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As dusk settles over the Kingdom of Novela, you stroll through its bustling streets with your gaze drifting over the lively crowd whose laughter fills the air before settling on the town square, where music is heard along as both locals and travelers join in the fun of dancing. Beyond them are rows of stalls which display an array of local delicacies and their tempting aromas mingling in with the festive air, enticing everyone into celebration. After all, the kingdom is in its second week of the month-long festival celebrating its 300th anniversary of independence, welcoming not only the neighboring kingdoms, but also the people from far-away lands in the continent.
Curiosity draws you closer to the town square where musicians are playing lively tunes you can dance along. At the center, you can see couples swaying to the music. Some are clearly lovers based on their devoted gazes on each other, while others appear to be strangers who got caught up in the moment— strangers who were swept into the crowd by a charming dancer, like you are about to.
A few dancers notice you watching and they can see your face— brimming with joy, and extending their hands in invitation for you to join them. You then take a step forward before remembering that you have to keep a low profile while roaming the streets, especially with the festival in full swing. You glance at your… friend, Ochako, silently asking if it’s all right for you to indulge.
“Go on.” Ochako says with an encouraging smile before gesturing to the tall man beside her, “Sir— err… Tenya is here.”
With Ochako’s permission, a bright smile spreads across your face before you turn back to the dancers waiting for you. While laughing softly, Ochako gives you a gentle push forward. You reach out for the dancer’s hands, who then pulls you into the lively crowd.
Before you know it, you’re swept into the encircling couples twirling around the town square. Cheerful melodies fill the evening air as the dancer guides your steps with ease, as though she’s done this a hundred times. Little by little, you can feel yourself letting go of your worries and just losing yourself in dancing and music.
You laugh as the dancer spins you around with your joined hands, and the world around you turns into a blurry mess of lantern lights and radiant faces. Just as you regain your footing, she playfully nudges your hand, sending you twirling to another waiting partner. This time, it’s a man— likely a commoner, judging by his simple attire that blends in with the locals of Novela. He catches you by instinct, surprise flickering across his face at the sudden closeness of a woman.
Although, unlike everyone in the crowd, he appears awkward and stiff. With brows furrowing as if he would rather be somewhere else. The noise seems to irritate him, making it obvious he never intended to join in the festivities. He was probably dragged into the crowd or pushed forward by his playful friends. He parts his lips, as if to protest, but the words didn’t leave his tongue the moment his eyes meet yours. The annoyance fades from his face, replaced by a gentle— much softer expression as he simply looks at you.
In front of him, you have the most radiant face he has ever seen, with your eyes sparkling under the lantern lights, laughing so genuinely that it seems to brighten everything around you— including him. You smile so brightly at him, as if you’ve known him for years despite only meeting three minutes ago. Somehow, he doesn’t want to be the one taking that happiness away from you.
You don’t even look at him properly— still swept up in the festive spirit, you lace your fingers through his as you beam up at him, gently pulling him along as you let the melody dictate your moves. For a moment, he was taken aback by how natural you take his hands. And instead of pulling away, he lets you lead him, quietly following your sways. Your movements began to match with each other, as though you’ve danced together countless of times.
After almost ten minutes of dancing, the upbeat melody gradually fades into something softer— more intimate. The lively twirls come to an end as everyone naturally slows their pace to match the music. You and your partner do the same, letting go of each other’s hands, you gently slide your hands to rest around his neck, while his hands settle at your waist.
Only then you are able to look at him properly. Your eyes drift from his spiky ash-blond hair, down to his striking carmine eyes that are already fixed on yours. His gaze is so deep, it feels as if he’s looking straight to your soul, leaving you completely starstruck.
He looks at you for a moment before glancing towards the bustling square behind you. Though the music has softened, the laughter and endless chatter is still there, making it difficult to have a peaceful conversation. When his gaze returns to yours, he leans in and whispers low enough for you to hear.
“Do you… want to get out of here?”
You don’t utter a response, only offering him a warm smile before nodding softly. He then gently slips his hands into yours, guiding you away from the festive lights as you two weave in through the crowd. He doesn’t lead you too far— only to a bench beneath a lantern at the edge of the square. From there, you can still see the couples dancing around the fountain, a crowd you two had been a part of not too long ago. It is close enough to still feel the festive aura, but also far enough for you two to enjoy a quiet conversation.
