NEMOPHILA

[aventoru]

BYF/DNI. MASTERLIST. TAGS. REQUEST RULES.

✩ khlo. 18. southeast asian. she/her. @aventoruarchives. ✩ hotter than summer! (blue lock x reader mini series)✩ requests : CLOSED / only OPEN for hotter than summer!

all works written and owned by @aventoru. i do not own the characters. please do not plagiarize, copy, translate or repost my work on any platform without my permission.

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[akaashiit]

number neighbour — ushijima. w

𝒖shijima 𝑤akatoshi x fem!reader ( chatfic )

╱ 𝒘𝒄 # 8.6k — 𝒂uthor's 𝒏ote ﹕ reader is left handed btw! i really really like this one used all my brain power. it's been in my drafts for oh so very long (january 11) and i've just been slowly working on it :) hope you enjoy hah

more in the number neighbour collection

akaashi — smau // oikawa — chatfic

you're bored, to say the least.

it's a seemingly normal tuesday night, your homework is staring back at you with judgmental eyes, and you've scrolled through every social media app at least twice.

at this rate, you'll be forced to do your homework! and you really don't wanna do that..

that's when you see the trend going around again when you eventually reach for your phone: message your number neighbor.

it's stupid, risky, and exactly the kind of distraction you need right now. (anything to avoid homework ig)

your phone number ends in five.

you take a breath, open a new message thread, and type in your number, but change the last digit to a six.

you better be damn grateful i didn't make that six seven

you hey number neighbour! hope you arent a serial killer

you put your phone face down on your bed and wait. you expect to be ignored, left on read, or maybe blocked, like majority of the people out there on the internet.

five minutes pass. ten. then, your phone vibrates. with a racing heart, you glance at it.

xxx-xxx-xxx I'm not a serial killer, I am a student.

you snort, fingers already flying across the screen. who texts like that, apart from emailing a teacher? it's so.. stiff.

also, who just reveals that information?

okay then. you'll do the same.

you thats exactly what a serial killer would say im a student too how's life on the other side of the digit? xxx-xxx-xxx Life is fine. I'm currently finishing my evening meal. It's important to maintain a consistent schedule for digestion and recovery. you . okay 🥹 thanks for the health tip doc xxx-xxx-xxx You're welcome. you are you always this serious xxx-xxx-xxx I'm told I can be quite literal. I don't really see the point in unnecessary fluff. you unnecessary fluff 😭 well, im bored entertain me ! tell me something interesting about yourself without giving away your secret identity xxx-xxx-xxx I enjoy volleyball, and I'm left handed. you woah two fun facts and another lefty omg me too xxx-xxx-xxx Being right handed is more common, but it doesn't mean you cannot follow your interests effectively.

you stare at the screen. they sound like a textbook come to life.

you thanks for the pep talk, i feel so much more effective now 🤞 anyway im gonna go back to avoiding my essay xxx-xxx-xxx Okay you dont kill anyone tonight neighbor xxx-xxx-xxx I have already stated I'm not a murderer. Good luck with your essay. It's better to finish it now so you can sleep early.

you toss your phone aside, collapsing back on your pillows.

"what a weirdo."

you're sitting in the cafeteria, picking at your lunch, when your phone vibrates in your pocket.

xxx-xxx-xxx Did you finish the essay?

you almost choke on your own spit.

you hi to you too i did barely stayed up till two am xxx-xxx-xxx That is inefficient. Lack of sleep leads to decreased performance and physical sluggishness. you okay doctor xxx-xxx-xxx As I've stated before, if you scroll up to read our past conversation, I am not a doctor. you nvm what about you did you do your homework xxx-xxx-xxx I finished mine yesterday at 8pm. you sweat xxx-xxx-xxx Funny you should say, I'm actually at practice at the moment. you volleyball? xxx-xxx-xxx Yes. My teammate is yelling because I'm on my phone during a water break. He says I'm evolving because I'm texting a stranger. you LMAOO tell your teammate hes right you ARE becoming a social butterfly wait stranger?? we're neighbors theres a bond there xxx-xxx-xxx We share a numerical sequence. That is all. you ouch my heart 🥺 fine go back to your balls =3 xxx-xxx-xxx That is a crude way to phrase it, but I will. And what equals 3? ⤷ you hearted this message

you put your phone away, grinning. then you pull it from your pocket again, and change the contact name.

health inspector.

you're supposed to be hanging out with your friend, but they're currently hovering over your shoulder. still counts as a hangout, right?

"who are you texting?" they ask, squinting at your screen. "you've been smiling at your phone for, like, ten minutes straight."

"just my number neighbor," you say, tilting the screen away. you really need to buy a privacy screen protector.. "he's super intense. like, 'i eat for digestion' intense. well, im think they're a he."

"is he hot?"

"wha- i don't even know his name! we agreed – well, we didn't agree, but we haven't asked. it's more fun this way. no expectations."

your phone pings again, and your friend groans.

health inspector My teammate took my phone and saw your contact name. you oh no what did you set it as health inspector Number Neighbor. you BRO THATS BORING i have you set as health inspector hah health inspector I don't inspect health. Anyway, he changed your name to 'Eagle Bait'. I don't know why. you eagle bait 💔 tell your friend he'd better start running health inspector He is very fast. I doubt you could catch him. you bruh i hate u health inspector Well, I don't hate you. I don't know you well enough to harbor such strong emotions.

you groan and bury your face in your hands. he's so frustratingly literal that it's actually.. cute?

you find yourself wondering what his voice sounds like. does he talk as formally as he texts?

you hey neighbor? health inspector Yes? you nothing just making sure u were still there health inspector I am always here.

wednesday arrives with a heavy rainstorm that swiftly cancels your outdoor plans.

with nothing else to do, you're lounging on your couch, watching a movie you've already seen (and cried to) three times, when your phone lights up.

it's a photo – a blurry, shaky shot of a red haired guy making a peace sign right in front of the camera lens. he has a wild grin on his face, eyes wide and mouth leering.

health inspector My teammate took my phone again. He says hello, and that he doesn't care if you see what he looks like. His name is Tendou. you lol hi tendou tell him he has very chaotic energy even through a blurry photo 🥹 health inspector He says that it's his specialty. you i can imagine health inspector He's currently trying to read our previous messages over my shoulder. I've placed him in a headlock to prevent this.

you choke on your microwaved, triple butter popcorn. the mental image of someone putting a hyperactive redhead in a headlock is a bit too much for you.

you damn rip tendou health inspector Oh don't worry. He isn't dead you i cant with you 😭 you actually have friends? i thought you were a robot /j health inspector I'm not a robot. Tendou is my friend, although he is loud sometimes. you sometimes or all of the time? health inspector Both He's asking if you are cute. I told him I don't know. you well what did you tell him after that health inspector I told him that physical appearance is subjective and that based on your texting, you seem pretty you aw thanks 🥺 health inspector capable of basic communication. Sorry, I accidently pressed send. you wow i knew something was off you didnt use a full stop 😔 capable of basic communication.. i should put that on my tinder bio! health inspector Oh. Do you use Tinder? you no lol i was joking do you? health inspector No. I don't have time. you you sounds like you never have fun. do you ever just eat junk food watch a bad movie etc health inspector I eat what is necessary for my muscles. you okay mr buff guy 🫩 health inspector How did you know I was male? you magic ABRACADABRA health inspector Okay. Occasionally, I have hayashi rice. That is enjoyable. you hayashi rice is your wild side? health inspector Yes. you jeez we need to get you out more ⤷ health inspector reacted ? to this message

the next time you get a text from Health Inspector™, you're at the shopping centre with your friends.

it's unusual because he usually only texts in the evenings after his apparently strict schedule is done.

health inspector We won. you oh a volleyball thing? congratsss (congratakaashilations) health inspector Yes. It was a practice match, but we won in straight sets. I scored 19 points. you 19 oh wow is that good? idk much about volleyball health inspector It's a high number for a three set match. My setter was very efficient today. you go celebrate! get some uh hayashi rice or something health inspector We're going to a convenience store. Tendou is buying icy poles. The blue double ones. echo reference?? you what flavor are u getting? health inspector I don't like sweets very much. I'll have water. you you're literally the most boring person ive ever met 😑 health inspector But we haven't met you oh COME ON get a chocolate bar live a little ⤷ seen by health inspector

when he doesn't reply, you go back to window shopping because you're broke asf with your friends.

five minutes later, a picture comes through, a large, slightly calloused hand holding a small chocolate bar. in the corner, it has a small nibble in the corner, as though someone has taken a tentative bite.

health inspector I bought it. It's too sweet. you CRYING i can literally feel the regret through the screen 💔💔 health inspector My teammates are staring at me. They think I'm possessed because I'm eating chocolate. you tell them your neighbor made you do it trust 😏 health inspector Okay Tendou is now screaming that I have a secret lover.

your heart does a weird little skip at the word lover, even though it's just a joke.. right?

you tell tendou i said hi and that hes a visionary health inspector I will tell him hi, but I won't tell him the other part. It will only encourage him. ⤷ you liked this message

you hey health inspector Yes? you we've been talking for a while now i still dont know your name or what you look like or how old you are health inspector I am 18. you okay one mystery solved im 17 health inspector Haha. 😂 I'm older than you you please never laugh over text again. what about a name health inspector I would prefer not to. If we find out who each other are, things might change. I like that you don't know who I am.

you pause, thumbs hovering over the screen.

he sounds like people usually treat him differently because of who he is.

orrrr maybe you're overthinking things again.

you fair enough i kind of like it too you can just be my health inspector health inspector And you can be my Eagle Bait. you NOT EAGLE BAIT AGAIN health inspector It's what's written on my screen, I've grown used to it. Also, I've said multiple times I'm not a health inspector. you touché health inspector I'm going to sleep now. Goodnight, Eagle Bait. Oh, that almost rhymes you night hi get it hi health inspector h.i hello oh youre gone GRANDPA delivered

it's a monday morning, so of course you're dragging yourself through the school hallways, clutching a coffee like it's the only thing keeping you sane.

your school is buzzing because the volleyball team has just won something huge, but you aren't really one for sports. you literally know nothing about the volleyball team - you just know their gym is always squeaky and smells like sweaty feet.

your phone buzzes in your pocket.

health inspector I am tired. you omg what happened to consistent schedules for recovery?? health inspector Our coach was dissatisfied with our blocking. We had to stay late. I didn't get to bed until 11:30pm yesterday. you uh 11:30 is a normal bedtime for most people yk also why did you have practice on a sunday.. health inspector Not for me My legs feel heavy. ⤷ replied to also why did you have practice on a sunday.. My coach says otherwise we will forget how to play. you thats stupid do you want me to send you a virtual hug

there's a long pause, and you watch the three bubbles appear and disappear.

health inspector I don't know what a virtual hug is. Is it a digital sticker? Do you want to call me? you LMFAO no it's just me saying i feel bad for you health inspector Oh you but here (づ｡◕‿‿◕｡)づ health inspector That is a strange collection of symbols. It looks like a person with very long arms. you thats because it is a person with very long arms 😭 health inspector I showed Tendou. Now he's trying to recreate the face. It's unsettling.

you burst into giggles, earning a sharp look from your teacher and bemused looks from your classmates.

"sorry," you murmur to no one in particular.

after school, your friend drags you to the gym, against your will.

"just for a bit," she pleads. "my brother is playing, and i promised i'd bring him his knee pads. the fat lump forgot them."

you groan but follow her.

you stand by the entrance, on your phone, completely disinterested in the teenagers jumping around.

you im stuck in a gym well, not in the gym, but close enough the squeaking is giving me a headache health inspector I'm also in a gym. The squeaking is the sound of effort. you yeah no. it smells like stinky socks in here health inspector That is a valid description. you SEE health inspector My setter just messed up. He's angry now. I should go.

you look up from your phone, scanning the court in front of you, but none of them seem to be checking their phones.

"ready?" your friend asks, returning from where she's just thrown the kneepads at her brother.

"yeah, let's go. this place is too loud," you say. she laughs. "and stinks."

as you turn to leave, a volleyball rockets off the court and bounces toward the door. you stop it with your foot.

"sorry," a deep voice calls out.

a tall guy with dark hair and a bit of a scowl starts jogging toward you. he looks intimidating, but his eyes are focused entirely on the ball.

you kick it back to him. he nods once - not a smile but rather a blunt acknowledgement of your existence - and heads back to his team.

you don't think twice about it.

you heyy neighbor guess what i ate today health inspector If it's not a balanced meal, I don't want to know. you it was an oreo with ham on it health inspector Why would you put meat on a sweet? you because it tastes good why else you should try it health inspector I refuse. you suit yourself health inspector I have a question. you shoot health inspector Why do you continue to talk to me? Most people find me difficult to converse with.

you lean back against your headboard, brow furrowing as you type your response.

you because you arent fake everyone else tries so hard to be cool or funny you just tell me about your diet and your early ass bedtime it's refreshing health inspector Huh. you plus you bought that chocolate bar because i told you to that was nice :) health inspector It was very sweet. I still have half of it in my locker. you HELP WHAT are you saving it 😭 health inspector I didn't want to waste it. you has anyone told you you're such a dork health inspector I am told that often by Tendou. you of course ⤷ health inspector liked this message you so since you wont tell me your name can i give you a nickname health inspector is getting old health inspector What did you have in mind? you toshi

you don't know why you picked it - it just popped into your head.

somewhere, a tall boy with dark, olive green hair freezes. his heart thumps against his ribs.

toshi.

only his family and his closest friends call him that. it's a fragment of his actual name.

health inspector Why that name? you idk it just suits you health inspector .... you it's fine if not i know that was random health inspector Fine. You may use it. you YES

( you have changed health inspector to toshi )

you okay toshi go do your squats or whatever it is you do toshi I will. Goodbye Eagle Bait you bruh i dont get a new name 😔?? ⤷ seen by toshi kys toshi Okay I will keep myself safe ⤷ you disliked this message

tonight, your screen stays dark.

you find yourself checking your phone every ten minutes, which is annoying. you aren't supposed to care this much about a guy who thinks salt is a bold seasoning. like, seriously!

finally, a message arrives, and it isn't a 'goodnight'.

toshi I'm at a team dinner. Tendou is standing on a chair. you of course it wouldnt be tendou if he wasnt toshi He's singing a song about chocolate bars and secret neighbors. I believe he is trying to provoke me into showing him our messages again. you and did you toshi No. I told him that privacy is a human right. He told me I'm whipped

your face heats up.

you whipped? 😭 pleasee you barely like me you just like having someone to tell about your digestion and shit toshi That is inaccurate. I quite look forward to our conversations you wow i think thats actually the nicest thing youve said toshi It's the truth. People usually only talk to me about volleyball. Or they are intimidated and don't talk at all. you damn toshi You just call me a dork. you because you ARE a dork toshi but a cool one in an i follow all the rules kind of way toshi That is nice to hear. ⤷ you liked this message

saturday morning, you're at a local cafe. you snap a photo of your overly complicated iced latte - the kind with a mountain of whipped cream.

you [attachment] look at this it's the complete opposite of your water bottle 😝 toshi That looks like a heart attack desguised as a drink. you it's delicious! i wish i could send you a sip toshi I'd decline you aw man hey if i sent you something would you eat it? toshi I don't give out my address to strangers, number neighbours or not. you no shit that would be dumb 😑 i meant like ill leave it somewhere toshi That seems unnecessary. you fine have it your way ⤷ seen by toshi

you put your phone down with more force than necessary, a little irritated. you weren't actually going to stalk him or anything, but his immediate rejection wasn't exactly a nice feeling.

you go back to your book, feeling a bit silly.

around an hour later, your phone buzzes.

toshi I'm at the park near Miyagi Prefectural Library. There's a large oak tree by the fountain.

your heart skips.

that's- not far from where you are now.

you ..and? toshi I'm leaving practice now. I'll be passing that tree in twenty minutes. If you were to leave something there, I might find it.

you're already shoving your book into your bag.

you run to the bakery next door, grab a single, high quality dark chocolate brownie (less sugar, more toshi friendly), and sprint toward the park as fast as you can.

the oak tree is huge and gnarled. you tuck the small white bakery box into a crook in the roots, hidden behind some leaves, then run again.

you hide behind a nearby gazebo, peeking through the slats.

not long after, a tall figure walks down the path.

he's wearing a tracksuit - white and purple. broad shoulders, long legs, and a walk that screams 'i own this sidewalk'. from where you're crouching, you can see he has dark, olive toned hair.

it doesn't occur to you that this is the same guy from the gym..

he looks serious, his eyes scanning the ground.

he stops at the tree, looks around, making sure no one is watching, and reaches into the roots to pulls out the white box.

he opens it.

he stares at the brownie for a long time. then, he looks around again, a tiny, almost invisible soften to his expression.

he tucks the box into his gym bag and walks away.

your phone vibrates.

toshi I found it. you it's a brownie! try it before you judge it toshi I'll eat it when I get home. Thank you. ⤷ you liked this message toshi You were there Weren't you? you guilty ⤷ seen by toshi

great.

he's much more intimidating in person than he is in a text message.

toshi It was acceptable you acceptable?? thats it? toshi It was the best thing I've eaten that wasn't healthy. you HA I KNEW IT toshi Perhaps. My mother asked who gave it to me. I told her it was a neighbor, and she seemed confused as to why our elderly neighbor, Mr. Sato, would give me a brownie. you LMAAOAOO 😭💔 did you tell her the truth? toshi No. I find I like having this to myself.

you bite your lip, a slow blush creeping up your neck.

you me too toshi me too ⤷ seen by toshi

—

toshi I'm at the doctor. you shit what happened?? are you okay? did the brownie take you out? fuck im sorry are you allergic i shouldve checked oh my gosh toshi No. The brownie was fine. you oh toshi My ankle is slightly inflamed. It's a common occurrence. you does it hurt? toshi Not really. I have been instructed to ice it and refrain from jumping for 48 hours. you oh noo forty eight hours of no jumping how will you survive? 🥹 you can go relax and sit on a couch toshi I don't like sitting on a couch. It makes me feel stagnant. you you are SO dramatic just watch a movie or something toshi I am watching a video of our last match to analyse my footwork. you NO that doesnt count watch something that doesnt involve a ball toshi Suggest something.

you spend the next ten minutes arguing over movies. he shoots down every romantic comedy you suggest (highly unrealistic human behaviour) and every horror movie (i dont find jumpscares logical).

finally, he decides on a documentary about deep sea creatures.

toshi The giant squid is impressive. you awh do you relate to a squid toshi Yes ⤷ you reacted 😑 to this message

you're walking through the school courtyard during lunch when you see a group of girls whispering and giggling over a phone.

"he's so stoic," one of them sighs. "i wonder if he ever smiles."

curiosity kills the cat, so you peek over.

they're looking at an instagram post from a local sports magazine. it's a photo of a volleyball player mid air.

the caption reads: Shiratorizawa's Ace continues his dominant streak.

your heart stops.

the jersey is white and purple.

just like the tracksuit the guy in the park was wearing.

aka. your number neighbour.

aka, toshi.

you can't see his face clearly, but the build is unmistakable. the thick legs, the broad shoulders, the hair.

then it occurs to you - it's the same guy in the gym from so long ago. you just didn't recognise him without the tracksuit.

you scramble for your phone.

you hey quick question toshi What is the question? you do you go to shiratorizawa?

the 'typing...' bubble appears, and stays there for a long, long time.

you're holding your breath. if he says yes, the mystery is basically over. you could find him in ten minutes.

toshi Why do you ask? you i saw a photo of a player he looked like the guy i saw in the park

another long pause.

toshi I have told you before. If we know too much, this changes. you i know but toshi Are you disappointed? you what?? no why would i be disappointed? toshi Because I'm not telling you who I am you toshi ive been talking to you for a while i know you think water is a treat and you relate to squids you can't disappoint me toshi I see. Then I won't confirm or deny. But I will tell you this: My ankle is feeling better because I'm distracted by this conversation. And you.

your face turns five shades of red, and you have to put your phone face down on a concrete bench to cool off.

you're back in the gym, this time because you left your sweater on the bleachers after gym class. you'd hoped you could wear it somehow, but the gym teacher had promptly sent you away.

you spot a familiar head of bright red hair.

it's..

wait.

tendou?

he's leaning against the net, looking bored while who you guess is the coach talks to someone else.

suddenly, tendou spots you walking toward the bleachers. he narrows his eyes, then a huge, mischievous grin spreads across his face.

he points at you and then turns to the giant guy standing next to him.

the guy turns his head.

you freeze.

you're wearing your school uniform.

you look normal.

but you feel like you have 'NEIGHBOUR' written on your forehead in black sharpie.

the guy looks at you.

he doesn't wave or smile. he just stares for a second too long before the coach barks an order and he turns back to the court.

you grab your sweater and bolt.

once you're safely in the outside, your phone vibrates.

toshi You were in the gym. you i was not toshi Tendou said, "There's the girl who smells like brownies." you i do NOT smell like brownies AND HOW COULD HE EVEN SMELL THAT toshi You didn't say hello. you because you were BUSY and INTIMIDATING and we have a DEAL no names no faces ⤷ replied to no faces we've broken that toshi I'm not intimidating. I was just standing there you toshi you are a 6 foot something mountain of muscle you are the definition of intimidating toshi 6'2 I didn't think you would be afraid of me. you im not afraid im uhm preserving the mystery toshi I think you were running away. you no i was walking fast toshi Tendou is laughing. He says you looked like a startled rabbit. you tell tendou im gonna put salt in his next chocolate bar. toshi I will relay the message. He says he likes salt in his chocolate bar. you for fucks sake toshi And for the record.. That sweater would look nice on you. It's a good colour.

you groan and trip over your own feet.

"fuck-!"

you can't stop thinking about what he said.

about the sweater.

because it means he was actually looking.

toshi I have a question about the long armed person face you (づ｡◕‿‿◕｡)づ this one? what about it toshi If it's a hug, does that mean you are a physical person? you you're gonna have to give me more info than that toshiTendou says some people show affection through touch, while others show it through acts of service. you tendou is getting deep and idk! maybe? i think im a bit of both what about you? toshi I give them my full attention. If I'm talking to you, it's because I believe you're worth my time. I don't engage in idle chatter with people I don't respect.

it's so blunt – there's no 'i think you're cute' or 'i like talking to you'.

just the fact that because he's texting you, you're officially worth it.

you wait thats actually really sweet does that mean i have your respect sir 🫡 toshi You have had it for a very long time now. ⤷ you reacted 🥺 to this message

it was his texts like this that had you speechless.

you just.. didn't know how to reply.

it's the night before a big game for him.

you know this because he's been texting less, which usually means he's, quote, 'in the zone'.

you big day tomorrow? toshi Yes. We're playing a team with very persistent defense. It'll be tiring you you got this! just think of the giant squid or smt toshi I will. Will you be there? you i dunno wouldnt that break the rules toshi What rules? The gym is a public space. I cannot stop you from entering. you yeah it'd be weird if you could toshi Besides, Tendou keeps looking for 'the brownie girl' in the stands. It would be easier if I knew where you were so I could tell him to focus on the match. you oh so u want me there for team productivity toshi Precisely you ill consider it ⤷ toshi liked this message

the stadium is packed – you've never seen so many people there for a high school game.

you're wearing a simple hoodie, your hood pulled up slightly, feeling like a spy. (cue spy music!) you find a seat way up, far enough that you're just a speck in the crowd.

the whistle blows, and the teams walk onto the court.

and there he is.

number one.

he seems.. different on the court. at the park, he was just a tall, imtimidating guy. here, he's still intimidating, but he's also a force of nature.

when he scores, he doesn't celebrate much. he just resets, expression completely blank, eyes fixed on the ball.

in one word, he's magnificent.

during a timeout, you see him take a drink from his water bottle. his eyes scan the crowd.

they move slowly, methodically, starting from the front row and working their way up.

your breath hitches. you know he can't see you – there are thousands of people here. you turn your gaze away, looking somewhere else.

your phone vibrates.

toshi You're here. I can feel it.

you nearly drop your phone in absolute shock.

you how?? you're literally in the middle of a game PUT YOUR PHONE AWAY toshi My manager is holding it. I asked her to check for a message during the break. My coach isn't very happy but I don't care. you I CARE YOUR COACH IS SCARY ASF whats his name again washing board toshi Washijo You're in the upper area. To the left of the scoreboard.

yes in this shiratorizawa has a manager idc

you are exactly where he said.

you you are a freak. FOCUS ON THE GAME toshi I am focused. Watching you watch me is not a distraction.

the whistle blows again.

you watch him hand the phone to the manager and walk back onto the court.

he looks up directly toward your section and gives a single, sharp nod.

then proceeds to absolutely demolish the other team.

you slip out before they officially announce the winner, not wanting to get caught in the crowd – or by a certain redhead.

you're halfway home when the text comes through.

toshi We won. you i saw! you were incredible toshi seriously toshi Thank you. I'm tired now. My muscles are aching you do you want another long armed person hug? toshi No.

ouch.

toshi I think, next time, I would like a real one.

you stop walking in the middle of the sidewalk, nearly walking into a mailbox, your face burning.

a real one.

the man who finds unnecessary fluff unnecessary – just asked for a real hug.

or at least, he admitted he wanted one.

you a real one? who are you and what have you done with the robot? toshi I'm the same. I'm just tired. Fatigue makes people more honest. you well go to sleep then mr honest toshi But it's still early. And I'm not home yet. you i dont care ⤷ seen by toshi

—

toshi Tendou is asking why I'm smiling at my phone. you youre SMILING?? toshi It's not a large smile My mouth is simply less straight than usual. you mmm sure ill take it so whats got u smilin toshi I was thinking about the way you ran away in the gym. you ?? I TOLD YOU I WAS WALKING FAST besides youre scary in person you have main character energy toshi I don't know what that means. It's my job to be reliable. And intimidating if necessary. you youre very reliable at making me nervous :/ toshi Why are you nervous? 🤔🤔 you BECAUSE we've been talking for months and i still dont know your real name i could find out rn but im respecting your privacy be grateful 😤 toshi I am grateful. ⤷ you liked this message toshi If I tell you my name, will you tell me yours? you maybe toshi Then not yet. I want to see how long we can last like this. It's like a game. you youre so competitive 💔 istg is everything a game to you toshi Only the things that matter.

you're in your room, folding your laundry and humming a song that has been fixated in your head lately. you really need to stop doomscrolling on tiktok. no, seriously ik damn well get off

your phone is on your bed.

not so wise decision.

you reach for a sock, stumble, and your palm lands flat on the screen.

and you had only been texting a specific someone moments earlier, so the screen is still on.

the phone starts ringing.

calling.. toshi

"no, no, no!" you scramble, fingers fumbling to hang up, but your phone is glitching. great – out of all times. it freezes on the calling screen.

he picks up.

on the other end, there's silence. you hold the phone to your ear, too nervous to breathe. you're too terrified to speak.

"hello?"

his voice. it's so much deeper than you imagined.

"eagle bait?" he asks.

"hi," you whisper. your voice sounds tiny compared to his.

"you called me," he states.

"..it was an accident. i was.. folding laundry."

"i see."

there's a pause. you can hear faint chatter in the background – he's probably in the locker room.

"you sound.. like i expected."

"and how is that?"

"kind. and a bit terrified right now."

you let out a shaky laugh. "me? never."

"i have to go to practice," he says ever so softly. "but.. i liked hearing your voice."

you smile into the phone. "i liked hearing yours too.. toshi."

"i will text you tonight." before you can utter a goodbye, he hangs up.

you collapse onto your bed, staring at the ceiling.

now you aren't just texting a number anymore.

you're talking to a living, breathing person.

a person with a voice that makes your toes curl.

you're walking past the gym again – actually, lets be honest. you're taking the long way home just to catch a glimpse.

the gym doors fly open.

"BROWNIE GIRL!"

tendou is sprinting toward you, waving his arms like a windmill. behind him, he is walking out at a normal pace, looking slightly exasperated.

you freeze. you can't run this time; tendou is too fast.

"it's you! i knew it!" tendou skids to a stop in front of you, leaning down to look you square in the face. "ushijima is always staring at his screen with this look like he's trying to solve a very intense math problem, but the math problem is love!"

"satori," ushijima booms. he catches up, stepping between you and the redhead. "leave her alone. you're being intrusive."

toshi looks down at you.

"are you okay?" he asks, a genuine look of concern on his face.

"yeah," you squeak. "im fine. just.. laundry. i mean, walking home."

tendou snickers. "laundry.." he scoffs under his breath.

the other man looks at you for a long moment. you notice his eyes are a dark olive, like his hair.

"you're wearing the sweater."

"it's my favorite," you admit, fiddling with a loose thread.

he nods, a tiny twitch at the corner of his mouth. "it suits you. as i said before."

"WAKATOSHI-KUN!" tendou screams. "you're doing it! you're flirting! my eyes! they've never seen such a thing! actually.. she's shown me before.." echo reference??

toshi ignores him entirely. "ill text you later. i have to take satori away before he causes a scene."

"too late for that," you joke. "i've got to go as well."

he actually huffs a small laugh. it's a sound that blesses your ears.

"you're right. goodbye.. eagle bait."

"bye, toshi."

you walk away, feeling his gaze on your back until you turn the corner.

tendou turns to ushijima, grinning. "eagle bait? still?"

"she doesn't mind it. i think."

"you think-"

when you reach the front door, your heart is still trying to beat out of your chest through your throat.

you keep replaying it – the way he looked down at you, the way his voice dropped when he noticed your sweater, and, most importantly, the fact that he laughed.

your phone vibrates again before you even get the chance to take your shoes off.

toshi I apologise for Tendou, he has no sense of personal boundaries. you lol it's fine hes funny :) toshi He's a nuisance sometimes. But.. he wasn't entirely wrong.

you stop mid step, one shoe on, one shoe off.

you about toshi About the way I look at my phone.

friday evening, you're trying to study when a text comes through that isn't a text at all. it's a link to a destination on google maps.

toshi I'm going to a park tomorrow. Not the one with the oak tree. This one is further away, near the river. you okay? are you going to look for squids 😭 toshi No. I'm going for a run.

oh.

oh.

if hes asking u to run w him we cooked asf

toshi I'll be finished at 10am, and there's a bench near the bridge. you waiiit are you asking me to meet you like for real without any distractions or people around toshi I would like to see if you are the same in person as you are over text without Tendou present, if that's what you mean. you wow. rude justice for tendou ill be there toshi Nice 👍 ⤷ you reacted 🥹 to this message toshi ? you nothing toshi Also, I brought a brownie the other day. you you WHAT toshi Yes. It was good, but not as good as the one you brought me. you thats because i sprinkled it with some neighbourly love otw! toshi Oh is that a seasoning? I'll have to try it out you oh gosh ⤷ toshi reacted ? to this message

you arrive at exactly 9:55am. you're wearing a fresh outfit, your hair is actually done, and you've checked your breath, like, five times.

more like fifty.

the park is quiet, the morning mist still clinging to the river. you see a figure running toward the bridge.

he's wearing a black compression shirt and shorts. he slows to a jog, then a walk, as he nears the bench. drenched in sweat, his skin glows in the morning light. he looks like a perfect sculpture come to life.

ushijima stops in front of you, breathing hard. "you came," he says. his voice is a little raspy from the run.

"i said i would," you say, trying to sound cool. you fail miserably. "uhh, nice running?"

toshi wipes his forehead with the back of his hand. "thank you."

a beat, and you stare at eachother awkwardly.

"i realised something," he says, stepping a bit closer.

"what?"

"i don't know your name."

you smile, reaching out and gently poking his arm. damn, his muscles are like rock- "it's l/n. y/n."

he repeats it, testing the weight of the syllables in his mouth. "y/n. it is a good name. better than eagle bait."

you let out an unflattering snort. "i think everything is better than eagle bait."

toshi sits down on the bench, gesturing for you to join him. you sit, and for a while, you both just watch the river flow.

he reaches into his gym bag and pulls out a small, crumpled paper bag. he hands it to you.

inside is a single, slightly squashed chocolate bar. the same one you told him to buy weeks ago.

"i bought it this morning," he says, looking at his feet. "i thought.. maybe we could share it."

you feel a lump rise in your throat.

breaking the bar in half, you hand him the bigger piece. he promptly nudges it back to you and takes the smaller piece.

"to living a little," you say.

"to being neighbors," he replies.

the chocolate is slightly warm and has a papery taste to it, but it's easily one of the best thing you've ever tasted.

you sit on that bench for an hour. you talk about things that aren't volleyball, like how he likes the smell of old books and how you're terrified shitless of spiders.

"i am not afraid of spiders," ushijima says, looking at the remainder of his chocolate. "they're helpful. they eat mosquitoes."

"spoken like a true fearless soldier," you laugh. "but if one crawls on me, i'm using you as a human shield."

he glances at you, expression softening into a lopsided half smile. "i'm a very large shield. you'll be safe."

the.. peace lasts exactly forty eight hours.

by monday lunch, the school is buzzing (gossiping). apparently, someone (tendou) saw (spied) a mystery girl (you) sitting with the ace (ushijima) at the river.

you're trying to blend into the cafeteria wall when a shadow falls over your table. you look up, and it's not toshi.

it's guy with a black bowl cut and a guy with light brown hair, in a slightly more lopsided bowl cut.

"is it you?" the first one asks, pointing a finger at you like he's accusing you of a crime. "are you the one who made ushijima-san eat a brownie?"

"i.. maybe?"

"he hasn't stopped looking at his phone during stretches," the other one says, sounding personally offended.

before you can defend yourself, a hand lands on their heads and pushes them aside.

it's.. toshi!

he looks down at his apparently teammates with a look that would wither a cactus.

"go away," he states. "you are bothering her."

"we just wanted to see if she was real!" black bowl cut squeaks. "tendou-san said she was a forest spirit that lived in an oak tree!"

"uh. clearly im not a forest spirit," you say, finally finding your voice. "im a student."

toshi looks at you, then back at his teammates. "she is y/n."

light hair shrugs. "'kay. cmon goshiki."

they leave, albeit reluctantly.

"i'm going to practice. do you want to walk with me to the gym doors?"

you feel a hundred eyes on you, and you step forward, legs a little shaky.

"sure, toshi. let's go."

toshi Tendou has been banned from my phone. I've changed the passcode. you nah what was it before 😭 0000 toshi No It was 1111 you ..youre so predictable toshi I was joking Predictability is a sign of stability you in what world 🥹 toshi Anyway I have Friday evening free. My coach is attending a conference you are you asking me on a date perchance toshi I am proposing an evening with you. I'd like to go to the cinema. you oh? no documentaries about squids toshi There's a film about a man who survives in the wilderness. It seems logical. you okay it's a date but i get to pick the popcorn seasoning‼️ toshi Yes 👍 But no bacon flavour please. you DO THEY MAKE THAT toshi ... No. you ohhh they do dont they 😼 ⤷ toshi disliked this message

the cinema is oh so very dark and smells of buttered popcorn. you're sitting next to him, and even though you aren't touching, you can feel the heat radiating off him.

he's sitting perfectly upright, staring at the screen.

halfway through the movie, the main character gets lost in a blizzard. ironically, you shiver – the theater is a little cold.

without a word, toshi shifts. he doesn't put his arm around you – that would be too smooth for him. instead, he reaches over, takes your hand, and simply places it on his thigh, covering it with his own massive, warm hand.

"you're cold," he whispers. "this will help."

you bite your lip to keep from giggling. he is such an awkward romantic, and you love it.

you squeeze his hand, and he squeezes back. his hand is rough with callouses from thousands of spikes, yet it's incredibly gentle.

you spend the rest of the movie not watching the screen at all, just focusing on the feeling of his thumb tracing small, absent minded circles on the back of your hand.

when the lights come up and the movie ends, he doesn't let go immediately. he looks at you, eyes thoughtful.

"the movie was.. acceptable," he says.

"was it better than the brownie?" you tease, grinning.

"no. but it is unfair to compare food and entertainment." he says, leaning in. "the company was better than the movie."

you think he might kiss you right there in the cinema, but then his phone buzzes.

yay. cockblocker

( 38 notifications from tendou )

tendou HOW WAS THE MOVIE DID U HOLD HANDS I CAN FEEL THE ROMANCE FROM MY DOOM SOOM ROON ROOM TELL ME EVEYYITMG EVERYTING EVERYTGING ECERTITN fucj EVERYTHING USHIJIMA WAKATOSHI USHIWAKA U S H I J I M A W A K A T O S H I ANSWER MEEEEEEEE ew are u making out OR WORSE.. DOING THE NAUGHTY ‼️‼️ ewwwwwwwww that's naaasty wear protection kids 😏

toshi sighs, deep and weary. "i'm going to change my phone number."

"don't you dare," you laugh, standing up and pulling him toward the exit. "i like my number neighbor right where he is."

it turns out that when the most stoic, volleyball obsessed boy in shiratorizawa starts walking someone to class, people notice. i know! absolute shocker.

you're standing by the school lockers in the morning when you see him. he's, well, hard to miss – he towers over the crowd like a giant.

a group of first year girls is hovering near him, one of them holding a pink envelope.

ah.

"ushijima-senpai!" she chirps, her face bright red. "ive watched all your games! please, take this!"

you pause, feeling a weird, cold prickle in your chest. you've never been the jealous type, but seeing a literal fan club form around your.. you don't know what he is, but! it feels different.

ushijima doesn't take the envelope. he doesn't even look at it LMAO. he's looking over their heads, his eyes scanning the hallway until they land on you.

