The morning sun struggled to pierce through the thick, brooding clouds, casting a muted, grayish glow over the sprawling city. Inside my cluttered office, the incessant hum of computers and the rhythmic clatter of keyboards created a constant backdrop as I hunched over my desk, eyes darting across lines of code. I was engrossed in decoding the latest software issue related to my car's plate number system—a task that felt increasingly tedious and repetitive.
My umbrella, a steadfast companion on countless rainy days, sat forgotten on the passenger seat. With the rain forecasted all day, I sighed, a mixture of frustration and resignation washing over me as I realized I'd have to brave the downpour without it.
As I leaned back in my ergonomic chair, the fatigue from a sleepless night of troubleshooting weighed heavily on me. My mind wandered to I-seo's latest novel recommendation, a gesture of her usual thoughtfulness.
It had been weeks since we had a meaningful conversation about it, and I couldn't shake my curiosity about Prince Luke's recent behavior. He was acting differently—more contemplative and gentle—contrasting sharply with the stern, knightly figure I had first encountered during last week's project meeting. Was this change a result of recent events, or something deeper within him?
Flashback:
That morning, as the rain began to tap against my windowpane with a steady rhythm, I decided to bring up the topic with I-seo over our usual morning coffee.
"I-seo," I began cautiously, stirring my lukewarm coffee absentmindedly, "have you noticed how Prince Luke behaves differently lately? It's not like the Prince Charming I read about in your novel Between Two Blades."
I-seo looked up from her laptop, her dark eyes reflecting a mixture of amusement and understanding. A knowing smile played on her lips.
"Funny you mention that. In the novel, Prince Luke is indeed a complex character—stern and duty-bound on the surface, but with a hidden compassionate side. Maybe he's just starting to reveal more of that side now."
I nodded thoughtfully, swirling the remaining coffee in my mug. "Maybe you're right. It just feels like there's more to him these days. Do you think something happened to change him?"
I-seo paused, tapping her fingers against her cup before responding. "It's possible. People evolve, especially when they're under pressure or facing challenges they haven't shared. Maybe Prince Luke is dealing with something personal."
End of Flashback
With that thought lingering, I gathered my scattered papers and headed out, realizing too late that I had left my umbrella in the car. The prospect of navigating the subway without it was less than ideal, especially with the rain showing no signs of easing. I could feel the first droplets beginning to seep through the thin fabric of my coat as I stepped outside, the cold mist enveloping me.
The day had been a blur of endless meetings and data analysis, leaving me both drained and oddly accomplished. As I and I-seo exited the KATS Office, the heavens opened up, unleashing a torrential downpour.
Pulling my coat tighter around me, I scanned the crowded building exit for any sign of Luke and Amiel. There, huddled under the meager shelter of a lone, battered umbrella, stood the two of them, waiting patiently.
"Hey, I-seo! Sena!" Amiel called out, his voice barely audible over the relentless rain.
"Hey, you two," I greeted, attempting to mask my frustration at being umbrella-less, though the cold drip of rain against my face betrayed my irritation.
Luke adjusted his bright yellow umbrella, the same one we had shared the previous week during a team-building exercise. It was surprisingly sturdy, though I couldn't help but notice it seemed a bit... undersized for both of them. Memories of last week's awkward attempt to share it flashed in my mind, bringing a reluctant smile to my face.
"Looks like we've got the deluxe two-person umbrella today," Amiel quipped, giving the umbrella a mock-serious tug that sent both him and Luke stumbling slightly.
I chuckled despite myself. "Deluxe? More like a decorative prop for a bad sitcom."
Luke cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure. "I just joined him since he said he would pick up I-seo," he remarked, his voice wavering slightly as he pointed at Amiel, who was now awkwardly holding onto I-seo.
"Alright, if you say so," I teased, watching his cheeks redden a shade deeper than usual. This subtle change was exactly what I-seo had hinted at earlier. The Prince from her novel was meant to be infallible, yet here he was, showing cracks that made him startlingly human.
I glanced around, hoping to spot someone selling spare umbrellas, but the street was deserted save for the determined few seeking shelter. My eyes met Luke's, who was fidgeting with the umbrella handle, his movements betraying a shy vulnerability that contrasted with his usual composed demeanor. How cute he was—like a child waiting for his mother to pick him up.
