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"You're... you're asking me out?" Soojung stares at him, flabbergastered. "Like, for a date?"

"Yes, Miss Jung. I'm asking you out, because I was hoping that it could lead to something someday, you know? I am aware that this would be difficult, considering the kind of occupation we have, but I'm willing to make sacrifices just to see you." The Prince bites his lower lip. He couldn't believe what he was saying. And to think that he didn't even practise with Baekhyun. "If I'm being honest, I am quite a novice when it comes to dating as I've never done it. However, that doesn't mean that I'll bore you when you're around me." He laughs awkwardly. Realizing how nervous he was, he tried to gain back his composure. "You don't need to answer me now. And nothing's ever going to happen to you if you reject me. I promise. Though I wouldn't suggest that either."

 

"A-Are you sure about this?" She stutters.

 

"Hundred per cent. And besides, my uncle approves." He utters silently. He knows that was what she was thinking upon looking at her expression. "I've told him about you... and he approves."

 

"The King knows?" She gasps slightly. The boy just nods. Even he is still in shock by the fact that his uncle actually does not mind.

 

Realizing that she's been staring at him in shock a little too much, Soojung had to look down at her coffee. He really did think about it, even asking the goddamn King of the country for his permission to date her. She finds it cute, but at the same time, she couldn't help but worry. This is exactly what her company wants to happen for PR. That, and she knows she's nothing compared to the prince. Though she does believe him when he tells her that he has feelings for her, she fears that his admiration for her will be short-lived as soon as he gets to know her personally.

 

But what can she do? She really does like the guy.

 

Still embarrassed to look at him straight in the eye, Soojung mumbles quietly. "If you want to go out with me, you'll have to call me by my real name." Jongin's face suddenly lights up. "No more Miss Jung, or Lady Jung... or whatever."

 

"That's easy."

 

"Really now? Say it then."

 

"Jung Soojung." He exclaims, she smirks. Oh, how nice did that sound when it came out of his lips. "You'll have to call me by my name too."

 

She groans. "But you're the Prince of Jeju. It feels weird, you know?"

 

"True. But I also have a chance of becoming your future boyfriend so might as well practice now." Soojung rolls her eyes playfully. Even Jongin is surprised by his bold, flirty statement. It's funny how her answer made him confident suddenly. "Besides, didn't you call me- What was the thing that you called me when we first met? A pus-"

 

"Jongin." The girl cuts him off before he could even continue. "Jonginnie." She giggles seeing his reaction. He looked surprised, his lips curving into a small smile. He could feel his heart beating so fast, he wondered if she could hear it too.

 

'Oh, mother. Is this what love feels like? Is this how you felt when you were with father?' The Prince thought to himself as he watched Soojung tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear. She looked so shy, avoiding any eye contact with him. He glances at her hand that was on the table. He wanted to hold her if only Baekhyun didn't come and ruin the moment.

 

"Forgive me, your royal highness. But you have a schedule in an hour and a half. I'm afraid you'll be late if we do not move immediately." Baekhyun announces. He had his eyes on his prince, but he also looked at the actress to offer a smile, just so she doesn't feel left out.

 

"Thank you for the remainder. I'll be in the car in a minute."

 

Baekhyun bows at the pair before leaving to wait at the car.

 

As soon as they were alone, Jongin finally asks her for their very first date. He was very eager that he asked if she was free that night, totally forgetting about the dinner she had planned at Jinri's place. He was lucky she had a clear schedule for the night as she usually doesn't. He was so excited for the date, he was screaming in happiness at poor Baekhyun's ear throughout their ride back to the palace.

 

 

"Thank you for coming, Joohyun." Junmyeon says upon seeing his close friend arriving at their designated time and location. He had invited her for lunch at a rooftop restaurant which they both usually dined in back in the days. He really didn't want to talk about the thoughts running in his mind, but he really did miss her. It has been a long time since they've last hang out that he would have stayed at the Blue House last night if he was allowed to.

 

"I suppose you won't tell me anything until I get you drunk, huh?" She jokes after receiving a hug from him. Being the gentleman that he is, he offers the seat for her before going back to his own. 

 

"I was wishing you'd wouldn't ask. I invited you here because I missed you."

