princess and the pauper ! satoru gojo x fem!reader
green divider by @hyuneskkami !! , @/loquatini on tiktok , blue lace divider by @cursed-carmine !
synopsis based on barbie’s princess & the pauper <3
main cast
princess anneliese as maki , julian as yuta ,
preminger as n*oya ,
erika, the doppelgänger as y/n. you !!! lastly king dominick as gojo satoru.
author’s note: not me dropping this & dipping again bye… i just thought of it while studying for my engineering exams ?! & it’s sooo unhealthy bcs i couldn’t concentrate until i got this done & over with. thank you & enjoy!!
wc 10k + warnings kidnapping, implementing of age gap romance, misogynistic views, naoya zenin.
reader is in her mid 20s, so as gojo being 28!! please don't comment on how unrealistic this is, it's fiction, of course anything is possible. inspired by my fav barbie movie ever. i wish i could have done this fic justice, it’s really just a wip :”) maybe in the future i will take this up again. enjoy!
the rising sun shone over glossy marble tiles like spring fire, catching on the golden banners that bore the zenin crest. even the summer berries glistened under its light, and the finest historic artifacts gleamed without a speck of dust upon them. the palace was beautiful, immaculate, impregnable, timeless.
and yet, within its small, isolated halls, loneliness lingered like a shadow.
servants bowed as princess maki strode past, her posture sharp and commanding. on the surface, she was every inch the perfect heir but her clenched jaw betrayed her thoughts.
“princess maki,” shoko ieiri, her longtime tutor and confidant, called gently from the doorway. “your mother is waiting. she is to talk to you about the meeting with king gojo tomorrow.”
maki scoffed, tugging off her gloves. “of course she is. why else would they throw me like some political bargaining chip? he’s twice my age for god’s sake!”
shoko arched a brow. “careful. walls have ears.”
maki wasn’t just royalty, she was zenin royalty. Which meant she carried not only the weight of a crown, but the shadow of a family legacy that valued power over people. a legacy already fractured by the absence of her sister.
mai zenin, the missing princess, had run away months ago. some whispered she’d eloped, others claimed preminger naoya had driven her out. all maki knew was that she had woken up one morning and her younger twin sister was gone, leaving behind nothing but her discarded crown on the nightstand.
and so the burden doubled. the preminger, together with her mother had made it clear: mai gone, maki must marry king gojo. unite two powerful houses. protect the zenin name.
her hands curled into fists. what about what i want?
as the sharp crack of wood against wood echoed through the courtyard below. maki’s eyes flicked to the window. there he was again. training when he didn’t have to. blade in hand, movements fluid, precise, almost too gentle for the strength they carried. he wasn’t like the arrogant zenin men who flaunted their techniques. his skill was quiet, deliberate, as if every strike was measured against something only he could see.
for a moment, maki let herself watch. the steady rhythm of his sparring matched the unspoken words she couldn’t bring herself to say. then she tore her gaze away. she couldn’t afford to.
meanwhile, in the bustling streets outside the palace walls, life was far less polished. the marketplace bustled with sounds of laughter and bargaining. a baker, his apron dusted with flour, tossed a warm roll to a child who chased a stray dog. “there you go, little one!” he boomed, a laugh rumbling in his chest. no one complained. they simply made do, sharing their scraps and laughter with a generosity that money couldn't buy.
you pushed through the throngs of people, your arms aching from the heavy laundry baskets. the cruel madam carp had you shackled to her, forcing you to work for the rest of your life to pay off your parents' debt. you resented her, but she was also your only refuge, the only one who had taken you in.
a familiar meow brought a smile to your face. wolfie, the scrawny stray you'd rescued and hidden, nudged your leg. he was lost and alone, much like you had been. "hi, baby. i’m busy right now. don’t let her see you!" you whispered.
suddenly, a voice like scraping stone shattered the moment. "Y/N! stop with that cat! finish those pile of clothes before i get back tomorrow. ta-ta!" madam carp cackled as she walked away. "have fun paying off your parents' debt, child."
you collapsed onto a nearby stool, and wolfie instantly curled into your lap, his purring a quiet comfort. you eyes lifted from your work, tracing the outline of the distant castle. only a single thought echoed in your mind: what would it be like to be a princess?
—
the last basket of laundry was done, and you let out a long sigh of relief. "we’re free, wolfie!" you squealed, scooping up your cat and swinging him in a playful arc. madam carp was out, and you had at least a half-hour to spare. plenty of time to perform. you slipped on your old coat, the one you'd stitched yourself the very first day of your indenture, and headed to the town square. performing was your only escape. seeing people smile and find comfort in your songs made you feel like more than just a pauper.
the crowd gathered as you strummed your guitar, singing a hopeful tune. soon, coins began clinking in your tin, each one a tiny victory against your debt. you were so lost in the music that you didn't notice the time until a cold shadow fell over you. "Y/N!" a voice shrieked. It was madam carp, and she was already snatching your earnings.
"finished your tasks, little girl?" she sneered, holding your tin aloft. "i’m leaving town today! don’t you dare slack off while i’m gone. be back next week, and make sure you've worked your ass off!" with a final laugh, she was gone, and your small pile of coins went with her.
yet across the village, a different kind of life was unfolding. princess maki stared at her reflection in the mirror. trapped like a bird in a gilded cage. shoko knocked on her door. "maki! the preminger has requested your presence again! wants you to see king gojo, shoko’s voice was strained, as if she were trying to be polite, and maki felt a pang of guilt.
"maki, please! this is the second time i’m asking you nicely! okay fine, count of three, i am coming in! one two… three!"
shoko burst into the room just as maki snuck out the back window. the princess was free, at least for now. her loyal best friend, yuta okkotsu, who had been with her since he was a boy, caught her by the courtyart. "i can only distract your mother and shoko for 30 minutes max," he told her, "you have to get back as soon as possible."
maki didn't reply; she was already running, a sense of freedom rushing through her veins. she ran until she heard music, a beautiful song that tugged at her heart. she followed the sound and saw a girl in a worn out coat, a crowd gathered around her.
upstairs, shoko frantically checked under the bed and behind the curtains. maki was gone.
she raced down the hall, nearly crashing into yuta, "yuta! what did i say about letting her off to the village!” shoko pleaded, her voice a desperate whisper, yuta only giving the poor lady an apologetic smile. "if she’s not back by 30 minutes, you’re coming to get her. no, actually! you’re going to get her NOW."
meanwhile, you were packing up your leftover tin of coins. your happy moment of performing was shattered by madam carp, who snatched all your hard earned money and disappeared. you sighed, defeated. “is it too late for another song?" you looked up, and your heart stopped. a girl with a beautiful dress and an expression of pure shock was staring at you.
holy shit... princess maki? she looked exactly like you.
"oh my goodness, your highness!" you stumbled, dropping into a clumsy bow. the girl in the beautiful dress put a hand up.
"nonnsense, please don't do that," she said, her voice a little hushed. "i’m trying to be undercover right now." a smile crossed her face. "and you have a very beautiful voice."
the compliment hit you like a surprise. just last night you were daydreaming about what it was like to be her, and now she was complimenting you. "that lady took your money, and you're okay with that?" she asked, her tone shifting to concern.
"uhh, i work for her," you said with a sigh. "she's terrible, but i have debts to pay."
she just stared at you, her eyes wide with a strange intensity. you shifted uncomfortably. "uhm, may i help you? i’m not much, but i can sing for you, princess. what would you-"
"you..." she cut you off, her voice barely a whisper. "you look just like me. just with different hair."
before you could respond, a boy with messy hair appeared panting as if he'd run a marathon. "my lady! come back! i’m really sorry, but shoko is really furious today. you have to come back and meet the king right now!" he stopped short, his eyes darting between you and the princess. "whoa... wait, two of you?" he rubbed his eyes as if he were seeing a mirage. "mai?... no, i mean... nice to meet you. i’m yuta okkotsu, at your service." he looked at the princess, then at you.
long silence passed, filled only with the distant noise of the marketplace. she looked down at your worn out coat and up again at your face. a new light sparked in her eyes. "listen yuta, i don’t wanna go back. i know this sounds strange, but i have an idea." she glanced around nervously. "i’m so sick of being trapped in that castle. i just want one day, just one day, to be free. to be a normal person." she reached into her pocket, pulling out a small pouch filled with coins. "if you pretend to be me, you can have all this, and more."
your heart hammered against your ribs. "you want me to... be you?"
"just for a little while," she said. "we look exactly alike."
you weighed the offer. the coins would be enough to pay off half your debt. the idea of living in a palace, even for a day, was a dream you couldn't have imagined. "i.. okay," you said, your voice barely a whisper. "but what about you?"
"i’ll be fine," she insisted, already starting to unfasten the intricate buttons of her gown. "let’s trade just for a day, we’ll switch back tomorrow morning.”
"maki, this is a bad idea. are you sure about this?" yuta asked, his voice thick with panic.
the princess turned to him, her expression firm. "i am sure. you’re good at keeping secrets... well, except for this morning." she looked back at you, her eyes intense. "yuta’s there to help you. he knows everything about the palace and what it means to be a princess. i have wigs that look exactly like mine and some glasses you can wear in my drawer. it’s as if almost i prepared for this day my whole life." she gestured to the frantic yuta. "if you need anything else, you can ask him for help."
with that, you were off to the castle to meet your betrothed, doom.
—
“uh… yuta, sir i really think this is a bad idea. can i please back out? what if i get thrown in jail? or worse die in jail?”
yuta let out a long sigh. “first off, drop the ‘sir.’ you’re older than me. and second, you could’ve told maki all this earlier.”
your brain short-circuited. “hold on. you’re younger than me??”
