Chapter 5: Breaking Free

**Naomi's POV**

After sneaking out to meet Lian, I was hooked. I felt like I'd tapped into a side of myself I never knew existed—a rebellious streak, a craving for freedom, and the rush of living on my terms. But reality hit me hard as soon as I got back to the estate.

The moment I walked through the gate, there was Jung Soo, arms crossed and looking like he was ready to explode.

"Miss Kim," he started, his voice low and stern, "care to explain where you've been?"

I blinked, playing innocent. "Just went for a walk. Fresh air does wonders, you know?"

Jung Soo sighed, clearly not buying it. "You know that's not what I meant. You snuck out of the estate without permission. Do you realize how dangerous that was?"

"Dangerous? I was just grabbing coffee with a friend," I said, trying to make it sound like no big deal. "No harm done."

"Miss Kim, you're the president's daughter. You can't just wander off like that," he said, his tone softening a bit, though the concern in his eyes was clear. "There are protocols for your safety."

I rolled my eyes, crossing my arms. "Protocols, protocols… You think I don't know about them? I'm suffocated by them every single day. Sometimes I just want to live a little, Jung Soo. Is that so bad?"

"Your safety is my priority, Miss Kim," Jung Soo replied firmly. "I get that you're frustrated, but—"

"No, you don't!" I snapped, my temper flaring. "You have no idea what it's like to be trapped in a gilded cage, with every part of your life controlled and monitored. I'm not asking for much. Just a little freedom."

Jung Soo's expression softened, and for a second, I thought I saw some sympathy. But it vanished as quickly as it came, replaced by his usual serious look.

"I'm sorry, Miss Kim," he said quietly, "but my job is to protect you, even if that means making decisions you don't like. I hope you understand that."

I turned away, frustration boiling inside me. He didn't get it. No one did. But that wasn't going to stop me. I was determined to find a way to break free, even if it meant outsmarting Jung Soo every time.

**Lian's POV**

After our coffee date, Naomi was all I could think about. There was something about her—a spark, a sense of adventure I couldn't resist. But I also knew she was taking risks just to see me. I didn't want her to get in trouble because of me.

I was editing photos from my latest shoot when my phone buzzed with a text. It was from Naomi.

*"Miss me yet? 😊"*

I chuckled, shaking my head. This girl was something else. Before I could reply, another text came through.

*"Thinking of sneaking out again. How about a night stroll?"*

A night stroll? She must be crazy. But then again, the idea of spending more time with her was too tempting.

*"You're playing with fire, Naomi,"* I texted back, *"but I'm in. Where should we meet?"*

Her reply was instant. *"Same place. Midnight. Bring your camera!"*

I couldn't help but grin. Looked like tonight was going to be another adventure.

**Naomi's POV**

The clock ticked closer to midnight, and my excitement grew. I'd managed to stay under the radar all day, keeping low-key so Jung Soo wouldn't get suspicious. I knew he was watching me closely, but that just made the challenge more thrilling.

When it was finally time, I made my move. I'd scouted out a new escape route—one even Jung Soo didn't know about. Dressed in black, I grabbed a small bag and quietly made my way down the hall, avoiding the creaky floorboards.

I was almost at the exit when I heard footsteps behind me. My heart skipped a beat. Was it Jung Soo? I quickly ducked into a closet, holding my breath as the footsteps got closer.

**Jung Soo's POV**

Something felt off. Naomi had been too quiet, too compliant all day, and that's never a good sign. I decided to check on her, just to be sure.

As I walked down the hall, I thought I heard a faint noise—like fabric rustling. I stopped, listening closely. There it was again. I moved toward the sound, stopping in front of a closet door. Someone was hiding inside.

"Miss Kim," I called out, trying to keep my voice calm, "I know you're in there. Come out."

There was a long pause, then the door slowly creaked open. Naomi stepped out, looking like she'd been caught red-handed.

"I… I was just…" she stammered, trying to come up with an excuse.

I crossed my arms, giving her a stern look. "Sneaking out again, I assume?"

She bit her lip, her eyes darting around as if looking for a way out. "Maybe…"

I sighed, shaking my head. "Naomi, you know you can't keep doing this. It's too risky."

She looked at me, her expression pleading. "Please, Jung Soo. I just need to get out for a bit. I won't go far, I promise. I just need to feel… normal."

I hesitated. My job was to protect her, to keep her safe. But I knew how much this meant to her. I couldn't keep her locked up forever.

"All right," I finally said, much to her surprise. "But I'm coming with you. And no funny business this time."

Naomi's face lit up, and for a moment, I saw a glimpse of the carefree girl she wanted to be.

"Thank you, Jung Soo," she said, suddenly hugging me. "You won't regret this, I promise!"

I sighed inwardly, hoping I wouldn't. But seeing her so happy made it hard to say no.

**Lian's POV**

I was waiting by the same gate, camera in hand, when I saw two figures approaching in the dark. My heart raced, thinking Naomi had been caught. But as they got closer, I realized it was her—and she wasn't alone.

She was walking with Jung Soo, her bodyguard. What the heck was going on?

When they reached me, Naomi gave me a cheeky grin. "Hey, Lian. Guess what? Jung Soo's joining us tonight!"

I raised an eyebrow, glancing between them. "Seriously?"

Jung Soo nodded, looking not too thrilled. "I'm here to make sure she doesn't do anything too reckless. But I'll stay out of your way as much as possible."

I couldn't believe it. Naomi had somehow convinced Jung Soo to let her sneak out with me. This girl really was something else.

"Well, this should be interesting," I said, trying not to laugh. "Shall we?"

Naomi nodded eagerly, and the three of us set off into the night.

**Naomi's POV**

As we walked through the quiet streets, I felt triumphant. I'd done it—I'd found a way to break free, even if just for a little while. With Lian by my side and Jung Soo trailing behind, I felt like anything was possible.

We wandered through the city, laughing and talking about everything and nothing. Every now and then, Jung Soo would remind me to stay close, but mostly, he let us be.

At one point, Lian stopped to take a photo of a beautifully lit alleyway. I watched her work, admiring the way she saw the world through her lens.

"You really love this, don't you?" I asked, standing beside her as she snapped a shot.

Lian nodded, lowering the camera to look at me. "Yeah. It's like capturing little pieces of the world and keeping them forever. Every photo tells a story."

I smiled, feeling warmth spread through my chest. "I think that's beautiful."

She turned to me, her eyes shining in the soft glow of the streetlights. "And what about you, Naomi? What's your story?"

I hesitated, not sure how to answer. My story was complicated, full of expectations and responsibilities that I wasn't sure I could live up to. But here, in this moment, I felt like I could write a new chapter—one where I was free to be myself.

"My story…" I began, looking up at the stars, "is still being written."

Lian smiled, reaching out to take my hand. "I think it's going to be a great one."

And for the first time in a long while, I believed it too.