Amiel stepped forward with I-seo, eyeing the umbrella with a mix of hope and determination. "Perhaps Luke and I can share it."
"That's a bit... tight for both of you, don't you think?" I hesitated, noticing how the umbrellas seemed comically small against their towering frames. The tension between practicality and camaraderie hung in the air.
"Looks more like a kiddie umbrella than anything meant for models," Myeong, who had just arrived with Eunwoo, couldn't help but chuckle, the sound cutting through the rain.
"Maybe My Sugarplum can use it for his snack bag of chips," I-seo laughed softly, her eyes twinkling with amusement as she referenced our inside joke about Amiel's perpetual hunger.
Amiel scratched the back of his neck, chuckling nervously. "I suppose that's one way to use it."
"Or maybe it's just a really stylish way to get soaked together," I added with a smirk, eliciting a laugh from the group despite the miserable weather.
"Alright, how about you and I share it? It'll keep us both dry," I suggested, noticing the futility of the situation and feeling a pang of responsibility. Plus, sharing an umbrella with Prince Luke seemed less intimidating than I initially thought.
Luke offered a tentative smile. "U-Uhm, sure. Let me help you with those," he offered, his hazelnut eyes warm and reassuring. I let him help me with my laptop bag, grateful for the assistance and the subtle contact that sent a flutter through me.
As Luke and I huddled under the umbrella, the rain intensified, turning the light drizzle into a relentless downpour. The umbrella, originally designed for two smaller frames, strained under our combined weight.
I could feel the cold seep through my coat, making me shiver involuntarily. Amiel and I-seo struggled to find shelter, their attempts to shield themselves only adding to the hilarity and absurdity of the situation.
Amiel, ever the tactician, tried to angle the umbrella to cover more space.
"Perhaps adjusting the handle angle could provide better coverage," he suggested, though his attempt was more comical than effective, resulting in both he and I-seo getting splashed as the umbrella flopped to one side.
I-seo watched the scene unfold, stifling her laughter. "You guys are a sight to behold. Literally."
"Yeah, it's like watching penguins trying to fly," Myeong added, unable to contain his amusement.
Despite the impracticality, Luke leaned closer, his arm gently draping around my shoulders. "S-Stay close, Sena. I don't want you getting soaked."
"A-Ahh, thanks?" I felt a warmth spread through me, not just from his proximity but from the genuine care in his gesture. My heart raced as I felt his steady heartbeat against my shoulder, a comforting yet exhilarating sensation.
Just as we thought things couldn't get any more awkward, the umbrella gave a protesting creak, threatening to flip inside out. I instinctively grabbed onto Luke's arm, our eyes meeting in a silent understanding of the absurdity of our situation. My mind raced—This is ridiculous. Why is this happening?
As we navigated through the rain, laughter, and chatter filled the air, but beneath it all, a tension simmered. Unbeknownst to us, a group of my subordinates had noticed our unconventional umbrella sharing.
As we neared a nearby bench, I heard them gossiping loudly, their voices a mix of amusement and speculation. Why are they talking about me? I wondered, a blush creeping up my cheeks.
"Oh! Does Director Park have a boyfriend now? Since when?" whispered one, nudging another.
"Looks like she's found her knight in shining armor," another replied with a smirk, the implication heavy in their tone.
"Finally, she's getting her a man," Before I could even try to look who was it, they were already on the bus.
I caught snippets of their conversation, my cheeks burning with a mix of embarrassment and irritation. Their innocent gossip was both endearing and slightly mortifying.
They have no idea our relationship is just about surviving this storm, I thought bitterly, the weight of their assumptions adding to my frustration.
"Maybe next time we can all just bring our own umbrellas and avoid this circus act," Amiel called out, trying to reclaim some dignity as he and I-seo struggled under their ill-fitting shelter.
The taxi driver I had booked finally arrived, drenched but laughing at the day's events. As he closed the car door, Luke took my hand, his touch sending a gentle warmth through me.
Do I feel something more? I pondered, the lines between professional and personal blurring under the rain-soaked sky.
"Maybe next time, we can find a larger umbrella," he suggested, his voice soft and sincere.
I looked at him as he softly smiled, my mind racing with conflicting emotions. I hope he doesn't feel the sweat in my hands. This is unexpected, especially given how arrogant he was before when he asked if everything was my fault.
