24 | Royal

 

***

 

Seohyun went back to the football field carrying a soccer ball. Yoona stood up from her sitting position on the ground and gasps to see her girlfriend is now holding a ball.

 

"Don't tell me it's your charm's effect again?" She guesses.

 

"Nope. There's no one out here anymore, how can I still show my charms? We're just lucky the storage room is open." Seohyun chuckled, amusingly. She dropped the ball between them and before she can touch it with her shoe, Yoona held her hands, stopping her. "Waeyo?"

 

"I don't want to create any trouble, Peng. Let's not use this."

 

"What?! It's not! It's okay. We can use this freely!"

 

"Chincha? But you told me there's no more anyone out there. How can you say it's free?"

 

"Aish! Don't you want to play football with me?" Seohyun stubbornly stomp her feet.

 

Yoona's serious face eventually dropped as she grin. "Of course." And without a word, she quickly kicks the ball on the side and started playing with it. Soon, she started running with it.

 

Seohyun was left dumbfounded. "What the. Did you just... fool me?!" she couldn't the choding easily got her. "Yah! You cheater!!!" but before she can stay frozen in her spot, she chase the doe-eyed girl. 

 

Yoona looked back from behind only to see her girlfriend is catching up. She laughs and didn't stop however. She continued dribbling the ball with her feet without planning to stop, straight to the goal box.

 

"Why are you so fasssst!!!" Seohyun is trailing behind. She chuckled at her silliness. But she didn't also stop, trying to catch up. 

 

"Get in your speed as well if you want to get the ball!" Yoona shouted as a response. She smirked once she's getting closer and closer to the goal box.

 

Determined, Seohyun fastens her run. Yoona somehow noticed and she suddenly changed her mind; she u-turns. Seohyun almost fall when she has to stopped after Yoona just pass at her easily. 

 

"What is... she thinking?" She supported herself in both knees while breathing heavily. But watching Yoona from afar, happily playing with the ball suddenly becomes entertaining. She is unconsciously smiling, feeling like she had never seen such happiness from the latter. She straightened herself and continue watching. Soon, she unconsciously moved forward and tried to steal the ball from her, but Yoona's skills aren't failing, as she just professionally avoided all her attempt from left to right. Everything is so easy and soft for her, but it's hard for Seohyun to steal it. But giving up is not in her vocabulary. She tried her best and her hardest until -

 

"GOOOOAAAAAALLLL!!!" Yoona had successfully pass at her and made it through the goal box. Fully of joy, Yoona is running around screaming. Seohyun in the side planned to watch only but she eventually played along, running in circles with the older girl. The night in Cambridge's football field was no longer quiet. The supposed to be cold is hot for both girls who played again for the second round.

 

-

 

Lying side by side, hand in hand watching the night sky filled by bright stars shining through them, both girls are enjoying the view, as it brings them to another world.

 

"To be a star you must shine your own light, follow your own path and don't worry about the darkness for that is when the stars shine brightest." Yoona softly utters, reminded by her mother's quote. She slowly tilt her head and watch Seohyun smiling. "You're my bright and shining star... " as she added on her own quote.

 

Seohyun slowly tilt her head, meeting her girlfriend's gazes halfway. She smiled sweetly and lovingly. Eyes sparkled just like the stars above.

 

Yoona's heart flutter. She slowly leaned in closer and closer until it's just an inch apart. Seohyun sighed and looked at her intently. The most beautiful eyes she had ever seen, Yoona automatically was captured. She didn't think twice and she slowly captured also the girl's pair of lips. Their eyes closes together, as they savor the moment the fireworks exploded.

 

-

 

"Mom...She's one of a kind woman." 

 

Seohyun stirred from her reading to her girlfriend upon hearing her soft voice. Her brows crease as she stared at her blankly. They're in her bed, sitting next to each other so close while back is pressed against the headboard. Yoona's arm sneaks at her back, pulling her much closer to her until their faces are just inches apart. The latter gently tuck her hair behind her ears, sending chills down to her spine. This kind of gestures always gives her chills. She loves the effect.

 

"She's a teacher for a reason because... you know when I get stubborn? Instead of scolding me... she would start sharing stories... unintentionally giving me lessons. And that would always give me a reason to feel guilty." Yoona softly further stated. "And if I commit a mistake that will make me feel really down, she would always say... 'Don't beat yourself up just because of that, keep your heads up. There's more room for learning. Do well next time.'

 

"She's a good mother, isn't she?"

 

Yoona nodded slowly. "I couldn't find a reason to hate her."

 

"Why would you hate her?" Seohyun giggles as she find it random for her girlfriend to mention 'hate'.