“yeah. eighteen,” he admitted casually, like it was no big deal. “besides, you’re not gonna get another chance like this. and like maki said, i’ll be here the whole time. i’m only doing this because it’s her wish.”
before you could argue, you found yourself standing at the gates of the magnificent zenin castle. you wished you had time to admire the artifacts, the glossy marble floors, the sheer weight of history in every hallway… but yuta grabbed your wrist and tugged you behind a pillar.
“look,” he whispered, pointing past a row of buildings. “we need to move fast and stay quiet. if they catch us, we’re done. follow my lead and whatever you do, don’t look back.” he tugged your hood lower to hide your face completely.
you nodded, heart pounding, keeping your eyes down on the glazed tiles as you followed close behind. but then, a sudden gust of wind slipped under your hood, blowing it back and exposing your [hair colour]. you panicked, fumbling to pull it up again.
and then you froze.
across the courtyard, by the fountain, stood a tall man. hands in his pockets, posture relaxed, hair white as snow. his presence was enough to steal the breath from your lungs. but it was his eyes; piercing, glassy, the colour of so clear cerulean that made the world stop.
from the fountain, he felt it. the weight of a gaze that didn’t slip away when it met his. most people flinched under his eyes, but not you. a flash of [hair colour], a stranger where there shouldn’t have been one. and just like that, you were gone.
he tilted his head, a slow smile tugging at his lips. “interesting.”
you shouldn’t have stared. he shouldn’t have noticed but your gazes met. and for one impossible moment, time stood still.
who was he?
a sharp sound jolted you back, yuta’s hand tugging at your sleeve. you stumbled after him, pulled back into motion, the white-haired stranger fading from view as quickly as he appeared.
“we’re almost at maki’s room. stay close.” yuta’s voice was low but firm, guiding you down the dim hallway.
like the devil’s timing, someone stepped into your path. short hair, sharp eyes, a frown carved deep into her face., if you remembered right, her name was shoko.
“i see you brought her back,” she said, voice tinged with suspicion. “what are you hiding, yuta?”
yuta stiffened. “nothing! what do you even mean?” his laugh came out awkward, too quick to be convincing.
he leaned in close to your ear, his breath brushing against your cheek. “her room is just around the corner. go. i’ll handle this.”
you slipped away, but not without noticing the way shoko’s eyes narrowed. she wasn’t stupid. she knew yuta, and she definitely knew all the little tactics maki and yuta used to cover for each other. her gaze sharpened on him.
before she could follow you, yuta blurted, “wait—shoko! i heard her majesty, the queen wanted to see you.”
shoko stopped, clearly unconvinced, but after a long sigh, she turned on her heel. “whatever you two are hiding, i’ll find out.” with that, she disappeared down the opposite corridor.
once inside, he shut the door behind you both, breathing out in relief.
“okay,” he said, brushing a hand through his hair. “we don’t have much time. if anyone sees you before you can act like a proper princess, it’s over.”
you blinked at him. “act like a princess?”
yuta nodded seriously. “yeah. the way you stand, the way you talk, how you bow, it all matters. if you’re going to pass for her, you have to sell it.”
he guided you to the center of the room, placing a book on your head. “rule one: posture. no slouching, shoulders back.” he adjusted you carefully, his hands brushing lightly against your arms. “if the book falls, you’re dead.”
you huffed, wobbling immediately. “this is ridiculous.”
“ridiculous saves your life,” yuta said softly, “trust me.”
as the minutes passed, he corrected your steps, even teaching you how to curtsy without tripping over the hem of the dress.
you blinked, amused at how smoothly he took charge. “wow, you sure know your way around her room. almost like you’ve been here a hundred times before.”
a faint blush crept onto yuta’s cheeks, though he tried to mask it by busying himself with the hairbrush. “i-ive just helped her before, that’s all.”
—
back in the throne room, the queen paced back and forth, her hand pressed against her chin, worry etched across her face. shoko stood quietly by her side, calm as ever.
“your majesty, perhaps she isn’t… fit to rule the kingdom like her sister,” preminger murmured, voice oily as he bowed.
the queen’s eyes flashed. “what do you mean, preminger! that’s my daughter you are speaking of!”
“of course, forgive me, your majesty,” he said smoothly, though the words were hollow. preminger naoya zenin, the most insufferable man to ever hold such a position. his disdain was no secret, he loathed the idea of the kingdom falling into the hands of a woman, and worse, his own cousin.
before the queen could reply, shoko’s voice cut through, sharp and steady like a blade. “your majesty, she will arrive soon. as the king, have some faith in maki.”
the queen’s anger softened, and she turned to shoko with a rare smile. “you’re right, shoko. thank you.”
meanwhile, in the corridors just outside, chaos was brewing.
“suguru, i’m serious! she was really beautiful! i just have no idea who she was! suguruuuuu, please help me!”
“are you kidding me?” suguru sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “you’re about to meet the princess right now, and you’re still thinking about some random girl? if you behave, i’ll find her for you later.”
at that, satoru lit up, punching the air with a loud, “victory!” before grinning ear to ear.
“now let’s go meet the princess” he declared, dragging his long suffering best friend toward the throne room.
—
“nice to meet you your majesty, i’m king satoru gojo, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you in person.” he bows slightly, his lips brushing the back of the queen’s hand.
“likewise. the pleasure’s all mine.”
naoya scoffs from the side, his expression souring with every second. his mouth opens, ready to release some poisonous remark that might unravel the fragile peace, when the grand doors open.
you step in, yuta trailing protectively at your side. the two of you stepped into the room. yuta whispered “keep your posture, speak slowly, smile when appropriate. if you act natural, no one will suspect a thing.”
“oh, my darling!” the queen’s face lights up as she hurries to embrace you. guilt twists in your chest, your eyes instinctively searching the hall only to land on him.
the man. the same breathtaking stranger from before. confusion flickers across his features, as if he’s piecing together the truth.
no. did he notice?
“darling,” the queen says fondly, her hand warm as she guides you forward, “this is king satoru gojo, your betrothed. your majesty, my daughter.”
your heart stutters. king?! surely, whatever chance you thought you had with him is gone now.
gojo takes your palm, his lips brushing against your skin. his voice is smooth, teasing. “you are as beautiful as they say. nice to meet you, princess. mind if you take a walk with me?” he winks. you curtsied and straightened your shoulders, but a faint blush spread across your cheeks when you noticed gojo watching closely.
and tonight, just tonight you are not the pauper. not the poor girl who survives on the same bowl of rice, who wears the same threadbare clothes.
tonight, you nod, and let him lead you out. he offered his arm, his grin reassuring. “after you, princess.”
as you two moved toward the doors, naoya’s eyes glinted with malice. before anyone could react, he subtly kicked a loose rug near your feet.
you stumbled, heart leaping, barely catching yourself but gojo was faster. in one fluid motion, he caught your waist, steadying you effortlessly.
“careful there,” he said, his voice low and teasing, but with that hint of concern that made your chest tighten. “some people clearly don’t want you to leave the throne room alive.”
you blinked up at him, breathless. “i… i think he was trying to sabotage me.”
gojo smirked, guiding you safely toward the open doors. “don’t worry. i’ve got you.”
once outside, the garden’s sunlight and gentle breeze washed over you. the danger passed, but your heart still raced. not from the stumble, but from the closeness of the man who had saved you.
you couldn’t help but glance at him. his snow white hair gleamed in the sunlight, eyes brighter than the fountains nearby. something about the way he had protected you, so naturally, so effortlessly made your chest ache in a way you didn’t expect.
“thank you,” you murmured softly, almost embarrassed by the flush spreading across your cheeks.
he leaned slightly closer, brushing a strand of hair from your face. “don’t mention it. that’s what princes or, well, kings do.”
and in that moment, walking among the flowers and fountains, you felt for the first time what it felt like to be a princess.
“so, what else do you do besides playing the perfect princess?”
he was so close that you could feel his breath brushing against your flushed cheeks.
“uh… i can sew! back when madam carp wasn’t looking, i used to make little clothes for wolfie. i also enjoy singing and—uh, i’m rambling. sorry.”
satoru’s gaze softened, intensity giving way to something warmer. he seemed almost mesmerized. “no, keep going. i’m listening. hmm… wolfie, you said? and who’s madam carp? and you have to let me hear you sing one day.”
your stomach sank. sess than an hour in, and you were already exposing yourself. trying to think about some excuses to cover up your mistakes..
“oh… madam carp was the previous seamstress here. she retired a while ago. and wolfie… he’s just my cat. he disappears sometimes, but maybe you’ll see him if he shows up again.” you forced a small smile, but your heart twisted at the thought of no ‘again’. soon, you’d be back to your own life, and this, would vanish. you weren’t in his league, and you never would be.
