Work Text:
Shiro was a prince, but not just any prince, Shiro was the next heir to the Hyrolom kingdom. Meaning he had to be in top up condition to attract any possible suitors. He had anything and everything he wanted lined up for him. Riches, Fame, Fashion you name it. But there was something empty in his heart, he wanted…companionship
Shiro was lonely most of his life, mostly only being able to talk properly with his younger sister, albeit, when she’s not feeling too ill (which was not often). His parents weren’t around often, typically being tasked with out of kingdom manners. Leaving the young prince to make small talk with servants and soldiers littered around the castle.
That is, until 5 months ago.
“Be safe Shiro, and have fun!” His younger sister beamed at him, enthusiasm yet with a hint of longing in her eyes. “Ahaha! I’ve done this many times throughout my life, I'll bring you back a souvenir!” Shiro reassured her, equipping his black cloak he will use to sneak out of the castle and into town with.
Shiro never had trouble escaping the castle, it was getting back before anyone noticed he struggled with. He knew everyone's schedules, the best routes, when was the best time there would be crowds he could slither through.
He had a specific area he wanted to visit today, on his last trip he discovered a beautiful clearing in the forest. Amidst the dense foliage, high trees and gorgeous flower bushes, there was a special spot rid of all of that, a small circle with a boulder in the middle. A perfect spot to sit in the glorious moonlight.
But….That spot appeared to be…occupied? As if brought down by the gods themselves, a figure lay seated on the boulder. He looked to be a boy about Shiro’s age, dappled in beautiful black ruffles and a large hat. The ribbon that hangs from said hat would've been covering his eye, if not already for his hair occupying that exact job.
The glistening moonlight accentuated all of his features, like he was a statue made for a location so serene. He appeared to notice Shiro’s intent staring, as he looked up from the black lily he was gazing fondly at to stare right back.
“Ah…Apologies, I didn’t know this spot was taken.” The boy apologized with a gentle tone, pushing himself off the boulder.
“ACK! Nonono, It’s fine! We can share.”
“Fufu~ I really must be heading home soon anyways.”
“Wait a minute..Do i….Know you…?”
The other boy's eyes widened as his face flushed a soft pink. His eyes darted around the area, seemingly trying to find a response. “Ahh, probably not.” Was all he could muster up.
“Aren’t you…Insomnia kingdom’s heir…?” Shiro stepped closer, eyeing him suspiciously.
“I…..Yes…I am……” The mysterious boy seemed defeated, his shoulders drooping. “B-But i’m not doing anything suspicious! I just… feel drawn to this spot.”
“Hey, It’s okay, I trust you.” Shiro pulled off his hood and shot the nervous boy a warm smile. He didn’t know why, but he felt like he could trust this boy he met 5 minutes prior.
“I’m Hyrolom kingdom’s oldest son and future king, Shiro!” Shiro struck his signature pose, one hand with his fingers resting on his forehead, and the other reaching out to the person in front of him.
“Oh my, Isn’t this a little too fast? You don’t even know my name yet.” Hey, he was right, Shiro doesn’t even know his-WAAAIT A MINUTE.
“I-I- That’s not what I meant!”
“Fufu, You may call me Kuro. You already know the rest.”
Kuro…His name matched Shiro’s. Black and White. Yin and Yang.
“This must be fate that has brought us together!” Shiro enthusiastically took Kuro’s hands in his own, startling the other boy with his sparkling expression.
“I’m looking forward to our friendship, Shiro.”
Across 5 months, they met up twice a week to exchange gifts, news, and general banter. Shiro watered his prize black lily (that totally wasn’t a gift from Kuro) every morning. He had given the other boy a matching white lily.
“So we can always be connected!”
Was Shiro’s explanation.
“HEY! Kuro!”
“Good evening Shiro, your boisterous voice is going to get us caught one day.”
