Chapter Text
Once upon a time, there lived a King and a Queen with three beautiful children. The eldest, a loud-mouthed, vibrant and upbeat boy with much responsibility to carry on his shoulders. As the oldest, he must be the one to follow in all his father's footsteps one day. The middle child, a similarly energetic and charming young lady who was born with a chronic illness. Generous and kind to all who lived in her kingdom, she was beloved by all. Finally, the youngest, a semi-timid boy with a passion for books rather than the arts of swordsmanship. His elder brother was the one commonly in the spotlight of the people, so he stayed backstage, not drawing much attention to himself. In the palace, he was considered to be quite the loner.
There was only one person, besides his siblings who could break through the shy exterior of the youngest prince. It was not his mother or father, nor the many women they'd tried to marry him off to. But rather, a knight his age that had been there for him all along.
Akito was falling behind during training as a young boy. He couldn’t wield a sword properly being so wobbly and clumsy on his feet. When he fell over and dared to cry, he was ridiculed and made fun of by all the young boys training for their futures in the palace training grounds, left all alone to figure things out. Knights did not cry, or show any sort of soft spot.
That is, until the young prince found him crying alone under a tree one day. Toya, feeling awkward and shy, hesitantly approached the young boy. He was impressed by his bravery to show emotion among stone-cold knights and royals, hoping to make a friend out of him. He sat down under the shade of the oak tree, placing a hand on the ginger’s shoulder. “Hey…My older brother taught me how to wield a sword fairly well. I can help you out, if y-you want…”
From there, Toya helped the aspiring knight perfect his swordsmanship to get past his first training examinations. For his help, Akito began to search the prince out to spend time with him, to learn about him more. He found out that the prince was quite dorky, quite frail compared to the other boys he grew alongside. Rather than pick up a bow and arrow, Toya would pick up a book or a piano lesson. Akito found it extremely boring, but he tolerated it for the young prince. Because when they did get along, it was the most fun they both had ever had. The Prince had successfully found a weak spot in Akito’s defenses, stabbing through his heart.
Playing tag in the palace gardens, teaching Toya how to swim in the lake or palace moat, getting in trouble for sneaking late-night snacks out of the royal dining room, climbing trees and camping out under the stars, the two made the most of their youth and became inseparable.
Growing into their teenage years, Toya fell first, but Akito fell harder. The young knight began taking his training even more seriously, making quick work out of the training dummies and hitting every bullseye on the targets. Toya would watch him train from his bedroom window on the second floor of the palace, admiring the way sweat rolled down his newly muscular body. It didn’t go unnoticed by Akito, who certainly didn’t mind the newfound attention. He’d train day and night without sleep if it meant impressing and pleasing the prince.
Between meals, sometimes Akito would spot Toya taking care of different tasks. Those piano lessons he had once thought were dorky and annoying as a child became a show he wanted to take the front row seat of. Watching Toya’s fingers glide over each key to perfection while his beautiful singing voice filled the room around him made his heart thump like he was having some sort of anxiety attack.
His affection became apparent more and more as he kept his eyes on the prince. He wasn’t snobby, loud or full of himself like his older brother. Toya was generous and kind, with a good heart. Despite his shy nature, he was always willing to lend a hand to those in need. He watched as the prince helped the maids in the palace prepare dinners or clean up the hallways, and took good care of his older sister when she was feeling ill.
Akito’s heart was about to burst out of his chest. He couldn’t take the longing anymore. The young knight took the prince’s hand one morning, leading him behind that same oak tree from their past. He took both of the prince’s hands, squeezing them like a stress toy.
“My prince…I hope…What I shall tell you today does not change anything between us.”
“No need to be formal, dear Akito. It’s just us here.” Toya nodded, giving the knight’s hands a squeeze in return. “What’s got you so worked up? You can tell me anything.”
Akito looked down, his words coming out a hushed whisper. “…Anything…? Even if it’s that…I love you?”
Toya’s eyes widened at the sudden declaration of love, his entire face going as red as a cherry. The young knight lifted his head when he didn’t get a response after what felt like an eternity, his heart skipping a beat when he saw the prince’s adorable expression.
A breeze fluttered by the two young lovers, pushing Toya’s hair back perfectly so Akito could see the full extent of his redness- and further, a cute realization.