“you’re daydreaming,” he said, reaching out to tuck a stray lock of hair behind your ear. “come on, let me hear you sing. just once.”
a strand of [hair colour] peeked out from under your dark green hair, catching his attention. no. maki’s dark green hair…
“you want me to sing for you? hmm—”
“hey, by any chance, were you by the fountain earlier?” his voice was sharp now, curiosity flickering across his features.
caught like a deer in headlights, you could only mutter, “huh?”
before the tension could stretch any further, a familiar voice interrupted. “sorry for interrupting your majesty, but you have things to attend to.”
satoru exhaled, visibly distracted, then smirked. “drop the honorifics, suguru. i’ll be back later for dinner, yeah?” he gave a playful bow and walked away.
you… almost… blew your cover.
dinner had come and gone. the grand hall was emptying, servants bustling about, but one chair remained conspicuously vacant, king gojo’s.
suguru, ever so dutiful, appeared bowing slightly. “your majesty… i’m afraid the king had urgent matters to attend. he sends his apologies.”
a little sting of disappointment grew. you had wanted to see him… just once, to speak, maybe even share a moment. but the opportunity had slipped through your fingers.
hours passed. the castle quieted, lanterns glowing softly along the corridors. you found yourself in your room, the faint echo of music in your mind, humming softly to fill the emptiness.
unbeknownst to you, satoru had not left. quiet as a shadow, he moved toward your room, intending to apologise for missing dinner. but then he paused. a soft, trembling melody drifted through the slightly ajar door.
“hey princess–”
“…this night is sparkling, don’t you let it go”
he froze, chest tightening. every step toward your door slowed as the voice wrapped around him. tender, alive, impossibly beautiful. his usual confidence faltered, replaced by something entirely new: fascination. he was drawn in, helpless against the pull of your voice.
“… i was enchanted to meet you...”
satoru’s lips parted slightly. his heartbeat surged. every note seemed to resonate deep inside him. he pressed a hand against the doorframe, reluctant to move, afraid that leaving would mean never hearing it again.
when the song ended, he let out a quiet breath, leaning against the wall, completely undone. “who… is she?” he whispered to himself.
for the first time, satoru gojo wasn’t thinking as a king, or a ruler. he was simply a man, falling in real time for someone he had never even seen.
—
the morning sun spilled over the palace walls, painting the marbled floors in gold.
yuta appeared at your door, cloak in hand. “ready? time to head to the village. we need to switch back with maki before anyone notices.”
you nodded, swallowing a lump in your throat. part of you wanted to stay, just a little longer, just one more stolen moment with the king but duty and yuta’s persistent glances reminded you of reality.
as you followed him down the corridors, your mind drifted to last night. the way his eyes had lingered on you, the way your heart had raced. a small, sad smile tugged at your lips. you wouldn’t see him again. not really.
the streets of the village slowly came into view, familiar scents and sounds of everyday life greeting you. here, maki waited, unaware of the stir you’d left behind in the palace.
yuta’s voice pulled you back. “we’ll make it quick. once she’s back, you can return to your own life safely.”
and somewhere, deep in the palace, satoru gojo would wonder why maki didn’t quite feel the same anymore.
—
something felt off to satoru. princess maki, in her rightful place stood before him, poised and composed, yet distant in a way he couldn’t quite put his finger on.
“good morning, princess,” he said, flashing his usual grin. “shall we stroll in the garden and pick up where we left off yesterday?”
maki’s eyes met his, neutral but slightly guarded. “i don’t have time for walks today. yuta is waiting for me outside.”
he tilted his head. “yuta? but didn’t we—”
maki’s lips curved faintly, polite but sharp. “plans change. now, if you’ll excuse me…” she started toward the door, leaving him in the hall.
he hesitated. something about you, the way you carried herself, the cool precision in you movements felt different. the warmth he’d noticed yesterday, the laughter, the music… it was gone.
he, forced a smile. “right. yuta, then.”
maki nodded once, walking briskly, never glancing back. satoru then sank into a nearby chair, staring after her. he couldn’t shake the feeling that the girl he had met, the one who had made his heart skip a beat, was no longer here.
—
hidden away from the palace, preminger naoya’s hideout was a mess. dusty corners, scattered papers, and the faint stench of scheming.
naoya leaned over the cluttered table, eyes blazing with fury as he addressed his minions. “you two will lure the princess out and make sure she doesn’t leave here! i can’t let her marry the king. do you understand? a kingdom cannot be ruled by a woman, i forbid it!”
back in the castle, satoru’s usual confident grin was replaced by a frown, his arms crossed as he watched suguru carefully.
“i’m telling you, suguru! she’s… she’s so different from before. it’s like we never even met!” he whined, pacing a little.
suguru raised an eyebrow. “maybe you just fall in love too quickly.”
“no, you don’t get it!” satoru exclaimed, throwing his hands in the air. “i heard her sing, it was… it was unlike anything i’ve ever heard! and today? she just ignores me for yuta? they barely even knew each other yesterday! and she… she looks younger? am i hallucinating? suguru, slap me, please!”
suguru sighed, leaning back slightly. “okay, brace yourself, your majesty.”
“SUGURU!” satoru shouted, flailing dramatically as Suguru groaned.
far from the gilded halls and bustling court, you sat quietly in madam carp’s sewing shop. the familiar scent of fabric and thread should have comforted you, but it did little to chase the ache in your chest.
your fingers absently traced the edge of a folded piece of cloth, yet your thoughts were elsewhere on him. the memory of his cerulean eyes, the teasing grin, the warmth that had made your heart skip… it all haunted you.
you pressed your forehead lightly to the wooden table, letting out a soft, barely audible sigh. the palace, the throne, the marbled halls. all of it felt impossibly far away. and with it went the one person who had made you feel something you could never forget.
“meow”
you chuckled softly, reaching down to scratch behind your wolfie’s ears. “hi, baby… i told him all about you. i wish… i wish you could meet him someday.”
the little purr that followed felt like the closest thing to comfort, a quiet companion for the ache in your chest.
—
as the palace lay in quiet darkness, the golden banners and marbled floors bathed in moonlight. all seemed calm, yet shadows moved with intent.
below maki’s window, a soft, familiar voice whispered. “princess… over here… i have something you’ll want to see.”
maki hesitated, her instincts prickling, but curiosity nudged her forward. she slipped from her room, careful not to wake the guards, her footsteps light on the polished tiles.
in the courtyard, two figures waited, cloaked in shadows. “princess,” one murmured, “this way. you won’t believe what we found.”
before she could react, another pair of hands, strong and unexpected grasped her from behind, muffling her startled gasp. struggling was useless, as they had prepared well.
by the time she realized the truth, she was lifted into a waiting carriage, its wheels crunching over the cobblestones as it sped into the night. the palace lights faded behind her, replaced by the inky darkness of the road ahead.
somewhere in the shadows, naoya’s satisfied smirk lingered. “make sure she doesn’t return,” he muttered. “not until the king forgets her entirely.”
“what is this nonsense! maki, what are you thinking!?” the queen’s voice trembled as she held a letter, grief etched into every line of her face.
‘i’m sorry mother. i love you.’
yuta rushed forward, worry flooding his features. “your majesty! what happened?!”
“preminger naoya says… makiran away,” shoko said cautiously. “yuta do you think—”
“no. she’s not like that,” he cut in, taking the note gently. his brow furrowed. “wait this is written in pink ink? that’s strange… she only writes in green ink.”
naoya stepped forward, voice dripping with mock concern. “hat did you say, yuta? just a mere swordsboy, and now you think you can meddle? hmm.”
yuta squared his shoulders, keeping his tone steady. “your majesty, i swear, i will find your daughter.”
he didn’t linger. there was no time. naoya had something to do with this, he could feel it. carefully, he made his way toward the village, his heart heavy with worry.
finding you hidden away in the same shop, yuta’s usual calm was replaced by a frantic edge. “what? the princess is missing? and you want me to… to pretend to be her again? i don’t know… it’s riskier than before…”
“hey please,” he begged, desperation in his eyes. “she really in trouble. i just… i really want to save her. i just need your help and—”
seeing him like this, so earnest and panicked, your resolve hardened. you reached out, placing a reassuring hand on his arm.
“i’ll do it,” you said firmly. “don’t worry. we’ll fix this.”
as you followed yuta toward the carriage that would take you back to the palace, you couldn’t help but glance up at the night sky. somewhere in that glittering darkness, the palace awaited and with it, danger, deception and the memory of someone who had unknowingly captured your heart.
taking a deep breath, you stepped forward. the moment of truth had come: you were about to become maki once more, and the kingdom’s fate and perhaps your own hung in the balance.
—
maki groaned, her head pounding as the fog of unconsciousness slowly lifted. she blinked against the dim light seeping through a single small window, taking in her surroundings. cold stone walls, a heavy wooden door, and the faint smell of leather and hay told her everything she needed to know she was trapped.
her gaze hardened when she caught sight of him, naoya zenin, her very own cousin standing in the courtyard below, barking orders.
“good job, boys,” he said, voice dripping with satisfaction. “make sure that yuta boy doesn’t find this place. i’ll be very busy from now on. i assume you can handle all this.” with a dismissive flick of his hand, he mounted his horse and rode off into the night.
maki’s fists clenched. what the hell is he planning?
the two minions standing guard noticed her stirring and grinned. “well, well… looks like the princess woke up. let’s make sure you stay put.”
without a word, her instincts kicked in. her training, her discipline, everything she had learned, surged through her veins.
the first minion lunged, swinging a crude sword. maki ducked under the strike, rolling forward and grabbing a nearby chair leg. with a swift pivot, she struck his side, sending him stumbling into the wall.
the second minion charged from behind. maki spun, her foot catching him mid step and sending him crashing to the floor. she didn’t pause fluid, precise movements, honed from countless hours of practice.
within moments, both men were on the ground, groaning and defeated, while maki stood tall, chest heaving but eyes sharp. She glanced around the small room. the door was still locked, but that didn’t stop her. not now. not ever.
her mind raced. yuta’s out there. he’ll come. and naoya, he’s gone too far this time.
—
yuta entered the queen’s chambers. he knelt before her, voice steady but filled with hope.