As both of you settle on a bench overlooking the crowd, neither of you speaks. The waves of cool evening air wash over the two of you, never expecting a moment of silence with a stranger under the moonlight to feel so comfortable.
The comfortable silence lingers for a little while before you turn to him, finally uttering your first words, “So… what do you think of the celebration?”
The man glances towards the busy square before answering, “Not bad.”
“Not bad?” You let out a small laugh. “This is the grandest celebration Novela has held in years.”
He slightly tilts his head and raises an eyebrow, “Is that so?”
“Of course!” You reply to him, looking fondly at the crowd. “This year marks the kingdom’s 300th anniversary of independence. The royal family spared no expense, inviting everyone to celebrate. They opened the festivities to visitors all over the continent.”
“That explains the crowds.”
“It’ll only get busier this weekend.” You say with a grin.
“Hm.”
“You’ll still be here this weekend… right?”
His carmine eyes meet yours once again, “I’ll be here all week.”
For reasons you can’t comprehend, his answer makes you smile. Somehow, the thought of seeing him again sometime this week fills you with excitement.
“What made you dance in the square, anyway? When I first bumped into you, I’d have sworn you’d rather be anywhere else.”
A quiet scoff escapes him, “Some dunce-faced idiot shoved me. Before I could complain, one of the dancers got a hold of me.”
You can’t help but laugh at him, remembering his irritated face with furrowed eyebrows, “That’s unfortunate.”
He folds his arms against his chest, “Remind me to knock his teeth the next time I see him.”
Your laughter only grows louder. “And yet… you still danced with me.”
He glances at you from the corner of his eye before looking back toward the square.
“You looked like you were enjoying it too much.”
“I was.” You admit and let out a small smile, “It’s one of the happiest moments I’ve ever had.”
He looks at you and studies your expression for a while. “Happiest enough to follow a complete stranger out here?”
“You dragged me here.” You reply to him as you quirk your eyebrow.
“...Fair.” He lets out a quiet laugh, “I could have led you somewhere no one could find.”
“But you didn’t.” You gesture towards the people around you, music still drifting through the air, the festive lights surround the fountain square still in view. “We’re still right here.”
His eyes follow the direction of your hand. After a brief moment, he shakes his head and clicks his tongue. “You’re a strange one.”
“Well…” You then turn towards him, tilting your head softly, a playful smile tugging at your lips. “This strange one has asked for your name, kind sir.”
“Katsuki.” He replies, almost amused at the way you refer to yourself.
“Sir Katsuki, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
With those words, you hold up your right hand towards him, your pinky out and raised— a small tradition in the Kingdom of Novela, one meant to symbolize trust between strangers meeting for the first time.
Yet instead of intertwining his pinky with yours as you expect, Katsuki reaches for your whole hand. His fingers gently wrap around yours, his grip is firm yet careful, and guides your hand to place it against his chest, right above where his heart is. He then slightly bows his head before uttering the words.
“May the honor of this meeting be one worth remembering.”
The gesture leaves you completely off guard. Heat rises to your face and the only thing you can focus on is his heartbeat, beating against your hand that still remains on his chest. You look at him and blink, still flustered by the difference in traditions.
“You—” Your voice wavers for a moment, then you clear your throat before trying again, “You’re not from here, are you?”
“Oh?” He tilts his head slightly, a hint of amusement flickers across his face. “What gave it away?”
“Your greeting. It isn’t the Novelan way.”
“You’re right about that.” A quiet chuckle escapes from him before confirming your suspicions. “I’m from Drakkon.”
“...Drakkon?” Your eyes widen slightly. “The land of the dragons?”
“Hm.”
“Then why travel all the way here?” You ask. “That’s quite a distance from Novela.”
One of his brows arches, “I thought everyone was invited to the festival?”
“You’re right, my apologies.”
He watches your reaction with a trace of amusement. “Teach me.”
“Teach you?”
“The Novelan way of greeting.”
“Oh!” A smile slowly forms on your face. “Very well, Sir Katsuki.”
You gently take his hand, guiding his pinky to intertwine with yours— a gesture passed down through generations of Novelans. With your pinkies linked, you meet his gaze.
“May this fortunate encounter be written on the pages of our lives.”
Katsuki’s gaze drifts down from your intertwined hands, back to your eyes, before repeating the phrase. “May this fortunate encounter be written on the pages of our lives.”