Kuro flashed him a cat-like grin, scooching over on the boulder to let his best friend take a seat. “How rude! How could you be saying that when I brought you an amazing present today!”
“Oya? Well I'm so terribly sorry for hurting the poor prince’s feelings! Could you find it in you to forgive me?” Kuro looked at him with large shining puppy eyes and his hands clasped together in a pleading position.
“Well, your glorious friend has picked up a special trinket for you!” Shiro pulled his hands out behind his back with a ”Ta-Daaaa~” Revealing a beautifully crafted miniature carousel.The 3 figures on the carousel, a yellow man, a pink woman, and a green woman, stood frozen in time in this ancient scenery.
“Already amazed? Well watch this!” Shiro twisted the lever on the carousel, winding it up like a music box of sorts. It played lulling music as the 3 figures danced with radiant smiles on their faces. It made Kuro feel….Longing….
“I…Don’t know what to say, It’s gorgeous.” Kuro looked at him with a warm and gentle smile. The kind of smile that just made Shiro’s face flush red and heart melt into a puddle.
Shiro practically shoved the carousel into Kuro’s hands to quickly hide his rapidly heating up face. What was wrong with him? Why does seeing Kuro with such a genuine smile make him feel like…
This
!?
Then it clicked in Shiro’s head….
He had a fever.
“I-I need to go! I’ll see you next week!” Shiro stumbled off the rock, quickly regaining his footing and dashing off.
“W-Wait! Shiro! Are you okay?” Kuro shouted, yet his words land on deaf ears as Shiro tears through the forest, desperate to get home before he collapses.
He found it…surprisingly easy to get home..? Not a single guard in sight as he weaved his way through the royal garden, planning to sneak in through one of the side entrances.
“Shiro.”
“Father!?”
Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit.
“Where have you been.”
That wasn’t a question. It was a demand.
“I was just in the garden to get some fresh air, I believe I am running a fever so I will head straight to my quarters.”
“Don’t lie to me. For the past couple months you’ve been sneaking out again and again without informing a soul.”
Okay, he was glad to know he didn’t force the answer out of his poor sister.
“I’ve just been going to town! Nobody has spotted me yet!”
“Going to town with gifts and treasures? I am sick of your lies Shiro. You are supposed to be the heir to the throne and you’re frolicking around courting random townswomen!?”
“I-I That's not..!”
“I am tired of your behavior. You are born to marry a princess, produce more heirs, and keep the bloodline going. Do I make myself clear?”
“I….” Shiro wanted to respond but. He was right, and Shiro knew it. This life isn’t his, he’s royalty and he needs to start accepting it. But why can’t he stop the tears from forming from his eyes?
All Shiro can picture is Kuro’s smiling face, he wishes they weren’t royalty. He wishes for a lifetime where he and Kuro can be best friends and live together while running a nice antique shop.
But this isn’t his life.
“I want you in your quarters for 2 weeks. No letters. No visitors.”
Shiro snapped out of his trance. 2 Weeks!? How was he supposed to tell Kuro? What if he’s upset? What if he never returns to their spot again? What if Kuro doesn’t l-
Oh.
All he could think about was Kuro.
He’s….Really pathetic, Isn’t he?
2 Weeks.
2 Weeks passed and Shiro never appeared at their spot again.
Kuro doesn’t understand what he did wrong, Shiro left so fast with no explanation. Kuro should be used to people leaving him by now, but why did it hurt so much when it was
Shiro
. They normally don’t communicate through pen and paper, only to reschedule or cancel meetups. But Shiro didn’t respond to any of Kuro’s letters these past 2 weeks. He’s certain he fucked up this time.
Kuro flopped onto his mattress, the only thing comforting him was his music box carousel. He hasn’t gone to any events, any meetups, all he wanted to do was see Shiro and have him tell Kuro what he did wrong.
Tonight was supposed to be another one of their meetups, he debated even going, but the thought of seeing Shiro’s radiant face again encouraged him to get up and get properly dressed.