“your majesty… i found the princess.”
the queen’s eyes widened, trembling as she turned. “my darling! where have you been! please, don’t ever run away like that again.”
from the far end of the hall, naoya stood silently. his expression remained unreadable, his sharp eyes fixed on the girl. no smile, no frown, only a quiet, piercing curiosity. he tilted his head slightly, as though calculating. the princess… returned? his gaze lingered longer than necessary, not out of warmth but suspicion.
as yuta lingered at the doorway, his hand pressed against the polished wood, as though he couldn’t quite bring himself to leave. his eyes flickered over your face one last time, full of hesitation.
“i’ll be fine,” you insisted with a small smile, though your chest tightened. “go. find the real princess before anyone else notices. that’s what matters.”
he exhaled sharply, clearly torn, but nodded. “stay away from naoya… and shoko. promise me that. naoya’s unpredictable, and shoko, she’s not evil but she doesn’t miss a thing.”
you swallowed, nodding obediently. “i promise.”
with that, yuta turned on his heel, cloak swaying as he disappeared down the hallway, leaving you alone with the silence pressing in.
you let out a breath you hadn’t realised you were holding and began to retrace your steps to your chambers. the corridors of the palace felt heavier now, every echo of your slippers on marble reminding you that you were playing a role far larger than yourself.
turning a corner, you nearly collided with someone, your breath hitched.
it was him.
king satoru gojo.
for a moment, time froze. his bright, crystalline eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at you, not at princess maki’s sharp, guarded expression, but you. the warmth in your gaze, the softness in your features. it was all wrong for the cold, distant maki everyone knew.
“...you.” his voice was quiet, almost reverent, as though he was speaking to a ghost.
you shifted uneasily, lowering your head. “my apologies, your majesty. i wasn’t watching where i was going—”
but he didn’t move. he just kept staring at you, stunned, as if he’d been searching for this version of her of you for a very long time.
he blinked once. twice. his steps faltered, as though the ground beneath him had shifted.
his piercing eyes narrowing as if trying to peel away a disguise. “you’re not her.”
your heart jumped. had you slipped already? you quickly lowered your head, clutching the edge of your dress. “i—i don’t know what you mean, your majesty…”
but satoru wasn’t buying it. for the first time, his playful charm was gone, replaced by something sharp and probing. he stepped closer, lowering his voice so only you could hear.
“maki never looked at me like that. never spoke like that. who are you?”
you stumbled back, caught between lying or confessing. his presence was overwhelming, like he could see straight through you. the walls you built cracked under the weight of his gaze.
“i…” you swallowed hard, eyes darting toward the guards down the hall, “i am the princess.”
satoru tilted his head, lips quirking into something unreadable; half amusement, half suspicion. “if you say so.” his voice was calm, but the way he lingered on you made it clear he didn’t believe it.
he leaned down slightly, his height towering over you. his words were quiet, but sharp as glass.
“i’m kidding, relax. don’t get so worked up. besides… you still owe me that walk from yesterday. you know, since you refused my offer.”
and then, just as suddenly, his tone shifted back to lightheartedness.
you followed him down a quiet corridor, footsteps muffled against the polished floors. satoru led you to a small balcony at the edge of the palace, for a moment, the world outside ceased to exist.
a soft rustle at your feet made you glance down. wolfie, your mischievous little cat, had somehow slipped inside and now padded along the balcony, tail flicking curiously.
“oh! wolfie, you came with me?” you whispered, crouching to scratch behind his ears. the cat purred loudly, rubbing against your legs.
satoru’s grin widened, amusement sparkling in his eyes. “well, hello there, wolfie.”
“woof!” wolfie barked suddenly.
“woah, a cat that barks? you don’t see this every day,” crouching down to pet him.
“he only does that when he meets new people,” you warned, voice a little nervous. “i’m sorry, he might bite.”
satoru chuckled, running a hand along wolfie’s back. “hey buddy, does that feel good? huh? he’s lucky he’s cute.”
your eyes widened, surprised. wolfie never warmed up to strangers this quickly and yet here he was, curling against satoru’s hand as if he’d known him forever.
you laughed softly, the warmth in your chest growing. “i guess he likes you… maybe more than me right now.”
satoru’s eyes met yours, playful yet soft. “not more than you,” he said with a wink, “but close enough.”
you watched as wolfie circled satoru’s legs before jumping back into your arms, purring loudly. his tiny body wriggled, and for a second, you felt completely at ease like the weight of the palace, of pretending, had melted away.
satoru straightened, brushing imaginary dust from his coat, but his eyes never left yours. “you know,” he said softly, “i don’t get why someone as… special as you hides behind all that royal etiquette.”
you tilted your head, curious. “special? me?”
he stepped closer, his voice lowering, just enough so only you could hear. “yeah… you. the way you care about the little things, the way you notice everything, even a weird little barking cat. not many people see that side of you.”
your chest warmed. “i just… like paying attention. it’s easier than pretending to be perfect all the time.”
satoru smiled, almost gently this time, and extended a hand, just brushing yours. the touch was light, electric, and your heart jumped. “well… i like this side of you,” he murmured. “the real you.”
you blinked, suddenly aware of how close he was. the sunlight danced across his face, softening the mischief in his eyes into something tender, something that made your pulse race.
wolfie mewed, breaking the spell for a moment, and you laughed softly, pressing the little cat against your chest. satoru’s hand lingered near yours, his fingers almost brushing again, and the unspoken tension wrapped around you like a warm blanket.
“what’s does the real you look like?”
he blinked, caught off guard by the question. for a moment, the playful grin faltered, and his eyes darkened slightly, as if memories weighed on him.
“the real me?” he echoed softly, voice quieter now. “you want the unmasked, unteasing, messy version?”
you nodded gently. “yeah… the one nobody sees.”
he sighed, leaning against the railing. “most people only see the lucky part. the strongest, the smartest, the guy who can handle anything. but they don’t see the rest. the loneliness, the pressure, the childhood i never had. always being better than everyone else.”
you stayed silent, letting him speak, feeling your heart squeeze for him. “i… i didn’t know,” you whispered. “i just see someone confident… someone who’s always joking.”
he gave a small, almost bitter laugh. “yeah… the joke is easier to carry than the truth. nobody wants to see the kid who had no one to play with, the kid who was always expected to be perfect. and now? people look at me and assume i have everything.”
wolfie nudged your hand, purring, and you gently scratched behind his ears. “i see you.”
his eyes found yours, something unspoken flickering between you. your heart fluttered at the vulnerability there, at the trust he was letting you in on. and for a fleeting moment, it felt like the two of you weren’t a (pretending) princess and a king. just two people, standing under the blue sky, sharing a fragile truth.
the evening air was cool, brushing against your face. the palace halls were quiet, the bustle of the day finally settling.
satoru appeared from the shadows of the balcony, a mischievous grin playing on his lips. “hey, little princess,” he called, waving a short practice sword. “ever tried sparring?”
you blinked, caught off guard. “sparring? me?”
he tilted his head, amusement sparkling in his eyes. “yeah. come on, it’ll be fun. i’ll guide you.”
you hesitated for only a moment before stepping forward, curiosity winning over nerves.
“alright, first rule,” satoru said, handing you the wooden sword, “don’t worry about being perfect. just follow my lead.”
you mimicked his stance, awkward at first, the wooden sword feeling heavy in your hands. satoru circled you slowly, his eyes tracing your movements, and every so often he’d reach out, correcting your grip. his fingers brushing yours sent sparks straight to your chest.
“like this,” he demonstrated a swing, smooth and confident. “now you try.”
you swung, missing by a mile and you stifled a giggle. “not bad… for a first try,” he said, stepping closer. “here, let me guide you.” he placed his hand over yours, adjusting your stance. his warm chest pressed against your back, and you could feel the teasing smirk on his face.
“better?” he whispered, and your heart skipped.
you nodded, cheeks burning. “yes… i think so.”
he chuckled, stepping back. “see? you’re a natural. maybe even better than me someday… though i doubt it.”
as you continued, swinging and parrying under his watchful eye, satoru laughed, lightly teasing, but every glance he gave you lingered just a little longer, like he couldn’t quite look away. by the end, you were both laughing, out of breath. satoru’s grin softened, eyes warm as he said, “not bad for your first lesson, princess. maybe you’re full of surprises after all.” when a shadow stretched across the balcony entrance.
“enjoying yourselves, are we?” a cold, measured voice cut through the night air.
you froze. satoru’s playful grin faltered slightly as he turned.there, standing in the doorway with a sharp, calculating gaze, was naoya zenin.
“preminger..” you muttered.
satoru stepped slightly in front of you, his grin returning but edged with warning. “well, well. look who decided to join the party.”
naoya’s eyes flicked between the two of you, lingering on your stance and the wooden sword you still held. “hmph. i see… maki has always been good at sparring,” he said slowly, almost to himself. “curious… very curious.” his tone was casual, but the sharpness behind it made your stomach tighten.
satoru’s smirk sharpened. “seems someone’s a little too observant for a late night stroll. why don’t you take your curiosity elsewhere?”
naoya’s gaze lingered a moment longer, eyes narrowing ever so slightly. “we’ll see about that.” with that, he turned and walked away, the sound of his boots fading into the halls.
you exhaled shakily, scared of what’s ahead of you.
