𝑩𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝑷𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆 | 정원

09

"We've been waiting for you," one of the guys with blonde hair spoke up, his deep voice sent a chill down Ji-ah's spine.

"Me...?" Ji-ah stuttered, her voice barely above a whisper. Why would they be looking for her? Ji-ah assumed they were the princes, given the luxurious aura that surrounded them. Do they know her?

Another guy seemingly shorter than him, walked up to him and slapped his hand on his shoulder. "Yah Ni-ki, stop it, you're scaring the girl." 

Ni-ki chuckled. "Sorry,"

"He's just joking, don't mind him." The guy who slapped him spoke with a strong accent. "I'm Jake." He strode towards Ji-ah and extended his hand, before dropping it after realizing Ji-ah was carrying the tray.

Ni-ki grabbed a cup from the tray she was still holding. "Thank you." He said with a mischievous smile. They must be Jungwon's brothers, Ji-ah felt Ni-ki is the youngest one.

As she scanned the room, her eyes met those of the guy with slicked-back black hair, who was seated on the couch. It was the guy she bumped into just now. He noticed her too and offered a warm smile.

Ji-ah carefully made her way to the center and set the tray down on the table, ignoring the quivering feeling in her stomach.

"Thank you." A guy sitting across from her said, his voice polite. He had purple hair, and he looked as striking as every guy in this room. Contrary to the moody prince she met, they all seemed much more nicer.

"You're welcome," Ji-ah replied, still keeping her head down. She was unsure of what to do in front of these princes.

"I bumped into her just now you know," The black-haired guy said, his voice sounding surprisingly soothing. "Heeseung hyung, don't you think she looks familiar?"

The guy in front lifted his eyes to Ji-ah's face and she willed herself not to run out of the room right now. She could feel the heat rising in her cheeks. She couldn't stand people staring at her, it feels embarrassing.

"Why? Does she look like your ex?" A tall guy with neatly combed hair said in a teasing tone. His skin is almost porcelain-pale and he looks like a prince from storybooks.

He gave him a dirty look and rolled his eyes. "No."

She had never seen these princes before. Perhaps they saw her at the party? Given their unreal visuals, Ji-ah would've noticed them.

Trying to dispel the uneasy feeling in her gut, Ji-ah forced a polite smile and turned to leave the room.

However, just before she could make her escape, the door swung open, with you know who standing in the doorway.

Now there was more light, and Ji-ah couldn't help but notice his mesmerizing visuals. He had soft chestnut hair that framed his face in waves, and his skin the color of sweet honey. 

Ji-ah couldn't deny it, despite his attitude, he looked undeniably breathtaking.

He is wearing a gray hoodie today, and he could look just like any college student, if not for the fact that he is royalty.

Jungwon's eyes briefly flicked over to Ji-ah before he strolled past her. Ji-ah felt the urge to roll her eyes. Rude.

"Jungwon," Another guy with silver hair, stepped forward and clasped his hand.

"Jay hyung. Why did you guys come?" he said.

"We missed you of course, we haven't seen each other for a long time." The guy from before said, his voice endearing and cheerful.

"Right, we should have dinner together," Jake suggested.

"Sure," Jungwon's voice softened as he agreed.

Ji-ah discreetly retreated to the hallway and closed the door. Jungwon must have a strong bond with his brothers. Since she is an orphan, Ji-ah never knew what having siblings is like.

She walks back to the kitchen and passes by Mrs. Kim, to which she gives a respectful nod. Mrs. Kim returned Ji-ah's nod with an unknowing smile and she continued her path, making her way toward the living room.

The staff were bustling after hearing the princes' arrival, rushing to prepare the living quarters for them. Ji-ah had heard the princes would be staying here for a while.

She was assigned to work in the kitchen and help serve the food. She had told herself not to bump into the prince again, but it seemed she had no choice today.

Seo-yeon appeared a mix of excited and curious after hearing the princes' arrival. Ji-ah had asked her for their names, to which she knows now the guy she bumped into was Sunoo.

He had a friendly and warm demeanor, along with a genuinely charming smile. But Ji-ah felt there was an uncanny aura surrounding the princes, making it clear that they were anything but ordinary royal figures.

She kept her head down when she entered the royal dining room, carrying the plate in her hands. The dining room was decorated lavishly, and the princes were seated together at a long table adorned with lit candles. Talk about grand.

She carefully placed the plate in front of one of the princes, all the while trying to keep her composure and avoid any eye contact.

"Jungwon, are you still hosting those parties?" Heeseung asked.

"Yes," Jungwon replied.

A knowing silence seems to pass between the princes.

Ji-ah felt a weird tension and quickly retreated to the kitchen. She wanted none of that vibe. 

Ji-ah decided to focus on her tasks, preferring to keep herself busy and avoid overhearing any more of the princes' conversation. After the dinner was done, Ji-ah and the rest of the staff tidied up the dining room.

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