Before you can say anything else, a familiar voice screaming your name cuts through the air. You then turn toward the sound, and your eyes widen with a slight fear as you spot Ochako, running in through the crowd, with Tenya following close behind. Their expressions are a mixture of relief and concern.
“There you are!” Ochako calls out, slightly out of breath from the running. “We’ve been looking everywhere for you.”
You let out a sheepish smile, lightly scratching your head.
“Sorry Ochako, I lost track of time.” You barely glance at Katsuki, and only now do you realize how long you’ve been sitting there with him.
Ochako follows your gaze, her eyes moving from you to the unfamiliar man beside you. A curious expression flickers across her face, but she says nothing… yet. Tenya, your other companion, straightens and offers Katsuki a respectful nod, acknowledging his presence.
Meanwhile, Katsuki remains quiet, his carmine eyes drifting towards your friends. His attention lingers on Tenya, who even beneath his cloak, still has an aura of undeniable strength. After his assessing glance, Katsuki comes to his own conclusion— Tenya must be a knight. He wonders, why is there a knight with you?
“Come on, let’s head back.” Ochako says gently before taking your hand. Before you can properly say your goodbyes to Katsuki, Ochako begins dragging you with her.
You then turn your back. Katsuki still remains where you left him, standing below the lantern’s glow. His eyes fix at you, as you walk farther away from him.
You offer him one last smile before your lips form into silent words.
“See you soon.”
Katsuki offers a faint smile, almost too subtle to notice, before giving you a small nod and turns away. His figure slowly disappears through the shadows of the night. Leaving you with hope that your paths might cross again.
On the second day of the week, you wander through the streets of Novela— taking in the surroundings from the colorful flower garlands hanging overhead to the beautifully decorated shops lining the streets. Somewhere along the way, you catch yourself wondering if you’ll ever see that traveler from Drakkon once again. After all, he did say he will be here the whole week.
As you round the corner of a busy street, your footsteps come to an abrupt halt. Standing among the commoners, quietly browsing a merchant’s stall filled with trinkets, is a familiar figure with ash-blond hair. As if sensing your presence, he lifts his head, and his carmine eyes find yours through the crowd.
You make your way toward Katsuki and once you’re close enough, you ask, “What are you getting?”
Katsuki glances down at the assortment of trinkets before looking back at you.
“Nothing.” He replies casually. “Just looking.”
You nod at him before asking, “Actually… Do you happen to know where the bookstore is?”
One of Katsuki’s eyebrows quirk upwards, “Aren’t you the local here?”
“I am.” You reply sheepishly, “But I rarely go out. Not familiar with stores.”
Katsuki just simply looks at you, as though wondering how someone could know so little about their own kingdom. He then clicks his tongue and turns away from the merchant stall.
“I’ll take you there.” Without waiting for your response, Katsuki begins walking. You quickly fall into step behind him, unable to hide the smile tugging at your lips.
After a few minutes of walking through the crowd, the two of you stop in front of a cozy little bookstore with its wooden sign creaking softly in the breeze. Before Katsuki can say a word, you grab his wrists and pull him inside. The familiar scent of parchment greets you, and a gentle smile paints your face.
Katsuki follows without resistance, watching as your eyes light up with excitement. He finds himself quietly observing you instead of the books around him. Amusement flickers across his face as he watches you skim the shelves, your fingers tracing the spines in search of an interesting book title. Before he realizes it, he’s smiling for the nth time since meeting you.
Your eyes wander from shelf to shelf until one title catches your attention. You pull the book out of the shelf and examine the cover. A grin slowly appears on your face.
“Oh? This looks interesting.”
“Hm?” Katsuki steps closer beside you, glancing over your shoulder.
You turn the cover toward him. How to Train Your Dragon.
The moment he reads the title, his eyebrows knit together. “What kind of nonsense is that?”
You let out a small laugh as you flip through the contents of the book. “Looks like a fantasy novel.”
“For children.” He corrects flatly.
“Do they have books like this in Drakkon?”
“We don’t need books on training dragons. We have instincts.”
You blink at him then slowly close the book. “That’s fascinating.”
Without a word, you make your way to the counter and purchase it. The shopkeeper wraps it neatly before handing it over. And instead of slipping it into your own bag, you hold it out towards Katsuki.
“Here.”
He stares first at the book, then at you, as if he is trying to understand what exactly you’re doing.
