#cinderella!hoshi

“Right. Right. Whatever your preference is. We want you happy more than anything, my child, but...it doesn’t look good for roses to rot so frequently.”

His wife added, “And frankly, it’s pissing off the neighboring kingdoms. Just choose someone and fall for them later.”

You rolled your eyes, “I cannot wed someone I have no interest in. They are my friends or people wanting to marry a prince. What about love, Father? Mother, what is I wanted to marry someone who loved me for me?”

The Queen spoke, “Then you must do it quickly. Your father and I have decided to throw a ball for you to find your spouse.”

“But, how--?” You began to sputter.

Your King, your father said, “We have invited all of the kingdoms as well as the whole of our own to make sure you have tons of options.”

You huffed and went to your room. You had to take your binder off, but also, you couldn’t stand to be around your parents right now.

On the other side of the kingdom, a musical young man by the name of Hoshi was washing the floor in too small brown overalls that had been ripped and repaired so many times. Sometimes they were caught on a stray nail, other times his step siblings would ruin them on purpose. However, it wasn’t like he could speak about it to anyone.

“HOSHI!!!” A regal voice called out to him. “Get your ass down here right now!”

“The young man hurried down the steps after making sure the area was marked as wet, telling the mice to stay out of sight.”

“Yes, sir?” Hoshi bowed to the blonde man who was his father in law.

Draped in a dark red suit, he twirled his hair and glanced at his poor excuse for kin, “You didn’t brush Lucky’s fur, did you?”

“I-I tried to, but they kept running away. I--”

“Excuses, excuses! Did you lure them out like you were taught? Stupi boy!”

“I’m sorry, Mingi!” He flinched. “I...I mean Ren. I’m sorry, Ren!”

The blonde rolled his eyes, “Geez! Why are you so useless?!?”

Soon enough, there was a clatter in the hallway followed by a shriek Hoshi and Ren raced out of the room and towards the source of the sound. Woozi was rubbing his hip in pain as Jun laughed at the top of the stairs.

“What is the meaning of this?” Their father asked.

“The top was wet and I slipped in the puddle.” Woozi whined.

All eyes set on Hoshi who responded, “I set up my drying rags on the border to make sure they didn’t fall. I did exactly--”

“Then why did you still hurt my darling? If he’s hurt, you will be taking care of him, intensively. Now do your work correctly, you insignificant piece of--”

Ding dong.

A rough his, and Ren left to answer the door. Jun and Woozi went to get bathed while the young man finished cleaning the area before drying it and then getting all the elements of breakfast together. He’d have to clean their rooms and set up their clothing for the day.

“My lovely boys, we have some good news! We have all been invited to the Prince’s ball! There is no doubt he’ll be looking for a spouse!” He said, holding them affectionately with their mouths full of break and cream as they were eating breakfast.

Then Ren continued, “The lady gave us 4 invitations, but we only need 3.”

“What about me?” Hoshi said shyly.

“...oh, right.” Jun said. “I’m sure Father didn’t miscount. Someone like you would bring us to shame!”

Woozi agreed, “you wouldn’t want to bring shame to the family of your poor deceased parents, would you? Reputation is important, you know.”

Someone with your stench and matted hair? We’d never be able to live that down!”

The three circled like sharks around fresh and bloody meat. They laughed and the two sons went to go change clothes since they were done eating and had new outfits to buy.

“Well, if you--” The step-child turned maid began.

“If I WHAT?” Ren stared him down. When there was no response, he simply huffed and straightened his cravat. “That’s what I thought.”

As the ball was so soon, Hoshi’s step-father and step-siblings were more irritable than usual. They had to have perfect hair and perfect lips, trying new skin creams and contacts as well. Woozi wanted to be blonde to meet the prince and hopefully become his husband.

“Blond hair will certainly help Prince Y/N to notice you,” Jun said. “He might mistake you for a baby chick because you’re so small, though. Won’t be able to keep his hand off of you.”

He laughed at his own joke, even though Woozi looked like he was going to rip his eyes out.

“Ow!” He then called out and kicked his leg. “Watch where you’re hemming!”

“Sorry!” Filthy black hair bounced to reveal a defensive smile.

Woozi’s cheeks got red with anger, so he shoved him back, “Don’t smile like that. It’s annoying.”