“Is that a mole on your cheek?”
Toya’s cheeks turned even more red, (if humanly possible) desperately trying to comb back his hair to stick to the sides of his face to cover it. However, Akito stopped him, grabbing both of the young prince’s wrists.
“Don’t hide it. It’s cute.”
“M-My Father says it’s no good…T-That it’s a sign I ‘sinned’ in a past life of mine.” Toya explained, looking away shyly.
“Bullshit,” Akito retorted. “I wish you’d wear your hair slicked back more. I want to see more of your cute face. I’ll kiss you there everyday until you stop thinking it’s something to be ashamed of.”
“...I’d rather you kiss my lips.” Toya mock-pouted, turning his attention back to Akito.
It was his turn to blush at the prince’s bold words, surprised his affections were returned. Relationships between two men were forbidden- and never talked about. Being with someone of such high status like a prince likely meant execution if found out, but he was more than willing to take the risk for his prince.
And he did when he finally leaned in, capturing Toya’s lips in a heated first kiss that wouldn’t be their last that day.
As time went on, Akito and Toya remained inseparable and desperate lovers. They’d meet each other for secret picnic dates, wink at each other as they passed by in hallways, (which would always result in Akito pulling Toya aside to shower him with kisses) and meet up late at night to sleep together…the list went on. Anywhere the prince went, his knight followed like an obedient puppy desperate for the next treat. Training sessions and piano lessons became flirting time.
……
Until the time came for them to enter their adult years. The prince didn’t leave his bedroom. Akito saw a swarm of doctors enter his room with panic crossing their faces.
A dangerous plague had infected the kingdom from the palace walls to the countryside. The citizens were dropping like flies, no matter their status. The King and Queen desperately tried to keep the virus from spreading to the royal family, but it was far too late. The virus was airborne, and unstoppable.
It took the lives of many. The usual loud chatter in the cities became radio silent. If there was a way to not breathe in the contaminated air, then everyone would’ve stopped…
The King and Queen did what they could to keep their citizens safe and provided for through the tragedy, but the majority of their effort went into saving their children, who had all become infected with the virus.
The oldest had managed to survive his battle with the plague, unscathed.
The middle child, already battling a chronic illness, barely scraped by.
While the youngest remained in bed, growing weaker by the day.
Akito didn’t care if he got sick and died; for trying to quarantine away from his lover was in itself a death sentence. He came everyday to his bedside after the doctors left to keep him company, bringing him new books for him to read to keep occupied.
Toya was much too paranoid about Akito catching the virus- so he didn’t allow him to kiss him on the lips. The knight was stubborn, and hated the fact that Toya didn’t understand he’d rather be sick with him than stay healthy and live without him. He opted to brush back his hair before leaving his bedroom for the night, kissing right where his mole was.
One night when he was saying his affectionate goodbyes, one of the maids had walked in on him kissing the prince’s face. Akito tried to explain himself, but the maid was quite understanding and promised to keep it a secret for them. The young knight became close with this maid- Kohane- as she was the one keeping an eye on Toya while he was away at training. Kohane reported Toya’s condition back to him everyday when she could, since Toya wasn’t the greatest at taking care of himself in this state.
If Kohane had told him Toya was refusing to eat, Akito would march in there and spoonfeed the prince himself. If Kohane told him the prince’s fever had spiked, he’d rush in and give him a soothing bath and place a cold cloth on his forehead. Akito was always there. He assured Toya of that fact.
….
Despite the love and care he was shown, it wasn’t enough to survive. The moment the virus had infected Toya, it was already far too late. One fatal day when the doctors had finished treating Toya, they informed him of the bad news: the medicine provided would keep him alive, but only momentarily. There was no escaping the fact that he was going to die soon. His body could no longer fight off the disease.
The prince didn’t flinch at the news. He knew deep down that the pain was becoming too much to bear. His siblings had long since recovered from the same illness while he continued to lie in bed- a clear sign that something was wrong with his immune system.
Toya’s biggest regret wasn’t not getting to live the life he was promised as Prince. He didn’t care about his Father’s arrangement to have him married off to Princess Shiraishi from another kingdom, he didn’t care about someday getting to lead the army or become king.
The only regret he had was not being able to marry Akito. He had planned that right before being sent off to his wedding with Princess Shiraishi that he would take control of the carriage, and run far, far away into the countryside with Akito, where they could live together, where they could marry each other in secluded silence.