"i cannot take that," he says to the girl, his voice loud and clear. "it would be an inefficient use of my time, and i am already spoken for."

the hallway goes dead silent. the girl's jaw drops, and her friends giggle awkwardly.

toshi walks straight past them and stops in front of you.

"you're late," he says.

"sorry, captain," you answer, hiding a grin. "i didn't want to interrupt your, erm, fan meeting."

"it was not a meeting. it was disturbance. let us go."

and so the two of you walk off together, leaving the girl and her friends behind, her still clutching the envelope pathetically.

your phone pings during your afternoon break. it's a notification from instagram – you've been tagged in a post.

it's a photo someone took of you and ushijima at the cinema. the two of you walking out, hands briefly brushing.

and.. the comments are a war zone.

@.user1 who is she she looks so plain @.user2 does he even like her? he looks bored asf @.user3 ushijima kun deserves someone more athletic! ↳ @.tendersatoes definitely not you then 😂😂

a lump rises in your throat. you know you shouldn't care what strangers think, but it still hurts.

although tendou's comment does make you crack a smile. seriously, tendersatoes??

you're about to close the app when a new comment loads.

@.Ushijima_Wakatoshi Her name is Y/n. She is not plain, she is observant. And I'm not bored. I'm focused. If you have time to comment on my personal life, you have time to practice on whatever you need to do. You're lacking in discipline. @.Ushijima_Wakatoshi Fuckers. ↳ @.tendersatoes pop off ushiwaka 🤪 CLOCKED BITCHES ↳ @.user2 whatever

you stare at the screen.

toshi just commented a whole paragraph for you.

and on top of that – fuckers.

you toshi did u just flame your uh FANS in the comments toshi I didn't flame them. I provided an objective assessment of their behavior and their priorities. you yeah.. you basically told them to go touch grass toshi Grass is good for them. Are you upset? I can delete the comment, but I think many people have seen it already. you no actually i'm really happy but pls dont get suspended for me toshi If it means I have more time to spend with you, then I welcome it. you TOSHI 🥹🥹 ⤷ toshi liked this message

since the gym is being renovated for two days, ushijima actually has an afternoon off.

you invite him over to your house to study, which mostly consists of you trying to talk about work while he stares at your bookshelves.

"why do you have so many books about people who don't exist?" he asks, picking up one of your romance novels.

"because fiction is fun, toshi! it's about feelings and drama and shit."

he puts it down, then reaches for another one.

you gasp, jumping on his back. "not that one-!"

"drama is just a lack of communication," he says, sitting down on your rug. he's so big that your room suddenly feels half its size.

you sit next to him, leaning your head on his shoulder. he freezes for a second before he slowly relaxes, resting his head on top of yours.

"i like your house," he says softly. "it smells like you."

you laugh, the sound muffled against his arm.

ushijima suddenly shifts, reaching into his pocket and pulling out his phone. he opens up your contact info.

"i have changed your name again," he says.

you look at the screen.

it doesn't say 'eagle bait' anymore.

it just says,

y/n ❤️

"the red heart means affection," he says, his face turning a very unnatural shade of pink. "tendou told me it was mandatory for this stage of a relationship."

"for once," you whisper, leaning up to kiss his cheek, "i think tendou is right."

but ushijima turns his head at the last second, catching your lips with his.

"i agree," he says matter of factly once you pull away, then lifts your chin to kiss you again.

called both of my number neighbours once on a dare, one sent me to voicemail and the other was a woman with a child crying in the background. and i was reading the manga the other day and ml ushijima does not talk like a robot all the time 😭 bro fanon ushijima is scary.

genuinely really proud of myself for this one tysm for reading (new top 3 fav unlocked ?!)

tumblr, please allow more than 30 images. thank you.

also ! im making this a number neighbour collection/series so lmk through my inbox if reqs are open if u want any other characters with a specific plot, and smau or chatfic :D (if a character's already been done, i won't do it again. at time of this post ive got akaashi, ushijima, oikawa and suna)

taglist ( to be added OR removed, fill out the tag form ) @n-o-b-o-d-y123 @owl-captain-of-fukurodani @tc-selmarillian @blythmourning @sevslover @fosfatodna @tearsoftae @heavenquilll @perlleta @noemivalorr @bookworm-center @thesmithslvr17 @lottiekarottiqd @fweakygyatt @wellitseugi @haniipie @charukii @imgonnashartmyself @toorubae @kotarosangel @leosxrealm @irethepotato @lithiumval @dreamayy @wanderless-musings @sunnyl1ght

© akaashiit

[aventoru]

✩ FICS

ENCHANTED (14k) — xavier

You have always been out of his reach, like the lands of the earth to the stars in the sky. Still, he cannot help but hopelessly devote himself to you. Xavier has loved you his entire life, but how long will it take for you to love him back, if ever?

[aventoru]

ENCHANTED ft. xavier

wc : 14k

warning(s) : King!xavier, medieval times but not historically accurate, i make up stuff about philos, f!reader but it’s pretty ambiguous, arranged marriage, monarchy/brief politics, character exploration, brief mention of orphanage, marry NOT for love, angst w/ happy ending, yearning, unrequited love, maybe inaccurate info abt flowers(??), its giving…historical manhwa (this is a long fic so please inform me if i missed any tags!)

dividers : strangergraphics and uzmacchiato

Xavier fell in love the first time he laid eyes on you. He was innocent and seven, still free from the weight of the crown. He thought you looked beautiful then, lips smudged with the chocolate you had for dessert and dress dirtied with the honey wiped off from your hands.

“Who’s this?” you asked one of your ladies-in-waiting, who had curtsied upon seeing Xavier.

“He is the Crown Prince Xavier, and only son of the King and Queen, my lady. We should greet him properly,” she responded with a slight bow of her head.

You studied him closely, almost in scrutiny. He couldn’t blame you, considering he was currently frazzled and dirty from sneaking past the guards to go mess around in the garden. You had caught him red-handed, and he wished your first encounter could have been in a more…convenient setting. Somewhere that made him more presentable and fitting to his status, at least.

He half expected you to point at him and laugh, or subtly recoil and walk away, not just because of his appearance, but also his title. And yet, you curtsied politely to greet him, “I am (Name), daughter of Duke (L/N). Please forgive me for my rudeness, your Highness.”

It seemed you were not here to mess around.

“You’re forgiven,” Xavier hastily brushed the dirt off his pants and rose to his feet, facing you properly. The Crown Prince became even more self-conscious of his disheveled appearance once he had taken a closer look at your features. You were even prettier up close.

“What brings you here?” he asked, taking a step forward.

“My parents have been summoned to the capital, and I wanted to explore the garden in the meantime. I quite like flowers, you see,” you smiled shyly.

“It seems we have that in common,” Xavier started walking, “Which is your favorite?”

“Pink carnations, Your Highness. I find their meaning of remembrance to be sentimental, and their beautiful color reminds me of rare pink sunsets,” you followed close behind, hesitant to match his step. How intelligent you must be, he thought.

“My favorite are wavyleaf sea lavenders. I like them because they’re blue. Blue is my favorite color,” he shrugged. It was a half truth. His favorite flowers were actually Forget-me-not’s, but he feared you would deem him silly as his parents had when he told them. How could anyone forget the Crown Prince, who was destined to become the Shining Sun of the Philos? The King and Queen could not fathom why he could favor such a pitiful flower.

Xavier knew he was destined to become King someday, but deficiency haunted him, for he was not special. He had no talent and no passion, except for getting plenty of sleep and eating good food. That he seemed to excel at. The insecurities weighed him down at times, and he believed himself to be better off as a working citizen. His parents failed to see through such thoughts. To them, it was their son being simple-minded, having too little care for his future and too much care for some flowers. But to Xavier, it represented what he longed for in the deepest parts of his soul. For someone to come by and understand him beyond his title, and for them to carry such memories even after he becomes King.

“I’ll definitely keep that in mind, Your Highness,” you nodded.

Maybe it was because he was the Crown Prince. Maybe you didn’t know him well enough to elaborate. He didn’t know whether your words were genuine, but they were enough for him to slow his walk and match your pace.

Little did he know, you were no better than his parents. Xavier was not spared from your childlike judgement, but you made an effort to keep such thoughts private, at the very least. Was the Crown Prince…a simpleton? An idiot?, you thought. **Although, you could see a charm to his bluntness as well.

Xavier decided he would tell you about the Forget-me-not’s another time.

Two years passed before you met Xavier again at a tea party.

The Queen, having isolated the Crown Prince for so long, wanted to host a gathering for children of noble families to get to know each other and build connections. (In reality, it was to find her son some friends, but she couldn’t bear to say that part out loud.)

Frankly, you had no intention of attending. You had met those children before, and they were always either boring or rude, and in the worst of cases, both. You much preferred to remain at home and indulge in practically any other activity. But the consistent nagging of both your mother and ladies-in-waiting forced you to eventually agree, although it didn’t come without a price. In exchange for your attendance, your mother promised a week-long break from your tutors and an adventure to your favorite vacation spot. It seemed to be a fair trade, so you complied without further hindrance.

“We meet again,” Xavier greeted as you entered, perhaps a bit enthusiastically for someone he’d only met twice.

“It is an honor, Your Highness,” you responded politely.

The Queen soon came by to offer a word of grace, commencing the tea party before she left to attend to meetings, leaving Xavier in charge.

His mother had encouraged him to try and make some friends. He would definitely try but success was not something he could guarantee. Xavier was known to be introverted, even within the palace. He could only hold a conversation with his close confidantes for half an hour before needing to excuse himself as he became socially drained.

At first, the King and Queen thought it was a temporary phase for a young child, but at 7 years of age, nothing has changed. Xavier's introversion became a part of his personality. Xavier’s father knew his unwillingness to converse with others would become an obstacle in his role as King, and pushed for him to improve himself in that aspect. Xavier knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but the last time he met you wasn’t so bad. Perhaps there was hope for him after all.

“Your Highness, is it true you need stairs to climb the castle’s library because it’s so big??” a girl asked.

“Yes, I think we have over 100,000 books.”

“No way! Wait…how much even is 100,000?”

The conversation increased in volume as the children became acquainted with each other. Likewise, the more everyone’s curiosity piqued, the more obscure the questions became.

“Is it true that there’s a hidden dungeon underneath the castle with a dragon guarding it?”

“I heard the palace has a genie bottle, with a real genie inside!”

“Do you have unicorns?”

“What about a fairy? Is there a secret door to reach them?”

"How about something scarier? Like a ghost!"

Xavier felt himself closing in as he was continued being bombarded with questions. It wasn’t his first time receiving this much attention as he had been pampered since birth, but having so many people his age prying at once made him freeze up. Even you, who sat at the opposite end, could sense his distress. So, you took it upon yourself and did what any sensible person would do.

“Your Highness,” you called out over everyone’s voices, “Did you brew the tea yourself?” That much he could answer, couldn’t he?

“Yes, my mother taught me this morning. Did you happen to enjoy it?” he piped up.

“No. It tastes bad,” you deadpanned, setting your teacup down.

It was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

“I-I’m sorry?” Xavier stuttered, seemingly flustered.

“May I please go to the bathroom?” despite your cheerful demeanor, Xavier managed to decode your intentions.

“Of course. I shall escort you,” he offered, standing up so quickly his chair nearly fell over. You mentally facepalmed yourself before following close behind.

“Thank you for saving me back there,” he said once you both were out of sight from the rest of the party.

“It was nothing, Your Highness,” you dismissed, “You just seemed a bit uncomfortable, that was all.”

“So, what you said about the tea wasn’t true, right? It wasn’t actually bad, was it?”

“No, it was. I was being honest about that.”

Xavier sulked the whole way back.

You received an earful from your mother after she heard what you had said at the tea party. It didn’t help that she received this information from the Queen herself, who you assumed Xavier informed. But after hearing how you gracefully helped the Crown Prince escape the awkward situation, your mother rewarded you nonetheless. After receiving plenty of fancy meals, sightseeing, and cute souvenirs at your favorite vacation spot, you returned home, satisfied with your compensation.

Xavier’s 12th birthday party was a big fuss all throughout different social circles. Besides celebrating the Crown Prince’s ten and two years of existence on Philos, the birthday was also a huge political debacle. That much was obvious considering the overwhelming amount of foreign ambassadors on the invite list.

You were still reluctant to attend, wanting nothing to do with diplomacy and connections at the ripe age of 12. But customs were customs, and it would be disrespectful of you not to show up.

As for Xavier, it wasn’t his ideal birthday either, but none of his celebrations had ever truly been his own, so he would make do with that he had. Having received education and etiquette lessons from the best tutors in the kingdom, Xavier managed to satisfy his parents with his newly developed social skills. The vast knowledge he gained also made him a master at small talk, of which the purpose was to indulge your partner in a topic of interest and reveal no trail of your personal life. Talking to others didn’t pose much of a problem anymore, as it was simply a matter of whether he wanted to.

Xavier wasn’t the only one learning proper manners. You also learned to control much of your sass and snide remarks, as those could no longer be covered up by excuses used for a toddler. You didn’t get to meet him often, but whenever you had the chance, Xavier engaged you in conversation. It was good practice for the both of you, but something about the way he shared details of his personal life told you it wasn’t just small talk for him. Xavier didn’t mind revealing his secrets and you didn’t mind keeping them.

“What should I gift him?” you sought your father out for advice a week before Xavier’s birthday. Duke (L/N) placed the documents he was looking over on the table to find you standing at the door to his office.

“The Crown Prince, you mean?” he asked. You nodded, still deep in thought. “What do you think the he will like?”

“That’s the problem. It’s like I know everything and nothing about him. What do you reckon others are getting him?”

“I am sure you are familiar with high society by now. They’ll give him extravagant gifts as an expression of loyalty and show of wealth. But you’re not attending as a subject, are you? For you need not seek validation from him.”

After many nights of pondering and planning, you finally settled on the perfect present for Xavier. On the day of, you hopped into the carriage, dressed in the best outfit you owned, and made your way to the palace.

The royal family was sat on the throne, lined with velvet and gold, at the end of the hall. When it came time, the King stood up, a glass of champagne in his hand as he gave a toast to his son. You drowned out most of the speech, and zoned back in again once you heard the words “presents” and “open”.

The birthday gift were an exotic list, and you quite enjoyed silently judging them all.

A horse. 4/10 — Xavier would fall off and get injured before he could even be seated properly. You resisted the urge to snort in amusement.

A coat made of…fox fur?? -5000/10 — Xavier was an animal lover for goodness’ sake. You could already sense him having an internal meltdown.

A handmade brooch with rare jewels stuck on. 7/10 — You had to admit, it was exquisite. But that was the only redeeming quality. Otherwise, it was too mature, too heavy, too shiny for a boy like him.

A glistening greatsword. 8/10 — You knew the Crown Prince began swordsmanship at an early age, but the one currently gifted to him probably weighed as much as he did. It would take another decade for the sword to become of any use.

Your parents opted for a simple gift : The Language of Flowers. It was a book they had picked up from their most recent business trip. Useful, educational, and age appropriate. 10/10.

After all of Xavier’s gifts were presented, the King and Queen descended from the throne, greeting the guests that arrived from near and far. Xavier did the same, attempting to head straight for you, only to be stopped by an onslaught of people waiting to suck up to him. Your figure disappeared behind the crowd that had gathered. He was on his own this time.

“You look pretty,” was the first thing Xavier commented once he found his way to you. You turned to look at him properly for the first time that afternoon. He cleaned up well, bangs slicked back and eyes sharp, an appearance worthy for the status of Crown Prince. If you had even the slightest interest in the romance and true love that everyone raved about, you would’ve been in trouble (but you hadn’t). Even so, you still felt intimated by his presence which radiated of confidence and charm, entirely different from the boy you met four years ago.

“I know,” you blurted out in the midst of your panic. A beat of silence passed by as you felt your mother burn holes into your head from her place next to you. Your lack of composure surprised even yourself. Those etiquette lessons definitely taught you better than this.

“I mean, thank you, Your Highness,” you quickly corrected yourself before she had to interfere.

The party concluded after hours of conversation, which Xavier held up quite well to, and the guests filed out one by one until only your family remained in the venue. Xavier was reluctant to bid you farewell when the Queen, as if reading his mind, turned to you. “Lady (Name), I’ve been informed you have some things to attend to at the local market nearby?”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” you replied. It seemed your parents have informed Xavier’s of your little surprise for him, which made sense since he needed to be escorted, whether in public or private, everywhere he went.

“Why don’t you take Xavier along? I am positive he is more familiar with the capital than you are.”

“Your Highness, would you like to accompany me?” you turned to Xavier.

He froze for a second, brain buffering as he processed your words. “What-oh-yes-I would love to,” he stuttered. You nodded, signaling for your butler to escort you both into the carriage.

Silence enveloped the both of you as Xavier caught his breath after a tiring day. You spent your time gazing out the window as the scenery blurred by, mind drifting to a conversation you and the Crown Prince had a few months back.

“Have you ever wondered what it feels like to live outside of nobility?” Xavier asked as he sat down beside you at yet another tea party.

“I’m quite satisfied where I am, Your Highness. Therefore, I’ve never had such thoughts in passing,” you replied.

“Me too. But from what I’ve heard, the market is quite lively. The food tastes delicious and the festivals hosted are rumored to be quite enjoyable as well. That—" his expression faltered for just a fraction of a second, "That never happens in the palace. I’m just curious, that’s all.”

It was no doubt that spending all day by himself made Xavier quite lonely in the palace. The Crown Prince’s time was spread out between sword training and subject lessons. There was simply no time to play for the kingdom’s future leader, despite him being only 12 years of age. But for every problem there was a solution, and you decided you would simply make time for him.

“We’ve arrived, Your Highness,” the coachman announced as the carriage came to a stop at the market entrance. Xavier hopped out first, extending a hand to which you accepted.

“Your Highness, do you not need a disguise?”

“I don’t believe so. I haven’t officially debuted in society, so no one knows what I look like.”

“But your title and name, the citizens of the capital know that much at least. I believe it is safest for me to address you differently.”

Xavier paused.

“Lumiere.”

“Lumiere?” you repeated.

“It’s a nickname my parents like to call me. You can address me as such for the rest of our trip here.”

“As you wish, Y-Lumiere.”

You lead him to the your first destination : dinner.

“What is this place?” Xavier asked once you both stepped into the establishment. He scanned the area to find steaming bowls of food at the center of every table.

“It’s hotpot, Your Highness. A new dish that has been invented by the locals here. I figured we should have dinner first before attending to anything else,” you explained.

You two were quickly seated, and Xavier insisted on you choosing after giving a once-over at the menu. His unfamiliarity left you no choice but to try and pick the dishes you best believed would suit his tastes.

The waiter returned with your order soon after, sliding the food into the pot after the water began to boil. You watched nervously as the broth was poured into Xavier’s bowl, topped off with tofu, some beef, and noodles. Curious at the variety in his bowl, Xavier immediately took a bite. The different ingredients in the broth left a sweet and sour aftertaste on his tongue. The noodles, he thought as he chewed, were cooked just right. It was different, but it worked.

Xavier lifted his face, eyes wide with shock.

“This is so good,” he blinked.

“I’m glad you enjoy it, Your Highness,” you let out a breath you didn’t even know you were holding before digging in as well.

Conversation flowed smoothly as food in the pot disappeared bit by bit until there was nothing left but a hollow bowl. You exited the restaurant with your heart as full as your stomach. It was a successful start, to say the least.

“Firstly, I need to buy my parents the limited sweets they’ve been craving,” you began walking along the street vendors, eventually stopping at a shop selling an assortment of sweets, ranging from tarts to pudding.

You took your sweet time selecting the tastiest ones while Xavier stood at your side, puppy eyes locked onto the desserts, secretly begging to have a taste. You paid for 2 egg tarts and a strawberry cupcake, the coins clinking as you handed them to the seller.

“Would you like some, Lumiere?” you invited.

“Would that…be okay?” Xavier asked timidly.

“Of course. Have this egg tart,” you reached into your bag and handed one to him.

“Mmm, this is good!” his eyes lit up with delight after taking a bite.

“Would you like to try a strawberry cupcake next?”

“Yeah,” Xavier muffled out, mouth still full of food which he was soon to finish. You promptly handed the cupcake to him as soon as he finished the tart, fingers brushing against his for a split second. The sticky residue from the tart transferred from his fingers to yours but you didn’t flinch nor pull away, for they were quite warm and soft.

Xavier took a bite, savoring the strawberry and frosting with the soft cake inside.

“I’m assuming you like it as well?” you asked as you took a bite of your own tart.

“Very much so,” he nodded.

“I’m glad, Lumiere.”

The next item on your agenda was unique handmade jewelry.

The store was selling a multitude of things, but what caught your eyes were the tassels with cute charms on them. You pretended to select some jewelry, even going as far as to try on some bracelets and rings as your hand drifted closer and closer to your target at the edge of the table.

“These are so cute!” you picked one up to get a closer look.

“They are indeed,” Xavier moved closer to you.

“I think this make for perfect decor. Hmm, I believe it goes quite well with my handbag, bookmark, and maybe even…oh-my father’s sword! I’m sure he’ll love one of these.”

“Do you really think it would match?” Xavier's attention was gained after the slightest mention of his new present.

“Yes, of course. You’ve received a sword yourself, haven’t you Lumiere? I think this will be the perfect accessory!” you handed him a brown tassel with star charms attached. He stared in hesitation for a while before you took the initiative and asked the shopkeeper for the price. Xavier was without cash and promised he would pay you back, although you would never let that happen.

That was supposed to conclude your day. Dinner, some dessert, and a small gift for the Crown Prince whose birthday it was. The sun had completely set by now, and you planned to allow the Crown Prince to return to the palace. However, fate had a strange way of setting you up.

There was a festival held in the town square the very same day, and Xavier couldn’t help but admire the people enjoying themselves as he walked past. The laughter and music got louder and louder as you approached the center, where townsfolk were dancing. You essentially planned to usher Xavier along, but the subtle longing in his eyes sent an ache through your heart. A little fun wouldn't hurt, would it?

“Would you like to join them, Lumiere?”

“Oh-I couldn’t possibly detour you any longer,” Xavier scratched his neck nervously.

“I don’t mind it at all. Besides, I believe my agenda for today has already been completed,” you said.

“Are you sure?” he asked. Even with your reassurance, he still stood at the edge of the square, awakwardly shifting his weight from one foot to the other. You sighed at his reluctance before taking his hand and dragging him towards the crowd of dancing people. A spot opened up just as you approached and you naturally (and subtly) slipped inside.

Xavier wrapped an arm around your waist as you held onto his shoulders. Your movements were clumsy at first, a bit off beat and asynchronous as you tried to catch up with the song. The awkwardness vanished once the music picked up and you managed to move in tandem with Xavier. It seemed that somewhere along the way, both your movements aligned. Xavier appeared much more relax as you carried on, breaking into a genuine smile for the first time that day.

Those etiquette lessons weren’t useless for once.

The dance concluded not long ago and you had to seek refuge on a bench to soothe the pain in your legs and blisters on your shoe. Xavier sat down next to you.

“(Name),” Xavier called out.

“Yes, Lumiere?”

“Thank you for today. I had fun.”

“When did you find out?”

“I had a hunch since the beginning. You’re never this easygoing when it comes to getting something done,” he smiled cheekily. To his pleasant surprise you smiled back.

“Lumiere, close your eyes,” you told him. He did as you said. A faint rustling was heard as you reached into your bag in search of something special.

“Okay, you can open them now.”

When his eyelids parted, Xavier found himself staring not at you, but at the petals of numerous wavy leaf sea lavenders, weaved into a beautiful bouquet (well, as beautiful as 12-year-old you could’ve done).

“I made this myself,” you confessed. It was only then that he noticed the faint scars that littered your hands. “Do you not like it?” you asked after hearing nothing but silence on his end.

“(Name), did you get hurt because of that?” he pried your fingers off the wrapping, gently inspecting them. You felt your heart skip a beat.

“It’s not a big deal,” you shrugged, “And it’s my fault for being clumsy.”

“I loved the gift, but I don’t like the fact that you had to get hurt because of me.”

“Lumiere, it’s fine I—” you stopped when you felt Xavier’s hands fully clasped against yours. You pulled away, shoving the flowers into his hands before saying, “It seems the carriage will be arriving soon. We should get going, Your Highness.”

The ride home was silent, save for the clippity-clopping of horse hooves on pavement. Xavier sat still, attention solely on the flowers in his hand. He admired the details, the delicacy, and the effort you put into his present. Not just the one he was physically holding in his hands, but also the adventure you carefully crafted. It truly felt like his birthday was his own to celebrate.

The moon shone brightly that night, lighting up your face through the window to which the Crown Prince couldn’t help but sneak glances at from his seat.

Xavier realized he enjoyed your company more than anyone else in the kingdom.

“You will also wed the Crown Prince’s once you become of age,” your mother repeated. This wasn’t something your parents wanted to tell you so early on, considering you were only 14. But you pestered them as a nosy child would about their parents’ marriage, only for it to be arranged.

“What? Why would I marry someone I don’t even like?” you deadpanned, not believing your own ears.

“Honey, you are mistaken. We are not forcing you to marry His Highness, we are simply suggesting for that to be your best option after reviewing all the possible candidates.”

“I’m sure you’ll grow to like him quite a bit, dear. Despite being in an arranged marriage ourselves, your mother and I are happy with each other now, aren't we?” your father patted you on the back, attempting to soothe your boiling emotions. You honestly couldn’t care less.

“No. No. I refuse.” You knew you had a choice to say no. You grew up to be even more stubborn and hard-headed than you were as a child, and your parents weren't the type to push you into an unwanted marriage. But that didn't mean they had no underhanded tactics themselves.

“Honey, we know you have ambitions to bring change to this nation, but in order to do that, you’ll need more power than you have now. And you know what will come of you marrying Xavier and inheriting the title of Queen, won’t you?” your mother provoked.

You knew she wasn’t wrong. Between the socializing and lessons, you grew to develop an interest in politics and government, having expressed numerous times the imperfect state of the kingdom and your many proposals to change policy. Becoming Queen meant you were Xavier’s closest confidante and essentially his Imperial Advisor. There was so much you could do to achieve your goals. Besides, spending the rest of your life with Xavier didn’t sound so bad if it meant you could do what you wanted, even when you didn’t love him. He was someone who respected you boundaries. How hard could it possibly be?

“Xavier it is,” you forced a smile. Well, you could always get a divorce.

Your condescending thoughts were unbeknownst to the Crown Prince, whom you happened to come across a few day later in the Imperial Garden.

“She likes me.” Pluck. “She likes me not.” Pluck.

Xavier was on his fifth dandelion, and each time the answer he wanted the least appeared before him. His knees were red, his clothes were dirty, and he was tired.

“She likes me.” Pluck. “She likes me not-”

“Your Highness, what are you doing?” Xavier turned to see you approaching him, unimpressed.

“I’m simply,” he glanced over to the flowers whose neighbors he had just destroyed, “admiring the garden.”

“I’m sure you are,” you pretended to ignore the petals and stems scattered behind him. You’d always had a soft spot for Xavier, or so everyone else claimed. According to them, you were easily vexed by anything and everything but him.

Looking at him now, flushed and twiddling his thumbs in embarrassment didn’t bother you as much as it should have. If it were anyone else, you would’ve already gone on a judgemental tangent but Xavier seemed to be your sole exception. Although, you couldn’t say you weren’t disappointed. The future King was someone you envisioned as charismatic and strong, not a boy with soft features who was a little too in touch with the nature around him. Xavier seemed more suitable as a male-lead in a romance novel. Not yours, of course, but you could totally imagine him as someone’s sweet and gentle lover. His face could make someone’s heart skip a beat at first sight. Not yours, though. Surely not—

You halted your train of thought, stopping yourself from thinking things too dangerous for you to bear the weight of. Startled by the sudden lack of self-control and confusion in your own thoughts, you turned your back on the Crown Prince and quickly excused yourself.

“Wait, where are you heading? Let me join you,” Xavier dusted himself off before chasing after you. In his rush to catch up, Xavier had failed to notice the remaining petal on the flower he left unfinished.

Your invitation for Xavier’s debutante ball came once it was time for the Crown Prince to make his debut into high society.

The preparation was intense. The servants were bustling about within your residence. Your family’s finest jewels adorned your figure. Your hair was styled to perfection. And then, the day arrived.

The palace was the grandest it had ever been. The chandelier hung high, the walls were lined with gold, and the silverware reflected everything in its presence. But nothing could outshine Xavier as he made his grand entrance.

His hair was slicked back, his outfit was crisp, and he walked with the grace of a future king. No one could take their eyes off him, especially the ladies, who were whispering amongst each other. In their eyes, the saw the future King of Philos. In his eyes, he saw you. Two years had passed, yet Xavier’s crush on you remained. In fact, it had gotten even stronger.

The waltzing started, and all the noble children joined. You twirled around, switching from partner to partner, only to end up in the arms of the Crown Prince himself.

“I’ll meet you in the garden,” he whispered before the music ended.

You slipped away from the crowd, heels clicking against cobblestone as you headed out. You found him sitting by the fountain, crickets chirping as the dust began to settle.

“What did you want to see me for, Your Highness?” you asked.

“(Name), there’s something I’ve been hiding from you. My favorite flowers, they’re actually forget-me-not’s.”

“I’m sorry?” you asked, disappointed how your long-lived tradition suddenly seemed lackluster.

“I apologize for not telling you sooner. I was afraid you would judge.”

“Why would I, Your Highness?” Now you had really taken some offense. Although there was a possibility you could very well have judge on your first meeting, surely Xavier had known you for long enough to know you had grown out of that habit, especially over such trivial things.

“Because my parents did. They believed such flowers represented weakness, for why would a future King ever plead to be remembered? They only know me as the child whose future is set in stone, destined to carve his name in history and never be forgotten. They’ve never really asked me whether that is what I want, because it doesn’t matter to them. But you’re different,” Xavier paused. You let the words sink in.

Looking back, it made sense how Xavier had become attached to you. At first, you came off as another subject ingratiating themselves with the Royal Family. But the more he got to know you, the more your genuinity outshined all the rest. Perhaps you were too considerate, too kind for his own good. You had unintentionally set up a standard that no other person passing through the Crown Prince’s life would ever be able to reach. To say you regretted it would be an overstatement, but making him fall for you wasn’t exactly a part of your foresight either.

“You were the first person who saw me for who I was, not who you wanted me to become. You know me as the boy with no particular talent or passion, who is not at all fit to be King, and you’ll remember me as such, will you not? You’ve always been here by my side, and I don’t think anyone will come close to understanding me like you do.”

You turned to Xavier, reasoning and logic on the tip of your tongue, only to find him already looking at you. The look in his eyes held an intensity that knocked the air out of your lungs. You recoiled, unable to bear it for one second longer. You knew what Xavier was going to say. And you knew what your response was going be.

“(Name), I-”

“I have to go. Farewell, Your Highness,” you stood up abruptly, picking up your dress as you hurried away. In the end, you couldn’t do it. You couldn’t bear to break his heart. A marriage without love is bad, but an unrequited love is worse.

Xavier could only watch your back gradually get smaller before disappearing completely behind the mansion doors.

“You play so well!” the people clapped once Xavier finished his performance. After you snuck him out to the market that one fateful night, Xavier had made it a tradition to visit the citizens every year whenever he had the time. This time, he was the one playing music for the festival. You were here to accompany him, determined to gain support from the citizens once you came into power.

The crowd dispersed as it was getting late, with everyone leaving to grab remaining snacks on their way home. Now, it was only you and Xavier left in the town square. “Would you like to play?” he invited, patting the empty space next to him on the chair.

“I’m afraid I don’t know how, Your Highness,” you politely refused.

“Then I’ll teach you,” he insisted.

You gave in, taking a seat and laying your hands on the keys while awaiting his instructions.

“First, you must relax,” he reached over, smoothing the tense muscles in your individual fingers. You blushed at the contact, but relaxed nonetheless.

“Now, you press the keys as such,” he mimicked the notes on a lower octave as you mirrored his movements, “Make sure not to press too harshly.”

Despite Xavier’s skilled musical kowledge and effective teaching methods, the feel of the instrument still did not come to you easily. Sometimes you played the wrong tempo, other times the wrong rhythm, and more frequently, you kept forgetting the notes. So, Xavier had no choice but to take your hands in his, directly guiding you to the correct notes.

You expressed shame for your amateurishness, yet Xavier’s patience persisted. You wondered if there was anything that could even create a dent in his resolve to help others. Your demanding and hot-headed nature was an obstacle to guiding someone wholeheartedly the way he did.

At that moment, you felt an overwhelming sense of embarrassment entangled with unbridled envy, for you realized he posessed a quality you had always lacked : benevolence. Xavier had always done good for the sake of it. The people he’s helped, the charities he volunteered for, and the local businesses he frequented were all on his own accord without any motives. You were so wrapped up in diplomacy and proposals that you had almost forgotten what it was all for.

As you were sitting beside him in the still night, his fingers between yours and piano keys below your fingertips, you believed there was no one else as suitable for King as he.

“Xavier, your father will soon step down. You must surely be thinking of a suitable bride to marry,” his mother probed. The topic of marriage seemed to come up a lot these days now that he had turned eighteen.

“Mother, can’t we discuss this later?” he whispered, embarrassed. His family had invited yours over for dinner, which served as a reason for his mother to pressure him. The engagement had been planned since birth, but after your rejection last year, Xavier was unsure whether it would actually go through. His mother, upon hearing what had happened, offered a different selection, although she still rooted for you deep down.

“My dear Xavier, haven’t you delayed this long enough? There are many fine ladies in line to marry you, you just have to pick one.”

“I am not interested in romance, much less any of them.”

“Then whoever shall marry you, dear? This has to happen sooner or later-”

“I shall," you announced. The table stilled as everyone ceased their eating and the clinking of silverware died down.

“(Name), I thought you didn’t care for romance either,” the King's eyes darted between you and Xavier, obvious confusion in his demeanor.

“I didn’t, Your Majesty. But the Crown Prince has been very gracious in his courtship for the past year, and I do not mind accepting his proposal,” you smiled shyly, although Xavier noticed it didn’t quite reach your eyes.

“Xavier, why did you not inform us sooner? That is good news indeed.”

"We-we wanted for it to be a surprise," Xavier came up with an cover on the spot.

“We shall start planning for the wedding right away once Xavier follows his father’s footsteps,” the Queen smiled, although she briefly glanced at her son with skeptical eyes.

“I’m glad it all worked out in the end,” your mother chimed in. The table burst into conversation from there on, with both families elated about your decision. You found it difficult to swallow your food for the rest of the meal.

“Tell me the truth, (Name). I am not naive to your lack of affection for me,” Xavier demanded once you were alone.

“There are things I want to do for the people of this kingdom, Your Highness, and I’m sure you do too. It’s not that I don’t trust you to rule alone, but I know how harsh those old geezers can be when it comes to policy and government. So, I want to help. And you’ll allow me to, won’t you?”

“So what you’re saying is, you want to marry me for power, not for love, correct?”

“Don’t make me sound so heartless. You know I’m using it for good.”

“But it is for power nonetheless, no?”

“Think of it as a transaction. We’ll simply be friends who happen to live together, like roommates.”

Right. Just roommates.

“My dearest son, you love her, do you not? It will be torture for you,” his mother reasoned once she cornered him that night to confirm her suspicions. He had no choice but to tell her the truth of your motives.

“I can learn to endure it, if it will allow me to stay with her just a moment longer.”

Coronation was upon him at 25, and he would have the liberty to spare you of this arrangement after he officially became King. The day arrived, and you attended as his fiance, days away from becoming his wife. The Royal Family had been consistently pushing for your marriage, claiming they needed political strength especially after a new King has taken the throne.

You recognized many esteemed guests in the attending audience, both nobles and representatives of commoners. All was invited to witness the crowning of the new king. The Crown Prince descended the steps, carrying the scepter in one hand and orb in the other. The crown weighed heavy on his head with each step as reality settled in. Xavier was now King of Philos.

“We don’t have to get married,” Xavier whispered as he twirled you around the ballroom, “I have the authority to cancel our engagement now. I’ll make sure your title of Imperial Advisor remains even if you are not my wife.” Marrying him surely wasn’t your only option of obtaining power, and it would be better for you to wed the one you truly loved.

“I’m not sure how my parents would react.”

“They won’t be able to deny an Imperial Order. It will be my decision, and with your popularity in high society, I assume you must have many potential suitors now?” he inquired, hand coming up to rub his neck. The blush on his cheeks didn’t go unnoticed.

“I have no such suitors, Your Majesty,” you admitted, bracing yourself for the pity, perhaps even mockery from Xavier, just like everyone else had with you. Those who were set up with you always had one reason or another to decline.

Your personality was to hard to handle. Your looks weren’t comparable with the other ladies. You were too cold-headed, too independent, too outspoken for your own good. You always knew you were tough to love, perhaps even tough to like, but having such thoughts said to your face truly was salt to the wound. But Xavier had once again proven you wrong.

“Is that so?” he asked thoughtfully, “I always thought you were the prettiest girl in the room.”

You were taken aback. Even to this day, there was none who could make you quite as flustered as he.

