He wondered—what could have happened to her at such a young age, for her to think this way?
"At least you admitted I'm a pretty boy," Phoenix said, forcing a grin as he looked at the girl in front of him.
Princess only tilted her head. "It's not a big deal. I already told you—it means nothing. Besides, even my pet is a 'pretty boy.' I always tell him he's the kind of guy every girl dreams of being with."
Princess walked quickly, putting as much distance as she could between herself and Phoenix.
She didn't want to see him cry. She didn't want him to see her break either. She felt like a complete mess.
There was only one place she knew she could hide whenever she was hurting—a secret refuge, somewhere no one would ever think to look.
An abandoned house near the beach.
Princess loved that place. Somehow, there was still electricity, which made it comfortable enough for her to sleep without worry. Sometimes she stayed there for up to three days, always bringing groceries with her, just in case.
If the real owners ever showed up, she was prepared to apologize for trespassing. Still, she couldn't help it—she loved that house. Far from the noise of the city, it felt like her own little escape. Deep inside, she even wished that one day, it could truly be hers.
But what Princess didn't know was that the house she had claimed as her sanctuary actually belonged to Phoenix's family. It was his grandfather's property.
At that very moment, his grandfather was away on vacation in another country. Before leaving, he had simply forgotten to lock the doors—leaving the house open for Princess to make it her secret haven.
Phoenix Following
Phoenix had started following Princess without her knowing. From the very moment he saw her, he felt strangely responsible for her.
She might look brave, her soul fierce and untamed—but Phoenix knew that deep inside, she was lost.
He wondered about her. After crying one moment, she would suddenly be smiling alone, walking off somewhere as if she were too excited to keep it in.
Hmmm…
Phoenix smirked to himself as he trailed after her. That's my future wife, he thought.
He had no idea where she was going, but he was determined to find out.
Princess entered a grocery store and bought lots of food. Phoenix waited patiently in his car, watching her every move.
When she finished, he saw her head to her motorbike. That was his cue—he started his car engine, ready to follow her again.
"Sometimes she's so weird," he muttered.
Too carefree.
Too bold.
Too direct.
But as he kept following her down a narrow road, his eyes widened. She had stopped in front of a house he knew very well—his grandfather's house.
Damn! What are you doing there, lady?
Don't tell me you're about to go inside without permission!
Phoenix spoke to himself, shaking his head in disbelief.
And strangely enough… it was almost as if Princess had heard the nonsense running through his mind.
Phoenix had a clever idea. If he wanted to tame this hard-headed girl who always escaped him, he had to move faster.
He needed to get inside the house before Princess. That way, when she entered his grandfather's mansion, she would be shocked to see him waiting there.
She won't have time to be rude. She won't have any excuses.
After all, this mansion belonged to his grandfather.
Phoenix smirked. Hmmm… interesting. I got you this time, babe. You don't have a choice but to be closer to me.
He knew Princess would use the back door, so he quickly slipped inside through the front.
Princess, meanwhile, felt relieved when the back door creaked open.
At last, I can rest here for a while, she thought.
But little did she know… Phoenix was already lying on the couch, pretending to watch TV, smiling to himself.
The moment she heard the sound of the TV, Princess froze. Panic rose in her chest. If the owner of the house caught her sneaking in, she would be in serious trouble. She was about to leave when—
A hand grabbed hers.
"Why are you here?" Phoenix's voice was sharp. "In my grandfather's home? Are you following me?"
Princess's heart raced. Panic. Shock. And, strangely, relief—because at least it was Phoenix, not a stranger.
"N-no, I was just about to rest here for a while," she stammered. "I didn't mean to sneak into anyone's house. I found out months ago that the back door was unlocked… and since no one was around, I sometimes came here."
She looked away, embarrassed but stubborn. "This mansion… I don't know why, but it makes me feel comfortable. Like it could be my home one day. I just needed a place to think. Please… let me stay for a few days."
Phoenix blinked, his mind racing. He was amazed at how quickly she explained herself, his brain almost overheating from trying to keep up.
"I-I don't know what to say, lady…" he muttered. "But this is wrong. You invaded my grandfather's home! If he finds out, you'll be dead!"
He tried to threaten her, but Princess only gave him a mischievous smile.
"Then maybe I'll tell your grandpa that you ran away with me," she teased. "That you're planning to seduce me, and we're already living here as an early married couple!"
Phoenix's eyes widened in shock.
And Princess? She burst into loud, unrestrained laughter.
Phoenix stared at her, half frustrated, half enchanted. This girl… she's going to drive me insane. He couldn't figure out what was running through her head—but he knew one thing for certain:
Life would never be boring with her around.