Introductions

Kyo SeolJu didn't take the time to check her surroundings while she played to her heart's content. It had been a long time since she played basketball.

"She is the best I have ever seen!"

The youngest said dreamily while referring to her gaming skills. The middle boy didn't know and thought he was talking about basketball. Practically blowing steam out of his ears the middle stalker stormed into the basketball court and blocked one of Kyo SeolJu's shots. Surprised by the intrusion Kyo SeolJu looked up at the tallboy. He had red hair with black roots that were shorter on the right side with two small shaved lines and longer on the left side.

He had piercing black eyes with long eyelashes, narrow lips, nice eyebrows that had a single slit, and a strong jaw and nose. He had a lean build that filled out the white school shirt he was wearing. His shirt sleeves were rolled up, his tie was pulled down, the first few buttons of his shirt were undone, and his jacket was nowhere to be found. His gun was holstered in his right boot and a knife was placed in his left boot. He had a snake insignia on his open collar and the chain led to a military insignia connected to his tie.

Softly smirking at the arrogance written all over his face Kyo SeolJu wasted no time talking and swiftly dodged him and put the ball perfectly in the hoop. Grinding his teeth, the boy caught up to her and used his strength to stanch the ball from her. After evaluating the boy's strength, Kyo SeolJu took the ball after it fell from the hoop and ran with it. Avoiding the boy left and right, she even tripped him a few times.

Knowing she still had a full day of school and work to get through, Kyo SeolJu didn't let the game last long. Jumping on the boy's back, she used him as a catapult and finished the game with a slam dunk. As the three boys stared in amazement, Kyo SeolJu climbed up the basketball hoop and onto the wall. While perched on the edge of the brick, she peacefully closed her eyes and slowed her breathing. The other two came to stand beside the boy, too stunned to speak. The youngest finally found his voice and didn't think twice about making his opinion known.

"My mom is the most wonderful, talented, amazing, spectacular, incredible, beautiful, she-she!"

"She is our empress."

The oldest spoke calmly and kneeled at his realization. The two younger stalkers looked back and forth between the boy and Kyo SeolJu.

"She isn't so bad. For a girl."

Mumbling his compliance with the new revelation, the middle boy kneeled but didn't bow his head as the older one did. The youngest of the trio had reddened eyes as he kneeled and bowed his head to Kyo SeolJu. Not knowing what to do, Kyo SeolJu just stared at the boys until Secretary Lee came. Jumping down from the fence, she tilted her head and asked,

"When did you get here?"

"I stayed with you."

Secretary Lee's steady voice was nonchalant as he brushed her off and started fixing her uniform.

"You stalker!"

Smirking as she started messing up his perfect uniform. After untucking his shirt, messing up his hair, undoing his tie, and untieing his shoelaces, Kyo SeolJu studied her work. Trying to keep a poker face, she ultimately failed and started laughing. Her laugh was sweet, and the men with her felt as though she tickled their hearts with a feather. After Kyo SeolJu stopped laughing, Secretary Lee signaled her with his eyes. Realizing what he meant, she turned to the three boys.

"If you stay like that any longer, your knees will start to hurt."

The boys stood and stared at Kyo SeolJu expectantly.

"I am Marie Pratt. Nice to meet you."

Holding out her hand, she didn't realize she introduced herself the way she did in America. After fixing himself, Secretary Lee cleared his throat. Embarrassed by her mistake, she lightly bit her lip and mumbled.

"Grandmother told me I should say my full title."

Taking a deep breath, she looked up,

"Empress Kyo SeolJu, nice to meet you."

Her angelic voice complimented her perfect Korean and cute face.

After a few moments of the stalkers being in a stupor, Secretary Lee's icy glare woke them up.

"My name is Gok DoHyun. I live to serve my empress."

Putting his fist over his heart and doing a ninety-degree bow, his voice held determination.

Scoffing at his friend's whatever that was, the middle boy gave a salute and a challenging grin.

"I'm Yun Kwang. If you can tame me, I'll be loyal to only you."

The youngest had red-rimmed eyes and was sniffling as he went to reach out to Kyo SeolJu, then stopped.

"My-my name is Cho HaYun. I will be the empress's loyal dog."

"HaYun...You aren't very sunshine-like."

Seeing the older girl look at him with smiling eyes, Cho HaYun pouted.

"I am like sunshine! But-I- I thought I found my mom! But you are the empress, so I can't have you as my mom."

The boy was as tall as her but was asking her to be his mom. Confused by his outburst, Kyo SeolJu looked to Secretary Lee for help.

"His parents died when he was only a few months old. He lives with his grandparents. He needs a mother figure."

Secretary Lee whispered in her ear, not alerting the young boy in the slightest. Nodding in understanding, she softly patted Cho HaYun's head.

"I didn't know I would gain such a cute son when I got here!"

It took a second, but when he understood what she said, Cho HaYun's face brightened up significantly.

"Empress, these boys are three of the four ministers in your service. The four of them are your bodyguards and assistants."

Thinking Secretary Lee was simply joking, she raised her slim eyebrow questioningly. However, his serious face didn't show a trace of laughter on it.

"Well, I never thought that the members of NG24 would become my assistants."

Her melodious giggling made the boys want to hide her away.

"Where's U-Ri?"

"He is probably in the training room rapping. Even though Sun and I can rap, he still pushes himself."

Rolling his eyes, Yun Kwang jerked his head in the direction of the training room on the second floor.

"Okie Dokie!

I'll catch up to guys later!"

While the boys stood baffled, Kyo SeolJu was already running up the stairs by the end of her sentence. Not worrying about the people she left behind, Kyo SeolJu hurriedly found the training room. Quitely peeking inside the room, she saw a boy with bright blue hair that was long enough to cover his ears. The tall boy was struggling with his voice as he tried to rap. His face, like the other members, looked like someone carved it out by hand. But after seeing Kang SeoMin in person, she thought he was still far better looking than anyone else. After watching for a few minutes, she couldn't help herself and continued to rap after the boy could not hold on anymore. Her voice was clear but held emotion, and her rap was perfect.

"Sorry. If you breathe from your stomach, you could sing for longer. Watch."

Sitting down, she grabbed his hand and placed it on her stomach. Inhaling, his hand moved out, exhaling, his hand moved in. She then placed his hand on his chest and showed him the difference in their breathing.

"Practice."

Guiding his hand and positioning, Kyo SeolJu watched as he quickly learned the correct way to breathe.

"You did it! I knew you could!"

Giving him a small hug and flashing him a blinding smile, the boy's ears turned red.

"Thank you. I needed help with that for a long time."

His blush deepened as he ruffled his hair.

"I noticed you were having a hard time with it. I wanted to help you with it, but I couldn't."

Her sweet smile and shy voice tickled his heart as he gave a smile,

"My name is Kim U-Ri. I hope you will continue to train me."

Giggling, she patted his head.