For the first month since his coronation, you had a hunch Xavier had been following you. You were heading to your room after a long day? His head was peeked around a corner. You wanted to leave the palace for some fresh air? He was conveniently on the training grounds on your way out. You were enjoying some afternoon tea? He was hiding behind a tree (which obviously failed to cover his large frame and long hair, but you didn’t have the heart to tell him that).

Now, you were on your way to the study to gather documents for Xavier’s list of questions about the Kingdom’s affairs. It was a supposed to be a short trip by yourself. Yet when you entered, you found Xavier sitting on a velvet couch reading a cookbook upside down. He was fooling nobody.

“Your Majesty, have you been following me?” you asked.

“Hm? I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he feigned innocence.

“With all due respect, you weren’t exactly subtle when you were hiding behind that tree.”

“I-” his eyes widened in surprise, then he curled in on himself in embarrassment. “That wasn’t me,” was all he could come up with in the end. You chose to ignore his poor attempt of an excuse.

“Well, since you’re here, we might as well get to work,” you skimmed the shelves for reports. The one you were looking for was unfortunately on a top shelf, and completely out of your reach. You stood on your tippy toes, trying to lengthen the reach of your arm only to keep failing. By your 5th attempt, a sudden warmth appeared behind you. Xavier. He steadied your waist with an unfairly strong arm before grabbing the report with the other.

“You could’ve just asked me for help,” he murmured before placing the documents in your hand.

“T-thank you,” you stuttered, palms suddenly sweaty. You cleared your throat before taking a seat next to him.

“So, about what you asked me for the other day…” you explained. Xavier listened intently to your words, offering some commentary here and there. “And for the last part,” you turned to him, expecting him to still be nodding along only for him to have nodded off instead. Your talking ceased as you took in the peaceful sight.

Xavier’s head was tilted to the side, resting gently on his palm. You gently removed the long hair framing his face, tucking the strands behind his ear. Judging by the bags under his eyes, it must’ve been quite some time since he last got enough rest. Your hand reached out to cover him from the sunlight shining directly on his face as you reached for the window curtains. By the time you managed to pull them shut, Xavier’s hair had fallen back onto his face. You clicked your tongue in slight annoyance, and upon fixing your own hair, you found the perfect solution.

Xavier woke up half an hour later, refreshed and comfortable. He turned to your side only to find you already gone. Disappointment coursed through his veins but Xavier was pleasantly surprised once he realized his volumous hair had been braided neatly and secured tightly with a ribbon, the same ribbon that was tied around your hair earlier.

For the next three days, your feet continued carrying you to Xavier’s office. There was no need for you to visit him so often, and yet you did, even without a proper excuse.

“His Majesty will arrive shortly,” Jeremia said as he allowed you into the King’s office. You took a seat on the velvet couch, body dipping into the soft leather as you took a look around. It seemed Xavier has already personalized his working space.

His favorite astronomy books were stacked on the shelf along with some trinkets here and there. His wooden desk was neat and tidy, save for the sweet treats he previously finished. In front of you was a large marble table, with gold lining the edge, and a flower vase in the middle. Your gaze softened as you saw how well-tended to they were. The afternoon sun shone through the window illuminating the room in a soft golden light, enough for you to catch something glinting in the corner of your eye.

You turned your head to the source, only to find Xavier’s sword perched on top of its stand. Ten years had passed by in a blink of an eye, and the boy who was once too fragile to wield it properly now controlled it with ease on the battlefield. You moved towards the object, tracing the intricate designs of its scabbard, which must’ve reflected the sunlight. But upon closer inspection, you realized there was something else, a tassel, no your tassel had been attached to the sword handle, its cute stars drastically contrasting the rest of the sword.

“Ah, you found out,” Xavier’s footsteps came to a stop beside you.

“Your Majesty, you’ve kept it all this time?”

“Of course. This is a gift from you after all.”

For just a moment, you saw the boy from your childhood, the one you took on an impromptu date a decade ago. You recalled everything : the hotpot and sweets, the celebrations, his gentle smile and your snarky comments, the warmth of his touches, and the shared silence between you*.* You braced for impact, expecting the memories to come crashing down like a pile of bricks, as nostalgia did with most people, but it never happened. Instead, they turned into flower petals, like the lavenders you used to gift him.

“(Name), is something on your mind? You’ve been visiting me quite often these past few days,” he inquired.

“I have been concerned about you, Your Majesty, especially after you fell asleep in the study. Have you been overworking yourself lately?”

“Occasionally, yes. But I have been getting more sleep these past few days. You need not fret,” he reassured. You nodded reluctantly, excusing yourself. He thought that was it. Until, you came back the very next day.

“You’re here again? If you keep visiting me so often, I might think you actually like me,” he teased.

“I do like you,” you blurted out hastily. Xavier raised his eyebrows in surprise.

“I-I mean it’s not that I don’t like you. If I didn’t, why would I voluntarily be here? Your Majesty, I just wanted to-” Check in on you? See your face? Be in your presence? You rambled on, flustered. In truth, you had no real reason to constantly present yourself in Xavier’s office. Your heart just felt the urge to…see him all the time.

“It’s alright, I don’t mind the company,” Xavier smiled, inviting you to sit. “Shall we get to work?” he asked, blissfully unaware of the turmoil he had awakened in your heart. Who was Xavier to you really?

“My Lady, I am aware that you have yet to become the King’s wife but as you are the Imperial Advisor, wouldn’t it be the appropriate time to host a gathering for the ladies of high society? I believe it would be helpful if you got to know them,” one of your governmental advisors spoke up. The meeting had dragged on for much longer than it should have, with nobles and commoners alike pestering you about multiple affairs in the Kingdom. The policies you suggested, the plans you wished to be executed always failed to satisfy them. Their greed knew no bounds as they requested more funding and less effort. You were tired, to say the least, but this was the path you chose, and your main reason for agreeing to marry Xavier in the first place. Going against their wishes would only bring more trouble, so you endured.

“I shall make time to host a tea party. Invitations will be sent out shortly,” you agreed. Such events were a guise to make you more vulnerable in conversation, and your political enemies were betting on a slip-up that exposed your weaknesses. Gossip went a long way in the Kingdom, and you could only hope your carefulness beat them to it. Besides, sticking to tradition and strengthening relationships could prove to be beneficial as well.

You regretted ever thinking in such a way once you found yourself face-to-face with the ladies. They held themselves with an air of arrogance, strutting in like they owned the place. If that wasn’t enough, your status as someone who was yet-to-officially become Queen, made you prone to all sorts of criticism. In their eyes, you were an Imperial Advisor the King was hesitating to wed, which meant they all had a chance.

“Lady (Name), you haven’t been neglecting His Majesty, have you? I have not seen you make a proper appearance together since the Coronation,” some Duchess or another spoke up.

“His Majesty is quite busy adjusting to his new title, you see. The Kingdom’s affairs are never-ending, and I’ve done my best to assure he doesn’t overwork himself. When we’ve gotten things sorted out, we shall visit the capital properly,” you took a sip of your tea. The warm chamomile helped repress your nerves somewhat.

“If I recall correctly, the previous tea parties hosted by the former Queen seemed to have more grandeur. Lady (Name), you have you considered directing more attention towards the decoration and…choice of beverage, perhaps?” a noblewoman asked. The small talk slowly shifted into an interrogation.

“Ah, yes, well it seems I still have a lot to learn. I hope to improve on such aspects the next time we gather.”

“Lady (Name), when will the wedding be hosted? I heard His Majesty has tried delaying it for quite some time now. There isn’t anything wrong, is there?” Marianne, who was the worst of them all, piped up. You had known her since you were kids, and heard quite often how she was also one of the running candidates to be Queen, before you snatched that away, of course. Jealousy indeed was a disease.

A noblewoman, or rather one of Marianne’s lackeys idly nudged her side only to whisper loudly, “That is simply rude. You must not question such private matters.”

“Oh!” Marianne exclaimed with feigned innocence, “My apologies, Milady, I was unaware of such implications. I was simply concerned for the Kingdom’s future and for you. As a friend, of course.”

“Thank you for your kind words, Lady Marianne, but I assure you everything is going smoothly. Planning the wedding takes time, and we beg of your patience while we prepare,” you gave her a strained smile.

Despite most of the ladies being polite and proper, some would not let up. The snide remarks continued, as they all found something about you to be unsatisfied about, whether it be your appearance or character. Direct confrontations morphed into whispers as you passed them by, greeting other guests. Their passive aggressiveness wore you down bit by bit, and once the party ended, you were nothing but a body absent of a soul. Your heart was pierced with the rose thorns they darted at you, mind clouded with the negativity they exuded. It seemed you would never be enough for them, for the Kingdom.

Well, except for one.

Before you knew it, you found yourself in front of Xavier’s bedroom door. His afternoon nap should be over by now. You exhaled a shaky breath before opening the bedroom doors. Xavier was still in his sleepwear, sitting on a curved couch as he gazed out the window. The afternoon sun softly illuminated his face and the bedroom alike. If it were any other occasion, you would have been in awe at his unrivaled beauty. But the current serenity deeply contrasted the storm brewing in your heart, and seeing Xavier in such a state only caused you to grow more frustrated, be it out of a fragile emotional state or plain envy. Tears immediately cascaded down your face upon seeing him, and a choked cry from you startled the King out of his daze.

“(Name)? What are you-Are you crying? What happened?” he hopped off his seat and rushed over.

“I just,” you sobbed, “I have nowhere else to go.” Your pent up emotions broke, releasing themselves along with the salty stream down your face. Exhaustion overtook you as you stumbled, eyes clouded with dizziness. Xavier held onto your shoulders, stabilizing you before he guided you towards his bed.

“Do you want to talk about it?” he asked once you had settled in a more comfortable position.

“No,” you murmured before the world turned black.

The sun glared through the window directly into your eyes as you woke up with a flinch. You tried sitting up, only to be eased back down by a gentle hand. Fragments of the night before ran through your mind as you recalled the exact events that had led you to your current predicament. Your head hit the pillow as the dull ache in the back of your head intensified.

“The physician concluded you have a fever,” Xavier informed, “You’ve been overworking, haven’t you?” You turned to the side, evading his accusations. He sighed at your blatant defiance. “Either way, it seems you need more rest than I.”

“I’m fine, Your Majesty. You don’t need to-”

“I’ve been made aware of the people pestering you about your duties and have since then dismissed all of your responsibilites.” Xavier expressed with regret. “Now you must take leisure.”

Over the next few days, Xavier stayed by your side, handing over all important tasks to Jeremia (who requested an especially long vacation in return). After plenty of rest and leisure per the King’s orders, your eye bags faded and the color on your face gradually returned. Xavier did not hesitate to sleep the day away next to you, claiming to be your very needed caretaker. Even when he claimed to be concerned about you as a friend, the gaze and touches he reserved for you told a different story. It was only until the seventh night did he set you free from his longing grasp.

“I don’t want this happening once more. Are you sure the marriage won’t become a burden to you?” Xavier asked. You were halfway through the door when he spoke, trying to hold you back. You caught the pout on his lips as you turned around.

“Do you really think I would’ve stayed this long if I didn’t want it? I’ll make sure to not worry you again, I promise,” you smiled.

“Very well then. Good night,” Xavier nodded.

“Good night, Your Majesty,” you closed the door.

Xavier plopped back down on his bed, tossing and turning until the bedsheets warmed due to friction. He was sure his entire being was enamored with you, and the recent events have only intensified such feelings. That night, Xavier’s efforts to fall asleep were all but in vain.

Back in your bedroom, you sat down at your desk facing an open window. You were plagued by boredom after staying in Xavier’s room for an entire week. So, by the third day, you decided to snoop around while he was out attending to some duties. After rummaging through the stack of books left on his bedside table, you stumbled upon a letter hidden between the pages, and upon closer inspection, you realized it was addressed to you. Curious as to what he had written but never sent, you snuck it away with you when you left. The moonlight illuminated the fragile papyrus as you unfolded the paper, revealing Xavier’s handwriting presented in neat letters.

My dear (Name),

I write this to you the day before my Coronation. Perhaps it is out of nervousness and I hope to seek comfort in the thought of you. Perhaps it is due to the simple fact that I long to see you. Either way, this is the last time I will be the Crown Prince, for the next time we meet, I will have been King. Then, we will be wed, as you have wished these past 7 years.

I am sure you already know I do not believe I am fit for King. You would make a better ruler than I, with your intelligence and class. But you have taught me to be strong and compassionate, which I have indeed become. I have always admired you in your most precious quality to change people for the better.

There is a secret I’ve refrained from disclosing until now. You were my first love, (Name). I learned to treasure you before I treasured my own life.

You may have chosen me for the sake of your own convenience, as you have goals you wish to achieve and none you wish to care for, but I am grateful nonetheless. Because if I had to choose a life partner for my own selfish reason of love, it would be you. It would always be you.

You are the only beautiful thing that’s ever happened to me. I truly believe so. No flowers, no rare jewels, no clear skies could ever rival your radiance. Your presence blesses my eyes every time, as if a thousand forget-me-nots follow the path you trail. Even when you consider me as simply a friend, I cannot resist my heart’s calling for you. I dream of you and your warmth, my dear. You are the remedy to all my troubles. I cannot help but hopelessly devote myself to you.

(Name), you are someone I’ve come to love. No, you are love. To me, that’s what you are.

Yours and only yours,

Xavier

You gently set the paper down, eyes brimming with tears and hands shaky. An epiphany unfolded before you.

You cared for Xavier. You always had.

The leaves turned color, and Xavier’s birthday returned as it did every year. The celebration was lavish with nobles and diplomats from other kingdoms in attendance. They kept you preoccupied the entire night as Xavier occasionally subtly glanced over. He had waited all day for your present, but it never came. You never stopped giving him wavyleaf sea lavenders even after finding out the truth, claiming the tradition held sentimental value because you had been doing it for so long. Well, until this year, it seemed.

Xavier’s disappointment plagued his mind the entire day as he debated whether or not to give up on hoping to receive anything from you at all. Although, his confusion turned into curiosity once you excused yourself in the middle of the party and headed in the direction of the garden. He slipped away as well, following you from close behind.

It was not at all what he had expected when you kneeled down at a patch in the dirt, examining some flowers that had not been there prior. You patted the soil gently, seemingly quite pleased with their condition before standing up and continuing to walk. Xavier maintained a distance close enough to keep an eye on you but far enough so you couldn’t detect him. He passed by the same patch and realized they were indeed flowers, and not the usual wavyleaf sea lavenders but rather forget-me-nots.

Minutes passed by as he matched his steps with yours in silence, save for the occasional hum from your lips. He liked you best when you were alone and at peace, a rare sight only reserved for his eyes. The walk continued peacefully until you missed a step, tripping on fabric and falling backwards. Xavier abandoned all discreetness as he rushed forward, catching you before your back hit the ground.

“Your Majesty?” you opened your eyes to find yourself in Xavier’s arms.

“Are you okay?” Xavier asked, slightly out of breath.

“I’m alright, I think,” you said as he helped you upright. Contrary to your previous words, you realized you had hurt the ball of your foot once it touched the ground. You tried distracting yourself by making conversation. “But what are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be in the ballroom? You mustn’t neglect your guests, Your Majesty.”

“I saw you leave and followed out of curiosity.”

“That means you saw the flowers.”

“My apologies for ruining the surprise,” he said. You could only pout in return. “Though I have to ask, why are they forget-me-nots this year? You’ve always gifted me lavender.”

You remain silent as the answer tiptoes on your tongue. “Because I realized I’m the only one who can,” you started, voice small, “I’m the only one who knows. I figured you deserved to receive them at least once in your life.” You began to fall out of step with him as the pain intensified in your foot. The subtle limp didn’t go unnoticed by Xavier, who immediately kneeled with his back to you.

“Get on,” he offered.

“There is no need to go to such lengths for me, Your Majesty. I will be fine after a brief rest and shall rejoin you in the ballroom,” your argued.

“I’m only doing this because it’s you, (Name).” His sincerity caught you off guard for a brief moment, and you were far too exhausted to fight back. So, you held onto his shoulders as he grabbed the back of your thighs and hoisted you upwards.

“I am unsure whether you are aware, but your greatest virtue really is your heart,” you mumbled into the crook of his neck, your breath hitting his skin. Xavier had to exact a surprising amount of self control to stabilize himself.

“And yours, your mind.”

“We complement each other surprisingly well,” you smiled. You felt his skin warm under your lips.

“Yes, I suppose we do.”

You decided to cease such playful jabs, afraid he would malfunction if you continued any longer. “Let us continue this walk, Your Majesty. I am not prepared to return to the party just yet,” you requested.

“Very well,” Xavier carried on in the direction away from the ballroom. By the time he set you back down again, your feet have recovered, and you both were ready to bid the guests farewell.

“Happy birthday, Your Majesty,” you said at last. You believed such intimate words should only be uttered in private, reminiscient of the first time you celebrated his birthday together.

“Thank you-” Xavier started.

“It is only but a common courtesy, Your Majesty,” you replied.

“-For remembering.”

“Pardon?” your eyes flicked upwards, meeting the melancholy in his own.

“Time has changed me. The happiest days of my childhood were the ones I spent with you, and that version of myself is now lost, only engraved in your memories,” Xavier said, “How beautiful he once was.”

Xavier may not believe so, but in your eyes, he was still the shy boy with lots of love to give, evident by the current flush on his cheeks. No matter how much ‘time’ had cut away at his boyish features and innocent self, it could never perturb his nature. His flowing hair, fluttering cape, and glinting crown all seemed to be shining brightly. But none rivaled his soul.

“You still are.”

A pause. A gust of wind passed by, accompanied by the rustling of leaves. Xavier surged forward, enveloping you in his embrace. You stumbled backward, only for him to catch your waist and pull you closer, wrapping your arms around himself. He smelled of oak and cedar wood, like the end of fall and beginning of winter. His heart had frozen over, its beating pulse shrouded beneath snow and ice. But beneath the shadow persisted an undeniable warmth that would linger on forever. Your touch cured him, bringing an end to his frost.

He had been waiting for you all this time.

“I love you, (Name). You know I do,” he whispered ever so gently. As if it was a secret meant for only himself.

“No, no, you can’t, Your Majesty. I’ll only break your heart,” you tried to pull away, but his iron grip on you never faltered.

“You’re the only one I’ll ever allow to do so.”

You were overwhelmed. The letter. His confession. His pure love for you. They were all too much to bear. His next words were the nail on the coffin to your wavering heart.

“Only you.”

The iron walls around your heart shattered into pieces.

“We should visit Iris this winter,” you suggested one evening. He sat at the opposite end of the dinner table, enjoying some long-awaited dessert.

“I wasn’t aware you liked Iris as well,” he asked, surprised. You didn’t. In fact, you did not even as much as glance at it before Xavier mentioned it to you in passing. It was his favorite vacation spot, and he hadn’t been able to take a break ever since he became King. It was the perfect time to go now that things have settled down. Besides, a romantic getaway could do you some good with sorting out your feelings.

So, after the next few weeks of planning, you and Xavier finally embarked on a journey to the Sea of Stars.

Before stepping out, Xavier once again assumed his ‘Lumiere’ persona. “Who do you like more? Me or Lumiere?” Xavier asked as he slipped on his incognito outfit.

“Lumiere is your alter ego, wouldn’t both choices mean the same thing?”

“You’re purposefully avoiding the question.”

“Well, if I had to choose, there would only be one whom I’ve taken for a date on his birthday.”

“You-No. I won’t allow it, change your answer at once,” Xavier looked genuinely offended.

“I thought you wanted me to be honest,” you teased.

“This is an order from your King,” he argued, dead serious.

“You must not abuse your power in such a manner, Your Majesty. And you haven’t even let me finish.”

“…Continue.”

“Even so, there is only one who has the privilege of receiving my affections.”

“I don’t follow-“

You kissed him on the cheek, hooking your arms through his and stringing him along, in both body and heart.

After a full day of enjoying all the festivities the hotspot brought, the market was the last thing on your packed agenda. While you were browsing through the souvenirs, a lady called out from the neighboring booth, which apparently offered fortune-telling services. You weren’t a particularly superstitious person, but you were desperately in need of some reassurance, if the stars could be so kind as to guide you to it. You informed Xavier you would pay the place a visit, and he told you he would wait outside.

You had barely sat down when the cloaked woman said, “You long for him, don’t you? And you are bothered by the fact you haven’t noticed it sooner, when he had expressed himself to you.”

“You are quite good at this,” you uttered in mild shock.

“Your energy is not at all hard to decipher,” she smiled. “You entered with the purpose of asking about your love life, I can tell.”

“Precisely. So please, tell me what I must do with these newly found feelings.”

The lady did not pull out tarot cards or any fortune-telling instrument of the sort, instead choosing to simply hold your palms. “If you do not act upon it, he may very well slip from your grasp.”

“I have no clue where to start. I’m not proficient at expressing myself like he is, you see.”

“You should act as you always have. With care. No matter how hard you try to deny it, you’ve always had an abundance inside you, especially when it comes to him.”

“Do you think I will succeed?” Do you think he still loves me?

“If you show honesty and sincerity, the universe will answer your calling. You should hurry off now. I sense another spirit taking notice in him.”

You thanked the fortune teller before exiting the tent, only to find Xavier talking to someone else. The person was very obviously flirting with him, getting a bit too handsy with a stranger they had just met.

“I can show you around if you want,” their conversation increased in volume as you approached Xavier.

“No, thank you,” Xavier politely rejected, shifting his weight back and forth. His eyes darted about, trying to find an escape route.

“Why not? I’m sure-”

“My dear husband, who is this?” you slid in next to him, hooking your arm around his. Both turned to look at you, with Xavier blushing furiously at your sudden straightforwardness. The stranger, upon connecting the dots, offered an apology for their intrusion before dashing off.

“Soo, husband?” Xavier teased.

“Don’t think anything of it, you just seemed…uncomfortable,” you led him to a more secluded area.

“I know,” he replied, seemingly dejected.

You winced at his expression; it wasn’t your intention to hurt him. The fortune teller was right, you should practice honesty.

“No, Lumiere. I’m bothered by it. You can’t go around parading your pretty face and charming attitude to just anyone, especially when you’re supposed to be in disguise. With all due respect, you off all people should be more vigilant of strangers. I know you are more than capable of defending yourself, but I cannot help but worry about your safety. What if someone wanted to harm you? What about your reputation? What about-” What about me? You rambled on and on, like you had worried about him your whole life. Like an old married couple. Like you were lovers. You at last finished your rant, now slightly out of breath, and the only thing Xavier took note of was,

“You think I’m pretty?”

And you, still delirious and powered by adrenaline, took no hesitation in exclaiming, “Yes! Inside and out!” You gasped, covering your mouth in shock as you both as you realized what you had just said.

“(Name), are you, perhaps, envious?” Xavier asked. He unintentionally drew closer to you, searching for truth in your eyes. They darted back and forth, mirroring the night sky above. He could see the anxiety as your energy wore off and the weight of your words started to settle, but he sensed a different emotion behind your discomfort, something more complex and intense revealing itself beneath the mist.

You swallowed. This was a mistake. “Forgive me,” you turned and ran all the way home in a moment of panic.

“My dear, are you mad at me?” Xavier asked you the next afternoon. Your heart ached to hear such an intimate name you knew you didn’t deserve. You hadn’t talked to him all morning, claiming you were still tired from your ventures the day before. “If you want, we could always go for a walk,” he suggested. Upon your repeated rejection, Xavier left your room like a kicked puppy. Guilt settled in your chest as the ends of his hair disappeared around the corner. How confused he must’ve felt when you kissed him and left him all in one day. But you knew Xavier was also patient and understanding, all that was left was for you to decide. So, you gathered up all the courage you had and accepted his suggestion for an evening walk after you two had finished dinner.

“I apologize for my…unpredictable manner these past few days, Your Majesty,” you walked alongside him on the beach, “A few matters have bothered me lately, and I have yet to find a suitable solution.”

“There is no need to apologize. Perhaps going outside like this can clear your head. I do hope you’ll be able to resolve whatever it is that has been occupying your mind.”

“I hope for the same.” You treaded along the sand, mind contemplating ways to express the emotions swirling in your chest through words. You worried too, about the state of his heart. Did Xavier get tired of waiting and move on? Could his love for you really span a decade? But such contemplations were soon cleared up once you reached the shore. The moon shone down on the sea’s surface, illuminating both your faces in the night.

“There is something I wish to give you,” he slipped onto your wrist a handmade flower bracelet, weaved together by alternating pink carnations and forget-me-not’s, an unending cycle of forgetness and remembrance. “I made this myself,” he said.

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” you admired the accessory.

“Xavier.”

“Pardon?”

“Call me Xavier,” he said. His touch on your skin remained, and Xavier pushed the boundaries of your relationship as he lowered his hand to hold yours. You didn’t pull away, in fact, you intertwined your fingers together. He turned to see you staring a little too intently at the night sky, almost as if you were avoiding his eyes.

He withheld curiosity and followed your gaze, the brightly lit sphere reflecting in his eyes.

“The moon is beautiful, don’t you think?”

You glanced at him. “Yeah, it really is.” You lifted yourself onto the tip of your toes before pressing the faintest kiss against his cheek. Xavier gasped once he registered the sensation, hand clutching the side of his face.

“(Name), what-Did you just-” Once could’ve been an accident, but twice was a pattern.

By then you had already rushed back inside, subject to your own embarrassment. Your feet carried you towards your bedroom as your heart beat wildly in your chest, fighting back the emotions threatening to escape your throat. This couldn’t be. You were in big trouble.

It was a fine spring morning when you found Xavier sneaking about in the garden. The sun had barely come up, still tip-toeing over the horizon. Upon closer inspection, you noticed him planting pink carnations in the dirt, next to the forget-me-nots you once planted in similar fashion.

“Guess who,” you covered his eyes.

“My dear (Name),” he turned to you.

“Good morning, Xavier. Are you gardening?”

“This was supposed to be a surprise for you,” he blushed. “I got the idea after gifting you the bracelet.”

“I see,” you glanced down at the accessory adorning your wrist. You hadn’t taken it off since he gave it to you, but this wasn’t what you were here for. “Would you care to join me for a picnic breakfast?” He quickly complied to your request.

“I brought us a variety,” you sat down on the blanket he so graciously laid out on the grass. Your choice of breakfast consisted of many treats, including sandwiches and pastries, with a serving of tea.

“It’s quite delicious,” he said after taking a bite. You observed closely as he finished his meal, taking small bites of your own. The wind had picked up quite a bit as you enjoyed your beverage, whipping your hair astray in different directions. A strand stuck to your lips, sticky with tea as you sputtered, trying not to get hair in your mouth. Xavier immediately reached out, gingerly removing the lock. “I apologize. You must be uncomfortable with my touch considering the boundaries of our friendship,” he retracted his hand. If only he understood how you longed to keep his hand there.

“No, no it’s fine. I don’t mind your touch. Not anymore,” you reassured.

“(Name), you’ve made it plenty clear the status of our relationship. You need not pity me-” How dare he.

“I’m not pitying you!” you exclaimed suddenly. Xavier briefly flinched, taken aback by your sudden outburst. “Good heavens, you are so dense,” you whispered.

“I apologize, I didn’t mean to assume. It was you who told me that you married me not out of love but for your own ambitions,” he set down his teacup, as you did with yours. A pout was evidence on his face and a pang rushed through you when you realized you had unintentionally hurt him. You were barely holding it together, afraid of bursting at any given moment.

“No, you don’t understand. Just-,” you took his hand in yours, “Listen to me.” Xavier mutely nodded. “Xavier, you are very important to me. I care for you, a lot. Recently, more than I even realized. I tried to let you know, but it seems I’ve made the both of us more confused in the process. You must’ve been suffering in silence these past years, and I’ve been to busy chasing my ambitions to notice. Romance was never something I put much thought into, so when I began to develop these feelings for you, I didn’t know how to express them. I was hoping you would get the hint and remain by my side forever, though I’m sure you would have regardless of whether I requited your love, because that’s just the kind of person you are. You’ve shown me so much patience and kindness, and you believe even the ugliest parts of me to be beautiful.”

Xavier was left utterly speechless. He had long accepted that he would always be chasing behind you, that no matter how far he reached for you, his fingertips would merely brush the ends of your hair before you slipped from his grasp once again. So, when you stopped one day to wait for him, when the Earth stopped spinning to acknowledge the stars that littered its night sky, they burned ever more so brightly. Tears had unknowingly escaped his eyes, streaking down his face like shooting stars.

“I regret recognizing these feelings for you so late, though I am still unsure of them. So, there is one request I must make of you, Xavier.”

You cupped his cheeks, thumbs wiping away his tears.

“Please, allow me to kiss you.”

Xavier, still frozen in shock, could only nod to signify his agreement. You wasted no time, lips meeting his in a sweet kiss. Birds flew towards as the sky as the sun rose, basking all the land in golden glow, and the wind sang praises for your love as a spring breeze passed through. You pulled him closer, wrapping your arms around his neck as you laid him down on the grass below. Your back hit the dirt and he steadied himself on top of you. Xavier’s heart blossomed, bursting forth with all the love he carried, overflowing with golden ivory as it connected you to him by a single string of red. Even when you pulled away in search of the long-needed oxygen in your lungs, the flow of salt from his eyes never ceased.

“Xavier.”

“Yes?” he heaved, eyes full of affection for you.

“Kiss me again.”

And kiss you he did. He had loved you for so long.

“I can’t believe you’re mine,” Xavier mumbled when you were settled in bed, both your bodies a tangled mess of limbs, “When did you realize it?”

“I found the discarded letter you wrote me,” you said.

“You-What?” Xavier sat up abruptly, cheeks heating up as he recalled the sappy words he had written.

“It was very sweet,” you assured him, pulling him down again. “But the first time I truly cared for you was way before that, when I made you a bouquet for your birthday.”

“The market date?”

“Precisely. I have unknowingly been stringing you along, it seems.”

“Since you have deprived me of your affections for so long, you can make up for it now. Starting with all the things that made you fall for me,” Xavier smirked.

“You have a very attractive face,” you reached up to gently stroke his features, “Your beautiful eyes, your puffy cheeks, your cute nose, and your soft lips have all bewitched me.”

“Hmmm, what else?”

“Ah, how could I forget your gorgeous hair?” Xavier clicked his tongue, an obvious pout on his lips as a result of your teasing.

“It was the way you tended to the flowers in the garden, the way you have compassion for this kingdom, the way you never fail to live with integrity. You are good, Xavier. And you will care for this kingdom as you have cared for me,” you confessed.

“Do you really think so?”

“I know so.”

“What’s wrong?” he asked after you had suddenly gone quiet.

“When I realized my feelings, I was afraid I was too late,” you whispered.

“You can never be too late,” Xavier kissed your forehead, “I will never stop loving you.”

“I love you, too, my star.”

“Xavieee, you need to get up,” you brushed your hand through his locks.

“Noo,” Xavier mumbled, faced-down on your lap.

It was a peaceful morning, waking up next to your beloved. The past few months have gone by in similar fashion, with you and the King being practically inseperable (or rather, Xavier clinging onto you every step you took). With his affection for you more apparent than ever, the vixens in the kingdom halted their gossip, as they could only watch in envy as Xavier offered his arm to you at any and all events. And speaking of such events…

“You have duties, my love,” you reminded him.

“How could you? You’ve only recently reciprocated my love, and yet you’re already pushing me away from your warmth?” you could hear the pout in his voice.

“That is quite the exaggeration. Our office is only one room apart, and we attend all meetings together.”

“That is besides the point,” he turned himself upright, now looking up at you, “Such persuasion from you will not affect me today, for I have already cancelled all our responsibilities.”

You blinked. “Xavier what-”

“We deserve a break once in a while, don’t you think?”

“You can’t do that! You’ve overworked Jeremia enough as it is-”

“Oh, he’ll be fine, I promised him another vacation,” Xavier cupped your cheek.

You grumbled out hushed complaints, but the smile on your lips as he kissed you said otherwise.

It was later that afternoon when you and Xavier stood side by side on the balcony, staring out into the open skies and observing the bustling town below. For the first time in a long time, Xavier felt free.

You were here, and you loved him, undoubtedly so. But he would always, always, love you more. Xavier knew from the depths of his heart he was fated to love you forever.

You flinched at the sensation of metal, only to realize your lover had slipped a golden band onto your ring finger. You turned to find him on one knee, gazing at you with love in his eyes. Love for you and all that you were.

“(Name), will you be mine for eternity?”

“Yes, my love. I’ll be yours forever and always.”

a/n : this is literally the longest fic i've ever written and its not perfect but its a start lol it literally took me so much willpower to sit through and complete the whole thing but here we are!! and i'll definitely try to write more long fics in the future. hope u guys enjoy<3

[aventoru]

ENCHANTED ft. xavier

wc : 14k

warning(s) : King!xavier, medieval times but not historically accurate, i make up stuff about philos, f!reader but it’s pretty ambiguous, arranged marriage, monarchy/brief politics, character exploration, brief mention of orphanage, marry NOT for love, angst w/ happy ending, yearning, unrequited love, maybe inaccurate info abt flowers(??), its giving…historical manhwa (this is a long fic so please inform me if i missed any tags!)

dividers : strangergraphics and uzmacchiato

Xavier fell in love the first time he laid eyes on you. He was innocent and seven, still free from the weight of the crown. He thought you looked beautiful then, lips smudged with the chocolate you had for dessert and dress dirtied with the honey wiped off from your hands.

“Who’s this?” you asked one of your ladies-in-waiting, who had curtsied upon seeing Xavier.

“He is the Crown Prince Xavier, and only son of the King and Queen, my lady. We should greet him properly,” she responded with a slight bow of her head.

You studied him closely, almost in scrutiny. He couldn’t blame you, considering he was currently frazzled and dirty from sneaking past the guards to go mess around in the garden. You had caught him red-handed, and he wished your first encounter could have been in a more…convenient setting. Somewhere that made him more presentable and fitting to his status, at least.

He half expected you to point at him and laugh, or subtly recoil and walk away, not just because of his appearance, but also his title. And yet, you curtsied politely to greet him, “I am (Name), daughter of Duke (L/N). Please forgive me for my rudeness, your Highness.”

It seemed you were not here to mess around.

“You’re forgiven,” Xavier hastily brushed the dirt off his pants and rose to his feet, facing you properly. The Crown Prince became even more self-conscious of his disheveled appearance once he had taken a closer look at your features. You were even prettier up close.

“What brings you here?” he asked, taking a step forward.

“My parents have been summoned to the capital, and I wanted to explore the garden in the meantime. I quite like flowers, you see,” you smiled shyly.

“It seems we have that in common,” Xavier started walking, “Which is your favorite?”

“Pink carnations, Your Highness. I find their meaning of remembrance to be sentimental, and their beautiful color reminds me of rare pink sunsets,” you followed close behind, hesitant to match his step. How intelligent you must be, he thought.

“My favorite are wavyleaf sea lavenders. I like them because they’re blue. Blue is my favorite color,” he shrugged. It was a half truth. His favorite flowers were actually Forget-me-not’s, but he feared you would deem him silly as his parents had when he told them. How could anyone forget the Crown Prince, who was destined to become the Shining Sun of the Philos? The King and Queen could not fathom why he could favor such a pitiful flower.

Xavier knew he was destined to become King someday, but deficiency haunted him, for he was not special. He had no talent and no passion, except for getting plenty of sleep and eating good food. That he seemed to excel at. The insecurities weighed him down at times, and he believed himself to be better off as a working citizen. His parents failed to see through such thoughts. To them, it was their son being simple-minded, having too little care for his future and too much care for some flowers. But to Xavier, it represented what he longed for in the deepest parts of his soul. For someone to come by and understand him beyond his title, and for them to carry such memories even after he becomes King.

“I’ll definitely keep that in mind, Your Highness,” you nodded.

Maybe it was because he was the Crown Prince. Maybe you didn’t know him well enough to elaborate. He didn’t know whether your words were genuine, but they were enough for him to slow his walk and match your pace.

Little did he know, you were no better than his parents. Xavier was not spared from your childlike judgement, but you made an effort to keep such thoughts private, at the very least. Was the Crown Prince…a simpleton? An idiot?, you thought. **Although, you could see a charm to his bluntness as well.

Xavier decided he would tell you about the Forget-me-not’s another time.

Two years passed before you met Xavier again at a tea party.

The Queen, having isolated the Crown Prince for so long, wanted to host a gathering for children of noble families to get to know each other and build connections. (In reality, it was to find her son some friends, but she couldn’t bear to say that part out loud.)

Frankly, you had no intention of attending. You had met those children before, and they were always either boring or rude, and in the worst of cases, both. You much preferred to remain at home and indulge in practically any other activity. But the consistent nagging of both your mother and ladies-in-waiting forced you to eventually agree, although it didn’t come without a price. In exchange for your attendance, your mother promised a week-long break from your tutors and an adventure to your favorite vacation spot. It seemed to be a fair trade, so you complied without further hindrance.

“We meet again,” Xavier greeted as you entered, perhaps a bit enthusiastically for someone he’d only met twice.

“It is an honor, Your Highness,” you responded politely.

The Queen soon came by to offer a word of grace, commencing the tea party before she left to attend to meetings, leaving Xavier in charge.

His mother had encouraged him to try and make some friends. He would definitely try but success was not something he could guarantee. Xavier was known to be introverted, even within the palace. He could only hold a conversation with his close confidantes for half an hour before needing to excuse himself as he became socially drained.

