Childhood Crush - LingFan

Chapter 1

A/N: Hiya! This book may have some slow updates, I'm really sorry! Online School is just bombarding us with work and stuff. I posted this on the same day, because I only posted the story once I'd finished Chapter 1, so don't expect this a lot.

Anyways, on with the story!

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Chapter 1

"Hey Lan Fan, remember when we first met?"

"I remember it like it was yesterday."

Lan Fan's POV

It was a warm summer's day, the weather was perfect for training. However, before I could do anything, I was summoned by Grandfather. I made my way to his room. I gently knocked on his door. He walked over and opened the door.

"Lan Fan, come in. I have some important news." I followed him inside had he shut the door. "As you are aware, the young prince is now 8." He recalls. "Really? I had no idea." I murmured untruthfully. To be honest, I was always fascinated with the young prince. He's so..... energetic. So quick to do everything, he barely stops to think. I'm unsure just how he's going to take the throne if he stays like this. My grandfather chuckled knowingly, but did not say anything. "Well, he's going to be assigned a bodyguard." He told me. "Oh. Who is it?" I asked curiously. Whoever had to deal with him must have to be very motivated. "You." He replied. I spun my head around in shock. "ME?" I asked, surprised, pointing at myself. "Yes, you. They decided you were still young, so I shall also be his bodyguard." He clarified. "Now, we have to meet him at 10 in the courtyard. Be ready."

Well, time seemed to fly as I explored the palace for what I assumed would be the last time. As the clock reached 10, I dashed into the courtyard, adjusting my mask. I took my place next to grandfather, and we waited for a few minutes. Then in came the young pr- I mean, young lord, with one of the elders of the tribe. He ran across the courtyard and stood in front of us. "Hello!" He replied, his voice laced with cheer.

"Greetings young lord" grandfather replied bowing. I copied his actions. The elder introduced us and told us what we were to do.

His life is more important than anyone else's, even your own. (He looked outrageously shocked when the elder said that) Sacrifices must be made so he can be emperor, blah, blah, blah. I'd heard it all before.

After the dull speech, the elder told us that I was to protect the young lord at all costs, and that I would be his companion, his friend even. Grandfather Fu was to watch over us. That seemed highly unlikely that he would be able to. The young lord got into plenty of trouble, so I'd mostly be watching over him. Although, I couldn't promise I wouldn't help him.

"What's your name?" He asked after the elder left with Fu. They went to speak to the other elders.

"L-Lan Fan." I stuttered. I wasn't used to talking to people. It was surprisingly difficult. He then tapped my shoulder and said "Tag! You're it!" And ran in the other direction. "HEY!" I shouted, sprinting after him. "NO FAIR!"

The game of tag went on until it was dinnertime. Then the young lord had to retire to his room. It was certainly an interesting day.

Ling's POV

I was sitting on a tree branch, as I normally did. It was a peaceful day, with birds chirping happily. I sat there thinking when I heard a familiar voice.

"Young Lord? Are you here?" Lan Fan called out.

"I'm up here, Lan Fan. Come join me." I replied, patting the space next to me. She climbed up the tree skilfully and took the space. "Hey Lan Fan, do you remember the day we met?" I questioned. "I remember it like it was yesterday." She answered. I turned to face her. She still had her mask on. She always did. I asked her to take it off, but she always refused. I wondered how I could see her face. "So, young lord what are you doing here?" She quizzed. "Just thinking. It's a beautiful day." I replied. "So it is." She agreed. Then, I snatched off her mask when she wasn't looking. "H-hey! What was that for?!" She asked, embarrassed. I jumped off the tree as the blush on her cheeks grew significantly. I turned to examine her, and I saw her face. She looked stunning, why would she hide her face? She is my bodyguard, after all, but she deeply cares about what others think. The elders probably made her wear it. She covered her hand with her face. "Please give it back, Ling!" She mumbled. "I-I mean young lord." She added, more embarrassed. I was surprised by the use of my first name. She refused to call me "Ling" no matter how many times I asked her to. "I'll give it back if you call me Ling from now on." I negotiated. "Oh, b-but what will the people think? The tribe? The elders? Oh, they'll be furious!" She declined. "Fine, when we're alone, you HAVE to call me Ling," I ordered. "F-fine! Just give it back!" She agreed. I threw her back the mask, and she put it on and regained her composure. She jumped off the tree and faced me. "Ling?" She asked seriously. "Yeah?" I replied. She tapped my shoulder and darted across the forest shouting "TAG! YOU'RE IT!"

"HEY! NO FAIR!" I shouted back, running after her.

This was going to be a fun day.