In the Middle of the Night [BANG CHAN FF] ✔️

9. In school

March mornings were still cold, wearing her long-sleeved school uniform with a long skirt, Yona climbed up the carriage with a small sneeze. The man that held the door for her climbed in as well, sitting across from the princess. Right away, the princess looked outside the window, not wanting to meet with his eyes. She was still angry at her father's condition but she tried hard not to show it, keeping a straight face and not saying a word during the ride to school.

When the carriage stopped, he opened the door with a bow to the princess. "I will escort you--"

"Men cannot enter college grounds," Yona cut his sentence short, glaring at him with her cold blue eyes, "Thank you for the offer... but these are the school rules, Sir Bang."

Her voice was flat. She called him formally.

Yona turned on her heel, her silky hair following. Bang Chan, dressed in black guard uniform, stood by the carriage and watched her leave. He was "the only condition" that the king gave Yona - Bang Chan was assigned as her guard and he'll be with her wherever she'd go.

So, he closely watched her... She lost a lot of weight, he noticed. The coat she wore seemed big and the princess's figure looked like one of a child. He also noticed other girls whispering and looking in Yona's direction, some of them trying to hide a laugh. Despite everything that happened, princess Yona held herself proud, which was one of many things he admired about her.

Chan didn't bother to notice another half of the girls who noticed him, also laughing and whispering, commenting his looks. He was worried about Yona - it was her first day in school after more than three months of absence.

But he didn't have to worry much - upon entering the classroom, a lot of girls came to Yona, worry written all over their faces. She didn't smile but convinced them not to worry instead, assuring them that she was alright and that she missed them. Promising to invite them for tea parties again, Yona changed the overall mood in the classroom. However, there was a group that wasn't as happy to see the princess...

The first day of the practical program began with a play in the theater. Yona took the carriage with Chan, riding in silence again. Upon arriving at the theater, an old teacher came to Chan after Yona entered the building.

"I heard everything that's happened, young man," she whispered to Chan, "It is the king's order so we cannot complain - you can enter the theater to keep an eye on the princess," Chan tried to speak but he closed his mouth as the old lady continued, "Don't worry, we already explained the situation to the students. This will be a perfect opportunity to see how well they pay attention with the handsome man near them," the old lady chuckled, nudging Chan with her elbow. He had to force a smile, out of courtesy.

"Oh, good afternoon, Sir Bang. It is a pleasure to see you," a familiar girly voice came behind the teacher. Duchess Daria, along with some friends, greeted Chan. He nodded in respect, making the girls giggle as they entered the theater.

Chan was dragged inside by the short chubby lady, Yona's drama teacher. He had to give in, getting more and more uncomfortable by girly giggles, whispers, and their persistent glances as he stood by the door, behind everyone. Yona, however, didn't turn to look at him.

After the play and on their ride home, Chan noticed that Yona was visibly annoyed. "Is something the matter, your Highness?" he asked carefully and she sighed, closing her eyes for a moment before piercing him with their coldness.

"For the whole time of the play, no one around me could focus on it because of you, Sir Bang, being in the theater. And I couldn't focus because of those whispers and giggles around me," she didn't shout, but her words were drizzled in anger.