Princess

He wanted to gape at her like a fish out of water but he couldn't as she was currently glaring at him.

Ray: (trying to gather his bearings) h-how?

Ye-Jin: huh?

Ray: (shaking his head) the princess was with me all this time and I couldn't recognize her.

Ye-Jin: I guess I don't look like "it." (Whining) And stop calling me princess.

Ray: (helplessly) everyone does.

Ye-Jin: (resolute) don't be like everyone. I don't hang out with everyone.

Ray: (recovering quickly) but still-

Ye-Jin: (avoiding the topic) let's talk about this some other time? And before you ask- yes it was my decision to choose this career and no, there is no conflict in the family and I am definitely not estranged.

Ray: (sheepishly) I am sorry I was only surprised.

Ye-Jin: (sighing) you are the first person in my friend circle to find out about my family.

Ray: (feeling thirsty) that was something big, now even I can tell you to be careful from cameras.

Ye-Jin: (breaking into a smile) my job is not something where I have to face camera constantly like you Ray but I really do admire you and your hard work.

Ray: (hanging his head from feeling embarrassed) thank you.

Ye-Jin caught his embarrassed look and she couldn't understand the sudden awkward atmosphere. Ray's sudden withdrawal hinted that he was carrying some load around which he didn't want to share with anyone.

She didn't know why but in that moment she wanted to share his load with him but she knew that she was far from doing that. She was suddenly made aware of the huge gap present between them. And this realization somewhat unsettled her heart. She wanted to run away from this suffocating feeling.

Ye-Jin: (getting up) I am thirsty. Come on let's go to a nearby coffee shop. Are you fine with walking?

Ray: (standing up and following her) yes princess.

Ye-Jin: (annoyed) stop it already. I don't like being called that.

Ray was enjoying the annoyed look on her face but he clearly was oblivious to the sudden change in her emotions. He wanted to continue teasing her but he didn't do so and instead surrendered to her command for the time being.

Ray: (putting his hands up) ok Sweetie.