A/N: The only way I can get away with the plot is if you imagine China still has modern-day monarchs. Thank you. HEHE

"Hi." Kyungsoo looked up from fixing the cakes in the display rack and saw Jongin smiling his billboard smile and she felt her knees turn to jelly. She returned the smile weakly.

 

"Hi yourself." She glanced at her watch and saw that it was too early for his weird lunchtime which was around 2pm. It was just ten in the morning. "You are a little early." She signaled Bianca to replace her at the cashier and joined Jongin on one of the tables with clubhouse sandwiches and orange juice in tow.

 

"Is this on the house?" Jongin tapped his pocket and smiled sheepishly.

 

"Stingy!" Kyungsoo laughed. "That's alright. You still have funds for not getting the change all the time." She said while munching on her sandwich. "So, what's up?"

 

He placed a small box wrapped in red paper with silver ribbon in front of her. "Happy new year!” Kyungsoo's eyes were wide.

 

"What's this?" She picked the box and placed it down again. Was he really giving her a gift?!

 

"New year's gift." He rolled his eyes. "Open it." He ordered.

 

"Oh. Thanks." Kyungsoo unwrapped the package absentmindedly. It was a perfume. She brought the bottle out and saw her name engraved on it in beautiful cursive. It smelt of sea, morning dew, roses with a hint of ripe mangoes."Oh my god."

 

"I hope you liked it. I just sort of bottled your scent. It was really meant as a peace offering but since I am, in your words, stingy, it's double purpose." He was laughing now looking at her stunned expression.

 

"Gomapsumnida. I love it." Kyungsoo gave him an awkward smile before she fished something out of her pocket. "This is not as grand but I made it myself too." She handed him a small dream catcher no larger than his thumb. "Happy new year!"

 

"It's pretty. I hope it catches all of the bad dreams." He beamed. "Where did you learn to make this?" He asked casually.

 

"In the orphanage." She replied as casually as possible too.

 

"KYUNGSOO!" A thunderous voice called. There were three guys standing near the cafeteria's entrance. One of them slightly ahead than the others, very good looking in a rugged kind of way. His arms were crossed in front of his chest. He looked like a gang leader wannabe. Jongin scoffed.

 

Kyungsoo stood up knowing who exactly was calling her even if she was not looking at him. She left Jongin without a word and walked towards Hyunsik. Jongin's eyes were alert even if he can't hear their conversation. It was just brief and Kyungsoo was calm and composed and the guy spared him a couple of glances while talking to her irately. The guy then exited the premises but not after giving him a death glare.

 

"Who the hell was that? Your boyfriend?" Jongin asked Kyungsoo even before she could return to her seat. He totally forgot the previous conversation they had. He didn't know exactly why he was not happy about what he saw just now.

 

"God no!" Kyungsoo replied vehemently. She took a sip of her orange juice. "He's my classmate Lim Hyunsik."

 

"As in Lim Hyunsik of Lim Canning?" He asked. The annoyance didn't even subside a bit. So he was the problem son of Lim Hyunjoon.

 

"How did you know? Oh well, don't answer that. Yeah, he is." She replied nonchHyunsiktly.

 

"He seems interested." He prompted.

 

"He's more than interested." She retorted. Her eyes darted to him. He seemed to be in deep thought.

 

"He looks dangerous. You should stay away from him." His voice indignant.

 

"Don't worry about him. I can handle him. And besides, he won't hurt me." She said confidently.

 

"How sure are you?" He asked, obviously not convinced.

 

"Very sure." She said.

 

"How can you be so sure?" He won't budge.

 

"He loves me." She said casually.

 

"He told you that?!" That Lim Hyunsik sure was something. And she entertains him?!

 

"Well, not exactly. But in every classroom where all my classes are held, he spray painted Kyungsoo, you are mine on all of the chalkboards that they had to be replaced." She said it in a very uncaring manner that Jongin almost fell off his seat.

 

"How can you not care?! That guy's a lunatic! Don't you see it, Kyungsoo?" Jongin can't believe his ears.

 

"What am I suppose to do? Run and hide? And will you keep your voice down? He's my problem, not yours." She was a little irritated by his overreaction. Kyungsoo still can't believe that from being sworn enemies she's now confiding to Jongin of all people.

 

"I am just concerned." He said defensively, voice softer.

"I can take care of myself." No doubt about that, Jongin thought.