But he would never get to do that. He would never marry Akito now. He had to leave Akito behind and live a life in the clouds.
The prince tried to find peace in that. He told himself it would be okay, that he would watch over Akito as a holy spirit and protect him from the other side, but that didn’t stop himself from crying. Because then he had to think about the fact that Akito would live a long life without him, potentially moving on to another lover.
It would be selfish to tell his knight he was about to die, and that he didn’t want him to love anyone else after he died. Even if that’s what he wanted to say, he knew Akito’s fragile heart would shatter, and he’d become the same sobbing boy he met under the tree that day.
Instead, he put on a brave face for Akito, pretending like his death was not rapidly approaching him from behind. Toya finally let him kiss his lips once more out of selfishness, and he desperately tried to act normal, planning those same dates in the gardens from not long ago.
However, simply seeing the prince out and about from bed rest filled Akito with worry. Ever since Toya had fallen ill, the young knight had become extremely protective of his lover, becoming the equivalent of his caretaker rather than romantic partner. He could no longer walk by Toya in the hallways with a wink; instead he lunged forward to hold up the prince’s body and keep his balance stable.
“My love…You need your rest. What are you doing walking around again? You know I’d go and fetch you anything you need. So will Miss Kohane.”
“I can’t stay in that bedroom forever,” Toya chuckled softly, knowing that Akito loved the sound of his sweet laugh. “I’ll go insane. I want to spend time with you.”
The young knight sighed, shaking his head. “Very well, your highness. You know I cannot say no to you. But if you so much as let out a little wheeze, I’m carrying you back to your bedroom at once.”
That was the last picnic they shared together.
For the two weeks that passed after that, even Toya began to realize the limitations to his own body. He couldn’t stand without feeling dizzy to the point of nausea. His own limbs felt fuzzy, like they were constantly asleep and unable to move. The dates he shared with Akito were confined to his bed, sharing stories from the past when life seemed to be perfect for them.
The young knight wasn’t a fool. He had known for a long time now that Toya was beyond saving- but he chose to ignore it. The prince assured him time and time again that the doctors had said he would survive with this medicine. So far, it seemed to be working. He had no reason to doubt his lover’s promise despite his physical appearance worsening. Toya began to look ghostly pale and stick-thin, a sight that made Akito want to tear up. The once shy and caring prince was having his life force drained away slowly by this illness, an invisible enemy Akito could not fight.
(If only I had taken up medical training…) Akito thought to himself everyday. (Perhaps I could’ve saved Toya myself. I should’ve started learning the first time he coughed.)
Only three short days later did doctors surround Toya with urgency once more. The prince’s fever had spiked to heights beyond ever recorded. He needed constant attention and constant surveillance. He was practically on life support when the young knight joined him in bed.
He cuddled up against his lover as if nothing were wrong, pressing their foreheads together. Toya’s forehead felt like a heated stove with sweat dripping down the sides, but he didn’t care.
“My love…I am worried about you. Did the doctors give you more of that miracle medicine?”
“Yes.” Toya nodded, his voice scratchy. He had practically intaked gallons of fresh water today, yet his throat could not be soothed. “This fever should dissipate by morning.”
“I-If you say so…”
…
……
……….
“Hey, Toya…?”
“Yes?”
“…The doctors said you lost feeling in your legs. That…That you’re paralyzed now.”
“I’m too exhausted to even move to make myself comfortable, is all. I’ll be up and moving again when this medicine settles in, my love.”
Toya grabbed one of Akito’s hands, intertwining their fingers. A silent promise of hope.
“…Toya, I don’t want to lose you. I can’t live without you.” The young knight said desperately, choking back his tears of doubt.
…
The prince only smiled in response. “You know what sounds good…? Coffee. Let’s wake up early tomorrow morning and share a cup while the sun rises. The birds always chirp such beautiful songs at that hour.”
Akito scoffed, but was unable to hold back a smile. “Don’t change the subject. Besides, you know I hate coffee.”
“Then I’ll squeeze you some fresh orange juice,” Toya promised, returning his smile. “And…We can have the most relaxing morning together. You’ll wake me up early for that, won’t you?”