—
the village was quiet under the moonlight, lanterns swaying gently in the breeze. yuta moved silently along the cobblestone streets, eyes fixed on the small, nondescript building at the edge of town.
inside, the two minions naoya had left behind were tied up and groaning on the floor, clearly out of commission.
peeking through the small window, he spotted her, maki. he reached the door and frowned. the lock was heavy and secure. naoya hadn’t left any easy way out. “of course,” he muttered, pulling a small set of tools from his cloak. “nothing’s ever simple.”
maki turned her head, eyes narrowing at first, then relaxing slightly when she recognised him.glanced at him, rolling her eyes. “about damn time”
within moments, the lock clicked open, and the door creaked slightly as he pushed it ajar.
“finally,” maki muttered.
“come on, we need to get out before anyone notices you’re gone and we need to expose naoya’s plans. i’ll tell you more along the way.” yuta held out his hand.
as she stepped past him into the moonlit streets, maki’s eyes softened slightly. “thanks, yuta… i knew you’d find me.”
yuta’s jaw tightened. “always.”
a chilling silence fell over the street. then, from the shadows, naoya emerged. his movements were slow, deliberate, almost catlike. the moonlight glinted off his cold, calculating eyes, and a faint, unsettling smile curved his lips.
“going somewhere?” his voice was low, almost a whisper, but carried an edge that made the hairs on the back of yuta’s neck stand. “i knew it… something was off. that ‘princess’ back at the castle. such a pitiful little fraud. and now, thanks to you, yuta… my work doubles. delicious.”
he stepped closer, each movement precise, his gaze locked on them like a predator sizing up prey. “that imposter girl? oh, she’ll pay… in ways you can’t even imagine.”
from the corner, the two minions stirred, barely able to hide their unease. naoya’s eyes flicked toward them. “boys… don’t fail me twice. throw them in the mine. make sure they remember who’s in control.”
before yuta or maki could react, the minions lunged, bags slammed over their heads, plunging them into suffocating darkness. only naoya’s echoing laugh followed them, low and unnerving, as the chill of fear sank in.
—
the bag slipped partially from maki’s head, the night air brushing her face. yuta whispered, “allmost there… just a little further!”
maki’s fingers worked furiously on the ropes, her movements precise. “i’ve gotten out of worse,” she muttered, tugging at the bindings.
they tried to push past naoya’s minions, darting toward the broken wall, but the two men recovered faster than expected. With a flurry of movement, they were grabbed from both sides.
“yuta! maki! don’t struggle, or you’ll regret it!” one minion hissed.
they fought with every ounce of strength, kicking, twisting, straining but the mens’ grip was too strong. in the end, their freedom slipped away as rough hands shoved them back into the waiting sacks.
“let us go!” maki’s muffled shout echoed inside the fabric. yuta thrashed, trying to break free, but it was useless. if only his sword hadn’t been confiscated by the preminger. damn you, naoya zenin.
the men dragged them toward the mine, the cold night fading as the world went black. even without naoya there, his influence hung over the scene like a shadow, making it clear that escape would not be easy.
—
“you wanna wear that necklace?” shoko stood beside your vanity as a servant carefully draped the blue crystal around your neck. one that mirrored his eyes.
“yeah… it’s really pretty,” you murmured, fingers brushing the cool gem.
shoko’s eyebrows lifted in surprise. “wow. that’s… so unlike you, princess maki. you usually hate jewelry like this. the queen will be proud.”
you blinked, caught in the reminder. right. princess maki.
snapping out of your thoughts, you straightened. “ready to go?”
you nodded, heart thumping. it was time to see the king one last time before the wedding. where the hell was yuta?
“my darling! so beautiful you are!” the queen exclaimed, eyes sparkling with pride.
king satoru, clad in crisp white, turned toward you, and his gaze froze. the blue crystal around your neck, his eyes caught the light. he breathed out, almost reverently, “you’re beautiful… the necklace…”
you opened your mouth, then closed it, unsure what to say.
then a chilling voice cut through the air. “fraud! that woman is a fraud! midas! get her!”
before you could react, the dog lunged. your wig was snatched off, and your fake glasses flew across the polished floor, revealing your true [hair colour].
gasps filled the room. time seemed to slow. satoru’s eyes narrowed, a mix of shock and something else flickering in their depths.
strong hands grabbed your arms, yanking you back. you struggled, twisting, but there was no escape.
“hey! let go of her!” satoru’s voice boomed, but the guards ignored him, their grips iron tight. he stepped forward, but the law of the palace held him back.
you caught a last glimpse of him. his blue eyes wide, chest heaving, a mixture of anger and disbelief painted across his face. the same man who had captivated you with one glance, whose presence had made your heart race from the very first day… and now, utterly powerless to stop this.
from across the hall, the queen’s gasp cut through the chaos. she stumbled forward, clutching the pearls at her throat. “no! this is madness!”
“i’m not the princess! but i.. i didn’t do anything to her! i swear!” you called, your voice muffled by the guards pushing you toward the dungeon stairs.
he clenched his fists, jaw tight, voice dropping to a ragged whisper as you were carried out of sight.
each step you took felt heavier than the last. the sparkling halls, the moonlit corridors, even the necklace glinting at your neck all vanished behind the guards. all that remained was the memory of his gaze, the warmth of the brief connection you had shared, now snatched away as quickly as it had begun.
the queen sank to her knees, tears streaming down her face. “my child… what have they done to you?” her voice cracked, full of grief and helplessness.
by the time the guards slammed the dungeon door shut, satoru was left standing alone in the hallway, staring at the empty space where you had been. his chest ached. the girl who had stolen his heart in a single, fleeting moment was gone and for now, there was nothing he could do.
—
at the mine, shadows flickered across the damp walls as the two, crouched in the corner.
“okay… think. how do we get out of here?” yuta muttered, running a hand through his hair, eyes scanning the room for any weakness in the setup.
“i don’t know, Yuta. we have to keep trying. Y/N is in danger!” maki whispered, her voice tight with worry.
yuta glanced at her, the dim light catching the determination in her eyes. then, as if pushed by courage he’d been holding back, he spoke, his voice low but earnest. “maki, i-i have a confession. from the day i stepped into the castle years ago, i’ve always felt… something for you. so when you said you wanted to run away from the wedding, i thought… maybe i finally had a chance. i didn’t know it would come to this. i’m sorry.”
maki’s lips curved slightly, her hand brushing his. “i know, you idiot. i feel the same way. we’ll get out of here, expose naoya’s plan together.”
“yeah,” he said, pressing his hand over hers, warmth grounding them both amidst the damp, cold stone. “i promise we’ll get out of here.”
a sudden splash echoed from deeper in the mine. water licked at the edges of the floor, creeping closer.
“hey…” maki’s eyes widened. “…that’s water rising.”
panic flared for a moment, but yuta’s grip on her hand tightened. “then we move. now. together.”
as the water lapped higher, cold and relentless, yuta grabbed maki’s hand. “this way!” he urged, pointing toward a narrow tunnel partially hidden in shadow.
maki nodded, heart pounding, and together they sprinted, careful to keep their footing on the slick stone. the sound of rushing water echoed through the mine, mixing with distant shouts from naoya’s men.
“watch out!” yuta yelled, grabbing her as the floor gave way slightly under her step. they stumbled but recovered, pressing on, adrenaline lending them strength.
“i can’t believe we’re actually doing this,” maki panted, trying to keep up with his long strides.
“you’re stronger than you think,” yuta said, flashing her a quick grin. “and smarter. that’s why we’ll get out of here.”
they rounded a corner, the tunnel narrowing, the water now chest high. yuta gritted his teeth. “almost there… just a little further.” he hoisted maki onto his shoulders for a short stretch where the water surged higher, then dropped her down safely on the other side.
suddenly, a shadow loomed behind them. two of naoya’s men had caught up, their faces twisted with fury.
“yuta!” maki shouted, drawing on every ounce of skill she had learned. with precise strikes, she disarmed one man, while yuta tackled the other. the two minions fell to the wet stone, scrambling to recover.
breathing heavily, maki grabbed yuta’s hand once more. “now! run!”
together, hearts racing and drenched from the water, they dashed toward the dim light at the tunnel’s end, the promise of freedom, and the chance to expose naoya’s plans once and for all.
—
“he’s like a poem i wish i wrote…” you hummed, the dungeon’s cold silence wrapping around your words.
“quit it, girl,” murmured a guard nearby before drifting back to sleep. with careful fingers, you pinched the keys from his belt and slinked away, heart hammering.
the dungeon corridors twisted confusingly, shadows stretching long under the flickering torchlight. you ran as far as you dared until suddenly, you collided with a heavy armour.
“shit, i’m sorry! please, don’t hurt me!” you stammered, trying to back away.
unfortunately the man’s grip on your arm was firm, yet gentle. he pulled off his helmet, revealing… him.
“…you.”
there he stood, as breathtaking as the first moment you’d seen him at the fountain, the king whose smile had made your chest ache. the playful, piercing gaze that had lingered on you before was now intense, focused.
“you were the one who caught my eye that day by the fountain,” he said quietly, voice a low rumble that sent shivers down your spine. “your… [hair coloured] hair, your voice… i knew it wasn’t the cold princess maki who refused to walk with me just for some boy named yuta. i’ll get you out of here.”
your chest fluttered, hope mingling with disbelief. you stumbled slightly as the weight of the moment hit you. he had sought you out, recognised you, and wasn’t letting go. before you could respond, he cupped your face, leaning down. “i couldn’t… i just can’t let you be locked away again,” he murmured.
and then, urgent and tender all at once, his lips met yours. the dungeon walls faded into shadows, the distant sounds of guards and dripping water replaced by the quickened beat of your hearts. the kiss was brief, desperate, and full of unspoken promises but enough to anchor you both, to remind you that this moment was real.
breathless, you pulled back slightly, eyes wide. “satoru…” you whispered, remembering him and yet, none of it mattered now.
