Under the Same Sky • Ryeji

9

Yeji's phone rang, and as she picked it up, her heart skipped a beat. It was Lisa. "Good day, Yeji. Her Highness, Princess Ryujin, extends a personal invitation for you to visit the hotel. We were wondering if you could join for a special reason?"

Yeji's mind whirled with thoughts, trying to comprehend why the princess would want to see her. "Lisa, are you serious? Why would the princess wants me, of all people, to come for a visit?"

"Well, do you happen to offer flower tutoring lessons? Her Highness expressed an interest in learning from you." Lisa asked.

"Is this some kind of joke, Lisa? Surely, there are renowned flower shops that can offer the princess far superior tutoring lessons like Bellerose." Yeji answered after remembering that Siri made the wrong call to their shop.

Lisa, maintaining her composed demeanor, responded with sincerity. "I assure you that this is not a prank like Winter pulls, okay? Her Highness specifically mentioned her desire to learn from your expertise one-on-one. Your artistry have captivated her."

Yeji's cheeks flushed with a mix of pride. To think that her work had resonated with someone of royal stature was beyond her wildest dreams.

"I'm deeply honored, please convey my heartfelt gratitude to Her Highness. I would be more than happy to share my knowledge and skills with her." Yeji replied, her voice trembling with excitement.

"Thank you, Yeji, for your acceptance. I am so sorry if ever you have prior commitments, I'll make sure to pay you double for the inconvenience." Lisa answered.

"No, it's fine. I mean it's Her Highness, who am I to decline? I never even imagined my flower shop would attract her attention." Yeji answered, she chuckled on her own remark.

"Right. I will send our royal guards to pick you up and ensure your safe arrival at the hotel. Once again, thank you, Yeji."

With the call concluded, Yeji couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and anticipation, eager to impart her expertise and bond further with Princess Ryujin.

After the call with Lisa ended, Karina approached Yeji, curiosity written all over her face. "Sweetheart, did a customer call just now? You seemed excited," she inquired.

Yeji shook her head, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "No, it wasn't a customer. It was Lisa, the assistant," she replied, a hint of excitement in her voice.

Chaeryeong, overhearing their conversation, couldn't resist joining in with a mischievous grin. "Oh, c'mon Yeji! Did the princess take a liking on you? Is she perhaps going to ask for a bouquet of love?" she teased, playfully nudging Yeji's arm.

Yeji rolled her eyes, playfully bickering back, "Please, don't even start with your wild speculations!"

The banter between the two will unlikely stop but thanks to Karina who stepped in raising a hand to quiet them both. "Alright, alright, calm down children. Yeji, what did Lisa actually say?"

Yeji, trying to hide her fluttering heart, took a deep breath and revealed the astonishing news. "Princess Ryujin herself has invited me for a one-on-one flower tutoring session."

Karina's eyes widened in surprise, and she clapped her hands together. "That's incredible, Yeji! The princess recognizing your talent and wanting to learn from you is an honor."

Chaeryeong's teasing expression turned into one of genuine amazement. "Wow, Yeji, you must be on cloud nine! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Who knew the princess had an eye for you–I mean for flowers?"

Yeji blushed, feeling a combination of pride and nervous excitement. "I'm still trying to process it all. But you know what? It's not just about the princess's interest in my work. It's also about how she treated me. She was so kind acknowledging my abilities as a florist. She even visited me just to talk."