WOOTHIGHSONLY

One more hit to the head and Shuhua was able to change into the guy's uniform.

'Must have a thick skull if I had to hit him that hard .. twice ...' Shuhua thought as she finished up her new look with a messy bun.

Taking the gin bottle she had from drinking the night before, she sat the cafe employee against the wall in the back alleyway leaving the bottle with him. 'There, pass out drunk.. no one will notice’

Shuhua fixed the uniform adorning her, noticing the nametag pinned to the blouse.

"Steve, well that doesn't really fit" she whispered to herself, taking the name tag off and popping it into the bin on her way to the main cafe.

The cafe was only open for 5 minutes and they already had a good few customers. Shuhua just hoped she didn't actually have to make any complicated coffee orders and just manned the til.

Someone already had that covered though.

From what Shuhua could see, the woman had bronze hair in two braids and when she turned around after dealing with the line of customers, big bright eyes shone with a smile behind the owner's fringe.

"Hey! Newcomer right?" The woman asked, their tone unchanging from the cheerful one used with the customers. Shuhua wondered if this chick had her dose of coffee already.. possibly a few cups too many. She looked down to check for the employee's name ... “YUQI” was written on her nametag. 'How am I supposed to pronounce that?'

Shuhua probably made a befuddled face because of the name and Yuqi didn't exactly know what to say or do. Giving a small smile of concern eyeing the confused girl, patiently waiting for some response.

Shuhua just stayed silent and nodded, deciding to go for a shy, awkward character this time around.

"Great! I don't know why BamBam let you work your first shift on a Monday morning, it gets quite busy around this time .. so I'll try to get some training done with you.. ... okay?" Yuqi explained moving from the till end towards the coffee machines, swapping places with another worker.

Shuhua scanned the area, keeping silent because she was fascinated by the different machines. The little details of their buttons and random notes and trinkets under the counter that probably have some purpose but she didn't know what for. She was acquainted with some things, seeing them when ordering her own coffee but she didn't realise all the secrets that were held behind the counter.

Yuqi turned around with no answer from the newcomer, seeing her eyes darting around the compartments behind the counter seemingly overwhelmed. "Hey, you okay? don't worry it's quite easy when you get used to it, it's your first day too so even if you just stay at the till for today?"

Relief! That's exactly what Shuhua wanted to hear. She would only be staying about an hour more, that wouldn't be enough to get used to anything anyway. And how else was she supposed to catch the code while making coffee, steam blasting in her face, probably burning herself ..... and that's the train of thought that led Shuhua to an idea.

After exchanging names with Yuqi, pronounced 'oogie' or somewhere along those lines, they started the training process.  While the other employee, 'Lucas', if Shuhua caught it correctly, served the few customers that came during that time.

Yuqi was demonstrating how to grind beans, explaining the different buttons for different coffee orders and such. Until she finally let Shuhua do an order herself  .. a hot order.

Yuqi gave her some precautions earlier, especially about steaming the milk but was Shuhua gonna listen..?

No, she needed a reason to stay behind the till.

Shuhua takes a deep breath, seemingly nervous to her now 'colleagues' but she knew herself she was preparing for the pain ...

.. 'sacrifices' she thought, before ..

"AAAHHHHHH !"

The scream was louder than the victim had anticipated .. more high-pitched too.. but it happened. At least the shriek made her actions seem more like an accident than planned out. I mean 30% of the outburst was real cause 'bxtch who knew it'd get that hot !'.

Milk spattered everywhere, probably splashing onto Yuqi a little too but that didn't seem to bother her. She was quick to get Shuhua's hands under the cold tap.

"Sorry"

Shuhua spoke quietly, checking on Yuqi who still held her hands under the rushing cold water but Yuqi’s eyes were fixed on the mess left on the floor.

The pitcher that jumped from Shuhuas hands when she felt the blazing sensation was still leaking out foam creating a larger puddle to clean.

Yuqi's sombre expression softened when she turned back to her burnt colleague. "Don't worry about it ! Just stay put under the tap while me and Lucas clean this mess" She reassured with a faint smile, eyes still bright which made Shuhua wonder if it was really okay or if Yuqi was just really good at masking her emotions.

Cleanup, ointment and a story about Lucas' first day breaking mugs and almost tripping into the broken ceramic .. that was supposed to make her feel better?

Later.. Shuhua was sat behind the till next to Lucas.

Lucas explained the mechanics of the electronic till as he took orders for Yuqi to make. It was fairly simple but he was making it feel like an hour lecture. 'He'd be off for break soon and you'll barely have to deal with customers cause the intelligence should be here soon' Shuhua reminded herself trying to stay calm. Her facade of the shy new barista is waiting to crack.

Shuhua let her mind wander while Lucas went on about the different sized cups and the different names they could be called by customers.. some weird "regular challenge" going around apparently ...

Eyes drifting from Lucas doing said "regular challenge" to the large windows peering out to the city,

the city that Shuhua and her partner had just saved last week..

It's not like anyone knew .. and well, maybe it was saved all thanks to her partner and his daring significant other.

She remembered how Jiung was almost the perfect partner, always did things according to the rulebook.. even tho there isn't actually a real book but ... he was precise and quick-witted nonetheless.

That is.... until it came to the time his significant other found out he was a spy.

Jiung's partners, both in different senses, did not get along well. Always having opposing ideas, Shuhua felt the tension.

They had a rough time working as a trio. Jiung always made it his priority to protect his significant other but they showed they could take care of themselves. The second his lover tried to do things their way, he would panic and instead of being the 'perfect' agent he became clumsy.

Shuhua also remembered the time they were on a stakeout, watching over Jiung's other half, who volunteered to be the inside guy. Of course, Jiung panicked at first but as the night went on whenever Shuhua turned to him his eyes were filled with endearment. 'It was sweet I suppose...

.. sweet..'

