Chapter 14

Lily felt a hand caressing her hair softly. The feathery touch slowly pulled her out of her deep sleep. She opened her eyes, and the first thing she saw was Jin’s loving face.

"Jin!" she whispered, her voice still heavy with sleep.

He smiled warmly. "I should have confessed to you earlier… so we could’ve had more time together."

"Huh? When did you get here?" she asked, rubbing her eyes.

Jin just chuckled at her adorable state. "Go freshen up. I’ll prepare something for you to eat."

Lily nodded and headed toward the washroom. When she returned, feeling refreshed, Jin was already waiting with a plate of cookies and her favorite brewed tea. But Yoona was nowhere to be seen.

"Is Yoona out somewhere?" Lily asked, taking a seat beside him.

"Yeah. She went to check on the patient from yesterday." Jin handed her a cup of tea.

Lily took a sip. "When did you come, though?"

"Just after Yoona left."

"Oh. And… what about your wound?" Her eyes flickered with concern.

"Already healed. Thanks to you."

"Already healed? This fast? Let me see!"

"It’s nothing. Just a little scratch." Jin tried to brush it off, but Lily wasn’t having it.

"Show me!" she demanded.

With a sigh, Jin rolled up his sleeve — and sure enough, the wound was almost invisible.

"Impossible! It was a deep cut yesterday, and today it’s… almost gone?" Lily stared in disbelief. "Are you even human!?"

Jin grinned. "Princess—"

"A… Wolverine?!"

Jin blinked. "What? No!"

"Then how!?"

"I’m human, okay? You think too much, Princess." He reached out and tapped her nose playfully.

"Jin!" she huffed.

"Shhh… Do I have to do something to stop all these questions?" he teased, his eyes twinkling.

Flustered, Lily quickly took a bite of a cookie. "Ah! These are delicious!" she said, trying to change the subject.

Jin smiled, clearly amused. "I know. I learned from you."

"Nice. Keep it up, Mr. Prince!" she teased back.

He gave a little bow, making her giggle.

"You know what? I miss those days when we were at your place," Jin said softly.

"Me too."

"And the park — it was beautiful."

"It’s my favorite place," Lily agreed. "Quiet and peaceful."

Jin nodded. "Yes, it is."

"Hey!" Lily’s eyes suddenly lit up. "You told me there’s a place in your world you want to show me. Remember?"

Jin chuckled at her excitement. "I remember. It’s near the boundary of the kingdom. Very close to my heart."

"Really? Then I have to see it! You’ll take me, right?"

"At your service, Princess." He bowed again, making her laugh.

"When can we go?"

Jin thought for a moment. "We’ll have to wait two or three days. After yesterday’s attack, it’s still risky. But after that… we’ll go."

"Really!? I can’t wait!" Lily beamed.

"Me too. You’re going to love it. It’s so peaceful and beautiful."

"I’m sure I will."

Jin’s eyes softened as he watched her. "You know… it’s a little quiet here too." His voice dropped into a teasing whisper.

Lily’s heart skipped a beat. "H-Hey… Jin… don’t look at me like that. Yoona could come back any minute!"

"The amount of stuff she left with?" Jin grinned mischievously. "I don’t think she’ll be back anytime soon."

"J-Jin! Stay where you are!" Lily’s face turned bright red, but Jin just kept closing the distance between them.

"Why?" he teased. "It’s been so long since I’ve seen you this close."

"You can see me just fine from over there!"

He shook his head. "I said close. You look even more beautiful up close."

"J-Jin—"

"Shhh… Just stay like this for a moment," he whispered, his eyes locking with hers.

Lily felt her heart racing as Jin pulled her into his arms. His warmth, his scent — everything about him felt so comforting, so right.

"I missed you so much, Princess," he murmured against her hair.

Her heart fluttered. "I missed you too, Jin."

He chuckled softly. "I also missed your heartbeat… fast… only for me."

"Ugh! You’re so dramatic," she muttered, her face still pressed against his chest.

"Say what you want, Princess. I’m not letting you go. Not even if Yoona—"

The door burst open.

Startled, Lily shoved Jin away so fast that he stumbled backward, looking utterly confused.

"Jin!" she blurted out. "You should… uh… be careful while walking!"

Jin pointed to himself, bewildered. "Me!?"

Lily shot him a warning look, her face burning with embarrassment. "Y-Yoona! You’re home!"

Yoona stood at the doorway, arms crossed, clearly holding back laughter.