“Y-Yeah, I mean- of course, Toya. But…”
The prince used his other hand to press a single finger to Akito’s lips, locking his anxiety inside.
“Akito…Quit worrying about me. The medicine’s been working for weeks now, you know. I’ll get better…I promise you. Should I not, for some unbelievably small chance…”
Toya pushed back his own tears, moving a hand to Akito’s cheek.
How he would miss staring into his lover’s bright green eyes. How he wishes he had more time on this Earth to count every freckle that littered across his face and body.
“I’ll always possess your heart…You’ll always remember me with such love…Just knowing that I got to live life as your partner is enough for me to feel at ease. Like I’ve lived a long and fulfilling life. I’ll spend every last day I can with you. But right now…I wish to rest. With you by my side. So the medicine can flow through my system properly.”
Akito sighed, shutting his eyes tightly. Doubt lingered in the back of his mind as he wrapped his arms around Toya’s waist, carefully pulling him closer. He treated the prince’s body like a fragile piece of glass that could shatter at any moment, yet at the same time held him so tightly, afraid he might vanish into thin air. Nuzzling his face into his lover’s neck, (to hide the tears coming out of the corners of his eyes) he finally spoke.
“Alright…Orange juice and coffee with a sunrise. Tomorrow morning.”
“Tomorrow morning.” Toya repeated with a chipper smile.
…
His eyes began to grow hazy. Both from actual exhaustion, and feeling his own body shutting down each function slowly. For his final act of love, the prince used all his strength to give Akito’s forehead a kiss, holding him in an embrace all night.
“…I love you, Akito. Don’t you ever forget it…”
…
The next morning went as anyone might’ve expected. Akito woke up early on his own, expecting to hear the soothing rhythm of the prince's heartbeat against his chest as he lifted his head from their night long embrace.
…But there was no heartbeat. No pulse.
The young knight instantly began to panic. “Toya?! TOYA?! YOUR HIGHNESS?!?!”
No answer. Toya seemed to be at peace, smiling as he rested, but…
“TOYA….!” Akito broke down sobbing, pressing their foreheads together. “You promised me…! YOU PROMISED ME…!”
“Toya…I can’t go on without you by my side…Please, this isn’t funny…Wake up, wake up my love…”
….
“What about…” Akito choked.
“What about watching the sunrise…?”
“You…Promised me…”
“Damn it…” Akito didn’t let go of Toya, pressing his face against his corpse as if it would somehow bring him back to life.
(A thousand more times…I would’ve told him how much I loved him a thousand more times…)
(I wish I would’ve kissed him one last time…)
(Heard him sing one last time…)
(Given him all the love he deserved in his final moments….)
(….)
….
……
“Hey…My older brother taught me how to wield a sword fairly well. I can help you out, if y-you want…”
“I’d rather you kiss my lips.”
“Coming to watch my practice again today? You really can’t stay away, can you?”
“Akito! No opening your eyes while you’re counting to ten. That’s cheating!”
“I love you, Akito. Don’t you ever forget it.”
…
All emotion became discarded once he saw Toya lying down in his casket, each person passing by to say their final goodbyes. His two older siblings sobbing behind him, the King and Queen refusing to face the reality, the nobles and palace workers all stunned.
Akito couldn’t feel anything. All that was left was despair.
He was like a dog without an owner. A sword without a hero to wield it.
His life was meaningless with the prince gone. So long had he been a part of Akito’s life, that he didn’t know how to function normally without him. Even for less than a day, the weight of his absence was already crushing him.
The young knight stepped forward before the palace workers were to close the lid on his casket forever. He gently slicked back Toya’s hair one last time, revealing his mole. A weak smile crossed his lips, remembering the first time he ever made the discovery…and how each time he kissed that spot, the prince would be turned into a blushing bride.
In the days that passed, Kohane tried comforting Akito as someone who worked closely with the prince. She, out of anyone, understood his pain. Only she knew about the love they had shared for so long. To anyone else, it didn’t exist.
But Kohane’s love was not Toya’s love. The young maid did not try and replace the prince in his heart, nor did she want to. That was a void that simply could not be filled by another person, especially so soon after the prince’s passing. Her comforting words and acts of service only went so far, and almost always reminded him of Toya in some way.