At first, the King and Queen thought it was a temporary phase for a young child, but at 7 years of age, nothing has changed. Xavier's introversion became a part of his personality. Xavier’s father knew his unwillingness to converse with others would become an obstacle in his role as King, and pushed for him to improve himself in that aspect. Xavier knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but the last time he met you wasn’t so bad. Perhaps there was hope for him after all.

“Your Highness, is it true you need stairs to climb the castle’s library because it’s so big??” a girl asked.

“Yes, I think we have over 100,000 books.”

“No way! Wait…how much even is 100,000?”

The conversation increased in volume as the children became acquainted with each other. Likewise, the more everyone’s curiosity piqued, the more obscure the questions became.

“Is it true that there’s a hidden dungeon underneath the castle with a dragon guarding it?”

“I heard the palace has a genie bottle, with a real genie inside!”

“Do you have unicorns?”

“What about a fairy? Is there a secret door to reach them?”

"How about something scarier? Like a ghost!"

Xavier felt himself closing in as he was continued being bombarded with questions. It wasn’t his first time receiving this much attention as he had been pampered since birth, but having so many people his age prying at once made him freeze up. Even you, who sat at the opposite end, could sense his distress. So, you took it upon yourself and did what any sensible person would do.

“Your Highness,” you called out over everyone’s voices, “Did you brew the tea yourself?” That much he could answer, couldn’t he?

“Yes, my mother taught me this morning. Did you happen to enjoy it?” he piped up.

“No. It tastes bad,” you deadpanned, setting your teacup down.

It was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

“I-I’m sorry?” Xavier stuttered, seemingly flustered.

“May I please go to the bathroom?” despite your cheerful demeanor, Xavier managed to decode your intentions.

“Of course. I shall escort you,” he offered, standing up so quickly his chair nearly fell over. You mentally facepalmed yourself before following close behind.

“Thank you for saving me back there,” he said once you both were out of sight from the rest of the party.

“It was nothing, Your Highness,” you dismissed, “You just seemed a bit uncomfortable, that was all.”

“So, what you said about the tea wasn’t true, right? It wasn’t actually bad, was it?”

“No, it was. I was being honest about that.”

Xavier sulked the whole way back.

You received an earful from your mother after she heard what you had said at the tea party. It didn’t help that she received this information from the Queen herself, who you assumed Xavier informed. But after hearing how you gracefully helped the Crown Prince escape the awkward situation, your mother rewarded you nonetheless. After receiving plenty of fancy meals, sightseeing, and cute souvenirs at your favorite vacation spot, you returned home, satisfied with your compensation.

Xavier’s 12th birthday party was a big fuss all throughout different social circles. Besides celebrating the Crown Prince’s ten and two years of existence on Philos, the birthday was also a huge political debacle. That much was obvious considering the overwhelming amount of foreign ambassadors on the invite list.

You were still reluctant to attend, wanting nothing to do with diplomacy and connections at the ripe age of 12. But customs were customs, and it would be disrespectful of you not to show up.

As for Xavier, it wasn’t his ideal birthday either, but none of his celebrations had ever truly been his own, so he would make do with that he had. Having received education and etiquette lessons from the best tutors in the kingdom, Xavier managed to satisfy his parents with his newly developed social skills. The vast knowledge he gained also made him a master at small talk, of which the purpose was to indulge your partner in a topic of interest and reveal no trail of your personal life. Talking to others didn’t pose much of a problem anymore, as it was simply a matter of whether he wanted to.

Xavier wasn’t the only one learning proper manners. You also learned to control much of your sass and snide remarks, as those could no longer be covered up by excuses used for a toddler. You didn’t get to meet him often, but whenever you had the chance, Xavier engaged you in conversation. It was good practice for the both of you, but something about the way he shared details of his personal life told you it wasn’t just small talk for him. Xavier didn’t mind revealing his secrets and you didn’t mind keeping them.

“What should I gift him?” you sought your father out for advice a week before Xavier’s birthday. Duke (L/N) placed the documents he was looking over on the table to find you standing at the door to his office.

“The Crown Prince, you mean?” he asked. You nodded, still deep in thought. “What do you think the he will like?”

“That’s the problem. It’s like I know everything and nothing about him. What do you reckon others are getting him?”

“I am sure you are familiar with high society by now. They’ll give him extravagant gifts as an expression of loyalty and show of wealth. But you’re not attending as a subject, are you? For you need not seek validation from him.”

After many nights of pondering and planning, you finally settled on the perfect present for Xavier. On the day of, you hopped into the carriage, dressed in the best outfit you owned, and made your way to the palace.

The royal family was sat on the throne, lined with velvet and gold, at the end of the hall. When it came time, the King stood up, a glass of champagne in his hand as he gave a toast to his son. You drowned out most of the speech, and zoned back in again once you heard the words “presents” and “open”.

The birthday gift were an exotic list, and you quite enjoyed silently judging them all.

A horse. 4/10 — Xavier would fall off and get injured before he could even be seated properly. You resisted the urge to snort in amusement.

A coat made of…fox fur?? -5000/10 — Xavier was an animal lover for goodness’ sake. You could already sense him having an internal meltdown.

A handmade brooch with rare jewels stuck on. 7/10 — You had to admit, it was exquisite. But that was the only redeeming quality. Otherwise, it was too mature, too heavy, too shiny for a boy like him.

A glistening greatsword. 8/10 — You knew the Crown Prince began swordsmanship at an early age, but the one currently gifted to him probably weighed as much as he did. It would take another decade for the sword to become of any use.

Your parents opted for a simple gift : The Language of Flowers. It was a book they had picked up from their most recent business trip. Useful, educational, and age appropriate. 10/10.

After all of Xavier’s gifts were presented, the King and Queen descended from the throne, greeting the guests that arrived from near and far. Xavier did the same, attempting to head straight for you, only to be stopped by an onslaught of people waiting to suck up to him. Your figure disappeared behind the crowd that had gathered. He was on his own this time.

“You look pretty,” was the first thing Xavier commented once he found his way to you. You turned to look at him properly for the first time that afternoon. He cleaned up well, bangs slicked back and eyes sharp, an appearance worthy for the status of Crown Prince. If you had even the slightest interest in the romance and true love that everyone raved about, you would’ve been in trouble (but you hadn’t). Even so, you still felt intimated by his presence which radiated of confidence and charm, entirely different from the boy you met four years ago.

“I know,” you blurted out in the midst of your panic. A beat of silence passed by as you felt your mother burn holes into your head from her place next to you. Your lack of composure surprised even yourself. Those etiquette lessons definitely taught you better than this.

“I mean, thank you, Your Highness,” you quickly corrected yourself before she had to interfere.

The party concluded after hours of conversation, which Xavier held up quite well to, and the guests filed out one by one until only your family remained in the venue. Xavier was reluctant to bid you farewell when the Queen, as if reading his mind, turned to you. “Lady (Name), I’ve been informed you have some things to attend to at the local market nearby?”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” you replied. It seemed your parents have informed Xavier’s of your little surprise for him, which made sense since he needed to be escorted, whether in public or private, everywhere he went.

“Why don’t you take Xavier along? I am positive he is more familiar with the capital than you are.”

“Your Highness, would you like to accompany me?” you turned to Xavier.

He froze for a second, brain buffering as he processed your words. “What-oh-yes-I would love to,” he stuttered. You nodded, signaling for your butler to escort you both into the carriage.

Silence enveloped the both of you as Xavier caught his breath after a tiring day. You spent your time gazing out the window as the scenery blurred by, mind drifting to a conversation you and the Crown Prince had a few months back.

“Have you ever wondered what it feels like to live outside of nobility?” Xavier asked as he sat down beside you at yet another tea party.

“I’m quite satisfied where I am, Your Highness. Therefore, I’ve never had such thoughts in passing,” you replied.

“Me too. But from what I’ve heard, the market is quite lively. The food tastes delicious and the festivals hosted are rumored to be quite enjoyable as well. That—" his expression faltered for just a fraction of a second, "That never happens in the palace. I’m just curious, that’s all.”

It was no doubt that spending all day by himself made Xavier quite lonely in the palace. The Crown Prince’s time was spread out between sword training and subject lessons. There was simply no time to play for the kingdom’s future leader, despite him being only 12 years of age. But for every problem there was a solution, and you decided you would simply make time for him.

“We’ve arrived, Your Highness,” the coachman announced as the carriage came to a stop at the market entrance. Xavier hopped out first, extending a hand to which you accepted.

“Your Highness, do you not need a disguise?”

“I don’t believe so. I haven’t officially debuted in society, so no one knows what I look like.”

“But your title and name, the citizens of the capital know that much at least. I believe it is safest for me to address you differently.”

Xavier paused.

“Lumiere.”

“Lumiere?” you repeated.

“It’s a nickname my parents like to call me. You can address me as such for the rest of our trip here.”

“As you wish, Y-Lumiere.”

You lead him to the your first destination : dinner.

“What is this place?” Xavier asked once you both stepped into the establishment. He scanned the area to find steaming bowls of food at the center of every table.

“It’s hotpot, Your Highness. A new dish that has been invented by the locals here. I figured we should have dinner first before attending to anything else,” you explained.

You two were quickly seated, and Xavier insisted on you choosing after giving a once-over at the menu. His unfamiliarity left you no choice but to try and pick the dishes you best believed would suit his tastes.

The waiter returned with your order soon after, sliding the food into the pot after the water began to boil. You watched nervously as the broth was poured into Xavier’s bowl, topped off with tofu, some beef, and noodles. Curious at the variety in his bowl, Xavier immediately took a bite. The different ingredients in the broth left a sweet and sour aftertaste on his tongue. The noodles, he thought as he chewed, were cooked just right. It was different, but it worked.

Xavier lifted his face, eyes wide with shock.

“This is so good,” he blinked.

“I’m glad you enjoy it, Your Highness,” you let out a breath you didn’t even know you were holding before digging in as well.

Conversation flowed smoothly as food in the pot disappeared bit by bit until there was nothing left but a hollow bowl. You exited the restaurant with your heart as full as your stomach. It was a successful start, to say the least.

“Firstly, I need to buy my parents the limited sweets they’ve been craving,” you began walking along the street vendors, eventually stopping at a shop selling an assortment of sweets, ranging from tarts to pudding.

You took your sweet time selecting the tastiest ones while Xavier stood at your side, puppy eyes locked onto the desserts, secretly begging to have a taste. You paid for 2 egg tarts and a strawberry cupcake, the coins clinking as you handed them to the seller.

“Would you like some, Lumiere?” you invited.

“Would that…be okay?” Xavier asked timidly.

“Of course. Have this egg tart,” you reached into your bag and handed one to him.

“Mmm, this is good!” his eyes lit up with delight after taking a bite.

“Would you like to try a strawberry cupcake next?”

“Yeah,” Xavier muffled out, mouth still full of food which he was soon to finish. You promptly handed the cupcake to him as soon as he finished the tart, fingers brushing against his for a split second. The sticky residue from the tart transferred from his fingers to yours but you didn’t flinch nor pull away, for they were quite warm and soft.

Xavier took a bite, savoring the strawberry and frosting with the soft cake inside.

“I’m assuming you like it as well?” you asked as you took a bite of your own tart.

“Very much so,” he nodded.

“I’m glad, Lumiere.”

The next item on your agenda was unique handmade jewelry.

The store was selling a multitude of things, but what caught your eyes were the tassels with cute charms on them. You pretended to select some jewelry, even going as far as to try on some bracelets and rings as your hand drifted closer and closer to your target at the edge of the table.

“These are so cute!” you picked one up to get a closer look.

“They are indeed,” Xavier moved closer to you.

“I think this make for perfect decor. Hmm, I believe it goes quite well with my handbag, bookmark, and maybe even…oh-my father’s sword! I’m sure he’ll love one of these.”

“Do you really think it would match?” Xavier's attention was gained after the slightest mention of his new present.

“Yes, of course. You’ve received a sword yourself, haven’t you Lumiere? I think this will be the perfect accessory!” you handed him a brown tassel with star charms attached. He stared in hesitation for a while before you took the initiative and asked the shopkeeper for the price. Xavier was without cash and promised he would pay you back, although you would never let that happen.

That was supposed to conclude your day. Dinner, some dessert, and a small gift for the Crown Prince whose birthday it was. The sun had completely set by now, and you planned to allow the Crown Prince to return to the palace. However, fate had a strange way of setting you up.

There was a festival held in the town square the very same day, and Xavier couldn’t help but admire the people enjoying themselves as he walked past. The laughter and music got louder and louder as you approached the center, where townsfolk were dancing. You essentially planned to usher Xavier along, but the subtle longing in his eyes sent an ache through your heart. A little fun wouldn't hurt, would it?

“Would you like to join them, Lumiere?”

“Oh-I couldn’t possibly detour you any longer,” Xavier scratched his neck nervously.

“I don’t mind it at all. Besides, I believe my agenda for today has already been completed,” you said.

“Are you sure?” he asked. Even with your reassurance, he still stood at the edge of the square, awakwardly shifting his weight from one foot to the other. You sighed at his reluctance before taking his hand and dragging him towards the crowd of dancing people. A spot opened up just as you approached and you naturally (and subtly) slipped inside.

Xavier wrapped an arm around your waist as you held onto his shoulders. Your movements were clumsy at first, a bit off beat and asynchronous as you tried to catch up with the song. The awkwardness vanished once the music picked up and you managed to move in tandem with Xavier. It seemed that somewhere along the way, both your movements aligned. Xavier appeared much more relax as you carried on, breaking into a genuine smile for the first time that day.

Those etiquette lessons weren’t useless for once.

The dance concluded not long ago and you had to seek refuge on a bench to soothe the pain in your legs and blisters on your shoe. Xavier sat down next to you.

“(Name),” Xavier called out.

“Yes, Lumiere?”

“Thank you for today. I had fun.”

“When did you find out?”

“I had a hunch since the beginning. You’re never this easygoing when it comes to getting something done,” he smiled cheekily. To his pleasant surprise you smiled back.

“Lumiere, close your eyes,” you told him. He did as you said. A faint rustling was heard as you reached into your bag in search of something special.

“Okay, you can open them now.”

When his eyelids parted, Xavier found himself staring not at you, but at the petals of numerous wavy leaf sea lavenders, weaved into a beautiful bouquet (well, as beautiful as 12-year-old you could’ve done).

“I made this myself,” you confessed. It was only then that he noticed the faint scars that littered your hands. “Do you not like it?” you asked after hearing nothing but silence on his end.

“(Name), did you get hurt because of that?” he pried your fingers off the wrapping, gently inspecting them. You felt your heart skip a beat.

“It’s not a big deal,” you shrugged, “And it’s my fault for being clumsy.”

“I loved the gift, but I don’t like the fact that you had to get hurt because of me.”

“Lumiere, it’s fine I—” you stopped when you felt Xavier’s hands fully clasped against yours. You pulled away, shoving the flowers into his hands before saying, “It seems the carriage will be arriving soon. We should get going, Your Highness.”

The ride home was silent, save for the clippity-clopping of horse hooves on pavement. Xavier sat still, attention solely on the flowers in his hand. He admired the details, the delicacy, and the effort you put into his present. Not just the one he was physically holding in his hands, but also the adventure you carefully crafted. It truly felt like his birthday was his own to celebrate.

The moon shone brightly that night, lighting up your face through the window to which the Crown Prince couldn’t help but sneak glances at from his seat.

Xavier realized he enjoyed your company more than anyone else in the kingdom.

“You will also wed the Crown Prince’s once you become of age,” your mother repeated. This wasn’t something your parents wanted to tell you so early on, considering you were only 14. But you pestered them as a nosy child would about their parents’ marriage, only for it to be arranged.

“What? Why would I marry someone I don’t even like?” you deadpanned, not believing your own ears.

“Honey, you are mistaken. We are not forcing you to marry His Highness, we are simply suggesting for that to be your best option after reviewing all the possible candidates.”

“I’m sure you’ll grow to like him quite a bit, dear. Despite being in an arranged marriage ourselves, your mother and I are happy with each other now, aren't we?” your father patted you on the back, attempting to soothe your boiling emotions. You honestly couldn’t care less.

“No. No. I refuse.” You knew you had a choice to say no. You grew up to be even more stubborn and hard-headed than you were as a child, and your parents weren't the type to push you into an unwanted marriage. But that didn't mean they had no underhanded tactics themselves.

“Honey, we know you have ambitions to bring change to this nation, but in order to do that, you’ll need more power than you have now. And you know what will come of you marrying Xavier and inheriting the title of Queen, won’t you?” your mother provoked.

You knew she wasn’t wrong. Between the socializing and lessons, you grew to develop an interest in politics and government, having expressed numerous times the imperfect state of the kingdom and your many proposals to change policy. Becoming Queen meant you were Xavier’s closest confidante and essentially his Imperial Advisor. There was so much you could do to achieve your goals. Besides, spending the rest of your life with Xavier didn’t sound so bad if it meant you could do what you wanted, even when you didn’t love him. He was someone who respected you boundaries. How hard could it possibly be?

“Xavier it is,” you forced a smile. Well, you could always get a divorce.

Your condescending thoughts were unbeknownst to the Crown Prince, whom you happened to come across a few day later in the Imperial Garden.

“She likes me.” Pluck. “She likes me not.” Pluck.

Xavier was on his fifth dandelion, and each time the answer he wanted the least appeared before him. His knees were red, his clothes were dirty, and he was tired.

“She likes me.” Pluck. “She likes me not-”

“Your Highness, what are you doing?” Xavier turned to see you approaching him, unimpressed.

“I’m simply,” he glanced over to the flowers whose neighbors he had just destroyed, “admiring the garden.”

“I’m sure you are,” you pretended to ignore the petals and stems scattered behind him. You’d always had a soft spot for Xavier, or so everyone else claimed. According to them, you were easily vexed by anything and everything but him.

Looking at him now, flushed and twiddling his thumbs in embarrassment didn’t bother you as much as it should have. If it were anyone else, you would’ve already gone on a judgemental tangent but Xavier seemed to be your sole exception. Although, you couldn’t say you weren’t disappointed. The future King was someone you envisioned as charismatic and strong, not a boy with soft features who was a little too in touch with the nature around him. Xavier seemed more suitable as a male-lead in a romance novel. Not yours, of course, but you could totally imagine him as someone’s sweet and gentle lover. His face could make someone’s heart skip a beat at first sight. Not yours, though. Surely not—

You halted your train of thought, stopping yourself from thinking things too dangerous for you to bear the weight of. Startled by the sudden lack of self-control and confusion in your own thoughts, you turned your back on the Crown Prince and quickly excused yourself.

“Wait, where are you heading? Let me join you,” Xavier dusted himself off before chasing after you. In his rush to catch up, Xavier had failed to notice the remaining petal on the flower he left unfinished.

Your invitation for Xavier’s debutante ball came once it was time for the Crown Prince to make his debut into high society.

The preparation was intense. The servants were bustling about within your residence. Your family’s finest jewels adorned your figure. Your hair was styled to perfection. And then, the day arrived.

The palace was the grandest it had ever been. The chandelier hung high, the walls were lined with gold, and the silverware reflected everything in its presence. But nothing could outshine Xavier as he made his grand entrance.

His hair was slicked back, his outfit was crisp, and he walked with the grace of a future king. No one could take their eyes off him, especially the ladies, who were whispering amongst each other. In their eyes, the saw the future King of Philos. In his eyes, he saw you. Two years had passed, yet Xavier’s crush on you remained. In fact, it had gotten even stronger.

The waltzing started, and all the noble children joined. You twirled around, switching from partner to partner, only to end up in the arms of the Crown Prince himself.

“I’ll meet you in the garden,” he whispered before the music ended.

You slipped away from the crowd, heels clicking against cobblestone as you headed out. You found him sitting by the fountain, crickets chirping as the dust began to settle.

“What did you want to see me for, Your Highness?” you asked.

“(Name), there’s something I’ve been hiding from you. My favorite flowers, they’re actually forget-me-not’s.”

“I’m sorry?” you asked, disappointed how your long-lived tradition suddenly seemed lackluster.

“I apologize for not telling you sooner. I was afraid you would judge.”

“Why would I, Your Highness?” Now you had really taken some offense. Although there was a possibility you could very well have judge on your first meeting, surely Xavier had known you for long enough to know you had grown out of that habit, especially over such trivial things.

“Because my parents did. They believed such flowers represented weakness, for why would a future King ever plead to be remembered? They only know me as the child whose future is set in stone, destined to carve his name in history and never be forgotten. They’ve never really asked me whether that is what I want, because it doesn’t matter to them. But you’re different,” Xavier paused. You let the words sink in.

Looking back, it made sense how Xavier had become attached to you. At first, you came off as another subject ingratiating themselves with the Royal Family. But the more he got to know you, the more your genuinity outshined all the rest. Perhaps you were too considerate, too kind for his own good. You had unintentionally set up a standard that no other person passing through the Crown Prince’s life would ever be able to reach. To say you regretted it would be an overstatement, but making him fall for you wasn’t exactly a part of your foresight either.

“You were the first person who saw me for who I was, not who you wanted me to become. You know me as the boy with no particular talent or passion, who is not at all fit to be King, and you’ll remember me as such, will you not? You’ve always been here by my side, and I don’t think anyone will come close to understanding me like you do.”

You turned to Xavier, reasoning and logic on the tip of your tongue, only to find him already looking at you. The look in his eyes held an intensity that knocked the air out of your lungs. You recoiled, unable to bear it for one second longer. You knew what Xavier was going to say. And you knew what your response was going be.

“(Name), I-”

“I have to go. Farewell, Your Highness,” you stood up abruptly, picking up your dress as you hurried away. In the end, you couldn’t do it. You couldn’t bear to break his heart. A marriage without love is bad, but an unrequited love is worse.

Xavier could only watch your back gradually get smaller before disappearing completely behind the mansion doors.

“You play so well!” the people clapped once Xavier finished his performance. After you snuck him out to the market that one fateful night, Xavier had made it a tradition to visit the citizens every year whenever he had the time. This time, he was the one playing music for the festival. You were here to accompany him, determined to gain support from the citizens once you came into power.

The crowd dispersed as it was getting late, with everyone leaving to grab remaining snacks on their way home. Now, it was only you and Xavier left in the town square. “Would you like to play?” he invited, patting the empty space next to him on the chair.

“I’m afraid I don’t know how, Your Highness,” you politely refused.

“Then I’ll teach you,” he insisted.

You gave in, taking a seat and laying your hands on the keys while awaiting his instructions.

“First, you must relax,” he reached over, smoothing the tense muscles in your individual fingers. You blushed at the contact, but relaxed nonetheless.

“Now, you press the keys as such,” he mimicked the notes on a lower octave as you mirrored his movements, “Make sure not to press too harshly.”

Despite Xavier’s skilled musical kowledge and effective teaching methods, the feel of the instrument still did not come to you easily. Sometimes you played the wrong tempo, other times the wrong rhythm, and more frequently, you kept forgetting the notes. So, Xavier had no choice but to take your hands in his, directly guiding you to the correct notes.

You expressed shame for your amateurishness, yet Xavier’s patience persisted. You wondered if there was anything that could even create a dent in his resolve to help others. Your demanding and hot-headed nature was an obstacle to guiding someone wholeheartedly the way he did.

At that moment, you felt an overwhelming sense of embarrassment entangled with unbridled envy, for you realized he posessed a quality you had always lacked : benevolence. Xavier had always done good for the sake of it. The people he’s helped, the charities he volunteered for, and the local businesses he frequented were all on his own accord without any motives. You were so wrapped up in diplomacy and proposals that you had almost forgotten what it was all for.

As you were sitting beside him in the still night, his fingers between yours and piano keys below your fingertips, you believed there was no one else as suitable for King as he.

“Xavier, your father will soon step down. You must surely be thinking of a suitable bride to marry,” his mother probed. The topic of marriage seemed to come up a lot these days now that he had turned eighteen.

“Mother, can’t we discuss this later?” he whispered, embarrassed. His family had invited yours over for dinner, which served as a reason for his mother to pressure him. The engagement had been planned since birth, but after your rejection last year, Xavier was unsure whether it would actually go through. His mother, upon hearing what had happened, offered a different selection, although she still rooted for you deep down.

“My dear Xavier, haven’t you delayed this long enough? There are many fine ladies in line to marry you, you just have to pick one.”

“I am not interested in romance, much less any of them.”

“Then whoever shall marry you, dear? This has to happen sooner or later-”

“I shall," you announced. The table stilled as everyone ceased their eating and the clinking of silverware died down.

“(Name), I thought you didn’t care for romance either,” the King's eyes darted between you and Xavier, obvious confusion in his demeanor.

“I didn’t, Your Majesty. But the Crown Prince has been very gracious in his courtship for the past year, and I do not mind accepting his proposal,” you smiled shyly, although Xavier noticed it didn’t quite reach your eyes.

“Xavier, why did you not inform us sooner? That is good news indeed.”

"We-we wanted for it to be a surprise," Xavier came up with an cover on the spot.

“We shall start planning for the wedding right away once Xavier follows his father’s footsteps,” the Queen smiled, although she briefly glanced at her son with skeptical eyes.

“I’m glad it all worked out in the end,” your mother chimed in. The table burst into conversation from there on, with both families elated about your decision. You found it difficult to swallow your food for the rest of the meal.

“Tell me the truth, (Name). I am not naive to your lack of affection for me,” Xavier demanded once you were alone.

“There are things I want to do for the people of this kingdom, Your Highness, and I’m sure you do too. It’s not that I don’t trust you to rule alone, but I know how harsh those old geezers can be when it comes to policy and government. So, I want to help. And you’ll allow me to, won’t you?”

“So what you’re saying is, you want to marry me for power, not for love, correct?”

“Don’t make me sound so heartless. You know I’m using it for good.”

“But it is for power nonetheless, no?”

“Think of it as a transaction. We’ll simply be friends who happen to live together, like roommates.”

Right. Just roommates.

“My dearest son, you love her, do you not? It will be torture for you,” his mother reasoned once she cornered him that night to confirm her suspicions. He had no choice but to tell her the truth of your motives.

“I can learn to endure it, if it will allow me to stay with her just a moment longer.”

Coronation was upon him at 25, and he would have the liberty to spare you of this arrangement after he officially became King. The day arrived, and you attended as his fiance, days away from becoming his wife. The Royal Family had been consistently pushing for your marriage, claiming they needed political strength especially after a new King has taken the throne.

You recognized many esteemed guests in the attending audience, both nobles and representatives of commoners. All was invited to witness the crowning of the new king. The Crown Prince descended the steps, carrying the scepter in one hand and orb in the other. The crown weighed heavy on his head with each step as reality settled in. Xavier was now King of Philos.

“We don’t have to get married,” Xavier whispered as he twirled you around the ballroom, “I have the authority to cancel our engagement now. I’ll make sure your title of Imperial Advisor remains even if you are not my wife.” Marrying him surely wasn’t your only option of obtaining power, and it would be better for you to wed the one you truly loved.

“I’m not sure how my parents would react.”

“They won’t be able to deny an Imperial Order. It will be my decision, and with your popularity in high society, I assume you must have many potential suitors now?” he inquired, hand coming up to rub his neck. The blush on his cheeks didn’t go unnoticed.

“I have no such suitors, Your Majesty,” you admitted, bracing yourself for the pity, perhaps even mockery from Xavier, just like everyone else had with you. Those who were set up with you always had one reason or another to decline.

Your personality was to hard to handle. Your looks weren’t comparable with the other ladies. You were too cold-headed, too independent, too outspoken for your own good. You always knew you were tough to love, perhaps even tough to like, but having such thoughts said to your face truly was salt to the wound. But Xavier had once again proven you wrong.

“Is that so?” he asked thoughtfully, “I always thought you were the prettiest girl in the room.”

You were taken aback. Even to this day, there was none who could make you quite as flustered as he.

For the first month since his coronation, you had a hunch Xavier had been following you. You were heading to your room after a long day? His head was peeked around a corner. You wanted to leave the palace for some fresh air? He was conveniently on the training grounds on your way out. You were enjoying some afternoon tea? He was hiding behind a tree (which obviously failed to cover his large frame and long hair, but you didn’t have the heart to tell him that).

Now, you were on your way to the study to gather documents for Xavier’s list of questions about the Kingdom’s affairs. It was a supposed to be a short trip by yourself. Yet when you entered, you found Xavier sitting on a velvet couch reading a cookbook upside down. He was fooling nobody.

“Your Majesty, have you been following me?” you asked.

“Hm? I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he feigned innocence.

“With all due respect, you weren’t exactly subtle when you were hiding behind that tree.”

“I-” his eyes widened in surprise, then he curled in on himself in embarrassment. “That wasn’t me,” was all he could come up with in the end. You chose to ignore his poor attempt of an excuse.

“Well, since you’re here, we might as well get to work,” you skimmed the shelves for reports. The one you were looking for was unfortunately on a top shelf, and completely out of your reach. You stood on your tippy toes, trying to lengthen the reach of your arm only to keep failing. By your 5th attempt, a sudden warmth appeared behind you. Xavier. He steadied your waist with an unfairly strong arm before grabbing the report with the other.

“You could’ve just asked me for help,” he murmured before placing the documents in your hand.

“T-thank you,” you stuttered, palms suddenly sweaty. You cleared your throat before taking a seat next to him.

“So, about what you asked me for the other day…” you explained. Xavier listened intently to your words, offering some commentary here and there. “And for the last part,” you turned to him, expecting him to still be nodding along only for him to have nodded off instead. Your talking ceased as you took in the peaceful sight.

Xavier’s head was tilted to the side, resting gently on his palm. You gently removed the long hair framing his face, tucking the strands behind his ear. Judging by the bags under his eyes, it must’ve been quite some time since he last got enough rest. Your hand reached out to cover him from the sunlight shining directly on his face as you reached for the window curtains. By the time you managed to pull them shut, Xavier’s hair had fallen back onto his face. You clicked your tongue in slight annoyance, and upon fixing your own hair, you found the perfect solution.

Xavier woke up half an hour later, refreshed and comfortable. He turned to your side only to find you already gone. Disappointment coursed through his veins but Xavier was pleasantly surprised once he realized his volumous hair had been braided neatly and secured tightly with a ribbon, the same ribbon that was tied around your hair earlier.

For the next three days, your feet continued carrying you to Xavier’s office. There was no need for you to visit him so often, and yet you did, even without a proper excuse.

“His Majesty will arrive shortly,” Jeremia said as he allowed you into the King’s office. You took a seat on the velvet couch, body dipping into the soft leather as you took a look around. It seemed Xavier has already personalized his working space.

His favorite astronomy books were stacked on the shelf along with some trinkets here and there. His wooden desk was neat and tidy, save for the sweet treats he previously finished. In front of you was a large marble table, with gold lining the edge, and a flower vase in the middle. Your gaze softened as you saw how well-tended to they were. The afternoon sun shone through the window illuminating the room in a soft golden light, enough for you to catch something glinting in the corner of your eye.

You turned your head to the source, only to find Xavier’s sword perched on top of its stand. Ten years had passed by in a blink of an eye, and the boy who was once too fragile to wield it properly now controlled it with ease on the battlefield. You moved towards the object, tracing the intricate designs of its scabbard, which must’ve reflected the sunlight. But upon closer inspection, you realized there was something else, a tassel, no your tassel had been attached to the sword handle, its cute stars drastically contrasting the rest of the sword.

“Ah, you found out,” Xavier’s footsteps came to a stop beside you.

“Your Majesty, you’ve kept it all this time?”

“Of course. This is a gift from you after all.”

For just a moment, you saw the boy from your childhood, the one you took on an impromptu date a decade ago. You recalled everything : the hotpot and sweets, the celebrations, his gentle smile and your snarky comments, the warmth of his touches, and the shared silence between you*.* You braced for impact, expecting the memories to come crashing down like a pile of bricks, as nostalgia did with most people, but it never happened. Instead, they turned into flower petals, like the lavenders you used to gift him.

“(Name), is something on your mind? You’ve been visiting me quite often these past few days,” he inquired.

“I have been concerned about you, Your Majesty, especially after you fell asleep in the study. Have you been overworking yourself lately?”

“Occasionally, yes. But I have been getting more sleep these past few days. You need not fret,” he reassured. You nodded reluctantly, excusing yourself. He thought that was it. Until, you came back the very next day.

“You’re here again? If you keep visiting me so often, I might think you actually like me,” he teased.

“I do like you,” you blurted out hastily. Xavier raised his eyebrows in surprise.

“I-I mean it’s not that I don’t like you. If I didn’t, why would I voluntarily be here? Your Majesty, I just wanted to-” Check in on you? See your face? Be in your presence? You rambled on, flustered. In truth, you had no real reason to constantly present yourself in Xavier’s office. Your heart just felt the urge to…see him all the time.

“It’s alright, I don’t mind the company,” Xavier smiled, inviting you to sit. “Shall we get to work?” he asked, blissfully unaware of the turmoil he had awakened in your heart. Who was Xavier to you really?

“My Lady, I am aware that you have yet to become the King’s wife but as you are the Imperial Advisor, wouldn’t it be the appropriate time to host a gathering for the ladies of high society? I believe it would be helpful if you got to know them,” one of your governmental advisors spoke up. The meeting had dragged on for much longer than it should have, with nobles and commoners alike pestering you about multiple affairs in the Kingdom. The policies you suggested, the plans you wished to be executed always failed to satisfy them. Their greed knew no bounds as they requested more funding and less effort. You were tired, to say the least, but this was the path you chose, and your main reason for agreeing to marry Xavier in the first place. Going against their wishes would only bring more trouble, so you endured.

“I shall make time to host a tea party. Invitations will be sent out shortly,” you agreed. Such events were a guise to make you more vulnerable in conversation, and your political enemies were betting on a slip-up that exposed your weaknesses. Gossip went a long way in the Kingdom, and you could only hope your carefulness beat them to it. Besides, sticking to tradition and strengthening relationships could prove to be beneficial as well.

You regretted ever thinking in such a way once you found yourself face-to-face with the ladies. They held themselves with an air of arrogance, strutting in like they owned the place. If that wasn’t enough, your status as someone who was yet-to-officially become Queen, made you prone to all sorts of criticism. In their eyes, you were an Imperial Advisor the King was hesitating to wed, which meant they all had a chance.

“Lady (Name), you haven’t been neglecting His Majesty, have you? I have not seen you make a proper appearance together since the Coronation,” some Duchess or another spoke up.

“His Majesty is quite busy adjusting to his new title, you see. The Kingdom’s affairs are never-ending, and I’ve done my best to assure he doesn’t overwork himself. When we’ve gotten things sorted out, we shall visit the capital properly,” you took a sip of your tea. The warm chamomile helped repress your nerves somewhat.

“If I recall correctly, the previous tea parties hosted by the former Queen seemed to have more grandeur. Lady (Name), you have you considered directing more attention towards the decoration and…choice of beverage, perhaps?” a noblewoman asked. The small talk slowly shifted into an interrogation.

“Ah, yes, well it seems I still have a lot to learn. I hope to improve on such aspects the next time we gather.”

“Lady (Name), when will the wedding be hosted? I heard His Majesty has tried delaying it for quite some time now. There isn’t anything wrong, is there?” Marianne, who was the worst of them all, piped up. You had known her since you were kids, and heard quite often how she was also one of the running candidates to be Queen, before you snatched that away, of course. Jealousy indeed was a disease.

A noblewoman, or rather one of Marianne’s lackeys idly nudged her side only to whisper loudly, “That is simply rude. You must not question such private matters.”

“Oh!” Marianne exclaimed with feigned innocence, “My apologies, Milady, I was unaware of such implications. I was simply concerned for the Kingdom’s future and for you. As a friend, of course.”

“Thank you for your kind words, Lady Marianne, but I assure you everything is going smoothly. Planning the wedding takes time, and we beg of your patience while we prepare,” you gave her a strained smile.

Despite most of the ladies being polite and proper, some would not let up. The snide remarks continued, as they all found something about you to be unsatisfied about, whether it be your appearance or character. Direct confrontations morphed into whispers as you passed them by, greeting other guests. Their passive aggressiveness wore you down bit by bit, and once the party ended, you were nothing but a body absent of a soul. Your heart was pierced with the rose thorns they darted at you, mind clouded with the negativity they exuded. It seemed you would never be enough for them, for the Kingdom.

Well, except for one.

Before you knew it, you found yourself in front of Xavier’s bedroom door. His afternoon nap should be over by now. You exhaled a shaky breath before opening the bedroom doors. Xavier was still in his sleepwear, sitting on a curved couch as he gazed out the window. The afternoon sun softly illuminated his face and the bedroom alike. If it were any other occasion, you would have been in awe at his unrivaled beauty. But the current serenity deeply contrasted the storm brewing in your heart, and seeing Xavier in such a state only caused you to grow more frustrated, be it out of a fragile emotional state or plain envy. Tears immediately cascaded down your face upon seeing him, and a choked cry from you startled the King out of his daze.

“(Name)? What are you-Are you crying? What happened?” he hopped off his seat and rushed over.

“I just,” you sobbed, “I have nowhere else to go.” Your pent up emotions broke, releasing themselves along with the salty stream down your face. Exhaustion overtook you as you stumbled, eyes clouded with dizziness. Xavier held onto your shoulders, stabilizing you before he guided you towards his bed.

“Do you want to talk about it?” he asked once you had settled in a more comfortable position.

“No,” you murmured before the world turned black.