 

"He looked mad that you are dining with me." He stated the obvious. "Are you sure there's nothing going on between you two?" He didn't know why on earth he should be sure about it when he didn't know how he should react either if ever Kyungsoo gave him an answer he didn't like to hear.

 

"As sure as I am sitting here." She replied sarcastically while eating his sandwich. Wait, his sandwich!?

 

"Hey! That's mine!"

 

"You are busy being angry that's why I ate it." She put down a bite which was all that has been left.

 

"Hmp." He made a face before his demeanor became rather austere. "Seriously Kyungsoo, you should not be hanging out with that guy." He became really comfortable around Kyungsoo ever since they had a truce. He'd been frequenting Nancy's more than necessary these past few weeks and Kyungsoo's his constant company. "Maybe I should take you to school." Now, did he really offer that? Willingly?

 

"W-What?" Did she hear that right?

 

"I'll be your chauffer." So, he really did offer that. "I'll see you at four pm." He didn't wait for her to react. He went out of the cafe humming a tune. Kyungsoo was staring behind him, agape.

 

********************************

 

 "I am so sorry Ms. Tong. Mr. Choi is in a middle of an important meeting and cannot be disturbed." Kaye said in her standard business monotone. She sighed inwardly. Her job sure was high-paying but it was extremely stressful. It's all because of her boss.

 

"I am sure Chanyeol would see me." Leila said defiantly.

"I am just following orders, Ms. Tong. I don't want to be looking for a new job in the beginning of the year." She replied coolly. Didn't she have anything more useful to do than to camp outside her boss' office?

 

Leila narrowed her eyes at the secretary. "Wait till your boss hears about this. You'll surely be looking for a new job and I'll make sure you won't find one." She threatened and marched towards the exit, fuming with rage.

 

Just as she disappeared from sight, the door from the inner office opened and her boss emerged. "Is she gone yet?" Beads of sweat were visible on his forehead.

 

"I guess so." She said while trying to concentrate on the mails that she's sorting. Since she assumed the position of being Chanyeol's executive secretary, she felt like twenty years older. Every single workday of the week, she had to ward off around ten or so people who wanted to see her boss without any official business. All females. Obviously smitten by the dashing debonair that Chanyeol was. Well, she can't blame them. Chanyeol was rich, gorgeous, very intelligent, and oh, did she say rich? She believed it all boiled down to that. She can attest on how generous he can be when he likes a girl. Or when he didn’t like them anymore. She already made acquaintance with the nearby jeweler since she’s always asked to buy expensive jewelries as parting gifts. She shook her head.

 

"Why are you shaking your head? Is there a problem?" He was trying to avoid Leila for the last few days and he was running out of credible alibi. Good thing Yifan agreed that they trade secretaries. That Rachel was too nosy for his liking. Kaye was very efficient and did not ask impertinent questions.

 

Kaye was startled. She did that unconsciously. "Uh, no, Sir. None at all. But I have to warn you that she'll be coming back. Well, she didn't tell me that but I strongly believe she will." She didn't have to tell him that she threatened her. Ugh.

 

"I know. Thank you by the way." She deserved a raise for doing this for him all the time. He sighed. Leila Tong was an only daughter of a rich businessman and the exclusive distributor of Han Cars in Hong Kong. They met in one of the parties he graced for the company and she was following him like crazy since then. He took the bait. Who could resist Leila anyway? She's rich and beautiful. But he thought he made it clear that there were no strings attached. Now, he was facing the most annoying problem he had in years. It won’t be good for the business if they end in a sour note.

"You don't have to thank me Mr. Choi. It's my job." She tried her best not to sound sarcastic. He's really getting on her nerves. He's very much different from Yifan, her former boss. His brother was very considerate and there's no instance that she caught him in a situation like this. He's too dignified for that. If there’s any job that would offer as much Han Cars gives her, she won’t hesitate to leave. Choi Chanyeol could rot in hell for all she cared. Hopefully, he could find someone who could make him give up the jersey and cease his player ways. She hoped he finds that girl soon and hoped that the girl dumps him too. She had to smile at that.

 

*****************************

 

It's 4pm and Kyungsoo untied the black apron on her waist. She went straight to the locker room and changed to her casual clothing. She gathered her purse and books and headed for the exit. She patiently waited for the lift.

