It was early in the morning when Chanmi left Eric's room. Truly, it was almost dawn. She'd rushed to her quarters to take a shower and sleep, but felt as though she'd only been asleep for five minutes when her alarm rang again. 

When she exited her room, she found Juyeon waiting for her outside. 

"How was Eric yesterday?" he asked, his eyes worried as he rushed up to her. 

"He was... scared," she told him. "It's quite a transition for him. I don't think it's fully sunk in yet, honestly. Maybe it will today when he meets his parents." 

Juyeon nodded, the worry not leaving his eyes. "When can I see him?"

"Come with me now," she said, shrugging. "I'm sure he'll be really happy to see you." 

"You have to take care of him really well," Juyeon told her, looking more anxious by the second. "Since you're older, you have to watch out for him. Guide him well, hm?" 

"Since I'm older?" she repeated, laughing. "I'm only two years older. What reason is that? I have to take care of him because it's my job. And why should I be the one to guide him? Isn't that your job, as his older brother?" 

Juyeon made a face at her. "You better be nice to him," he warned. "If you ever make him cry, I'll hunt you down and make you pay. Mark my words." 

"Be honest. I'm sure you've made him cry at least once. Siblings tend to end up doing that, even if only by accident." 

Juyeon's guilty face gave him away, and Chanmi smiled triumphantly. She bumped her shoulder against his playfully. "Don't worry," she told him. "Don't you trust me? He's in good hands, don't worry. I'll protect him. Not only because it's my job, but because he's a good kid. Truly." 

He smiled at her, stopping in his tracks and pulling her into his arms. 

Chanmi laughed, hugging him back. "What's with you two and your hugs?" she teased, remembering Eric last night. 

"Did Eric hug you?" Juyeon asked, his eyes wide as he pulled out of the embrace to look at her. "Really? Why?" 

"He was scared," she shrugged. "He was trying to convince me to be his friend." 

"Be his friend," Juyeon told her, continuing to walk down the hall. She kept going too, leading the way. 

"You know I can't. Professional relationships have to remain professional." 

"You better not hurt his feelings," Juyeon warned. 

Chanmi laughed, rolling her eyes at him. "You're so protective over him. That's cute. I've never seen you like this before... it's total boyfriend material," she teased, winking at him playfully. 

This time he was the one rolling his eyes at her. "Shut up." 

"We're here," she announced to him, knocking on Eric's door. "Your Highness? It's Chanmi, and I've brought a guest. May we come in?" 

When there was no answer, she tried knocking and calling again. Nothing. Panic started building up in her, but Juyeon reached forward to open the door. 

"I'm sure he's still sleeping," Juyeon said. "This kid always sleeps in late." 

And just as he said, as soon as the door opened and they walked in, there was Eric. Fast asleep in his giant bed, a bed that seemed as big as his old room. Chanmi closed the door behind them and stayed there, not wanting to intrude as she watched Juyeon walk over to sit beside Eric. 

"Hey you," Juyeon said softly, shaking Eric's shoulders. "Wake up." 

It took a minute or so, but finally, Eric's eyes fluttered open, and when his eyes focused on Juyeon the brightest smile came to his face. 

"Hyung!" he shouted, sitting up and hugging Juyeon, who laughed and hugged him back. 

Chanmi couldn't help it, the sight brought a smile to her face. It warmed her heart. And when Eric looked up and saw her too, his face seemed to light up even more. 

"Oh! You're here too!" 

She just nodded, not saying anything as he turned his full attention back to Juyeon. 

"I missed you so much," Eric said, pouting at Juyeon. 

Juyeon laughed, ruffling his hair playfully. "It was less than a day," he teased. "And you were in good hands, right? I told you that you would be."

Eric grinned, nodding. "Chanmi's great," he said, his eyes locking with hers. She looked to the floor, feeling slightly uncomfortable at the sudden eye contact. 

"Can we hang out today?" Eric asked Juyeon excitedly. "Have you been here before? You can show me around! Or if not... Chanmi can show us both around!" 

Juyeon just laughed, reaching forward and hugging Eric again. "I'm afraid not. You have to get ready to go meet your royal parents. And I have my job to get to... some new mission of mine. I have to help prepare something."

"Do I have to meet them... now?" Eric said, his voice suddenly becoming quiet. 

Juyeon nodded, patting his head. "Don't worry too much. Chanmi will be right there with you." 

Eric looked over at her, his eyes wide and trusting. Completely trusting. 

And she broke the rule again. She threw away the rule about not showing her emotions, and she smiled at him, hoping to be a small source of comfort. 

It was worth it to see him smile back.