"Chanmi!" Eric whisper-called, running into the library and straight over to where she was. "I have to tell you something," he said, pulling her into his arms in relief. It was always a relief, and he knew that despite their secrecy, he should be grateful that she was here. In his arms. Standing right in front of him. 

"If it's about your parents... and my parents... Changmin already told me," she said, tippy-toeing and pressing a soft kiss to his lips. "You're not worried about that, are you?"

Eric blinked down at her. "Well... not anymore."

She just laughed, shaking her head at him. She sat down on the floor, folding her hands in her lap. "I don't remember them," she said, shrugging. "They died when I was a baby, I don't remember them at all. It's sad... and I'm angry. But not at you. Seriously, did you really think I'd be mad at you for something your parents did?"

"I was just worried about how you'd be taking the news, that's all," he said, taking her hand and interlacing their fingers. "Well, I have another order of news to attend to. Dayeong and I will be leaving for a while."

Chanmi met his eyes, confusion on her face. "Really? Why?"

"I have to go meet her brother. He's King now. He cares about his sister a lot, I'm sure he does. I have to convince him to air the news about my parent's corruption and help me take the throne. And I want to try and see if he could possibly find Juyeon-" he said, his voice breaking a little.

She squeezed his hand. "Don't give up hope," she whispered, though her eyes were sad as well. "When do you leave?"

"Tomorrow morning."

"So soon," she sighed, resting her head on his shoulder and curling up against his side. "Don't do anything crazy over there, okay? Dayeong's parents are furious enough as it is."

"Trust me, everything will be just fine," he assured her, winking.

She held his gaze for a long moment. "Eric," she finally said, kissing his cheek. "I trust you with my life."

***

Chanmi wanted to go to Eric. She wanted to say bye to him before he boarded his plane. But she was helping Dayeong do her hair, and she wasn't about to leave her unattended. She knew Dayeong was taking Juyeon's absence worse than anyone else, and everyday she became increasingly concerned for her friend's condition.

"Are you excited to see your brother?" Chanmi asked, braiding Dayeong's hair. She wasn't the best at it, and she knew that the Palace had professionals who could do a much better job, but she liked helping out. She sensed that it was these tiny moments of friendship that kept them all sane.

"Really excited," Dayeong sighed. "I'm excited but... I'm also scared."

Chanmi paused. "Why?"

"Because I don't think it'll feel like home anymore. I don't think anywhere feels like home anymore."

Chanmi smiled sadly. "That's because your home is with him," she whispered, not having to say who he was. "When he comes back, I'm sure everywhere will feel like home." Her words sounded far too optimistic, and even she could tell it was fake. Everyone's optimism was wearing thin. No one knew if Juyeon would ever return to them.

"When he comes back," Dayeong repeated softly. "He will come back."