Arya sat up with a smile tugging at her lips. She hadn't felt this refreshed in… well, ever. No snoring children crammed beside her, no hard orphanage mattress—just peace. Stretching, she slowly opened her eyes and nearly jumped when she saw a handsome face smiling down at her.
"I see you slept well," Ryu said, handing her a neatly folded towel.
"Wash up. I'll wait for you in the dining room." With that, he left, the door swinging slightly ajar.
Arya frowned at the door. "Doesn't he know anything about privacy?" she muttered, before doing as he'd said.
She slipped into her newest dress—a gift from a kind woman who had visited the orphanage before she was taken to the academy. White, patterned with small red flowers. The memory made her smile. She quickly straightened her bed, then stepped out, trailing her fingers along the decorated walls as she searched for the dining room.
"Over here!" Ryu's voice called, as though he already doubted her sense of direction.
Following his voice, she entered the dining hall. He pulled out a chair for her, and she sat, slightly flustered when he pushed it in.
Her eyes widened. The table was covered with steaming dishes, the aroma instantly making her mouth water. "You… cooked this?"
Ryu chuckled. "Don't underestimate princes. My mom taught me." His smile softened into something bittersweet.
"Your mom? But… I didn't know queens could cook," Arya said in surprise.
"She wasn't a princess," Ryu explained, his eyes glowing with fondness. "My father fell in love with her anyway. She was the kindest person I've ever known—and she taught me everything I know about… domestic things."
Arya tilted her head. "Was? She… passed away?"
He nodded silently.
"Sorry," she murmured. "I didn't mean to—"
"Don't be," he interrupted gently. "I like remembering her. Now eat. We have a big day ahead." He tugged off his apron and sat opposite her.
Arya didn't need to be told twice. She dug in, pausing only to savor the flavors now and then. Within minutes, she had cleared almost every plate within reach. When she finally glanced up, she noticed Ryu staring at her with amused disbelief. She nearly choked on the strawberry pastry she was devouring.
"What?" she asked, raising a brow.
Ryu chuckled. And here I thought I cooked too much.
"It's nothing. I've just never seen a girl eat like that," he admitted, still smiling.
"Well, now you have," Arya said with a pout. "I have a huge appetite, and sorry, I can't pretend to be delicate just because I'm eating with a prince."
Ryu leaned back, clearly entertained. "I didn't mean it badly. I think it's… cute. Really. Keep going."
She blinked at him, then shrugged. "Yeah, it's not good to waste food." Without hesitation, she reached for another pastry.
When she noticed he hadn't touched his cheese sandwich, her eyes gleamed. "You gonna eat that?"
Ryu shook his head, and she swiped it without ceremony.
"Bold and beautiful," he thought, smirking. Every girl before her had tried to act fragile or ladylike in front of him. Arya, on the other hand, didn't even bother hiding her appetite. It was… refreshing.
"Done!" Arya announced at last, wiping her mouth. "Thanks for the meal. We can go now—right after this." She stood, gathering plates and carrying them to the sink.
---
Soon, they were off to the store.
"Wow…" Arya's eyes widened as they stepped out of Ryu's car. She had never seen a shopping mall before. The place bustled with life, with departments branching into every kind of shop imaginable. Above it all loomed a massive stone sign: SKY ACAD MALL. Ryu explained that Skylar Academy students were given discounts here, but Arya wasn't listening. She looked like a child dropped in the middle of a candy store.
Ryu smirked. "Let's get your dresses first. If we spend all day admiring, we'll go home empty-handed."
He gently tugged her toward the clothing store.
"Pick anything you like," he told her.
Arya froze. "W-wait… you're paying? Because I don't have money."
Ryu grinned. "Of course. What's my royalty for?" He winked, and she flushed.
After some hesitation, Arya began selecting dresses, modeling them and nervously asking which suited her best. Ryu honestly couldn't decide—she looked good in everything. Finally, he turned to the attendant.
"We'll take them all." He handed over a golden royal card.
The attendant's eyes widened before she quickly bowed. "Your Majesty—I-I-I didn't realize—"
"Just ring it up," Ryu cut her off, slightly irritated. He hated the way people's behavior changed the moment they realized who he was.
Arya glanced at the pile of clothes being carried away. "Don't you think that's… too many?"
"I could buy the entire store if I wanted," Ryu replied smugly.
She sighed. "Show-off."
"Alright, next is the shoe store," he announced cheerfully. But Arya didn't move.
"What's wrong?"
She shifted, embarrassed. "I… might be a little hungry."
Her stomach growled loudly, betraying her. Her cheeks flushed crimson while Ryu burst into laughter.