June was happily choosing her next pastry when she suddenly felt it—
That heavy, chilling presence again.
Before she could turn around, a deep voice spoke beside her.
"You seem quite comfortable here."
June froze.
Slowly, she looked up—
Lucas de Dravian was standing right next to her.
Her eyes widened slightly in surprise.
Why is he here again?! she panicked internally.
She quickly swallowed the bite she had just taken, trying to look dignified despite holding a pastry in her hand.
"I— Your Highness…" she said softly, bowing her head a little.
Lucas glanced at the table of sweets, then at her.
"So this is where you ran off to," he said, his tone calm but sharp.
June's cheeks warmed in embarrassment.
"I wasn't running… I just thought I shouldn't disturb Your Highness."
Lucas crossed his arms, studying her as if she were a puzzle.
"Disturb me?" he repeated. "You have a strange way of thinking."
Most people chased after him.
Yet she kept trying to escape.
His gaze shifted to the pastry in her hand.
"You enjoy sweets that much?"
June hesitated, then nodded honestly.
"They make people happy."
The simple answer caught him off guard again.
Happy?
Such a childish word.
And yet… hearing it from her didn't sound foolish at all.
For a brief moment, the cold prince didn't look cold.
Just thoughtful.
"…You're an unusual girl," he said quietly.
June blinked, unsure whether that was a compliment or not.
And without realizing it—
The distance between them had grown smaller than ever before.