Akito decided he could not live anymore. He did not fear death, for that was the very thing that could reunite him with his prince. So he boldly requested to be on the front lines of the raging war with another kingdom, knowing full well it was a suicide mission.
The evil, purple-haired sorcerer from another land could not be defeated. A sword is only as good as the user who holds it, but the enemy did not play fair. He used magic to subdue his enemies, making his attacks chaotic and unpredictable. Even the shiniest of swords fell dull after an attack from his scepter.
Yet Akito faced him head-on with an emotionless gaze. If he did not die here- at least he would have someone to take his frustrations out on. The evil sorcerer had been targeting their kingdom for a long time, but strangely never made it to the front of the village. He could only assume his plans for the royal family were the worst. Even if Toya was dead, this battle was a way of avenging him in some way.
But Akito turned out to be the loser in the end. He fought tirelessly, only for the sorcerer to point his scepter at him, turning the very sword he fought with around and stabbing it through his heart.
Instead of crying out in pain, he felt the blood trickle down his dying body with a smile.
“To….ya….”
…
……
………
[Modern Day]
[Shibuya Crossing, 9:00PM]
“…Hey.”
“….Hey, excuse me.”
“Wake up, pal. You can’t sleep here.”
Akito’s eyes rolled open with a groan, his entire vision blurry until he slowly regained full consciousness. His body felt stiff and sore, like he had been sleeping on something uncomfortable all night. His heart was beating rapidly, like he had just experienced some kind of physically painful nightmare…
The person speaking in front of him was dressed strangely as well. They did not wear royal robes nor the dirty rags of the commoner, but some kind of soft-looking baggy shirt with a pocket and hood. Their hair was a brightly colored pink, cut into a pixie style, which was extremely unusual…he’d never seen such a thing. Most peculiar of all, this person continues to speak to him while staring at a light-up rectangle in their hand.
“You can’t sleep on this bench, pal. Buy something or get out of my outdoor seating area. You’re frightening my other customers with that costume of yours.”
“Costume…?” Akito looked down at himself. His knight uniform, adorned with medals that showed his status and bravery, was not a costume. How insulting!
“Yeah. You come from a comic convention or something? It’s not normal to dress like that out here.” The person replied, sighing.
“I…Don’t know what that is.” Akito murmured in confusion, which only seemed to annoy the shopkeeper more.
The young knight then remembered what had just happened before waking up. He had rushed off into battle, and was killed at the hands of the evil sorcerer. Although he had supposedly died, he felt very much alive besides a stinging feeling in his heart, like his sword was still stabbed through his chest. But it wasn’t- his sword remained sheathed on his waist.
So, was this heaven…?
Akito took a look around. Tall buildings with screens, lots of stores with bright lights, and people scrambling around in every direction. Heaven sure was crowded.
“E-Excuse me, citizen. Have you seen my beloved prince? He’s just a bit taller than me… with split dyed blue hair, and grey eyes…”
“Your prince, huh?” The shopkeeper snorted, looking Akito up and down judgementally. “I haven’t seen anyone else in a silly costume but you. But I have seen a guy pass through my coffee shop with that kind of hair.”
Coffee, that’s right…! Of course Toya would be out getting coffee, just like they had promised in the land of the living…! Akito’s heart thumped with excitement at the thought of reunion.
“P-Please, tell me where he is!”
The person pointed in the direction which Toya had rushed off to after getting a coffee from their establishment. Akito rushed through the crowds, eyes scanning each and every person that passed him. Most of them gave him questioning glares and made rude remarks about his appearance, but he didn’t care. He would find Toya, he would…!
Akito’s eyes widened when he finally caught sight of his lover once more, his entire life flashing through his mind once more, replaying every moment with Toya. It all led up to this- their reunion in the land of peace. Of eternal love together.
He looked a bit different- but largely the same. The split dyed-hair, the grey eyes, the tall stature…only his casual clothing and a pair of glasses over his eyes made him look different.
“TOYA…!” The knight shouted, rushing over to his side.
“…Eh…?” Toya turned around, looking a bit frightened to see someone approaching him so quickly and shouting his name. The young man didn’t have many friends at all, which made him wonder how this person knew him.
“My Prince…It’s really you…” Akito said through tears. He patted Toya’s waist, then his shoulders, then put both hands on his cheeks, as if confirming he was real. “A-Are you alright?! You still look so pale and thin, my love…! Has Heaven not cured you??”
