Not Quite a Prince || Eric Sohn

~ 74 ~

Chanmi almost laughed at Hyunjae's reaction. His jaw dropped, and he stared at Eric as though he wasn't sure whether to laugh or run away.

Dayeong, on the other hand, didn't look at all surprised. She just nodded, "I'm in."

Eric wrinkled his nose at her. "You didn't even hear the plan yet."

"Even so, I'm totally in."

Chanmi couldn't help laughing at that, feeling lighter than she had in days. "Eric and I have been discussing it for a while, honestly," she said, her voice low. "But we were kind of trying to accomplish our goals without being treasonous, at first."

"At first," Hyunjae said flatly. "And now?" he said, looking almost scared to ask.

"We all know why my parents chose to introduce me now, of all times," Eric said, folding his hands neatly in front of him. Chanmi couldn't help admiring him, admiring how much he'd grown. In his many months at the Palace, he'd developed confidence and determination that she hadn't seen before, and it made her proud. She knew that he'd be the perfect person to rule the Kingdom, she knew it with all her heart.

"They needed me, and this wedding, to serve as a distraction from the cases of corruption that are currently being filed against them. The outside courts are going to have a lot of trouble finding proof of corruption, but-"

"But the royal investigations teams could do it!" Dayeong exclaimed, snapping her fingers. Her eyes were bright with newfound hope. "That's genius!"

"It was Chanmi's idea," Eric said, grinning at everyone around the table. He looked at Hyunjae. "I need to speak to Changmin. Will you help me?"

Hyunjae's eyes were wide, and he desperately glanced at Chanmi.

"You don't have to help us," she told him gently.

"It's not that I don't want to," he said after a moment. "I'm not the biggest fan of your parents or anything, especially not after everything that just happened... but..." his eyes were wide, full of fear as he looked up at them. "Yerin and I are engaged now," he said after a moment, looking down at the table. "I'm scared they might try hurting her if I help you."

"I understand," Eric said immediately. "I'm sorry for asking."

"I can get you in contact with Changmin though," Hyunjae said. "I'll pretend I didn't hear anything you just said. I'll pretend that you just asked if I could bring him to you, and I obeyed because that's my job. I'm sorry, but that's all I can do for you."

"Don't be sorry," Eric said gratefully. "You're already helping a lot," he said, his eyes flickering over to Chanmi. She smiled, taking his hand and squeezing it, feeling hopeful. There was no guarantee whatsoever that Changmin would help them. After all, what reason would he have to help them? But still, she felt hopeful. At least they were finally doing something. At least they were finally putting their plan into action.

When she looked up, Hyunjae's eyes were on the table, his expression torn. Meanwhile, Dayeong was watching her with thinly veiled amusement.

"Hyunjae," Dayeong mock-whispered. "Will you escort me to the kitchen so I can find something to eat?"

"Gladly," he said, standing up and heading to the door. Dayeong winked at Chanmi and then followed him, making sure to lock the door on her way out.

Chanmi laughed. "She did that so that we could spend some time alone," she said, grinning at Eric.

He grinned back, getting up. She got up too and he pulled her into his arms. She rested her head on his chest, enjoying the sound of the steady beating of his heart.

"I miss you," he whispered, kissing her head.

"But we're together," she whispered back, laughing a little.

"Even when we're together, we seem so far apart," he said softly. "I don't know if this will work. I feel like I'm only going to get us all hurt."

"Even if we get hurt in the process, at least we'll have the satisfaction of knowing we tried to do everything and anything in our power," she told him, her voice stern. "Don't worry too much. Everything will be fine."

"When did you become so optimistic?" he murmured playfully.

It's because of you.

For some reason, saying those words were difficult. How could she possibly explain what an effect he'd had on her? She'd been completely focused on her work, never even considering having a relationship with anyone. She'd never imagined herself falling in love.

Love, that was what made her hopeful. Love, that was what gave her faith.

"I love you," she said softly, peeking up at him.

A slow smile spread across Eric's face. "I love you too," he whispered, leaning down, his lips meeting hers in a kiss.

She smiled into the kiss, her hands making their way to his shoulders and then gradually to his fluffy hair. His hands were firm and steady on her waist, pulling her closer to him.

Like all their kisses lately, it was a kiss full of an almost naive sort of hope.