“What for?”
“Take it. You said Drakkon doesn’t have anything like it.”
“We have books. Educational books.” He lets out a scoff. “And you expect me to read a children’s book?”
“Why not?” You reply, pointing at a small stamp at the book cover. “It says here best seller.”
“Tch.” Katsuki just clicks his tongue but doesn’t argue more. He simply takes the book from your hand.
Watching Katsuki reluctantly accept your gift makes you smile, quietly amused at the thought of travel from the land of the dragons carrying around a children’s story about learning how to train one.
By the third evening of the week, the sun has long since set, leaving Novela bathed in the moonlight and the soft glow of lanterns scattered throughout the capital. Hoping to find a quieter spot away from the festive crowds, you wander slowly along the riverside path, the cool evening air brushing against your skin as you search for a place to light a lantern and send a wish to the stars.
You don’t expect to see anyone familiar. Yet as you make your way to a quieter area, a lone figure comes into view, leaning casually against the wooden railing overlooking the water, where countless lanterns sparkle in its reflection. Even from a distance, his spiky ash-blond hair is unmistakable, leading you to him once again.
“Katsuki?”
He turns around at the sound of his name, his eyes meeting yours immediately.
“You again?”
A smile finds its way onto your face as you walk closer, stopping just beside him and resting your forearms against the railing. Your eyes follow the lanterns floating into the night sky, carried by the wind. The sight never fails to captivate you despite how many times you’ve watched it through the years.
“Already done making your wish?”
His eyes drift from you, to the lantern by your hand, then to the lanterns overhead.
“What tradition is it this time?”
A chuckle escapes your lips. “Every lantern carries a wish.” You explain to Katsuki as you retrieve two blank slips of parchment from your drawstring pouch, offering one to him.
“We write whatever our hearts desire, put it inside the lantern, and let it fly into the night. It is said that a constellation watches over our dreams, reading every wish sent its way— and maybe, it may grant one.”
Katsuki studies the blank slip of parchment between his fingers before letting out a scoff. He looks upward to the sparkling lanterns already floating among the stars, sneering at the idea of this mysterious constellation the people of Novela believe in.
“So your kingdom leaves its wishes to some random thing in the sky?”
You just shake your head at his bluntness. “You don’t have to believe in it. Just hurry and write your wish.”
“How ridiculous.” He mutters under his breath. He then simply stares at the empty parchment, as if deciding if the tradition is worth indulging. Then with a deep and resigned sigh, he scribbles a few words, folds it neatly and places it back into your waiting hand.
You then tuck both wishes inside the lantern. Together, you kneel beside the small brazier and light up the lantern. As warm air slowly fills the paperwalls, the once-folded lantern gradually opens and comes to life between your hands.
For a moment, the two of you hold it together. Then with a shared glance and a gentle push, you release the lantern into the night. The lantern slowly rises in the sky, joining hundreds of others carrying different wishes. The two of you watch in silence as the lantern carrying your dreams drift farther and farther until it becomes impossible to tell which light was yours from the hundreds in the same endless sky.
“You should head home.”
“What?”
Katsuki tilts his head towards a direction. “Your knight’s been staring intensely this way for a while.”
Confusion crosses your face before turning to look at the direction he’s referring to. Not far from the lantern vendor is Tenya, his expression is composed, his eyes quietly following your every movement as if making sure you never leave his sight.
“Knight?” You repeat a little too squeaky. “Oh— he’s not a knight.”
The words come out in a flustered way, followed by an awkward laugh. Katsuki studies your face for a moment, but says nothing else. He isn’t particularly interested in prying, but he has dealt with people enough to recognize when someone is trying just a little too hard to sound convincing.
Whether Tenya is a knight or not— it isn’t really any of his business.
By the fourth evening of the week, the festival below is as lively as ever, but you aren’t there celebrating with the crowd. Instead, you’ve made your way to the observatory, not too far from the center of the town. With the clear view of the stars, it has become your favorite place to escape whenever life becomes too unbearing.
As you climb the final flight of stairs, you’re surprised to see that someone has already claimed your favorite spot. It’s that ash-blond again, looking quietly at the stars above, as if fate itself loves the idea of the two of you meeting.
“Katsuki.”
He glances over his shoulder before returning his attention to the stars.
“You again? I swear you’re following me.”
