Inked

8-

"You are back!!" Jasmine exclaimed, her voice filled with joy as she woke up to Wonwoo pulling back the heavy curtains to let the sunlight flood into her lavish royal room. The warm rays illuminated the intricate patterns on the walls, casting a golden hue over everything.

Jasmine jumped from her bed, her excitement bubbling over as she rushed to hug Wonwoo tightly. He was more than just her bodyguard; he was her confidant, her protector, and, in many ways, the brother she never had.

"Good morning, Princess," he replied, returning her embrace with a gentle but firm squeeze. "I was worried about you last night. You shouldn't be sneaking out like that."

"I know," she sighed, pulling back to look into his eyes. "But you should have seen the tattoo shop! It was amazing, and I finally got to learn how to do tattoos. It was worth the risk!"

Wonwoo's brow furrowed, concern etched on his face. "But at what cost? You know this is your last chance, Jasmine. If you slip up again, it won't just be your freedom at stake. It will be my career as your bodyguard."

Her heart sank at his words. The reality of her situation was weighing heavily on her. She had always taken Wonwoo's protection for granted, but now she understood the gravity of what she was putting him through. "I didn't mean to put you in this position. I just... I can't stand the thought of being confined to this palace forever. I need to live my life."

"I get that," he replied, his tone softening. "But you have to be smart about it. There are people who want to control you, Jasmine. Your parents, the royal family—they won't hesitate to use me as a scapegoat if you keep defying them."

Jasmine looked down, her heart heavy with the weight of her choices. "I just want to be myself, Wonwoo. I don't want to be a pawn in their game anymore."

"I know," he said gently, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "But there are ways to fight this without jeopardizing your safety—or mine. We need a plan."

She nodded slowly, absorbing his words. "What do you suggest?"

"First, no more spontaneous escapades," Wonwoo said, crossing his arms. "If you want to explore, let's do it together, and let's be strategic about it. We can find a way to work within the palace's constraints while still keeping you connected to the outside world."

Jasmine felt a flicker of hope. "You'd really do that for me?"

"Always," he replied, a small smile breaking through his stern facade. "Just promise me you'll be careful. I can't protect you if you don't let me in on your plans."

"I promise," she said, feeling a renewed sense of determination. "I'll be more careful. But I refuse to let them dictate my life. I want to take control of my destiny."

"That's the spirit," he encouraged, pride swelling in his chest. "But for now, let's get you ready for the day. We have to go to the royal court, and you can't face them looking like you just rolled out of bed."

Jasmine laughed, her spirits lifting as she realized that with Wonwoo by her side, she could face whatever challenges lay ahead. "Alright, alright! I'll get ready. But don't think I'll let you off the hook that easily when it comes to my tattoo lessons!"

With that, she dashed to her wardrobe, excitement bubbling within her as she began to plan her next steps, both within the palace walls and beyond. Little did she know that the struggle for her freedom would only intensify, and her bond with Wonwoo would be tested like never before.