Summer Love
by Shane Lauren I. Millares

In days of yore, there lived a prince named Wang Soo—a strikingly handsome, tall, and wise man. Despite his charms, he was notorious for his arrogance, seldom engaging with any ladies in the palace except for his mother.

Every day, Wang Soo sought solace in the Secret Garden of their palace, immersing himself in study and poetry. His routine took an unexpected turn when he ventured to the province of Gangwon-do to witness the Sunflower Festival.

Among the myriad of ladies, one in a red hanbok captivated him—Hae Soo, amidst the summer sunflowers during the Taebak Sunflower Festival.

For the first time, Wang Soo experienced an unfamiliar emotion towards a girl he had just seen. From that day forward, Hae Soo lingered in the prince's thoughts.

Wang Soo clandestinely left the palace, traversing hundreds of kilometers to find the mysterious girl. Disguised in peasant clothing, he successfully located Hae Soo and, unbeknownst to her, they became fast friends.

Despite the vast distance from Seoul, Wang Soo consistently sneaked out to visit Hae Soo. Their connection deepened, evolving into a passionate love affair.

King Wang Yeo's discovery of their relationship led to anger, and he issued an ultimatum: break up with Hae Soo or face exile. Defying his father's command, Wang Soo faced an arranged marriage to Princess Ji Soo, a situation he vehemently rejected.

In a bold move, Wang Soo abandoned the royal wedding and sought refuge with Hae Soo, proposing an immediate escape from Gangwon-do. Though hesitant and confused, Hae Soo joined him. Their plans were foiled by the king's soldiers, but not before they vowed to never leave each other, meeting their tragic end in each other's arms.

The End