Jihoon and Hayi stared at each other, locked up in the back room. Hayi was wearing simple jeans and a plain black t-shirt, hair bundled up in a quick ponytail. There was nothing about her that screamed Princess at all.

Jihoon was very similar. Jeans and a white t-shirt with his apron around his waist.

“Well, this is awkward.”

Hayi simply stared, leaning in a little. “It's... it's absolutely uncanny. You look nothing like... you. I mean. It's different. This and that. I mean...”

“Yeah, I get that a lot.” Jihoon folded his arms awkwardly.

“I mean, your smile is so handsome! And your eyes are so light! And you're nothing like that in the palace!”

“The palace gives me no reason to smile,” the Dark Prince answered.

She thought about that for a moment. “Oh.”

“What are you doing?”

“Sneaking out of the palace in order to get some artisanal coffee.” Hayi folded her arms too. “You won't tell anybody, will you?”

Jihoon gave her a look. “I literally spend all my time pretending not to be a Royal. I can't blame you for hopping out for something better than bean water with cream.”

“So this is where you work, huh? I guess that's why Joshua said you wouldn't be around until next week.”

“Yup.”

Hayi stood for a while, thinking about it. “Can I stay?”

“Hmm?”

“Can I stay? And have some of your artisanal coffee?” She looked up, a little shy. “I really do want to try it. And I feel like I'll be safe here, with you.”

Jihoon took a deep breath. “Sure. We'll have to come up with a story to tell people though. Everybody around here thinks I'm a normal guy.” He stretched his arms far above his head. “I told everybody that Wonwoo is my cousin, he was here for a while. You can be his little sister if you like?”

Hayi broke out into a happy grin. “Sounds good to me!”

Jihoon grinned back, and pretended not to notice how shocked the Princess was at the change. “Then let's get you a cup of coffee, hm?”

“This is Woozi's cousin, Ha-”

“Hayeon.”

Jihoon ran for it, but it was far too late: Seungcheol shook her hand kindly. “Hey there, I'm Seungcheol. Woozi's boyfriend.”

Credit to the young Princess: she really was a born and bred actress. Nobody would have noticed the shadow cross her eyes for the split second it was there. “Ah, so you're the boyfriend!”

“Hey Woozi.” Seungcheol waved. “You didn't tell me Wonwoo had a baby sister!”

“Yes I did.”

“No you didn't!”

“I totally did!”

“Did you? I forgot. I'm sorry.” The florist smiled gently. “I just came by to ask if I left my glasses at your place. I can't find them.”

“Your reading glasses? Let me go up and check, alright?” The barista turned so only the Princess could see his urgent expression. “You two be nice to each other, alright?”

“Don't worry, I'll lots.” Hayi winked, but there was a measure of seriousness in her eyes. At least she was taking the need for secrecy seriously. Whatever trouble this got him into later... well, that was that.

Jihoon made the trip very speedily, as quick as was humanly possible: unfortuantely, by the time he was back, Hayi and Seungcheol were already having coffee and laughing together in a small booth.

“Here. Cheollie. Your glasses.”

“Thanks babe,” the man chuckled, taking the glasses and standing. “I have to go, but I'll definitely see you again, Hayeon! Your cousins are great, Woozi.” Cheol leaned down to peck the barista on the cheek. “I'll see you later, love.”

“S-see ya.”

Once he was gone, Jihoon slowly turned back to Hayi, afeared for his life.

The young Princess smiled. “I'm not mad, Hoonie.”

He pulled an expression of complete shock. “I'm sorry?”

“How could I be? He's very charming. Grab a coffee, it's time for your lunch break, sit down and tell me everything. Don't worry so much.”

Jihoon went to get a cup of tea and sat down opposite the Princess, blushing red in embarrassment. “I... I don't know what to tell you.”

“I'm not angry, Hoonie. You can just say it.”

“I tried to tell him everything a few days ago.” Jihoon pulled a fierce scowl on his face. “He didn't believe me when I told him I'm a prince.”

“...didn't believe you?” Hayi giggled. “How thick? I mean... I've only known you for a few days and I recognized you pretty damn quick.”

“He's an idiot,” Jihoon smiled, staring at his tea. “A beautiful, perfect, wonderful idiot.”

Hayi smiled, a little sadly. “I'm sorry.”

“For what?”

“This. Us. Because of how things are, you can't be straight with him and tell him everything.” Hayi finished her coffee. “I'm sorry. It must be causing a strain on your relationship. Wanting to tell him, but not having him believe... must be tough.”

“Really tough.” Jihoon pulled a face. “No offense, Hayi. You're very pretty and very lovely. But he...” The barista bit his lip, unable to continue for a moment.

“He's your everything.” Hayi nodded once, a sad smile still on her face. “It's okay. I understand that better than you might think. And I would never want to disrupt something like that.”

The barista could only stare, uncomprehending.

“Well, when we get married... I don't expect you and I to be mon