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"Welcome, my precious one."
It was a dream come true--I stared at Jieun in amazement, my heart racing as my eyes locked with those familiar gorgeous rubies. A-am I dreaming? I was going to my first book-signing event, and then I heard Jieun calling me... "J-Jieun..." I stuttered, awed by his handsomeness. "...Is it...really you?"
"Yes," he said warmly, pulling me into a gentle embrace. "I told you..." He caressed the top of my head lovingly as I placed my hands on his chest and closed my eyes. "...that I would try to meet you again." Before continuing, he glanced back and nodded at the mysterious cloaked men and flashed a smile. "Thank you for your help. You have my gratitude, kind magicians."
"Of course, my liege," I heard one of them say as I raised my head and blinked, still having a difficult time believing this was reality. "We shall take our leave." Jieun waited for the four men to leave and took a step away, taking my hands into his own and gazing at me. "What do you think?" He asked, smiling slightly. What do I think...? Jieun was much manlier now, but even so...he was still incredibly beautiful. It probably wouldn't do to call him 'cute' anymore, but he's definitely...so handsome.
"Do you see?" He stood straight. "Look how tall I have become."
"Jieun..." I was still dumbfounded, but my eyes were glued to him. My wish--no, our wish--had finally come true. It had been three long years, but finally...
Finally...
My eyes began to water when I realized this was indeed reality. "Oh Jieun...! I missed you so much!" I ran to him and wrapped my arms around him tightly, prompting a surprised gasp from Jieun, but he happily accepted my affection and kissed my forehead. "Yes... I missed you as well. Not a day went by when I did not think of you."
"Me too, Jieun..." I backed away from him, blushing. This is real...this handsome person is...in love with me? "Jieun, I--" As if reading my mind, he spoke: "You are beautiful. Even more than back then," his words took me off guard and I avoided his gaze. "R-really..."
"Yes, you are," Jieun responded, holding out his hand to me. "Will you come with me? I want to show you around," he was so mature now, but there was a glimmer in his eyes that took me back to three years ago. "O-okay, I'd love to see more of..." That's right. Jieun must be the king by now... so that means... I took his hand, pushing away my shyness and followed him through the dazzling hallways of the palace.
All that mattered right now was Jieun and me.
"Are you ready?" Jieun asked me when we stopped before a set of towering ivory doors that were adorned with countless golden decorations. I took a moment to catch my breath and once again our eyes locked. "Jieun..." I realized I probably was acting like a complete fool since I'd arrived, since I still felt like I was dreaming. "I'm ready!" I gave him my best smile, and it seemed like his cheeks flushed for a moment before he turned and pushed one of the doors open with his free hand.