The sun glared through the window directly into your eyes as you woke up with a flinch. You tried sitting up, only to be eased back down by a gentle hand. Fragments of the night before ran through your mind as you recalled the exact events that had led you to your current predicament. Your head hit the pillow as the dull ache in the back of your head intensified.

“The physician concluded you have a fever,” Xavier informed, “You’ve been overworking, haven’t you?” You turned to the side, evading his accusations. He sighed at your blatant defiance. “Either way, it seems you need more rest than I.”

“I’m fine, Your Majesty. You don’t need to-”

“I’ve been made aware of the people pestering you about your duties and have since then dismissed all of your responsibilites.” Xavier expressed with regret. “Now you must take leisure.”

Over the next few days, Xavier stayed by your side, handing over all important tasks to Jeremia (who requested an especially long vacation in return). After plenty of rest and leisure per the King’s orders, your eye bags faded and the color on your face gradually returned. Xavier did not hesitate to sleep the day away next to you, claiming to be your very needed caretaker. Even when he claimed to be concerned about you as a friend, the gaze and touches he reserved for you told a different story. It was only until the seventh night did he set you free from his longing grasp.

“I don’t want this happening once more. Are you sure the marriage won’t become a burden to you?” Xavier asked. You were halfway through the door when he spoke, trying to hold you back. You caught the pout on his lips as you turned around.

“Do you really think I would’ve stayed this long if I didn’t want it? I’ll make sure to not worry you again, I promise,” you smiled.

“Very well then. Good night,” Xavier nodded.

“Good night, Your Majesty,” you closed the door.

Xavier plopped back down on his bed, tossing and turning until the bedsheets warmed due to friction. He was sure his entire being was enamored with you, and the recent events have only intensified such feelings. That night, Xavier’s efforts to fall asleep were all but in vain.

Back in your bedroom, you sat down at your desk facing an open window. You were plagued by boredom after staying in Xavier’s room for an entire week. So, by the third day, you decided to snoop around while he was out attending to some duties. After rummaging through the stack of books left on his bedside table, you stumbled upon a letter hidden between the pages, and upon closer inspection, you realized it was addressed to you. Curious as to what he had written but never sent, you snuck it away with you when you left. The moonlight illuminated the fragile papyrus as you unfolded the paper, revealing Xavier’s handwriting presented in neat letters.

My dear (Name),

I write this to you the day before my Coronation. Perhaps it is out of nervousness and I hope to seek comfort in the thought of you. Perhaps it is due to the simple fact that I long to see you. Either way, this is the last time I will be the Crown Prince, for the next time we meet, I will have been King. Then, we will be wed, as you have wished these past 7 years.

I am sure you already know I do not believe I am fit for King. You would make a better ruler than I, with your intelligence and class. But you have taught me to be strong and compassionate, which I have indeed become. I have always admired you in your most precious quality to change people for the better.

There is a secret I’ve refrained from disclosing until now. You were my first love, (Name). I learned to treasure you before I treasured my own life.

You may have chosen me for the sake of your own convenience, as you have goals you wish to achieve and none you wish to care for, but I am grateful nonetheless. Because if I had to choose a life partner for my own selfish reason of love, it would be you. It would always be you.

You are the only beautiful thing that’s ever happened to me. I truly believe so. No flowers, no rare jewels, no clear skies could ever rival your radiance. Your presence blesses my eyes every time, as if a thousand forget-me-nots follow the path you trail. Even when you consider me as simply a friend, I cannot resist my heart’s calling for you. I dream of you and your warmth, my dear. You are the remedy to all my troubles. I cannot help but hopelessly devote myself to you.

(Name), you are someone I’ve come to love. No, you are love. To me, that’s what you are.

Yours and only yours,

Xavier

You gently set the paper down, eyes brimming with tears and hands shaky. An epiphany unfolded before you.

You cared for Xavier. You always had.

The leaves turned color, and Xavier’s birthday returned as it did every year. The celebration was lavish with nobles and diplomats from other kingdoms in attendance. They kept you preoccupied the entire night as Xavier occasionally subtly glanced over. He had waited all day for your present, but it never came. You never stopped giving him wavyleaf sea lavenders even after finding out the truth, claiming the tradition held sentimental value because you had been doing it for so long. Well, until this year, it seemed.

Xavier’s disappointment plagued his mind the entire day as he debated whether or not to give up on hoping to receive anything from you at all. Although, his confusion turned into curiosity once you excused yourself in the middle of the party and headed in the direction of the garden. He slipped away as well, following you from close behind.

It was not at all what he had expected when you kneeled down at a patch in the dirt, examining some flowers that had not been there prior. You patted the soil gently, seemingly quite pleased with their condition before standing up and continuing to walk. Xavier maintained a distance close enough to keep an eye on you but far enough so you couldn’t detect him. He passed by the same patch and realized they were indeed flowers, and not the usual wavyleaf sea lavenders but rather forget-me-nots.

Minutes passed by as he matched his steps with yours in silence, save for the occasional hum from your lips. He liked you best when you were alone and at peace, a rare sight only reserved for his eyes. The walk continued peacefully until you missed a step, tripping on fabric and falling backwards. Xavier abandoned all discreetness as he rushed forward, catching you before your back hit the ground.

“Your Majesty?” you opened your eyes to find yourself in Xavier’s arms.

“Are you okay?” Xavier asked, slightly out of breath.

“I’m alright, I think,” you said as he helped you upright. Contrary to your previous words, you realized you had hurt the ball of your foot once it touched the ground. You tried distracting yourself by making conversation. “But what are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be in the ballroom? You mustn’t neglect your guests, Your Majesty.”

“I saw you leave and followed out of curiosity.”

“That means you saw the flowers.”

“My apologies for ruining the surprise,” he said. You could only pout in return. “Though I have to ask, why are they forget-me-nots this year? You’ve always gifted me lavender.”

You remain silent as the answer tiptoes on your tongue. “Because I realized I’m the only one who can,” you started, voice small, “I’m the only one who knows. I figured you deserved to receive them at least once in your life.” You began to fall out of step with him as the pain intensified in your foot. The subtle limp didn’t go unnoticed by Xavier, who immediately kneeled with his back to you.

“Get on,” he offered.

“There is no need to go to such lengths for me, Your Majesty. I will be fine after a brief rest and shall rejoin you in the ballroom,” your argued.

“I’m only doing this because it’s you, (Name).” His sincerity caught you off guard for a brief moment, and you were far too exhausted to fight back. So, you held onto his shoulders as he grabbed the back of your thighs and hoisted you upwards.

“I am unsure whether you are aware, but your greatest virtue really is your heart,” you mumbled into the crook of his neck, your breath hitting his skin. Xavier had to exact a surprising amount of self control to stabilize himself.

“And yours, your mind.”

“We complement each other surprisingly well,” you smiled. You felt his skin warm under your lips.

“Yes, I suppose we do.”

You decided to cease such playful jabs, afraid he would malfunction if you continued any longer. “Let us continue this walk, Your Majesty. I am not prepared to return to the party just yet,” you requested.

“Very well,” Xavier carried on in the direction away from the ballroom. By the time he set you back down again, your feet have recovered, and you both were ready to bid the guests farewell.

“Happy birthday, Your Majesty,” you said at last. You believed such intimate words should only be uttered in private, reminiscient of the first time you celebrated his birthday together.

“Thank you-” Xavier started.

“It is only but a common courtesy, Your Majesty,” you replied.

“-For remembering.”

“Pardon?” your eyes flicked upwards, meeting the melancholy in his own.

“Time has changed me. The happiest days of my childhood were the ones I spent with you, and that version of myself is now lost, only engraved in your memories,” Xavier said, “How beautiful he once was.”

Xavier may not believe so, but in your eyes, he was still the shy boy with lots of love to give, evident by the current flush on his cheeks. No matter how much ‘time’ had cut away at his boyish features and innocent self, it could never perturb his nature. His flowing hair, fluttering cape, and glinting crown all seemed to be shining brightly. But none rivaled his soul.

“You still are.”

A pause. A gust of wind passed by, accompanied by the rustling of leaves. Xavier surged forward, enveloping you in his embrace. You stumbled backward, only for him to catch your waist and pull you closer, wrapping your arms around himself. He smelled of oak and cedar wood, like the end of fall and beginning of winter. His heart had frozen over, its beating pulse shrouded beneath snow and ice. But beneath the shadow persisted an undeniable warmth that would linger on forever. Your touch cured him, bringing an end to his frost.

He had been waiting for you all this time.

“I love you, (Name). You know I do,” he whispered ever so gently. As if it was a secret meant for only himself.

“No, no, you can’t, Your Majesty. I’ll only break your heart,” you tried to pull away, but his iron grip on you never faltered.

“You’re the only one I’ll ever allow to do so.”

You were overwhelmed. The letter. His confession. His pure love for you. They were all too much to bear. His next words were the nail on the coffin to your wavering heart.

“Only you.”

The iron walls around your heart shattered into pieces.

“We should visit Iris this winter,” you suggested one evening. He sat at the opposite end of the dinner table, enjoying some long-awaited dessert.

“I wasn’t aware you liked Iris as well,” he asked, surprised. You didn’t. In fact, you did not even as much as glance at it before Xavier mentioned it to you in passing. It was his favorite vacation spot, and he hadn’t been able to take a break ever since he became King. It was the perfect time to go now that things have settled down. Besides, a romantic getaway could do you some good with sorting out your feelings.

So, after the next few weeks of planning, you and Xavier finally embarked on a journey to the Sea of Stars.

Before stepping out, Xavier once again assumed his ‘Lumiere’ persona. “Who do you like more? Me or Lumiere?” Xavier asked as he slipped on his incognito outfit.

“Lumiere is your alter ego, wouldn’t both choices mean the same thing?”

“You’re purposefully avoiding the question.”

“Well, if I had to choose, there would only be one whom I’ve taken for a date on his birthday.”

“You-No. I won’t allow it, change your answer at once,” Xavier looked genuinely offended.

“I thought you wanted me to be honest,” you teased.

“This is an order from your King,” he argued, dead serious.

“You must not abuse your power in such a manner, Your Majesty. And you haven’t even let me finish.”

“…Continue.”

“Even so, there is only one who has the privilege of receiving my affections.”

“I don’t follow-“

You kissed him on the cheek, hooking your arms through his and stringing him along, in both body and heart.

After a full day of enjoying all the festivities the hotspot brought, the market was the last thing on your packed agenda. While you were browsing through the souvenirs, a lady called out from the neighboring booth, which apparently offered fortune-telling services. You weren’t a particularly superstitious person, but you were desperately in need of some reassurance, if the stars could be so kind as to guide you to it. You informed Xavier you would pay the place a visit, and he told you he would wait outside.

You had barely sat down when the cloaked woman said, “You long for him, don’t you? And you are bothered by the fact you haven’t noticed it sooner, when he had expressed himself to you.”

“You are quite good at this,” you uttered in mild shock.

“Your energy is not at all hard to decipher,” she smiled. “You entered with the purpose of asking about your love life, I can tell.”

“Precisely. So please, tell me what I must do with these newly found feelings.”

The lady did not pull out tarot cards or any fortune-telling instrument of the sort, instead choosing to simply hold your palms. “If you do not act upon it, he may very well slip from your grasp.”

“I have no clue where to start. I’m not proficient at expressing myself like he is, you see.”

“You should act as you always have. With care. No matter how hard you try to deny it, you’ve always had an abundance inside you, especially when it comes to him.”

“Do you think I will succeed?” Do you think he still loves me?

“If you show honesty and sincerity, the universe will answer your calling. You should hurry off now. I sense another spirit taking notice in him.”

You thanked the fortune teller before exiting the tent, only to find Xavier talking to someone else. The person was very obviously flirting with him, getting a bit too handsy with a stranger they had just met.

“I can show you around if you want,” their conversation increased in volume as you approached Xavier.

“No, thank you,” Xavier politely rejected, shifting his weight back and forth. His eyes darted about, trying to find an escape route.

“Why not? I’m sure-”

“My dear husband, who is this?” you slid in next to him, hooking your arm around his. Both turned to look at you, with Xavier blushing furiously at your sudden straightforwardness. The stranger, upon connecting the dots, offered an apology for their intrusion before dashing off.

“Soo, husband?” Xavier teased.

“Don’t think anything of it, you just seemed…uncomfortable,” you led him to a more secluded area.

“I know,” he replied, seemingly dejected.

You winced at his expression; it wasn’t your intention to hurt him. The fortune teller was right, you should practice honesty.

“No, Lumiere. I’m bothered by it. You can’t go around parading your pretty face and charming attitude to just anyone, especially when you’re supposed to be in disguise. With all due respect, you off all people should be more vigilant of strangers. I know you are more than capable of defending yourself, but I cannot help but worry about your safety. What if someone wanted to harm you? What about your reputation? What about-” What about me? You rambled on and on, like you had worried about him your whole life. Like an old married couple. Like you were lovers. You at last finished your rant, now slightly out of breath, and the only thing Xavier took note of was,

“You think I’m pretty?”

And you, still delirious and powered by adrenaline, took no hesitation in exclaiming, “Yes! Inside and out!” You gasped, covering your mouth in shock as you both as you realized what you had just said.

“(Name), are you, perhaps, envious?” Xavier asked. He unintentionally drew closer to you, searching for truth in your eyes. They darted back and forth, mirroring the night sky above. He could see the anxiety as your energy wore off and the weight of your words started to settle, but he sensed a different emotion behind your discomfort, something more complex and intense revealing itself beneath the mist.

You swallowed. This was a mistake. “Forgive me,” you turned and ran all the way home in a moment of panic.

“My dear, are you mad at me?” Xavier asked you the next afternoon. Your heart ached to hear such an intimate name you knew you didn’t deserve. You hadn’t talked to him all morning, claiming you were still tired from your ventures the day before. “If you want, we could always go for a walk,” he suggested. Upon your repeated rejection, Xavier left your room like a kicked puppy. Guilt settled in your chest as the ends of his hair disappeared around the corner. How confused he must’ve felt when you kissed him and left him all in one day. But you knew Xavier was also patient and understanding, all that was left was for you to decide. So, you gathered up all the courage you had and accepted his suggestion for an evening walk after you two had finished dinner.

“I apologize for my…unpredictable manner these past few days, Your Majesty,” you walked alongside him on the beach, “A few matters have bothered me lately, and I have yet to find a suitable solution.”

“There is no need to apologize. Perhaps going outside like this can clear your head. I do hope you’ll be able to resolve whatever it is that has been occupying your mind.”

“I hope for the same.” You treaded along the sand, mind contemplating ways to express the emotions swirling in your chest through words. You worried too, about the state of his heart. Did Xavier get tired of waiting and move on? Could his love for you really span a decade? But such contemplations were soon cleared up once you reached the shore. The moon shone down on the sea’s surface, illuminating both your faces in the night.

“There is something I wish to give you,” he slipped onto your wrist a handmade flower bracelet, weaved together by alternating pink carnations and forget-me-not’s, an unending cycle of forgetness and remembrance. “I made this myself,” he said.

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” you admired the accessory.

“Xavier.”

“Pardon?”

“Call me Xavier,” he said. His touch on your skin remained, and Xavier pushed the boundaries of your relationship as he lowered his hand to hold yours. You didn’t pull away, in fact, you intertwined your fingers together. He turned to see you staring a little too intently at the night sky, almost as if you were avoiding his eyes.

He withheld curiosity and followed your gaze, the brightly lit sphere reflecting in his eyes.

“The moon is beautiful, don’t you think?”

You glanced at him. “Yeah, it really is.” You lifted yourself onto the tip of your toes before pressing the faintest kiss against his cheek. Xavier gasped once he registered the sensation, hand clutching the side of his face.

“(Name), what-Did you just-” Once could’ve been an accident, but twice was a pattern.

By then you had already rushed back inside, subject to your own embarrassment. Your feet carried you towards your bedroom as your heart beat wildly in your chest, fighting back the emotions threatening to escape your throat. This couldn’t be. You were in big trouble.

It was a fine spring morning when you found Xavier sneaking about in the garden. The sun had barely come up, still tip-toeing over the horizon. Upon closer inspection, you noticed him planting pink carnations in the dirt, next to the forget-me-nots you once planted in similar fashion.

“Guess who,” you covered his eyes.

“My dear (Name),” he turned to you.

“Good morning, Xavier. Are you gardening?”

“This was supposed to be a surprise for you,” he blushed. “I got the idea after gifting you the bracelet.”

“I see,” you glanced down at the accessory adorning your wrist. You hadn’t taken it off since he gave it to you, but this wasn’t what you were here for. “Would you care to join me for a picnic breakfast?” He quickly complied to your request.

“I brought us a variety,” you sat down on the blanket he so graciously laid out on the grass. Your choice of breakfast consisted of many treats, including sandwiches and pastries, with a serving of tea.

“It’s quite delicious,” he said after taking a bite. You observed closely as he finished his meal, taking small bites of your own. The wind had picked up quite a bit as you enjoyed your beverage, whipping your hair astray in different directions. A strand stuck to your lips, sticky with tea as you sputtered, trying not to get hair in your mouth. Xavier immediately reached out, gingerly removing the lock. “I apologize. You must be uncomfortable with my touch considering the boundaries of our friendship,” he retracted his hand. If only he understood how you longed to keep his hand there.

“No, no it’s fine. I don’t mind your touch. Not anymore,” you reassured.

“(Name), you’ve made it plenty clear the status of our relationship. You need not pity me-” How dare he.

“I’m not pitying you!” you exclaimed suddenly. Xavier briefly flinched, taken aback by your sudden outburst. “Good heavens, you are so dense,” you whispered.

“I apologize, I didn’t mean to assume. It was you who told me that you married me not out of love but for your own ambitions,” he set down his teacup, as you did with yours. A pout was evidence on his face and a pang rushed through you when you realized you had unintentionally hurt him. You were barely holding it together, afraid of bursting at any given moment.

“No, you don’t understand. Just-,” you took his hand in yours, “Listen to me.” Xavier mutely nodded. “Xavier, you are very important to me. I care for you, a lot. Recently, more than I even realized. I tried to let you know, but it seems I’ve made the both of us more confused in the process. You must’ve been suffering in silence these past years, and I’ve been to busy chasing my ambitions to notice. Romance was never something I put much thought into, so when I began to develop these feelings for you, I didn’t know how to express them. I was hoping you would get the hint and remain by my side forever, though I’m sure you would have regardless of whether I requited your love, because that’s just the kind of person you are. You’ve shown me so much patience and kindness, and you believe even the ugliest parts of me to be beautiful.”

Xavier was left utterly speechless. He had long accepted that he would always be chasing behind you, that no matter how far he reached for you, his fingertips would merely brush the ends of your hair before you slipped from his grasp once again. So, when you stopped one day to wait for him, when the Earth stopped spinning to acknowledge the stars that littered its night sky, they burned ever more so brightly. Tears had unknowingly escaped his eyes, streaking down his face like shooting stars.

“I regret recognizing these feelings for you so late, though I am still unsure of them. So, there is one request I must make of you, Xavier.”

You cupped his cheeks, thumbs wiping away his tears.

“Please, allow me to kiss you.”

Xavier, still frozen in shock, could only nod to signify his agreement. You wasted no time, lips meeting his in a sweet kiss. Birds flew towards as the sky as the sun rose, basking all the land in golden glow, and the wind sang praises for your love as a spring breeze passed through. You pulled him closer, wrapping your arms around his neck as you laid him down on the grass below. Your back hit the dirt and he steadied himself on top of you. Xavier’s heart blossomed, bursting forth with all the love he carried, overflowing with golden ivory as it connected you to him by a single string of red. Even when you pulled away in search of the long-needed oxygen in your lungs, the flow of salt from his eyes never ceased.

“Xavier.”

“Yes?” he heaved, eyes full of affection for you.

“Kiss me again.”

And kiss you he did. He had loved you for so long.

“I can’t believe you’re mine,” Xavier mumbled when you were settled in bed, both your bodies a tangled mess of limbs, “When did you realize it?”

“I found the discarded letter you wrote me,” you said.

“You-What?” Xavier sat up abruptly, cheeks heating up as he recalled the sappy words he had written.

“It was very sweet,” you assured him, pulling him down again. “But the first time I truly cared for you was way before that, when I made you a bouquet for your birthday.”

“The market date?”

“Precisely. I have unknowingly been stringing you along, it seems.”

“Since you have deprived me of your affections for so long, you can make up for it now. Starting with all the things that made you fall for me,” Xavier smirked.

“You have a very attractive face,” you reached up to gently stroke his features, “Your beautiful eyes, your puffy cheeks, your cute nose, and your soft lips have all bewitched me.”

“Hmmm, what else?”

“Ah, how could I forget your gorgeous hair?” Xavier clicked his tongue, an obvious pout on his lips as a result of your teasing.

“It was the way you tended to the flowers in the garden, the way you have compassion for this kingdom, the way you never fail to live with integrity. You are good, Xavier. And you will care for this kingdom as you have cared for me,” you confessed.

“Do you really think so?”

“I know so.”

“What’s wrong?” he asked after you had suddenly gone quiet.

“When I realized my feelings, I was afraid I was too late,” you whispered.

“You can never be too late,” Xavier kissed your forehead, “I will never stop loving you.”

“I love you, too, my star.”

“Xavieee, you need to get up,” you brushed your hand through his locks.

“Noo,” Xavier mumbled, faced-down on your lap.

It was a peaceful morning, waking up next to your beloved. The past few months have gone by in similar fashion, with you and the King being practically inseperable (or rather, Xavier clinging onto you every step you took). With his affection for you more apparent than ever, the vixens in the kingdom halted their gossip, as they could only watch in envy as Xavier offered his arm to you at any and all events. And speaking of such events…

“You have duties, my love,” you reminded him.

“How could you? You’ve only recently reciprocated my love, and yet you’re already pushing me away from your warmth?” you could hear the pout in his voice.

“That is quite the exaggeration. Our office is only one room apart, and we attend all meetings together.”

“That is besides the point,” he turned himself upright, now looking up at you, “Such persuasion from you will not affect me today, for I have already cancelled all our responsibilities.”

You blinked. “Xavier what-”

“We deserve a break once in a while, don’t you think?”

“You can’t do that! You’ve overworked Jeremia enough as it is-”

“Oh, he’ll be fine, I promised him another vacation,” Xavier cupped your cheek.

You grumbled out hushed complaints, but the smile on your lips as he kissed you said otherwise.

It was later that afternoon when you and Xavier stood side by side on the balcony, staring out into the open skies and observing the bustling town below. For the first time in a long time, Xavier felt free.

You were here, and you loved him, undoubtedly so. But he would always, always, love you more. Xavier knew from the depths of his heart he was fated to love you forever.

You flinched at the sensation of metal, only to realize your lover had slipped a golden band onto your ring finger. You turned to find him on one knee, gazing at you with love in his eyes. Love for you and all that you were.

“(Name), will you be mine for eternity?”

“Yes, my love. I’ll be yours forever and always.”

a/n : this is literally the longest fic i've ever written and its not perfect but its a start lol it literally took me so much willpower to sit through and complete the whole thing but here we are!! and i'll definitely try to write more long fics in the future. hope u guys enjoy<3

[aventoru]

ENCHANTED ft. xavier

synopsis : You have always been out of his reach, like the lands of the earth to the stars in the sky. Still, he cannot help but hopelessly devote himself to you. Xavier has loved you his entire life, but how long will it take for you to love him back, if ever?

wc : 14k

warning(s) : King!xavier, royalty au, medieval times but not historically accurate, i make up stuff about philos, f!reader but it’s pretty ambiguous, arranged marriage, monarchy/brief politics, character exploration, brief mention of orphanage, marry NOT for love, angst w/ happy ending, yearning, slow burn, unrequited love, maybe inaccurate info abt flowers(??), i saw a fanart of mc braiding xavier's hair so it's not my idea lol (this is a long fic so please inform me if i missed any tags!)

dividers : strangergraphics and uzmacchiato

Xavier fell in love the first time he laid eyes on you. He was innocent and seven, still free from the weight of the crown. He thought you looked beautiful then, lips smudged with the chocolate you had for dessert and dress dirtied with the honey wiped off from your hands.

“Who’s this?” you asked one of your ladies-in-waiting, who had curtsied upon seeing Xavier.

“He is the Crown Prince Xavier, and only son of the King and Queen, my lady. We should greet him properly,” she responded with a slight bow of her head.

You studied him closely, almost in scrutiny. He couldn’t blame you, considering he was currently frazzled and dirty from sneaking past the guards to go mess around in the garden. You had caught him red-handed, and he wished your first encounter could have been in a more…convenient setting. Somewhere that made him more presentable and fitting to his status, at least.

He half expected you to point at him and laugh, or subtly recoil and walk away, not just because of his appearance, but also his title. And yet, you curtsied politely to greet him, “I am (Name), daughter of Duke (L/N). Please forgive me for my rudeness, your Highness.”

It seemed you were not here to mess around.

“You’re forgiven,” Xavier hastily brushed the dirt off his pants and rose to his feet, facing you properly. The Crown Prince became even more self-conscious of his disheveled appearance once he had taken a closer look at your features. You were even prettier up close.

“What brings you here?” he asked, taking a step forward.

“My parents have been summoned to the capital, and I wanted to explore the garden in the meantime. I quite like flowers, you see,” you smiled shyly.

“It seems we have that in common,” Xavier started walking, “Which is your favorite?”

“Pink carnations, Your Highness. I find their meaning of remembrance to be sentimental, and their beautiful color reminds me of rare pink sunsets,” you followed close behind, hesitant to match his step. How intelligent you must be, he thought.

“My favorite are wavyleaf sea lavenders. I like them because they’re blue. Blue is my favorite color,” he shrugged. It was a half truth. His favorite flowers were actually Forget-me-not’s, but he feared you would deem him silly as his parents had when he told them. How could anyone forget the Crown Prince, who was destined to become the Shining Sun of the Philos? The King and Queen could not fathom why he could favor such a pitiful flower.

Xavier knew he was destined to become King someday, but deficiency haunted him, for he was not special. He had no talent and no passion, except for getting plenty of sleep and eating good food. That he seemed to excel at. The insecurities weighed him down at times, and he believed himself to be better off as a working citizen. His parents failed to see through such thoughts. To them, it was their son being simple-minded, having too little care for his future and too much care for some flowers. But to Xavier, it represented what he longed for in the deepest parts of his soul. For someone to come by and understand him beyond his title, and for them to carry such memories even after he becomes King.

“I’ll definitely keep that in mind, Your Highness,” you nodded.

Maybe it was because he was the Crown Prince. Maybe you didn’t know him well enough to elaborate. He didn’t know whether your words were genuine, but they were enough for him to slow his walk and match your pace.

Little did he know, you were no better than his parents. Xavier was not spared from your childlike judgement, but you made an effort to keep such thoughts private, at the very least. Was the Crown Prince…a simpleton? An idiot?, you thought. **Although, you could see a charm to his bluntness as well.

Xavier decided he would tell you about the Forget-me-not’s another time.

Two years passed before you met Xavier again at a tea party.

The Queen, having isolated the Crown Prince for so long, wanted to host a gathering for children of noble families to get to know each other and build connections. (In reality, it was to find her son some friends, but she couldn’t bear to say that part out loud.)

Frankly, you had no intention of attending. You had met those children before, and they were always either boring or rude, and in the worst of cases, both. You much preferred to remain at home and indulge in practically any other activity. But the consistent nagging of both your mother and ladies-in-waiting forced you to eventually agree, although it didn’t come without a price. In exchange for your attendance, your mother promised a week-long break from your tutors and an adventure to your favorite vacation spot. It seemed to be a fair trade, so you complied without further hindrance.

“We meet again,” Xavier greeted as you entered, perhaps a bit enthusiastically for someone he’d only met twice.

“It is an honor, Your Highness,” you responded politely.

The Queen soon came by to offer a word of grace, commencing the tea party before she left to attend to meetings, leaving Xavier in charge.

His mother had encouraged him to try and make some friends. He would definitely try but success was not something he could guarantee. Xavier was known to be introverted, even within the palace. He could only hold a conversation with his close confidantes for half an hour before needing to excuse himself as he became socially drained.

At first, the King and Queen thought it was a temporary phase for a young child, but at 7 years of age, nothing has changed. Xavier's introversion became a part of his personality. Xavier’s father knew his unwillingness to converse with others would become an obstacle in his role as King, and pushed for him to improve himself in that aspect. Xavier knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but the last time he met you wasn’t so bad. Perhaps there was hope for him after all.

“Your Highness, is it true you need stairs to climb the castle’s library because it’s so big??” a girl asked.

“Yes, I think we have over 100,000 books.”

“No way! Wait…how much even is 100,000?”

The conversation increased in volume as the children became acquainted with each other. Likewise, the more everyone’s curiosity piqued, the more obscure the questions became.

“Is it true that there’s a hidden dungeon underneath the castle with a dragon guarding it?”

“I heard the palace has a genie bottle, with a real genie inside!”

“Do you have unicorns?”

“What about a fairy? Is there a secret door to reach them?”

"How about something scarier? Like a ghost!"

Xavier felt himself closing in as he was continued being bombarded with questions. It wasn’t his first time receiving this much attention as he had been pampered since birth, but having so many people his age prying at once made him freeze up. Even you, who sat at the opposite end, could sense his distress. So, you took it upon yourself and did what any sensible person would do.

“Your Highness,” you called out over everyone’s voices, “Did you brew the tea yourself?” That much he could answer, couldn’t he?

“Yes, my mother taught me this morning. Did you happen to enjoy it?” he piped up.

“No. It tastes bad,” you deadpanned, setting your teacup down.

It was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

“I-I’m sorry?” Xavier stuttered, seemingly flustered.

“May I please go to the bathroom?” despite your cheerful demeanor, Xavier managed to decode your intentions.

“Of course. I shall escort you,” he offered, standing up so quickly his chair nearly fell over. You mentally facepalmed yourself before following close behind.

“Thank you for saving me back there,” he said once you both were out of sight from the rest of the party.

“It was nothing, Your Highness,” you dismissed, “You just seemed a bit uncomfortable, that was all.”

“So, what you said about the tea wasn’t true, right? It wasn’t actually bad, was it?”

“No, it was. I was being honest about that.”

Xavier sulked the whole way back.

You received an earful from your mother after she heard what you had said at the tea party. It didn’t help that she received this information from the Queen herself, who you assumed Xavier informed. But after hearing how you gracefully helped the Crown Prince escape the awkward situation, your mother rewarded you nonetheless. After receiving plenty of fancy meals, sightseeing, and cute souvenirs at your favorite vacation spot, you returned home, satisfied with your compensation.

Xavier’s 12th birthday party was a big fuss all throughout different social circles. Besides celebrating the Crown Prince’s ten and two years of existence on Philos, the birthday was also a huge political debacle. That much was obvious considering the overwhelming amount of foreign ambassadors on the invite list.

You were still reluctant to attend, wanting nothing to do with diplomacy and connections at the ripe age of 12. But customs were customs, and it would be disrespectful of you not to show up.

As for Xavier, it wasn’t his ideal birthday either, but none of his celebrations had ever truly been his own, so he would make do with that he had. Having received education and etiquette lessons from the best tutors in the kingdom, Xavier managed to satisfy his parents with his newly developed social skills. The vast knowledge he gained also made him a master at small talk, of which the purpose was to indulge your partner in a topic of interest and reveal no trail of your personal life. Talking to others didn’t pose much of a problem anymore, as it was simply a matter of whether he wanted to.

Xavier wasn’t the only one learning proper manners. You also learned to control much of your sass and snide remarks, as those could no longer be covered up by excuses used for a toddler. You didn’t get to meet him often, but whenever you had the chance, Xavier engaged you in conversation. It was good practice for the both of you, but something about the way he shared details of his personal life told you it wasn’t just small talk for him. Xavier didn’t mind revealing his secrets and you didn’t mind keeping them.

“What should I gift him?” you sought your father out for advice a week before Xavier’s birthday. Duke (L/N) placed the documents he was looking over on the table to find you standing at the door to his office.

“The Crown Prince, you mean?” he asked. You nodded, still deep in thought. “What do you think the he will like?”

“That’s the problem. It’s like I know everything and nothing about him. What do you reckon others are getting him?”

“I am sure you are familiar with high society by now. They’ll give him extravagant gifts as an expression of loyalty and show of wealth. But you’re not attending as a subject, are you? For you need not seek validation from him.”

After many nights of pondering and planning, you finally settled on the perfect present for Xavier. On the day of, you hopped into the carriage, dressed in the best outfit you owned, and made your way to the palace.

The royal family was sat on the throne, lined with velvet and gold, at the end of the hall. When it came time, the King stood up, a glass of champagne in his hand as he gave a toast to his son. You drowned out most of the speech, and zoned back in again once you heard the words “presents” and “open”.

The birthday gift were an exotic list, and you quite enjoyed silently judging them all.

A horse. 4/10 — Xavier would fall off and get injured before he could even be seated properly. You resisted the urge to snort in amusement.

A coat made of…fox fur?? -5000/10 — Xavier was an animal lover for goodness’ sake. You could already sense him having an internal meltdown.

A handmade brooch with rare jewels stuck on. 7/10 — You had to admit, it was exquisite. But that was the only redeeming quality. Otherwise, it was too mature, too heavy, too shiny for a boy like him.

A glistening greatsword. 8/10 — You knew the Crown Prince began swordsmanship at an early age, but the one currently gifted to him probably weighed as much as he did. It would take another decade for the sword to become of any use.

Your parents opted for a simple gift : The Language of Flowers. It was a book they had picked up from their most recent business trip. Useful, educational, and age appropriate. 10/10.

After all of Xavier’s gifts were presented, the King and Queen descended from the throne, greeting the guests that arrived from near and far. Xavier did the same, attempting to head straight for you, only to be stopped by an onslaught of people waiting to suck up to him. Your figure disappeared behind the crowd that had gathered. He was on his own this time.

“You look pretty,” was the first thing Xavier commented once he found his way to you. You turned to look at him properly for the first time that afternoon. He cleaned up well, bangs slicked back and eyes sharp, an appearance worthy for the status of Crown Prince. If you had even the slightest interest in the romance and true love that everyone raved about, you would’ve been in trouble (but you hadn’t). Even so, you still felt intimated by his presence which radiated of confidence and charm, entirely different from the boy you met four years ago.

“I know,” you blurted out in the midst of your panic. A beat of silence passed by as you felt your mother burn holes into your head from her place next to you. Your lack of composure surprised even yourself. Those etiquette lessons definitely taught you better than this.

“I mean, thank you, Your Highness,” you quickly corrected yourself before she had to interfere.

The party concluded after hours of conversation, which Xavier held up quite well to, and the guests filed out one by one until only your family remained in the venue. Xavier was reluctant to bid you farewell when the Queen, as if reading his mind, turned to you. “Lady (Name), I’ve been informed you have some things to attend to at the local market nearby?”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” you replied. It seemed your parents have informed Xavier’s of your little surprise for him, which made sense since he needed to be escorted, whether in public or private, everywhere he went.

“Why don’t you take Xavier along? I am positive he is more familiar with the capital than you are.”

“Your Highness, would you like to accompany me?” you turned to Xavier.

He froze for a second, brain buffering as he processed your words. “What-oh-yes-I would love to,” he stuttered. You nodded, signaling for your butler to escort you both into the carriage.

Silence enveloped the both of you as Xavier caught his breath after a tiring day. You spent your time gazing out the window as the scenery blurred by, mind drifting to a conversation you and the Crown Prince had a few months back.

“Have you ever wondered what it feels like to live outside of nobility?” Xavier asked as he sat down beside you at yet another tea party.

“I’m quite satisfied where I am, Your Highness. Therefore, I’ve never had such thoughts in passing,” you replied.

“Me too. But from what I’ve heard, the market is quite lively. The food tastes delicious and the festivals hosted are rumored to be quite enjoyable as well. That—" his expression faltered for just a fraction of a second, "That never happens in the palace. I’m just curious, that’s all.”

It was no doubt that spending all day by himself made Xavier quite lonely in the palace. The Crown Prince’s time was spread out between sword training and subject lessons. There was simply no time to play for the kingdom’s future leader, despite him being only 12 years of age. But for every problem there was a solution, and you decided you would simply make time for him.

“We’ve arrived, Your Highness,” the coachman announced as the carriage came to a stop at the market entrance. Xavier hopped out first, extending a hand to which you accepted.

“Your Highness, do you not need a disguise?”

“I don’t believe so. I haven’t officially debuted in society, so no one knows what I look like.”

“But your title and name, the citizens of the capital know that much at least. I believe it is safest for me to address you differently.”

Xavier paused.

“Lumiere.”

“Lumiere?” you repeated.

“It’s a nickname my parents like to call me. You can address me as such for the rest of our trip here.”

“As you wish, Y-Lumiere.”

You lead him to the your first destination : dinner.

“What is this place?” Xavier asked once you both stepped into the establishment. He scanned the area to find steaming bowls of food at the center of every table.

“It’s hotpot, Your Highness. A new dish that has been invented by the locals here. I figured we should have dinner first before attending to anything else,” you explained.

You two were quickly seated, and Xavier insisted on you choosing after giving a once-over at the menu. His unfamiliarity left you no choice but to try and pick the dishes you best believed would suit his tastes.

The waiter returned with your order soon after, sliding the food into the pot after the water began to boil. You watched nervously as the broth was poured into Xavier’s bowl, topped off with tofu, some beef, and noodles. Curious at the variety in his bowl, Xavier immediately took a bite. The different ingredients in the broth left a sweet and sour aftertaste on his tongue. The noodles, he thought as he chewed, were cooked just right. It was different, but it worked.

