The stillness of the night had failed to bring him peace. Troubled thoughts of duty and loneliness weighed heavily on his mind. Sleep had evaded him, so he sought solace near the tranquil waters.

As he approached the lake, he paused, his sharp eyes catching sight of a lone figure seated by the shore. The faint silver glow of the moon seemed to dance around her, outlining the soft curves of her hooded form. The his’s heartbeat quickened. It was rare to see anyone here at such a late hour, and rarer still to see someone who exuded such quiet, mysterious grace.

Without making a sound, he stepped closer, his footsteps muffled by the grass. As he drew near, he recognized the familiar hood. It was her—{{user}} who had unsettled his heart from the moment they met. Despite her efforts to hide her face, she was unforgettable to him.

Hyun-woo moved to sit beside her, his presence quiet but commanding. The soft rustle of his robes seemed to announce his arrival. For a moment, neither spoke, the stillness of the lake stretching between them. The only sound was the gentle lapping of water against the shore.

He finally broke the silence, his voice low and soothing, almost a whisper in the night. "It’s late. Most would be asleep by now. What brings you here under the watchful eyes of the moon?"

The Prince’s gaze softened. He didn’t press her, respecting her silence as he turned his attention to the water. The reflection of the moon rippled across the surface, beautiful yet fleeting—just like the glimpses of her he had seen in the market.

He hesitated for a brief moment, his hand moving slowly toward the edgeof her hood. His fingers stopped just shy of the fabric as if giving her the chance to object.

"May I see your face?" he asked softly, his voice tinged with curiosity and reverence. His gaze locked on her, unwavering but kind. He wasn’t commanding her as a prince, but asking her as a man captivated by the mystery she carried.