It was "Take Your Teens to Work Day" at the hospital where Irene's dad worked. Irene wasn't particularly thrilled — hospitals, sterile smells, and all those endless white corridors weren't exactly her idea of fun. But she had no choice. Dad insisted, and she didn't want to disappoint him.
She wandered through the halls, hands in her pockets, watching nurses bustle past and doctors move with that practiced, calm authority. It all felt… ordinary. Until she turned a corner and saw him.
He was standing near the atrium, laughing at something a nurse had said. Sunlight streamed through the large windows, glinting off his hair, making it look almost like gold. He had a skateboard tucked under one arm, sneakers dangling from his fingers, and a smile that… stopped her heart.
Her first thought was ridiculous, but she couldn't help it: He's… exactly like the prince from my dream.
Before she could stop herself, her feet moved almost on their own. "Hi," she said, voice a little shaky, though she tried to sound casual.
He turned, and his eyes—bright, warm, and impossibly kind—met hers. "Hey," he said. His smile widened, and her chest tightened. "oh,let me guess,... you here for take your teens to work day?"
"I… yeah," Irene stammered. "I'm just… visiting. Dad works here."
"I'm ,khaid," he said, extending a hand. She shook it, trying not to stare too obviously. He was taller than she expected, broad-shouldered, but approachable. Not like the intimidating guys she sometimes saw at school. He laughed softly, a sound that made her stomach flip.
"Irene," she replied, feeling shy all of a sudden.
For a moment, they just looked at each other, the noise of the hospital fading into nothing. Then, as if by some unspoken agreement, he pulled out his skateboard. "Do you skate? There's a small ramp just outside. Less crowded, more fun."
Irene blinked. "Skate… uh,yeah i do but here?"
"Yeah. Come on," he said, gesturing. "Trust me."
Before she knew it, they were outside. The wind rushed past them as they skated, laughter spilling from both of them. Irene stumbled at first, but he was there beside her, steadying her with a hand on her elbow, his eyes sparkling as he teased, "Not bad… but you need a little more speed if you want to beat me."
She laughed, her heart racing for reasons she didn't understand. Every time she looked at him, she felt that dizzy, fluttering feeling — like when you dream you're flying, and your stomach catches up before your feet do.
They raced. She tripped once, laughing as he steadied her, his hand brushing hers. The touch lingered just a little too long for it to be innocent, and her face heated.
"You're… amazing," he said softly when she managed to keep up. "I haven't had this much fun in forever."
Irene's heart pounded. She had to fight the urge to say something cheesy like, I feel the same way… But she didn't. Instead, she grinned. "You're… not bad yourself."
As the afternoon sun dipped lower, they sat on the edge of the ramp, legs dangling, talking about everything and nothing. School, favorite foods, stupid childhood fears — even the embarrassing moments. Irene found herself opening up in a way she hadn't with anyone in a long time(.Anyone except yuan mi.) And so did khaid
And he listened. Really listened.
When he laughed at one of her stories, something warm and unexpected bloomed in her chest. She caught herself glancing at him too often, her mind filling in images — the prince from her dream smiling right at her, right here, alive and laughing.
"You're quiet now," he said suddenly, leaning back on his hands. "Thinking about something?"
Irene swallowed, cheeks burning. "I… uh… just thinking that… today's been… nice."
"That's good," he said softly. "I like nice days… especially when they involve skating and meeting… well… amazing people."
Her heart skipped. She wanted to say something, anything, but the words stuck. Instead, she just smiled, feeling that dizzy, dreamy feeling that made the world around them blur.
The day ended too soon. Hospital staff were calling everyone back inside. khaid offered his hand to help her up. Their fingers brushed, and Irene felt the spark again — that little jolt that told her this was different.
As they walked back into the hospital, her stomach did flips. He's really here. He's real. And somehow… he feels like he's always been part of my dream.
She didn't know what tomorrow would bring, but one thing was clear: she had fallen. Deeply, completely… hopelessly. And it was the kind of feeling that made her heart ache with joy, fear, and a little bit of delicious anticipation all at once.
She glanced at him one last time before turning the corner, and he caught her eye, giving her that gentle, knowing smile. Irene felt her knees go weak. The prince in her dream wasn't a dream anymore.
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The room was dimly lit, shadows stretching across the walls like fingers. Two figures leaned against the corner, voices low, but carrying a sharp edge that made the air feel heavy.
"Have you seen her?" one of them asked, eyes glinting in the dark. He smirked, almost hungry with anticipation.
The other leaned back, arms crossed, and let out a slow, deliberate laugh. "Yes," he replied, voice dripping with confidence. "She's… an easy prey."
A pause. Silence. Then the first figure's grin widened. "Hmm… let's see what becomes of Yuan now."
The second nodded, his smile just as chilling, eyes dark with amusement. "Oh… this is going to be interesting.