 

"Very sweet, dear Junmyeon. But I came because I'm worried about you. Pardon my French, but you looked like absolute last night."

 

"Thanks for that. But just like what I said, I was just not feeling well."

 

"Yeah, I think the expressions and actions you showed were not because of diarrhoea."

 

Junmyeon sighs. "Was it Jongdae who told you that?" She just nods. "That bloody idiot..." He whispers quietly as he thought of his brother.

 

As he thought of how to murder his brother, the waiter finally comes to ask for their orders. Joohyun orders for them both, not minding Junmyeon whom she knows is secretly cursing his brother. She has known the two princes for a long time, with her being closer to Junmyeon as they had classes together in university and were born in the same year. She's very aware of how Junmyeon is by now. He was never to space out, especially on official matters like last night. He would have joined in on the conversation with his detailed comments. He wouldn't have had just sat there as if a ghost had consumed his body.

 

 

The moment Jongin's name flashed on her screen, Jinri stopped everything she was doing, even forgetting to close the oven where she has just put her cake on. "Please tell me you like Toffee Cake."

 

"Uhm, hello to you too Jinri. And yes, I do." The prince chuckles from the other line. "That is such an odd greeting."

 

"Sorry, it's just I was contemplating whether you liked Toffee or Lemon." Jinri suddenly remembers her cake and how she forgot to close the oven. When she did, she realizes that Jongin was out somewhere after hearing voices that weren't just his. In fact, she could hear a lot of screaming and noises that for a second she thought he was in a concert or some sort. "Wait, where are you right now?"

 

"Oh, me? I'm at a primary school visiting a bunch of adorable kids. I'm gonna have lunch with them soon but I figured I should call you first."

 

Her heart flutters. She didn't want to scream all of the sudden because of how sweet he sounded so she just bites her lower lip. "Don't eat too much. I'm going to cook a full course meal so make sure you're hungry when you come here. By the way, you don't any food allergies, right? Do you have any preferences? We're having chicken today but if you want I can change it to beef or something-"

 

"That sounds so nice, Jinri. But..." Jongin sighs because of the words he's about to say. "I don't think I can come tonight." He wishes he hadn't forgotten about their little get together, but it's not like he could just cancel on Soojung when it's literally their first date. He knows she's a very busy person so it's somewhat a miracle that she was free that night. It's a pity, really. He really wanted to discuss their 'engagement'. "Something came up, and I can't really cancel it. I'm sorry. I really am."

 

Silence.

 

"Jinri? Are you there?"

 

"Y-Yes. I'm here." She clears . "Heard it loud and clear." She laughs awkwardly, trying to hide the disappointment in her voice.

 

"I'm really sorry, Jin-"

 

"No, no! I completely understand! It's okay. It's really okay." She utters quietly despite the tears that were forming in her eyes. She doesn't even know why she was getting emotional. "Things happen. I understand."

 

"I'd really like to take to you. I promise you I'll visit you as soon as I can, yeah? I'm not leaving the country anytime soon, so surely I'll see you."

 

The thing is he sounds so sincere, which made it infuriating. Jinri wanted to get mad, but she couldn't bring it to do it to him. Even when his call only lasted for two minutes. Even when he just called to say he was going to cancel. She had everything planned, the menu, her outfit, the things that she was going to say to him...

 

And it all ended in just phone call.

 

With shaky hands, she dials a number on her phone. Despite not being answered, Jinri waited patiently knowing that whatever happens, she knows she'll be answered. "Please don't tell me you've just woken up. It's one in the afternoon."

 

"Hmm?" A sleepy voice answers. "I had a busy night. You know that."

 

"Can you come, please?"

 

"I just woke up, Jinri-"

 

"Taemin, I need you right now." She confesses. "Please."

 

A sigh was what he replies. "I'll be there in twenty minutes."

 

 

Junmyeon really was being stubborn until the end. He had not spoken about what was bothering him and kept changing the topic throughout the lunch. In the end, Joohyun insisted they have a little walk after the dessert, and he starts feeling guilty for hiding things when they've always shared things with one another.