I immediately pulled my hand back, glancing at my phone to check the text message from I-seo. She and Amiel were already home since they first got into a taxi, leaving me momentarily alone with Luke. Why did I even bother booking that?
After I put my phone back inside my bag, Luke immediately reached out and held my hand once again, his fingers entwined with mine.
"I-I just noticed that your hands are cold, so I held them without your permission. I-I apologize," he stammered, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment. I let out a soft chuckle, feeling the tension ease as I allowed him to hold my hand, savoring the warm sensation against my skin.
Am I overthinking this? I wondered, battling with my lingering annoyance over his previous behavior and the unresolved tension from when he had accidentally damaged my car door—a memory that still stung.
Maybe he's not the one who's changed. But, ME.
"It's warm. I like it." That's all I said, appreciating the warmth in my hands. It's not a hug or anything more, just... warmth. I thought, hoping to keep things strictly platonic despite the flutter in my chest.
As I watched Amiel disappear into the rain with I-seo earlier, I couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude. Life with these two medieval souls was unpredictable and often exhausting, but it was also filled with laughter, warmth, and unexpected moments of connection. Yet, beneath the surface, unresolved tensions and unspoken feelings hinted at complexities yet to be unraveled.
__________
Back inside after we washed up—since I was soaked in the rain earlier, and so had the rest—I sank onto the couch, exhaustion pulling at my limbs.
The cushions felt like sinking into a marshmallow after a long day, but the chill from the rain made the cozy feel more like a necessity than a luxury. My body ached from the cold, and I couldn't help but shiver involuntarily, pulling my blanket tighter around me.
Luke, ever attentive, noticed my fatigue immediately. His usually stern demeanor softened as he approached, his footsteps almost silent against the tiled floor.
"Sena," he said softly, his voice filled with genuine concern, "Can you sit properly? I will be back."
Before I could argue, he disappeared into the kitchen and returned moments later with a glass of water and a steaming bowl of Galbitang. The aroma hit me first—rich, savory, and oddly comforting.
I blinked in surprise, baffled—since when did they ever learn to cook? Specifically, Galbitang? Did they buy it from a store? The timing was impeccable, though, considering the unexpected weather.
As I looked confused, Luke glanced at me with such concern that I felt a pang of vulnerability. Do I really look that miserable? Is my exhaustion that obvious?
"Eat," he instructed, placing the food bowl in front of me with care, his fingers lingering just a moment longer than necessary. His touch sent a slight tremor through my hand, and I could feel his warmth radiating from his palm.
I stared at him, caught off guard by his tenderness. "Thanks," I murmured, feeling a warmth spread through me that had nothing to do with the food. Is this how he shows he cares?
He nodded, sitting beside me but keeping a respectful distance. His hazelnut eyes lingered on me, his expression soft and undeniably warm. As I sipped the water, I felt my shoulders relax, the tension of the day slowly melting away under his quiet attentiveness.
The memory of his concerned expression earlier replayed in my mind. His quiet, deliberate gestures weren't just polite—they were full of care. It was a side of him I hadn't fully appreciated before, revealing a depth I had overlooked.
"Mrs. Kim taught us how to cook this beef stew or some sort of food. She said you might need it after seeing that it's raining and it's best to prepare something for you and I-seo after a long day of work." That explained the unexpected culinary skills. Considering they had only met Mrs. Kim a few times, it was surprising yet heartwarming that she had taken the time to teach them something so personal.
"Hey! Princy Luke! You asked Mrs. K—" Before Amiel even finished his sentence, Luke gently cuffed his mouth, silencing him with a playful sternness that made me chuckle despite myself.
I-seo and I just enjoyed the Galbitang, the comforting warmth contrasting with the lingering chill from the rain. Now that I think about it, I miss my Gramps Hyejin in this kind of situation. How is she doing with King Kael right now?
Moments later, I felt a sudden shift, as if someone was carrying me. When I opened my eyes, I saw Luke, his face flushed with concern, as he almost tripped while leading me up the stairs. His grip was firm yet gentle, preventing me from stumbling forward.
"Y-You fell asleep. I-I'm just bringing you to your room. You're burning up as well," he said shyly, his breath warm against my ear. I felt his heart beating fast as we neared my room, a tangible tension between us.
