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

12. Is this a date?

Train with 30 college girls departed from the station of the flower town Flores early in the morning - their horticulture excursion, part of their practical school program, ended. They were riding back home to the capital, excitedly exchanging their impressions and stories, the overall mood completely different from when they first traveled. It was especially different in princess Yona's compartment - she talked and smiled a lot, asking Bang Chan about his experience and thoughts about the last three days. And he gladly answered all of her questions and participated in the conversation - a soft smile on his face showed that he was glad about the princess's cheerfulness; he was more relaxed that the princess was "her old self" again. Two of them, however, separated their ways once they arrived at the castle.

"Go get some rest," Yona said after exiting the carriage, "You deserve it." she nodded.

"As you wish, your Highness," Bang Chan bowed, smiling, and went down to the army's dormitory.

Yona met with her family at lunch, excitedly telling them about her trip. She apologized to her mother that she couldn't bring the tulip bouquet she made but gifted them the souvenirs she bought at the fair. Both the king and queen were pleasantly surprised at Yona's optimism and joy that their own previous worry about her wellbeing disappeared.

After having the afternoon tea with her mother, Yona went to the castle's library to find needed material for her essay, as she wanted to finish all of her schoolwork and enjoy the upcoming weekend. She focused on her studies really well in the quiet space of the library but at times Yona would look outside the tall windows at the trees behind which was the army's dorm, wondering if Chan ate his lunch and if he was resting as she told him to. Looking at the books around her, Yona also wondered what kind of literature does Chan read? Does he like reading? She wanted to tell him about her favorite novels, too. Suddenly, an idea sparked in the princess's mind and she sprung up from her chair, ready to head outside.

As soon as she opened the library door, Yona hit someone with it. Hearing a deep male groan, she looked behind the door and saw Bang Chan, massaging his forehead, "Ah, commander! I'm so sorry! I hit you, didn't I?" Chan waved his hand in reply, hissing through the pain, "What are you doing here, exactly?" she asked, waiting for him to recover.

"I was reporting to His Majesty about your excursion," he answered, stepping away from the door.

"Oh, I see... of course..." the princess's mood flopped, "So, do you still have to guard me?"

"Yes," Chan answered, worried if it'll make the princess depressed again. But, on the contrary, her face glowed.

"That's wonderful! Come with me!" Yona giggled, grabbing Chan by the wrist and pulling him down the hallway, back to where he was just a few minutes ago. She let go of his arm midway, fixing her posture and slowing down her walk. Just before knocking on the door of the king's office, Yona cleared her throat and nodded to Chan, reassuring him that everything will be alright and that he only follows her as her guard.