The morning sun poured softly through the tall windows of the Oberoi residence, painting golden patterns across June's room. June stood by the mirror, tying her ribbon slowly, her thoughts still wandering back to the ball… the crown prince… and everything that had happened.
She shook her head lightly.
"June, focus. You promised yourself — no trouble with nobles," she whispered to her reflection.
But her heart didn't listen.
By noon, June's carriage stopped in front of a lively townhouse filled with climbing roses and wind chimes that sang with the breeze. The moment she stepped down—
The door burst open.
"JUNEEEEEE!" Jenny ran out and threw her arms around her.
June stumbled back, laughing. "Jenny! I can't breathe—"
"I missed you! You disappeared after the party! And you didn't tell me anything!" Jenny pulled back, hands on her hips, pretending to be angry but failing because her eyes sparkled with excitement.
June smiled nervously. "It was… complicated."
Jenny leaned closer immediately. "Complicated how? Handsome-prince complicated?"
June's cheeks turned pink. "JENNY!"
Jenny gasped dramatically. "IT IS."
She dragged June inside before she could escape.
Jenny's room was warm and cozy, filled with books, half-finished sketches, and sweets scattered everywhere. June relaxed instantly — this place always felt safe.
Jenny handed her a cup of tea and sat cross-legged in front of her like an investigator.
"Start talking."
June stared into her tea, swirling it gently."At the party… I might have talked to the Crown Prince."
Jenny froze.
"…You WHAT?"
"And he keeps appearing everywhere," June continued in a tiny voice. "And I don't know why. I didn't even do anything!"
Jenny slowly leaned forward, eyes wide with mischief.
"June Oberoi… do you realize this sounds like the beginning of a romance story?"
June covered her face. "No! It sounds like the beginning of trouble!"
Jenny giggled. "So… is he handsome?"
June peeked through her fingers, mumbling, "…maybe."
Jenny screamed into a pillow.
Later, as the laughter faded, Jenny softened.
"Hey," she said gently, "whatever happens… you're not alone, okay? If trouble comes, we face it together."
June smiled — a real, warm smile this time.
"Thank you, Jenny."
Outside, the wind chimed again, as if whispering that something much bigger had already begun.
And far away in the palace…
Lucas stood by a window, looking toward the city — unknowingly in the direction of Jenny's house.
"June…" he murmured.