Xavier lifted his face, eyes wide with shock.

“This is so good,” he blinked.

“I’m glad you enjoy it, Your Highness,” you let out a breath you didn’t even know you were holding before digging in as well.

Conversation flowed smoothly as food in the pot disappeared bit by bit until there was nothing left but a hollow bowl. You exited the restaurant with your heart as full as your stomach. It was a successful start, to say the least.

“Firstly, I need to buy my parents the limited sweets they’ve been craving,” you began walking along the street vendors, eventually stopping at a shop selling an assortment of sweets, ranging from tarts to pudding.

You took your sweet time selecting the tastiest ones while Xavier stood at your side, puppy eyes locked onto the desserts, secretly begging to have a taste. You paid for 2 egg tarts and a strawberry cupcake, the coins clinking as you handed them to the seller.

“Would you like some, Lumiere?” you invited.

“Would that…be okay?” Xavier asked timidly.

“Of course. Have this egg tart,” you reached into your bag and handed one to him.

“Mmm, this is good!” his eyes lit up with delight after taking a bite.

“Would you like to try a strawberry cupcake next?”

“Yeah,” Xavier muffled out, mouth still full of food which he was soon to finish. You promptly handed the cupcake to him as soon as he finished the tart, fingers brushing against his for a split second. The sticky residue from the tart transferred from his fingers to yours but you didn’t flinch nor pull away, for they were quite warm and soft.

Xavier took a bite, savoring the strawberry and frosting with the soft cake inside.

“I’m assuming you like it as well?” you asked as you took a bite of your own tart.

“Very much so,” he nodded.

“I’m glad, Lumiere.”

The next item on your agenda was unique handmade jewelry.

The store was selling a multitude of things, but what caught your eyes were the tassels with cute charms on them. You pretended to select some jewelry, even going as far as to try on some bracelets and rings as your hand drifted closer and closer to your target at the edge of the table.

“These are so cute!” you picked one up to get a closer look.

“They are indeed,” Xavier moved closer to you.

“I think this make for perfect decor. Hmm, I believe it goes quite well with my handbag, bookmark, and maybe even…oh-my father’s sword! I’m sure he’ll love one of these.”

“Do you really think it would match?” Xavier's attention was gained after the slightest mention of his new present.

“Yes, of course. You’ve received a sword yourself, haven’t you Lumiere? I think this will be the perfect accessory!” you handed him a brown tassel with star charms attached. He stared in hesitation for a while before you took the initiative and asked the shopkeeper for the price. Xavier was without cash and promised he would pay you back, although you would never let that happen.

That was supposed to conclude your day. Dinner, some dessert, and a small gift for the Crown Prince whose birthday it was. The sun had completely set by now, and you planned to allow the Crown Prince to return to the palace. However, fate had a strange way of setting you up.

There was a festival held in the town square the very same day, and Xavier couldn’t help but admire the people enjoying themselves as he walked past. The laughter and music got louder and louder as you approached the center, where townsfolk were dancing. You essentially planned to usher Xavier along, but the subtle longing in his eyes sent an ache through your heart. A little fun wouldn't hurt, would it?

“Would you like to join them, Lumiere?”

“Oh-I couldn’t possibly detour you any longer,” Xavier scratched his neck nervously.

“I don’t mind it at all. Besides, I believe my agenda for today has already been completed,” you said.

“Are you sure?” he asked. Even with your reassurance, he still stood at the edge of the square, awakwardly shifting his weight from one foot to the other. You sighed at his reluctance before taking his hand and dragging him towards the crowd of dancing people. A spot opened up just as you approached and you naturally (and subtly) slipped inside.

Xavier wrapped an arm around your waist as you held onto his shoulders. Your movements were clumsy at first, a bit off beat and asynchronous as you tried to catch up with the song. The awkwardness vanished once the music picked up and you managed to move in tandem with Xavier. It seemed that somewhere along the way, both your movements aligned. Xavier appeared much more relax as you carried on, breaking into a genuine smile for the first time that day.

Those etiquette lessons weren’t useless for once.

The dance concluded not long ago and you had to seek refuge on a bench to soothe the pain in your legs and blisters on your shoe. Xavier sat down next to you.

“(Name),” Xavier called out.

“Yes, Lumiere?”

“Thank you for today. I had fun.”

“When did you find out?”

“I had a hunch since the beginning. You’re never this easygoing when it comes to getting something done,” he smiled cheekily. To his pleasant surprise you smiled back.

“Lumiere, close your eyes,” you told him. He did as you said. A faint rustling was heard as you reached into your bag in search of something special.

“Okay, you can open them now.”

When his eyelids parted, Xavier found himself staring not at you, but at the petals of numerous wavy leaf sea lavenders, weaved into a beautiful bouquet (well, as beautiful as 12-year-old you could’ve done).

“I made this myself,” you confessed. It was only then that he noticed the faint scars that littered your hands. “Do you not like it?” you asked after hearing nothing but silence on his end.

“(Name), did you get hurt because of that?” he pried your fingers off the wrapping, gently inspecting them. You felt your heart skip a beat.

“It’s not a big deal,” you shrugged, “And it’s my fault for being clumsy.”

“I loved the gift, but I don’t like the fact that you had to get hurt because of me.”

“Lumiere, it’s fine I—” you stopped when you felt Xavier’s hands fully clasped against yours. You pulled away, shoving the flowers into his hands before saying, “It seems the carriage will be arriving soon. We should get going, Your Highness.”

The ride home was silent, save for the clippity-clopping of horse hooves on pavement. Xavier sat still, attention solely on the flowers in his hand. He admired the details, the delicacy, and the effort you put into his present. Not just the one he was physically holding in his hands, but also the adventure you carefully crafted. It truly felt like his birthday was his own to celebrate.

The moon shone brightly that night, lighting up your face through the window to which the Crown Prince couldn’t help but sneak glances at from his seat.

Xavier realized he enjoyed your company more than anyone else in the kingdom.

“You will also wed the Crown Prince’s once you become of age,” your mother repeated. This wasn’t something your parents wanted to tell you so early on, considering you were only 14. But you pestered them as a nosy child would about their parents’ marriage, only for it to be arranged.

“What? Why would I marry someone I don’t even like?” you deadpanned, not believing your own ears.

“Honey, you are mistaken. We are not forcing you to marry His Highness, we are simply suggesting for that to be your best option after reviewing all the possible candidates.”

“I’m sure you’ll grow to like him quite a bit, dear. Despite being in an arranged marriage ourselves, your mother and I are happy with each other now, aren't we?” your father patted you on the back, attempting to soothe your boiling emotions. You honestly couldn’t care less.

“No. No. I refuse.” You knew you had a choice to say no. You grew up to be even more stubborn and hard-headed than you were as a child, and your parents weren't the type to push you into an unwanted marriage. But that didn't mean they had no underhanded tactics themselves.

“Honey, we know you have ambitions to bring change to this nation, but in order to do that, you’ll need more power than you have now. And you know what will come of you marrying Xavier and inheriting the title of Queen, won’t you?” your mother provoked.

You knew she wasn’t wrong. Between the socializing and lessons, you grew to develop an interest in politics and government, having expressed numerous times the imperfect state of the kingdom and your many proposals to change policy. Becoming Queen meant you were Xavier’s closest confidante and essentially his Imperial Advisor. There was so much you could do to achieve your goals. Besides, spending the rest of your life with Xavier didn’t sound so bad if it meant you could do what you wanted, even when you didn’t love him. He was someone who respected you boundaries. How hard could it possibly be?

“Xavier it is,” you forced a smile. Well, you could always get a divorce.

Your condescending thoughts were unbeknownst to the Crown Prince, whom you happened to come across a few day later in the Imperial Garden.

“She likes me.” Pluck. “She likes me not.” Pluck.

Xavier was on his fifth dandelion, and each time the answer he wanted the least appeared before him. His knees were red, his clothes were dirty, and he was tired.

“She likes me.” Pluck. “She likes me not-”

“Your Highness, what are you doing?” Xavier turned to see you approaching him, unimpressed.

“I’m simply,” he glanced over to the flowers whose neighbors he had just destroyed, “admiring the garden.”

“I’m sure you are,” you pretended to ignore the petals and stems scattered behind him. You’d always had a soft spot for Xavier, or so everyone else claimed. According to them, you were easily vexed by anything and everything but him.

Looking at him now, flushed and twiddling his thumbs in embarrassment didn’t bother you as much as it should have. If it were anyone else, you would’ve already gone on a judgemental tangent but Xavier seemed to be your sole exception. Although, you couldn’t say you weren’t disappointed. The future King was someone you envisioned as charismatic and strong, not a boy with soft features who was a little too in touch with the nature around him. Xavier seemed more suitable as a male-lead in a romance novel. Not yours, of course, but you could totally imagine him as someone’s sweet and gentle lover. His face could make someone’s heart skip a beat at first sight. Not yours, though. Surely not—

You halted your train of thought, stopping yourself from thinking things too dangerous for you to bear the weight of. Startled by the sudden lack of self-control and confusion in your own thoughts, you turned your back on the Crown Prince and quickly excused yourself.

“Wait, where are you heading? Let me join you,” Xavier dusted himself off before chasing after you. In his rush to catch up, Xavier had failed to notice the remaining petal on the flower he left unfinished.

Your invitation for Xavier’s debutante ball came once it was time for the Crown Prince to make his debut into high society.

The preparation was intense. The servants were bustling about within your residence. Your family’s finest jewels adorned your figure. Your hair was styled to perfection. And then, the day arrived.

The palace was the grandest it had ever been. The chandelier hung high, the walls were lined with gold, and the silverware reflected everything in its presence. But nothing could outshine Xavier as he made his grand entrance.

His hair was slicked back, his outfit was crisp, and he walked with the grace of a future king. No one could take their eyes off him, especially the ladies, who were whispering amongst each other. In their eyes, the saw the future King of Philos. In his eyes, he saw you. Two years had passed, yet Xavier’s crush on you remained. In fact, it had gotten even stronger.

The waltzing started, and all the noble children joined. You twirled around, switching from partner to partner, only to end up in the arms of the Crown Prince himself.

“I’ll meet you in the garden,” he whispered before the music ended.

You slipped away from the crowd, heels clicking against cobblestone as you headed out. You found him sitting by the fountain, crickets chirping as the dust began to settle.

“What did you want to see me for, Your Highness?” you asked.

“(Name), there’s something I’ve been hiding from you. My favorite flowers, they’re actually forget-me-not’s.”

“I’m sorry?” you asked, disappointed how your long-lived tradition suddenly seemed lackluster.

“I apologize for not telling you sooner. I was afraid you would judge.”

“Why would I, Your Highness?” Now you had really taken some offense. Although there was a possibility you could very well have judge on your first meeting, surely Xavier had known you for long enough to know you had grown out of that habit, especially over such trivial things.

“Because my parents did. They believed such flowers represented weakness, for why would a future King ever plead to be remembered? They only know me as the child whose future is set in stone, destined to carve his name in history and never be forgotten. They’ve never really asked me whether that is what I want, because it doesn’t matter to them. But you’re different,” Xavier paused. You let the words sink in.

Looking back, it made sense how Xavier had become attached to you. At first, you came off as another subject ingratiating themselves with the Royal Family. But the more he got to know you, the more your genuinity outshined all the rest. Perhaps you were too considerate, too kind for his own good. You had unintentionally set up a standard that no other person passing through the Crown Prince’s life would ever be able to reach. To say you regretted it would be an overstatement, but making him fall for you wasn’t exactly a part of your foresight either.

“You were the first person who saw me for who I was, not who you wanted me to become. You know me as the boy with no particular talent or passion, who is not at all fit to be King, and you’ll remember me as such, will you not? You’ve always been here by my side, and I don’t think anyone will come close to understanding me like you do.”

You turned to Xavier, reasoning and logic on the tip of your tongue, only to find him already looking at you. The look in his eyes held an intensity that knocked the air out of your lungs. You recoiled, unable to bear it for one second longer. You knew what Xavier was going to say. And you knew what your response was going be.

“(Name), I-”

“I have to go. Farewell, Your Highness,” you stood up abruptly, picking up your dress as you hurried away. In the end, you couldn’t do it. You couldn’t bear to break his heart. A marriage without love is bad, but an unrequited love is worse.

Xavier could only watch your back gradually get smaller before disappearing completely behind the mansion doors.

“You play so well!” the people clapped once Xavier finished his performance. After you snuck him out to the market that one fateful night, Xavier had made it a tradition to visit the citizens every year whenever he had the time. This time, he was the one playing music for the festival. You were here to accompany him, determined to gain support from the citizens once you came into power.

The crowd dispersed as it was getting late, with everyone leaving to grab remaining snacks on their way home. Now, it was only you and Xavier left in the town square. “Would you like to play?” he invited, patting the empty space next to him on the chair.

“I’m afraid I don’t know how, Your Highness,” you politely refused.

“Then I’ll teach you,” he insisted.

You gave in, taking a seat and laying your hands on the keys while awaiting his instructions.

“First, you must relax,” he reached over, smoothing the tense muscles in your individual fingers. You blushed at the contact, but relaxed nonetheless.

“Now, you press the keys as such,” he mimicked the notes on a lower octave as you mirrored his movements, “Make sure not to press too harshly.”

Despite Xavier’s skilled musical kowledge and effective teaching methods, the feel of the instrument still did not come to you easily. Sometimes you played the wrong tempo, other times the wrong rhythm, and more frequently, you kept forgetting the notes. So, Xavier had no choice but to take your hands in his, directly guiding you to the correct notes.

You expressed shame for your amateurishness, yet Xavier’s patience persisted. You wondered if there was anything that could even create a dent in his resolve to help others. Your demanding and hot-headed nature was an obstacle to guiding someone wholeheartedly the way he did.

At that moment, you felt an overwhelming sense of embarrassment entangled with unbridled envy, for you realized he posessed a quality you had always lacked : benevolence. Xavier had always done good for the sake of it. The people he’s helped, the charities he volunteered for, and the local businesses he frequented were all on his own accord without any motives. You were so wrapped up in diplomacy and proposals that you had almost forgotten what it was all for.

As you were sitting beside him in the still night, his fingers between yours and piano keys below your fingertips, you believed there was no one else as suitable for King as he.

“Xavier, your father will soon step down. You must surely be thinking of a suitable bride to marry,” his mother probed. The topic of marriage seemed to come up a lot these days now that he had turned eighteen.

“Mother, can’t we discuss this later?” he whispered, embarrassed. His family had invited yours over for dinner, which served as a reason for his mother to pressure him. The engagement had been planned since birth, but after your rejection last year, Xavier was unsure whether it would actually go through. His mother, upon hearing what had happened, offered a different selection, although she still rooted for you deep down.

“My dear Xavier, haven’t you delayed this long enough? There are many fine ladies in line to marry you, you just have to pick one.”

“I am not interested in romance, much less any of them.”

“Then whoever shall marry you, dear? This has to happen sooner or later-”

“I shall," you announced. The table stilled as everyone ceased their eating and the clinking of silverware died down.

“(Name), I thought you didn’t care for romance either,” the King's eyes darted between you and Xavier, obvious confusion in his demeanor.

“I didn’t, Your Majesty. But the Crown Prince has been very gracious in his courtship for the past year, and I do not mind accepting his proposal,” you smiled shyly, although Xavier noticed it didn’t quite reach your eyes.

“Xavier, why did you not inform us sooner? That is good news indeed.”

"We-we wanted for it to be a surprise," Xavier came up with an cover on the spot.

“We shall start planning for the wedding right away once Xavier follows his father’s footsteps,” the Queen smiled, although she briefly glanced at her son with skeptical eyes.

“I’m glad it all worked out in the end,” your mother chimed in. The table burst into conversation from there on, with both families elated about your decision. You found it difficult to swallow your food for the rest of the meal.

“Tell me the truth, (Name). I am not naive to your lack of affection for me,” Xavier demanded once you were alone.

“There are things I want to do for the people of this kingdom, Your Highness, and I’m sure you do too. It’s not that I don’t trust you to rule alone, but I know how harsh those old geezers can be when it comes to policy and government. So, I want to help. And you’ll allow me to, won’t you?”

“So what you’re saying is, you want to marry me for power, not for love, correct?”

“Don’t make me sound so heartless. You know I’m using it for good.”

“But it is for power nonetheless, no?”

“Think of it as a transaction. We’ll simply be friends who happen to live together, like roommates.”

Right. Just roommates.

“My dearest son, you love her, do you not? It will be torture for you,” his mother reasoned once she cornered him that night to confirm her suspicions. He had no choice but to tell her the truth of your motives.

“I can learn to endure it, if it will allow me to stay with her just a moment longer.”

Coronation was upon him at 25, and he would have the liberty to spare you of this arrangement after he officially became King. The day arrived, and you attended as his fiance, days away from becoming his wife. The Royal Family had been consistently pushing for your marriage, claiming they needed political strength especially after a new King has taken the throne.

You recognized many esteemed guests in the attending audience, both nobles and representatives of commoners. All was invited to witness the crowning of the new king. The Crown Prince descended the steps, carrying the scepter in one hand and orb in the other. The crown weighed heavy on his head with each step as reality settled in. Xavier was now King of Philos.

“We don’t have to get married,” Xavier whispered as he twirled you around the ballroom, “I have the authority to cancel our engagement now. I’ll make sure your title of Imperial Advisor remains even if you are not my wife.” Marrying him surely wasn’t your only option of obtaining power, and it would be better for you to wed the one you truly loved.

“I’m not sure how my parents would react.”

“They won’t be able to deny an Imperial Order. It will be my decision, and with your popularity in high society, I assume you must have many potential suitors now?” he inquired, hand coming up to rub his neck. The blush on his cheeks didn’t go unnoticed.

“I have no such suitors, Your Majesty,” you admitted, bracing yourself for the pity, perhaps even mockery from Xavier, just like everyone else had with you. Those who were set up with you always had one reason or another to decline.

Your personality was to hard to handle. Your looks weren’t comparable with the other ladies. You were too cold-headed, too independent, too outspoken for your own good. You always knew you were tough to love, perhaps even tough to like, but having such thoughts said to your face truly was salt to the wound. But Xavier had once again proven you wrong.

“Is that so?” he asked thoughtfully, “I always thought you were the prettiest girl in the room.”

You were taken aback. Even to this day, there was none who could make you quite as flustered as he.

For the first month since his coronation, you had a hunch Xavier had been following you. You were heading to your room after a long day? His head was peeked around a corner. You wanted to leave the palace for some fresh air? He was conveniently on the training grounds on your way out. You were enjoying some afternoon tea? He was hiding behind a tree (which obviously failed to cover his large frame and long hair, but you didn’t have the heart to tell him that).

Now, you were on your way to the study to gather documents for Xavier’s list of questions about the Kingdom’s affairs. It was a supposed to be a short trip by yourself. Yet when you entered, you found Xavier sitting on a velvet couch reading a cookbook upside down. He was fooling nobody.

“Your Majesty, have you been following me?” you asked.

“Hm? I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he feigned innocence.

“With all due respect, you weren’t exactly subtle when you were hiding behind that tree.”

“I-” his eyes widened in surprise, then he curled in on himself in embarrassment. “That wasn’t me,” was all he could come up with in the end. You chose to ignore his poor attempt of an excuse.

“Well, since you’re here, we might as well get to work,” you skimmed the shelves for reports. The one you were looking for was unfortunately on a top shelf, and completely out of your reach. You stood on your tippy toes, trying to lengthen the reach of your arm only to keep failing. By your 5th attempt, a sudden warmth appeared behind you. Xavier. He steadied your waist with an unfairly strong arm before grabbing the report with the other.

“You could’ve just asked me for help,” he murmured before placing the documents in your hand.

“T-thank you,” you stuttered, palms suddenly sweaty. You cleared your throat before taking a seat next to him.

“So, about what you asked me for the other day…” you explained. Xavier listened intently to your words, offering some commentary here and there. “And for the last part,” you turned to him, expecting him to still be nodding along only for him to have nodded off instead. Your talking ceased as you took in the peaceful sight.

Xavier’s head was tilted to the side, resting gently on his palm. You gently removed the long hair framing his face, tucking the strands behind his ear. Judging by the bags under his eyes, it must’ve been quite some time since he last got enough rest. Your hand reached out to cover him from the sunlight shining directly on his face as you reached for the window curtains. By the time you managed to pull them shut, Xavier’s hair had fallen back onto his face. You clicked your tongue in slight annoyance, and upon fixing your own hair, you found the perfect solution.

Xavier woke up half an hour later, refreshed and comfortable. He turned to your side only to find you already gone. Disappointment coursed through his veins but Xavier was pleasantly surprised once he realized his volumous hair had been braided neatly and secured tightly with a ribbon, the same ribbon that was tied around your hair earlier.

For the next three days, your feet continued carrying you to Xavier’s office. There was no need for you to visit him so often, and yet you did, even without a proper excuse.

“His Majesty will arrive shortly,” Jeremia said as he allowed you into the King’s office. You took a seat on the velvet couch, body dipping into the soft leather as you took a look around. It seemed Xavier has already personalized his working space.

His favorite astronomy books were stacked on the shelf along with some trinkets here and there. His wooden desk was neat and tidy, save for the sweet treats he previously finished. In front of you was a large marble table, with gold lining the edge, and a flower vase in the middle. Your gaze softened as you saw how well-tended to they were. The afternoon sun shone through the window illuminating the room in a soft golden light, enough for you to catch something glinting in the corner of your eye.

You turned your head to the source, only to find Xavier’s sword perched on top of its stand. Ten years had passed by in a blink of an eye, and the boy who was once too fragile to wield it properly now controlled it with ease on the battlefield. You moved towards the object, tracing the intricate designs of its scabbard, which must’ve reflected the sunlight. But upon closer inspection, you realized there was something else, a tassel, no your tassel had been attached to the sword handle, its cute stars drastically contrasting the rest of the sword.

“Ah, you found out,” Xavier’s footsteps came to a stop beside you.

“Your Majesty, you’ve kept it all this time?”

“Of course. This is a gift from you after all.”

For just a moment, you saw the boy from your childhood, the one you took on an impromptu date a decade ago. You recalled everything : the hotpot and sweets, the celebrations, his gentle smile and your snarky comments, the warmth of his touches, and the shared silence between you*.* You braced for impact, expecting the memories to come crashing down like a pile of bricks, as nostalgia did with most people, but it never happened. Instead, they turned into flower petals, like the lavenders you used to gift him.

“(Name), is something on your mind? You’ve been visiting me quite often these past few days,” he inquired.

“I have been concerned about you, Your Majesty, especially after you fell asleep in the study. Have you been overworking yourself lately?”

“Occasionally, yes. But I have been getting more sleep these past few days. You need not fret,” he reassured. You nodded reluctantly, excusing yourself. He thought that was it. Until, you came back the very next day.

“You’re here again? If you keep visiting me so often, I might think you actually like me,” he teased.

“I do like you,” you blurted out hastily. Xavier raised his eyebrows in surprise.

“I-I mean it’s not that I don’t like you. If I didn’t, why would I voluntarily be here? Your Majesty, I just wanted to-” Check in on you? See your face? Be in your presence? You rambled on, flustered. In truth, you had no real reason to constantly present yourself in Xavier’s office. Your heart just felt the urge to…see him all the time.

“It’s alright, I don’t mind the company,” Xavier smiled, inviting you to sit. “Shall we get to work?” he asked, blissfully unaware of the turmoil he had awakened in your heart. Who was Xavier to you really?

“My Lady, I am aware that you have yet to become the King’s wife but as you are the Imperial Advisor, wouldn’t it be the appropriate time to host a gathering for the ladies of high society? I believe it would be helpful if you got to know them,” one of your governmental advisors spoke up. The meeting had dragged on for much longer than it should have, with nobles and commoners alike pestering you about multiple affairs in the Kingdom. The policies you suggested, the plans you wished to be executed always failed to satisfy them. Their greed knew no bounds as they requested more funding and less effort. You were tired, to say the least, but this was the path you chose, and your main reason for agreeing to marry Xavier in the first place. Going against their wishes would only bring more trouble, so you endured.

“I shall make time to host a tea party. Invitations will be sent out shortly,” you agreed. Such events were a guise to make you more vulnerable in conversation, and your political enemies were betting on a slip-up that exposed your weaknesses. Gossip went a long way in the Kingdom, and you could only hope your carefulness beat them to it. Besides, sticking to tradition and strengthening relationships could prove to be beneficial as well.

You regretted ever thinking in such a way once you found yourself face-to-face with the ladies. They held themselves with an air of arrogance, strutting in like they owned the place. If that wasn’t enough, your status as someone who was yet-to-officially become Queen, made you prone to all sorts of criticism. In their eyes, you were an Imperial Advisor the King was hesitating to wed, which meant they all had a chance.

“Lady (Name), you haven’t been neglecting His Majesty, have you? I have not seen you make a proper appearance together since the Coronation,” some Duchess or another spoke up.

“His Majesty is quite busy adjusting to his new title, you see. The Kingdom’s affairs are never-ending, and I’ve done my best to assure he doesn’t overwork himself. When we’ve gotten things sorted out, we shall visit the capital properly,” you took a sip of your tea. The warm chamomile helped repress your nerves somewhat.

“If I recall correctly, the previous tea parties hosted by the former Queen seemed to have more grandeur. Lady (Name), you have you considered directing more attention towards the decoration and…choice of beverage, perhaps?” a noblewoman asked. The small talk slowly shifted into an interrogation.

“Ah, yes, well it seems I still have a lot to learn. I hope to improve on such aspects the next time we gather.”

“Lady (Name), when will the wedding be hosted? I heard His Majesty has tried delaying it for quite some time now. There isn’t anything wrong, is there?” Marianne, who was the worst of them all, piped up. You had known her since you were kids, and heard quite often how she was also one of the running candidates to be Queen, before you snatched that away, of course. Jealousy indeed was a disease.

A noblewoman, or rather one of Marianne’s lackeys idly nudged her side only to whisper loudly, “That is simply rude. You must not question such private matters.”

“Oh!” Marianne exclaimed with feigned innocence, “My apologies, Milady, I was unaware of such implications. I was simply concerned for the Kingdom’s future and for you. As a friend, of course.”

“Thank you for your kind words, Lady Marianne, but I assure you everything is going smoothly. Planning the wedding takes time, and we beg of your patience while we prepare,” you gave her a strained smile.

Despite most of the ladies being polite and proper, some would not let up. The snide remarks continued, as they all found something about you to be unsatisfied about, whether it be your appearance or character. Direct confrontations morphed into whispers as you passed them by, greeting other guests. Their passive aggressiveness wore you down bit by bit, and once the party ended, you were nothing but a body absent of a soul. Your heart was pierced with the rose thorns they darted at you, mind clouded with the negativity they exuded. It seemed you would never be enough for them, for the Kingdom.

Well, except for one.

Before you knew it, you found yourself in front of Xavier’s bedroom door. His afternoon nap should be over by now. You exhaled a shaky breath before opening the bedroom doors. Xavier was still in his sleepwear, sitting on a curved couch as he gazed out the window. The afternoon sun softly illuminated his face and the bedroom alike. If it were any other occasion, you would have been in awe at his unrivaled beauty. But the current serenity deeply contrasted the storm brewing in your heart, and seeing Xavier in such a state only caused you to grow more frustrated, be it out of a fragile emotional state or plain envy. Tears immediately cascaded down your face upon seeing him, and a choked cry from you startled the King out of his daze.

“(Name)? What are you-Are you crying? What happened?” he hopped off his seat and rushed over.

“I just,” you sobbed, “I have nowhere else to go.” Your pent up emotions broke, releasing themselves along with the salty stream down your face. Exhaustion overtook you as you stumbled, eyes clouded with dizziness. Xavier held onto your shoulders, stabilizing you before he guided you towards his bed.

“Do you want to talk about it?” he asked once you had settled in a more comfortable position.

“No,” you murmured before the world turned black.

The sun glared through the window directly into your eyes as you woke up with a flinch. You tried sitting up, only to be eased back down by a gentle hand. Fragments of the night before ran through your mind as you recalled the exact events that had led you to your current predicament. Your head hit the pillow as the dull ache in the back of your head intensified.

“The physician concluded you have a fever,” Xavier informed, “You’ve been overworking, haven’t you?” You turned to the side, evading his accusations. He sighed at your blatant defiance. “Either way, it seems you need more rest than I.”

“I’m fine, Your Majesty. You don’t need to-”

“I’ve been made aware of the people pestering you about your duties and have since then dismissed all of your responsibilites.” Xavier expressed with regret. “Now you must take leisure.”

Over the next few days, Xavier stayed by your side, handing over all important tasks to Jeremia (who requested an especially long vacation in return). After plenty of rest and leisure per the King’s orders, your eye bags faded and the color on your face gradually returned. Xavier did not hesitate to sleep the day away next to you, claiming to be your very needed caretaker. Even when he claimed to be concerned about you as a friend, the gaze and touches he reserved for you told a different story. It was only until the seventh night did he set you free from his longing grasp.

“I don’t want this happening once more. Are you sure the marriage won’t become a burden to you?” Xavier asked. You were halfway through the door when he spoke, trying to hold you back. You caught the pout on his lips as you turned around.

“Do you really think I would’ve stayed this long if I didn’t want it? I’ll make sure to not worry you again, I promise,” you smiled.

“Very well then. Good night,” Xavier nodded.

“Good night, Your Majesty,” you closed the door.

Xavier plopped back down on his bed, tossing and turning until the bedsheets warmed due to friction. He was sure his entire being was enamored with you, and the recent events have only intensified such feelings. That night, Xavier’s efforts to fall asleep were all but in vain.

Back in your bedroom, you sat down at your desk facing an open window. You were plagued by boredom after staying in Xavier’s room for an entire week. So, by the third day, you decided to snoop around while he was out attending to some duties. After rummaging through the stack of books left on his bedside table, you stumbled upon a letter hidden between the pages, and upon closer inspection, you realized it was addressed to you. Curious as to what he had written but never sent, you snuck it away with you when you left. The moonlight illuminated the fragile papyrus as you unfolded the paper, revealing Xavier’s handwriting presented in neat letters.

My dear (Name),

I write this to you the day before my Coronation. Perhaps it is out of nervousness and I hope to seek comfort in the thought of you. Perhaps it is due to the simple fact that I long to see you. Either way, this is the last time I will be the Crown Prince, for the next time we meet, I will have been King. Then, we will be wed, as you have wished these past 7 years.

I am sure you already know I do not believe I am fit for King. You would make a better ruler than I, with your intelligence and class. But you have taught me to be strong and compassionate, which I have indeed become. I have always admired you in your most precious quality to change people for the better.

There is a secret I’ve refrained from disclosing until now. You were my first love, (Name). I learned to treasure you before I treasured my own life.

You may have chosen me for the sake of your own convenience, as you have goals you wish to achieve and none you wish to care for, but I am grateful nonetheless. Because if I had to choose a life partner for my own selfish reason of love, it would be you. It would always be you.

You are the only beautiful thing that’s ever happened to me. I truly believe so. No flowers, no rare jewels, no clear skies could ever rival your radiance. Your presence blesses my eyes every time, as if a thousand forget-me-nots follow the path you trail. Even when you consider me as simply a friend, I cannot resist my heart’s calling for you. I dream of you and your warmth, my dear. You are the remedy to all my troubles. I cannot help but hopelessly devote myself to you.

(Name), you are someone I’ve come to love. No, you are love. To me, that’s what you are.

Yours and only yours,

Xavier

You gently set the paper down, eyes brimming with tears and hands shaky. An epiphany unfolded before you.

You cared for Xavier. You always had.

The leaves turned color, and Xavier’s birthday returned as it did every year. The celebration was lavish with nobles and diplomats from other kingdoms in attendance. They kept you preoccupied the entire night as Xavier occasionally subtly glanced over. He had waited all day for your present, but it never came. You never stopped giving him wavyleaf sea lavenders even after finding out the truth, claiming the tradition held sentimental value because you had been doing it for so long. Well, until this year, it seemed.

Xavier’s disappointment plagued his mind the entire day as he debated whether or not to give up on hoping to receive anything from you at all. Although, his confusion turned into curiosity once you excused yourself in the middle of the party and headed in the direction of the garden. He slipped away as well, following you from close behind.

It was not at all what he had expected when you kneeled down at a patch in the dirt, examining some flowers that had not been there prior. You patted the soil gently, seemingly quite pleased with their condition before standing up and continuing to walk. Xavier maintained a distance close enough to keep an eye on you but far enough so you couldn’t detect him. He passed by the same patch and realized they were indeed flowers, and not the usual wavyleaf sea lavenders but rather forget-me-nots.

Minutes passed by as he matched his steps with yours in silence, save for the occasional hum from your lips. He liked you best when you were alone and at peace, a rare sight only reserved for his eyes. The walk continued peacefully until you missed a step, tripping on fabric and falling backwards. Xavier abandoned all discreetness as he rushed forward, catching you before your back hit the ground.

“Your Majesty?” you opened your eyes to find yourself in Xavier’s arms.

“Are you okay?” Xavier asked, slightly out of breath.

“I’m alright, I think,” you said as he helped you upright. Contrary to your previous words, you realized you had hurt the ball of your foot once it touched the ground. You tried distracting yourself by making conversation. “But what are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be in the ballroom? You mustn’t neglect your guests, Your Majesty.”

“I saw you leave and followed out of curiosity.”

“That means you saw the flowers.”

“My apologies for ruining the surprise,” he said. You could only pout in return. “Though I have to ask, why are they forget-me-nots this year? You’ve always gifted me lavender.”

You remain silent as the answer tiptoes on your tongue. “Because I realized I’m the only one who can,” you started, voice small, “I’m the only one who knows. I figured you deserved to receive them at least once in your life.” You began to fall out of step with him as the pain intensified in your foot. The subtle limp didn’t go unnoticed by Xavier, who immediately kneeled with his back to you.

“Get on,” he offered.

“There is no need to go to such lengths for me, Your Majesty. I will be fine after a brief rest and shall rejoin you in the ballroom,” your argued.

“I’m only doing this because it’s you, (Name).” His sincerity caught you off guard for a brief moment, and you were far too exhausted to fight back. So, you held onto his shoulders as he grabbed the back of your thighs and hoisted you upwards.

“I am unsure whether you are aware, but your greatest virtue really is your heart,” you mumbled into the crook of his neck, your breath hitting his skin. Xavier had to exact a surprising amount of self control to stabilize himself.

“And yours, your mind.”

“We complement each other surprisingly well,” you smiled. You felt his skin warm under your lips.

“Yes, I suppose we do.”

You decided to cease such playful jabs, afraid he would malfunction if you continued any longer. “Let us continue this walk, Your Majesty. I am not prepared to return to the party just yet,” you requested.

“Very well,” Xavier carried on in the direction away from the ballroom. By the time he set you back down again, your feet have recovered, and you both were ready to bid the guests farewell.

“Happy birthday, Your Majesty,” you said at last. You believed such intimate words should only be uttered in private, reminiscient of the first time you celebrated his birthday together.

“Thank you-” Xavier started.

“It is only but a common courtesy, Your Majesty,” you replied.

“-For remembering.”

“Pardon?” your eyes flicked upwards, meeting the melancholy in his own.

“Time has changed me. The happiest days of my childhood were the ones I spent with you, and that version of myself is now lost, only engraved in your memories,” Xavier said, “How beautiful he once was.”

Xavier may not believe so, but in your eyes, he was still the shy boy with lots of love to give, evident by the current flush on his cheeks. No matter how much ‘time’ had cut away at his boyish features and innocent self, it could never perturb his nature. His flowing hair, fluttering cape, and glinting crown all seemed to be shining brightly. But none rivaled his soul.

“You still are.”

A pause. A gust of wind passed by, accompanied by the rustling of leaves. Xavier surged forward, enveloping you in his embrace. You stumbled backward, only for him to catch your waist and pull you closer, wrapping your arms around himself. He smelled of oak and cedar wood, like the end of fall and beginning of winter. His heart had frozen over, its beating pulse shrouded beneath snow and ice. But beneath the shadow persisted an undeniable warmth that would linger on forever. Your touch cured him, bringing an end to his frost.

He had been waiting for you all this time.

“I love you, (Name). You know I do,” he whispered ever so gently. As if it was a secret meant for only himself.

“No, no, you can’t, Your Majesty. I’ll only break your heart,” you tried to pull away, but his iron grip on you never faltered.

“You’re the only one I’ll ever allow to do so.”

You were overwhelmed. The letter. His confession. His pure love for you. They were all too much to bear. His next words were the nail on the coffin to your wavering heart.

“Only you.”

The iron walls around your heart shattered into pieces.

“We should visit Iris this winter,” you suggested one evening. He sat at the opposite end of the dinner table, enjoying some long-awaited dessert.

“I wasn’t aware you liked Iris as well,” he asked, surprised. You didn’t. In fact, you did not even as much as glance at it before Xavier mentioned it to you in passing. It was his favorite vacation spot, and he hadn’t been able to take a break ever since he became King. It was the perfect time to go now that things have settled down. Besides, a romantic getaway could do you some good with sorting out your feelings.

So, after the next few weeks of planning, you and Xavier finally embarked on a journey to the Sea of Stars.