“shh,” he said, forehead resting against yours. “we’ll get out of here. together.”
with that, he took your hand, leading you down the twisting corridors.
—
the throne room was chaos in gilded silence. yuta and maki had burst in, holding proof of naoya’s sinister schemes, while king satoru gojo’s presence radiated authority. the reader followed, her crystal necklace glinting in the torchlight.
naoya’s cold gaze swept over them. “what… what is this?”
“you planned to kidnap the princess, so you can seize the throne,” yuta declared. “everything you schemed has been exposed.”
the queen’s hands flew to her mouth, disbelief written across her features. “no… this cannot be… my own nephew, my flesh and blood… plotting against us?” her knees wobbled as the truth crashed down, and a wave of panic gripped her. “i can’t… i just can’t believe it…”
shoko was immediately at her side, kneeling to support her. “your majesty, breathe. in… and out… you’re safe. the princess is here, and everything is under control.”
naoya’s lips curled in a cruel smirk, clearly enjoying her distress. “your majesty, you should have seen it coming. a woman on the throne? impossible. i was only trying to—”
satoru’s eyes narrowed, voice low but commanding. “that’s enough.” with a fluid movement, he stepped forward, while yuta mirrored his motion. they closed the distance, restraining naoya. the man struggled, fury flashing in his eyes, but satoru’s strength and yuta’s determination were unwavering.
“resist all you want,” a faint smirk tugging at satoru’s lips, “but the kingdom isn’t yours to play with.”
the queen’s hands clutched shoko’s as she steadied herself, finally able to breathe. “i can’t believe he would go so far. guards, get him.”
with naoya firmly restrained, the tension in the throne room began to ebb. the queen’s eyes, still wide with shock and relief, fell upon maki.
“maki… my darling!” she cried, rushing forward. the young princess stumbled slightly under the weight of the queen’s embrace, but she didn’t resist. tears glimmered in both their eyes as they clung to each other.
“i’m so sorry, mother,” maki whispered, her voice trembling. “i didn’t mean to worry you. i just… i had to see things for myself.”
the queen pressed her forehead to maki’s, taking in the sight of her daughter. safe, alive, and unharmed. “you’ve grown so strong… braver than i ever imagined. i was terrified for you, but seeing you here now… it’s more than i could have hoped for.”
shoko stood a few steps away, quietly watching the reunion, a small, knowing smile on her face. the tension of the day melted a little in the warmth of mother and daughter finally being together again.
maki pulled back just slightly, brushing a stray tear from her mother’s cheek. “i’ll never leave your side like that again, mother. i promise.”
she clutched her hands over maki’s, nodding firmly. across the room, yuta and satoru exchanged a glance, silently acknowledging the victory not just over naoya’s schemes, but in preserving the bonds of family and trust. and for a fleeting moment, the palace, despite all its chaos, felt like home again.
“and you… i hope you understand the risk you took, though i’m grateful you kept my daughter safe,” the queen said, clasping your hands gently in hers.
when she finally let go, the throne room erupted in laughter once more, and you quietly slipped away from the crowd, leaving the necklace behind.
the palace gates stretched before you, bathed in the soft glow of moonlight. your heart pounded in your chest as you hurried across the courtyard. you needed to leave.
footsteps echoed behind you fast, sure, and impossible to ignore. “wait!”
you froze, turning to see satoru closing the distance with ease, his white hair catching the moonlight, eyes locked on you. “you can’t just run off like that,” he called, voice laced with both concern and amusement.
“i don’t deserve you” you blurted out, stopping in your tracks. “i lied to you, i—this… none of this is real. you… you need to marry maki, she’s the true princess—”
he closed the distance, grabbing your hands gently but firmly. “maki?” he said, raising an eyebrow. “you really think she’s my type?” his smile softened, teasing but warm. “you, on the other hand… i want you.”
you shook your head, tears threatening to spill. “satoru… you can’t. you’re a king. you need to marry proper royalty, not… not a pauper like me.”
he chuckled, brushing a stray strand of hair from your face. “i’m a king. i can marry whoever i want.” his hand cupped your cheek, thumb brushing lightly. “and right now, i want you, i don’t care what or who you are.”
before you could protest further, he leaned in, pressing his lips to yours with a gentle, yet confident kiss. the palace walls, the distant laughter, the torchlight all fading to nothing but the two of you.
pulling back just enough to look into your eyes, he whispered, “maki will rule this kingdom when the time comes. but tonight… tonight, i’m choosing you.”
you blinked, caught between disbelief and hope. his hand found yours again, strong and certain. “come with me,” he said, voice low but commanding. “it’s you i want by my side. my kingdom… our future… it starts now.”
and for the first time, you let yourself believe it.
—
the early morning sun spilled through the shop’s windows, illuminating rows of spools, fabric, and half-finished dresses. you ran your fingers over the counter, heart heavy.
“goodbye, madam carp,” you said softly, trying to keep your voice steady. “thank you… for everything.”
the seamstress’s hands froze mid-motion, a small frown tugging at her lips. ‘hmph. goodbye pauper. girl.” she muttered under her breath, fingers tightening slightly around a measuring tape.
you knelt, placing wolfie in your arms, patting his head. “i’ll take good care of both of us.”
as you stepped out of the shop, wolfie tucked under your arm, the sun glinting off the rooftops, you stole one last glance at madam carp. she stood there, arms crossed, lips pursed, and eyes full of mixed emotions pride, envy, and a touch of sorrow.
“time for a new adventure, buddy.”
the streets of the village felt strangely small as the wind tugged at your hair, and for a moment, fear bubbled up inside you fear of leaving behind the world you knew, fear of stepping into a life so different, so grand.
there he was. gojo satoru, waiting at the carriage, his signature grin lighting up his face. he knelt slightly, hands outstretched, and you felt your heart skip. “ready to welcome your new home?” he asked, voice warm.
you nodded, holding wolfie close. “ready.”
he lifted you both effortlessly, cradling wolfie in one arm while holding your hand with the other, eyes twinkling.
as you crossed the threshold, leaving madam carp’s shop and your old life behind, you realised something. this wasn’t just a new chapter, it was the start of a life you had never dared to imagine, and for the first time, you felt truly… free.
lily — gna dip now bye 😂😂 i can forsee this flop
ffleurist 2025 do not plagiarise, translate, or rewrite my writings without my permission !
synopsis — when your cat suddenly disappears from your apartment, you go crazy trying to find him. only to find your beloved cat, kuro, in the arms of your hot neighbor, roronoa zoro. trying to get your cat and the heart of your neighbor proves to be a difficult mission to say the least.
genre/tags — social media!au, neighbor!zoro, modern!au, crack, fluff! not much angst tbh.
you left the door open behind you and turned away, bouquet still in your hands, your fingers brushing over the petals like they could give you answers.
sae followed you inside quietly. the door clicked shut and the room suddenly felt smaller.
the lights were low, just the warm glow of the lamp by the bed you just turned on, casting golden shadows over the soft carpet, the expensive furniture, the half-empty room service tray on the table. your half-drunk tea sat cold beside it and your suitcase was still half-packed in the corner. none of it felt real.
sae stood by the door, unsure. you were used to him being confident and composed, but now, he looked out of place, like a boy who wasn't sure if he was allowed to be here.
you placed the bouquet gently on the desk, fingers lingering longer than they needed to. "you said all that outside. why come in?"
"because i wanted to see your face."
your breath caught. he walked further in, slow, cautious. "i don't expect you to forgive me. i just needed you to know the truth."
you sat on the edge of the bed, knees tucked to your chest. he stayed standing, a few feet away, his hands in his jacket pockets. "i thought i was going crazy," you whispered. "i saw that picture and it felt like everything just shattered."
his jaw clenched. "i know."
"you should've told me about her," you said, not cruel, not cold, but hurt.
"i didn't know how to bring it up," his voice was low. "i didn't want anything from my past to ruin what i had with you. but not telling you ruined it anyway."
the silence stretched thin, taut like string pulled too tight. you glanced up at him. his eyes were on you like they always were, steadily, intensely, the way they had been the first time he kissed you, the way they always were when you weren't looking.
"you're not going to leave, are you?" you asked, not sure what answer you wanted.
"not unless you make me," he said. your throat tightened.
"do you want me to leave?"
you looked away, barely nodding while trying not to cry again. these days had drained you, emotionally and mentally and completely. and yet, with him here, something inside you felt like it was clicking back into place.
sae stepped closer. you didn't move.
he sat beside you, slow, letting the mattress shift beneath his weight. your knees brushed and your arm was warm where it touched his.
"i missed you," he said.
you blinked. "don't say that."
"why?"
"because i missed you too."
his hand reached for yours, hesitant. you didn't pull away and his fingers laced with yours like they were meant to.
"this isn't fair," you mumbled.
"nothing about this ever was," he replied.
you looked at him then, really looked. and you didn't know who leaned in first, or if it even mattered, but your lips met his in a kiss that felt like a sigh, like a confession, like a tiny crack in the dam holding your heart together.
it wasn't rushed or desperate, it was soft. familiar and almost sad. but it didn't feel wrong. and for the first time in days, you didn't feel like falling apart.
