From Hero to Her: Cale's Quirky Adventure

Chapter 12: Possessiveness in Paradise

The group had settled into a comfortable routine during their journey, the days blending into one another with laughter, light-hearted teasing, and an ever-growing camaraderie. However, as the days passed, something curious began to unfold—Alberu's demeanor toward Cale started to shift.

"It's not that I'm annoyed," Alberu insisted one day, his expression a mixture of irritation and confusion as he watched Cale and Choi Han sharing a laugh a few paces ahead. "I just... I don't understand why Choi Han is so eager to be around Cale all of a sudden."

"Oh, please. You're glaring like a hawk guarding its nest," Ron teased, a sly grin on his face as he walked alongside the Crown Prince. "It's adorable, really."

"Adorable? Ron, this is serious!" Alberu snapped, though the warmth in his tone betrayed his annoyance. "He's getting too close! You'd think Cale has a giant sign on his forehead saying, 'Come admire my beauty!'"

"Is that such a bad thing?" Ron replied, raising an eyebrow. "You should embrace it. Cale has always attracted attention. You're just seeing it from a different angle now."

Alberu huffed, crossing his arms as he attempted to focus on anything but the cheerful banter happening between Cale and Choi Han. "I mean, I didn't mind before. But now, it feels... different. Why does it feel like everyone wants to shower him with compliments? Especially Choi Han!"

At this, Ron couldn't help but burst into laughter. "You're seriously jealous of Choi Han?"

"I am not!" Alberu insisted, his cheeks tinged with a faint blush that he tried to conceal. "I just think he needs to focus more on the mission and less on... whatever this is."

"Right," Ron replied, smirking. "Let's just pretend you're not glaring daggers at him every time he speaks to Cale, shall we? I've never seen such a protective prince in my life!"

"Oh, shush!" Alberu retorted, but he couldn't hide the hint of a smile creeping onto his face.

Meanwhile, the object of their discussion, Cale, was blissfully unaware of the subtle rivalry brewing. He was busy recounting one of his many heroic adventures to Raon, who listened with wide-eyed fascination.

"... and that's how I single-handedly defeated the dragon by distracting it with my legendary charisma!" Cale exclaimed, puffing out his chest in mock pride.

"Wow! You really are amazing, Cale!" Raon declared, bouncing on his feet. "I want to be just like you when I grow up!"

"Just remember to keep your modesty, alright?" Cale advised with a wink, unaware of how the attention made Alberu's eyebrow twitch.

"Modesty is overrated!" Raon exclaimed, his wings flapping excitedly.

"Here we go again..." Alberu muttered under his breath, shooting a glare toward Choi Han, who was leaning against a nearby tree, chuckling at the exchange. "Choi Han! Get over here!"

Choi Han straightened up, eyebrows raised in surprise. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing. Just... why do you have to stand so close to Cale?" Alberu asked, crossing his arms in an exaggeratedly defensive manner.

"Uh, because we're friends?" Choi Han replied, confused.

"Right. Friends who share way too many laughs together," Alberu shot back, his voice tinged with something akin to possessiveness.

"I can't help it if Cale has become more entertaining lately!" Choi Han shrugged, a playful smirk on his face. "He's charming, after all."

"I swear, if you keep this up, I'll have to remind you that I'm the Crown Prince," Alberu retorted, narrowing his eyes playfully.