Yoona sprang from her bed and dashed into the bathroom, water splashing as she hurried through her morning routine. Downstairs, So Hyung sat with her mother, who had prepared a light breakfast for the young man she already treated like family.
"Did Mr. Yoon leave for work already, ma'am?" he asked politely.
"Yes. He's full of passion these days with his new hobby. We're lucky our family isn't too strict with Yoona, she's always been independent. Back when she dated that celebrity, she was spoiled rotten. But with you, she's softened, grown sweeter."
"Even if I'm not as strong as Arnold, I'll protect her with everything I have even if it costs me my calcium (bone)," So Hyung vowed.
Her mother chuckled. "I believe it. Anyone who dates my daughter picks up strange chemistry phrases."
Their conversation was interrupted by footsteps on the stairs. Yoona appeared, peach‑colored hair flowing, red glasses perched on her nose. She wore a white‑and‑red outfit, lips tinted rose, and carried a black‑and‑pink shoulder bag.
"Here I am, with my Act 'Z' Link bag!"
"You look adorable, friend~" So Hyung teased with a grin.
"Friend?!" she snapped, though her cheeks flushed.
"Just kidding. Let's go before the mall opens, we'll catch Black Friday." He bowed to her mother. "I'll bring her back before eight, I promise."
"Don't wander too far. Tonight I want Yoona to help me pick a new vanity table. Be home by seven."
"See you later, Eomma," Yoona waved, stepping out with him.
In the car, she hesitated. "I… have something to ask."
"Yeah?" he glanced at her as the vehicle glided into the city.
"Never mind. Later." She turned away.
The tires folded inward, replaced by thrusters. The car lifted ten meters into the air, merging into the second highway.
"Changed the license plate?" she asked.
"Yeah. Didn't want to stay on the third level. I'd rather be second, right under your heart." His words dripped with sweetness.
"You've never been this romantic. Practicing in front of a mirror?"
"Just reading quotes online."
"You're acting strange today… or maybe you're planning to leave me."
"I'm not leaving you," he said, sweat beading on his forehead. She saw through the lie but stayed silent. The car grew heavy with quiet.
"If I've upset you, tell me," he urged.
"Stop lying. You know you're going abroad. You'll leave me here alone." Her voice trembled with anger.
"I never said I was going. It's just a plan. I'm still talking with my father."
She sighed, staring out the window.
"Princesses always find their princes again, no matter the distance. We'll be the same," he whispered.
"Last night I dreamed we were torn apart, never meeting again. It felt endless, like years in a dark limbo. No air, no one beside me. Just suffocating."
He turned toward her. "I've listened to you all along. Now listen to me. Wherever I am, you're the only one in my heart. If I'm lying, may this car break with my bones."
At that moment, a cloaked figure darted across the highway, weaving through traffic.
"Babe! Watch out!" Yoona screamed.
"Waaataah!" So Hyung jerked the wheel left. The car clipped the man, sending him sprawling.
"The one with broken bones… he's lying right there!"