.
morning crept in through the sheer curtains of your hotel suite, casting a warm, golden hue over the room. los angeles was already stirring to life beyond the tall windows, but inside, everything felt soft and still, like the world was on pause. you shifted beneath the covers, body sore in the best way, the silk sheets brushing against your skin as memors of the night before slowly unraveled in your mind.
and then it hit you. last night.
the kiss. the tears. the way he held your face like you were breakable. the way his voice cracked when he told you he still loved you. the way he kissed you again, this time deeper and longer. the way your clothes came off, one by one. the way his hands knew exactly where to touch. the way he whispered apologies between kisses and the way your name left his mouth over and over until it sounded like it belonged to him.
you sat up slowly, the hotel blanket slipping down your shoulders, and that’s when you saw him.
sae, fast asleep on his stomach, half-buried in pillows, one arm stretched lazily across your side of the bed like he'd tried to reach for you in his sleep. his bare back was all smooth skin and toned muscle, the sheets barely covering his lower half. his hair was a mess, sticking out in a way that should've been ridiculous but only made him look impossibly perfect.
and he was very, very naked.
you couldn't stop the way your eyes trailed along the slope of his shoulders, remembering how they'd felt beneath your fingertips. you didn't realize you were staring until he stirred, groaning softly as he buried his face into the pillow.
"you're staring," he mumbled, voice rough with sleep, still thick with that post-dream haze.
flustered, you yanked the blanket higher around yourself. "i am not."
he cracked one eye open, and a lazy smirk tugged at his lips. "you are. don't be so shy now."
“sae,” you hissed, pulling the blanket up to your chin. your face was burning. “put some clothes on!”
his smirk deepened, eyes closing again as he stretched, arms flexing slightly with the movement. "why would i do that? you didn't seem to mind last night."
you groaned and grabbed the pillow beside you, throwing at his face. he caught it easily, laughing softly, and the sound wrapped around you like sunlight, warm and annoying.
"don't pretend like you're not thinking about it."
you groaned, hiding your face in the pillow. "i hate you."
"you said you loved me. exactly six times."
"shut up."
"and you called me baby. twice."
you launched the second pillow.
he caught that one too, grin widening. “you’re blushing so hard. it’s cute.” he leaned closer, brushing the hair away from your face with the back of his hand. "you know i'm not going anywhere, right?"
you met his eyes, and for a moment, all the teasing faded.
"good," he said, almost to himself. "because i meant everything i said last night. and i'll say it again, a thousand times if i have to."
and when he kissed you this time, it wasn't teasing or smug. it was slow, deliberate, and so full of affection that it made your chest ache in the best way.
God help you. you knew you were falling again. you were so in love with him ...and you were definitely in trouble.
chapter 043 > here > chapter 045
taglist is closed ! <3
back to golden hours, golden hearts
note: is this rushed? idk. idc. i js want to write the epilogue lol ^_^
Soooo I was on a break from tumblr for a while. And....is this what falling for clickbait feels like? There is no way your Spiderman kaiser smau ended up with yn being with ISAGI. I feel betrayed.
But in all honesty, I felt so guilty about everything, and as much as I hate it, I must admit that just compliments your skills as a writer. Well done.
hi welcome back and i deeply apologise for the emotional whiplash.. not the mid-story team switch—i felt that betrayal in my bones too but honestly, it makes perfect sense to me, isagi came in with that quiet comfort energy and stole hearts before anyone noticed.
anywayyy thank you for reading and feeling things with me, even if i emotionally ruined you a lil. appreciate you tons hehehe.
(also i have a sequel to the story soon! i just need to get back on track shshsbeb)
the golden california sunset stramed through floor-to-ceiling windows , spilling across white sheets and velvet curtains, gilding everything in soft light. outside, los angeles hummed in that hazy, dreamlike way it always did, palm trees swaying against a sky so pink it looked painted. but inside, wrapped in a plush hotel robe you hadn't bothered to tie properly, everything felt hollow.
you hadn't moved much all day.
morning yoga? nope.
skyr + fruits ritual in the morning? forgotten.
30 min cardio session? not today.
you'd skipped the press event, let your manager's calls go to voicemail, muted all notifications. your phone sat on your chest as you lay sprawled across the bed, scrolling. not through instagram, but through your camera roll.
every picture hurt more than the last.
and you know it was self-sabotage, you know that it was dumb and pointless and pathetic, but still, you couldn't stop. because every picture was him. sae itoshi, in stolen moments you never realized were so fragile.
his hand in yours on the beach of rhodos. blurry polaroids from that one weekend in milan. him mid-blink, mid-bite, mid-sigh, all saved like little prayers in your gallery. reminders of a version of him no one knew. yours.
sae, half-smiling as he cooked in your kitchen. sae, asleep in your lap on a rainy afternoon. sae, blurry and beautiful and yours - or so you thought.
you could barely breathe looking at them. the ache in your chest wasn't sharp. it was slow, steady, awful, like a bruise that never faded. your throat burned when you reached that video. the one where he was watching you read, and you didn't even know he was recording. you were mouthing the words. he was laughing softly behind the camera.
you loved him. no, worse - you still did.
so you blocked him the night the photos dropped.
him and her. lanlan. kissing.
your heart had cracked then. not it just felt numb. the silence in your room was deafening, until someone rang the doorbell.
you blinked, disoriented, heart skipping once before you swung your legs off the bed and padded across the room. no room service was scheduled. no one knew your room number.
you opened the door.
sae.
standing there, hair slightly messy like he'd run his hands through it too many times. black shirt, black jeans, a huge bouquet of flowers in his arms. his eyes searched yours the second they met.
you slammed the door. or, well, tried to. because his foot was already wedged in the gap, stopping it from closing.
"please," he said, voice tight and low, more raw than you'd ever heard it. "don't shut me out. just let me talk."
you leaned your forehead against the cool edge of the door. your fingers clenched the handle. your heart pounded.
"you shouldn't be here," you said.
"i know, but i'm here now."
you wanted to scream. or cry. or disappear into the carpet. instead, you stood there, frozen.
"i didn't cheat on you," he said.
you winced. "don't start."
"i mean it. i know how it looked, but it's not what you think."
you didn't answer. he pressed the bouquet into your hands. peonies, eucalyptus, tulips, roses, little wildflowers you didn't recognize - all dewy and fresh, wrapped in parchment paper. beautiful, just like the boy who brought them.
"lanlan's not what you think either," he added quietly. "our moms... they were best friends. when we were kids, they used to say we'd grow up and get married. especially mine. she kept pushing this idea, said lanlan and i would make a perfect couple."
you stared at the flowers, pulse thrumming in your ears.
"so i tried," he said. "to be a good son. i dated her for a while. even though i never loved her. i didn't even like her that way. when i broke it off, she didn't take it well. she disappeared for years."
his voice cracked slightly, like saying it brought the guilt back.
"when she came back, she was different. obsessive. i didn't know how to handle it, so i ignored it. tried to be polite, but she twisted everything. and then that night happened, and the photo got out, and... you were just gone."
your eyes burned.
"i should've told you from the start," he said. "i should've been honest about all of it. but i didn't. and that's on me. but i swear to you, y/n, nothing ever happened. not with her."
your grip on the bouquet tightened. he looked tired. not physically, no, he was still painfully handsome, even like this. but emotionally, like he hadn't slept in days. like he hadn't been himself without you.
"i don't want to lose you," he said softly. "not like this."
a beat passed. then another. the air between you shimmered with something.
and then, you stepped back, just a little. not a yes. not a no. just enough to let him know the door wasn't locked anymore.
the afterparty was loud - too loud for sae's liking. music pulsed through the grand hall of the ballon d'or, glasses clinked and voices blurred together in an endless hum of celebration. people were congratulating him left and right, offering drinks, trying to pull him into conversations he had no interest in. normally, he'd tolerate it, but only if you would stand beside him. smile politely, nod, maybe throw in a few words before excusing you both. but tonight, he wasn't in the mood.
maybe it was because you weren't here.
sae exhaled slowly, swirling the water in his glass as he leaned back in his seat. he knew you weren't coming. you had already told him that you had an overseas shoot in LA that overlapped with the ceremony. he had pretended not to care, telling you to enjoy your trip.
but now, as he sat in a room full of people, the kopa trophy on the table in front of him, he couldn't help but think about how empty the victory felt without you.
he told you multiple times about how you two would attend this event and he would win the trophy for her - but why isn't he feeling better after he did win the trophy?
you would've loved this party. he could already hear your voice in his head. you would've teased him about winning, made some sarcastic remark about how "of course itoshi sae would get the kopa trophy." and then you would have-
sae sighed, shaking his head as if that would shake the thoughts of you away. it was fucking ridiculous. he wasn't the type to dwell on things like this. he really was a whipped man.
you were wicked. so so wicked for making him head over heels for you.
but then, his gaze landed on someone familiar across the room.
rensuke kunigami.
he was standing near the bar, his posture relaxed as he talked to someone. but it wasn't just anyone.
it was lanlan.
sae's brows furrowed slightly. he hadn't seen her in a while - not that he wanted - but her texts on instagram were really confusing. he didn't take them serious nor did he tell you about it. why should he? it's just an annoying bug that pretended to be important in your lives.
yet, he knew what kind of person she was. she didn't talk to people unless she wanted something.
what was her plan?
sae looked away. not interested in whatever game she was playing, but when he glanced back, lanlan was looking right at him.
she smiled, slow and knowing, before making her way toward him. her walk was smooth, the kind of confidence that came from someone who thought they still had a hold over him.
she didn't.
