Chapter Twenty Two   “You’re uncharacteristically quiet today, princess.” Said Youngho oppa as he drove in his white Audi R8 while I was seated in the passenger seat. Today is the day I got discharged from the hospital after a few of days of confinement and even though I was deemed by the royal physician to be good to go, I still couldn’t stress my ankle too much moreover my anti-pulmonary medication must still continue. Yet, whether in sickness or in health, it doesn’t change the fact that I am a princess and with that, all my royal duties cannot wait.   So the very day I got out of the hospital, my schedule was immediately packed. By the time I get to the palace, I would be welcomed by the press as they would be asking a few questions regarding my future plans now that—as far as the public was concerned—I am already geared back to my full capacity at work. First priority of the palace was containment concerning about the rumors regarding the accident, in order to accomplish that, the people must be reassured that their sovereign can immediately resume duties—hence my current situation—regardless of the true condition of my health.   “I have a lot in mind.” I softly answered, hands fidgeting.   “Take it slow and don’t stress yourself too much. You’re still healing.” Said he. My usual envoys of three cars, consisting of my Rolls Royce and two other Range Rovers, were closely following us.   I smile as I looked at him and although he was concentrating on the road, he had a kind expression. “It’s your job to make sure I’m in good shape, oppa.” I answered.   “That’s true so why don’t we start by jogging every day or at least, every other day.” He suggested.   “How could you possibly run every single morning, oppa? I think that’s highly unlikely.” I came to a pout as I ponder through such thoughts.   “Oh trust me, it is possible.” He answered. “I even ran after that specific incident, you know.”   That’s one memory I really wish I could just easily forget, but sadly I couldn’t and no matter how I wish to forget, I could only seem to remember each and every second of it vividly. I was embarrassed to death but good thing oppa didn’t tease me as much as I expected. I guess he understood that the circumstances weren’t normal to begin with and I trust the medical student in him would understand me, and all the crazy things I did, better than anyone else. Even so my cheeks still felt hot and sooner or later they’d have a tinge of pink slowly seeping through my skin.   “I mean I had to.” He added whilst chuckling.   “Do you really have to say that?” I mumbled.   “Well what do you expect me to do?” said he, laughing aloud. “You do understand I needed to spend that pent up energy, right?”   I covered my face with my hands, feeling extremely embarrassed. “Can we not talk about this?”   “Kiyeowo.” He answered, reaching for my hand, bringing it close to his nose and taking in its scent, afterwards planting a chaste kiss on my fingers. “Sometimes I forget that you’re only eighteen years old.” He continued. “You seemed to be always so mature that I can’t help overlook the fact that you are but a teenager after all. Yet your sudden cuteness makes me realize there are still some things you are yet to be comfortable about. Mianhe, if sometimes oppa takes you by surprise.”   I couldn’t help but grin sheepishly upon his cheesiness. “Its okay, oppa.”   “Good.” He remained ahold of my hand while his other took charge of the steering wheel. The rest of the ride was spent in comfortable silence but of course I wasn’t just staring blankly to nothing. I shamelessly and rather unknowingly started doing my habit once again and that of course would be ogling at my boyfriend. Today he was dressed in all black, a cotton shirt underneath a jacket paired with fitted ripped jeans. Bless those pants, really, for Youngho oppa happened to be such a big boy and his thighs were especially thick. I hurriedly shook my head, shaking away those thoughts, as I felt my cheeks grew hot once again. Oppa could only laugh as he observed me from his peripheral vision.   Aside from his effortless sense of fashion, I found another thing admirable about him today. It’s the fact that he could drive so smoothly and again effortlessly. The way he glided down the road reminded me of how he swam without even disrupting the flow of the water, so calm and relaxing. I could tell he really likes driving a lot given that he too seemed to be tranquil even when he’s actually doing a tedious task. I know how to drive myself but I could never be completely at ease on the road, so I usually prefer being at the passenger seat as I don’t only get to rest all throughout the ride but also observe and appreciate the view around me. Oh boy, I really am.     “Princess,” he suddenly called amidst the silence.   “Hmm?” I answered, once again looking up at him.   “Will you go on a date?” he asked and I was puzzled.   “What made you ask such a question, oppa?”   “It occurred to me that we didn’t actually have an actual date. I’d like to take you out on a real one, especially that it’s your birthday.” Said he as he shifted gear and the car gradually gained more speed.   “But my birthday was like a week ago.” I giggled.   “That’s right and I’d like to make it up to you.” He answered, actually looking sorry. I immediately felt bad because truth be told he doesn’t have to. He selflessly devoted himself to my care while I sick, even enduring my weird antics and putting up with my uncanny sleeping routine without complain. He already did way too much, how could I possibly ask for more.   “Oppa, it’s okay.” I answered. “You need not do anything special, really.”   “But I want to, Yeona.” He insisted, yet his voice was ever calm. “More importantly, I want to spend more time with you, away from the formalities and protocols of royalty. I want us to experience a normal and casual date.”   “You know that’s not possible.” I sadly mumbled.   “If you only allow me, I’ll make it happen.” He sounded so sincere and convinced. It sounded like a real probable promise, so full of hope and genuineness, I was almost afraid he would break it. But I shook off the thought and mustered the warmest smile I could before answering, “Okay.” I trust him.   By the time we arrived at the palace, the press and other members of media were already crowded and gathered in the gardens, the designated place for them to conduct the interview. I was ushered by Secretary Kim and the rest of my staff while I bid a temporary farewell to oppa as he was escorted inside the palace.   “The questions were already filtered by the security, your highness, so this shouldn’t take you long. Please proceed with comfort and ease.” Said Soojin. I smiled brightly before I hugged her.   “Thank you, Secretary Kim, for everything.” I answered and she shyly bowed her head. I am probably the luckiest royal in the world for having a staff and security team as commendable as them. Next I went to Kang ahjussi and gave him a hug as well. “Again, I gave my safety to your hands, ahjussi. Kamsahmanida.” The old man chuckled shyly before he bowed.   “You can count on us, your highness.” Answered he.   “Alright, let’s go?” I announced before we proceeded. The moment my head popped up from a far, cameras immediately flashed and flared like crazy. Like I was used to, I put up to a kind smile and a gentle wave as I approached them.   “Her Royal Highness, Yi Yeona, the Crown Princess of Korea.” announced the royal guards on standby and as if on cue, everyone else bowed down at once.   “Welcome home, your highness.” Said everyone in chorus and I smiled as they lifted up their heads.   “Thank you so much.” I answered. Immediately, one reported shoot his h