She didn't wanna admit it but Shuhua also wanted to indulge in some romance. Maybe that's why she was bitter when working with the couple.. they even left after saving the world to get married and plan their future together..

'they are barely 20! how'd they know what love was?'

.. yeah she was jealous

"You good?"

Yuqi stood before her, Lucas wasn't at the till indicating he'd gone for his break.

Yuqi tilted her head to the side to get Shuhua's attention again, the latter didn't give a response, just mindlessly staring at her senior.

"sooo you'll be alright to do the till? for a bit?" there was worry in the older's voice, Shuhua felt bad for probably worsening Yuqi's anxiety or... it could've been the coffee that caused her hand tremors.

"Yeah, I'm fine really ! um... thanks for caring for me.." Shuhua stammered, hopping off her stool that Lucas gave to let her "take it easy" after the little accident.

Situating herself behind the till with Yuqi next to her, who nudged and assured her.  "No prob, I'll be right by your side literally ! haha".

Shuhua could tell Yuqi was trying her hardest to comfort the timid character she portrayed. 'she seems like she would be cool to hang with, if, she didn't try too hard.. this chick probably has to deal with a lot … kinda feel bad'

A customer strolls in grabbing a table by the window, abrupting Shuhua's view and halting her analysis of Yuqi. There were no customers left in the shop; the last few were all to-go orders so Shuhua spent her time observing the women.

Something was familiar about her.

Dark hair messily styled into a half-do, feathery fringe covering her eyebrows, her eyelashes peeking out, a beauty mark under her right eye, Shuhua didn't know much about noses but she knew this nose could be one of the prettiest she's ever seen.. or was it just the woman's face in general .. just beautiful .. the red tint drawing eyes to her lips.. Shuhua swore she would remember a face like this .. damn they were hot...

maybe not hot in the boiling sense... but spicy .... 'spicy? Shuhua, do you want sweet or spicy? make up your mind??'

Shuhua's mind kept trailing on...

The customer allowed some time for the spy to wonder, not going straight to the till after settling her bag on the table. A brief glance towards the two baristas and the menu above their heads, she seemed to be waiting for someone, constantly checking the time and fiddling with her phone.

Yuqi was progressively getting impatient, shifting in her spot next to Shuhua. After 2 minutes of the customer just sitting there watching the bustling street outside, Yuqi had enough, informing the younger she was gonna wipe down the tables but would be back when the woman finally orders.

Shuhua was a little preoccupied admiring the girl, still not processing why she had the feeling she knew this person. She only snapped out of her thoughts when Yuqi came into her view, cleaning a table by the customer and making conversation.

"11:00 am" read on her phone screen.

'the intelligence should be here' Shuhua prepared herself for the transaction soon to come and for any third parties that could potentially steal her information.

"Do you guys do Dahlia tea..?" The red-lipped woman finally stood to order and in the quietest voice ever.

"Hmm?" Shuhua hummed leaning in closer to hear what she said, maybe too close she realised when she could smell a string of floral notes.

An audible sigh was let out by the woman who shifted back from Shuhua's advance, now speaking clearer and more casually..  

"I get drunk off the flower called.."

Eyes widen as Shuhua responds to the code “you… Dahlia..”.

Now it all clicks, she's quick to play off her surprise when Yuqi returns to her side, giving a weird look to the customer.

"Ummh dahlia tea? What size?"

"Just a regular one"

"Regular huh?" Lucas cracks up walking through the staff doors in perfect timing. Yuqi smacks his arm, gesturing for Shuhua to continue her job.

"Alright, anything else?"

"ahh yeah a small latte for my friend, names Soojin by the way"

"Soojin ..?" Shuhua knew that name.. she thought more about it while writing the name.

Once it was written on the paper cup..

she recognised it.

Soojin was handing her a tenner to pay, Shuhua took it in her hands and felt the extra note.

"you're the bxtch that catfished me" was let out as a whisper Shuhua didn't even realise until Soojin pulled her money and the info back but the employee still had a hold on it.

"Sorry..?"

"Umm everything okay here..?" Yuqi, too curious and a little anxious about their exchange.

"We're fine Dahlia tea and a small latte for Soojin"

The pair hear a gasp, eyes on Lucas as he utters "they're exes" his hand hurries to cover his mouth.

Soojin was confused, glaring toward the three baristas. Took her a few seconds before she realised.

"you were '01's partner" she tried to take back the notes again.

"you're supposed to be on break.. soon to be suspended" Soojin gave the other agent a knowing look, a little smirk appearing on her lips.

"How..?" Shuhua let go of the info that could potentially save her place at the agency.

"umm.. ladies.."

Yuqi tried to interfere again but Soojin made a run for it. Shuhua jumped the counter, knocking over some takeaway cups and sugar packets. Surprising her short-lived co-workers, both letting out yelps.

"That was pretty badass but what even was that?" Lucas exclaims gawking at the swinging glass door the two ladies had exited from.

Soojin made her way past cars swiftly, a standard runaway, but it seems as tho they both had the same training. Shuhua could guess Soojin's few tricks and next moves.

Soojin was getting tired of weaving through the city, causing discord among the passerby's finally deciding a confrontation was a better solution.

The leading agent now turns back to confront her chaser, panting with a scowl present on her face.

"Who even are you?"

“Shuhua”

“I didn't ask for your name,” Soojin said exasperatedly, still making a few steps backwards while facing Shuhua who followed.

“Where’s your partner and his little girlfriend?” Soojin taunted halting her steps back, they were in a secluded area of the city only cars surrounding them.

“First they prefer ‘significant other’-”

“Oh I'm sorry I really don’t care right now.. Shouldn't you be 3rd wheeling or are we using the term babysitting again?”

Shuhua scoffed as an answer. She was only a couple months older but the others got all the .. maybe not credit but limelight. She was only seen as a mentor or ‘babysitter’.