 

"My father... He wants me to take over the throne." He finally admits, and despite it being quite surprising, Joohyun only raised an eyebrow. Having known the things King Junyoung have forced his children to do things, this wasn't the most shocking. "You know me, Joohyun. Being like my father was never my ambition. I have my own plans, my own dreams, but now... I won't be able to do it all."

 

"I figure that the Crown Prince has no idea about it." She guesses, looking at him. "What a pity. I heard from my father that Jongin's quite supportive of his uncle."

 

Now that he thinks about it, they never really talked about his father that much so hearing what she has just said was new to him. Of course, he'd admire his father, he has no idea what he has done and what he's capable of doing. His cousin must have defended his father from the criticism of the Prime Minister when they were talking. Despite being his father's son, never did he justify his actions to anyone.

 

"You've been following your father all your life, but please tell you're not doing it this time." He hears her say, snapping him out of his thoughts. "This is not just a simple order, Junmyeon. This is way more than that. You'll change history if you do this."

 

"Kyungsoo told me, that I'm going to go against both sides of the crown whatever decision I make. And it's true. It what makes it infuriating." He lets out a frustrated laugh. "It's infuriating because even when I know it's wrong, there's a possibility I can do something right." He looks at her seriously, his eyes have changed from his usual cheery eyes. It worries Joohyun.

 

"Oh, Junmyeon." She presses his hand firmly. She fears she already has an idea of his plan. She hopes he was not planning of accepting the king's vile plan, only to give it to Jongin shortly after, because that will surely make King Junyoung more aggravated. "You don't need to follow your father all the time. Sure you could change something when you're..." She pauses. It feels so strange to continue her words. "...when you're in power, but it won't make things any better."

 

The boy sighs. Joohyun was right, of course. She always was. But he also wanted to meet his mother, much like how he wants Jongdae to meet his.

 

Because it was what he wants his little brother to have. Love. The love of a mother.

 

 

For the past few days, since they don't go home to Jeju, the two youngest have a later curfew so they could study, practice with their clubs or hang out with their friends. When Mingyu and Doyeon come back from the after school activities to the palace where they were staying at in Seoul, the table for dinner is always set and ready. The dining room is the first place where they go as the rest of the family are waiting for them, which is unheard of if you think about it. Usually, it is the head who is being waited when it comes to meals, and in this case, it is Jongin, but the Prince insists that they wait for his siblings.

 

When the two youngest entered the dining room, they quickly noticed something different. While the sitting arrangements stayed the same, with Junmyeon sitting opposite Mingyu and Jongdae sitting opposite Doyeon, they realized that their brother had no plate served in front of him and has only a cup of red wine in his place. They don't open their mouths until the starter is served.

 

"Hyung, are you on a diet?" Mingyu teases.

 

"Very funny, Mingyu. I am not." The older one spins the glass slowly before taking a sip. "I'm having dinner later."

 

"He doesn't want to eat with us." Jongdae joins in with the teasing. 

 

"Well, that is somewhat true."

 

Everybody stops eating and looks at Jongin in silence. Junmyeon asks nonchalantly, "Are you going on a date?"

 

At first, Jongin had a serious expression on his face but it fades quickly as soon as he thought about meeting Soojung later that night. "Yeah, I am."

 

"Oh, so you're finally taking Choi Jinri out huh?"

 

"Uhm, no. I'm seeing Soojung." He looks at his older cousin, confused. He was pretty sure he mentioned his intentions of courting the actress not long ago. He looks at the rest of his family members who all seemed to think he was kidding.

 

"Yeah, which Soojung?" His younger brother chuckles. "Kim Soojung? Yoon Soojung?"

 

"I don't even know who those are." Jongin frowns, running his fingers through his hair. "There's only one Soojung that I like and her name is Jung Soojung."

 

"Oh my God, he's being serious." Doyeon squeals. She seemed to be the only one who is actually happy. Mingyu was in awe, jealous that in the past few years that he has been going to Seoul, he has never once asked nor seen the actress. Junmyeon was silent. He knows that this will greatly affect his cousin and not in a good way, so he doesn't say anything, not now at least. Jongdae, on the other hand, was grinning, though he has other intentions. He looks at his brother as if to celebrate with him, but he was once again ignored. "Can I please take her out for shopping when you two are officially together? I've always wanted to have a sister to do that, but you guys are no fun at all."