 

"Ms. Do?" Kyungsoo jumped in fright. She looked at the man who called her attention. She didn't know who he was and fear was starting to sink in. The hallway's deserted at the moment. What if he drags me to the stairwell?

 

"Y-Yes?" She asked in a bleak voice.

 

"Mr. Choi sent me and if you would give me a second," He brought his cell phone out and pushed a button. "Mr. Choi? She's with me now. Yes, Sir. He wants to talk to you, Ma'am." She accepted the phone absentmindedly and placed it on her ear.

 

"Yobosaeyo?" She greeted.

 

"Kyungsoo? Glad we're on time! I am sorry I got caught up and I won't be able to send you to school today." She recognized Jongin's voice at once. She totally forgot about his promise that he will take her to school. "But I sent Jin Gang. He's going to send you, okay?"

 

"There's no need, really. I can take care of myself." She said weakly. She was not able to recover from the fright completely.

 

"I insist. He's going to take you home too, okay? Bye! See you." Before she could react, all she heard was a busy tone. She looked at the man he called Jin Gang. She's sure he's not just a driver for Jongin. He's big and muscled and unfriendly. She swallowed.

 

"If you would follow me Ms. Do, we will get to your school just in time." They rode in silence to the basement parking area and she almost drooled at all the expensive vehicles that she saw. This particular floor was designated for the use of the family members and other high-ranking Choi Group executives. Jing Gang led her to a black sedan and opened the door for her. She noticed another man on the driver's seat.

 

"Good afternoon, Ms. Do." He looked at her briefly. He's no smaller than Jin Gang but he's Caucasian. He looked more genial than the one who picked her up.

 

"Good afternoon." She replied while eyeing Jing Gang as he circled the car and took his seat beside the driver.

 

"My name is Renz." She just nodded in acknowledgement. "Where to?" He addressed the man beside him instead of Kyungsoo.

 

"Seoul National University College of Business and Hospitality. Take the entrance closest to Shillim Station." Kyungsoo's head was starting to spin. How did they know which college she goes to?

 

They were silent throughout the whole journey aside from a few questions from Renz with regard to direction. They reached the university soon and she still had fifteen minutes to spare. "Thank you very much. I better get off here." She said while reaching for the door handle. After trying a few times, she finally noticed that she couldn’t open it.

 

"Mr. Choi told us it's not good for you to loiter around before the class starts, Ma'am. We will you to your room before the bell rings." Renz explained when she looked at them with questioning eyes.

 

"That's ridiculous! I've been going to this school for four years! Open this door." She said in what she hoped was an authoritative tone.

 

"We are only following orders Ms. Do. I am sorry." Renz said but his tone's not sorry at all. She could hear the amusement in his voice.

 

She took a deep breath and dialed Jongin's number but it went directly to voicemail. She gritted her teeth. She didn't say anything as she realized she can’t win this situation. Choi Jongin was overreacting! Wait till he shows up at Nancy's.

 

Two minutes before the class starts, the two guys went out of the car and Jin Gang opened the door for her again. "Look, you really don't have to me to my room. If you want you can just look but please don't let me be the center of attention. I'll be safe here." This was getting embarrassing. She could see familiar faces eyeing her weirdly as she's with two big guys in dark suits and dark shades. She's not the first daughter for crying out loud! Damn Jongin.

 

"As we have mentioned to you earlier, we are just following orders." Jin Gang didn't even make an effort to hide his irritation. "I'm sure you don't want to be late." He motioned his hand for her to guide the way. She stomped her foot and walked towards the direction of her classroom. She bumped onto Wesley Yang, her annoying classmate in her English class.

 

"Hey Kyungsoo! Struck the lottery? Got some bodyguards, huh?" He said mockingly.

 

"No. They are from the jail management. I killed some pesky classmate." She retorted. In her mood right she can probably kill him. She walked passed him while trying to ignore all the curious glances that darted her way. She stopped in the doorway and faced Jing Gang and Renz. "This is my room. You can leave now. Or do you want to take notes for me too?"

 

"If you want us to, Ms. Do." Renz was really entertained. His blue eyes were dancing with laughter.

 

"Get lost." She hissed before taking her seat.

 

*********************************

 

"Unnie, look at this one. It look will look good on you after you give birth." Baekhyun was holding a neon green halter dress. They were touring London's Regent Street, home to stores of exclusive English and global brands.