“Yet it was them who saved the world ..” Soojin whispered under her breath, a fake smile lingering when she turned to Shuhua to see if she caught it.

They all had their parts to play and Shuhua knew herself the great role she had.. But she also knew Soojin was just pushing her buttons, this is what she wanted.. ‘But what I want is that info’

“Don't make me have to fight you for that-”

Soojin laughed, now changing her steps to walk towards the threat. “And when I call my agency, rogue spy on the loose? you weren’t supposed to be here this wasn’t your pickup” Both women were now in each other's face, trying to hold their harsh expressions.

“This wasn’t your job either Seo Soojin” A booming voice was heard from Shuhua’s left.

A woman in all black, stylish yet formal wear, jumped down from the roof of a car. Her fierce eyes, although slightly covered by her hair, were set on Soojin.

“Oh she's angry” Shuhua commented watching the stranger leisurely stride towards them.

“How'd she-”

Before realising it Soojin cut herself off and took Shuhua’s hand to the closest alleyway. Shuhua took the lead to hide. Landing them both in a pile of rubbish hiding behind a broken-down scooter and a sofa that was possibly thrown out by Edward Scissorhands. Soojin gives her an unsatisfied look to say ‘this isn’t a good idea’, but from what Shuhua has learnt from Jiung..  it's better to be predictable when you’re dealing with people who are trained for the unpredictable.

“Who is she?? Another one-”

“Ex-partner.. I made a mistake in our last mission”

Shuhua was getting tired of being interrupted but she couldn't deny that she kinda liked the close proximity they were in.

She had to remind herself that this was the chick who pretended to be a kpop idol who Shuhua had never even heard of to get all her information and they weren’t exactly in the most romantic of places, the stink of rotten food and some mixture of alcohol and urine reminded her well.

Shuhua’s train of thought did not help her temper. Trying to forget the smell of Soojin's perfume from earlier and erase any notions of falling for her, whether it was from when she was chatting to a fake personality on tinder or now next to some dumpster.

“What did you do? Kill her significant other?”

Shuhua tried to retaliate not expecting the agent in question to make a guilty look. A stunned look in return. “What? I said it was a mistake! You were the one who asked ! seems like you've had some experience” Soojin hissed.

“Well, my mistake was never done unlike-”

“Shut i-”

Shuhua let out a gasp, somewhat in a joking manner “and she was wearing all black??”

“Fxck today was the funeral..” Soojin tried to whisper to herself but her now-accomplice of sorts heard and became intrigued.

Faint footsteps made from high-heeled boots were approaching. Shuhua reflects on their pursuer’s outfit, speculating the amount of love Soojin’s ex-partner really had for their significant other when they were attending the funeral like it was a runway.

The owner of great fashion sense called out, “Yah Seo Soojin you won’t let me rest, will you??  Do I have to continue cleaning up after your mistakes ?? even today.. you're not even part of the company anymore! Grow up and move away or something! Before.. Before you create even bigger problems”

Anger, anguish yet hints of compassion were evident but Shuhua couldn’t let go of the fact that Soojin went rogue too. ‘Is anyone in this situation stable??’

“So you too?” Shuhua tried to turn the tables. Eyebrows raised and a smirk played on her lips to tease the fellow ‘traitor’ but she was met with a sullen expression facing the ground.

“We’re going to a place worse than any jail if she-”

“Jail isn't that bad”

“We’re two rogue agents who interfered with- wait you've been to jail?”

“.. does monopoly count?” Shuhua gets a smack in return for her joke, a smile lingering before she turns serious.

“There was also that time last month and I guess the last mission counts too..”

“Whatever, we're not going there !”

Soojin had enough now returning to her feet, followed quickly by Shuhua. The two agents were cautious as they got out of their hiding spot, spotting a white cat making its way down a fire escape, the woman was gone for now.

“Wait W-we? Shake on it?” Shuhua gulps.

No official settlement could be met with the growing sense of danger when a car appears at the end of the alley.

BREAKFAST

Library: 

You looked towards Yeosang with confusion again, causing him to chuckle before focusing on his meal. He decided not to pester you about the new prince, seeing how tenderly you and Yeonjun interacted with each other. 

Yeosang caught himself distracted by you two, about to take a bite of food when Jinsung uttered “they look cute together..” 

Yeosang nodded acknowledging the words but wanted to use this to teach Jinsung, beginning his lecture with “Yes they do, but is it the best for the kingdom?”. 

He turned to the younger, giving some time to think of his words. Jinsung gulped down his food to counter-argue, “I know that’s important too but what about love?” 

Honestly Yeosang wasn’t expecting that response but took it in, Jinsung sincerely peering at him for a reply, then soon going back to his food, leaving his elder time to consider his point. “Well.. you love your kingdom and-” 

Yeosang was interrupted by a laugh from his right.  

The prince who caught his curiosity shrieked in laughter. Prince Yeonjun seated in front of Yeosang was turning bright red, maybe from the sudden attention they were receiving or by what the laughing prince had said pior. It caused a momentary awkward silence in the hall once the prince was finished giggling at Yeonjun, but he earned a few giggles from the Princess while everyone went back to their meals. 

Breakfast was coming to a finish, your mother came in checking up on you but more so on the princes. It seemed as though she made a beeline straight to the new prince once entering the hall. They chatted for a few minutes before she moved along to others. 

It only made Yeosang more curious, deciding to ask Jinsung for his knowledge. 

“Oh, Prince Wooyoung? he recently dyed his hair, it looks good on him and well other than that, he is still seen as controversial but everyone likes him, he’s very charming..” 

“His kingdom caught Lee Minho who was found with the Runaway Prince, Prince Jisung, oh and also they won the civil war two years ago.. actually ‘won’ would be the wrong-” 

Yeosang was surprised by all this information, not knowing Jinsung would know so much, “Wait, how do you know all this?” he asked. 

“I learnt it from my history tutor” Jinsung replied simply. 