Later that night…

Finally, Hoshi had a moment to himself.  A cute little mousy, S. Coups and friends had a cup of tea and nightgown waiting for their friend. Joshua sat on Hoshi’s shoulder as he had just been freed from a trap by an exhausted tired helper.

“Ah, thank you S. Coups, Jeonghwa, Dino. You’re the most helpful mice a boy could ask for.” He said, setting Joshua among them.

After changing into the stained nightgown, he sighed and was glad the house was mostly quiet.

“What’s the sigh about? Dino asked.

“Why the long face?” Inquired S. Coups.

Another sigh, “Step-father told me there was a ball being held by the prince. I want to go, but I know he won’t let me. He even hid the invitations in his study, probably to hide them until the big day, and...to see the prince just once up close. One night of fun and to see his handsome face. I’d be ever so grateful.”

Joshua giggled, “How do you know the prince is handsome?”

“Well, all princes are handsome to someone, and I just know he’ll be handsome to me.” Hoshi replied with his head in his hands, looking at the flickering candlelight.

“What if you and the prince got to dance together?” Jeonghwa tossed the idea in the air.

The black haired man caught it instantly and ran with it, “Oh, I’d be the luckiest boy in the kingdom!”

The poor young man got up on two feet and began to dance around the room, night birds singing from the windowsill. A few grabbed a clean coat from the closet and helped along with the late night daydream. Joyous orchestral music played in his head as his partner asked him to dance. The two circling around the room as smiles were shared among all the creatures in Hoshi’s bedroom.

That is until a faithful creak on the stairs warned the guests of the imaginary ball to an uninvited party crasher. Quicker than lightning, the coat was stashed under the bed and the candle was blown out by Joshua. Hoshi jumped into bed, facing the wall and pretended to be asleep. He hid the candle blower to his chest to keep him from getting hurt.

A knock, “Ashton?” it was one of his step-brothers using the less than affectionate pet name, but the pounding in his ears made it hard to distinguish with certainty who it was.

A moment later, the door squeaked open and Hoshi shut his eyes tightly. Something rolled up was place on top of the pillow...footsteps...door closed shut...a creaky stair but now in reverse.

The young man let out a breath, letting go of Joshua who scurred over his savior to see what the gift was. Everyone was curious and started to murmer until Hoshi hushed them, using moonlight to make out the words. Then he gasped.

“It’s the invitation!” Quickly, he covered his mouth, hiding the scroll in his trunk at the foot of his bed.

Everyone was ready for the ball and even Hoshi raced down the stairs with invite in hand. He wore his birth father’s coat which he had kept and altered for such an occasion. Then Ren glared at him in the mirror’s reflection.

“And just where do you think you’re going?” He asked.

“T-To the ball with you.”

“Without an invitation? The blonde devil gave a cocky smirk.

Hoshi held up the scroll, “It was placed on my pillow, so I thought--”

“As if Father would let you come with us, Ashton.” Jun said. “And in those rags?”

“You look like utter garbage.” Woozi added.

Then a devious grin crossed the former’s face, “Why don’t we try our hand at some last minute alterations?”

Then the two began to claw and rip and tear the suit of the father Hoshi never knew. AT some point, even the invitation was taken from his hands. Red streaks and marks trailed down the suffering young man’s arms and legs. Ribbons. His clothing had been turned to ribbons of fabric all around him as he cowered on the floor.

The devilish trio weren’t done with their assault just yet as step-father Ren tore up the invite piece by piece in front of his very eyes.

“I don’t know how you thought you were going to get away with stealing from me and invading my private study, but let this be a lesson to you, Ashton. Don’t ever cross me again.” and the paper was thrown over black hair as if it were confetti.

The men left laughing, and Hoshi was left on the floor sobbing and found himself running to his mother’s grave.

Is tears watered the long dead flowers and helped to awaken his mother’s spirit.

“Dear, don’t you cry. Mother will wipe up the wettest eyes. Dearest, don’t you you weep, look into your heart and reveal the goodness you should keep. What does it want~?”

“I want to go to the ball.” He sobbed. “One night where *sniff* I’m not...I’m not forced to clean shoes or mend suits! One night of happiness.”

Wind twirled and picked up his form.

“Then my dearest, I will make your wish come true with a Bippity Boppity Boo. however, come back before midnight because that is when my magic will be through. I do believe what would be best is a bit of gold and blue.”

