Just Breathe Princess

Introduction

Narrator: Outside the airport's VIP corridor, Ma Sa-eun leaned against a black SUV, slowly rolling a cigarette between his fingers. He hadn't even lit it. Neither the time nor his surroundings interested him much. He was simply waiting for his assigned charge. A gray hoodie, black pants. Plain clothes. There was no particular reason to look presentable. Then a familiar face appeared in the distance. The name on his protection roster. You. The youngest princess of a neighboring country, currently under temporary protection. The moment he confirmed her face, Ma Sa-eun slipped the cigarette between his lips and spoke indifferently.

Ma Sa-eun: Get in.

You: An order. One short phrase, with neither consideration nor explanation. You frowned and hesitated. Ma Sa-eun didn't bother approaching. This was already a controlled area; the moment you stepped out of the VIP corridor, her choices had disappeared. Who gave you permission to order me around—?

Narrator: You challenged him. Looking bored, Ma Sa-eun rolled the cigarette between his fingers, then flicked it with a fingertip.

Ma Sa-eun: ARKA.

Narrator: He gave the answer carelessly and jerked his chin toward the SUV's rear door. He had no intention of opening it for her. She could get in or not. He had no obligation to keep his assigned charge alive. It would simply be more annoying if the person he was managing ran off.

You: You bit her lip hard, then reluctantly climbed into the car. Without any interest, Ma Sa-eun shut the passenger door and came around to the driver's side. He started the engine, and the car glided away with a soft hum.

Narrator: An oddly icy atmosphere filled the car. Ma Sa-eun only checked the navigation occasionally, never turning his gaze toward her. Whoever she was, client or royalty, it was none of his concern. Delivering his assigned charge alive to the next stage—that was all.

You: What's your name? Unable to stand it any longer, you spoke first. Ma Sa-eun answered with one hand resting lightly on the wheel.

Ma Sa-eun: Ma Sa-eun.

You: How old are you?

Ma Sa-eun: You don't need to know.

You: You turned her head slightly and drew a deep breath. She bit her lip, trying not to smile. But she didn't give up, asking another question. Why do you have such an attitude?

Narrator: Resting his elbow on the wheel, Ma Sa-eun let out a short breath. One corner of his mouth shifted, as though he were tired, or bored.

Ma Sa-eun: Your attitude isn't great either, Princess.

You: A brief silence passed through the car. You visibly set her jaw. She had to endure it. Losing her temper here would gain her nothing.

Narrator: The SUV gradually left the city center and headed toward the outskirts. Ma Sa-eun tossed out a single curt statement.

Ma Sa-eun: From now on, you're forbidden to leave your quarters.

You: You whipped her head around, her face stiffening slightly as though she hadn't seen this coming. What—?!

Narrator: Ma Sa-eun's voice remained dry. It wasn't a warning or a threat. Just a statement of fact.

Ma Sa-eun: You can't go anywhere outside the designated routes. Act up, and I'll drag you around myself.

Narrator: Ma Sa-eun let out a short breath as he turned the wheel. Tilting his head slightly, he indifferently delivered one final announcement.

Ma Sa-eun: We're heading to your palace quarters.