“Was that your lantern wish?” You let out a soft laugh as you move to stand beside him. “And what are you doing here? The observatory’s closed tonight."
“Yet you’re here.”
The words catch you off guard. “I know the owner.”
Katsuki just hums in acknowledgement, neither questioning nor doubting your answer.
After a few minutes of comfortable silence, Katsuki breaks the silence.
“So…” His gaze never leaving the stars, “Is there a Novelan lesson tonight?”
“Novelan lesson?”
“Everytime we meet, you end up teaching me another one of your kingdom’s traditions.”
“That’s true.” You let out a laugh, unable to argue with him. Thinking back, he isn’t wrong. You remember your first meeting— dancing under the moonlight in merriment, exchanging of Novelan and Drakkonian greetings, and the lighting of wish lanterns together.
“Well…” You start your lessons, “I suppose I could teach you about the stars.”
You step closer to the observatory’s terrace, gaze lifting towards the endless artwork of the stars spread across the night sky. You raise your hand to the sky, pointing towards a cluster of stars shaped like an open book.
“Do you see that constellation?” You ask softly, “The one that resembles a book.”
Katsuki follows the direction of your finger, he gives a small nod. “What about it?”
“We believe it was the very first constellation to awaken.” Your eyes never leave the stars as you speak. “We call it the Oldest Dream.”
Katsuki glances at you from the corner of his eye, silently urging you to go on.
“In Novela, we believe every wish entrusted to the stars eventually finds its way to the Oldest Dream. As it was believed that the world began because someone dreamed it into existence.” You continue softly, shuddering slightly as the cool evening breeze brushes past. “Every story in every life— none of it would exist if there’s no one dreaming for it.”
You go on as you tell Katsuki the tale of your favorite constellation. “So whenever we write wishes to the stars, we’re entrusting them to the one who first imagined this world, hoping it will help us achieve our own dreams.”
“And have your dreams ever come true?”
“Sometimes,” You reply to him. “And sometimes… perhaps it simply wasn’t looking my way.” Your eyes lift once more to the constellation above.
“They say the Oldest Dream watches over all of us. It couldn’t possibly keep its eyes on me all the time.”
Katsuki falls silent beside you, his gaze lingering on the constellation. He has never been one for fairy tales or legends, yet hearing you speak of the Oldest Dream leaves him strangely fascinated with it. For the first time that night, he wonders if there truly is someone watching from beyond the stars— someone who can see him standing beside you, then he hopes it hears his dream to remain by your side for many chapters yet to come.
“...Have dinner with me tomorrow.”
You turn to him, momentarily stunned by the sudden invitation. And yet, a smile blooms across your face, similar to that one night the two of you met. “I’d like that.”
As much as you love the idea of having dinner with Katsuki, you can’t help but feel a little bittersweet. Perhaps it’s because, deep down, Katsuki will eventually return to Drakkon, the distant kingdom he calls home. Tomorrow may be the last evening the two of you have together before your paths diverge. If that’s the case, then you’d rather spend it getting to know him a little better.
The fifth evening of the week arrives sooner than you’d hope. As the last rays of sunlight disappear, the town begins to glow in warm lights and lanterns once more— the celebration never seems to end. You are dressed elegantly, though not extravagant enough to draw the attention of the wrong people, just pretty enough for a date.
As you make your way to the heart of the square, your eyes immediately land on a familiar figure waiting by the fountain. Katsuki stands with his hands tucked casually into his pockets, dressed far more neatly than he ever was. Dressed in an attire that blends effortlessly with the people of Novela. Perhaps that is why you mistook him for a local when you first met.
Katsuki spots you through the crowd and immediately makes his way toward you, a hint of impatience evident in his stride. When he finally stops before you, he simply looks at you, his gaze softening as you greet him with a smile. It lingers for a moment longer than he intends, realizing the gaze, he clicks his tongue and looks away.
“You don’t look too bad.”
“Thank you, Katsuki.” Warmth blooms across your cheeks, and your smile grows just a little brighter. “You look rather dashing yourself.”
Katsuki just silently offers you his hand. You slip into it without hesitations, and the two of you leave the lively fountain behind. Together, you walk through the stores until an elegant building comes to view. Quill’s Dining Hall— one of the renowned establishments in Novela, frequented by nobles, merchants, scholars, and wealthy commoners alike.
As you settle into your seats, your eyes wander over the decorations in the hall. “Isn’t it expensive here?”