A crisp power blue suit fell onto Hoshi’s frame, golden Oxfords on his feet, and he looked up just in time to see his mice be turned into horses and a lucky pumpkin turn into the most ornate four wheeled carriage he had ever seen! The young man gasped as Minghao the owl gained human form to become his footman. The torn pieces of the invitation floated out of the home and became whole again.

“Oh, thank you, Mother! Thank you!”

“It’s the least I could do for leaving you with them.” She said, kissing his forehead.

And so off to the ball the crew went.

Bright lights. Loud laughter. Simple chatter. Prince Y/N was having none of it. Of course he was nice and polite and showed off his good upbringing to all that approached. He needed to excuse himself, requiring a moment to breathe as he took off his binder for a few minutes. The appointment would happen before the wedding, but he wasn’t sure if he wanted to get rid of these fatter lumps on his chest.

Mingyu asked from the doorway, “Are you ready to return to the party, my prince? There are several suitors waiting to meet you. If you need more time, please let me know. They will wait for you, my prince.”

“No, no. I’m coming. Just give me a few minutes.”

Then his outfit was done up once more. Just in time, it seemed, as the horns announced another guest arrival. No name since they were rather late, but still. His very wide eyed arrival was nothing compared to his dapper suit the color of the sky. Very fashion forward, nothing you as the prince had thought of wearing. Minimalistic and sleek. Golden shoes on his feet.

You weren’t the only one who noticed as all eyes were on the young man who lit up the room. He did not approach anyone himself, but the Queen asked to dance with the young beauty. You knew she was probably asking about status and other unimportant things. Then again, she was very good at partnering with Father to help rule the kingdom.

You would trust Mother to find a great potential husband for her own son. Just as you turned around, an older man and two young men approached you and bowed deeply.

“Your highness, I am Choi Ren from the Pledis sector. These are my sons Woozi and Jun. Both are very eager to meet you.” He basically pushed his offspring towards the royal.

Each grabbed one of his arms and began to bicker over who he should spend time with first.

“Darlings, behave yourselves~” Ren said with a saccharine tone. “I’ll leave you be.”

The prince turned on his charm, “Well, gentlemen, it seems that I’ll have my arms filled with your handsomeness for the foreseeable future.”

“You talk so pretty.” Woozi swooned.

“Your face is so pretty too.” Jun said. “Like a girl--”

The brother wacked his back as the prince made a face, “Don’t say that!”

“What I get the same thing too, especially when I used to have long hair.”

The prince chuckled tensely, “I get that a lot.”

After the dance with the Queen and a few other kind fold who actual wanted to hold Hoshi in their arms for a few turns in the ballroom, the overwhelmed young man went out onto the expansive balcony for a breather. Sitting on a long bench and looking up at the stars.

“Oh, this is so much fun!” he said out loud to himself and casually walking to the bannister. “I do wish it would never end! I still haven’t met the prince, though. I would be an honor to dance with such a man.”

A high alto voice spoke behind him, “Excuse me…”

Hoshi turned around to see a soft and handsome face staring back at him. Who was this man?

“I’ve been wanting to dance with you all night,” the man said. “May I?” and held out his palm.

The lucky young man smiled and gave his hand, “You very much may.” simply wanting to dance with another kind stranger.

This mysteriously good looking man smiled and the two began to twirl to the distant orchestra which played a smooth and melodic waltz. The men gazed into each others’ eyes as if they held the universe, no their own universe in each orb. Not one moment did they look away.

“How are you enjoying the ball?” They asked in sync and laughed.

“You first,” the soft faced one said.

Hoshi replied, “It is the most magical night of my life! I’ve danced with so many people! My feet should be tired, but I am too happy to feel anything but joy.”

“I haven’t seen you around before.” He said sweetly.

“Well, I’m not really allowed to be seen much.” Hoshi bit his lip, “BUt let’s not talk of that for now.”

The kind dance partner nodded, “I do hope I get to see you more often after tonight. It’s been a tiring night for me as well. Some people have decided to call me Miss--”

“Even though you’re very clearly dressed like a Mister?”

“Yes!” He exclaimed.

Hoshi pouted, “Well, I believe the way one puts themself out there is the way they should be perceived. Sometimes perception is wrong, but there’s not much else you can do except talk to the person.”

“Then again, you can’t talk to every person in the world, also some may not want to be talked to anyways.”

“True.” The enchanted boy said. “But I get to talk to you. That’s all that matters to me right now.”

The first strike of midnight tolled, making Hoshi’s eyes go wide.

