HAITUS

'For the mistreatment and treacherous words said unto me, your firstborn will pay the price. Some may call it a blessing, some will not. For whatever he utters to any other will happen exactly as he commands,' 

His parents watched in horror as the old witch drew a magical rune onto the sleeping baby's throat, the purple sinking into his skin and darkening as a black tattoo.

××

with his parent's rule that Shinsou Hitoshi, the prince and only heir to the throne, was never allowed to say a word, not to their guards, not to the common people, his parents or even you. 

Of course, when he was younger, the Prince hardly followed the rule. Innocently making the maids bring him food whenever he asked, or having his parents shower him in gifts. He realized from a young age that his voice had the power of command. 

××

Upon hearing of the event, the King and Queen ordered Shinsou to never set foot outside his room without you, or another trusted knight at his side, and to be sure that he wouldn't speak, they placed a metal cage around his mouth, stuffed with cloth so that no words could ever escape. 

Little moments like this tended to come and go between the two of you. Lingering fingers after a fun little game of thumb war. Quick hugs and leaning on each other while you wait in line for your drinks at the local coffee shop. Piggy back rides and secret handshakes. Running in the rain as he carefully pulls you by the hand. Playfully falling on you claiming that 'he's too tired to stand' and so much more. 

Before you knew it, you had subconsciously begun to crave these little moments more than ever. Every time you saw Bokuto, you would ruffle his hair playfully until he grabbed your hand. Or you would pass him a note and let your fingers graze his. You would go to your favorite coffee shop on days where he might not even be there.  Whenever he was about to leave you would grab the end of his sweater sleeve, making him stay for a moment later.

And while everyone else seemed to notice these fleeting soft touches, your friends never said anything. They merely smiled to themselves and shook their heads. The first time someone even said something was a stranger. 

You and Bo were visiting your good friend Hinata, playing a friendly game of volleyball in a nice little park. While taking a break, you three were kind of standing around, talking about some random tv show. In the middle of your conversation, a random passerby came up to you specifically, pulling you away for a moment. 

"Hey, are you okay?? These guys bothering you at all" they had offered a polite smile and motioned with their eyes to Bokuto, then to Hinata. 

You followed their gaze, turning your head slightly as you tried to figure out how they came to that conclusion.

"Ah well, that orange haired guy just is being kinda loud and the other guy was standing really close to you," they paused and crossed an arm across their chest, " i'm more worried about the grey haired guy...i've been watching for a few minutes and he just is kinda all over you but I couldn't tell if you guys were dating or if he was just bothering you…"

With a light laugh you smiled warmly, turning to look at your friends, your eyes lingering on Kotaro for moments longer than Shoyo, "Oh! Those are my friends! Thank you for checking on me!" 

In the stranger's eyes, a flash of relief passed then something questioning, but whatever the thought was, they let it go and excused themselves from the conversation. 

You didn't question the interaction, and told the boys that the stranger mistook you for someone else.  

Though when you returned home later to your apartment, thoughts seemed to flood in. Did everyone think you guys were dating ? Does Bokuto only do that to you ? 

Would it bother you if he acted that way around other people? Or, would it bother you if he suddenly stopped?

Still standing by the door, you let go of the handle slowly, making your way to your room as if walking through a haze. Your heart was beating quickly, and you could tell your face was flushed. 

You dropped your bag onto the floor, and sat on the edge of your bed, staring at your reflection in the mirror on your desk, where it was surrounded by pictures of you and your friends.

One, two, three, seven, eight, nine, thirteen, fourteen. Fourteen times he was in a picture. Hell there's more pictures with him in it than pictures with you.  And all at once the realization came crashing down on you.  

You were in love with Bokuto Kotaro. You always wanted to be near him, talk with him, look at him, touch him in the most innocent ways. He took up your time and your thoughts. Why hadn't you realized this sooner?

Without thinking first, you fished your phone from your pocket, quick dialing his number that you've had memorized for years. 

It took a few rings, but he picked up the phone, slightly out of breath and with the sounds of practice in the background, "Hey hey hey (Y/n)!" 

Without giving him a greeting or asking if he was busy, the words fell out of your mouth, "I love you, but more than a friend," 

He was silent for a minute, then asked, "Where are you right now?" 

"Im at home, but we can have this talk in person after practice if you want," 

"No no it's okay, the gym isn't far from your apartment," 

You paused, "wait Bo, don't leave practice-"

"See ya soon!" And he hung up, leaving you in silence.  

For a moment you sat there, confused, unsure of what to do, when again, a second realization hit. You had quite literally just confessed to him. 

Before you knew it, you were running out of your room, hurriedly putting your shoes on, throwing the door open and running outside, ignoring the stares from strangers. 

The already familiar path to his gym was burned into your brain, making it second nature as you rounded corners, carefully avoiding people until you could see him, coming to a halting stop. 

His practice clothes were a little dirty, and his hair was fairly messy. He looked a little sweaty and out of breath. But it was him. It was Bokuto Kotaro and he was there. He had ran there to meet you. 

You met his eyes, and around you the world seemed to stop. You watched him raise his arms, and a large smile, your favorite sight. 

Your feet seemed to move without consulting your brain, and you were running again, straight into his arms. When you pulled back to look at him he carefully grabbed your chin, pressing his lips firmly onto yours. 

Out of all the touches he had ever done, this one was your favorite. His lips were slightly chapped, and his hands a bit calloused. The one on your face moved to the back of your head, carefully cupping it and holding you close.  The kiss was gentle, letting out the build up of all that pining and the yearning. 

When you both finally let go, your faces were warm and the largest smile displayed, uncaring of those around you.