"There are a lot of reporters waiting outside," Chanmi told Eric, who was still drowsy from his nap. Remembering how he reacted to reporters the first time, she was worried about how he'd react now. There were many more than before, and they would be throwing him a lot of questions. 

The news articles had been released. The Prince was back. 

She'd hoped that his parents, his royal parents, would wait until he was safely in the Palace so that he wouldn't be bombarded with reporters and new fans. 

No such luck. 

Eric moved to open the window and look outside, presumably, but Chanmi quickly reached out and grabbed onto his arm, stopping him. 

"Sorry," she apologized, letting go of him. "I had to touch you because I couldn't let you open the window. If-" 

"Friends don't have to apologize for holding each other like this," he said, reaching out and holding onto her wrist. 

Chanmi huffed, pulling away and crossing her arms. "Listen, Your Highness, I believe that I already made it clear that we're not friends. We cannot be friends." 

"I'm going to change your mind," he declared, crossing his arms and mimicking her annoyed look. She could see the teasing glint in his eyes as he mirrored her image.

His teasing was a gentle reminder to her that she could not get annoyed at him. She could not laugh when he made jokes, no matter how much she wanted to. For some reason, that made her sad. 

It was almost funny, really. She'd never really cared about that rule until now. 

But there was something about Eric that made her want to protect him. She wanted to be a comfort and a friend. 

But thoughts like that were dangerous, so she pushed them away. 

"Anyway, why can't I open the window?" he asked, breezily changing the subject when he realized she wasn't answering. "I want to see how many reporters there are." 

"And they also want to see you," she told him. "As soon as you open that, they'll take pictures. You just woke up. Do you really want those pictures online?" 

"I guess not," he admitted, standing up and stretching. "So... are we going out now." 

"In a minute," Chanmi said, stepping back and letting the rest of the staff rush forward. People were holding out different outfits for him to try on, and other staff members started combing and spraying his hair, or reached forward with brushes to do his makeup. 

His eyes widened and he tried to step back, but there was nowhere to go. 

"Relax," she told him, eyes softening as she took in his expression. "They have to get you ready to meet the press." 

"Do I have to say anything?" 

Chanmi shook her head. 

"Ah, I just have to stand there and look pretty?" he asked, joking around again. "That's easy," he said, winking at her. 

She didn't say anything, but in her head... she couldn't help agreeing with him.