Katsuki barely glances at the menu before setting it aside, “It’s fine. I can afford it.”
“Are you a merchant?” You ask with an amused smile. “You certainly carry yourself like someone who was born into wealth.”
Katsuki just smirks in your way, “I’ll let you keep imagining.”
Before long, the two of you order dinner. Conversation flows as easily as it always does whenever you’re together, exchanging stories about Novela and Drakkon. And the meal passes far more quickly than either of you realizes, yet neither of you seems ready for the evening to end.
You two leave the warmth of the dining hall and wander towards a nearby park, where festival lights are strung from one post to another. Katsuki spots a bench beneath an ancient tree and leads you there. The two of you watch the night sky in silence, wondering which stars are listening to you tonight. You lean back against the bench, your eyes tracing the familiar constellations, but your thoughts are elsewhere entirely.
A deep sigh escapes your lips and Katsuki turns his head to look at you.
“Something on your mind?”
You hesitate on speaking, nervously pinching the folds of your dress. “I’m…” A small laugh escapes your lips, though it lacks your usual gleam. “I’m not sure if I could say it.”
“Just say it.”
Slowly, you turn to face Katsuki, and when your eyes meet, you can feel the blood rushing to your face. At last, you speak so softly that Katsuki could barely hear your words.
“Do you think it’s possible to fall in love… in only a week’s time?”
Your question catches Katsuki off guard, and he simply stares at you. The usual confidence in expression is replaced by quiet bewilderment. He opens his mouth, only to close it again, seeming to forget the words he was about to say. The silence from Katsuki makes your resolve begin to waver.
You let out a nervous laugh and quickly wave your hand in dismissal. “...Actually, forget I asked.”
Just as you’re about to turn away from him, Katsuki lets out a low chuckle.
“It’s possible.”
You raise a brow at him, silently prompting him to continue.
“It’s a short time… but it’s enough.” A faint smile tugs at the corner of his lips. “At least, that’s what I believe.”
Relief washes over you, and your face gleamed with happiness. The weight on your chest finally begins to lift. You gently take Katsuki’s hand into yours. “Somewhere between the dancing in the square to sharing lantern wishes and exchanging stories…” You pause, drawing in a deep breath. “I fell in love with you.”
“And when I realized it, I knew… I wanted you to lead my story with me.”
The world seems to fall silent as Katsuki studies your expression. Unexpectedly, Katsuki intertwines his fingers with yours, gripping it tightly, as though afraid you’ll slip away.
“I came to Novela for a reason.” His gaze softens in a way you’ve never seen before, “Instead, I found someone I’d rather not leave behind.”
Your eyes glisten beneath the lantern lights, but your breath catches when you hear Katsuki’s next words. “Come with me… Come to Drakkon.”
Your smile falters. Slowly, you slip your hand from his.
“...I can’t.”
A crease forms between Katsuki’s brows.
“Why?”
You lower your gaze to your lap, your fingers absentmindedly fidget the folds of your dress. “It’s not because I don’t want to…” You look at him with a bittersweet smile, “My father would never approve.”
Katsuki remains silent, patiently waiting.
“You’ve only known me as a wandering girl enjoying the festival.” You continue. “But my father expects me to marry someone of noble standing.”
“To him, I can’t marry a commoner… let alone a merchant.”
His carmine eyes narrow by just a fraction.
“Then I’ll give him what he wants.”
An inelegant snort escapes your lips. “You make it sound so simple.”
“It is.”
You smile softly at Katsuki, though you still shake your head at his confidence.
“If you want my father’s blessing…” You begin, teasing him by nudging gently, “Then buy yourself a noble title. Though, I doubt my father would settle for a baron or a viscount.”
You mean those words as an impossible joke. Deep down, you know even the wealthiest merchants would struggle to obtain a title higher than a viscount, no matter how much gold they possess.
Katsuki, however, doesn’t laugh. He simply looks at you. He looks at you with a softened gaze, a sight so tender, it makes your heart ache all the more. You meet his eyes, trying your best to return his faint smile. But the longer you look at him, the harder it is to hold yourself.
Before you realize it, warm tears slip down your cheeks and Katsuki’s expression immediately changes.
“Hey—”
He reaches up to cup your face with surprising gentleness. His thumbs brush against your cheeks, wiping away your tears. Despite the callouses earned from years of training, his touch is filled with tenderness.