"sae," she greeted smoothly, slipping into the seat beside him without invitation. "where's your little girlfriend? enjoying your win all alone?"
he didn't bother looking at her. "what do you want?"
she clicked her tongue. "so cold. can't i just come congratulate you?"
he finally turned his head to meet her gaze, eyes sharp. "cut to the point."
lanlan sighed dramatically, twirling a strand of hair between her fingers. "alright, alright. i just wanted to talk. you know, catch up with my favorite ex. it's been a while."
"not long enough."
her lips curled into something between a smirk and a pout. "still as difficult as before, i see. maybe even more difficult after y/n. what did she do to you?"
sae didn't respond. he didn't need to. he already knew how this conversation would to. she would try to flirt, try to remind him of what they used to be, and he would shut her down, just like before.
it was a waste of his time. he'd rather be in his hotel room, calling you.
but before he could tell her to leave, she suddenly grabbed his wrist, standing up and tugging him along.
he immediately resisted, irritation flashing through him. "the hell are you doing?"
"just talk to me for a second," she said, her grip tight. "somewhere more private."
"i don't have anything to say to you."
but she didn't let go. instead, she pulled him toward a quieter corner, away from the main crowd. and before he could even process what she was doing-
she kissed him.
ew.
sae reacted instantly, shoving her back with enough force to put distance between them. his jaw clenched, eyes burning with irritation.
"the fuck was that?" he bit out, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.
lanlan tilted her head, feigning innocence, but there was something smug in her expression. "come on, saesae. wasn't that bad, was it?"
he scoffed, his voice ice-cold. "you're pathetic."
her smirk faltered for just a second before she rolled her eyes. "you used to like me, you know. but that bitch destroyed everything."
chapter 039 > here > chapter 041
taglist is open ! <3
back to golden hours, golden hearts
note: hi what if i pull out a cliffhanger and post in 3 months (jk)
you watched with bated breath, wiping your hands on your flowy skirt once more. you were wearing your best clothes for reaping day; something you never understood. why would you dress nicely to be delivered to your death? the seam was never known for it's incredible clothing nor hygiene after all.
“itoshi rin!”
your heart dropped.
rin was your best friend; you've known him ever since you were both still only 4 years old, and you were both 17. rin had put his name in for an extra amount of times in the reaping for tesserae. last year was his older brother's sae last year to be picked for the hunger games, and luckily, sae managed to not be picked once by the reaping ceremony.
rin wasn't so lucky.
you watched as rin stalked up the stairs, hands trembling. you watched as he stood next to the escort for district 12, anri teieri. “and now for the ladies!” she said cheerfully; too cheerfully, one might've added. sticking her hand into the bowl of young girls, she picked out a name and slipped it open.
“(y/n) (l/n)!”
your stomach lurched, and you slowly stepped towards the stage, tears wetting your lashes. you stood in front of rin, his eyes widening a fraction as he mouthed your name. “now, may the tributes shake hands!” both at both of your stiffness, anri took both of your right hands and clasped them together, forcefully shaking them.
“and may the odds be ever in your favor.”
you didn’t have any time to meet with your family members one last time, as you were both shoved onto the train to the capitol.
you, rin, and anri both sat around a round glass table. your supposed mentor, julian loki, sat a few feet away from you and rin; as a normal capitol citizen should. there were no previous district 12 winners, so therefore, a student of the academy there would be your mentor.
“now, for the both of you…” loki began, inspecting both of your faces. “you’ve both got good faces. i can imagine many of the capitol citizens would bet on you because of looks alone; especially you, rin. but what about your combat skills? and charisma?”
this whole train ride, you’ve been silent, but finally, you spoke up. “rin’s strong and fast. he’s good at kicking and he’s got good eyes.” you spoke your words like rapid fire but shutting up, rin’s eyes darting to you.
“(y/n)’s funny and likable. she’s good at hiding and good with nature.” rin replied right back. for a moment, you both just stared at one another in silence. finally, loki cleared his throat.
“that’s good. and im considering you both know each other well?” loki asked, taking a sip of his whiskey. you nodded hesitantly.
“yeah. we…we’ve known each other for a while.”
“then you can both be allies for the games.” loki said, taking out a golden pen and notebook, scribbling something inside. “president ego particularly enjoys this sort of stuff, although im not sure what head gamemaker chris prince will say about two people from district 12 allying up…but what can he do?”
anri nodded. “well, eat up. you guys will need to put on some weight to maximize energy. we’ll probably be arriving at the capitol at 9 AM tomorrow.”
a few silver platters were placed on the table, and both your eyes and rin’s went wide as circles when you saw just the amount of luxurious food there was in front of you. there was never this much food in district 12, especially not food that smelled so heavenly.
forgetting about the hunger games for a moment, you stuffed as much as you could in your mouth, uncaring about what food it was. all you could think about was how delicious the food was, and how different it was from the food at district 12. rin dug in as well, his cheeks round like chipmunks as he ate.
loki and anri looked at each other before shrugging. well, this might be one of your last meals after all.
—
you only remembered the names of the tributes might be threats to you and rin.
district one. isagi yoichi.
district two. mikage reo.
dissect three. karasu tabito.
district four. barou shoei.
district five. nagi seishiro.
district six. otoya eita.
district seven. karasu tabito.
district eight. bachira meguru.
district nine. yukimiya kenyu.
district ten. chigiri hyoma and his sister koyuki hyoma.
district eleven. kunigami rensuke.
one week later, you stepped foot into the arena, inhaling deeply to calm your nerves. you are rin both glanced at each other before you gave him a small nod.
5…4…3…2…1.
you and rin both bolted away from the cornucopia, not wanting to engage in a bloodbath. there was a forest a few hundred yards from the cornucopia, and you and rin had both met each other there. sitting down from exhaustion, you glanced at him. “i wonder how many of them just died from the cornucopia alone.”
“i don’t think purple made it out alive. the one from district two? i heard him scream.” rin muttered. “although the hassle guy from district five might’ve saved them; they were close during the training.”
“well, out least we made it out of the first most deadly five minutes of the games alive: the bloodbath.” you grinned. he raised an eyebrow at you.
“that’s not something to cheer about. the people who survive the bloodbath are the most deadly, meaning that the most deadly people are still alive.” rin mumbled. “let’s go find some water. it’s the most important thing to find on the first day.”
you nodded, standing up and following him.
—
it was supposed to just be a search for some berries.
but isagi was atop you, dagger plunged into your stomach, scarlet oozing out of your mouth and stomach. Isagi bit down on his lip, swallowing. tears stained his cheeks as he panted, gripping the handle of the dagger. “im sorry, (y/n), but i had to.” he whispered.
you knew isagi wasn’t an ally, not when he was probably the most dangerous tribute aside from rin, receiving a training score of 11 along with rin. but he always treated you politely, even having wished you good luck before the game started.
“rin!” you screamed, your voice shrill. “rin! where are you, rin?!” tears leaked from your eyes. you wanted to at least see him one last time before you died. isagi sighed before he stood up and walked away and vanished into the forest.
right as isagi left, you finally saw the familiar eyes of sea glass. “(y/n)?” rin asked weakly, before he sprinted over and kneeled down next to you. “(y/n)!” he hollered, tears at his eyes.
“nonononono— no, you’re okay—!” he whimpered, plunging the dagger out before ripping off his jacket and wrapping it around your stomach. you whined from the pain. “you’ll live, you’ll live—“ rin muttered.
“r-rin…”
“stop it. stop talking. you’ll be okay.”
“rin, i…” with the little remaining strength you had, you gripped his hand. your eyes softened as he pressed on your wound, attempting to stop the bleeding.
“i wish we could have lived a normal life together. i wished we could have joked around more often. i wish we could have spent longer together. i wish we could’ve gotten married and had kids and sang together more often with the Covey. i wish we could go into the illegal wired area of district 12 that we were always too scared to go into. i wish we could have gotten that thing called ice cream that the people from districts 1 and 2 and the capitol always have.”
“(y/n)—“
“rin, i love you.”
silence followed, and for a few moments, everything was ghostly silent. it began to rain, the gamemakers way of mocking him, and finally, rin broke.
most of the tributes weren’t there to witness your skin growing cold or your eyes going dark, and yet the dreadful scream that itoshi rin let out at that moment alerted everything that his beloved (y/n) had died.
he cradled you in his arms, sobbing uncontrollably. “no, please, don’t leave me. please, don’t go.”
if only you could have responded.
—
isagi and rin were the only tributes left.
both of their knives at each other’s neck, they were both practically already half dead. “prince! they’re both going to die at this point, and this year will end with no victor!” a gamemaker, agi, exclaimed. chris prince hummed for a moment before typing something into his floating keyboard.
“let’s end it here. it’ll be entertaining for two people to have won the games this year and one of them having killed the other’s lover.” prince said. he tapped a button, allowing him to speak to isagi and rin.
“attention! isagi yoichi of district 1 and itoshi rin of district 12 are the victors of the 32th hunger games!”
they both looked up, wide eyed and bloody. a helicopter flew over them, letting down a ladder. they both climbed aboard the ship and were instantly transferred to medical support.
rin had 7 stabs on both of his legs, 3 stabs of his right arm, and one stab on his stomach. isagi had 5 stabs all over his torso and 9 stabs on his limbs in total, although he had received a severe head injury from a large rock being thrown at his head from barou as a last attempt to kill isagi before barou died.
itoshi rin didn’t make it.
—
in 2006, japan, kanagawa prefecture, you saw itoshi rin at an ice cream store for the first time when you were four.
a/n: in honor of the new hunger games book coming out🥹 if you guys didn’t know i love the hunger games, it’s my fav book series of all time; i’ve always been a peeta girl btw
