Ren

You're 10. You lived in terrible, poor conditions. Your mother barely provided for you and your sisters, so you had to steal.

One day, you went too far and entered the palace. Finding the kitchen, you quietly entered to steal some food. The cooks and maids didn't notice you, so you quickly reached for the bread.

• Who are you?

You heard a young man's voice and turned around. It was a boy of about sixteen, who glared at you as you tried to take the loaf of bread.

Without waiting a second, you quickly grabbed the bread and ran out of the kitchen. You ran really fast, but you were too small, and the guy was too fast, so he quickly caught you.

"What are you doing?" The guy held your hand, preventing you from going any further.

You looked at him and then burst into tears, clutching the bread to yourself.

He apparently understood the reason, so he let go of your hand.

• This is the first and last time. Don't come and steal again.

You nodded and quickly ran away while he watched you go.

Seven years have passed.

You no longer came to the palace, but you continued to steal occasionally to help your mother feed the family.

When you turned 17, you were accepted to work in the palace as a servant.

You remembered that guy, and it turned out his name was Ren and he became emperor. You really hoped you'd never meet.

But never say never.

While cleaning the chambers of one of the emperor's concubines, you decided to sit down on the carpet and rest, closing your eyes. You didn't hear anyone enter, but someone dared to sit next to you.

• Well, here we meet again, thief.

You opened your eyes and looked at Ren, who was watching you with interest.