“U-Um…” Toya said shyly, looking into the eyes of the stranger. “I…I don’t understand. Heaven? This is Shibuya…Are you lost, sir?”
“Shibuya…? Is that a name for another kingdom?” Akito asked, tilting his head curiously. “Toya, tell me what’s going on here…!”
Toya had no idea what to say or do in this kind of situation. He wanted to assume that this man had been drinking far too late into the night- yet he showed no signs of intoxication. The young college student was simply trying to go home after getting a coffee to keep him company as he stayed up working on his studies, and something this odd happened…
“I believe you may be mistaking me for another Toya, sir…I don’t have the slightest clue what you’re trying to tell me.”
“No, no…!” Akito shook his head firmly. “You can’t play those games on me. You’re my Toya, I know it. Have you lost your memory, my dear…? It’s me, your devoted knight, your childhood friend…your lover until your last breath.”
Toya’s cheeks turned pink “My lover…? N-No, I’ve never had a romantic partner in my life…! I-I’m so sorry sir, I really mean it, I don’t know who you are.”
“But I know who you are.” Akito desperately said, knocking the coffee out of Toya’s hands so he could selfishly hold them. “You are the shy and docile Toya who enjoys books and music over training. The same Toya that has such a cute mole on his cheek that he always tried to hide from me, along with his illness. I know you are still suffering from that illness, because you are too damn stubborn to take good care of yourself, always putting others first…! You’d rather feed a thousand hungry citizens before yourself, leaving you in such a weakened state…! So please, I’m begging you…Even if you don’t remember me, let me stick around until you do! I know I’m in your heart somewhere, because you’re so deeply etched into mine! Let me save you this time!”
“I…” Toya was startled, more than before. Despite not knowing this ginger-haired guy dressed as a knight, he knew him. He knew about his illness, his insecurities, his habits and interests…Something had to be going on here that he didn’t understand. Something far more complex than another college student with a cosplay and drinking problem.
He knew inviting strangers into his home was never a good idea, especially when he shared that apartment with two women. But he had to find out more. He was extremely curious about the situation, and at the very least wanted to get this guy some help. And out of the public eye. Too many strangers were giving them strange looks for Toya to be comfortable.
“O-Okay…Let’s go back to my apartment. So you can tell me more.”
“T-Thank you, my prince…! I promise to make you remember, I promise…! I won’t let you forget our happy memories!” Akito declared, wiping his eyes. “I’ll take good care of you!”
(Well, there goes my plans for coffee and studying.) Toya thought with a sheepish grin as the knight held his hand all the way back to his apartment. His heart skipped a small beat at the gesture- not used to such affections. He was quite the loner and outcast aside from his two long time family-friends and roommates, leaving classes as soon as they finished to avoid talking to anyone, and rarely getting out of the house due to his illness.
Upon arrival at the apartment, An and Kohane were watching a movie on the couch, cuddled up together. Their faces turned to instant confusion and slight worry as they saw Toya with a stranger. They knew their friend hardly got out or spoke to anyone on the phone, so bringing someone in their shared home all the sudden was…odd. Even more odd by the fact that this friend was dressed in some kind of party store Halloween costume.
“Princess Shiraishi, maid Kohane…! So you two have been taking care of the prince here for me while I’ve been away!” Akito smiled warmly.
“Um…Princess Shiraishi…?” The tall girl questioned.
“…Maid Kohane?” The other tilted her head. “Aoyagi-Kun, who’s this?”
“Aoyagi?” Akito turned to Toya in confusion.
“Yes, that is my last name. Toya Aoyagi.”
“N-No, you’re Toya Tenma…”
“Y-You know the Tenmas as well?”
“Wait a minute, wait a minute, pause, time-out, I need to catch up here.” An waved her hands in the air. “Toya, seriously, who is this? How does he know who we are?”
“I…I don’t really know.” Toya shook his head with a frown. “He approached me on the street this evening, desperately claiming he knew me. He keeps calling me his prince, and knows extremely specific details about me, and apparently knows the two of you as well as the Tenmas. I thought he was merely a drunkard at first, but…he’s being serious. I don’t know what to do.”
The young knight frowned at the explanation. “Toya…You really don’t remember me? Does anyone here remember me? Miss Kohane, tell me you do…? It’s me, Akito..Akito Shinonome.”