 

Jongin kept mum. It's because he didn't want to look like an idiot when he's imagining the day when he can call her his.

 

 

"May I talk to you, hyung?"

 

Junmyeon had to stop reading his book when he heard Jongin's voice. He purposely went outside in the gardens so he wouldn't be disturbed, but was he to say no to him. He says without looking at him. "Is there a prob- Oh my goodness." He had no words to describe the outfit his cousin had. His style was like a mixture of a rapper from the 90s who had a baby with a gothic teenager in the winter. It was that odd. "May God forgive the person who styled you today."

 

"Oh, I styled myself today," Jongin utters. He took Soojung's advice of being hidden a little too seriously.

 

Blinking innocently, Junmyeon quick takes back what he said. "I mean, you look very trendy. Much like those kids on Hongdae. It was just... I'm not used to seeing you like this. It's so different from your image."

 

"Thank you, thank you." He says as he sat next to him on the bench. "I know you're reading a book, but please help. I'm having a crisis."

 

The past few days, Junmyeon has been somewhat distant to him, but as soon as Jongin said that he was troubled, he forgot everything else. He tosses his book in one side and completely faces the nervous Jongin who couldn't help but play with his fingers. "Tell me what's wrong."

 

"You know I consider you as my older brother right?"

 

"Of course."

 

"I don't know to do really." Jongin sighs. "What shall I do with my date with Soojung?" Junmyeon tilts his head in confusion. Is that really his crisis? "Is it too early to kiss her on the cheek? Hold her hand? Call her baby?"

 

"Jongin... I didn't know you were this cheesy."

 

"Am I?" He asks naively.

 

"Yeah. Very cheesy."

 

"Do you think she'll like it when I'm like that?"

 

Junmyeon sighs. He doesn't know why he's being asked these questions about love and dating when he has no girlfriend himself. "I really wish I could answer you couz, but I'm not very experienced when it comes to these things."

 

"Wait, I thought you're dating Joohyun noona?"

 

The older Kim chokes. "Let me guess, Jongdae told you?" Jongin nods. Of course, his brother would. It wasn't even the first time Jongdae has told this silly little gossip of his. He used to brag that his brother was dating the Prime Minister's daughter that they became a blind item on the internet. "Joohyun and I are nothing but close friends."

 

If it was the case, then Jongin has completely lost his hope on this date. He headed straight to Junmyeon in hopes he could help him in this dilemma of his as Baekhyun was so indecisive when he asked him but now it seems like he needs to go to Google now. "Wait, do you think Jongdae hyung can help me?"

 

"Oh, no. Trust me in this one, Jongin. My younger brother switches girls as often as she changes his clothes. Don't ever seek any love advise from Jongdae, or any advise really." Junmyeon frowns in disgust as he thought about his brother's womanizing ways. "How about Mingyu? Is he not dating anyone?"

 

"Is he?" Jongin quickly turns from a naive lover boy to a strict older brother. "My siblings are not allowed to date. Not until I'm officially dating at least."

 

Junmyeon chuckles. "Well, good luck with that. My cousins are quite attractive. I even heard Doyeon's quite famous in her school."

 

"Hyung, I just realized... We're a bunch of losers." Jongin points out as he stared in the air. "All of the members of the Royal Family are single. How sad is that?"

 

"Well, Jongin. You're on your way on changing that, are you not?" He teased. "Hurry and leave already so you won't be late." He pushes him off the bench playfully to try and make him less nervous. "And if you want some advice, I'd suggest you change your outfit into a more casual style. If you want to stay hidden, just wear a mask and a cap. And just be your charming self, Jongin. She'll love that."

 

Though he was still nervous, Jongin's expression brightens slightly. "Hyung, you're the best."

 

 

The wind blows harder towards Soojung and it makes her tighten her jean jacket. She immediately regrets wearing shorts when she could have gone in a pair of skinny jeans. If she had time, she would have changed but her shooting ended a little late than she expected to so she has just pretended to enter her apartment building when her manager sent her off to go straight to where she was meeting Jongin.