 

"I know right? She's... just too perfect. Caring, loving, thoughtful, generous... and adorable." Yoona giggled back. 

 

Seohyun pause before she replied, "What's the best thing about her?"

 

Blink and blink, the doe-eyed girl averted her gazes to her jersey uniform, she put in the door of her closet. "She's my cheerleader." she looks back to Seohyun and continue, "Just like you." She missed the time her mother would always cheer for her in playing football just in their front yard. It was cute and adorable. At the same time, she felt the love.

 

"Does she... plays football as well?"

 

A big smile plasterd Yoona's face as she nodded proudly. "She's better than Appa."

 

"Chincha?"

 

"Appa isn't fond of football until they met. Omma says she brainwashed Appa to like football. Isn't that cute?"

 

"Whoa, so opposite with Omma. I mean, Appa likes football more than Omma."

 

"Yeah? She's a pianist, isn't she?"

 

"She is. But... she sometimes liked to spend time with me watching football. She's weird sometimes though."

 

Yoona's brows crease in confusion. "Waeyo?"

 

"Well, I recalled one time... while I and Appa are watching a match on a broadcast television, she suddenly appeared and said footballers are real players."

 

Chuckling, Yoona can't believe what she jus heard. "Of course, because they're playing. They should play professionally."

 

"No. What I mean is... " Seohyun paused as she finds the right words to say. When she got it, she continued, "She's as if, annoyed? Pissed? Or what? And for no reason, to be honest. I and Appa are surprised when we heard that out of the blue."

 

"She hates one of the players of that match, probably."

 

"Hmm? Maybe. I don't know. But it was funny and weird." Seohyun chuckles.

 

"But... I'm glad your mother and my mom are seems to be friends. I never thought that would happen. To think, it's the queen." Yoona just realized her mother have been friends with someone so high in the society.

 

"Yeah. They must be really good friends since they shared the same favorite song."

 

"But I hate that they didn't let us introduce each other. I mean, they're good friends, they should be sharing it to us... about them and let us meet." Yoona find it ironic. "Because most best friends share whatever is happening to their lives, right? Like they would hang out in one place and bring their child to watch them play and become friends."

 

Seohyun can't help it and pinch her girlfriend's nose. "You're so cute."

 

"Wae? I'm just stating fact, Peng."

 

"Well, who knows they also like the idea... but probably didn't have time to do it?" 

 

Yoona sighed. "That can be. Since your mother is the busiest person."

 

"Your mother is a teacher on the other hand." Seohyun softly says, putting her book on top of the night stand.

 

"Yeah. Oh well, I'm glad we're here now." Yoona replied, lying down slowly with her girlfriend. Then, she wrapped one arm around her waist. Seohyun's hand is on her arm on the other hand. "... In each other's arms, no planning of letting go." she continued, warmly smiling to her cute and adorable girlfriend. She leaned in and pressed her lips on the latter's forehead.

 

Seohyun close her eyes, once again loving how her heart is fluttering in effect to Yoona's affections. It's ridiculous how she would still blush as well. But before she knows it, she felt Yoona's lips on hers. 

 

"Good night." whispers Yoona softly.

 

"Good night, Yoongie." She replied, scooting closer to put her face against the latter's chest, listening to her heart beats in the process. They're like her music as she slowly falls asleep in her arms. Yoona followed in her dreamland soon.

 

 

***

 

 

A huge sigh escaped Seohyun's lips as her chest aches. The paper in her hand slowly drops to the floor, which contains the decision of the cheerleader club about her leave. She was kicked out for a reason, she's someone from a royal family. It wasn't also the club's decision, the school's head also signed the decision.

 

Slowly, she turns on her back and walks away, lifeless and heart broken. Her dream on being one of the cheerleader team have died that instant. She doesn't know where to go at the moment. She has no class and she wouldn't like to go watch her girlfriend's practice with her mood. She will only worry her if she ever see her down moment.

 

"Your highness?"

 

Upon hearing that voice, she stopped from walking and slowly turns, meeting Daniel's gazes half way. "Hey." She softly called.

 

"Are you okay?" Daniel hastily jogs towards her. He noticed her frown. "Did something happened?"

 

"I didn't know the school has some rules." Seohyun meaningfully says, as she continue to walk and Daniel walks with her.

 

"What do you mean?" Daniel asked in confusion.

 

"After the news last month, they decided to give me a proper treatment as someone from a royal family. They seems to believe me being in a cheerleader club will ruin my image." Seohyun explained. Her voice is low and in monotone.

 

Daniel gasps. "Chincha? So you're no longer part of the club?"