“I must go. I’m so very sorry. Oh, but I haven’t even seen the prince yet…” Hoshi said as he turned to go.

“The prince?” Y/N himself said to the young beauty clan in a blue suit.

The beauty that was running away at the moment. He at least tried to follow after him asking for a nam, a house, something so he could find his heart again. There was no doubt that Prince Y/N, that you had fallin in love during your time together.

Black hair bounced as the young man ran away, his shoelace getting caught on a broken part of the stairs, causing a golden Oxford to come flying off. Still, the man in blue ran, barely glancing back at his lost shoe.

You picked it up, however. Took it to your nearest guard Mingyu who was always nearby his trusted prince.

“Get Mother and Father. Tell them I have found the one I shall marry. We just...I just have to find him again.”

Back home just in time, Hoshi’s carriage returned back into a pumpkin. The horses back into mice. Footman Minghao reinstated to owl form. Rich looking suit of powder blue back into dust covered rags. The only thing left was a golden Oxford that the young man kept safe as a memento of the night.

And so the next day began with a bit more sunlight in his heart. He sang a bit louder while making breakfast and was in the back garden hanging up clothing to dry when Ren suddenly grabbed his arm.

“The prince is searching the entire kingdom to find someone he danced with last night at the ball and left a show, so I need you to stay out of sight. Wouldn't want you to bring shame upon us.”

So Hoshi was thrown into his bedroom with the door locked behind him

“Wait! Wait! It was me! Let me out!” He yelled and randing already raw fists against the door. “Please, let me out!”

But no reply other than a vicious scream to tell him to be quiet.

Prince Y/N arrived in much splendor. All eyes were on him as he approached the biggest house in the Pledis sector.

“Is everyone present among possible suitors?” Mingyu asked.

“Yes.” Ren said, shooting a warning glance to his children that didn’t go undetected. “Everyone.”

The one known as Jun was the first to try on the show, trying to stuff his foot inside, but it would not go in. his foot was way too big to properly fill it.

“My feet are swollen from dancing last night.” He tried to explain.

You shook your head, “I doubt a foot would swell so much in such a short period of time.”

As Woozi took his turn in the chair to try on the gold show, it was quite clear his foot was too small to wear the  shoe as intended.

“My--my feet were swollen last night from dancing. I assure you that I am the gentleman you are looking for, your highness.”

You looked down at the young sir, quite concerned, “If your feet swole so much, I suggest seeing a physician. Besides, the man I dance with last night didn’t complain about his feet.”

Again, the shoe was taken off and the man discarded. Prince Y/N sighed and said that the person he hat waltzed with must be at the next house. His knight Mingyu said there were no more houses.

The crash of a vase from upstairs. All heads turned to the source of the sound. Ren cursed the boy he had been forced to care for since his wife and Hoshi’s mother died. Why didn’t he stay quiet?

“Everyone?” You asked in your most princely tone.

“It was a mouse--” Ren began.

“Our maid--” Jun said.

“Our brother--” Woozi started.

Glares towards the shortest felt like daggers.

“He was ill last night and didn’t even attend the ball. You shouldn’t go up there. He might still be sick.” Ren put on his doting father facade.

You crossed your arms and smoothed the skirt you were wearing since wearing pants all night had made your legs start to chafe.

“I have the best doctors in the country. Let me see him, your brother maid.”

Begrudgingly, Ren went upstairs with the prince’s knight behind him, shoe in hand. The door opened and Hoshi was picking up the pieces of the broken case with his hands.

Was it really the prince himself I had danced with last night? Hoshi asked himself as he was brought downstairs to stare at the man.

“Sit.” Ren said, struggling to hold back his usual venom in front of company.

He did and the golden Oxford slid perfectly onto his foot with not too much extra space nor half of the foot hanging out. Not only that, but the mice S. Coups, Jeonghwa, Joshua, and Dino worked together to bring the other shoe downstairs as well.

“The other shoe as well!” Prince Y/N gasped. “You are him!”

“Could you not recognize my face?” Hoshi laughed, tying up his shoes.

The prince blushed, “Do forgive me, my love. It was dark and I needed a couple of drinks to get through the night.”

Hoshi smiled, “I forgive you.”

Prince Y/N then got down on one knee, “Will you also marry me?”

“Yes! Yes! A thousand times yes!”

The prince and Hoshi shared a loving embrace and a beautiful kiss. Less than a week later, the wedding was held.