The Duke and the Girl from Nowhere

Yuna stood still, staring at her reflection.

Gone were her hoodie and sneakers. In their place was a soft, cream-colored gown with delicate lace sleeves and a corset that wasn't entirely evil. Her hair was braided back loosely, framing her face like she'd stepped out of a historical drama.

"I look like I'm about to get married off to a viscount," she muttered.

Soo-Min giggled behind her. "You look beautiful, my lady. The Duke requested something… suitable. For the town visit."

"The town visit?" Yuna turned. "Like, outside? With people?"

Soo-Min nodded, adjusting the sash on her waist. "He said it's time you get some fresh air."

Right. Fresh air. In a strange land, wearing a dress that probably costs more than her rent.

_______

Two hours later, Yuna stepped out of her room, her messy ponytail now twisted into soft curls, pinned with silver hairpieces Soo-Min had lovingly placed.

The dress fit like it was made for her — which, apparently, it was.

She descended the stairs, trying not to trip on the hem. At the bottom, Ji-Hwan was waiting — coat crisp, gloves in one hand, eyes fixed on her.

His gaze lingered, slow and unreadable.

"You cleaned up well," she said dryly, breaking the silence.

"So did you," he replied, just as dry. But his voice was… softer. Like he didn't quite trust what he was feeling.

"You're staring."

"I'm… observing."

"You're weird."

"And you're late."

She rolled her eyes. "If I trip and die in this thing, it's your fault."

————-

The town was quaint. Cobbled streets, flower carts, chatter that buzzed with unfamiliar dialects. Yuna stayed close to Soo-Min as the small group moved through the market.

Ji-Hwan walked slightly ahead, a black coat draped over his shoulders, posture stiff. People bowed as he passed. Some whispered. Others just watched — especially once their eyes landed on her.

Yuna tugged her shawl tighter.

Ji-Hwan suddenly turned back. "Stay close."

"I'm not planning to run off and join the circus," she replied.

He said nothing, but his gaze lingered. Protective. Sharp.

They reached a quiet café tucked between a tailor and a bookshop. The owner rushed out to greet Ji-Hwan personally, ushering them to a shaded table under ivy-covered beams.

Yuna sat stiffly, watching locals pass by, some staring openly. She picked up the teacup in front of her and took a cautious sip.

"Too bitter?" Ji-Hwan asked across the table.

She blinked. "No. It's fine. I just… this feels weird. Like I'm in a play."

He tilted his head. "Is it that different where you're from?"

Yuna set the cup down. "Very. People don't bow to strangers. They don't stare. And they definitely don't wear gowns to go get tea."

He was quiet for a moment, watching her with that unreadable expression of his.

"You wear strangeness well," he said finally.

She narrowed her eyes. "Was that… a compliment?"

He didn't answer. Just turned his gaze to the street again — but his lips twitched, barely.

⸻

They continued through the marketplace, Soo-Min staying close to Yuna's side while Ji-Hwan dealt with some official from the town hall.

Yuna wandered to a fabric stall, fingers brushing over silks and patterns. One in particular — midnight blue with tiny gold stars embroidered along the edge — caught her breath.

"It would suit you," a voice said.

She turned. Ji-Hwan stood behind her, one hand folded behind his back, the other now reaching to brush the fabric too. Their fingers almost touched.

He looked down at her. "For your next dress, perhaps."

Yuna's heart did a little somersault. "Wow. Did you just volunteer to fund my wardrobe?"

His gaze dropped to her lips for a second before pulling back. "You're my guest. You should look the part."

"You're weirdly charming when you try," she said, surprising herself.

He leaned in slightly, voice low. "Who says I'm trying?"

⸻

They didn't speak much on the way back. The sun dipped low behind the hills, casting golden light over the carriage road.

Back at the estate, as a servant helped her down from the carriage, Ji-Hwan offered his hand — not as a command, but an unspoken gesture.

Yuna stared at it.

Then took it.

His fingers closed around hers — warm, steady, grounding.

Neither of them spoke, but something passed between them.

Something soft.

Something dangerous.

⸻

End of Chapter 4

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