“Don’t cry.”
His voice wavers slightly.
“It’ll be okay.”
You give him a small nod. The ache in your heart still remains, but the warmth from his hands reminds you that at least, for this moment, he is still here with you.
“Katsuki…”
He hums softly, waiting for you.
“Will you… kiss me?”
The corner of Katsuki’s lips lifts into a familiar smirk.
“Gladly.”
His hand remains against your cheeks as he leans in closer until the distance between you disappears. His soft lips meet yours in a tender kiss, reeling in the warmth of every memory you’ve shared underneath the Novelan skies.
When he finally pulls away, he gazes gently at you. He brushes away the stray strands of hair from your face, before slowly letting his fingers trail down, lightly brushing against your lips.
“Katsuki…”
You wonder if the Oldest Dream you hold so dearly is watching you at this very moment.
“I’ll see you soon.”
You hope the Oldest Dream takes pity on you tonight, because all you can do is dream of a future written beside Katsuki. Because if it’s not him, then you wouldn’t want to dream of anyone at all.
“Until our next chapter is written.”
The month-long celebration comes to its final evening— the night of the Royal Ball. Unlike the festivities held in the streets, this is an occasion reserved for the royals and nobles from different kingdoms across the continent. It is also an occasion where your mother, the queen, insists on parading you across the ballroom floor with eligible bachelors, all in hopes that you might finally agree to marry.
You stand before a full-length mirror, the girl who wandered Novela’s streets in a simple commoner’s outfit is gone. In her place stands the Royal Princess of Novel, dressed in an elegant white-and-gold ball gown— the colors reserved for the royal family. A tiara adorns your head, catching the light with every subtle movement, with jewels shimmering like stars.
A gentle knock interrupts your thoughts. “May I come in?”
The familiar voice brings a smile to your face. The door opens, and the Crown Prince— your brother, enters the room. He’s dressed much like you, in white-and-gold. A proud smile appears on his face as he takes in the sight of you.
“You look beautiful.”
“You look rather handsome as well, brother.”
With a quiet chuckle, he offers you his arm. You gladly take it and you two make your way through the palace corridors. At the top of the grand staircase are the King and Queen of Novela— your parents, patiently waiting for your arrival. As the herald announces the royal family, the four of you descend the staircase into the grand ballroom.
Seated upon the raised platform beside your family, you overlook the elegant ballroom as nobles and royalty from every kingdom continue to arrive. One by one, the herald announces each distinguished guest, with their titles echoing through the grand hall before they step forward to exchange formal greetings with your parents— a ceremony you’ve witnessed countless of times.
The herald strikes his staff against the floor for the nth time, announcing yet another noble.
“His Majesty, Katsuki Bakugou, Dragon King of Drakkon!”
The name Katsuki, followed by the word Drakkon, instantly pulls you from your thoughts. Your breath catches as the grand doors open once more.
A man draped in regal black and crimson ceremonial outfit steps into the ballroom, a cloak trimmed with pale fur resting upon his broad shoulders. An elegant-crafted crown, befitting the Dragon King, adorns his ash-blond hair. With every step he takes carries an unmistakable authority of a sovereign as a small entourage of Drakkon’s royal guards follow close behind, each bearing the kingdom’s dragon crest upon their shoulders.
Your heart pounds loudly against your chest.
Dragon… King?
Katsuki’s gaze finds yours for a brief moment. A faith smirk tugs at his lips, before he turns his attention back to your parents.
“Your Majesties.”
He places a fist over his heart, before inclining his head— a greeting in Drakkonian manner.
“Drakkon appreciates the invitation. I won’t burden you with endless pleasantries, but may the friendship between our kingdoms continue to flourish.”
“The honor is ours,” Your father replies with a gracious smile. “Drakkon has always been an ally of Novela. We are delighted to welcome Your Majesty to our kingdom.”
Your mother offers him a warm smile, “We trust your stay has been pleasant.”
“It has exceeded my expectations,” Katsuki answers.
Your father lets out a hearty laugh. “If there’s anything we can do to make Your Majesty’s visit even more memorable, you need only ask.”
“There is one thing.”
The entire hall falls silent as every eye follows Katsuki while he steps closer to the royal platform, stopping directly before you.
“If Her Royal Highness would honor me with a dance…” Even as he bows slightly, his eyes never leave yours, “...I believe my night will be complete.”