 

“Baekhyun! That looks hideous!" Minseok was holding her protruding tummy, her eyes wide. "And we are here to buy things for you, not me." She insisted that Baekhyun bring only half a suitcase of basic necessities and buy the rest in London. She's set on giving her sister a make over before she heads back home.

 

"But it's too expensive in here." Baekhyun said, placing back the dress carefully on the hanger.

 

"You deserve nothing less. Besides, you rarely spend Papa's money so he should be glad you're going shopping." She smiled affectionately to her sister. Baekhyun would go to the extremes of spending money for charity but not for herself. So she took the liberty of finding her a suitable place to stay while in London. It was a beautiful villa located very close to Cambridge University. Her sister cried in delight upon seeing the place so she thought the overpriced property was worth it. It was a beautiful house inside a gated compound with ten or so identical villas made of red bricks and white Corinthian columns built around lavish gardens. She also secured her with a new car, a silver Audi coupe.

 

"Unnie, the house and the car are already too much, you don't have to go through all these, you know." Baekhyun smiled to herself. Minseok was not able to notice that she was taking advantage of her sister's spending spree. And she can bet her new car they are heading for a make over. She wanted to jump for joy. She would need as much to put her plan into action. It was not something she does everyday and she must admit she had no idea where to start. Her fashion sense was not something to brag about and her sister was the best person to ask for advice. But she can't ask for help upfront. She will be suspicious. And she can't let her on in her plans.

"I wanted to, okay? I want this experience of yours be the greatest among your travels abroad." She said sincerely. "Let's head to Eleven after lunch." Eleven's one of the most expensive salons in UK, with customers like Kate Winslet, Julie Andrews, Christian Bale and Rob Pattinson.

 

"Isn’t the baby hungry? Let us go to Arbutus first. This way or that way?"

 

*********************************

 

"Is this really m-me?" Baekhyun could not believe her eyes. It was like looking at her very sophisticated and glamorous sister. Her once frizzy hair was now incredibly straight and cut in layers with side fringes. Her skin was supple smooth from the full body scrub and mud wrap. The make up artist used subtle brown hues on her eyes and light pink gloss on her lips. She accentuated her high cheekbones with warm cheek tints for natural sun-kissed effect. Her thick lashes were curled and were given several coats of lengthening mascara and her lids were lined subtly with kohl.

 

"Yah, Kim Baekhyun, did you really doubt yourself that you can look this good? C'mon, you are my sister!" Minseok smiled satisfactorily. Mission accomplished. "Did Heather teach you how to apply make up correctly?" She was referring to the make up artist.

 

"Yes. She also gave me those." Baekhyun pointed to the huge metal box seated beside their shopping bags. "That's one hundred years supply of make up!"

 

"You can store those in the fridge. It will last longer. Don't use lipstick and mascara for more than six months. It would be best if you label each when you buy them." She’d been dying to do this a long time ago. She's just too happy to ask why Baekhyun didn't even disagree when they've been fighting about this stuff ever since she can remember.

 

After dinner, Minseok retired early. Tired from walking and shopping all day. Baekhyun went straight to her room and faced the full length mirror. She twisted and turned in front of it like a toddler in a new dress. She gained amazing amount of self confidence especially when she noticed people giving her covetous glances when they were at Harvey Nichols this afternoon. She was not used to that. People never gave her a fleeting look, more so linger on her appearance. She should have done this long ago. She smiled to her reflection. All thanks go to her dear sister. And speaking of her sister, she gathered her suitcase under the bed and extracted a folder from it. She leafed through the pages and looked at the picture of the smiling male. "Eye for an eye, Choi Luhan. You hurt my sister; I'll ruin one of your loved ones." She said while gritting her teeth. She promised herself that this will just be the beginning.

 

*************************************

 

Kyungsoo ignored Jongin when he entered the cafe. She already lifted the 'special treatment' order for him. Good thing it was a Friday when his bodyguards sent her and she didn't have to go to school during the weekend or she might have to face the same humiliation again. She can't even get past through her annoyance. He didn't even call her to say sorry when she's sure Jing Gang and Renz told him how mad she was.

 

"Can I have ebi tempura, please?" She heard him say. Bianca was there to assist him. He brought his tray to the counter and fished some bills out of his wallet. "Hi there." She didn't look at him.

 

"Eighteen thousand won." Kyungsoo said flatly, her eyes on the cash register.

