The Prince Treatment

Chapter 1

I was on my way home when I felt raindrops on my skin.

"Oh shit!" I exclaimed.

I don't dislike rain before, but something happened that made me hate it.

I dashed to the nearest waiting shed but saw none, so I sat behind a tree, that provided no shelter at all.

My tears began to fall, and I could feel my body trembling.

I covered my ears to reduce the loudness of the rain, but nothing helped.

"I knew it!" I heard from a familiar voice.

I am now under the shade of an umbrella, and the person holding it has somehow calmed me.

As soon as I saw Jihoon standing in front of me, I stood up and hugged him.

I said, "How did you know I'm here?"

"I ran as soon as I saw the rain falling. I know you'll stop somewhere. I don't know where exactly; all I know is I have to find you," he responded.

Since we were little, Jihoon and I have been best friends. We attended the same school since elementary and often do sleepovers. He's close to my family, and so am I with his.

People often mistake us for lovers, but we're no more than friends, and I don't regard him as anything more than that.

"I'll bring you home. Let's go."

Jihoon knew me so damn well. He knew me better than my own parents.

Mom wasn't around when we got home.

"Maybe she went to the market," Jihoon said.

I feel so tired that I couldn't even reply or pay attention to what he was saying.

I went straight to my room, laid down, and fell asleep.

It was almost 7pm when I woke up.

I saw Jihoon sleeping on my couch.

"You're still here," I whispered, attempting to open my eyes.

"Your mom was here, but left a few minutes after she got back. I had to stay just in case you wake up while your mom isn't around," he responded.

He laughed a little when I sat down and heard my stomach growl. "I'm hungry. Let's order food." 

"I already cooked your highness. I was just waiting for you to wake up, so we could finally eat," Jihoon replied.

"Okay, butler. Go get my slippers so we could head to the dining room."

"As you wish your royal highness," he replied.

"Hyunsuk, remember the girl from the nursing department that talked to me a few days ago?" Jihoon suddenly asked while we're eating.

"Yeah. What about her?" I replied.

"Their department will be having an event this weekend. She asked me to be her date. Should I go?"

He was looking at me like a son waiting for his mother to allow him to go out with friends.

"Is it really necessary to ask for my opinion?" I said.

"I am asking for your permission," he replied.

"Is it because it's a Saturday? You know, you should go. People might actually think we're together."

He just smiled.

I can't seem to figure out the meaning behind that smile. Was it because I told him to go, or was it a sarcastic smile because I did not stop him from going?

Either way, it's his life.

The following day, Jihoon went to our house to pick me up.

We usually go to school together every Monday and Friday.

"What are you wearing tomorrow for the ball?" I asked.

"Just a suit. Drea chose it for me," he replied.

"Drea? Oh, the nursing student, right? Good for you. At least you don't have to worry about what you're going to wear," I casually said.

When I got home that day, I returned my dad's black suit that I was supposed to give to Jihoon for tomorrow's event.

I admit, I am being a stage best friend. I wanted Jihoon to look perfect for his date; that's why I tried sorting things out for him.

It turns out, my help wasn't needed. Not at all.

I woke up the next day a bit late, and the first thing I did was check my phone to see if Jihoon texted anything.

"No good morning or anything at all?" I whispered.

Maybe Jihoon is too busy preparing for the event.

It was almost 1pm, and I've decided to go to the mall alone.

Saturday is Jihoon and Hyunsuk's day since we were kids. We do random things such as running, biking, arcade, or whatever we've decided to do.

Jihoon is literally my Saturday.

I went to the ice cream shop and ordered Double Dutch, Jihoon's favorite flavor.

Being alone on a Saturday is not something I ever imagined, but I know it would happen eventually.