I snuggled into him, unable to resist the comforting embrace. The warmth that enveloped me as he held me felt like a cozy blanket, dispelling the lingering cold from the rain and the exhaustion from the day. It was a stark contrast to the stern, detached demeanor he once had.
"U-Uhm... Thank y-you, cough" My words were muffled, the heaviness in my body making it difficult to articulate my gratitude. Why am I letting him care for me like this? It had been a while since I got sick, and even when I did, I never let anyone know. I didn't want to burden anyone, especially Grandma Hyejin every time she saw me before I fell ill.
I know it's not good to do something like that, but with my parents gone, I need to be strong, just like Grandpops and Grandma taught me.
Luke gently placed me into my bed and tucked me in, his movements careful and considerate. He was a gentle giant, his presence a soothing balm to my weary body. As he straightened the blanket, a stray thread tickled my arm, and I couldn't help but giggle softly.
"Careful," he said with a small smile, his eyes twinkling. "Wouldn't want to tickle you awake again."
I laughed, the sound mingling with the soft patter of rain against the window. "I'll try to keep it down, promise."
Before I could even speak, I brushed his hand away, signaling that I should rest. The warmth of his touch lingered, reminding me that I might need someone to rely on when I was sick. Maybe I should stop pretending and accept help.
"I noticed yesterday, y-you look sick. S-So I asked Mrs. Kim h-how can I, U-Uhm no, how can we help..." He stammered, his hand still resting lightly on my eyes. I could see the embarrassment flicker across his face, a stark contrast to the confident leader I knew.
We were like dog and cat, always at odds, getting into each other's personal space. But now, he was looking after me in my room, his actions speaking volumes despite his shy demeanor.
The cozy feeling, even with my aching head and heavy body, was a relaxing comfort amidst the chaos of our daily lives.
"Next time, just call me. I'll bring the Galbitang and maybe even a movie. Preferably a comedy to lift your spirits," I teased, attempting to lighten the mood. Luke chuckled softly, his shoulders relaxing.
"I-I would like that," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.
I reached out, hesitating for a moment before placing a hand on his arm. "Thank you, Luke. For everything."
He looked down, a blush spreading across his cheeks. "You're welcome, Sena. I-I'm glad I could help."
As I settled back into the bed, I couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth that went beyond the physical comfort. Luke's presence was calming, his silent support a stark contrast to the demanding nature of our professional interactions. It made me wonder about the man behind the stern exterior.
The room was quiet except for the gentle rain and the occasional distant thunder. I closed my eyes, letting the rhythm of the storm lull me into a state of relaxation. But just as I was about to drift off, a loud clatter erupted from the kitchen.
"What was that?" I mumbled, waking up to the sound.
Luke sprang from the bed, a look of alarm on his face. "Stay here, I'll check."
He dashed to the kitchen, leaving the door slightly ajar. Moments later, he returned, a sheepish grin replacing his worried expression.
"Just the large cat named Amiel knocking over a stack of plates. He must have been aiming for the fish bowl again." He said, but the part about it being Amiel and surely he's with I-seo, he just whispered it.
I chuckled at the thought of him being like a father looking after some troublesome children at night sneaking in the kitchen.
I couldn't help but laugh, the tension breaking instantly. "Seems like even the cat is trying to make peace."
Luke chuckled, the sound resonating with a newfound ease. "Maybe we need to schedule more team-building activities with him."
As we both laughed, the room felt lighter, the bond between us growing stronger through shared humor and vulnerability. It was moments like these that made the complexities of our relationships all the more endearing.
"Alright, I'll try to get some sleep now," I said, feeling the exhaustion reclaim its hold.
Luke nodded, giving my shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Goodnight, Sena."
"Goodnight, Luke."
As he left the room, I felt a flutter in my chest, a mix of gratitude and something deeper stirring within me. The day's events had not only drained me but also opened a door to new emotions I hadn't anticipated.
Lying there in the dimly lit room, I pondered the day's interactions. Luke's gentle care, his humorous mishaps, and the way he effortlessly blended concern with a touch of playfulness—all of it painted a picture of a man I was only beginning to understand. Maybe there's more to him than meets the eye, I thought, a smile tugging at my lips as I drifted into a peaceful sleep.