 

Seohyun nodded, showing a sad pout.

 

"I'm sorry to hear that, her majesty." Daniel got sadden as well. He can always see Seohyun so happy when talking about the cheerleading, but now... she's talking about it sadly. As if it's the end of the world. "Are you going home straight or... are you going to watch Yoona today?" 

 

"Should I? or Should I not?"

 

"Of course you should! It's an important training because their head coach will decide who will be on the rookie groups will join the official players to the upcoming match."

 

Seohyun suddenly stopped when she realized she almost forgot about it. "Yeah, the match is in two weeks. And it's Cambridge vs Chelsea for a friendly match. And probably will be the first two teams to open the cup. Omo, should cheer for my Yoongie indeed." She exclaimed. Without any word anymore, she suddenly runs, heading out of the building.

 

Daniel chuckles and follows right away.

 

 

***

 

 

*whistle*

 

Yoona heaved a sigh after she failed to make a goal. She returns on her position again as the ball had been released for another round of play.

 

This time, it was Jungyeon who got the ball and was trying her hardest to maintain the ball in her side without passing it. However, Yoona's team stole it successfully and transferred to Yoona easily. With another chance for a goal, Yoona keeps her fast pace. But when an opposing team blocks her way, she quickly passed it to her teammate.

 

"You're not going to play." Said Jungyeon to Yoona when she passes at her. She's not guarding the latter after what happened. But that definitely determined her to get into the match.

 

As soon as her teammate have successfully transferred it to her, just closer to the goal box, she didn't hesitate and moved forward, eyeing the goal box. Suddenly one opposite player tried to stole the ball, she kicks it to the left and instantly run after, dribbling it back closer and closer to the goal box.

 

Jungyeon from behind is trailing as she successfully passes the one guarding her. Her eyes are following the number seven. Yoona's jersey number. Shortly, she got enough close distance. She tried to stole it from the latter but Yoona was reflexively fast from avoiding her attempt and still moving forward closer and closer...

 

She kicks the ball opposite to what the goal keeper is heading, it went in - finally after half of the hour. Everyone roared especially her fan girls and Xiao Xiao, but except her who just "Yes." made a snapped and once again turns, running back to her position, but only to be meet by her celebrating teammates. She was knocked down. She laughs out so loud while trying to push them off of her. She just realized, the opposing team made a time-out after she successfully kicks it in.

 

Seohyun who just arrived in the football field got herself a seat right away. Yoona's fan girls after the news had been so kind. Though she didn't confirm about it to them, nor to her father who called to ask about the news.

 

"What happened? Why are they celebrating?" She asks Xiao Xiao. Couldn't yet see her girlfriend because of players crowding someone. "Where's Yoongie?"

 

Xiao Xiao was about to answer when Seohyun gasps. "Omo. Did my Yoongie scored?" as soon as they let her breath and walk with them to the side. Yoona is so bright, couldn't even paint her happiness.

 

"What you can see is what you get." Xiao Xiao whispers.

 

"Whoa, that's so cool." Seohyun got excited and she unconsciously get on her feet only to, "GO! GO! GO! YOONGIE-AHHH!!!!" cheered on top of her lungs like she has never done it. Her sadness over her leave from her club had washed away because of this.

 

As if she's the cheerleader for Yoona's fans, they're also shouting the same thing. Xiao Xiao almost fell from her seat, dumbfounded at the scene. Seohyun cheer leading her girlfriend's fan girls never comes to her mind. But watching her so happy just sums them up. She can totally see a celebration after the game.

 

-

 

"Im Yoona."

 

The moment Seohyun heard her girlfriend's name was mentioned, she automatically runs and surprised her with a back hug. "Congratulations." She said flashing a big smile.

 

Yoona's arms throws around her girlfriend instantly, hugging her tightly. "Thank you." It's not only she's happy for playing for the team for the upcoming cup, but she's also more than happy Seohyun is in her side today, cheering for her. She scored another one before the game ended, which results to their win for her team. It's so much better with someone supporting a lot for her dreams, unlike when she's with So Eun. The girl is indeed popular but she has never came from any of her game. Seohyun's definitely her cheerleader.

 

Got overwhelmed, she never thinks of people around as she pulled back, grabs the younger girl's face and crashed their lips together then hug her again, grinning widely like an idiot.

 

Seohyun's eyes widened in surprised.

 

But good thing everyone are so into their own world celebrating with a champagne spreads around and no one caught the quick kiss. She literally punched her back for so many times while laughing.

 

Yoona also laughs but as soon as as the champagne was poured to them, the couple let go of each other. Yoona grabs the chance and play with her teammates.

