They were far deep into the forest when Jun came a stop after spotting a fox. He barely saw any of them around, and he was glad that it coincidentally ran past them. Slipping off of his horse, a white horse his parents gave him a few years back, he sneaked past bushes and bushes until he spotted the fox. There it was, completely vulnerable and just basking in the sunlight. Jun looked back, told the knights to watch him and learn while he readied his bow and arrow. As he pulled the string back and was targeting the fox, he was about ready to pull when the fox ran away and instead, his target became his father’s squire.

“Your highness!” The squire cut him off as he came towards them hurriedly.

“You made the fox run away,” he snapped, “This better be important.”

The squire looked at him first before motioning him to come closer. He came as close as he can get and he felt the squire breath on his ear. Jun wanted to get this overwith, to hunt with his friends however he couldn’t believe his own ears. They were playing tricks on their own, but the squire told him many times he wouldn’t lie to him. Shoving the squire from his ear, he ran to the horses, ignoring his friends and rode back to the castle.

Jun doubted it. As he rode, the doctors words rang in his head saying how they’ll never know when he’ll ever wake up. He didn’t even show signs of waking up, but as soon as he ran to his bedroom door, the bed he shared with him was completely empty except for the mess he made this morning with the comforts. Jun stumbled back, thinking that he must have left him while he was already looking for him. The tears of happiness, were being replaced by bitter heartbroken ones.

“Jun?”

“Go away,” He sobbed, pushing his sister away from him, “He left me...”

She shook her head, “No he didn’t. Father brought him over to the kitchen...”

“What?!” Jun yelped, his hand going to his sister’s shoulder and he shook her, “What do you mean?! He’s not supposed to get up yet!”

“He walked out on his own,” she shrugged, “I guess father saw him while he was talking plans about making the castle kitchen bigger.”

“Then why didn’t you stop him?!”

She rolled her eyes before pushing his hands away. “Baby brother, I think it’s better if you go to there instead of wasting your time with me.”

“You’re right,” Jun finally realized that he was being stupid at the moment, “See you later during lunch...”

Jun ran away after that and didn’t get to hear her greet him back. As soon as his feet landed on the first floor, it took him through the dining room doors, and through the kitchen where he found his father smiling while Nino was leaning against a counter.

Jun stood there like a statue, frozen to the ground as it he was part of it. His eyes were staring deep into Nino’s pale body as if he was searching for his soul. Then his eyes went to his face, how beautiful it was even under the dim light, the way he smiled or laughed along with his father made him appear less human and more of like a beautiful creature Jun had read in fairytale books. And the way his eyes fluttered, and his long beautiful eyelashes hitting the bottom of his eyes made Jun want to kiss every single part of this beautiful creature. He failed to realize they were both staring at him until a servant accidentally bumped into him.

“Your highness, I’m sorry,” the servant bowed before going back to her work station.

Like before she bumped into him, he stood there gazing numbly at Nino’s face. He saw his lips curve into a smile before his father stood in front of him, blocking him of his wonderful view.

“Father,” Jun mumbled, “May you please move?”

“Son, if you don’t mind, walk with me to my study, will you?”

Jun shook his head right away and just took one step aside to see his face again, and there he was smiling so beautifully at him. He saw that his body was still unstable as he continued leaned against the counter. Just as Jun was about to carry him back to his room, his father instead held his back and was pushed out of the kitchen by force.

“Father!” Jun whined, “I wanted to--”

“Ninomiya, is it?” His father asked him before turning his around to face the dining table, “He won’t leave, I promise you. As for now, follow me.” Jun wanted to protest but his father was already walking away to his study. Having no choice but to follow him, he’ll just listen to what he has to say before he pays all his attention on Nino.

As they walked through the stairs and the long hallways leading to his father’s study, he noticed that he was humming a song, a song he’s heard from his mother not long ago and Jun was wondering if his father was ok. He wasn’t normally like this as he was a very silent and serious King. However, he felt like the father in front of him was the person he knew long before he made harsh decisions for the kingdoms.

“Sit,” his father told him once they entered the study. Jun did as he was told, trying his best not waste time so he could go to Nino as soon as possible.

After his father adjusted himself on his seat, he stayed there without saying anything. Jun thought his father was just trying to stall him. Just as he was about to get up and leave, his father coughed before telling him to calm down.

“Son,” his father finally spoke, “As you know, I’m getting older and I can’t rule the kingdom any longer. I would like to announce your coronation tonight at the village square.”

Jun gasped. “But father, I don’t think I’m ready for this!”

