Chapter Seventeen   Life could get better. Even when met with hardships, somehow there will always be the rainbow at the end of the storm. I’d like to believe so. Yet it didn’t actually became better even after we finally cracked a tiny hint of the truth because Yuju was still not aloud anywhere near Jungkook. It was much better for Seulgi and Taeyong though; I frequently see them together at the dance studio inside the palace since both of them are dance majors to begin with. They share the same classes as well so it was easier for them to meet, given that the Minister of Tourism had become more lenient now with the foreclosure of the engagement agreement.   I never met the Chairwoman Jeon but I heard she’s a woman with an iron backbone, stoic, strict and fierce, the complete opposite of her sweet and angel-like son. But the other day I received a text from Yuju that Jungkook snuck out in the middle of the night and barged into her room, through her window. She was startled but also very glad that at last they can finally meet. I left the rest to my imagination because I haven’t received any reply since then. I figured they must have spent the entire time talking and catching up with each other. They are indeed a rare case of star-crossed lovers in these day and age. When I met Yuju the next day looking all blooming and happy, I couldn’t be happier as well.   Now that I’m on the move for investigation, when I found out who really is behind this mess, I’ll make sure he or she will have to pay. When I become queen I will not tolerate government officials with that kind of corrupt mentality. It’s only a given that I expose to the public such a concern, to let them know that I rule in accordance with justice and law. In my Korea, that will be the kind of government waiting for them.   It was my usual afternoon in the royal library, only that I wasn’t reading through reports and signing royal documents, but instead I had my head and nose on my textbooks, trying to study as much as I could before the final exams tomorrow. I didn’t even change out of my uniforms, wanting to start reviewing the moment I arrived home. Only that biochemistry didn’t seem to be as interesting as it should be, plus the smell of the scented candles and the silence of the library is really lulling me. Until such time that I found myself slowly dozing off and before I even know it, I’m already flying away to the neverland of my dreams.   — —   I felt myself scrunch up my nose. Something’s itchy on it and I couldn’t seem to get it off. I even used my hands to scrub it off but back at it again not even a few moments later. I forced myself to flutter my eyes open. I need to know what’s bothering my pleasant dreams.   The first thing I saw was a handsome face, smiling back at me. Youngho oppa was leaning unto his arms, mirroring me as how I looked like in my sleep, but he was wide-awake, in fact he looked really amused.   “You startled me.” I mumbled before I buried my face unto my hands. I heard him chuckle softly.   “You were so cute when I was trying to tickle your nose. You’re scrunching it up like cat.” Said he.   “I’m not a cat.” I tried to mumble out. “What are you doing here?”   “We haven’t seen each other in a week, didn’t you miss me?” he said as he nudged my arm.   “I was so busy.” I answered, stifling a yawn. “And tired and I have exams.” That’s when I gasped aloud; completely awaken as I shot sitting upright. “Ahh I fell asleep!” I whined as I hurriedly went through my notes once again.   The mean guy before me simply chuckled. “I miss you too.” Said he.   “This is really a bad timing right now, oppa, I’m terribly behind my lessons and I have exams starting tomorrow.” I quickly said.   I heard him pout as he placed his chin against his hand, observing me in my cramming state. “Go home.” I said, covering my face with my book. “I need to study.”   “Biochemistry.” He read from the cover of my textbook. Then he hooked his finger atop it and brought it down to see my face again. I was about to complain but he beat me saying, “If you want to, I can actually help you.”   My face instantly lit up.   “But since you wanted me to go home then I might as well do so.” He said next which turned my expression the complete opposite. He collected his keys on top of my desk and began to leave. “See you soon, princess.” I heard him say. If I was close and quick enough I might have caught his wrist, but then unfortunately I wasn’t really athletic. Even so I wasted no time and bolted up my seat to catch him. Without much thought I caught his torso from behind, enveloping my arms around him and effectively stopping him from his tracks.   It was already too late when I realized my actions. “I—I’m sorry.” I managed to stutter whilst I closed my eyes tight. “I miss you too oppa, but then I have exams to pass. I’m sorry if I was rude.”   I heard him laugh as he turned around to face me. My cheeks felt hot and I know I was a blushing mess once again. And even as he held my chin up to meet his gaze, I was still only as tall as his chest.   “Apology accepted.” Said he. He reached down to fully enclosed me in a tight hug and I felt him taking in my scent once again. I conclude oppa was indeed fond of embraces. “God I miss you.” He mumbled against my hair as I take in his scent as well. Ethanol, as expected, he must’ve come straight from the hospital.   “How was your day, oppa?” I asked, deciding to act the part of a good girlfriend for once.   “Better, now that I can finally see you.” He said in his usual cheeky demeanor.   I giggled. “Seriously though.” And we were still locked in the embrace.   “Hmm, let’s see, I had to observe yet again another operation. This time, a lung cancer patient.” He answered. “And then I attended a few lectures, the usual, and then I’m scheduled to take my final exams next week.”   “I see, we’re in the same situation then.” Said I. “Aren’t you supposed to be studying?”   “Yeah, but I wanted to see you. I heard you got grounded.” Then he chuckled; I heard his voice reverberate in his chest.   “Umma mama doesn’t seem to approve my actions lately. She had to implement this rule or else I might have done something crazy.”   “Tsk. Bad girl,” he whispered near my ear, “you deserve your punishment.”   “Y-yah.” I answered, flustered, pulling away from him. “Whose side are you on here? And did you say you’re tutoring me?”   He suddenly flicked my forehead, which took me by surprise. “Yah, why are suddenly taking to me in banmal? And no matter which angle we look at, you’re not supposed to tal