Dong sat in her room and was focused intently on a book atop her small study table.

Across from her, Nari sat dozing off, her head bobbing dangerously close to the table’s edge. When she nearly fell off, she quickly straightened up, scratching the back of her head. 

“Agasshi, aren't you hungry? You’ve been reading all morning,” Nari said, stifling a yawn. 

“Just get me some water. I'll be fine,” Dong replied, her eyes still glued to the book. 

Nari stood, bowed respectfully, and left the room. As she stepped outside onto the wooden flooring of the hanok, a fellow servant approached her. 

“Nari-ah, some gentleman is here asking for Dong-agasshi,” the servant said. 

Nari frowned. “Okay, I'll check. Thanks.” 

She made her way to the front of the house, where her eyes widened in surprise upon spotting Kwan.

She hurried over to him.  “Good afternoon, Doryeon-nim? ”She said hesitantly. 

Crown Prince Chungnyeong turned to her with a smile. “You can call me Doryeon-nim for now.” 

Nari kept her head lowered. “Ne, I understand, Doryeon-nim.” 

“Where is Dong-ah? ”The Crown Prince asked. 

“She’s in her room, reading, Doryeon-nim,” Nari answered, smiling faintly as she heard him casually speaking of Dong’s name. “Please follow me.” 

Nari led the way to Dong’s room. 

Upon reaching the door, she opened it. “Agasshi, you have a visitor,” she announced. 

Without looking up, Dong replied, “Tell them I’m busy. I don’t want to see anyone.” 

Hearing this, Crown Prince Chungnyeong chuckled softly, while Nari offered an awkward smile. “

Agasshi…” 

“You do seem busy. Should I leave? " the Crown Prince teased as he stepped inside.

“Ne,” Dong replied bluntly. 

The Crown Prince chuckled in disbelief. He strode over and snatched the book from her. Startled, Dong lifted her head, ready to scold the intruder, but froze when she saw his familiar grin.

She immediately stood and bowed deeply.  “Jeoha! I apologize! I didn’t realize it was you! ” 

Crown Prince Chungnyeong laughed. “You’re so engrossed in reading that you didn’t even notice me.” 

Still bowing, Dong glanced at Nari, who gestured frantically for her to bow even lower. Dong complied immediately, lowering herself to the ground. 

“I deserve to die, Jeoha! "She said dramatically. 

The Crown Prince chuckled and cleared his throat in mock seriousness. “Rise, Dong-ah.” 

"Agasshi, I'll get something for the crown prince to eat," Nari said as she walked respectfully while leaving the room.

Dong’s eyes widened at his casual tone, but she obeyed, standing quickly. “Please, take a seat, Jeoha,” she said, gesturing towards the table. 

Crown Prince Chungnyeong smirked as he sat down. Dong hurried to sit across from him, though she kept her head slightly bowed. Despite her best efforts, a faint glare crept into her expression, which the Crown Prince noticed with amusement. 

“What? ”He asked, grinning. 

“You’re being too casual, calling me by my name, Jeoha,” Dong said politely, though her tone betrayed a hint of annoyance. 

He smirked. “Then what name should I use? ” 

Dong sighed, rolling her eyes slightly. “What are you doing here, Jeoha? ” 

“I wanted to see you,” he replied, his tone light yet sincere. 

Dong’s eyes widened in surprise. She stared at him. “You said we wouldn’t see each other until our wedding day.” 

The Crown Prince smiled. “I couldn’t wait that long.” 

Dong’s gaze faltered, and she muttered under her breath, “You’re crazy.” 

His eyes widened briefly, then he burst out laughing. 

Dong rolled her eyes and sighed deeply. 

“You said that on purpose, didn’t you? And you don’t even look apologetic.” He teased.

Nari softly announced her arrival and entered, carrying a tray with desserts and tea. She bowed as she placed it on the table.

“Jeonggwa is Agasshi’s favorite, Jeoha,” she said with a smile before bowing again and leaving the room. 

The Crown Prince picked up a piece of jeonggwa, inspecting it. “This looks too sweet.” 

“It’s not that sweet. They’re made here,” Dong said, watching him closely. 

He took a bite, chewing thoughtfully. “Not bad.” 

Dong sighed again. “Do you need anything from me, Jeoha? ” 

The Crown Prince smirked. “You seem eager for me to leave.” 

“I was busy reading,” Dong replied, forcing a polite smile. 

“Then continue,” he said, moving the study table closer to her. He removed the dessert plate and teacup, placing her book back on top. 

Dong stared at him, taken aback. “I can’t just ignore your presence, Jeoha.” 

Grinning, the Crown Prince leaned closer. “I know what I’ll call you.” 

Dong frowned. “What is it? ” 

“Nae-in,” he said with a playful smile. 

Dong’s eyes widened, and her lips parted in shock. “You...you’re crazy,” she blurted out again.

Her reaction sent the Crown Prince into a fit of laughter. 

“We’re not even married yet, Jeoha!" Dong protested. 

Still laughing, he shook his head. “I was just kidding. If only you could see your face right now.” 

Dong glared at him. “That’s not funny, Jeoha.” 

Struggling to stifle his laughter, he grinned. “So, would you rather I call you Dong-ah? ” 

She rolled her eyes. “Fine.” 

“You’re getting comfortable with me, Dong-ah,” he teased. 

“You’re more comfortable around me, Jeoha. Look at yourself, laughing out loud in front of me. Do you even do that in front of the King and Queen? ” 

The Crown Prince cleared his throat. “Of course not.” 

Dong smirked. 

He stood abruptly, prompting Dong to rise as well. “I’ll leave now so you can continue your reading, but I’ll see you tomorrow. Oh, before I forget—you’ll be receiving a letter soon. Our wedding date has been decided.” 

Dong opened her mouth to respond, but before she could speak, the Crown Prince turned and walked past her, leaving the room.

She hurried to follow. “Jeoha! ”She called after him.

Minjin was startled when her phone vibrated beside her pillow. With her eyes still closed, she reached for it, struggling to pry them open to see who was calling.

Letting out a deep sigh upon reading Jessica's name on the screen, she turned to check if Park Micha had woken up from the sound. Seeing that she was still asleep, Minjin declined the FaceTime call.

She then slipped her phone back under her pillow, shifted onto her back, and stared at the ceiling in contemplation.

"That was a strange dream, especially for the first one of the year."

She muttered to herself before she closed her eyes again.