Before stepping out, Xavier once again assumed his ‘Lumiere’ persona. “Who do you like more? Me or Lumiere?” Xavier asked as he slipped on his incognito outfit.

“Lumiere is your alter ego, wouldn’t both choices mean the same thing?”

“You’re purposefully avoiding the question.”

“Well, if I had to choose, there would only be one whom I’ve taken for a date on his birthday.”

“You-No. I won’t allow it, change your answer at once,” Xavier looked genuinely offended.

“I thought you wanted me to be honest,” you teased.

“This is an order from your King,” he argued, dead serious.

“You must not abuse your power in such a manner, Your Majesty. And you haven’t even let me finish.”

“…Continue.”

“Even so, there is only one who has the privilege of receiving my affections.”

“I don’t follow-“

You kissed him on the cheek, hooking your arms through his and stringing him along, in both body and heart.

After a full day of enjoying all the festivities the hotspot brought, the market was the last thing on your packed agenda. While you were browsing through the souvenirs, a lady called out from the neighboring booth, which apparently offered fortune-telling services. You weren’t a particularly superstitious person, but you were desperately in need of some reassurance, if the stars could be so kind as to guide you to it. You informed Xavier you would pay the place a visit, and he told you he would wait outside.

You had barely sat down when the cloaked woman said, “You long for him, don’t you? And you are bothered by the fact you haven’t noticed it sooner, when he had expressed himself to you.”

“You are quite good at this,” you uttered in mild shock.

“Your energy is not at all hard to decipher,” she smiled. “You entered with the purpose of asking about your love life, I can tell.”

“Precisely. So please, tell me what I must do with these newly found feelings.”

The lady did not pull out tarot cards or any fortune-telling instrument of the sort, instead choosing to simply hold your palms. “If you do not act upon it, he may very well slip from your grasp.”

“I have no clue where to start. I’m not proficient at expressing myself like he is, you see.”

“You should act as you always have. With care. No matter how hard you try to deny it, you’ve always had an abundance inside you, especially when it comes to him.”

“Do you think I will succeed?” Do you think he still loves me?

“If you show honesty and sincerity, the universe will answer your calling. You should hurry off now. I sense another spirit taking notice in him.”

You thanked the fortune teller before exiting the tent, only to find Xavier talking to someone else. The person was very obviously flirting with him, getting a bit too handsy with a stranger they had just met.

“I can show you around if you want,” their conversation increased in volume as you approached Xavier.

“No, thank you,” Xavier politely rejected, shifting his weight back and forth. His eyes darted about, trying to find an escape route.

“Why not? I’m sure-”

“My dear husband, who is this?” you slid in next to him, hooking your arm around his. Both turned to look at you, with Xavier blushing furiously at your sudden straightforwardness. The stranger, upon connecting the dots, offered an apology for their intrusion before dashing off.

“Soo, husband?” Xavier teased.

“Don’t think anything of it, you just seemed…uncomfortable,” you led him to a more secluded area.

“I know,” he replied, seemingly dejected.

You winced at his expression; it wasn’t your intention to hurt him. The fortune teller was right, you should practice honesty.

“No, Lumiere. I’m bothered by it. You can’t go around parading your pretty face and charming attitude to just anyone, especially when you’re supposed to be in disguise. With all due respect, you off all people should be more vigilant of strangers. I know you are more than capable of defending yourself, but I cannot help but worry about your safety. What if someone wanted to harm you? What about your reputation? What about-” What about me? You rambled on and on, like you had worried about him your whole life. Like an old married couple. Like you were lovers. You at last finished your rant, now slightly out of breath, and the only thing Xavier took note of was,

“You think I’m pretty?”

And you, still delirious and powered by adrenaline, took no hesitation in exclaiming, “Yes! Inside and out!” You gasped, covering your mouth in shock as you both as you realized what you had just said.

“(Name), are you, perhaps, envious?” Xavier asked. He unintentionally drew closer to you, searching for truth in your eyes. They darted back and forth, mirroring the night sky above. He could see the anxiety as your energy wore off and the weight of your words started to settle, but he sensed a different emotion behind your discomfort, something more complex and intense revealing itself beneath the mist.

You swallowed. This was a mistake. “Forgive me,” you turned and ran all the way home in a moment of panic.

“My dear, are you mad at me?” Xavier asked you the next afternoon. Your heart ached to hear such an intimate name you knew you didn’t deserve. You hadn’t talked to him all morning, claiming you were still tired from your ventures the day before. “If you want, we could always go for a walk,” he suggested. Upon your repeated rejection, Xavier left your room like a kicked puppy. Guilt settled in your chest as the ends of his hair disappeared around the corner. How confused he must’ve felt when you kissed him and left him all in one day. But you knew Xavier was also patient and understanding, all that was left was for you to decide. So, you gathered up all the courage you had and accepted his suggestion for an evening walk after you two had finished dinner.

“I apologize for my…unpredictable manner these past few days, Your Majesty,” you walked alongside him on the beach, “A few matters have bothered me lately, and I have yet to find a suitable solution.”

“There is no need to apologize. Perhaps going outside like this can clear your head. I do hope you’ll be able to resolve whatever it is that has been occupying your mind.”

“I hope for the same.” You treaded along the sand, mind contemplating ways to express the emotions swirling in your chest through words. You worried too, about the state of his heart. Did Xavier get tired of waiting and move on? Could his love for you really span a decade? But such contemplations were soon cleared up once you reached the shore. The moon shone down on the sea’s surface, illuminating both your faces in the night.

“There is something I wish to give you,” he slipped onto your wrist a handmade flower bracelet, weaved together by alternating pink carnations and forget-me-not’s, an unending cycle of forgetness and remembrance. “I made this myself,” he said.

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” you admired the accessory.

“Xavier.”

“Pardon?”

“Call me Xavier,” he said. His touch on your skin remained, and Xavier pushed the boundaries of your relationship as he lowered his hand to hold yours. You didn’t pull away, in fact, you intertwined your fingers together. He turned to see you staring a little too intently at the night sky, almost as if you were avoiding his eyes.

He withheld curiosity and followed your gaze, the brightly lit sphere reflecting in his eyes.

“The moon is beautiful, don’t you think?”

You glanced at him. “Yeah, it really is.” You lifted yourself onto the tip of your toes before pressing the faintest kiss against his cheek. Xavier gasped once he registered the sensation, hand clutching the side of his face.

“(Name), what-Did you just-” Once could’ve been an accident, but twice was a pattern.

By then you had already rushed back inside, subject to your own embarrassment. Your feet carried you towards your bedroom as your heart beat wildly in your chest, fighting back the emotions threatening to escape your throat. This couldn’t be. You were in big trouble.

It was a fine spring morning when you found Xavier sneaking about in the garden. The sun had barely come up, still tip-toeing over the horizon. Upon closer inspection, you noticed him planting pink carnations in the dirt, next to the forget-me-nots you once planted in similar fashion.

“Guess who,” you covered his eyes.

“My dear (Name),” he turned to you.

“Good morning, Xavier. Are you gardening?”

“This was supposed to be a surprise for you,” he blushed. “I got the idea after gifting you the bracelet.”

“I see,” you glanced down at the accessory adorning your wrist. You hadn’t taken it off since he gave it to you, but this wasn’t what you were here for. “Would you care to join me for a picnic breakfast?” He quickly complied to your request.

“I brought us a variety,” you sat down on the blanket he so graciously laid out on the grass. Your choice of breakfast consisted of many treats, including sandwiches and pastries, with a serving of tea.

“It’s quite delicious,” he said after taking a bite. You observed closely as he finished his meal, taking small bites of your own. The wind had picked up quite a bit as you enjoyed your beverage, whipping your hair astray in different directions. A strand stuck to your lips, sticky with tea as you sputtered, trying not to get hair in your mouth. Xavier immediately reached out, gingerly removing the lock. “I apologize. You must be uncomfortable with my touch considering the boundaries of our friendship,” he retracted his hand. If only he understood how you longed to keep his hand there.

“No, no it’s fine. I don’t mind your touch. Not anymore,” you reassured.

“(Name), you’ve made it plenty clear the status of our relationship. You need not pity me-” How dare he.

“I’m not pitying you!” you exclaimed suddenly. Xavier briefly flinched, taken aback by your sudden outburst. “Good heavens, you are so dense,” you whispered.

“I apologize, I didn’t mean to assume. It was you who told me that you married me not out of love but for your own ambitions,” he set down his teacup, as you did with yours. A pout was evidence on his face and a pang rushed through you when you realized you had unintentionally hurt him. You were barely holding it together, afraid of bursting at any given moment.

“No, you don’t understand. Just-,” you took his hand in yours, “Listen to me.” Xavier mutely nodded. “Xavier, you are very important to me. I care for you, a lot. Recently, more than I even realized. I tried to let you know, but it seems I’ve made the both of us more confused in the process. You must’ve been suffering in silence these past years, and I’ve been to busy chasing my ambitions to notice. Romance was never something I put much thought into, so when I began to develop these feelings for you, I didn’t know how to express them. I was hoping you would get the hint and remain by my side forever, though I’m sure you would have regardless of whether I requited your love, because that’s just the kind of person you are. You’ve shown me so much patience and kindness, and you believe even the ugliest parts of me to be beautiful.”

Xavier was left utterly speechless. He had long accepted that he would always be chasing behind you, that no matter how far he reached for you, his fingertips would merely brush the ends of your hair before you slipped from his grasp once again. So, when you stopped one day to wait for him, when the Earth stopped spinning to acknowledge the stars that littered its night sky, they burned ever more so brightly. Tears had unknowingly escaped his eyes, streaking down his face like shooting stars.

“I regret recognizing these feelings for you so late, though I am still unsure of them. So, there is one request I must make of you, Xavier.”

You cupped his cheeks, thumbs wiping away his tears.

“Please, allow me to kiss you.”

Xavier, still frozen in shock, could only nod to signify his agreement. You wasted no time, lips meeting his in a sweet kiss. Birds flew towards as the sky as the sun rose, basking all the land in golden glow, and the wind sang praises for your love as a spring breeze passed through. You pulled him closer, wrapping your arms around his neck as you laid him down on the grass below. Your back hit the dirt and he steadied himself on top of you. Xavier’s heart blossomed, bursting forth with all the love he carried, overflowing with golden ivory as it connected you to him by a single string of red. Even when you pulled away in search of the long-needed oxygen in your lungs, the flow of salt from his eyes never ceased.

“Xavier.”

“Yes?” he heaved, eyes full of affection for you.

“Kiss me again.”

And kiss you he did. He had loved you for so long.

“I can’t believe you’re mine,” Xavier mumbled when you were settled in bed, both your bodies a tangled mess of limbs, “When did you realize it?”

“I found the discarded letter you wrote me,” you said.

“You-What?” Xavier sat up abruptly, cheeks heating up as he recalled the sappy words he had written.

“It was very sweet,” you assured him, pulling him down again. “But the first time I truly cared for you was way before that, when I made you a bouquet for your birthday.”

“The market date?”

“Precisely. I have unknowingly been stringing you along, it seems.”

“Since you have deprived me of your affections for so long, you can make up for it now. Starting with all the things that made you fall for me,” Xavier smirked.

“You have a very attractive face,” you reached up to gently stroke his features, “Your beautiful eyes, your puffy cheeks, your cute nose, and your soft lips have all bewitched me.”

“Hmmm, what else?”

“Ah, how could I forget your gorgeous hair?” Xavier clicked his tongue, an obvious pout on his lips as a result of your teasing.

“It was the way you tended to the flowers in the garden, the way you have compassion for this kingdom, the way you never fail to live with integrity. You are good, Xavier. And you will care for this kingdom as you have cared for me,” you confessed.

“Do you really think so?”

“I know so.”

“What’s wrong?” he asked after you had suddenly gone quiet.

“When I realized my feelings, I was afraid I was too late,” you whispered.

“You can never be too late,” Xavier kissed your forehead, “I will never stop loving you.”

“I love you, too, my star.”

“Xavieee, you need to get up,” you brushed your hand through his locks.

“Noo,” Xavier mumbled, faced-down on your lap.

It was a peaceful morning, waking up next to your beloved. The past few months have gone by in similar fashion, with you and the King being practically inseperable (or rather, Xavier clinging onto you every step you took). With his affection for you more apparent than ever, the vixens in the kingdom halted their gossip, as they could only watch in envy as Xavier offered his arm to you at any and all events. And speaking of such events…

“You have duties, my love,” you reminded him.

“How could you? You’ve only recently reciprocated my love, and yet you’re already pushing me away from your warmth?” you could hear the pout in his voice.

“That is quite the exaggeration. Our office is only one room apart, and we attend all meetings together.”

“That is besides the point,” he turned himself upright, now looking up at you, “Such persuasion from you will not affect me today, for I have already cancelled all our responsibilities.”

You blinked. “Xavier what-”

“We deserve a break once in a while, don’t you think?”

“You can’t do that! You’ve overworked Jeremia enough as it is-”

“Oh, he’ll be fine, I promised him another vacation,” Xavier cupped your cheek.

You grumbled out hushed complaints, but the smile on your lips as he kissed you said otherwise.

It was later that afternoon when you and Xavier stood side by side on the balcony, staring out into the open skies and observing the bustling town below. For the first time in a long time, Xavier felt free.

You were here, and you loved him, undoubtedly so. But he would always, always, love you more. Xavier knew from the depths of his heart he was fated to love you forever.

You flinched at the sensation of metal, only to realize your lover had slipped a golden band onto your ring finger. You turned to find him on one knee, gazing at you with love in his eyes. Love for you and all that you were.

“(Name), will you be mine for eternity?”

“Yes, my love. I’ll be yours forever and always.”

a/n : this is literally the longest fic i've ever written and its not perfect but its a start lol it literally took me so much willpower to sit through and complete the whole thing but here we are!! and i'll definitely try to write more long fics in the future. hope u guys enjoy<3

[slimepuparibaba]

birthday cookie for the birthday boy :)

[aventoru]

i js finished my first draft of an insanely long xavier fic and i HATE IT SO MUCHHHH I HATE how i characterised these ppl WHAT

[aventoru]

LINKEDIN FINAL BOSS ft. isagi, rin, reo

cw : workaholic reader, LINKEDIN - i know it can be quite stressful comparing ppls achievements but it's solely for motivation in this fic, reo is a nepo baby (duh)

isagi yoichi

him on the field is you on linkedin, only you’re like professionally aggressive

your education is top tier, your experiences are STACKED, and you have more honors&awards than anyone can count

your networking skills are on another level, so much so that you know people in his field work / the sports industry as well. seriously, how did his manager recognize you when he first introduced you as his partner???

you’re getting recruited left and right, always being offered one opportunity or another

he’s so proud of you, but also a little afraid to see someone as work-oriented as he is

like you’re both very passionate and serious about what you do, and that passion becomes a borderline obsession

when you land the job, he takes you out to a nice meal and throws you a mini-party, just like you did when he sign his first contract with a club

you two are literally a power couple, always striving to be the best in your respective fields

itoshi rin

doesn’t really care for it at first, until he realizes how GOATED you actually are

he knows what you do for work and supports you unconditionally, but he didn’t know you were, in some ways, an even bigger workaholic than he was. to be fair, you’ve never gone into detail about the things you’re currently working on, so he just assumes everything’s normal.

that all changes when your project/achievement makes the news. it somehow ends up on his fyp and upon seeing it, you say “oh, i was involved in it! yeah, it was pretty cool.”

now he’s LOCKED IN and starts digging into your resume because how are you so nonchalant about being on national news??

turns out you have double the experience someone your age should have, and you’re getting these extremely prestigious, competitive roles?!?! not to mention you’ve had an amazing record since uni, and you’re still getting promotions when working full-time

actually feels a bit betrayed you didn’t tell him about all your work sooner (but it’s partly bc he’s always so focused on football) and vows to support you with your job more often, since you’re already doing so much for him

once you achieve your goals/land your dream job, he plans a fancy and cozy date at home, just for you

reo mikage

his linkedin is probably as goated if not more than yours ngl 😭 HE is the final boss (but only because hes a nepo baby LOL)

his networking skills are on par with yours, but the fact that you started from the bottom just makes it that much more impressive. you both have 500+ connections and a bunch of overlapping mutuals

reo actually doesn’t have much on his resume because he’s a pro-footballer. you, on the other hand, have endless awards and experiences, most of them being extremely competitive

he’s so proud of you and brags about you all the time to the media and fans. when his family finds out about your talents and experience in your field of work, they can’t help but be impressed as well (and that’s saying a lot)

every time he takes you to an event/gala/literally anything, you come home with 10 new connections because you’re THAT good at finding opportunities for yourself

if you already work in the sports industry, congratulations, you’re getting even more promotions than you already do. if you don’t, well, you now have so many more opportunities, partners, and sponsors so it’s basically a win-win

but at the end of the day, the most valuable connection is with the reo mikage. he outshines everyone else on your list anyway

a/n : enjoy short hcs/drabbles while i cook up longer fics in the meantime!! this was much more interesting in my head lol

[tsumuus]

"when did you get hot?" various haikyuu boys x reader

includes h. iwaizumi, i. matsukawa, o. miya, r. suna, k. bokuto, t. kuroo, and s. hinata

a/n based on the song "when did you get hot?" by sabrina carpenter plus i got inspired by all the edits on TikTok ive been seeing to this song so I decided to write about it 👅 lmk if i should do anyone else! hehe. not sure if someones done this yet or not! if yes lmk so i can credit them! God i need iwaizumi so bad

You hadn’t seen Hajime since graduation. Four years of separate universities had been enough to dull the memory of his sharp grin and loud laugh, but as soon as you walked into the reunion banquet hall, there he was, leaning against the bar like some kind of sports drama protagonist.

And God, when did he get that big?

He was always muscular, Iwaizumi had basically lived in the gym since middle school, but this was different. His T-shirt clung like it owed him rent, sleeves stretched dangerously around biceps that looked like they’d doubled since high school.

You froze mid-step.

“Oi.” He spotted you instantly, grin splitting wide as he waved you over. “No way. Look who finally decided to show up!”

Your body moved before your brain caught up, but as you reached him, it was impossible not to stare. The tanned stretch of his forearm, veins running down into hands that looked, well, bigger. Stronger. You swallowed.

“Hey, Haji,” you managed, trying for casual.

“Still call me that, huh?” He chuckled, leaning down just enough to make you hyper-aware of the way his shirt shifted over his chest. “Man, it’s been forever. You look good.”

You blinked. You look good? Was he insane? “Uh. Thanks,” you said, voice slightly higher than intended. “So do you.”

He tilted his head, eyes glinting. “Yeah?”

“Yeah,” you breathed, then instantly regretted the softness in your tone.

Iwaizumi smirked, leaning one elbow on the bar, muscles flexing just enough to make your brain short-circuit. “Guess all those years in the gym paid off.”

Guess so.

You were still staring when he added, low and amused, “You gonna keep eyeing my arms, or do you wanna grab a drink with me?”

Being Hanamaki’s sister meant Matsukawa had been around since forever. He was just Matsukawa: lanky, sarcastic, perpetually draped over your brother’s couch eating chips and losing in Mario Kart.

So why, when you walked into Hanamaki’s apartment carrying a bag of stuff from your parents’ house, did you stop dead in the doorway?

Matsukawa was sprawled on the sofa, long legs kicked up, beer in hand, and somehow, impossibly, hot.

His hair was a little longer, styled messily like he’d actually put thought into it. He had stubble now, shadowing his jaw, and his loose black T-shirt stretched across shoulders that definitely hadn’t been that broad last time you saw him.

“Yo,” he greeted lazily, eyes sliding over to you. Then he grinned. “Haven’t seen you in, what, a year? You stalking me now?”

You tossed the bag onto the table, trying to mask how flustered you felt. “Right, because this is obviously about you.”

“Everything’s about me,” he said easily, sipping his beer. “Makki didn’t say you were coming.”

“That’s because I wasn’t supposed to stay,” you said quickly, but your gaze betrayed you, following the flex of his forearm, the slope of his neck. He noticed.

Matsukawa tilted his head, smirk curling. “You’re staring.”

“I am not.”

“Right.” He dragged his eyes slowly over you, and it was unfair how smooth he was about it. “For the record,” he said casually, “you’re not exactly subtle.”

You hadn’t planned to stay long, just a quick stop at Onigiri Miya while you were back in town.

And then you saw him behind the counter.

Osamu had always been attractive in a quiet way, but now… now he’d filled out. Years of taste-testing his own menu had added a little weight to his frame, and somehow it worked ridiculously well for him. Broad shoulders, forearms dusted with flour, and a fitted black T-shirt that clung in all the right ways.

He looked up just as you approached, towel slung over his shoulder.

“yn?” His accent curled around your name like honey. “Ain’t seen ya in forever.”

You nodded dumbly, taking in the faint smudge of rice flour across his jaw. “Yeah, uh. It’s been a while.”

Osamu leaned against the counter, arms crossing, which was a mistake because now you couldn’t unsee how good he looked doing it. “What brings ya here?”

“I- uh, lunch,” you said, though you were sure your expression screamed something else entirely.

He raised an eyebrow. “Ya sure ya didn’t just come ta see me?”

You froze. “What?”

He laughed softly, low and warm. “Relax, sugar. Just teasin’.” Then he winked, sliding a perfectly wrapped onigiri across the counter. “But if ya were here for me, I wouldn’t complain.”

The reunion was loud, buzzing with old classmates and familiar faces, but your focus zeroed in instantly when Suna walked in.

Gone was the lanky, sleepy guy you remembered. He’d filled out a little, broader shoulders, defined jawline, hair styled just enough to look effortlessly good. His hoodie hung loose, but you could see the muscle underneath, the kind of quiet strength that made your stomach twist unexpectedly.

And of course, he caught you staring within minutes.

His lazy smirk spread as he crossed the room, hands in his pockets. “You good there?”

You blinked, heat crawling up your neck. “Yeah. Fine.”

“Mm.” He stopped in front of you, leaning down slightly, his voice low. “Just wondering, ‘cause you’ve been staring for, like, five minutes straight.”

You sputtered. “I was not.”

“Right,” he drawled, one brow arched. “So you just naturally burn holes through people with your eyes?”

You hated him. You hated how smug he was. But you also couldn’t stop your gaze from flicking down his chest again.

Suna grinned like he’d won something. “Don’t worry, princess,” he said lazily. “If you wanna keep staring, I won’t stop you.”

You didn’t knock. You never knocked. Bokuto’s apartment had been your second home for years, and he never minded.

But maybe today, you should’ve.

You barged into his living room, calling his name, and nearly dropped your bag when he stepped out of the bathroom, towel slung dangerously low on his hips, hair wet and dripping down his neck.

“Oh,” he said brightly, as if he wasn’t basically naked. “Hey, yn!”

Your brain short-circuited. “You you’re- uh.” Words. Gone.

Bokuto blinked innocently. “What? Oh! The towel?” He laughed, scratching the back of his neck. “Forgot my clothes in the bedroom.”

Meanwhile, you were trying not to notice the cut of his abs, the way water still traced lines down his chest, the V-line.

“Why are you- why is- can you-”

He tilted his head, confused. “You okay?”

“No,” you blurted, then slapped a hand over your mouth.

Bokuto grinned slowly, realizing, and leaned against the doorframe, towel shifting dangerously. “Wait,” he said, eyes glinting. “Are you checking me out?”

You expected the same old Kuroo, the tall, messy-haired nerd who cracked bad puns in science class and wore sneakers with holes in them.

What you didn’t expect was… this.

The alumni networking event had been dull, a sea of polite small talk and lukewarm wine, until you spotted him across the room. Or rather, he spotted you.

Kuroo Tetsuro looked like he’d stepped straight out of some corporate magazine, tall and broad shouldered, suit perfectly tailored to his lean frame, black tie loosened just enough to be effortless. His once chaotic hair was styled neatly, though a few stubborn strands still rebelled, and the sharpness of his jawline could’ve been illegal.

You weren’t prepared.

“yn,” he greeted warmly as he slid into the seat beside you, voice lower than you remembered. “Been a while, huh?”

You blinked, fumbling for composure. “You… clean up well.”

He smirked, leaning back casually as he swirled his drink. “I get that a lot these days.”

Typical Kuroo, smug as ever. You rolled your eyes, but your gaze betrayed you, trailing down to the watch glinting on his wrist, the veins in his hands, the way his shirt stretched just slightly across his chest when he leaned back.

“You staring, or just mentally undressing me?” he murmured without looking at you.

You choked on your drink. “What?!”

Finally, he turned his head, grin wide and sharp. “Relax. Just calling it like I see it.”

“I wasn’t-”

“Uh-huh.” He raised an eyebrow, leaning in close enough that his cologne, warm, expensive, and way too distracting, hit you like a punch. “Don’t worry. If you wanna keep staring, I won’t tell.”

You thought you were prepared. You’d seen the pictures he sent, kept up with the updates, even FaceTimed a few times while he was training in Brazil.

But seeing him in person was something else entirely.

Hinata stood at the terminal, waving wildly the moment he spotted you, sun-kissed and radiant in a way that made your chest ache. His skin was tanned golden, curls slightly longer and wind tousled, his shoulders broader than you remembered. He wore a loose white T-shirt that clung just enough to make it obvious how much muscle he’d put on.

“yn!” he yelled, sprinting toward you with that same boundless energy you knew so well.

Before you could even react, he swept you up in a hug, spinning you around like nothing had changed. Except everything had. His arms were solid around you, muscles shifting under your hands, and his scent was warm and sun soaked, mixed faintly with salt and sweat.

“You’re crushing me,” you managed breathlessly, and he laughed, setting you down but not stepping back.

“Sorry! Just missed you,” he said, grin blinding. “It’s been, what, two years?”

“Almost three,” you corrected softly, but your voice faltered when he reached up to rub the back of his neck, his shirt lifting slightly to reveal a sliver of toned stomach.

You looked away too quickly, cheeks heating, and of course, he noticed.

“Hmm?” Hinata tilted his head. “What’s up?”

You hesitated, biting your lip, and then the words slipped out before you could stop them. “…When did you get hot?”

His eyes went wide, cheeks blooming red instantly. “Wha- what?” he stammered, scratching his cheek in embarrassment.

You groaned, covering your face. “Forget I said that.”

But Hinata, bashful smile tugging at his lips, leaned down just enough for his voice to drop low, rare for him. “So you did notice, huh?”

And judging by the mischievous glint in his eyes, you were never living this down.

[aventoru]

hiya! u told me to put this in ur inbox, so uhhh here it is (assuming i'm in the right place lol, i'm a little new to tumblr so who knows...):

omg, i'm thinking kaiser in an arcade?! bc he wouldn't have been allowed in when he was little. esp if kaiser mentioned how he'd nvr been offhand, & reader plans this date as a surprise (this prob happened bc of a bet (something like who can plan the better date), bc kaiser doesn't like surprises)

i explained it horribly, but kaiser knows there's a date, he just doesn't know where to beforehand. idk, i just want to see him happy and having the chance to live the childhood he never got, sue me

ps. i'd love to be tagged for this series, thx sm!

yo i finally finished the fic after like months of writers block 😭😭😭 anyways its been posted here, hope you enjoy reading!!!

[aventoru]

SWEET ft. michael kaiser

tags : kaiser himself, brief mentions of kaiser's past, kaiser warms up to you kinda quickly(?), inaccurate depictions of an arcade experience, character exploration, kaiser plays for re al at 24, unclear which parts are captured in the actual and youtube video which are private moments

a/n : i finished this in 3 days after being on writer block and now i think it's kinda mid 😭 hopefully you all think it's better...

general masterlist / hotter than summer! / wc : 4.4k

'name' is an up-and-coming youtuber whose new series hotter than summer! features cute summer dates with our favorite pro football players. the videos start out as casual hangouts for pr, but turns into something more by the end…

VIDEO 2 : AN ARCADE DATE WITH MICHAEL KAISER

9:03 am — Arcade Entrance

The arcade’s neon signs reflected on your face as the camera crew got set up for filming. You stood to the side, trying to remain calm for today’s episode. Despite having met and interviewed various celebrities, you had never met anyone of this calibre before. One wrong move and the internet would have you (or him) cancelled in seconds. By the time you had gotten over your nerves, everything was finished, and the filming began.

“Hello everyone, it’s (Name) again! Today I’m here at the arcade with Re Al’s star striker, Michael Kaiser!”

Kaiser stepped into a frame, a trademark smirk on his face as he waved casually to the camera, “Hey, it’s Kaiser.”

“So, what are you most looking forward to in today’s episode?”

“I look forward to winning all the games and proving to everyone that I’m good at everything,” he replied, flashing a smile at the camera. Anyone else would think he was being genuine, but to the well trained eye, it had been practiced to perfection.

“I’m sure you are,” you agreed politely, “Are you excited for today’s date?”

Michael Kaiser was worldwide famous, and the charismatic front he usually put up was going to be a challenge to overcome. After all, your content was meant to be relatable, not performative.

“Of course! It’s an honor to be on a date with someone as pretty as yourself,” he replied, the usual flirtatious tone evident in his voice.

Kaiser had expected you to blush, to tuck your hair behind your ear or act coy like most people did in his presence. But much to his surprise, you gave him a media-trained smile that implied ‘That was cringe’. Kaiser’s smile faltered just the tiniest bit as he felt his ego take a hit.

“Well then, let’s go!” you exclaimed.

9:12 am — Pacman

“Hmm, should we warm up with some Pacman? I mean, it’s a classic one,” you suggested, stopping in front of the machine.

Kaiser agreed and took charge, maneuvering the joystick and buttons as you stood by and watched. Despite getting off to a pretty good start, a few wrong moves caused him to lose soon after.

“That was just a warm up round,” he tried to play it cool. Truth be told, the concept of an arcade was foreign to him. Due to his troubled past and early career, Kaiser never really had normal childhood experiences, the arcade being one of them. But there was no need to bring it up. This was all for PR anyway.

You allowed Kaiser another go, and he seemed to be doing much better this time around. “Kaiser, since you claimed to be good at everything, can I ask you a few questions while you’re playing? Think you can multitask?”

“Go ahead,” he agreed, still putting his full attention on the game.

“Since you’ve already won so many championships and titles in your career, what are your future goals?”

“The World Cup. It’s the only cup I don’t have. Yet.”

“And what about the club? Do you think you’ll be at Re Al for a long time?”

“I’m quite satisfied where I am currently, but who knows what the future will bring. For now though, I’ll definitely be staying until the end of my contract.”

Kaiser didn’t know what to expect from your Youtube video, but it turned out to be no different from his usual interviews. He had heard these questions more times than he could count, and this seemed more like small talk than an actual vlog.

“You’re actually quite good at Pacman,” you observed as he cleared the maze.

“Told you I’m good at everything,” he said cockily as the winning sign flashed on the screen. “Wanna try?”

“Shall I?” you swapped places with him. “Ah one more question,” you said as you began selecting your character, “Do you think you’re better than your teammates, Rin and Sae?”

The football player smirked. Now this was new. “Of course,” he answered without missing a beat, “I’m the best in the world.”

“Even better than Isagi Yoichi?” you egged him on, knowing full well the intense rivalry between the two.

“Yes, even better than that idiot.” He mentally retracted the thoughts he had earlier. This was definitely more fun than his usual interviews.

“Wow, Kaiser, nowadays the kids call that glazing.” You were more concentrated now than ever, watching as your Pacman ate the last few pellets in the maze. “I win!” you were delighted, bending down to retrieve the tickets the machine was spitting out.

“But you do agree that I’m the best, no?” he probed as you stood back up. You paused, eyes unblinking as you thought of an appropriate response.

“I admire your confidence,” you said before walking to the next game.

“Wait, what? (Name), was that sarcasm?!”

9:35 am — Basketball

You never claimed to be super athletic. Sure, you weren’t particularly bad at any sport, but to go in a 1v1 against professional athlete Michael Kaiser in basketball was something entirely different. Next to him, you looked like a complete amateur, and it wasn’t even his sport!

“(Name), you need glasses or something,” he commented after you missed yet another shot.

“This isn’t fair, how are you so good at this?” you complained, “You’re supposed to be good only at football!” The blonde can only laugh as he made a 3-pointer, further increasing the distance between your scores. In the end, you came out utterly defeated, losing to him by more than a hundred points. “Again,” you demanded, unable to accept defeat.

He agreed, giving you a chance to redeem yourself, only for you to end up with score lower than the last, if the was even possible. Kaiser, on the other hand, had come close to surpassing the record, leaving you even more embarrassed. And yet, you still had the courage to mutter, “Again. I refuse to go down like this.”

“I admire your confidence, (Name),” the blonde stifled his laughter as he quoted you. He had an inkling suspicion you didn’t know how to shoot properly and sure enough, it was confirmed as soon as he saw you throw. “That’s not how you do it,” he stepped behind you, fixing your form, “No wonder you keep missing.”

“Hey, it’s not—” you paused as you felt Kaiser’s hands straighten your back. You stilled from the proximity, just now realizing you were only centimeters apart.

“You need to throw it like this,” he guided your arms and hands into the right position, before helping you flick the ball. It landed cleanly in the basket before falling down with a thud. “Now try it by yourself,” Kaiser returned to his side.

The third and final round restarted, and this time you shot with the proper form he had taught you, making shots more regularly than the hit-or-misses before. You still lost, no surprise there, but you also managed to somewhat close the gap with his score.

“Thanks for the help,” you smiled. Kaiser remained silent throughout, choosing to watch for the spark that appeared in your eyes every time you succeeded in scoring points. Maybe playing these silly games with you wasn’t so bad.

10:00 am — Air Hockey

“Hey slow down!!” you exclaimed as the puck came flying across the table, reflexes barely managing to stop it from sliding into the goal.

“You told me to try my best,” Kaiser argued from the other side.

“I should’ve told you to go easy on me,” you regretted.

“I can if you want me to,” he shrugged.

“Nah, let’s play fair and square,” you briefly glanced at the camera before whispering to him, “Besides, it seems like you’re having fun.”

“Why wouldn’t I be? It’s an arcade.”

“It’s just…the media doesn’t show this side of you often, y’know? You’re typically known as-” you paused. Finishing the sentence would either cause this segment to be cut out or an uproar in the comments.

“As the arrogant athlete who has more money and fame than he knows what to do with?”

“I-”

“It’s okay, everyone thinks of me that way,” Kaiser said, trying to mask his disappointment. The media was like a thorn in his side, always working hard to twist reality and skew the truth. There was nothing he could do, of course. Scandals and gossip were an aspect that came with the job, and he learned to accept it long ago. But just because it hurt less, didn’t mean he was completely free from it.

In the midst of his resentment, Kaiser began to lose track of the game, and with that, his strength. So when the puck came flying back to him from your direction, he hit it with much more force than intended, sending it flying through the air and straight into your face.

“Ow!” you instantly grabbed your cheek, right where the puck had hit.

“You okay?” Kaiser rushed over, gently prying your hands from your face to check on the wound. The area was slightly red and swollen, but thankfully nothing too serious.

“I’m fine, I promise! We can continue,” you reassured, but Kaiser wouldn’t allow it.

“Can someone please get ice?” he called out to the staff.

“B-but we didn’t even get to settle the score!!” you complained as he dragged you away.

“Does it still hurt?” Kaiser asked as he held an ice pack against your face. You were leaning against a wall in a secluded space he found near the arcade.

“Nope,” you said, popping the ‘p’, “I told you it’s not a big deal.”

“Maybe I should’ve left you back there like the heartless man everyone claims I am,” he teased, yet there was a hint of truth behind his words.

“I don’t see you like that,” you countered, “I mean, I don’t know you personally, so I won’t assume all kinds of things about you just from what I see online.”

The smallest flicker of hope lit up in Kaiser’s chest. “Now that you’ve met me, what do you think?” he asked.

You thought for a while before speaking up. “I think you’re kinder than most people realize. I mean, you’re standing here holding an ice pack for a random Youtuber you’ve just met. That gotta mean something, right?”

Idiot. I’m just reciprocating your kindness.

“You’ve been nice to everyone you met today, not rude or pretentious like people often think,” you paused before continuing, “Kaiser, I think you’re actually sweet. A bit misguided in your teenage years, but sweet nonetheless.”

Your words brought Kaiser’s world to a halt. No one had ever used the words sweet and kind to describe him before. Not his teammates. Not the media. Not even his past partners. Sure, they called him ‘talented’ and ‘bold on the field’, throwing in ‘handsome’ and ‘rich’ here and there, but those compliments eventually became buzzwords that fell on deaf ears.

“I think between the two of us, you’re actually the sweet one, (Name).”

“Really? I don’t think-” you turned to Kaiser to see him already looking at you. The feeling of his breath on your cheek had heat crawling up your neck. The longer you made eye contact with him, the more his eyes seemed to soften. Did Kaiser always look at you that way? You stayed still, not daring to move even an inch forward. Any closer and you and Kaiser would—

“(Name)! Kaiser! It’s time to resume filming!” the staff called out towards your general direction. You flinched at the sudden noise, snapping out of your trance.

“They’re calling for us,” Kaiser removed the ice from your face, tucking a loose strand of hair behind your ear.

“Y-you head back first, I need to wash my face,” you excused yourself.

The footballer walked back on set, palms sweaty and heart pounding. Meanwhile, you hurriedly splashed your face with water, which was now red for a whole different reason.

10:30 am — Table Football

By the time you returned, Kaiser was already waiting for you at Table Football. Despite the game being vastly different from actual football, Kaiser was confident about winning on his home turf.

