"FUCKING HELL, WHY AM I INCLUDED IN THIS?!"
That was the first thing Han Seoryu screamed internally as he was dragged by two petite maidens into a flowery garden filled with women who looked like they were on the poster of Joseon Miss Universe. All of them were in full glam hanbok, glowy cheeks, light painted lips, and walking like they're floating. Meanwhile, him?
Looked like someone who just woke up and forgot to draw his eyebrows.
"Young Miss Yura, you must keep your composure," whispered one of the maids while fixing his hair. "Tea time with the other court ladies is mandatory. The Crown Prince's women must learn how to socialize."
Seoryu's mind: 'Crown Prince's women?! Me?! Can I just be the Crown Prince's roommate?! Roommate with benefits—KIDDING!'
He took a deep breath. You can do this, Seoryu. Just think of it as... a thesis defense with extra makeup and eyeliner.
———
The round tea table was massive. Like a Game of Thrones map but with macarons.
He sat at the end, hands on hips, while everyone stared at him like he was an exotic animal in a zoo.
"I heard she screamed about a… junior," whispered one.
"How unrefined."
"But look at her skin. It's so pale."
"Maybe she's cursed?"
"Or possessed?"
Seoryu grinned. "What, are you gossipers or historians? You're the next Joseon TMZ."
The girls glanced at each other. But one voice dominated everyone.
"That's enough," said a sharp voice.
Everyone went silent. From the center of the tea table stood Lady Hwayoung, the most famous, most beautiful, biggest vibe-killer in the whole courtyard. She was elegant, graceful, and dripping in condescending smirks.
"Yura, was it?" she said sweetly.
"Hmmm? Yes, Sister Hwa."
"It's Hwayoung," she corrected.
"Ah, sorry. I thought that was your nickname."
Others laughed, but quickly covered their mouths.
Seoryu 1, Mean Girl 0.
But Hwayoung wasn't done. "Your posture is strange. You walk like a man."
"Well, wow."
"And the way you talk. Crude. You should learn from your betters."
"Betters? Girl, what is this, hierarchy of frogs?"
Hwayoung raised an eyebrow. "You're awfully bold for someone who looks like a concubine picked from the gutter."
That's when Seoryu's ears turned hot.
"Okay. Gutter? Girl, you look like you're sponsored by jealousy. You're on the same level as my Shopee perfume."
Hwayoung picked up a teacup. Her movements were elegant. Until suddenly, with a totally-accidental-but-obviously-planned move, she poured it straight onto Seoryu's lap.
SPAAALSHHHH!
Gasps. The outfit was too good today for this shit.
"Oops," said Hwayoung. "I'm so clumsy."
Seoryu blinked. Stood up. Brushed his lap.
Then looked her straight in the eye and said
"Oops too. Not intentional, but your face looks like recycled paper."
One maid fainted.
Hwayoung's face twitched. But before the riot could explode, an attendant arrived.
"The Crown Prince has summoned Lady Yura."
Seoryu's mind: 'THE TIMING. LORD I HAVEN'T EVEN AVENGED MYSELF YET?!'
———
That night, Seoryu was finally left alone in his quarters. There was perfume on the pillow. Incense on the side. Like a spa—but haunted edition.
He lay down while staring at the ceiling.
"…I'm in a harem. I just got teabagged by aristocratic high school girls in hanbok. And now the Crown Prince… wants to see me? Alone? At night?" Seoryu whispered to himself
He stood, walked to the window—and froze.
Under the moonlight, by the edge of the courtyard garden, a man was standing. Tall. Regal. Intimidating. Silent.
TheCrown Prince.
He just stood there. No bodyguards. No servants. Like a ghost of regret.
Seoryu squinted and said on his mind: 'Do you do this every night, peeking into windows? What is this, Twilight?'
He opened the balcony doors. "HEY! WHAT'S THIS?! THIS IS STALKING!"
The Prince just stared. "…You missed."
making Seoryu roll his eyes and huff
"What do you want?!"
Silence. Only air and moonlight. Then the Prince spoke: "I wanted to see if you were real."
Excuse me?
"The others act like glass dolls. You… act like fire."
"Excuse me, what's with the poetic monologue?"
"You speak like you're not from here."
Seoryu leaned on the balcony, arms crossed.
"Maybe I'm not. Maybe I'm from a world where surgeons wear Crocs and ramen saves lives."
The Prince took a step closer. The air changed.
"You're strange."
"You're creepy."
"You're not afraid of me."
"Should I be?"
"Most women tremble in my presence."
"Sorry, I only tremble when there are deadlines and debts."
He looked up. Their eyes met.
Then the Crown Prince did something that shook Seoryu
He smiled.
'OH LORD, I'M NOT READY TO FALL IN LOVE WITH THE LOOKALIKE OF THE GUY WHO DIED ON MY OPERATING TABLE!!!' Seoryu screamed in his mind.