Not Quite a Prince || Eric Sohn

~ 26 ~

Eric was trying his best to act naturally.  

But every day that passed, it became more difficult to do so. He wanted Chanmi to like him back. He wanted to hold hands and share hugs and kisses in secret. He wanted to be with her publically too. 

Still, he tried to go back to normal. To just being friends. Because he knew Chanmi was right... she had so much more to lose than him. She'd lose everything, he'd lose nothing. Yeah, he'd promised to protect her, but how did he actually plan on doing that? He had no power. He wouldn't have any power until he became King, and he knew he wasn't anywhere near ready for that. Plus, his coronation date would be up to his parents, and he couldn't ask them to speed it up without raising suspicion. 

When he became King, then he'd have power. Then he'd be able to publically date her. 

He held onto that hope. 

Her words played over and over again in his mind, but he always ended up latching onto two in particular. 

"I'm sorry." 

She'd apologized. Those words gave him so much hope because... she wouldn't have apologized if she hadn't felt anything for him, right? Did her apology mean that once the barriers blocking them were pushed away, she'd be with him? He wasn't sure, but he kept hearing those words over and over again in his head. 

He understood why she was scared. If he'd been in her position, he'd probably be terrified as well. He'd also run away. 

But still, he selfishly wanted her. 

"So, what am I preparing for now?" he asked, trying to keep his voice light as they walked the hallways together. He desperately wanted to turn around and look at her, but he knew he couldn't so he closed his eyes as he walked, waiting for the sound of her voice. 

"Etiquette practice with Younghoon," she answered. To anyone else, her voice would have sounded normal. To anyone else, their conversation may have seemed comfortable. But to him, it was obvious that they were both trying too hard. 

He sighed, turning around to look at her. Immediately her eyes widened in shock, and she glanced around the hallways to make sure no one was watching them. 

Can we please not be awkward? I don't want things to be awkward, not with you. Even if you don't like me... I'll be okay as long as we're still friends. As long as we're close. So, please. 

But he didn't say any of that. 

He just gave her a mischievous smile, gesturing in front of him. "I don't know the way to Younghoon's office," he said, which was true. "So you'll have to lead the way." 

"Oh, you're right," she nodded. "I totally forgot. But really, it's been over a month. Shouldn't you know the Palace by now?" she said, her voice an attempt at teasing. 

"Hmm, maybe if I had a better tour guide, I'd remember where things are," he shot back playfully. 

Chanmi laughed, and he hadn't heard that sound in so long, he actually stopped in his tracks. Thankfully she didn't notice, so he quickly started walking behind her again. 

"Are you insulting my touring skills right now?" she asked, trying to sound angry. 

"You're a terrible actor, you know," he told her. "You don't sound angry at all." 

She sighed, and he could practically see her rolling her eyes. "Well, I guess I better work on it. You're a good actor. Shall you be my acting teacher?" she teased, opening the door for him. 

"Sure. Anything that'll let me spend more time with you, I'll take," he whispered, winking at her. Her eyes sparkled with silent laughter, and the sight made him indescribably happy. Finally. Finally, after days of awkwardness, they were finding their way back to this. 

He walked into the room, Chanmi at his heels. 

There was a young man sitting at a desk at the far end of the room. His chair was turned around so he wasn't facing them, but at the sound of their footsteps, he spun around, rising from his chair to greet them. 

They met in the middle of the room and the young man, who he assumed to be Younghoon, bowed to him. 

"My Prince. It's a pleasure to meet you." 

"I... Prince?" Eric said, staring at Younghoon. "You look like you should be the Prince. Would you like to be?" he joked, partially in awe at how handsome Younghoon was. 

Younghoon laughed, glancing at Chanmi. "You weren't wrong when you said he was easy to get along with." 

"He's a good student," she told him. "A hard worker and a fast learner. And yes, very easy to get along with." 

The tone of her voice changed when she said that, and he glanced back at her. She didn't meet his eyes though, she was looking at the floor and playing nervously with the ring on her finger. 

"Sounds good!" Younghoon said brightly, clapping his hands. "Okay, Your Highness," 

"Call me Eric," he said quickly. It was something he told all his teachers. Some of them chose to still use the formalities, while others were happy to drop it and act as almost friends. 

"Okay, Eric," Younghoon continued. "We'll start your etiquette practice. You'll need it because... surprise surprise... next week you will be heading to the Stray Kids Commonwealth, to meet their Crown Prince."