“oh-of course.. and his siblings?” 

“Um.. I know his parents have died soo his oldest brother took the throne but has no Queen currently... I don’t know much else, sorry...”

Yeosang could see Jinsung become a little disappointed again.

“Not at all.. you’re a very knowledgeable prince, ...Y/N likes that in a man” Yeosang complimented. A smile appeared on Jinsung’s face but he knew Y/N had already found her King. Your giggles still heard as you conversed with Yeonjun. 

Yeosang was about to excuse himself but asked one last question, “what was his brother’s name?”. 

“Oh the King? King Hongjoong” Jinsung announced sipping the last of his tea. Yeosang gave the younger his gratitude before excusing himself to find his brother. 

Yeosang made it halfway through the pillared corridor before he was stopped by someone calling his name. You and the new prince stood by the doorway of the hall, you were thanking the guards at the door before following the prince who had called your brother. 

He was surprised you hadn’t stayed until all the other princes had left breakfast but it seemed your mother was keeping them busy for you to spend time with Wooyoung. 

“King Yeosang!” he called out rushing towards Yeosang, leaving you behind to drag yourself and your dress over. 

Once he kept Wooyoung distracted enough with introductions you made a run for it, not caring how awkward and unprincess-like you looked to the guards around and your brother. 

“Yeosang, you met Prince Wooyoung” you spoke,

“ah yes, just explaining as I did with Jinsung, I am ‘to-be’ King but not King yet” subtly explaining what had happened with Jinsung earlier. You nod knowing how your brother and Jinsung were and how easily the young prince could take Yeosang’s words too seriously, especially with how much he looked up to him. 

“Sorry I didn’t mean-“ Wooyoung tried to speak up but Yeosang shut him down swiftly, asking “are you two off to the gardens?”.

“I was thinking of somewhere safer, perhaps the library? would you like to join us?” Yeosang was confused by your sudden invitation. 

“safer..?” Wooyoung asked quietly to himself. 

“Yes, monsters roam around out there you know” the soon-to-be king said with a cheeky smile. Wooyoung seemed a little thrown off but laughed it off with you. 

“ha ha actually last week Yeonjun got pricked by a rose and shortly after Jinsung also had a stumble on the gravel path ... and also on the steps” you explained, giving Yeosang a look to tone down his over-protectiveness. 

“I’m always careful with beautiful flowers, you shouldn’t worry” Wooyoung said caressing the side of your face, Yeosang cringed at the words and could tell by your facial expression you were trying not to laugh at the awkward.. compliment? pick-up line?

You returned a smile and gave a slight nod, “Of course .. but some time in the library would be a nice change from being in the gardens, I know Yeosang also prefers to be inside..” you replied moving topics. 

---

You were trying to give Yeosang slight signals that you needed him with you but he didn’t seem to be picking them up. Wooyoung on the other hand understood, your mother had kept your guard busy with another task. 

He knew being alone with a prince you just met would be weird without your usual protection. 

“You will be joining us? I would love to spend time with you both” Wooyoung added, you smiled knowing Yeosang wouldn’t refuse now. 

“Of course, shouldn’t you wait for your guards?” 

“Seungsik is currently busy with Mother” you turned to Wooyoung for his turn to answer. 

“Ah yes, well my - Seonghwa .. I had asked he collect something in town for me” 

You could tell Wooyoung was growing more nervous as Yeosang seemed to get more skeptical of the prince. He was loving it, evidence written on his face as a content smirk while you felt bad for Wooyoung, having to share his time with your Most overprotective brother,

 it wasn’t going to end well for him.

--

Setting yourselves into the library, Yeosang sat across from you two, picking up a random book to pretend to read. 

He was obviously listening into your conversation with Wooyoung. 

So you had decided to ask him about the book to try change the tense atmosphere. 

“You seem to have gotten quite far into that book, is it interesting?” you spoke, which startled Yeosang, book jumping from his hands to the floor. 

Wooyoung showing off his gentlemen qualities, got to his feet to deliver it back to Yeosang while admiring the cover. 

Once back in Yeosang’s hands Wooyoung speaks up about having read the book before. Yeosang laughs nervously only now realizing that the book he picked was one he has no clue about and it also happened to be in Latin as well. 

“Very interesting book huh? you speak Latin too?” Yeosang comments, knowing you were loving the scene in front of you. 

Yeosang always tried to act superior to all the other princes, but for the most part he forgot all the knowledge his Mother had paid for throughout the years. 

Your oldest brother was the most physically active, you and your family were unaware of this. Although preferring to stay inside, while everyone else was out he would find secluded areas of the castle along with his guard Heochan and they would look into hobbies that would be seen as ‘unconventional’ for Royalty. 

It intrigued Yeosang to find different experiments and hobbies on the internet, that he knew would never be allowed to do as royalty so he did them in secret. 

Throughout his time discovering new hobbies and interests he came across dancing, specifically the hiphop genre. 

Everytime he and Heochan would find time while the castle was vacant they learned and practised choreography. 

Although dancing was one of the many skills you had to learn, your mother kept the genres down to ballroom and to spice things up some swing.. only because you had some interest in jazz. 

It seemed to be the only hobby that he continued to pursue and improved on. It gave him more freedom. not only the feeling of being free but also the freedom from your mother and the strict rules of dancing with the opposite gender in classes. He didn’t like the feeling of anyone pulling him down, keeping him still, being unable to do things he’s capable of doing by himself. 

“Actually yes, I did learn abit of latin but never enough to finish the book in it’s original lat-” Wooyoung uttered. 

Yeosang was quick to interrupt “so you actually haven’t read it in it’s entirety?”. 

“Well, I have read it’s english translation as my tutor read the latin to help me.. but I wasn’t able to continue with those studies and I suppose I wasn’t the best at them either..” 

“It’s okay, Yeosang was never great at languages either.. and from what I recall we learnt French, Greek, German and Mandarin.. not Latin.” you added. 

