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

15. Princess's 20th birthday

Princess Yona didn't see Bang Chan for quite a while: she passed all of her final exams, finished the second year of college, and was gladly enjoying the start of her summer break, all while Chan went on assigned missions all over the kingdom. She continued her reading corner with children without him but instead of Chan, young soldier Han Jisung acted both as her guard and the animator for the children. Young ones loved him! Han's playful nature attracted more visitors and kids stayed to listen to the princess reading picture books for them. She laughed along, really enjoying Han's company. Yona spent every day in the library, which made her happy and fulfilled. Even some adults came to the princess to ask for recommendations on some of her favorite novels.

Bang Chan eventually came back from his missions but he didn't join Yona in the library - he had other responsibilities assigned to him. He went to the Royal Army Academy to, as the best alumnus, train young students who attended the summer camp.

Summer days seemed to pass a lot quicker and it was, very soon, the beginning of August at which everyone in the castle became busy - the princess's birthday was coming up. The organization of the ball, guest list, menu, decorations, etc. made everyone hectic, running around like busy bees. Young soldiers also helped move around tables and chairs in the big ballroom.

"Do you miss him?" blond Felix asked, breaking the silence and startling Yona who sat on the other side of the glass table in the white gazebo.

"Wh-what do you mean?!" she panicked.

"You've been gloomy ever since we got here, 'working' on that garland forever," he pointed out openly. He knew Yona wouldn't scold him for his honesty; Felix considered her more as a friend and not a stuck-up royal.

"You're right," Yona sighed, "I really can't seem to focus..."

Felix took a moment to answer, as her gloominess affected him as well, "Knowing Chan for so long, I know he won't miss this for anything in the world. He'll do anything to attend your birthday ball but..." he took a pause, making Yona look up at him, "If you want him close, you have to do something," he exclaimed, putting the garland he finished in the box by their legs.

"Wh-what are you implying?" Yona stuttered, gripping the poor decorative paper in her hands.

Felix sighed and rolled his eyes, "Come on... Everything about you says--"

"No! It's not like that!" she panicked more, not wanting Felix to finish his sentence as she knew what he would say, "He was my guard and that's that!"

"Alright. Whatever you say," Felix smiled at her blush and cute stuttering, taking another piece of colored paper to continue making paper flowers.

That evening, after dinner, Yona visited her father in the office to make a suggestion, hoping that the king will accept it.

Everything was ready in time for the princess's birthday ball - all of the nobility was invited, meaning everyone from her college class and their families. That morning Princess Yona woke up happy, a complete opposite from her sullen self from a few days ago. She was looking forward to the ball, feeling very enthusiastic, more than she has ever been. She had a light breakfast, calming tea after it, and was ready for the final appointment with her personal tailor. He brought in the princess's ballgown, ready for her to try it on, making the smallest adjustments on the fabric. Yona looked at her reflection in the tall mirror and fell in love with the dress all over again. It was a royal purple off-shoulder ballgown with glittery white underskirt over which the purple tulle fell, making a perfect A-line. The tight but beautiful corset stood out because of the golden decorations in form of branches on which ends the tailor put shiny clear zircons. The tailor worked on those small decorations, putting more on the off-shoulder straps. Yona's comfortable shoes with a small heel also arrived, making a perfect match with the dress. Her look completed her royal crown which maids took to polish and prepare it for the evening ball.