The gentle pitter-patter sound of small, bare feet echoed through the silent hallway, their rhythmic cadence a testament to the exuberant energy that filled the air. The young girl with light brown hair danced with the breeze, playfully tousling her locks, while small muddy prints adorned the floor, leaving behind the delightful evidence of her recent escapades. Clutched tightly in her tiny fist was a radiant yellow carnation, its petals vibrant and full of life. As she traversed the corridor, her giggles, like musical notes, filled the otherwise still atmosphere.
Her brown eyes shimmered with anticipation and excitement as she scampered towards her beloved father's study. The door swung open with a sudden burst, the sound reverberating through the room,catching her father's attention. Startled, he lifted his gaze from the ancient scroll he had been engrossed in, his eyes meeting the sight of his vivacious daughter standing before him.
"Appa, Appa!" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with unrestrained delight. Bouncing on her feet, hands securely tucked behind her back, she could barely contain her excitement. Her father, captivated by her infectious joy, broke into an adoring smile. "Sweetheart," he beckoned, gesturing for her to come closer.His eyes followed the path of her movements, and his heart swelled with affection as he noticed the yellow flower peeking out from behind her petite frame, unable to be concealed.
"What are you hiding, my little one?" he inquired, his voice filled with curiosity. A mischievous glint danced in her eyes as she revealed her secret, her smile radiant and contagious. Her lips stretched wide,exposing a few missing teeth, while her eyes transformed into crescent moons. "A gift," she declared,her voice filled with pure delight. In one swift motion, she extended her hand, presenting him with the beautifully bloomed yellow carnation.
His heart filled with warmth and adoration as he accepted the gift from her tiny hand, the delicate flower symbolizing her unconditional love. "It's so beautiful, thank you, Jimin-ah," he expressed, his voice laced with deep appreciation. The father-daughter bond radiated with an ethereal glow as he lifted her into his arms, her little hands instinctively wrapping around his neck, seeking comfort and security.
Even though several years had passed, the sensation of her embrace still ignited a radiant warmth in his chest, a warmth that enveloped his being whenever he held her. His little princess, a true ball of sunshine, was adored by almost everyone in the palace, cherished by all who crossed her path. She was the most precious gift bestowed upon him by his beloved, Bo-Young.
Hyung Sik's gaze shifted to his daughter's dirtied bare feet, which now playfully rubbed against his pristine white shirt, smearing it with remnants of her playful adventures. "Where are your shoes, my little one?" he inquired, his mind brimming with curiosity about the mischief she had gotten herself into this time. Her voice emerged muffled, muted by the fabric of his shirt, as she continued to suckle on it."Dunno," she replied, her voice carrying a sense of innocence and playfulness. He studied her cherubic face, his voice adopting a gentle yet firm tone. "Did you give the maids a hard time? Have you been a naughty girl?" he asked, a touch of amusement evident in his voice. Her eyes widened with innocence,their large doe-like orbs fixed upon her father. "Jiminie is good," she affirmed, her voice filled with sincerity.
"Good girl," he lovingly patted her head, his hand caressing her soft locks. "Now let us find your maid,"he suggested, a glimmer of amusement dancing in his eyes. Carrying her tenderly, he walked through the corridor, his heart full of adoration for the little princess nestled within his embrace.
"The flower place," she chimed in, a delightful note of excitement resonating in her voice as she referred to the garden she adored. Father and daughter journeyed towards Jimin's cherished spot, a small garden meticulously tended to by the late queen, Bo-Young. The gentle breeze whispered through the foliage,carrying the fragrant scent of blooming flowers and the promise of joy.