 

"Hey, is there a problem?" Jongin asked.

 

"Eighteen thousand won." She gritted her teeth. How dare he ask if there's a problem! She looked at him for the first time. "If you don't mind, the line’s getting long." Good thing there were two people behind him waiting for their turn. He shook his head but left a fifty thousand bill without a word. He took the seat nearest the cash register instead of his usual seat in the corner. And she was right, he was just waiting for the other customers to leave.

 

"Kyungsoo, c'mon let's talk about this. I am sorry I was not able to send you, okay? You can punish me however you want." He said, loud enough for the other customers to hear. They all stopped eating and were watching them intently. They knew who he was. Kyungsoo stomped her foot in vehemence. She left the counter and marched towards him, losing her poise. She stopped right in front of him. He was smiling widely at her.

 

"Can you lower your voice? You are attracting attention." She hissed.

 

"We own this building so I can do whatever I want." He was looking up at her as she remained standing. His arms were crossed in front of his chest and his smile, dazzling her as usual. She's totally miffed.

 

"How can I ever forget?" She retorted. "Did you buy my school too so you can humiliate me there as well?" She wiped the fat tears that were threatening to fall and ran for the exit.

 

"Kyungsoo!" He was running after her.

 

She went to her own sanctuary, the stairwell. After closing the metal doors, she was not able to fight her tears anymore. She sat limply on the floor, sobbing. She didn't even notice Jongin coming in. He knelt in front of her.

 

"Kyungsoo...Mianhe..." He can't even touch her, afraid that she might run away again. "I really thought it would be for the best."

 

"When will you learn to consider other people's feelings, Jongin?" She asked in a small voice. "Since I met you, I had to face situations like this all the time. Don't you think it's best if we'll just stay away from each other?"

 

"I can't." He replied instantly. He held her shoulder. "And I can see that you don't like that as well." He said confidently.

 

"Maybe you're right. I don't like to stay away from you. But I am aware that not all the things that we want are the things that are right for us. I am sure you have a lot of friends, you won't need me." She said defiantly. She tried to stand but Jongin caught her hands.

 

"I just wanted to protect you. I don't trust that Hyunsik guy. Please Kyungsoo? Give me one more chance." He held her hands in front of his chest and she could feel his heartbeat under her palm.

"What right have you got to do that?" She asked. She could see that he stopped in his tracks. Maybe he was not expecting that question from her. It took him a long moment to answer.

 

"Will you give me the right to protect you then?" He asked her while looking at her eyes intently. It was her turn to be taken aback. She could not stand his gaze that she had to look away.

 

*******************************

 

"How's the training going?" Yongguk asked. They were on a diner having breakfast.

 

"Fine." She said simply. The training was the last thing that she wanted to discuss. But it seemed like her buddy's not getting the hint.

 

"Problems?" He asked again.

 

"The usual. It was like repeating my own training." She sipped on her milk shake.

 

"Just ignore it. You know what you can do and you have proven yourself better than the much older agents." He said sincerely.

 

"Thanks, Yongguk." She replied, slightly uplifted.

 

"You are too polite. By the way, I found some lead about Olivia Bertinelli." She sat up in attention.

 

"Where is she?" Her heart's beating wildly and she found it hard to keep a straight face.

 

"I have yet to find that out. She was in an asylum in Moscow but they lost her three months ago." He explained in a lower voice. "She almost killed the nurse attending to her. She stole her uniform and was able to use the entrance gate without being noticed." Frustration laced his voice.

 

"Since when was she in Moscow?" She asked.

 

"A year or so." He said. Defeat was all over her face. She can't believe that she and Olivia was in the same city. "How about Martin?" He shook his head and her heart sank. Silence ruled for a moment.

 

"I know how you feel. I've been trying to find each piece of the puzzle since your suspension and it was like looking for a needle in a haystack." He was just as crabbed. "But hey, take it easy. You know the director's stand in this. Leave this to me, will you?" He was worried that she won't be able survive the consequences if ever she gets caught again dipping her fingers on this particular assignment.

 

"Yeah. Like I have another choice. I am leaving for London after this." The training's about to wrap up in a week. She decided to take the job out of courtesy to Xander Raymond. Even if protecting a princess is not her cup of tea. Yongguk shook his head again.