“You ready?”

“Yeah,” you gripped the handles, forcing yourself to concentrate even though you were flustered still from what happened moments ago.

Kaiser dropped the ball on the table, and the game began.

You were fast, quickly taking control of the different handles to defend against Kaiser’s myriad of attacks. You were good, but between the two of you, Kaiser was the footballer.

“Since you’ve been asking me questions and distracting me this whole time, it’s my turn to get back at you,” the footballer said, “How about I interview you instead?” You should’ve known better than to believe he would play fair and square.

“Fine, ask away,” you sighed, knowing you wouldn’t be able to win this either way. You were so adamant in thinking he was getting revenge for the spicy questions during Pacman that it never occurred to you this was Kaiser’s way of getting to know you better.

“Do you do anything else right now beside Youtube?”

“Yup, I’m in grad school. I’m actually doing Youtube to pay for my tuition.”

“Oh? You’re quite the busy person,” he pressed further and further into your defense line.

“Yeah, but not as busy as you though,” you shrugged. Kaiser took a shot straight into the goal. You could only watch in shock as the ball rolled down, appearing next to the other ones waiting in line.

“Guess that’s a goal for me.”

“Your revenge really is cruel, Mr. Striker.” Kaiser laughed out of amusement more than arrogance.

“How long have you been doing Youtube for?” he asked as you retrieved a new ball.

“I actually started in high school, like around 2016? One day I just picked up a camera and started filming vlogs.”

“That’s such a long time ago. Back then I was—” you dropped a new ball onto the table, resuming the game.

“You were still in the Youth Academy? If I remember correctly.”

“Looks like someone did their homework,” Kaiser raised an eyebrow.

“What can I say? I was chronically online back then and happened to stumble across your debut match for Bastard Munchen.”

“Oh? Am I just now finding out you’re actually a die-hard fan?”

“Duhhh!”

You took a shot and the ball flew through the table and into the opposite goal. “Looks like we tied in your sport.”

“Tch, I was going easy on you,” Kaiser argued. He seriously questioned whether he had actually distracted you or if it was the other way around.

“Whatever makes you happy,” you chuckled at his pettiness.

“But I wonder,” you talked on your way to the next game, “If I discovered you that early on in your career, does that make me your first fan as well?”

“My first fan huh…” he repeated, quickly turning to the side. The messy layers that framed his face hid the blush on his cheeks.

10:50 am — DDR (Dance Dance Revolution)

“Stop trying to sabotage me!” you pushed Kaiser away. The song had just begun, and Kaiser was already cheating his way through. His continuous jabs and distractions were making it increasingly difficult for you to focus. If that wasn’t enough, he was also using his skilled footwork to outdo you at your best game.

“I’m here to win,” Kaiser waved a hand in front of the screen, blocking your view.

“Well you’re cheating right now,” you reached a leg over to step on his toes, sacrificing your climbing score to lower his own.

In the midst of your play-fighting, Kaiser felt a sudden sense of melancholy wash over him. So this is why people loved going to the arcade. Kaiser wondered what could’ve been if he was a normal child making friends and hanging out at the arcade like he was currently doing.

It was your laughter brought him back. Kaiser realized that the past didn’t hurt him as much as it was supposed to because right now, he was having fun with you. Your genuine and uncritical self had unknowingly unmasked him, melting the icy walls of his heart completely.

The push and pull continued, your shoes squeaking against the game board with you both chasing the notes. As the song reached its end, Kaiser decided to deal the finishing blow and knock you off the game completely by yanking your shirt towards him. It was a good idea, until he failed to control his strength and your entire body ended up against him, knocking the both of you off balance and into a heap on the ground.

“Owww, you pulled me way too hard! What were you thinking?!?!”

“Sorry, sorry,” Kaiser offered you a hand as he helped you up. He felt like an idiot. He was supposed to be smooth and charming, not act like high school boy pulling pigtails just to get someone’s attention. He usually wasn’t like this, especially after Noa forced him to take media training classes. But somehow when it came to you, he was became awkward, and had somewhat reverted back into his childish self.

Kaiser was spacing out when he felt it. Your touch against his neck. “You’ve got some hair covering your mic—” your hand brushed over his collarbone before you realize what you’d just done. “Oh, I’m so sorry I know you don’t like being touched there,” you gasped, immediately retracting your hand only for him to catch it. Kaiser must’ve gone crazy, but your touch didn’t bother him. Not at all.

“I don’t mind it,” he brought your hand closer.

“Are you sure? I—”

He nodded, giving you permission to fix his mic, “I’m sure.”

11:20 am — Claw machine

“Which one do you want? I’ll get it for you,” Kaiser stood in front of the claw machine.

“Are you sure? I heard these are pretty much a scam,” you asked, looking at the amount of stuffed animals piled up behind the clear cage.

“Of course, I’ll get it on the first try, don’t worry,” he cracked his knuckles like he was preparing for battle.

“Okayy, then I want that Sanrio plushie,” you pointed to a Pompompurin sitting on top. Kaiser inserted the coins and stepped up to the joystick, a determined look on his face. After controlling the joystick with complete precision, he pressed the red button, activating the machine. The claw descended and grabbed the exact plushie, pulling it up only to drop it halfway. Pompompurin landed flat on his face.

“I- How did that not- What?” he turned to you in disbelief.

“Told you it was a scam. Now let’s go,” you tried ushering him along.

“No, I can’t lose like this,” Kaiser inserted more coins into the machine.

Kaiser’s stubbornness would not let up, even as he failed again and again. Ten tries later, and Kaiser still refused to heed your words.

“You’re going to go bankrupt at this point!” you argued, “We’re running out of coins and money!”

“I am going to prove myself no matter what,” Kaiser retaliated, “I’m supposed to be good at everything, remember?” And getting the plushie would also make you happy, he thought.

While you both were busy arguing like a married couple, a kid had snuck up behind you, inserting his coins into the machine. This time, the claw miraculously grabbed the plush and dropped it into the exit. “Mama look! I got it on my first try!” he exclaimed. You and Kaiser could only watch with your mouths hanging open as the kid collected his plushie and ran off. This only added fuel to Kaiser’s burning fire.

“Like I said, we’re getting that plush,” Kaiser demanded (more to himself than to you). And so, after a few (lot) more tries, Kaiser emerged victorious with the trophy in hand.

“For you,” Kaiser’s dramatics kicked in as he kneeled, extending an arm to give you the Pompompurin you had so-patiently waited for.

“Thank you Kaiser,” you curtsied, returning his theatrics and accepting his gift.

“Now, onto the next game!”

“It’s been half an hour. And we ran out of coins.”

“What???”

“The only thing we can do now is to exchange these,” you waved the hard-earned stack of tickets that had accumulated this past morning.

11:45 pm — Prizes

You handed all 5,435 tickets to the cashier confidently. After all, your three hours of hard work had to have equated to something, right? Wrong. All you were offered was a plushie and a single piece of candy.

“We’ll take that one,” you pointed to the Pompompurin on display that was identical to yours.

“You were right, these places are a scam,” Kaiser whispered from next to you. You elbowed him as a silent reminder to keep it down in public. The arcade was your sponsor for today’s episode for goodness’ sake.

“Well, at least you have this as a souvenir,” you handed him the plush on the way out.

“Ohhh, I see how it is. You want us to match, don’t you?” he teased.

“I just thought it would be cute,” you shrugged, “And it’s a thank you for today.”

Kaiser smiled. One that neither his fans nor his teammates would ever get to see. Something he reserved just for you. “Cute,” Kaiser mumbled. Truth be told, his words were directed more towards you than the yellow ball of fluff in his hands. But you didn’t have to know about that. There was something he thought you did deserve to know, though.

“I’ve actually never been to an arcade before,” he confessed. Kaiser stopped walking, which caused you to halt alongside him.

“What? Really?”

“My childhood wasn’t the best and I started football at a really young age, so I never got the chance. But I think spending some time with you today at an arcade healed a part of my inner child,” he placed a hand on your head, gently (and awkwardly) ruffling your hair.

Kaiser had never been grateful for anyone as much as he was for you.

12:00 pm — Outro + Boxing punch (Bonus on the way out)

“So, how was your experience today?” you were back where you started, at the entrance of the arcade.

“I had fun. Everything was great, especially the part where I win. Which is all the time.”

“Of course, you were excellent out there. And finally, any last messages to our audience?”

“To all my fans, thank you for your support on this video. I hope you had as much fun watching as I did experiencing the arcade today. To everyone who is hate watching this from their mother’s basement, just know that I’m better than you and will crush your favorite player. All you losers can suck it-”

“Alright!” you cut him off before he could run his mouth any longer, “Please support Re Al at their next official game, tickets will be linked below! Thanks for watching, and see you next time!”

As soon as the shoot finished, the staff began packing up their equipment and cleaning up the area. Just before the last camera was put away, Kaiser spotted the Boxing machine near the exit, and as always, he was determined to show off.

“Wait! Can we get one more take for that?” he pointed to the game. Soon enough, Kaiser was squaring up in front of the target as it lowered itself. The athlete took a step back to gain some power before punching with a thud. You watched as the numbers jumped until they stopped at 752. A decent score, but nowhere near the record. Kaiser was strong, but little did he know you were stronger.

“My turn,” you stood at the same spot Kaiser previously did, warming up your hands and arms as the target lowered itself once again.

You took a step back, eyes focused, back straight. A moment of silence. And then, you threw a punch with the force of a canon in your arm. Everyone gasped. Someone flinched. The numbers didn’t stop. They kept going and going until ‘901’ flashed in big red lights on the screen.

“Damn,” Kaiser said. He couldn’t care less about the fact that he had just lost to you. In fact, he thought it was hot. And famous pro-footballer Michael Kaiser was going to take his shot right here, right now.

“Hey (Name), wanna go out for some lunch with me?”

12:15 pm — Lunch

After you bid farewell to the staff and his manager, Kaiser took you to a small bistro downtown. The restaurant was small to allow you both privacy while maintaining food quality at the same time.

“Hmmm, everything looks delicious, what do you recommend?” you flipped through the menu.

“Their pastas are pretty good. I usually get the classic carbonara,” he replied.

“Then I’ll get a (insert favorite pasta) and he’ll get a carbonara,” you informed the waiter who left soon after.

“Thanks for taking me out. I had a lot of fun today, too,” you smiled.

“Of course, anytime. Now let me take a pic of our souvenirs,” he reached over for your matching plushies. Kaiser arranged them neatly on the table before snapping pictures from various angles.

“Kaiser, do you treat everything like a photoshoot? Sometimes people like candid pictures, y’know?” you suggested, but he was far too invested to reply. Thankfully, the food arrived faster than you expected, just minutes after you ordered. Kaiser was forced to move the plushies to the side as the waiter placed the dishes down on the table.

“It’s Michael, by the way. Call me Michael,” he stated before digging in.

“Okay, Michael,” you called out. The name rolled off nicely on your tongue and Kaiser liked how it sounded much more than he should’ve. It was sweet and intimate, something he never thought he could’ve shared with anyone else.

You had barely taken a bite of your food before your phone lit up with a notification. Kaiser had tagged you in an IG story of the plushies he had just photographed. The photo itself was cute, but it was the caption that was the problem.

“’First date, kinda nervous’?! Kai-Michael you can’t say that, we’ve only known each other for like 3 hours!” you exclaimed, baffled by his bluntness.

“But I just did. And this is a date, isn’t it? Don’t worry, I’ll make sure it’s the first of many more to come,” he smirked. You could only shake your head at his way with words. You were definitely making it on the headlines tomorrow.

taglist : @silverwings920 @obsessedmelori @elliehenry24 @magicsness

[allthingswhumpyandangsty]

BOTS AND SCAM COMMENTS ON AO3

WHAT THEY ARE AND HOW TO SPOT THEM

okay, I thought I should make this post since there has been an influx of scammers plaguing AO3 comments section and people are falling victims to them. so here it is;

WHAT THEY ARE

so far, there are three main types of these scam bots

bots that tell you AO3 is deleting works, and that you should delete the works yourself because your entire account will be affected if your works get deleted by AO3

bots that tell you your works are terrible

bots that tell you they want to draw comic panels from your works

ALL OF THESE ARE SCAM WITH MALICE INTENTIONS

bots that tell you AO3 is deleting works, and that you should delete the works yourself because your entire account will be affected if your works get deleted by AO3 are just trying to get you to delete your works, most certainly because they want to steal and/or use your works to train their AI and, once you delete your works, it becomes extremely difficult, almost impossible for you to claim ownership of your works when the original works have been deleted. AO3 IS NOT DELETING ANY WORKS.

bots that tell you your works are terrible are also just trying to get you to delete your works, most certainly because they want to steal and/or use your works to train their AI and, once you delete your works, it becomes extremely difficult, almost impossible for you to claim ownership of your works when the original works have been deleted.

bots that tell you they want to draw comic panels from your works are trying to hack your password, personal data and credit card information (they will say they see potentials in your work and are interested in drawing comic panels from it, and then they will ask you to discuss this with them on discord where you will have to pay/commission them for the “comics” you will never get, but you will get your password hacked, personal data and credit card information breached and stolen instead, do not fall for them).

HOW TO SPOT THEM

what all these 3 types of bots have in common is that;

most of them (keyword, most, not all) are guest users or empty accounts.

their comments are all the same copied and pasted scripts that they mass leave on lots of authors’ works at random.

their comments are all vague, in the sense that there will be no mention of any specific characters’ names, no mention of any specific scenes or events from your works (granted, they need to be vague because they are bots, they never actually read your works, and they have to be able to use the same comments on other writers’ works too).

report them for spam then delete their comments when/if you get them.

please spread this if you can. us writers gotta look out for each other. stay safe, everybody ♡

[allthingswhumpyandangsty]

PSA to all writers, I am told that there’s a new influx of spam bots on AO3 (and also other fanfic posting platforms) where authors get comments from guest users or empty accounts and these comments express their interest in “making comics” from their fics. before proceeding to invite authors to “discuss with them over discord”.

apparently that is 95% a scam.

the easiest way to spot a scam bot is that nowhere in their comment will they mention anything specific about your works. there will be no mention of the characters’ names, no mention of any specific scene from your work. instead their comments will be something vague about how they “see potential” in your work and how they “would like to draw a comic panel about your work” and then they ask to “discuss this over on discord”

they have been mass leaving the exact same copied and pasted comment on various authors’ works at random. but they will make you commission/pay for “the comics” of your own fics (and you probably can guess where this is going, yes, you’ll never get your comics).

but they don’t just scam you into giving them money. I’m also told these bots are trying to hack your password, personal data, credit card information, etc.

report these types of comments then delete them when/if you get them.

it’s disgusting these pathetic losers are doing this, but also, scammers keeping coming up with a new way to scam people is sadly nothing new. stay safe, y’all

[abbielauren2024]

[aventoru]

STARSTRUCK ft. itoshi rin

tags : awkward romantic tension, emotional constipation, kind of grumpyxsunshine?, reader briefly gets hurt and drenched, a LOT of sweets/snacks were consumed, unclear which parts are captured in the actual and youtube video which are private moments, inaccurate experience bc ive never been to usj, apothecary diaries and detective conan mention!!, open ending

a/n : this took a crazy amt of research into universal studios japan lol i was legit pulling up maps and stuff 😭 anyways it was pretty fun to write and i think it turned out cute tbh 😝

series masterlist / general masterlist / wc : 4.5k

'name' is an up-and-coming youtuber whose new series hotter than summer! features cute summer dates with our favorite pro football players. the videos start out as casual hangouts for pr, but turns into something more by the end…

VIDEO 1 : AN AMUSEMENT PARK DATE WITH ITOSHI RIN

10:00 am — Universal Studios Japan Entrance

“Hey everyone! It’s (Name) again!” you spoke enthusiastically into the camera. You currently stood at the Universal Studios entrance, the sun beaming down on your figure as the trademark globe spun in the background. “This is the first video for our ‘Hotter than Summer’ series. And as per request from you guys, I’m here at Universal Studios Osaka for an amusement park date with…

The camera zoomed out and panned to the left, capturing the familiar face of PXG’s rising star.

“Itoshi Rin!!”

The difference was uncanny. You looked like you were about to have the time of your life while Rin seemed like he was verbally threatened to show up. It didn’t help that his resting bitch face was ready to rain down on your sunny day anytime. He made that clear the moment he arrived on set.

You had bounced up to him, happily introducing yourself, to which he immediately showed he couldn’t care less. This failed to surprise you as you had previously been informed that Rin’s public image wasn’t faring too well with the fans, and he needed a stepping stone for some positive engagement. He never truly grew out of his emotionally constipated teenage self.

“Please introduce yourself!” you turned to him, a strained smile painted on your lips.

Rin breathed a sigh, closed his eyes (as if to mentally prepare for torture), and finally spoke. “I’m Itoshi Rin, a striker for PXG.”

You knew he wouldn’t be here if not for the insistent nagging of his manager and publicist, but couldn’t he at least put in some effort? “Are you excited for today’s adventure?” you asked, trying to get more out of him.

“It’s fine…I guess,” he shrugged. Looks like someone didn’t finish their media training. But knowing Rin, his answer definitely could’ve been worse. You were taking what you could get.

“Well then, let’s go on our date!”

10:15 am — Bert & Ernie Prop Shop Game Place (Universal Wonderland)

“Hey everyone, we’re currently walking to Universal Wonderland,” you spoke into the vlog camera as you walked next to Rin.

“Apparently our first attraction is —“

You and Rin came to a stop.

“The Bert & Ernie Prop Shop Game Place! I thought we should have a try at some carnival games to warm up” you exclaimed.

You were the first to give the games a go, passionately shooting the targets and tossing the rings. But despite making a few good shots here and there, you still fell victim to the illusion of winning that all carnival games were made out to be. These underhanded tactics made you leave the area decorated with nothing but an irritated pout on your lips. Maybe you were unlucky, or maybe it was a skill issue. Either way, it didn’t make you feel any better when you recalled seeing Rin’s eyes twitching out of your peripheral vision whenever you missed.

“You’re bad at this,” he commented after you finished.

“If you’re so great, how about you try it then?” you replied, not bothering to hide your annoyance.

Usually, Rin wouldn’t actively engage in anything that wasn’t football practice. In fact, he was planning on letting you take charge and lay back doing nothing in the video. But since you decided to question his skills, Rin had a reputation to defend. Using his impeccable aim, the striker smoothly aced all the games while you stood on the sidelines, watching in utter disbelief.

The verdict? Rin left with 7 plushies and you left with your ego thoroughly bruised. It was impossible not to sulk, really. The plushies that had been on display were actually cute, especially the little frog he was holding right now—

“Keep these,” Rin said as he shoved the stuffed animals into your arms.

“I- what? You don’t have to, Rin!”

“I’m not being nice. I just have no need for these childish things,” he quickly walked ahead. How typical of him.

“Uhm, thank you! I guess??” you tilted your head in confusion before running to catch up with him.

10:45 am — The Flying Snoopy (Universal Wonderland)

“We’re currently in line for—” you turned the camera around, “The Flying Snoopy.”

“We stopped by Hello Kitty's Corner Café earlier to grab some food,” you updated the audience, showing off your frozen strawberry smoothie before taking a sip. The camera captured Rin visibly cringing at the sweet treat in your hands from his spot next to you. “What?” you turned and asked upon seeing his disgust. Rin opened his mouth as if to say something about nutrition and glucose and athletic diets, but changed his mind halfway and remained silent instead. You shrugged and moved on from his strange behavior, making a mental note to cut that moment out from the video.

You two waited in silence as line moved forward and soon enough, it was your turn. “I saw your latest match,” you continued the conversation as you got strapped onto the ride, “You were great!”

“I know,” he deadpanned. You couldn’t believe your ears. Itoshi Rin was infamous for being blunt, but you had no idea it was this severe.

All the emotions that had accumulated inside you were released in the form of uncontrollable laughter. You didn’t know whether you were laughing at him or the situation—heck, you didn’t even know whether this laugh was genuine, but at least you were experiencing some form of catharsis.

“What?” he glared at you.

“It’s nothing,” you waved your hand dismissively. Gosh, he was way too honest for his own good. “So, future career plans?”

“Defeating my brother.”

“You don’t think you’ve defeated him yet?” you raised your eyebrows in surprise.

“I defeated him a long time ago in Blue Lock. But those lukewarm fans of his don’t think so.”

You nodded in agreement, recalling the ongoing discussions and comparisons between the Itoshi brothers. “Don’t worry, I’m on your side.” Rin cocked his head to the side. “As in, I think you’re the better player.” You two were suspended at full height now, just seconds before the ride was starting.

Rin’s lips quirked up into the faintest smirk you had ever seen, and you were lucky enough to catch it right before you started screaming.

11:15 am — Owl Post™ & Owlery (The Wizarding World of Harry Potter)

“…Seriously?” Rin turned to you, unimpressed.

“I saw somewhere in an interview that you liked owls, so I assumed you’d want to visit. Do you not like it here?” you asked.

Rin didn’t know what to say. Sure, the owls were somewhat cute, but he didn’t need to enter a shop full of them. He shifted his gaze around, observing the rows and rows of his favorite animal on display. They were nice before they became overbearing, just like you.

“Hmmm…how about this one?” you came back with a particularly cute plushie of Hedwig.

“It’s…” Rin’s eyes flickered down at the owl and then back to you, “Not bad.”

“Okay then, I’ll take this one please!” you rushed up to the cashier.

“Wait, what are you doing?”

“This is me paying back for all the plushies you won at the carnival,” you pulled out your purse.

“I don’t even like it that much,” he argued, and of course you didn’t listen.

His act of courtesy became lost in translation when you interpreted it as a desire for the toy(?).

If you were being nice as an act for the camera, Rin was sure the audience would eat it up. But if you were doing all this to get on his good side, well, good luck with that.

But despite what Rin told himself, his ever-present frown had miraculously disappeared when he walked out with the Hedwig plushie dangling from the hook on his bag.

11:30 am — The Three Broomsticks (The Wizarding World of Harry Potter)

“We’re stopping by The Three Broomsticks for some lunch. I actually haven’t eaten much so we’re going to get The Great Feast,” you showed the camera the dish. “Should we do some mukbang?” you turned to Rin.

“No.”

Your smile dropped instantly. Rin looked up to see his manager glaring at him from behind the camera.

“Sure,” he sighed, accepting defeat after an intense battle of what you assumed was back-and-forth mental argument. The producer readily split up the huge plate, saving half for your mukbang show and the other half for the staff to share.

“So, you don’t usually get to eat like this, do you?”

“Of course not.”

You picked up a chicken thigh and started eating, to which he followed suit. “What are the cons of being a pro-athlete, besides dietary restrictions?” you asked, mouth half full with food.

“I’m the best at what I do. There are no cons.” You huffed a laugh at how arrogant he was, and rightfully so. He was currently regarded as one of the best players in the world, with many being envious of his talent and popularity, and you’re not an exception.

“Yeah, especially with that salary of yours.” Rin looked at you curiously.

“Not everyone earns money like you do. Some of us are still struggling uni students,” you explained.

“You’re still in university?”

“Yep, this is just a side gig for some extra cash. I actually have classes tomorrow.”

RIn hesitates for a while before asking, “What’s uni like?”

Ah, he never had a normal college experience. “Oh-it’s nothing special, really. Just a bunch of young adults trying to figure out their future and balancing everything at once,” you explained.

You had expected to interview Rin the entire time, but he was in more of a mood to talk than you thought. Maybe it was out of courtesy for the video, or out of genuine curiosity. Either way, you were glad he was finally warming up.

Rin couldn’t really explain it, but you made him feel weird, although not in an inherently bad way. The interviews he usually had were post-game, when he was tired and wanted nothing more than to be alone. If not, they were strict and pressuring press conferences or nosy gossip magazines. Yet here he was, sitting down to share a meal with you for a Youtube video in an amusement park.

You made him feel normal. And he kind of liked that. Although, the setting wasn’t really on brand with his image.

“You actually want to be here? At an amusement park?” he spoke again.

“I mean, this kind of heals my inner child, you know? You should try it sometime.”

“Try what?”

“Feeling things.”

Rin rolled his eyes at that, but somewhere in that shriveled up heart of his, he knew you were right. Maybe the fans who voted wanted to see a different side to him, one that wasn’t obsessed with football and horror movies, and he didn’t really have the heart to complain. Not anymore.

12:30 am — Hog’s Head (The Wizarding World of Harry Potter)

“So, we got some butterbeer, and now—” you tore open the straw packaging, “We’re going to try it!!”

You excitedly took a sip, relishing in the sweet taste of the drink. “Hmmm, not too bad. You want some?” you asked Rin despite already knowing the answer. Just as you had guessed, Rin shook his head, “No alcohol.”

“It’s non-alcoholic! Come on, a sip won’t hurt,” you poured a small amount into a separate cup before nudging it in his direction. He hesitated, eyes darting between you and the suspiciously colored beverage before wordlessly giving it a taste test. You watched Rin’s face scrunched up in mild disgust as he quickly pulled away after his first sip.

“You like this stuff?” he asked, almost in disbelief. You shrugged, standing up with the cup on the way out to your next destination. There was no point explaining to someone who didn’t like fun and whimsy, and there were plenty of ways to enjoy this by yourself.

Unfortunately, trouble greeted you as soon as you stepped outside. You had strolled around freely, unaware of the uneven pavement beneath your feet. And just like clockwork, you tripped on a brick sticking out and fell to the ground.

“Owww,” you hissed, rubbing your now red (and probably bruising) knee. But before you could take even a step further, you felt a hand quickly lift you up and move you towards a bench. “Rin?” you looked up to see the footballer staring at you with concern.

“Stay still,” he pulled out his bottle and poured water onto your wound, washing away the dirt. Just as he was finished, the staff came back with a bandage to patch you up.

“Oh, I can do it myself, thank you!” you exclaimed, not wanting to trouble the rest of the crew. Despite saying that, you were clearly struggling with the covering, unable to peel them off as you fumbled the tiny bandage in your hand.

“Give me that,” Rin snatched it from your hands, making quick work of the flimsy material as he placed it on your scratch.

“I- thank you,” you said. Maybe he wasn’t as much of a coldhearted person as the media made him out to be.

“Whatever.”

1:00 pm — Jaws Photo (Amity Village)

“What do you mean you don’t like this? I thought you liked horror!!”

“This isn’t even scary,” Rin commented as he sat down. You glanced up to see the shark’s teeth hanging down from the cavern of its mouth.

“Well, I think it’s quite thrilling,” you argued. You knew it wasn’t the raw horror that Rin enjoyed but you still thought it was a fun concept to try with him nonetheless. Besides, you two haven’t gotten any real pictures together the entire day.

You readied your pose for the lens, a faux shocked expression on your face. “Stop glaring at me,” you hissed once you caught the unimpressed look Rin gave you through your peripheral vision. He refused to drop his gaze, even when you kicked him in the shin as a warning. But it was too late, the camera shutter sounded and your picture was taken.

You were prepared for the worst when it was printed, contemplating whether or not to even release the pictures when Rin looked at you like you offended his entire bloodline. But once you were handed the photos and took a closer look, you realized that his glare wasn’t as harsh as you remembered, and his eyes had somehow softened. For once, his resting bitch face was gone. His social media manager would be pleased with this one.

“Hey Rin, will you repost if I tag you in the pic?” you asked, already pulling your phone out.

“No. It’s cringe.”

“Please.” He glanced over and you gave him your best puppy eyes.

“Fine,” he sighed.

1:30 pm — Jurassic Park - The Ride (Jurassic Park)

“Omg look that one’s huge—aaahhh!” you let out a startled cry as water splashed onto your seat. You braced yourself, ready to get drenched, yet the cold shock never came.

“Did you get wet?” Rin asked, a genuine tone in his voice. You turned to find him covering your body with his larger frame, which wasn’t wet thanks to the raincoat he had prepared. (You actually declined the one you were offered for the sake of looking cute on camera, a decision you now thoroughly regretted.)

“Noo, I’m okay! Uhm, thanks for covering me!” you blurted out hastily, somewhat embarrassed at your current predicament. Being this close to him made you nervous, especially when you could see every single detail on his face. Itoshi Rin’s features were perfect, from his sharp jawline to his long eyelashes, it was no wonder he was deemed one of the most eligible bachelors in the sports world.

Despite remaining silent, Rin wasn’t faring any better. The makeup you layered on for the camera accentuated your features perfectly, making your them even more prominent. Your hair swayed softly as the ride moved along, and the way you were looking up at him was seriously dangerous. Itoshi Rin hardly ever felt happy meeting anyone much less become attracted to them, and yet for the first time in his life—

A huge wave of water came crashing down from your side of the boat, drenching you completely just seconds before the ride ended. Rin walked out, clean and dry. You walked looking like you had just taken a shower. TWICE.

“Seems like my cover wasn’t enough,” Rin let out the faintest laugh.

“Am I just a joke to you??” you complained. In contrast to the natural banter you engaged in, you were actually internally screaming. You made Itoshi Rin laugh. Well, it was technically at your own expense but still.

“That was like top 10 rarest sounds on the planet,” you exclaimed in the heat of the moment like you were in some kind of wildlife documentary. Although to be fair, you were pretty sure you had just unlocked the rarest content found on the internet. Twitter was definitely going to have a field day over Rin’s laugh. Or your offhanded comment. Or both.

“Excuse me?”

“Uhh- I mean-” you stuttered, “That must’ve been the wind!”

“The wind must be damn strong these days.”

“Yep, you’re just hallucinating! Those dinosaurs back there must’ve gotten to you!”

“No, I swear I heard you say—”

The rest of the clip was cut out, but Rin’s laughter continued to plague your mind. You thought it sounded beautiful. And the worst part? You wanted to hear it again.

2:30 pm - SAIDO (New York)

It took quite a while for you to get completely dried off and changed, but once you did, the crew stopped at another restaurant for some more food.

“I’ll have the seafood bowl,” Rin pointed to the item on the menu.

“And I’ll have the beef steak.”

This time, you ate in silence, tired and starving after the events that transpired at Jurassic Park. Rin tried his best to rid himself of the spiraling thoughts he had on the previous ride, but that was easier said than done. You weren’t making it any less difficult by sitting right across him, munching on your food like you didn’t know the affect you had on him. Forced proximity really did drive people insane.

Your bowl was cleaned in a blink of an eye, and now, you were craving some dessert. “Excuse me,” you called out to the waiter, “can I also get the Japanese Shaved Ice?” Rin observed your eyes light up in excitement as the food was delivered to your table soon after.

“Want some?” you asked as you eagerly dug in.

“No sweets.”

“It’s just ice,” you held out a spoon expectantly.

Rin knew his nutritionist was going to give him an earful if he even took one bite of the dessert. And yet, he did anyway. For you the sake of Youtube entertainment, he could make an exception.

3:15 pm — Detective Conan 4-D Live Show: Jewel Under the Starry Sky (New York)

“Have you ever watched Conan?” you made small talk as you and Rin got seated in the theatre.

“I used to when I was a kid,” he shrugged, “Not anymore though.”

“Who was your fav?”

“Akai.”

“Me too! Ugh, it’s a shame he isn’t in this one,” you pouted.

“You’re that obsessed with fictional men?” Rin scoffed.

“It’s not just me, many people like him too! He’s totally cool, he’s got amazing aim, he’s also a little mysterious and emotionally repressed, y’know what I mean?” you ranted dreamily.

“Is that your type?” Rin asked, concerned.

“Well, it’s not like I’m ever going to find someone like that” you paused. The description you just gave was eerily familiar, almost as if it was a real life person. Then it hit you. You just described Rin. Your mouth opened then closed in shock as you prayed he hadn’t connected the dots.

Could the man of your fictional dreams be sitting next to you the entire time??? Well, if it was someone talented and pretty like him, you wouldn’t really mind-

The iconic Detective Conan theme rang through the theatre, signaling the start of the show and effectively snapping you out of your delusions. You must’ve lost your mind thinking you and Itoshi Rin out of all people would ever make a good couple.

4:00 pm — Hollywood Dream - The Ride (Hollywood)

“Ohmygod ohmygod ohmygod,” you held tightly onto the handles as the rollercoaster reached its peak on the tracks. You had to admit, it was really high up.

“Calm down,” Rin’s voice pierced through your nervous chanting.

“What do you mean? I am calm,” you panted, eyes widening with panic. Rin shook his head, unconvinced from your obvious demeanor as he prepared for the drop.

Your heavy breathing seemed to escalate as the rollercoaster teetered over the edge. Not a moment later, it zoomed down the tracks, speeding through the twists and turns that left passengers hanging on for dear life. All he could hear were your screams.

The ride itself was quite uneventful in Rin’s opinion, except for the photo that was taken with you looking like a walking meme (he vouched for it to be the thumbnail). Much like your face in the picture, you exited the ride very much frazzled and disoriented.

“You okay?” Rin asked upon seeing your distressed state.

“I’m just a bit dizzy,” you held onto his arm. He guided you both to a bench, allowing you a place to rest, and it was only when you sat down did you notice how close you truly were. You tried pulling away out of respect for his personal space, but Rin pulled you closer, fully resting your head on his shoulder. You remained in that position until the dizziness subsided.

4:30 pm - Beverly Hills Boulangerie (Hollywood)

After you soul finally returned to your body, you dragged Rin to the Beverly Hills Boulangerie, claiming you needed another sweet treat to fight off the sleepiness that was consuming you.

“Can I get the mixed tropical fruit frozen smoothie?”

“None for me.” Rin was seriously getting concerned for your health at this point. From everything he had seen today, your sugar intake must have been through the roof. But the light did seem to return to your face after you took a sip of the drink.

“Come on, have some,” you grabbed him a straw.

“No-“

“-Sweets. I get it,” you finished his sentence, “But it’s an amusement park for goodness sake.”

Rin hesitated. The shaved ice was a stretch. This was definitely out of bounds. But he realized a long time ago he couldn’t say no when it came to you. So he dipped the straw in nonetheless.

Rin was closer to you now than he had ever been before and the striker couldn’t help but think this was way too intimate for his own good.

4:45 pm - The Apothecary Diaries Mystery Walk: A Dose of Deception

Near the entrance on your way out stood the last stop of your journey : The Apothecary Diaries Mystery walk. You oohed and aahed at the clues and mysteries as you followed Maomao through the makeshift escape room. Rin followed behind, acting more like a bodyguard than an actual participant. The trip was nearing its end, and the athlete couldn’t be bothered to use his brain any longer. It was no surprise he had always been more brawn than brain.

“Aren’t we kinda similar to them?” you asked once you stepped out into the light once again.

“Hah??”

“You’re grumpy and the best at what you do like Maomao, while I’m pretty and sly like Jinshi. I mean, I am using you for views right now.” You expected Rin to counter with a snarky remark only for him to remain silent. Did your joke fall flat?

“You know I’m just kidding, right?,” you turned to him.

The expression on his face resembled that of a buffering video failing to load. It was only then that you realized the other implications of the pairing.

“N-no, i swear i didn’t mean it in a romantic way! It’s just that our personalities—”

The rest of your flustered stuttering had to be cut off to prevent another scandal for the football player.

5:30 pm - Universal Studios Entrance

“Well, how was it today?” you asked Rin. You two were back where you started, only this time the sky had now gone dark and Rin…well, you couldn’t really tell what he was thinking.

“I consumed more sugar than I’m allowed in a lifetime,” was his response.

“Okayyy, but besides that. How was the adventure today? Did you have fun?”

“Hmmm,” Rin glanced over at you, a tiny smirk on his face, “Not really.”

“Rin!” you exclaimed in shock at his betrayal.

“It…wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.” Maybe because of you.

The rest of your outro was dedicated to thanking your audience and sponsors, as well as promoting PXG’s next match. You had no idea what to make of the experience, especially with all your embarrassing incidents and the awkward(?) romantic(?) tension between you and Rin. The only thing you could say with confidence was, it was definitely resembling of a first date.

“Anyways, don’t forget to like and subscribe! Thank you for watching, and see you in the next video!!” you signed off.

Rin quietly observed as you went around thanking his manager and crew, assisting in the cleanup before everyone prepared to go their separate ways home. You bid goodbye to him last, right before his limousine pulled up in the driveway.

“Bye Rin, good luck on your next match,” you waved to him as you headed off. But before you could take a step further, Rin embraced you in his (strong, muscular, well-defined) arms. It was quick and awkward, like a hug he would give one of his teammates after a match, but it was enough for your cheeks to completely heat up once he pulled away. It was too hasty, too casual. You were left stunned.

You didn’t hear from Rin for the longest time after that interaction. Weeks were spent pondering over what that last gesture could possibly mean, although you reassured yourself he was only doing it out of courtesy. Still, Itoshi Rin was never the type to hug people, especially random Youtubers he had just met for the first time. Was it really an act of politeness or something more?

It was only until the video was uploaded that you received an unexpected text message from him.

itoshirin : I had fun. Let’s hangout again sometime. Maybe after you come watch my next match.

You stared at your phone in shock before typing out a reply

(name) : as in like a date????

The text bubble appeared and disappeared before Rin sent

itoshirin : Ask Maomao to solve that mystery for you.

Safe to say, the internet went crazy when you showed up at Rin’s next match sporting his name on your back.

taglist : @silverwings920

[aventoru]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RIN ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[aurora-sadprose]

put down that c.ai thing and read y/n fics like god intended.

[aventoru]

PLS