside once they realized you were awake to shove something into your face. Due to how weak you’ve always been, you couldn’t fight back. 

“Mmph!” Your muffled cries are left unheard. 

“Shhhhh just let go… please. I’m sorry” 

And that’s when you made a shocking realization. 

Your heart felt like it was going to explode. 

That person, their voice, soft and strong at the same time is from someone you know. 

“D-Dad?” You huffed out lowly to then lose conscience, but his grip on the cloth to your face never relented. 

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry… please, forgive me, my daughter. I’m sorry. Please forgive your dad who couldn’t give you the life that you deserve.” He shushed his crying. “But I hope in your next time. You’ll be happier and do all the things you ever wanted and couldn’t do. So… f-farewell my loving daughter.” 

That was it. 

You went on long enough without any oxygen to the point where your body couldn’t handle it. 

You… died. 

Many would have haunted their parents for making such a cruel decision, but you couldn’t thank him enough. You just wish you could tell him, both your dad and mom you loved them and to not carry any more guilt or unnecessary burdens.