We were destined to fail.
03 | It's okay if you have different feelings for me.
김태형.
Are you finished?
설.
Yes... Today seems like a day where only embarrassing things happen all day long.
Seol forced a smile as she answered. Seeing her, Taehyung, without a moment's hesitation, met her gaze and answered. Seol didn't even look away, listening intently to Taehyung's words.
김태형.
If that's the case, don't worry too much. No matter what the young lady's status is, your relationship will remain the same.
After listening to Taehyung's words, Seol smiled brightly enough to cheer up everyone around her, and then answered in typical Seol-like fashion. At this moment, she looked happier than anyone else in the world. Taehyung, thinking that smiling was indeed a perfect fit for her, smiled along with Seol.
설.
I guess so. You and I have been close enough for seven years.
Not long after Seol-i left, the sound of my bodyguard and Seol-i laughing and talking came through the door and into Ji-an's ears. With a look of bereavement on his face, he left, asking, "Why are you laughing so quickly?" "It's me, not you, who should be happy."
지안.
Miss, why is it so easy for me to achieve what I want? But I hope you understand my heart, which longs to be happier than anyone else, even if it means hurting someone.
Ji-an interrupted Seol and Tae-hyung, who were laughing and talking, and spoke to Tae-hyung. Ji-an knew better than anyone that Tae-hyung was Ji-an's bodyguard and someone she had to serve, so she couldn't disobey him.
지안.
I'm going to take a quick look around the palace. Can you show me the layout?
김태형.
Are you talking about the palace?
지안.
I don't know the layout of the palace very well yet. I'd like to take a walk around for a bit.
김태형.
Yes, then follow me.
설.
That girl...! Can I come with you? I don't know the structure very well either...
I don't know if he was sad that his conversation with Taehyung ended so quickly or if he wanted to talk to me and ask me to go with him, but either way, I had no intention of going with Seol.
지안.
I don't think we can go together because we have separate matters to discuss. Instead, let's go explore the palace together next time.
설.
Okay, miss!
Judging by Seol's reaction, she probably wanted some time to talk to me privately. Of course, it makes sense, since she suddenly found out so much. She probably wants to be reassured, even if it's just for herself, that our relationship is still going strong.
지안.
Okay, take a break, Seol-ah. Let's go now.
김태형.
Yes, miss..
It was a new experience, but seeing everyone use formal language and address me as "Miss," gave me a sense of superiority. Everyone was being deceived, but the fact that I was able to enjoy something I couldn't was enough for me.
지안.
As expected, things have changed a little since 7 years ago.
김태형.
Is that so? Well, seven years is a long time, so I guess that's understandable. Where would you like to know more about?
지안.
Well, wanting to know the layout of the palace was just a little excuse.
김태형.
Do you have anything else to say to me?
지안.
Didn't you say so? If you're going to be escorting someone anyway, wouldn't it be better to have a good relationship? I agree with that to a certain extent, which is why I've created this opportunity.
지안.
I'm not even sure what to call you yet.
김태형.
You can call me at your convenience.
지안.
How old are you this year?
김태형.
I'm twenty-four this year.
지안.
I see. You're older than me, so can I call you that?
김태형.
It doesn't matter, since you're of high status. And the good relationship I mentioned earlier isn't what I meant. While I'm close to a high-status lady, I shouldn't be. I just wanted our relationship to be pleasant, so don't worry about what I'm saying.
It was an unexpected answer. Of course, I knew a princess must maintain her dignity and not develop close relationships with her subjects, but I was even more concerned because Seol-i was the one showing interest.
김태형.
You are someone I must protect. If you become close to me, I might harbor other feelings for you, so you must first keep your distance.
지안.
I won't allow it. It's okay if you have other feelings for me. If I had been interested in you from the beginning, what would you have done then?