Chapter 17

Lily hurried down the hallway, her heart pounding. Jin wasn’t beside her when she woke up, and the quiet felt too loud. A flicker of relief passed through her when she saw him calmly polishing his sword, bathed in the soft morning light.

He was right there—but her heart still raced with worry, as if he might disappear if she blinked.

Jin noticed the tension in her eyes. “Princess?” he called softly.

Lily didn’t respond. She seemed lost, trapped in her own thoughts.

Jin stepped closer and gently shook her shoulders. “Princess!”

“Huh? Yes?” Lily blinked, snapping back to the present.

“What’s wrong? Where were you just now?”

“Nothing,” she answered with a small, dismissive smile.

Jin raised an eyebrow but let it go. “Alright then, go freshen up. I’m starving. I waited for you, but the food’s getting cold.”

“Oh—yes! I’ll be right back,” Lily said, rushing off to the room.

Later, over breakfast, something felt... off. The air had a strange stillness, like something—or someone—was missing.

“Where’s Yoona?” Lily asked, glancing toward the door. “She said she’d be here in the morning, didn’t she?”

“I was wondering the same,” Jin replied. “I even got up early thinking she’d arrive.”

“Is she okay?” Lily’s voice held a hint of anxiety.

“She’ll be fine. Don’t worry.”

“But how will we know for sure?”

“I’ll head out and check on her,” Jin offered, standing up from his seat.

Lily stood too. “You’ll probably be late so—”

“Be careful and try not to get noticed,” she finished lazily.

Jin laughed. “Exactly. Good girl. Lock the door and stay safe, alright?”

“I will. You too.”

Hours passed. Still no word from either Jin or Yoona. Lily paced the room restlessly. Morning turned to afternoon. Afternoon to evening. The sky outside shifted to hues of purple and deep blue. The silence was starting to feel like a scream.

Finally, the door opened—and there he was.

“Ugh, finally! Decided to come back, did you?” Lily said, folding her arms with exaggerated sarcasm.

“Oh, trust me,” Jin sighed dramatically. “Even I’m wondering if I should’ve stayed out longer.”

“Jin!”

“Just kidding,” he chuckled. “Sorry I made you worry.”

Lily’s frustration melted a little at his smile. “What about Yoona?”

“She’s fine,” Jin assured her. “She’s staying in the neighboring village. She’ll come back tomorrow.”

“But she said she’d be back today.”

“Yeah, but the medicines are only arriving tonight. She decided to wait till morning.”

“Oh,” Lily said, nodding slowly.

“So,” Jin smirked, plopping down into a chair. “Looks like I’m staying another night.”

“Hm,” Lily grunted.

“It’s called true friendship,” Jin said with mock seriousness.

“Oh really?” Lily side-eyed him.

“Obviously. Who else is here to protect you?”

“Done?” she asked.

“Not even close,” Jin grinned. “This is just the beginning!”

“Jin, you’re the one who got attacked in broad daylight. Sounds like you’re the one who needs protection.”

“You’re already protecting me, Princess.”

“Jin...”

“I’m serious. As long as you’re with me, nothing’s going to happen.”

“You’re such a drama prince.”

“Facts,” he said, without shame.

“Okay, okay. Aren’t you hungry?”

“I’m starving!”

“And still talking this much?” she said, rolling her eyes. “Let’s go. I’m hungry too.”

“Whoa, now I’m scared. What’s your plan, young lady?” Jin teased, placing both hands on his chest like she might strike.

Lily just laughed at his theatrics, grabbed his arm, and dragged him to the kitchen.

His chuckles followed her the whole way.