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

22. Graduation

Bang Chan woke up just when the sky started turning brighter as the sun slowly approached the east horizon. He was lying on his back, still fully dressed in his uniform, facing the ceiling. The room was silent, the only sound he could hear was the princess's slow and peaceful breathing on his right arm. He turned his head and smiled at her gentle sleeping face, planting a careful kiss on top of her head. She snuggled more toward him as her body felt that small touch, gripping the fold of his jacket on his chest.

"Don't go..." Yona whispered in her sleep and Chan turned on his side, hugging her close, his lips slightly touching her forehead.

"I would love to stay but... I have to go, my princess..." his whispers made her open her eyes. She saw his smile on his still tired face and pulled herself closer to him again, making Chan chuckle, "I need to go, my love. I would be suspicious if I don't show up at the morning assembly. But I promise," she looked up at him again, "I'll wait for you in the castle after you're done with your lessons."

Princess Yona pulled herself up and kissed the handsome man next to her, suppressing the sadness and every possible tear. Given his position and rank, she knew that Chan was right and she strongly held onto his words and promise.

"Is the war really over?" she asked after the kiss and he nodded, still keeping a wide smile on his lips. Yona took the opportunity to caress that face and stop her thumb on the dimple by the right side of his mouth.

Bang Chan kissed her forehead one last time before slipping out of her hug and bed. Yona watched that marvelous man fixing his uniform, buttoning up his shirt and jacket, and all she could feel was happiness that he was finally hers. Chan went to the dresser, fixed his hair in the mirror, and seeing Yona's reflection, came back to her. Holding himself just above her, Chan kissed the sleepy princess and pulled the thick blanket on her, as it was always the coldest at the sunrise.

"I will see you soon, alright?" he asked as if he was reassuring himself. Yona nodded and fell back on the bed, holding the blanket close to her face.  Chan chuckled at the cuteness and went to the door, opening it and turning to look at the girl one last time.

"I love you," the princess said, nuzzling her face into the pillow where Chan's head laid just a few minutes ago.

"I love you too, my princess," he replied and exited the room.

One lonely tear wetted the cotton pillow cover and just when the sun peeked in the east, Yona fell back to sleep.

Bang Chan paid the hotel fee, checked out, and on his loyal black horse Thunder galloped back to the castle, arriving before others woke up. His mind was filled with thoughts of her and his feelings were set - he was full of energy and everything that happened on the battlefield was easily pushed away. The love he felt was making him stronger.