“I…I’m sorry. I don’t know, Shinonome-Kun.” Kohane shook her head with a frown.
“I don’t like that some stranger is in our house like this, but there’s no way this is all coincidence.” An placed a hand under her chin. “Hey, Akito, tell us. Who are we to you?”
Akito began explaining everything to the three from the very beginning. His struggle to hold his own sword as a child, and the young prince who came to his aid that day. Even the small details mattered when it came to explaining his longing and falling in love with Toya all the way up to his confession of love, and the many days they had spent together until the prince fell ill. He told of the kind maid who knew of their relationship, and took care of the prince while Akito was away, reporting any urgent matters to him. He told of the kind princess from another land who was to marry Toya someday, but ultimately never got to because of his sickness. The passing of Toya still weighed heavily on his heart despite the fact that he was sitting right here with him, the traumatic memory etched into his brain. The death of his beloved prince was even more impactful than his own death at the hands of the sorcerer.
“And…After my sword was sent through my own heart, I fell down on the bloody hill. My eyes closed, and when I finally woke up again, I was here. I found my prince right away again, so…I thought I had made it to the afterlife with him.”
“T-That’s so sad…!” Kohane cried, holding her hands over her chest. “Uwaaa…Shinonome-Kun came searching for his prince even after death…”
An put her arms around her girlfriend, trying to comfort her. “That is truly tragic, Akito…But you know you aren’t dead, right? This is still reality.”
“Yeah…” The knight looked down at his own hands, clenching them into fists, trying to feel a twinge of pain to confirm he was real. “It’s like I’ve been reborn into the future with all of you. But only I have my memories of the past.”
Toya pondered for a moment, his expression unchanging. “I don’t think we reincarnated with you…We have lived in this reality for a long time, whereas you just got here.”
Akito stared into Toya’s grey eyes once more, hoping that somehow, by sudden miracle, he’d regain the memories of the past. However, just as these three chose to believe in and trust his story as a reincarnated knight, he chose to trust them and believe that they have lived in this strange future all along.
“How fascinating, though…” The college student’s eyes twinkled as he talked. “A real-life reincarnation story…I’ve only ever seen such a thing in books and movies. This will truly make an interesting case study…”
“Toya, he’s not a study. He’s a real person who’s still in love with you.” An reminded her friend sternly.
“O-Oh, I…”
“It’s quite alright, Princess Shiraishi. The excitement in his eyes is truly wonderful…It reminds me of the first time we went birdwatching together. He was so eager to tell me all about all the different species he learned from his books.”
Toya’s eyes widened in surprise once more. He absolutely adored birdwatching and reading about the different kinds of species out there. He was not the same prince this knight had come to adore so much, but the similarities were undeniable. He wondered about the possibility of existing in different universes…
But love…? Toya was still uncertain. It was clear that the lost knight was clinging to Toya because of his resemblance to the prince of his world, but that doesn’t mean he could fill the shoes of his lover. Unlike Akito, Toya had never met the modern-day version of Akito. No one named Akito existed in his life before this very moment. It was like a complete stranger was coming to profess his love for him.
Love was already something so complicated for Toya. Affection didn’t come naturally, especially the physical kind. His parents raised him with a sense of obligation to his studies and extracurriculars, so he never received any sort of verbal praise. After his early years as a toddler, he never recalled being hugged or patted on the head by his parents. Even when he was a sick child in elementary, his parents expected him to take care of himself.
“So…What do we do, An-Chan? We can’t just leave him, can we? I-I mean, if you’re really from another world, then you have no idea how ours works, do you?” Kohane asked Akito, a look of concern crossing her eyes.
An crossed her arms, still trying to wrap her mind around everything. “Well…I’m still a little suspicious, but I guess you’re right. We can’t just leave him to fend for himself. Toya, are you okay if he crashes here on our couch?”
“Huh, me…? You’re the one whose name is on the apartment lease.” Toya tilted his head slightly.
“Well, that’s true, but Akito will be staying with you and around you all the time.”
Toya gazed back at the young knight, who was staring at him with a pleading expression. He desperately wanted to stay here, to prove his love and devotion to him and his previous relationship with him.