Yeosang gave a forced smile and replied: “I picked it up myself, just recently”. He saw your eye roll that your guest wasn’t able to catch, deciding that you deserved to be pressed further.

“What about your fighting skills? I know Y/N prefers strong men” Yeosang poked before you could return to your one on one conversation.  

Surprisingly the prince burst in laughter as he did in the hall earlier, you gave a smile almost developing his contagious laugh, in conjunction, Yeosang seemed to grimace a little.

"Strong type? yet Yeonjun seems to have caught your eye?" Wooyoung kept giggling until he saw Yeosang's expression which immediately shut him up.

Coughing before apologising "Sorry I shouldn't have said that, it was very rude of me .."

You finally let out a giggle. Wooyoung's character was quite cute but you also knew where he was coming from, Yeonjun definitely wasn't the strongest physically but you were set on his sweet and charming disposition. You also enjoyed the princes' friendship.  

Yeosang became stricter in tone and stature while asking “You and Yeonjun seem to be good friends, may I ask what the commotion was back in the breakfast hall?”

You didn't know whether it was due to their personalities clashing or because of the prince's unpredictable acts that engaged Yeosang to further question him like he was a teacher scolding a student that had been caught. 

"It was just a small joke between us .."

"Yeosang we don't need.."

"I just said he was quite the charmer and the Princess seemed quite interested in him as he did her..."

Yeosang nods along "and your parents, siblings? How-"

"We really don't need to know every.."

Wooyoung shook his head turning to you, pausing you with his hands on yours, trying to reassure you that Yeosang's behavior was fine.

"No it's okay, I don't have.. I mean my parents have passed already so... it's just me and my brother.... Hongjoong who's now the King.."

"ah yes.. Jinsung was telling me.."

"So there wasn't much need to ask Wooyoung then?" You glared at your brother, Wooyoung now seemed sullen.

"Just double-checking"

It felt like you were sat in the middle of an interrogation and you didn't know whose side to be on.

Although Yeosang started off with harsh questions he moved on to more light-hearted topics. Now they were mostly talking about Yeonjun.

You knew Yeosang did this intentionally, teasingly smiling at you every time Wooyoung would spill about his best friend.

You still felt bad that Wooyoung had to go through this interrogation of sorts, but it was also nice to have information about your almost certain future husband.

Wooyoung was being the best wingman out there, very honest, though reassuring with positives.

You wouldn't have known that Yeonjun asked his siblings to role-play as princesses, so he could charm at least one lady to be his Queen.

Wooyoung assured that in your case those planned scenarios went out the window cause he was, quoting Yeonjun, "hypnotized by your beauty". Wooyoung also told that he was determined to make his kingdom and family proud by bringing home a Queen, hence the prepared scenarios.  

As the conversation between the two boys continued, Wooyoung became more comfortable. You were also quite comfortable just listening in on them, their glances towards you kept you part of their little chat.

Eventually, your guards came to get you almost two hours in. It was still quite early and with any other person, apart from your friends and maybe Prince Jinsung, you would have barely gotten through the first hour.

This time round Yeosang really helped you out, practically filling in for you for the past hour or so.

Once your time came to an end, after formal 'see you later's, Yeosang seemed to rush out. Spending obligatory time with suitors isn't as fun or easy as most thought it would be. You thought Yeosang figured that out now too, though Wooyoung caught him again before he could scamper away.

You questioned if that was a good idea after their cumbersome time in the library. Seungsik got your attention before you could contemplate more on it.

An image of some relaxing time by the cottage with your friends sparked in your head, smiling innocently as you looked up at him.

"Shall we take a stroll?" you suggested. Seungsik knew what you were hinting, shaking his head at you before replying.

"You know Taeseon and Sanha haven't gone to the cottage. Jaemin said they should keep an eye on you while I was gone, I'm surprised you didn't notice them peeping through the windows"

"Wait.. really? they were actually spying on me?"

"Yes, and knowing them, they'd be here soon pretending that they weren't and asking you how it went?" Seungsik said nonchalantly, You knew him too well though. You raised an eyebrow to question, waiting for him to admit he also wanted the report. Although he didn't budge.

"and you want to know too hmm?"

Seungsik checked the area, you followed as habit. Once the coast was clear he let his guard down, bending his knees to level your height, shoulders relaxed as he took your hands in his.

"Of Course! I want to know what I'll have to deal with on top of you!" shifting your hands up and down as he spoke eagerly.

Your eyes widen as you take his words in with a dirty mind, but also with slight offence.

He let go of your hands now nudging your arm in warning, "Stop being so inappropriate Y/N. You're a princess, even then you've only come of age, Where are you learning.."

"Okay okay, but don't you have faith in me.. also aren't you at all sympathetic, I'm the one getting married off? You'll onl-"

Seungsik stood up abruptly, towering over you again. Turning to his left, footsteps could be heard against the marble flooring, echoing through the hall.

-

INTRO

Breakfast: 

You continued to get ready by yourself, pinning up your hair, doing your skincare routine,, although being a princess didn’t stop you from just slapping the products on your face.

Once that was done it was time to move on to your dress.

You glanced at ‘it’ once more before quickly rushing to put it on before your thoughts of regret and concern kick in about the whole marriage situation.

“Suck it up, for your-- the kingdom” you whisper, sliding into the garment, already hating the material against your skin.

~ ~ ~

Yeosang left your room to head to the dining hall. 

When the doors were opened at his arrival he peeked in, some princes already gathered, ready for breakfast. One, in particular, caught Yeosang’s eye, he hadn’t seen him before. 

Although not having fully met all the princes he surely has heard of them and has seen their picture in some magazine. Even with Prince Bomin who had been shy and kept away from the public eye, he had known of him having met his older brother Jangjun in a competition. 

‘Who was this prince and where did he come from?’ Yeosang wondered. He was attentive of your suitors more than you were.