 

"I really can't see why you can't stick to your original plan." They already had a disagreement the other day. He just got back from DC when he learned that she accepted the job of watching the Chinese princess. He was so into pushing Sehun out of the service. He remembered Jessica, his little sister that was about her age. It was like watching your own sister play with death all the time.

 

"Hey, we've talked about this. You know how much I owe him. And it was the first time that he asked for my help. Besides, he told me it was nothing dangerous." She was waving the straw of her milkshake in the air. She thought about her mother and winced inwardly.

 

"Yeah, right. And if ever that filthy princess gets so much as a scratch, they'll behead you."

 

"My head will still look good on a platter, Yongguk." She beamed.

 

"You are one hell of a conceited ." He did not have to worry about her being offended of his language. They were that comfortable with each other. "Anyway, what's the progress between you and Patrick?" His eyes playful and there's an annoying grin on his face.

 

"What are you talking about?" She said innocently.

 

"C'mon, the poor guy's head over heels in love with you." He pointed the obvious.

 

"That's his problem." She didn't even deny it.

 

"Why don't you give him a chance?"

 

"Why don't you just mind your own business?" She fired back. "You know my family. They will have him for breakfast." She can imagine Sean under the scrutinizing gaze of her brothers and father and she shivered at the thought.

 

"You are concerned. That's a good start." He observed.

 

"Of course. He doesn't even know Kung Fu." She said matter-of-factly. The guy who will get her attention's yet to be born.

 

*******************************

 

Minseok was taking a nap and Baekhyun locked herself into her room. The original plan was to spend the whole afternoon sightseeing but it rained all of a sudden so both of them decided to stay at the villa. Climate in London's one of the most incredible things that she saw. Weather could change up to eight times a day.

 

Baekhyun brought her tablet out and opened a secured file. She started scribbling on it. And soon enough, she was talking to herself.

 

"Choi Yifan. Hmn...Very handsome." She was looking at his picture from a magazine. It was an ad for a HanTel Product and another stolen photo taken while he was talking to someone, the hospital hallway was the background and the unseen entity was cropped out of the picture. "Married." She read aloud. "Tsk." She might be a lot of things but she's definitely not a home wrecker. She winced at the thought. She moved to another profile. Joonmyeon's profile.

 

The report says Joonmyeon was hardly in one place since he mans the Holdings and Construction arm of Choi Group. The company had stakes all over the globe and he was always flying around to oversee them. It also says that he was very strict and was not very sociable.

 

"Sounds like myself. But how do I get to his turf?" She asked herself. Getting this detailed report alone took not a few thousand dollars out of her personal savings. US dollars. And this one sure was very hard to find. She sighed.

 

"So okay, Choi Jongin, let me see." He's the most popular being the one into modeling. That's a big NO. When everything's done, it will be most difficult to untangle the strings. He was well followed by the media and she's not sure if she can handle the paparazzi. She had to remember she can't let her sister and their father know.

 

Then the last one. Choi Chanyeol, doesn't just race cars like a madman, he builds them. A whiz in gadget-making and engine-building. The President and CEO of Han Cars and a certified playboy. Desires strong, independent, ravishing women. "Bingo!" Baekhyun smiled to herself. Hey, wait a minute Kim Baekhyun, you may be strong and independent but you are definitely not ravishing. A teasing voice kept buzzing in her ear. But heh. This was quite good. Even if she pummels this one to death, she won't feel any regrets. It would be like hitting two birds with one stone. She could get even for what his brother did to her sister and she could teach him a lesson on how to treat girls properly. But wait, there's another one. The youngest.

 

Choi Sehun. The profile's very short, no photo even. It seemed that the only female in the family's not at home and the investigators' clout didn't go as far as knowing where she was at the moment.

"So it's settled. Choi Chanyeol it is." She smiled to herself and then looked at his picture. She narrowed her eyes. She had to get the ball rolling as soon as possible. She placed a call to Busan. "Hello Investigator Ou?"

 

**************************************

 

"This is great! I can get used to this, you know?" Zian was in the car with her brother. Her head was outside its open window, marveling at the magnificent sight that London was. Tao was smiling because of her silliness.

 

"I'll tour you around before we get to your villa, okay?" Tao said. "You can stay in Buckingham Gate for a week." Classes were due to start in ten days anyway. And it's better for his sister to stay in his hotel. He just got the report this morning that the person bound to watch the princess was not yet in position. They were supposed to be taking the US Air Force jet but he declined. It will be suspicious and it will just ruin everything. But he insisted that they take the imperial family's private jet.

