Under the Same Sky • Ryeji

6

As Yeji walked back to her flower shop, a smile tugged at the corners of her lips, and a flutter of excitement filled her chest. The princess' heartfelt compliment echoed in her mind, making her heart skip a beat. She couldn't help but feel a rush of happiness and a delightful warmth spreading through her.

Lost in her thoughts, Yeji couldn't help but reminisce about her first encounter with Princess Ryujin. Her mind painted a vivid picture of the princess—her radiant beauty, captivating charm, and the way her eyes sparkled with genuine interest. Yeji found herself mesmerized by the princess' enchanting smile, accentuated by her delicate whisker dimples. Her face was adorned with two small moles, perfectly parallel to each other, adding a touch of uniqueness to her already captivating features.

As soon as she opened the door, Karina and Chaeryeong bombarded her with questions as they couldn't contain their curiosity. Yeji couldn't help but smile as she recounted how the princess had admired the bouquet and praised her talent.

"Well, she said she liked it and passed her expectations." Yeji replied and smiled.

However, Chaeryeong, always perceptive, noticed the lingering smile on Yeji's lips and sensed there was more to it. She prodded, "Come on, Yeji! Don't hold out on us. What else happened?"

Yeji initially hesitated, trying to dismiss any further details. But Chaeryeong's persistent curiosity got the best of her. She finally relented and shared the highlight of her meeting with Princess Ryujin in the garden. She described how the princess' genuine compliments extended beyond the bouquet, acknowledging Yeji's own talent and passion for floral artistry.

Karina, catching on to Yeji's blush, couldn't resist teasing her friend. "Oh, sweetheart, are you developing feelings for the princess right after the first meeting?" she playfully remarked.

Yeji's eyes widened, caught off guard by Karina. She nervously fidgeted with a flower stem in her hands, trying to gather her thoughts. "N-No, Karina, it's not like that! It was just a brief encounter, and the princess was being kind. There's nothing more to it," she stammered, her voice betraying her growing excitement.

Chaeryeong, who had been observing the exchange with an amused smile, chimed in. "Oh, come on, Yeji. We've known you long enough to recognize that look on your face. There's definitely something special about this princess that has caught your attention."

Yeji's blush deepened even further, and she shot a playful glare at her friends. "You two are impossible! Can't a girl appreciate someone's beauty and kindness without it turning into a grand love affair?"

Karina and Chaeryeong burst into laughter, their teasing nature evident. Karina nudged Yeji gently. "If you say so!"

Yeji chuckled and waved off their teasing remarks. "Come on, guys, you're getting ahead of yourselves! Me and the princess? That's just wishful thinking. I'm just an ordinary girl with a green thumb."

Karina playfully tapped Yeji's shoulder. "Oh, don't sell yourself short, Yeji! You're talented, beautiful, and charming in your own way. Who knows? Maybe you're exactly what the princess is looking for."

Chaeryeong chimed in, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Yeah, Yeji, don't underestimate the power of love! Fairy tales do happen, you know. You might just be the ordinary girl who captures the heart of a princess."

Yeji laughed, a blush still evident on her cheeks. "Alright, alright, I get it. You guys are hopeless romantics. But let's keep things realistic, shall we? I'll continue focusing on my flower arrangements, and the princess will continue ruling her kingdom. It's best not to let our imaginations run wild."

･ﾟ✧*:･˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚*ੈ✩‧₊˚

Ryujin couldn't shake off her thoughts about Yeji, the florist she had met awhile ago. The way Yeji's smile had lit up the night, the genuine connection they had shared through their eyes—it had left an indelible mark on her. Unable to contain her curiosity any longer, she made her way to Yuna's room, finding her in the midst of a video call with Wony and Ningning.

With a determined expression, she walked up to Yuna and gently interrupted their conversation. Yuna, sensing the urgency in her sister's demeanor, bid a quick farewell to her friends and turned her full attention to Ryujin.

"Sorry, guys, I'll catch up with you later. Ali seems to have something important to discuss," Yuna said with a warm smile, ending the call.

"Alright, Ryujin Alreisse, spill it," Yuna said, crossing her arms. "I can see that you're dying to ask me about Yeji. What do you want to know?"

Ryujin took a deep breath, trying to compose herself. "Yuna, I can't stop thinking about Yeji. I want to know more about her. You said you met her back in the university awhile ago, right?"

Yuna nodded. "Yes, that's right. We had a quick chat on our first meet. I must say she is incredibly talented and has a genuine heart."

Ryujin's gaze was intense as she continued, "Tell me, Yuna, what can you share about her?"

Yuna's smile grew wider as she saw the genuine interest in her sister's eyes. "Yeji has a deep love for flowers and nature. She finds solace in creating stunning floral arrangements. She also loves dancing and volunteering at the community center."

Ryujin listened intently, her fascination with Yeji growing by the minute. "And what about her personality, Yuna? What makes her unique?"

Yuna thought for a moment, recalling the moments she had spent with Yeji for the whole day. "Yeji is kind, caring, and empathetic. She has a way of making you feel comfortable and valued. She's also incredibly creative and has a great sense of humor. Being around her is uplifting and inspiring."

Ryujin leaned in closer. "You said volunteering and dancing? Tell me more, Yuna. What drives Yeji to dedicate her time to the community center?"

Yuna's face lit up as she recalled Yeji's enthusiasm. "Yeji has always had a heart for helping others, especially the kids. She believes in empowering them and providing a safe space for them to grow and express themselves."

Ryujin nodded, her admiration for Yeji growing with every word. "That's admirable. And dancing, you said?"

Yuna's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Yes! Yeji is an amazing dancer. She has this natural grace and fluidity in her movements. It's mesmerizing to watch her express herself through dance."

"Wait... you've seen her dance?" Ryujin interrupted.

"Just on her phone, silly. She showed it me awhile ago when you saw me coming from the reception area."

Ryujin's interest deepened as she envisioned Yeji's graceful movements. "I would love to see her dance someday. It sounds like she pours her heart and soul into it. It must be captivating."

Yuna chuckled, sensing her sister's growing infatuation. "Indeed, it is. Yeji's passion for dance shines through in every step she takes. She's just like you when it comes to dancing."

"Who dances better, though?" Ryujin playfully asked.

Yuna faked her reaction, making it look like she was making the hardest decision ever. "I'll go with Yeji."

As soon as she heard Yuna's answer, Ryujin threw a fake tantrum and smacked the younger Clemonte with the pillow. "I am disowning you as my sister!"

"Follow your heart, Ryujin. If you feel Yeji brings you happiness, then pursue it. Love knows no boundaries, not even those of royalty." Yuna blurted out while trying to engage in a pillow fight with her sister.

"Whatever you say! I just adore her just like you do! She seems like a good friend. Besides, I am already bound to marry Julia!"

･ﾟ✧*:･˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚*ੈ✩‧₊˚

Hi! Leave a vote or comment if you are reading this. To be honest, I am not quite confident with this story because not a lot of people are into this kind of genre. If you want to see more of Princess Ryujin and florist Yeji, let me know please. <3

Love, M.