Between The Pages {Liu Yuxin x Reader}

Y/N

If I say so, myself, it was a miracle that I managed to survive that hour-and-a-half-long lunch. Between Meipo's constant glares at the side of my head and the embarrassment that came with the Princess' words, I thought I would've been six feet underground by the time the whole thing ended. Thankfully, that didn't happen.

The royals were already starting to stand up and that's the time my shoulders finally relaxed and I was able to breathe freely. It's finally done. And I'm so hungry I feel like my stomach was eating away at itself.

As the two families finally made their way out of the room, the other helpers were quick on their feet to start clearing up the table. They must be feeling hungry as well. Meipo finally walked away from beside me and I found myself thanking every god I know for the relief. I wonder what's up with her that she always seems to be in a bad mood or why she's so keen to take it out on little old me...

I blinked out of my thoughts as I felt something brush against my shoulder. My brows met in confusion and I turned slightly to see the Princess' back. I bit my lips. Why am I suddenly having the urge to go after her? I guess she didn't really deserve to have a chicken flapping at her face... Fine...

With the thought, I turned and lightly jogged to catch up with her. "Wait, Princess!"

Thankfully, the other royals were already too far ahead and I found myself slowing down as she came to a stop. Everything almost felt like it was in slow motion as she slowly turned to look at me. The surprise was evident on her face as her brows slightly rose, but still, a smile stretched her lips as I walked closer until I was standing in front of her. It was... weird. I don't think I've ever felt this... shy before.

"Princess..." She echoed with a thoughtful look. "I thought it was... what was it? Creep?"

My lips pursed and my cheeks puffed in embarrassment as I bowed my head. "I just wanna apologize for what happened earlier in the field... it was such a careless thing for me to do. I am very sorry. I would understand - eh?" I trailed off to a stop as the familiar sound of her laugh filled the hallway and I looked p at her.

"It is not such a serious matter, Aihan." Her smile was soft as she spoke. "But..." I swallowed as she started speaking again. "What, may I ask, is a Creep?" She asked out and looked at me expectantly.

Well, shit...

"Ah..." I trailed off with an awkward laugh and rubbed at my nape as I tried to think of something. "It's a word, you know? Like... like an address, yes!" I blurted out and nodded at her confused face. "It's used when you want to greet someone you meet for the first time and you're not sure what to address them as... hehehe..."

Please buy it... please buy it...

"Is that so?"

"Hmm..." I nodded with a forced grin. I should really watch what comes out of my mouth.

Honestly, I don't think she really buys my lie. Not when she remained... just staring at me for the next seconds. I didn't say anything anymore, afraid that my mouth would get me into another trouble. And so, I just stood there and blinked back at her. This is the moment that she's supposed to dismiss me, right?

"Your Highness!"

My eyes went behind her and there, I saw Xueer. Her face was bright with a wide smile as the Princess turned to her in acknowledgment. For a moment, Xueer's eyes landed at me and I took the opportunity to wiggle my brows at her. I bit back a smile as her face became a light pink and if possible, her smile grew wider.

"Father told me that they have some important matters to discuss," Xueer told the Princess who just hummed in answer. "I was wondering if you would like a tour around the place in the meantime?" She asked, voice full of hope as she waited for an answer.