He could just about guess why each prince came here or was forced here. He saw their intent with you, based on what he’s heard of their past and what he’s seen from your interactions with them in the more recent days. 

“King Yeosang !” Prince Jinsung yelled when Yeosang stepped into the room, halting Yeosang’s continuous thoughts on the newly arrived prince, who was now speaking with Prince Yeonjun.

“Jinsung you know I haven’t been coronated yet-” 

“Yes! but you are heir to the thrown so you will be King soon, right?” 

“that’s true.. but Jinsung you shouldn’t cut off your elders, especially when they’re due to be King” Yeosang told while the younger followed him around the long table to greet the others. 

“Sorry, I’ll shut up now..” Jinsung said following behind Yeosang to a seat close to the unknown prince, at the corner of one end of the table. “It’s okay Jinsung, you still have a lot to learn” Yeosang chuckles slightly, continuing his conversation with Jinsung as Yeonjun did with the other prince. 

“I’m not that young.. I-”, It was Yeosang’s turn to interrupt “Why don’t you start acting like it then?” 

 With that sentence, Jinsung went quiet.

Although Yeosang was more interested in the princes to his right he felt bad noticing Jinsung’s silence because of his words. 

“You know, I didn’t mean it in a bad way” he said. “You’re still a good prince” Yeosang assured, moments before you step into the room gathering everyone’s attention. 

- -

You bowed in front of the table of princes, waiting for Jinsung’s usual loud “Good Morning !”. 

But the usual cheerful greeting didn’t occur until Yeosang nudged the younger to do so..

You were greeted by the others as you made your way to your brother. Then earning another small “Good morning princess, I hope you slept well” from Prince Jinsung, who looked like he got scolded at. You gave Yeosang a look past the younger prince who was stood to bow. 

Shooting Yeosang a questioning glare as Jinsung held his head low once seated again. Your brother brushed it off, miming that you shouldn’t be acting like this in front of the princes but you noticed the guilty look he had when turning back towards the younger prince. 

You continued your way around the giant white oak table, collecting greetings and compliments from the princes as more gathered into the room. You eventually settled in-between Prince Taeseon and Prince Yeonjun. You sat directly across from Jinsung, keeping an eye on your brother, who was now trying to avoid eye contact with you. 

Taeseon and Sanha took your attention away from the awkward two, rambling on about why they don’t want or shouldn’t be king yet and who they thought would be the best match for you. 

“.. we’re best friends now and everything, but what’s best for the kingdom..”

“ Yeah exactly! Taeseon may have had a crush-” Sanha gets hit by the other stopping him from completing his sentence. Sanha hits back before starting again. 

“ Regardless of past crushes on us, from you, or vice versa ...” 

                  “ ... I’ve seen the way Bomin looks at you .. ” 

         “.. weren’t you talking about how adorable Jinsung was ..? “

                      “ I’ll probably need a good 4 more years til I’m ready for the King title...  “

   “..... you know I’m horrible at making decisions ! “

        “..., forgetful as fudge”      “ That’s not even proper prince etiquette tch .. ” 

You retaliated trying not to make too much of a fuss but they went on. Only growing louder and more irritating when Jaemin joined in to defend you. 

“oh, so Jaemin being the 'noble' prince standing up for Y/N now?” You heard Taeseon say jokingly, rolling your eyes at his rhetorical question, now finding the detailing of Prince Jinsung’s clothes more fascinating. 

Jaemin was far from noble, courage-wise at least.

anytime you four were supposed to spend time talking about the future of your kingdoms, with your parents trying to form alliances and such..

you instead used that time to go out on adventures and became true friends.

whenever you did go on your little adventures Jaemin was always first to blame, he would always come up with crazy ideas but even more absurd lies to get away with them.

Jaemin was also the first to runaway during your first short adventure together, a constant memory to you. 

   it was about 5 or 6 years ago, it was the first time you had all met due to some social problem at the time, which led your parents to gather and discuss. 

   Sanha’s Parents thought it would be fun to bring their youngest along to have a play-date with your family, you and Sanha had already become friends from the many times they visited before, then when Taeseon arrived with his family including his nine brothers, his father dropped the idea of suitors into your mother’s head. 

   although your father didn’t agree with it, pawning you off already at the age of 13, your mother persuaded him by saying “it wouldn’t hurt for Y/N to make new friends”. 

   which is why you were stuck with Sanha and Taeseon, and soon Jaemin, while your other siblings got to play happily with each other. You were sat in the dining room having tea, your parents right next door having a meeting on a civil war in another kingdom that they didn’t want to be involved with. 

   it was awkward at first ... you and Sanha were having fun playing with Jeongwoo and his dinosaurs before being pulled away to meet a very scared, meek-looking Taeseon. 

   you introduced yourselves before sitting down having tea, and most importantly biscuits, casually talking as your parents watched the awkward scene of Taeseon looking at the ground while you and Sanha fought on who should talk next, then a fight about the last piece of carrot cake. 

   the odd time you guys were interrupted by coughs from your parents, usually when Taeseon wouldn’t talk or when your obvious arguments with Sanha grew louder than whispers. 

   when Jaemin was introduced, your parents decided to keep the conversation going for you, them speaking of your ‘shared interests’ and ‘hobbies’, even though you were forced to do them like every other prince and princess. 

   they stayed for a few minutes with you, making sure you kept talking as they walked away to officially start their real duties as Kings and Queens. 

   once they were gone, you and Sanha tried your best to converse and get to know the other two but it would always lead to short answers.. then silence... and awkward silence at that.

   there was even a point where you were trying to say something but decided not too, Sanha sipping his tea too loudly, Jaemin looking out the window behind him and Taeseon staring blankly at the fruit bowl in front of him. 

   when you decided not to say anything even with Sanha apologizing and urging you to continue, you hear Changbin from outside the dining hall making crow noises as he left the scene. 

   that was when Jaemin stood and proposed you go on an adventure! with reluctance from everyone but wanting to do more than just sit around, you four devised a plan ...

   which you didn’t follow in the end .. but you decided to go for a walk in the gardens which would lead into the woods. You showed off your knowledge of nature and gardening, that soon led to ghost stories your brothers told you. 

   not even 3 minutes into the woods before Jaemin ran away screaming at some rustling followed by a scream from Sanha, who used you and Taeseon as a shield. 

   the rustling continued then suddenly stopped. you three were stood frozen in fear. 

   curiosity was killing you making you inch forward but Sanha held you back by your waist, careful not to ruin your dress. 