 

"Sounds like a plan." So this is how it felt to be free. No imperial maids, no bodyguards, no protocols. But she's starting to miss her parents and her sisters, her maid Jing and all the people in the palace. She sighed. Be strong, Zian!  She reprimanded herself. "By the way, are my papers all ready?" She asked him.

 

"Yes. Our people took care of it." He said while busy punching numbers on his phone. "Say, we go to Knightsbridge today, what do you think?"

 

"I'll love that!" She shrieked in delight. "Be ready to break the bank." She threatened. She's really on for some serious shopping today.

 

"Sky's the limit, baby." Everything for his sister.

 

***********************************

 

"Can I leave the window open?" Kyungsoo asked Jongin. She's seated in his car and he was driving. She was feeling a little bit claustrophobic at his mere presence. They were on their way to her school. He insisted (again) that he takes her.

 

"Sure thing." He put on a white baseball cap and a pair of dark aviator shades before he started the car. He looked like a runway model. "We still have two hours, would you want to grab a bite first?" She just shook her head. With their conversation this morning still running in her head, she didn't think she can eat. "Kyungsoo, if you get paper thin, people might think I am a bad boyfriend." He teased.

 

"Is that a proposal, Choi Jongin? Watch your words, I might accept that." She countered.

 

"What if it is?" He asked. He knew Kyungsoo's not that kind of woman. She was testing him, huh. Let's see. He smiled to himself.

 

"You got yourself a girlfriend then. By the way, I don't share. Just so you know." She replied coolly. What are you going to do now, Pretty Boy? She thought dryly.

 

"Noted, Ma'am." He was smiling widely now. He even thought Kyungsoo's neck broke because of her sudden turn, her eyes wide in disbelief. He's right, she was just bluffing. "What?" He asked, his tone playful.

 

"N-Nothing." She can't lose this battle!

 

"By the way, I don't share too. Remember that." He remembered Lim Hyunsik and his face became serious.

 

"Okay, okay. Stop it! You are not serious, are you?" She's in a roller coaster ride.

 

"I am. Were you not?" He looked at her briefly, poker-faced.

"Oh no!" She slapped her forehead and slumped onto her seat. "What have I done?"

 

"You really are very healthy for my ego, you know? Am I really that bad a catch?" He queried, his eyes on the road.

 

"N-No...I mean...I was just..." She stuttered.

 

"Joking?" He looked at her lost expression. He fought hard not to laugh out loud. "Moral lesson of the story, Ms. Do, don't joke about serious matters. Especially involving this." He indicated his left chest.

 

"This is not happening. This is not happening. This is not happen--" She chanted.

 

"Kyungsoo!" He cut her off. "We're here." He got out of the car, giving her no chance to argue. He went to her side and opened the car door for her. She refused to step out. "Would you want me to carry you to your classroom?"

 

"No!" She stepped out knowing very well that he will do that. He unlocked the rear door and gathered her things and gave them to her. "I will go now. Thanks for the ride." She said, not looking at him. She really wanted to run away if only she won't look silly.

 

"Not so fast, honey." He caught her arm. "Let me tell you how serious I am."

 

"W-Wha--" She was not able to finish whatever it was that she was going to say as Jongin's warm lips landed onto hers. To say that she was stunned was an understatement. It was her first kiss! It was just brief but long enough to turn her knees to jelly. She could feel the blood rushing to her face. She caught the breath that she didn't know she was holding and closed .

 

"I've been dying to do that since the day you went into my office. Just so you know." He imitated her tone earlier in the car. "Now, c'mon, I'll walk you to your room." He got her things from her again and placed his free arm over her shoulder possessively. She was like in a trance. Everything that happened after that was just a blur.

 

"Kyungsoo!" Sungjong was waving her hand in front of her face. She noticed her for the first time.

 

"I'm sorry?" It felt like she woke up from a deep sleep.

 

She sighed. "What is happening to you? I was talking to you for whole five minutes and it seems like you didn't hear a thing."

 

"N-Nothing. I was thinking about the feasibility study." Their thesis adviser will be returning the first draft today.

 

Before her best friend could react, one of their classmates came rushing to the room yelling, "Kyungsoo, Kyungsoo! Your boyfriend's being nabbed by Hyunsik and his gang at the parking lot!"