“It’s ok,” his father sighed, “Your mother and I will be behind supporting you while your sister is to take part of your work, which is unlikely, but your sister has done great deeds in our kingdom during the past year. If you can handle everything on your own, you sister will retire from her spot and you’ll rule as King of our kingdom.”

“Then what about--”

“I knew you were going to ask,” his father smiled, his wrinkles clearly showing on his face. “Tonight, there shall be a big feast. Meanwhile, spend the whole day as much as you want.”

“Thank you father,” Jun stood up before bowing respectfully, “I shall see you later in the day.” Once he paid respects to his father, Jun walked backwards towards the door, almost bumping into it but it was opened by his sister who came in. Ignoring her, he ran back down the flight of stairs, back to where he had left Nino, but to his surprise, he wasn’t there. His body was so small that Jun thought he might have been pushed and shoved around, but a servant kindly told him to check the gardens. Saying his thanks, he ran to his mother’s garden and saw him just sitting relaxed besides the yellow roses.

“Nino...” Jun whispered as the wind passed by and making his words barely audible. The mentioned latter didn’t turn around continued to play with the yellow rose petals.

“Nino,” this time he called him in a normal voice, his feet leading him towards the latter. However, he didn’t turn around and continued to do as he pleased. Seeing that his voice wasn’t working, Jun tapped his shoulder before bending down and taking him in his arms.

How he missed holding him like this despite the many nights he held so hard onto his unconscious body and whispering silently to his ears and chest how much he loved him and moved his heart everyday. He didn’t realize it tears were coming down from his eyes after Nino pulled away and kissed his eyes to get rid of them. Jun smiled as he wound his fingers around Nino’s head and pulled him into a deep kiss. He immediately found himself melting into the kiss as Nino held onto his waist, pulling their bodies together until they had fallen to the ground. Jun pulled away, laughing as he held Nino’s hand and kissed every single finger before telling him he loved him.

“I love you too, Jun,” Nino whispered. “I love you too...”

Just as his squire told him, the outfit was the perfect fit for Nino’s body. He saw that his lover was already gaining his color back, but Jun had to save him thousands of times from falling on his face. After he and Nino were finished dressing together, the both of them headed to the courtyard and was greeted by the carriage driver, the same man who brought him and Kazu back from school together.

“Hello, young noblemen,” the driver smiled before taking off his hat, pressing it to his chest, and bowed, “Where shall I take you today?”

Grabbing Nino’s hand, Jun said, “The village square” before helping him inside the carriage and getting on it himself.

It was as if past was replaying itself, Nino was sitting ever so calmly in front of him while he played with the yellow rose Jun had pinned on his cavalier shirt. Jun held his hand, telling him that he’ll protect him if someone tries to attack him. Receiving a smile from him, Jun held onto his hand the rest of the ride until they came to a stop and the both of them were straightening each other out. Taking deep breaths, Jun was the first to get out and he carried Nino down to his feet. As if the whole kingdom already knew of the news about his coronation, there were countless of people circling around the fences the knights must have built earlier in the day.

“Shall we?” Jun held out his arm for Nino to hold onto. A small nod from him, and soon the both of them walked down the purple carpet leading to the middle. His parents, and his sisters were there, and he could barely spot the three knights if it weren’t for Aiba forcing the others to wave their hands frantically in the air. Jun couldn’t help but let out a chuckle, receiving a confused look from Nino which he told him he’ll explain everything later. However, he couldn’t help but overhear the villagers whisper that the ‘thief’ was with him, and were questioning why he wasn’t dead yet. He shot them a glare and all of them instantly became quiet. Taking one more step, Jun finally knelt in front of the King and Queen, while Nino did the same.

“Matsumoto Jun, our son and our future King, may you rule the kingdom with prosperity and peace throughout your ruling. And Ninomiya Kazunari, give my son the love he yearns for and to support him as your husband and King.”

Jun gasped. So this was why his father was so giddy earlier. Taking a short glance sideways, he saw that Nino was trying his best to hold back his tears. Jun wanted to his back, tell him he’s the perfect one for him, but the King had placed the crown on his head, while his mother motioned for Nino to stand up with him. Jun bowed once more, to his parents, to his sister, and towards the castle subjects before turning around to face the crowd. All were quiet, staring at him and Nino until a little girl, the girl named Aoi cheered until the crowd went along with her. Jun bowed towards them too since they’ll all be under his care. Straightening himself again, he grabbed Nino’s waist before bending him and capturing his lips in a kiss.