   Taeseon instead proceeded in your steps, pushing away at the leaves and went further into the woods. You grabbed Sanha’s hand to follow. 

   You three ended up at a small lake, across the lake was a cottage. Taeseon looked around for a culprit, Sanha still scared while you admired the lighting and beauty of the setting. 

   “okay I think we should go back and find Jaemin now” Sanha spoke trying to get your attention along with Taeseon’s.

   “Y/N you shouldn’t have told those stories anyway! you scared him off!” Sanha scolded when none of you reacted the first time.

   “I was just trying to make it less awkward! make conversation as our parents wanted!” you replied finally taking your eyes off the surface of the water. rippling slowly, stained by the colours of the nature surrounding it. 

   “let’s get back before our parents find out” Taeseon said, giving up on his search for the rustler. 

   you walked back together, Taeseon was finally starting to open up and even start to be playful, teasing Sanha’s screaming. 

   once back, you found Jaemin sat alone sulking, pouting as he fiddled with the teaspoon in his cup. 

   you three had just come back at the same time your guards came to check up on you. 

  Seungsik, your guard was first to speak. “Y/N where were you?” 

   “I was.. we were...” you began, Seungsik’s eyebrows rose, your nervousness also rising. Sanha tried to answer for you but Gyujin, his guard, quickly shut him down, both guards knowing your antics when in trouble. 

   Jaehyun, who was Jaemin’s just hired guard couldn’t do the same for his child.

Jaemin had spilt an obscure drawn-out explanation while giving his best puppy dog eyes. 

   after the lies containing different characters and magical places in your gardens, the guards looked lost, definitely not believing Changbin riding a dragon and a snail race? but they couldn’t do anything in their position as Jaemin looked ready to burst into tears, while you and other two boys just looked at him with shock, confusion and amazement at his story.   

   “Whatever you guys were actually doing.. don’t do it again.. Y/N you know you shouldn’t leave the castle without me! and Sanha you’re the oldest you should know when to tell the others to stop, not encourage things..” Seungsik said, pausing to lift a hand to his forehead, “... look you guys might not be of age yet but you should know to start acting like a proper princess and princes, not kids especially in your kingdoms’ positions!” he continued in frustration. 

   Gyujin stepped in telling you to take your seats back along with Jaemin at the table before your parents came back to an awkward scene. once seated Seungsik was about to continue your scolding but instead Gyujin spoke up, his fellow guard retiring behind him, raking a hand through his hair clearly stressed, you felt guilty but at the same time relieved. 

   “You guys should understand your place. yes, you are still children but that doesn’t discard the fact, you are royals with family reputations to withhold..” Gyujin started, Sanha nodding along to his words. “.. Everyone has their eye out for you guys, you need to be more careful. I’m not trying to scare you but with wars going on .. you guys are most vulnerable. We want to keep you guys safe so help us out and think before you go running off ?” he waited for you all to nod before continuing. 

   “We don’t know exactly where you went or what you did, maybe for once Sanha wasn’t actually being a trouble maker, but we still need to know where you are, at all times. for your safety, alright?.. Next time just tell us...” Gyujin’s tone was a lot more sympathetic and caring compared to Seungsik’s although both were coming from the same place. “.. It still seems like you guys got closer, whatever you were doing so... we’ll cover you guys in regards to your parents” 

   after Gyujin’s speech and a voice of retaliation from the other guards, with Gyujin reasoning with them, you four were left alone again. 

   and somehow simultaneously apologized, each with a different reason but still apologizing.

yet the unison sparked wide eyes to look at each other, faces setting off laughter from you and Sanha, followed by giggles from the others even when Jaemin’s head was held low, staring down at his fiddling fingers. 

   he was first to explain himself, “I’m sorry, I proposed the idea and was the first to run away .. I just wanted to seem.... I just wanted to try impress you guys by trying to be brave and adventurous”

   Sanha who was seated closest to Jaemin lay his hand on Jaemin’s shoulder, making Jaemin look up this time with real tears in his eyes. “It was a good idea! We just got too excited especially with the spy concept.. that I forgot to inform our guards..”, you interrupt Sanha quickly “Just because you’re the oldest doesn't mean we weren’t supposed to know to tell our guards too.. Seungsik was just picking on you again..”

   “It’s okay Y/N, I still should’ve known better”  

   Taeseon spoke next breaking up your argument before it broke out, “I know I haven’t said a lot and couldn’t even stand up for you guys when I was the reason we were late back, and we should’ve checked on Jaemin first than venturing forward..” 

   “WAIT! What did you guys find?!” 

You reminisced on how the apologies led to more stories and how eventually the cottage became your own little hiding spot, but of course you informed your guards that time. Gyujin even joining in that the abandoned cottage was owned by a fairy god mother. Seungsik always disagreeing saying it was a witch’s cottage, stating he would know better because he came across it when he first became a squire. 

Speaking of the guards they all came into the breakfast hall heading to their respective prince to get orders and soon most left, probably earning some time to train or just wander ‘patrolling’ in the city or kitchens.. but Seungsik stayed by your side. 

He was ordered to always be with you almost like a overprotective brother, only if you didn’t have two of them to worry about already.