Kuro stared at the white lily in his windowsill, its petals glistened in the radiant sunlight. Shiro was right when he said these flowers would keep them always connected. If Kuro let himself zone out, he could almost pretend Shiro was staring at him.
Kuro stepped onto his balcony and let himself be consumed by the beautiful sunset. That’s what Shiro reminded him of. A sun, the biggest star in the sky. It was only until the last rays disappeared that he would make his way to his favorite spot in the world.
Kuro waited
And waited
And waited
And waited
And waited
He didn’t know what he was doing anymore, he knew this was all for nothing. He missed Shiro so much he was practically hearing his voice.
Getting louder
And louder
And louder
“KUROOOO!”
Kuro’s eyes shot open, was this real life? Or has he just died from starvation while waiting an eternity on their boulder.
“Sh-Shiro!?” Was all he could muster up, he could feel the tears already streaming down his face. He didn’t even think before pulling Shiro into a hug. He didn’t care what he did wrong anymore, he has his white lily now, and he will
never
let go.
“ACK-Kuro I’m being squished!” Shiro mumbled under his tight grip, Kuro quickly realized how hard he was squeezing his dear friend and quickly loosened his grip and took a step back.
“I-I mis-”
“Kuro I need to tell you something.”
Kuro was caught off guard by Shiro’s tone, was he finally going to tell Kuro that he’s a weirdo freak that caused Shiro to be bedridden for 2 weeks?
“I…Can’t….See you anymore.”
Oh.
“It’ll be better for the both of us, we are
princes
and we need to stop what we are doing with each other and meet beautiful princesses instead.”
“What the hell does that even mean!? What are you talking about!?”
Shiro flinched at Kuro’s sudden raise in his voice, he had never previously heard his voice outside of the calm almost-whispery tone he takes.
“I…Think we are bad for each other, stop all these unnecessary feelings.”
Kuro felt his entire world crash down, he had finally met someone who understood him, and now he leaves for a week and comes back to say their friendship was unnecessary?
Noticing Kuro’s quietness, Shiro spoke up yet again.
“I’m sorry for roping you into this. I’m so disgusted with myself.” Now the tears started to spill from Shiro’s eyes as he broke out into an ugly sob. “Please don’t chase me Kuro, I want you to have a good life ahead of me.”
Shiro made a mad dash in the direction of his own kingdom, a reflection of 2 weeks prior. But this time, Kuro wouldn’t give up easily. “WAIT! Shiro!” Kuro took off after him, his decline of eating these past couple weeks quickly catching up on him as Shiro slowly becomes more and more out of sight
He felt himself collapse, was it due to his physical condition or a branch he tripped on? He’ll never know, nor does he care. All he wanted was for Shiro to turn around and smile at him one last time.
“Please don’t go….”
“My lily…”
1 Month has passed and Shiro doesn’t feel any better. He wants to make his kingdom proud and marry a beautiful woman so he could continue the bloodline. But all his brain lands on is Kuro.
Shiro had hidden all of Kuro’s gifts deep in his large closet, while replanting the black lily in the royal garden in a secluded location. Even with no reminders, all he could think about was Kuro. He has tried mingling with suitors yet his mind still stayed on that boy he met in the moonlight.
He doesn’t get it, he has never liked men romantically before. He knows homosexuality is heavily frowned upon. But…Why? He bets Kuro has moved on by now, already considering his future partner. Yet that thought hurts Shiro’s heart, he wants him to be happy, but why does it hurt so much?
There was a ball going on right now, hosted by the Hyrolom kingdom. He knew he’d see Kuro there, It was an event for Princes and Princesses of nearby kingdoms to mingle and possibly court. Seeing him with someone else would shatter his heart. He didn’t want to go, but he knew his duties.
He could only find himself strolling in the garden. It always brought a comforting presence, especially with…That flower…
There he was.
