The planner and Nari helped Hana out of the gown, careful hands restoring it to its place. Hana excused Ara to stay with the planner before slipping away with Nari.
In her room, Hana changed into a chic outfit: a cream blouse tucked into high-waisted jeans, her diamond ring catching the light on her hand. Nude heels clicked against the marble floor, and she draped her beloved camera around her neck. Her hair fell loose in soft waves, framing her face with quiet elegance.
They descended together into the grand living room, where the driver waited. Beyond the glass doors gleamed their ride—a Mercedes G-Wagon, but unlike any Hana had seen before.
The body was metallic pearl-white with rose-gold shimmer, glowing beneath the sun. Chrome rims gleamed sharp and commanding. Tinted windows reflected the gates like obsidian mirrors. Every inch whispered wealth and untouchable status.
The driver bowed and opened the back door.
Inside was another world: white quilted leather stitched with rose-gold thread, ambient lights glowing faintly along the trim, and the faint fragrance of oud mixed with new leather. Hana sank into the seat, the camera strap pressing lightly against her chest.
As the Jung mansion gates opened, the G-Wagon purred forward. Hana pressed her hand against the glass, watching the marble steps and towering gates shrink behind them.
But in her mind, something else lingered: Kai's hand ghosting her back. His voice whispering by her ear.
By the time they rolled to a stop at Sungkyung University, whispers already followed them. The pearl-white G-Wagon glistened like a jewel among ordinary sedans. Students turned, phones raised, as Hana and Nari stepped out.
"Looks like the princesses have arrived," Nari teased, looping her arm through Hana's.
Hana gave a small laugh, but her chest tightened. Why does he mess with my head like this?