You were too immersed in your thoughts that you hadn’t noticed your friends turn their attention away from you to pick on Jaemin,

and now Yeosang was trying to get your attention desperately. 

Earning another questioning look from you, which turned into a puzzled one when he was trying to gesture for you to look to his right in the most subtle way he could, it only looked like he was making silly faces so you ignored him. He was the one who said to not act like that earlier. 

When turning away from Yeosang towards Seungsik to greet him, you felt a tap on your shoulder. 

You turned around, Yeonjun leaned in closer to whisper in your ear. “I think he was trying to point at me or Wooyoung” he spoke gently giving a small laugh at the end. 

You could only return a smile and gave a small "oh thank you" before the servers came in with breakfast. You used this time to turn back to Yeosang who was now smirking at you. 

{ Library }

-

A/N: I did originally want to do a prince series on my other blog where i did short scenarios for each suitor for princess! reader. Then i had the idea of Prince Yeosang but wanted to keep Prince Yeonjun going too. I kinda ended up just putting them in the same universe... 

Defined Intro:

“Y/N get up !” 

You stirred in bed turning to your left side to turn away from your brother, Yeosang. 

“Y/N ! it’s time to flirt with the princes again ! Come on ! Get yourself a man ! or make mom happy and get a King !” Yeosang said loud enough to annoy you but not too loud for the nosy staff to hear from outside your room.

No movement occurred, only you wincing at Yeosang’s yelling and the sunlight that disturbed your, still shut, eyes. 

You then heard Yeosang move towards you, you opened your eyes feeling his presence in front of you. And there he stood tall, looking down at you, thankfully shielding your eyes from the sun’s rays that shone too brightly through your shear curtains. 

Yeosang smiled when he saw your open eyes, proud of himself for getting you awake. He frowned when you buried your head back into your duvet, whining as usual. Yeosang crossed his arms waiting a few seconds before continuing his attempts to get you up without physical force. “I’ll take that as I should tell them breakfast has been cancelled ‘cause their Princess wants more beauty sleep? which isn’t really helping you at all” he teased, holding himself from just rolling you off the bed. 

~ sadly that was forbidden by your Mother, not only because of the family’s image but Yeosang was soon to be King and you were a lady now. 

Not only were you both scolded for behaving immaturely in front of the staff the last time but your Mother has used that as an opportunity to announce her plans for you and your brothers. 

  Yeosang being the oldest, of course he would be heir to the throne, being the oldest came with its quirks, one allowed him to be married anytime he felt he was ready. His Mother trusted him to marry within his first few years as King but his siblings knew that wasn’t going to be anytime soon. 

  Changbin the second oldest, was to marry a widowed Queen in the south, they were engaged since last year but too many events had postponed their wedding ceremony. No one complained about the continuous delays to the wedding, except your Mother, none of you were ready for him to move away. 

  You had just come of age a few months earlier, you were to be married off to another kingdom. Like Changbin you had some say in your marriage arrangements hence the past 2 weeks of meeting suitors. 

  Jeongwoo the youngest, only had 3 more years before he would be doing the same as you were now. 

Although on the outside you all seemed to accept and follow the plan.. Yeosang never liked it. Of course he went along with it the past 2 years but the constant reminder of his younger siblings growing up to leave his soon-to-be kingdom, being left with responsibilities alone.. stuck with his Mother. No. Thank You. 

Unlike his siblings, if he was to be married off he would fight and never accept that arrangement. He knew the only reason your Mother became stricter with marriage was because after your Father died, she had to rebuild and restrengthen the kingdom from scratch. And somehow your Mother thought he would be the one to continue the best out of the four of you, he could be trusted for the better good of the kingdom. 

But he knew he would be the worst in doing so.. eyes begging to try stop you and Changbin from agreeing to her arrangements that day. You both had to explain to him what you both thought was the best for the kingdom, which changed Yeosang’s attitude. 

Although he still disliked the changes and what was to come, he encouraged and supported you guys through it. 

That’s the only reason he’s in your room trying to get you up and ready for the princes now too, 

and he might’ve heard from a little birdie *cough* Changbin *cough* that you might’ve fallen for Prince Yeonjun already. ~ 

To his latest comment you just nodded, burying your face deeper into your sheets, wanting and needing five more minutes. 

Yeosang was loosing his patience. You could tell by the huge sigh he let out, followed by a thump on your head. 

You quickly got up, rubbing the back of your head to soothe the pain. Yeosang greeted you with a “Good Morning” and innocent smile which hid a proud smirk. 

“this is why Changbin is my favourite older sibling” you mumbled as you finally got out of bed. 

You sat at your vanity, Yeosang following your movements retaliating with “well that makes Jeongwoo my favourite younger sibling”. 

Yeosang sat at the bottom of your bed which was directly opposite your vanity. You watched him through the mirror with a slight pout as you tried combing your hair. “at least I know I’m Jeongwoo’s favourite sibling” you say through grunts, battling against your messy tangled up hair. 

Yeosang stood up from his seat, “Y/N calm down, you’re gonna rip out your hair ! your scalp even !” he says taking the comb from your hands, brushing your hair more efficiently and softly. 

You take a deep breath and sigh. Yeosang patting your back as your tense shoulders relaxed. 

“What’s wrong? you can tell me..” Yeosang says, sliding his fingers through your hair, making sure no tangles were left. 

“it’s nothing .. thank you” you reply, turning towards him with a small smile. “if you say so.. now get dressed”, Yeosang stood looking towards the dress that was laid out for you. Unlike Yeosang who stared and took in it’s details, you didn’t dare look towards the sparkling scratchy garment you were assigned to wear that day. 

Your thoughts of stress and worries of the upcoming days leading towards an engagement and wedding and even coronation, were swept away when Yeosang finally stopped his own thoughts and started walking towards the door. 

You quickly turn your head which caught his attention, turning back towards you, you wished he would stay giving him a pleading look.