 

Seohyun who was soak now didn't leave and watches her girlfriend happy all around with her achievement. She's closer to her dream. She's a proud girlfriend.

 

However, she noticed in the corner of her eyes, Jungyeon is standing from afar, watching Yoona intensely. She felt intimation the way she's looking at her.

 

-

 

"Wait! Jungyeon-ah!" Seohyun called out loud as she catches up with Chelsea's forward, who was heading to the locker room. She stopped momentarily when she also did and turns around facing her. She took a deep breath first before she speaks again. "Do you have a minute? I'd like to talk with you with something."

 

Jungyeon bowed before she replied. "Of course, her majesty. What can I do for you?"

 

"Do you still remember me? I mean, before the news came out?"

 

Jungyeon smiled. "I do. You were the one who approached me - asking about a friend. Which turned out to be... a close friend of yours." She had been suspecting she's from a royal family. So when the news broke, she wasn't surprised anymore.

 

"Oh, that's a relief and you still do. Um... I just want to raise my concern about Yoona."

 

A smirk formed in Jungyeon's lips, as she had expected it already. She just keep shut, waiting for her to continue.

 

"I know you don't like her at all since she started her training. But now that she will be playing with you guys in the upcoming match, I would like to take a favor... give her a chance. She's honestly a good friend, if only you can open up for her. You know, I believe your competitiveness against Yoona will not help the team. I don't ask you to be closer to her just... be a teammate. Nothing will work if you keep on doing that."

 

"She's slowly ruining my career." Jungyeon nonchalantly said. The favor from the princess seems a bad idea for her. She has a pride to protect, she can't let someone break it either.

 

"I don't think she is. She's just doing her job. She's just doing what's best for the team." Seohyun strongly defended.

 

"Are you sure?" Jungyeon scoffs. "Look, everyone is now liking her. The players and so as my fans? Isn't that an evidence ? All of them are bandwagons." She hissed.

 

Seohyun was a little taken aback. But she doesn't want to stop. Stepping forward, she slowly reaches for the girl's hand and continue, "Believe me, she's not snatching whatever you have right now. All that she wanted is to play and she did not ask for such attention. If you want your fans to comeback, then play like the way you are. What I saw earlier seems not you. And it was because you keep on competing with Yoona. It seems distracting you every time you do it...please... give yourself a break and know her first before you... judge her. Trust me, it's worth a try."

 

Jungyeon is not answering. Apparently, she couldn't believe that slowly, her boiling blood earlier is subsiding. The more she looks at the girl's pleading blue slate eyes and the more she can feel her touch against her skin, it's melting her. It's suddenly losing her guard. Soon, she made up her mind. She let go of the girl's hand and, "I'll think about it." Softly says.

 

"Thanks..." Seohyun stopped midway as soon as the other girl turns around and walk away, didn't even give her a chance to continue her words. But her response somehow made her happy. She smiled and crossed her arms, watching the girl's back disappearing. "I know she's a good kid."

 

"Who?"

 

She literally jumps in surprised when Yoona's voice was heard behind. She turned around and the girl is there, standing in front of her with a confused look. She didn't let her say anything as she throws her arms around her neck. "So what do you like as a gift?" She smirked while their faces are just inches apart.

 

"Are you seducing me, her royal highness?" Yoona smirked back, rubbing the tip of her nose to Seohyun's. "Because if you are... I might ask for something you haven't done."

 

The young princess giggles. She peck at her girlfriend's lips before she quickly runs away. Yoona chuckled and chases the playful princess again.

 

 

***

 

[Im Residence]

 

 

Mr. Im woke up in the middle of the night, catching on her breath. Sweats are streaming down his face. He had a nightmare and it hated him.

 

Getting off of his bed, he made his way to the bathroom and washes his face with the water from the sink. After a while, he looked at his reflection to the mirror - he realized those eye-bags under his eyes. It had been a while since he had sleepless nights, ever since midterm week began. Being a professor is definitely not a joke. He has to work his off for his test exam. Thus, thinking over Yoona dating the princess is always giving him anxiety. Although he haven't talk about it yet with his daughter. Probably because he will about to ruin his happiness. But he really can't afford being connected to the royal family. Once was enough.

 

A sigh escaped his lips as he made his way out and returned to his bed. Just then, his eyes landed to a picture frame standing on top of the night stand. It's him, Yoona and his late wife, smiling so big for a family photo.

 

That moment then, he recalled how did he meet her.

 

Flashback...

 

It was a long day again for Taekyung in college which resulted for his exhausting face. "I'm home." He walked into the living room after kicking his shoes in the side. Just then, he was surprised when h