This life was a second chance. A second chance to save Toya from his illness. To protect him from anything else the world threw at him, as a big and strong knight in this unfamiliar world. To fall in love with him all over again, whether this Toya had his memories or not.
Also, if Toya rejected him, he would have no idea what to do on his own in this world. A knight was nobody without a royal to command him.
“I-I…Okay. Yeah, I’d…I’d like to hear more about your world and your past, Akito.” Toya nodded. “Please, stay with us. Let’s be friends.”
(Let’s be more than friends again.) Akito thought to himself. (Patience, the chase is what made my Toya so much more irresistible.)
“Alright, well…Make yourself comfortable on the couch, then.” An stood up, stretching out her body. “Me and Kohane have to go study for a test tomorrow. In addition to processing this situation.”
“Goodnight, Aoyagi-Kun, and Shinonome-Kun. I hope you find it comfortable here.” Kohane smiled with a nod, following her girlfriend into their shared bedroom.
Toya felt small and shy under Akito’s intense gaze, awkwardly swaying back and forth when he stood up. “U-Um…So, I’ll get you some blankets. Will you be okay sleeping in that…Uniform?”
“I’ll be just fine,” Akito responded, stepping forward to gently grab both of Toya’s hands. “But I’d be even more comfortable sleeping in bed with you, my prince. You always used to love sleeping by my side.”
Toya’s cheeks turned a bright shade of pink, backing away as far as he could without breaking their hand holding. “A-Ah…Ah, I‘ve never slept next to anyone b-before, so…I-I don’t know…Maybe…um…? Eventually…?”
“I understand. The last thing I’d want is to make you uncomfortable, my prince…Please, take your time.” The young knight assured him, bringing Toya’s hand up to his lips to press a soft kiss to his knuckles.
Toya felt like he was going to explode at that. He could feel his hand trembling and turning red in Akito’s grasp, which only made the other boy smirk, finding his squirming and flustered behavior endearing.
“I-I’m no prince…”
“Forgive me…” Akito sighed, very slowly letting go of his hands. “I understand you may not be him at all, but I simply cannot root out the possibility that you have lost your memories. Maybe my behavior will ignite something in you.”
Toya nodded, feeling a pang of sadness at the knight’s tone. He wanted to believe his loving and devoted behavior was odd, even after telling him over and over that he was not the prince of his past; but he supposed the way the knight felt could not be dismissed. His feelings about the matter were valid- as a man who had just lost the love of his life and found him again.
“O-Of course. I’ll let you know if I remember anything, okay?” Toya nodded with a forced smile, feeling a bit guilty when he saw the spark of hope that crossed Akito’s eyes after saying that. “Tomorrow, let me help you get adjusted to the modern world. You’ll need to learn a few things to stay here. Is that alright?”
“Ah, so you’ll be training me on my new life here? I’ll be up early to report to you, commander.” Akito teased.
“Training…? I guess that’s one way to put it.”
….
“W-Well, goodnight, Akito…”
“Wait.” The ginger couldn’t resist grabbing his hand once more. “…May I hug you goodnight? Just a hug. Nothing more, I swear.”
(The Toya of this world doesn’t react the same to my affections as my prince did. He’s much more hesitant and shy, whereas my prince would lean into my touch. Has the Toya of this world been deprived of love…?! I must fix that…!) Akito thought as he observed Toya looking a bit nervous just at the mere idea of a hug.
The college student agreed, slowly opening his arms, welcoming Akito’s tender embrace. The knight was shorter than him, yet wider thanks to the bulk of muscles on his body. He was a bit heavy, even with just a small percentage of his body weight being pulled on him in a hug. Akito kept his promise of simple affections, just giving him a light squeeze before letting go. He desperately wanted to wrap his arms around Toya’s waist and bury his face into the crook of his neck, planting kisses in his path like old times, but he knew that would be too overwhelming for the poor boy and too quick for his comfort.
Akito couldn’t sleep that night as Toya went into his own bedroom and left him on the sofa in the middle of their apartment. His heart thumped with anxiety, afraid Toya might leave him once more in his sleep. But the young knight knew he couldn’t force all his emotions onto Toya at once- not until he regained those precious memories.
All night, he leaned his head against the wall separating him from Toya, listening for noises inside his bedroom. The silent sounds of breathing and shifting in bed made him feel more at ease, knowing he was alive and moving…
….