 

"What boyf--" Then she remembered everything. Jongin! She bolted out of the room before anyone could say anything. Hyunsik and his friends were the resident bullies of the whole university and Jongin's a rich boy in town. He's no match to Hyunsik! She got into the parking lot but she was too stunned with what she saw that she was stuck to where she was standing at the edge of it.

 

Hyunsik and his gang were in full force. Twenty something guys Jongin effortlessly threw into the air landing on top of the cars parked, unmoving. Hyunsik himself was lying on top of his own Hummer, blood was rushing out of his mouth. The university police came running to the scene. The sound of the patrol cars and ambulance woke her up from her stupor.

 

"Jongin!" She ran onto him and hugged him tight. "Mianhe! Mianhe!" She didn't realize she was crying until she noticed his shirt was all wet from her tears. Jongin was silent for a few moments, just hugging her.

 

"Hey...don't cry. I was not hurt." He laughed. It was true. It was just enough to warm him up. He caressed her hair.

 

"Can I have your identification, please before I get your statement?" One of the uniformed police approached Jongin. He didn't even shrug out of her arms when he fished his wallet out of his back pocket and extracted his ID.

 

"Choi Jongin? Of Choi Airways?" The officer asked. He just nodded.

 

"I was just waiting for my girlfriend's class to end when they assaulted me." He explained briefly.

 

"That's what the witnesses told us. We do apologize, Mr. Choi. We will take appropriate actions. You may want to have yourself checked." He indicated the ambulance.

 

"No. I am okay." He assured. "Can I finish this at the precinct, officer? I have to take my girlfriend home first." He asked.

 

"Not a problem Mr. Choi. You may want to bring your lawyer. These guys should get a restraining order." The police officer handed him a card.

 

"Thank you very much. I appreciate it." He said before he guided her inside the car. "Where are your things?"

 

"I left them." She said absently. Did she really hear him say the G word? Twice?

 

"Shall we go get it then?" He asked patiently, trying very hard not to smile.

 

"No!" Her eyes were full of terror. The scene when she came to the parking lot came flooding back. What if he was hurt? It was all her fault. He let him onto this. She underestimated Hyunsik completely.

"Kyungsoo," He loosened his seatbelt and cupped her face. "They're all gone. He won't pester you anymore and you think I will let him near you? Never."

 

"I am not worried about them! I am worried about you!" She was in hysterics as everything was starting to sink in. "They were--"

 

"Kyungsoo, Kyungsoo, I am perfectly fine. But that Lim guy will definitely stay in a wheelchair for sometime." He said matter-of-factly; face grim all of a sudden. "Speaking of him, let me call someone." He punched numbers on his phone. "Hello, Mr. Lim? This is Choi Jongin."

 

Jongin. How are you doing, son?

 

"Quite well, Sir. And yourself?"

 

Getting older every minute. (Laughs) Is there any problem with the shipping?

 

"No. None at all, Sir. This call is not business in nature. It's personal actually. I believe Lim Hyunsik is your son?"

 

Yes, yes. He is. Waeyo?

 

"We got into a little squabble this afternoon, I believe your son fancies my girl and he assaulted me at the parking lot."

 

Omo! Were you hurt?

 

"No, Sir. You are my father's good friend, Mr. Lim and I don't want to make a fuss out of this, I just want to have your word that you will take care of your son."

Oh, thank you very much! Of course, I will deal with my son. As his father, I apologize for his behavior. Now, if ever you change your mind and decided to sue him, that's perfectly fine. He should learn his lesson.

 

"I won't change my mind. I just don't want him near me and my girlfriend, Do Kyungsoo."

 

Definitely, Jongin. Thank you again. Do extend my thanks to your father, will you?

 

"Not a problem, sir." And he ended the call.

 

"You will not sue him?" Kyungsoo could not believe her ears.

 

"No need." He said and started the car. "I was not hurt. He is."

 

"But--" Kyungsoo tried to argue but decided against it. "I am sorry, I dragged you into this." She said apologetically.

 

"It's not your fault. But I didn't know it was so difficult to be your boyfriend." He joked.

 

"Whatever! You can't take it back!" She whined.

 

"Who says I’m taking it back?" He retorted.

 

**********************************

 

A/N: This is over 7000 words to start the year right. KaiSoo is finally a couple. LOL! Let me know what you think!