 

Her mood was very bright all throughout the day, despite her getting scolded at because of the lump on her head, or by the fact that the director told her she got healthier. All she was thinking about was that date she has, and the man that she was meeting. She's still a bit of unbelief that she got asked out by a guy that she likes as if it has never happened before, but Jongin was really different. He has this aura that makes you immediately drawn to him, and the way he talks makes her feel like as if she was someone important. 

 

Her mood and thoughts were ruined when she felt like someone is following her. It wasn't the first time it has happened to her. Usually, she has her pepper spray, but it was her mistake for not bringing anything but her phone. She was suddenly consumed by fear especially when she changed her route and yet the shadow still followed her. Her heart was now beating faster than normal and ven though she knows that running won't do anything, she had no other choice. She was scared.

 

She turns to a different direction to head in an area where she knows there are usually people around. However, before she even reaches it, she bumps into someone and as if it was destined, it was a lost Jongin whom she accidentally crashed into. She knew instantly despite all his efforts to go incognito as soon as he opened his mouth and called her by her name when she falls, knocking out her hat.

 

"Oh, Soojung! Are you okay?"

 

Relieved that she's finally with someone, she couldn't help but hug him when he helped her get up. It caused confusion to him, but he hugs her back anyways, not knowing what has just happened. However, Jongin notices a man that was about to come to their direction but decided to turn the opposite side instead.

 

 

Despite still feeling a bit worried that they are being followed, Soojung was trying her best not to show these emotions by smiling at whatever Jongin was saying. After all, it was their first date. She didn't want to ruin the mood by telling him about that stalking incident. That date was supposed to be memorable. Still, she couldn't help but feel eery. She has been walking a little too close to him, causing their hands to slightly touch. Jongin wanted to scream internally. He doesn't know if she was doing that on purpose, but he doesn't have the guts to touch her because he's going to blush intensely. 

 

"What do you think of my outfit?" He asks her before they sat down in a noodle restaurant, having eaten there herself quite a few times already. It was her suggestion this time, but he told himself he'd bring her to one of the restaurants Jongdae had suggested.

 

Taking Junmyeon's suggestion of changing, Jongin has a more casual style in comparison to usual formal attire. He had worn a pair of black shorts and normal white tee with an Adidas cup, trainers and mask. Though he looked so simple, he perfected the boyfriend look that is quite the trend. "You look like a campus heartthrob." She tells, looking at him with a smile. "I like your outfit."

 

"Thank you."

 

Not shortly after, the old lady who owns the restaurant comes to their table to get their other. She greets Soojung, who has been a loyal customer to the restaurant. Jongin was patiently waiting whether he'll be recognized by the older lady but she was too excited by the fact that the actress may be dating someone. Now the restaurant may not be full, but Soojung couldn't help but blush when he was called her boyfriend. She looks at the prince in panic, but he didn't deny anything and just played along.

 

Unlike the first time they met when they had street foods, Jongin actually had Korean noodles back in Europe often. Confident that he knows the dishes, he orders a bowl of Jjamppong while she opted for a bowl of Mul Naengmyeon. 

 

"So, tell me about yourself." She asks him, looking at him with much anticipation. She knows it was him who wanted to know more about her, but she's been thinking about how she doesn't really know much about the prince. "I don't mean, Prince Jongin of the House Kim, but just Kim Jongin."

 

"Me?" He scratches his head. "Well, Uhm... My parents are some big shots. Not sure why though, but everybody knows them. I have two cheeky siblings, who are both still in high school. Speaking of, I went to a private boarding in England, then moved to Switzerland to take up Political Science at university."

 

"Wait, so how many languages do you speak?"

 

"Fluently, four. Korean, English, French and German. Kind-of fluent, five-ish... Japanese, Portuguese, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese and Latin." Soojung looks impressed. He was usually not the type to brag, but he couldn't help but say more. "I've been surrounded by friends from different parts of the world, so it cannot be helped."

 

"That's amazing... Can you teach me one of those languages?" She asks excitedly.

 

"If that means that I can spend more time with you, then yes." He tells her as he leaned in. She cannot help but giggle.

 

While they continue eye flirting even when their orders have arrived, a picture was snapped from afar from a fellow customer. The photographer then dials a phone number to report what he just saw. "Yes, boss. No, it's not Lee Jongsuk. It's someone much bigger."