Kuro, not mingling with possible suitors, staring at the black lily that he gifted to Shiro. Despite his better judgement, His legs took him to Kuro, he couldn’t stop it, not that he wanted to.
“It’s a beautiful spot.” Kuro had no malice in his voice, only deep longingness. Shiro didn’t know what to make of it. He expected Kuro to be happier, not having to deal with the burden of his best friend's homosexuality.
When Shiro turned to meet his face, he was met with a warm gentle smile that hid sadness beneath it. Tears pooled from his face, some might call his expression “Tears of joy” but Shiro knows him more than anyone else.
“Kuro I…..I’m sorry. I need to be honest with you.”
“Don’t be, i already know”
Shiro was taken aback. “W-What!? And you don’t….think I’m weird..?”
“What are you talking about?” Now Kuro was confused, the boys seemed to be in a position of severe miscommunication.
“My….Homosexuality…?” Shiro’s throat felt heavy, the tears welling up in his eyes. This wasn’t exactly an easy thing to talk about, especially with the boy who made him realize his feelings. To his surprise, Kuro only looked back at him with the same warm smile he wanted to capture forever.
“I see. That’s what this was about…” Kuro closed the distance between them, Kuro was cold, but it was a…warm type of cold..? He didn’t know how to describe it.
“I…..I’m sorry, Kuro.”
“Shhh…I don’t need apologies, I only need my best friend.” This time, Shiro was the one to initiate the hug. His heart pounding in his chest as his friend traces his back in soothing circles.
It seemed like an eternity before they broke up, Shiro already missing the warmth Kuro made him feel.
The music and chatter roared from inside the bright building, none of them cared about missing out, they only cared about the boy right next to them.
Kuro got down on one knee, almost as if he was about to propose to Shiro right then and there, he extended his hand to the boy in front of him.“ Shiro…May i ... .Have this dance…?” Shiro felt…oddly reminiscent at the sight unfolding in front of him..? Maybe he and Kuro truly were bound by fate. Yin and Yang.
Shiro took his hand, letting his other arm rest on Kuro’s shoulder. Kuro wrapped his arm around Shiro’s waist, bringing them into a graceful waltz beneath the moonlight, just like the day they met. Only now with a beautiful black lily rather than a clumsy boulder.
Shiro didn’t particularly care about the details though, letting all his focus land on the black lily in front of him, that was far more gorgeous than any flower he could be gifted.
“I’m really sorry, for not being honest.” Shiro let his voice break the silence mid dance.
“I…Missed you a lot.” Kuro slowed his steps down to cup Shiro’s face in one hand, while keeping his other intertwined with his partner's fingers.
“I want a future with you Kuro, no matter how much i run, my feelings will always catch up with me.” Shiro dropped his gaze, feeling ashamed of letting his emotions take control of his duty and birthright.
“As long as it’s just us, I believe we can do anything together.” Kuro had fully stopped their dance now, his focus shifting to comforting his dear friend.
“I’m….happy…”
“Fufu~ That’s all that matters to me, Shiro.” Shiro loved the way his name glided off of Kuro’s tongue, he wanted to hear it everyday, all day. In the morning when they wake up next to each other. In the afternoon when they have picnics with each other. In the evening when they say goodnight to each other.
He just wanted everything with each other.
“C-Can i kiss you!?” Oh boy. He was in it now.
Kuro gave him an affirming giggle, letting Shiro take the first steps. He closed his eyes, reaching on his tippy toes and letting his brain go on autopilot.
Kuro’s lips were soft and warm, probably the warmest spot on his cold body. He threw his arms around Kuro’s neck to keep himself propped up. Kuro kept his hand cupping Shiro’s face, letting his other hand drift between holding his back, and tracing his jawline
By the time they broke apart, Shiro’s face was tomato red with tears pooling out of his eyes. To others, he might seem ‘unpresentable’ but to Kuro, he was just as beautiful as the day he first met him.
“Can we do that again?”
“Of course, my dear lily.”