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

19. Memories

For life to be perfect, everything needs to be balanced. People need to experience good and bad equally. If you strive for everything to be good, that bad side will eventually push itself in your life one way or another. But, on the other hand, if everything seems bad and dark, don't worry - good things are just eagerly waiting to come into your life.

Princess Yona had her share of bad and dark, living those negative emotions for months. Ever since her spring excursion, and the blind woman's words, Yona has been living her share of a good life. Euphoria and happiness were the main emotions that ruled over her. The princess smiled every day and she loved it. She made Bang Chan her knight and her decision wasn't wrong: she enjoyed having him close, enjoyed his company and wise words. Talking to him seemed so natural and calming and being close to him felt... warm.

The princess spent her afternoon in the school's library, looking for material for her next exam. Despite the cold weather that dominated late November, Yona felt good. She was leaning and smiling over numerous books and notes until she felt a quiet tap on the shoulder. Looking up she saw Chan and knew it was time for her to go home.

The next day, as he escorted her to school, she told him not to wait for her as she will be going with her friends after school to visit the newly opened tea house. Their classes ended around 2 PM and, having a reservation, the girls were seated quickly in the elegant tea house. Each of them ordered their favorite tea with a snack pastry and just admired the quiet and pleasant atmosphere even though there were a lot of people in the room.

"Princess Yona, I hear that your 'new school' project is going good..." blonde-haired Layla started, taking a bite of a coconut cookie.

Yona was happy that someone mentioned the school she worked so hard to make happen; she loved talking about it: "Ah, yes. A lot of people worked so hard on building it over the summer and finished it only recently. Right now, we're working on printing the books for the children and going over the program with different teachers," she talked, trying not to appear overly excited.

"What you are doing is so noble of you, princess," brown-haired Maria pointed out and others agreed, "Everyone should be treated equally and have equal rights for education," she talked and Yona nodded her head, glad to see someone sharing her ideas, "We need to learn not to discriminate others just because of their family status. Poor people are still people, just like us, and I noticed that they're very hardworking but... not paid enough."

"Yes," Yona nodded and took the cup of tea that the waiter served to put a spoonful of honey in, "That's why I want to give them something in return for their hard work - free education for their children."

"I have to admit..." Layla spoke up, her hand stopping to stir the tea, "My father didn't like that idea but he softened with time and agreed to donate," Layla's worried face changed with a smile.

"Thank you, Layla," Yona smiled at her friend, "We're grateful for every donated coin and all donations are used wisely in--"

Yona's speech was cut short as the loud bell ringing interrupted the peace. It came from the church but it was never this loud. People on the street, as well as those inside, looked around confused and soon the quiet atmosphere turned into turmoil and overall panic as everyone rushed outside to see what was happening.

The main road was cleared, crowds of people separated into left and right for someone to pass. Yona and her friends also went outside, curious to see who those church bells announced. In the distance Yona saw people on horses but, thinking about it, she didn't hear anything from her father that any diplomat or noble is visiting them. But, as the horses approached, she could easily recognize the men riding. In the front royal commander as well as Bang Chan took the lead, dressed in their regular uniform with silver braids and medals, while seven of Chan's close Academy friends followed. Behind them were the rest of the royal army soldiers. All of their faces were stern, almost emotionless. Yona didn't fail to notice the thick cape on soldiers' shoulders and large bags on each side of each horse. Chan never mentioned a thing about going anywhere...