#kokonomeme

TO: takane(r)FROM: haruka

TO: takane(r)FROM: haruka

TO: takane(r)FROM: haruka

TO: mary-chanFROM: haruka

"Am I? When I see some food I really wanna eat I must get a little intense... sorry Shintaro!"

...

It had been an odd conversation in the first place. Maybe because of Seto's close friendship with Mary, an avid reader of fairytales, the topic of knights, princes, and princesses had cropped up, but no matter the reasoning, Haruka saw no reason not to indulge in the topic at hand. 

"Hm... I've never thought about princes like that. Those kinds of characters only exist in stories, or... at least I think so." He's never met any princes, so it looks like he won't be the sort of helpful person Seto needs. Real princes or even prince-like characters, Haruka doesn't think he's had experience with either. 

"Heh, I guess that's true. But even normal people could act like a prince if they tried though, right? So they could exist..." Tilting his head, Haruka wonders what the younger boy's concern is. He'd like to help if he can, but scrunching his eyebrows, he just can't seem to come to a conclusion about it. Does he... possibly want to meet one of these so-called princes? He must be entrusting his deepest fears to him, and with this sudden responsibility on his shoulders, Haruka reaches a firm resolution.

"I've never met a prince, but I can do my very best impression of one for you, Seto-kun!" Somewhat taken aback by his sudden proclamation, an easygoing smile quickly eases onto the others face. 

"Alright, give me your best then!" Coughing a bit and puffing himself up, Haruka thinks of the types of people princes are usually depicted as. Strong, brave, valiant, charming... he can do this, for Seto's sake!

"The beautiful Princess Seto-kun, it is an honor to be allowed in your magnificent presence!" What other kind of lines should he say? Oh-- princes must do princely things too, he can't forget that part. Dropping immediately to one knee, Haruka gently grasps one of the other boy's hands, and places a gentle kiss to the back of it.

"As a humble prince, your presence dazzles me." Eyes sparkling up at the "princess", Haruka eagerly awaits the reception of his act. Blinking a bit, the recipient swiftly replies with a sunny grin.

"You'd make a perfect prince, Haruka." Breathing a sigh of relief, he moves onto the next order of business.

"I'm sure you'll meet your prince someday too, Seto-kun! I bet they'll be even better than me, so keep looking and don't lose hope!" It must be nice to chase a dream, Seto deserves a kind prince for all his aspirations. Someone who will cherish him and shower him with all sorts of compliments and praise. 

"W-Wait that's not--" Lost in his own delusions, Haruka fails to register the dark haired boy's objections.

"I'm rooting for you, and I'm here to support you every step of your journey. You'll look high and low, and for awhile it might seem pointless, but then...!" Haruka pauses for dramatic build up, but Seto takes it as a chance to interject.

"Uh, Haruka--"

"Then," the older boy flawlessly interrupts, "that special person will show up in your time of need, and abolish the darkness of waiting and wondering, making every trial and hardship worth it in the end." It's a wonderful and admirable tale of willpower and determination, and just thinking about it inspires Haruka. 

"U-Uhm... y'see..." Seto tries once more, only to get brown eyes blazing with newfound excitement towards him in response.

"But if all else fails, I don't mind being your prince if you'll settle for me. No matter what I'll help you accomplish your dream in the end!" Sometimes, even if it's not the best option, having just one option you can always fall back on it reassurance in itself. If he can be this lifeline for his friend, that'll be enough for him.

Having been thoroughly defeated by his senior's enthusiasm, Seto gives a good-natured, yet still hesitant, response.

For as long as he can remember, the three of them have been impartial to sleeping arrangements. Haruka has long since dismissed the importance of who he’s resting with, instead prioritizing his comfort to be able to slip into the most fulfilling state of unconsciousness. Whether this includes hugging his pillow or hugging a body next to him rotates depending on the night. Whether he’s crawled into Konoha or Kuroha’s bed—though sometimes they all end up together too—is also a detail left to discover in the morning.

Blearily blinking into semi-consciousness, Haruka can only vaguely register his environment. Warm, comfortable, and it feels like a point in the morning that’s too early to warrant rolling out of bed, in other words completely reserved for half asleep dozing. Lazily encircling his arms around what he’s passed off as his pillow, Haruka buries his face in a musky, unmistakably masculine scent with an edge of… gunpowder? There’s a vague moment of confusion—it doesn’t quite strike him as his pillow’s smell—but sleepiness overrides real questioning and the black haired boy nuzzles deeper into the fabric with a content sigh. 

"The fuck are you doing?"