Chapter 15

"Yoona! You’re home! I was waiting for you," Lily said awkwardly.

But Jin seemed a little bothered. "Why did you come so early?"

Yoona stood there with her arms crossed, clearly holding back laughter. "Why? Am I interrupting something?"

Lily let out a nervous laugh. "Ah… nothing, Yoona. You go get freshened up."

"Okay, I’ll be right back," Yoona said, smiling knowingly at Lily before heading to her room.

Lily watched her go, clearly embarrassed. Jin stepped in front of her with a dramatic expression of hurt.

"You pushed me?!" he said, his voice full of mock offense.

"Sorry! The door opened so suddenly, and… I panicked," Lily said sheepishly.

"So you pushed me?" Jin repeated, as if he couldn’t believe it.

"I said sorry!"

"What if something had happened to me? How could you be so cruel?" he continued, clutching his chest like he’d been deeply wounded.

Lily rolled her eyes. "Oh really? And here I thought you were strong, Mr. Prince!" she teased.

Jin’s eyes glinted mischievously. "Oh? You wanna see how strong I am, princess?" He slowly started closing the distance between them.

Lily’s eyes widened. "Jin! What are you doing? Yoona—"

"I’m not afraid of her," Jin whispered, his voice low.

"Jin?"

"Shh… stay still."

Behind them, Yoona cleared her throat. "Should I… close my eyes?" she asked, clearly amused.

"I don’t mind," Jin replied casually, his eyes still locked on Lily’s.

"Jin!" Lily hissed, shoving him away.

Yoona laughed softly. "Okay, lovebirds, I hate to break up the moment, but I need to head out."

Lily blinked. "But you just got home!"

"I know," Yoona said, picking up her things. "But my father sent some medicines I need to collect. I have to go to the border."

"You’re going alone?" Jin’s voice was suddenly serious.

"Obviously," Yoona said with a shrug.

"Yoona, I’ll go. You stay here," Jin offered immediately.

"What? Are you crazy? You just got attacked yesterday, so no — I’ll go," Yoona said firmly.

"But Yoona, I think Jin is right—" Lily started, only for Yoona to cut her off.

"Don’t worry, Lily. I’ll be careful."

But Jin wasn’t letting it go. "At least let me come with you."

"No. Lily will be all alone then."

"Then I’ll come too!" Lily suggested eagerly.

"No!" Yoona and Jin said at the same time.

Lily pouted. "O-okay."

Yoona turned to Jin. "And you — stay here. Take care of Lily, okay?"

Jin grinned, his eyes twinkling. "Oh, I’m definitely staying then."

Yoona just chuckled, shaking her head. "Take care, you two." And with that, she was gone — leaving them all alone.

---

The day passed slowly — or maybe too fast — and Jin took full advantage of it.

"You know," Jin said, stretching lazily on the couch, "I could get used to this. A quiet house, good company, and a beautiful princess."

Lily raised an eyebrow, trying not to smile. "You’re laying it on a bit thick, don’t you think?"

"What? I’m just speaking the truth," Jin said, flashing his most charming smile. "Besides, I’m pretty sure you like it."

"Says who?" Lily crossed her arms, but the warmth on her face betrayed her.

Jin sat up, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Let’s test that, shall we?"

Before Lily could react, he reached out and brushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering just a second longer than necessary. "Your face is telling on you, princess."

Lily swatted his hand away, her heart racing. "You’re impossible!"

"And yet you haven’t asked me to leave." Jin leaned back with a satisfied grin.

Later, they found themselves in the kitchen. Jin insisted on helping with dinner — or so he claimed.

"Jin, you’re just eating the ingredients!" Lily scolded, snatching a piece of fruit from his hand.

"Quality control!" Jin protested, grabbing it back. "What if it’s poisoned?"

"Then I’ll take my chances."

They ended up laughing so much that dinner took twice as long to prepare. And when they finally sat down to eat, Jin kept sneaking glances at her.

"What now?" Lily asked, exasperated.

"I’m just wondering," Jin mused, tapping his chin, "how someone so adorable can also be so bossy."

Lily threw a napkin at him. "Eat your food, Mr. Prince."

---

After dinner, the mood shifted. The house felt a little too quiet without Yoona’s presence, and Lily found herself glancing at the door more often than she wanted to admit.

"Jin?" she called softly.

"Yes, princess?"

"I know Yoona’s tough, but… I’m still worried."

Jin’s face softened. "She’ll be okay. Don’t worry — I sent someone to look after her."

Lily’s eyes widened. "You what? Does she know?"

"No."

"Jin! You know how she’ll react if she finds out!"

Jin shrugged. "She won’t. It’s never happened so far."

Lily stared at him. "Wait… you mean you always—?"

"Not all the time," Jin admitted. "But sometimes. When it’s needed. She’s my only friend here — and that makes her an easy target. I can’t risk her life."

Lily’s heart softened at his words. "That’s… thoughtful of you."

"It’s just what I do."

She tilted her head. "So… did you hire someone to look after me too?"

Jin grinned. "Myself." He gave a little bow, making Lily blush.

"You know what, princess? Tonight I’m going to sleep so peacefully."

"Huh? Why?"

"Because you’re with me," he said with a wink.

Lily giggled. "Who taught you how to flirt like this?"

"What?" Jin asked, feigning innocence.

"Flirting." This time, Lily winked at him.

For once, Jin was the one left speechless, his face turning just a little pink.

"Weren’t you feeling sleepy?" he mumbled.

"Yes, but—"

"Come here." He reached out, pulling her close.

Lily’s breath caught as he wrapped his arms around her, his warmth instantly calming the unease in her chest.

"Now," he whispered against her hair.

"Quit overthinking… and sleep tight, princess."