Narubi

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Aki looks out of the school’s entrance, it was 6pm and the rain started to pour. He had no umbrella and there was practically no other student around to ask for help. But even if there were, he probably won’t ask for their help nor would they help a kid like him. He was the standard creep, sitting at the back of the class, tall and lanky with unkempt hair. The outcast, that one kid no one dared to sit with. He didn’t care though–He couldn’t care less as long as she was here he could go through anything. 

With his thoughts spiraling, he didn’t notice the presence behind him.

“It’s pouring pretty hard isn’t it?” A voice spoke up beside him, he whipped his head around.

He saw a person–a student, he never quite noticed before beside him. Were they a classmate? Someone else? Did they witness what he did earlier… Aki examines the person in front of them and notices a red band in their arm; a member of the student council.

“You don’t look like you have an umbrella with you, wanna walk home together?” they offered casually as if they weren’t asking the class outcast to walk home together, Aki was stunned of course. But they showed him their folded umbrella, a smile adorned their face and warmth was practically radiating from them. Aki was speechless, no one had ever been this kind to him before;he couldn’t find it in himself to reject such an offer.

“You’re very tall, you know! I never really noticed it up until now” you brought up literally struggling to keep your hand high to reach his head. Even if you’re pretty tall, the guy was taller than you; his tall stature adding to his already creepy demeanor “Can you hold up the umbrella instead? It looks like you won’t have any trouble doing so..?”

Aki looks at you and without a word, he reaches out to hold the umbrella between both of you.

….

Aside from the loud rain, it was quiet between you two. It was awkward, you guys were practically strangers before this despite being in the same class together. Half of yourself didn’t mind the silence but half of you think this is the perfect time to connect with Aki. Afterall, not a lot of people are close with him–scratch that no one was close with him. You shook off the thought, the solemn silence made you wonder why he was at school so late.

“Mn,.. now that I think about it, Why were you at school so late?” you ask the male beside you. Looking up at him expecting a reply, but you get none so you decide to tell him yours instead.

“Student council work has kept me this late at school, that damn vice president is all to blame! always neglecting her work.” you explain, recalling the moment she shrugged off a lame excuse and then went to entertain her girls. Because of that, you had to stay overtime at the council room. 

You look up at Aki beside you, he seems unfazed but listening. Content with that, you keep the one-sided conversation between you. 

Despite being a little annoyed, listening to you talk kept Aki from his thoughts spiralling again. He didn’t tell you but he was at school so late so he could kill that pest flirting with his darling. With a fake love letter; consider it a dirty trick sure, but he knew that desperate scum would fall for that. Surely enough when the clock hit 6pm the guy was dead, disposed of and missing. Another step closer to his darling. 

That’s why he was so shocked to find there was still someone else at school. He thought about killing you too but when you offered to walk home together; you managed to shock him again. He couldn’t stand any other person but his darling; so he doesn’t quite know why he complied with walking with you. Maybe, it’s not so bad.

“Wow the rain isn’t letting up, when do you think it’s going to stop?” You asked him but the question was more to yourself. Learning that he wouldn’t let any reply other than a simple ‘m’ or a shrug. That’s alright though, at least he was listening?

The train was full with people going home, minding their business. You were sitting beside two people and Aki was in front of you standing with his hand gripping the handles above. You actually offered him the seat first but he declined, muttering something about the least he could do.

You two reached the street where you learned both of you lived. It was a relief because that means you wouldn’t have to travel far to reach your own house. But all this travelling made you a little hungry so you asked Aki if you could stop at a convenience store located near the road.

The automatic door opens for you two as the familiar chime of the store rings. Aki followed you through the isles listening to you ramble about some brand of instant noodles and how you can’t really eat noodles at your house and then some more. You bought two and ushered him to try it out as well, winking at him and saying it was your treat.

Aki looks down at the noodles cooking in front of him, the lid is closed with chopsticks on top. You sat down beside him with your own noodles cooking. Both of you were the only customers in the convenience store aside from the employee working behind the counter. With the close proximity you both have brought by shared seats, he couldn’t help but feel like this is a… date?

He shook his head in denial, both of you were practically strangers! He doesn’t even know your name and besides you weren’t his darling, so this isn’t counted right? Aki couldn’t deny how nice this feels though, despite his reputation and his unwillingness to talk; you walked with him and felt comfortable enough to share some things about your life.

He can’t help the small blush that crept to his pale cheeks. His posture was slouched and his head hung low that subtly turned to look at you talk. His mouth pressed into a thin line.

‘This was nice.. You were nice.’ He thinks as he listens to you talk about something else. More focused on his thoughts about you than what you were saying. But…

Wouldn’t he be cheating on his darling..?

You both finished your noodles and the rain stopped a while earlier in your feast. Aki got up insisting to take both of the plastic bowls to the trash while you got up and collect your things. You wait for him in front of the store and he walks up to you hastily and stumbles a bit on the way. You let out a soft, breathy laugh but no words were exchanged as you both began walking to the direction of his house. 

You didn’t really need to walk together now that the rain stopped, but it was a bit awkward to move away now. You figured as the class rep and council president, you should at least make sure your fellow classmate made it home safe. And that’s exactly what you did, despite Aki’s reputation in the class; you found him and his small replies calming to be with.

Reaching Aki’s apartment block, you both went up the stairs to get to his unit. As you reach his door, Aki gets his keys but stops midway after fumbling his doorknob a bit. 

“Woah your place is near mine, that’s a relief” You mention as you look around the dim apartment, all the units seem to have their lights closed and the place seems a little unkempt but it was a fine condition to live in. As your eyes continue their exploration of the place, you hear Aki’s keys stop jingling.

“..What’s your name..?” He asks you, not looking up from where he was looking. You looked at him stunned at his question but you told him anyway.

“It’s [y/n]? We’re in the same class” you say casually with a small smile. Aki nods subtly and then turns to you. Muttering your name as if trying to remember it in his tongue.

“Well.. uhm.. Goodbye [y/n]” he mutters out quietly to you as a familiar click of the door opening is heard between you two. You bid your farewell to him and went down the stairs, Aki looks at your shrinking form from the balcony. Watching your every move. As if feeling his eyes yet to leave you, you turn around and see him just standing over the balcony, not even leaning against the rails.

“See you tomorrow Aki! And make sure to remember my name this time” You joke as you wave at him from the parking lot. He waves a bit too, and that was enough for you to take your leave.

“See you.. [y/n]” He says quietly. Looking at the spot you were at earlier. 

Aki rushes inside his apartment, locking it behind himself hastily as he turns around and slides down against the door. Sitting down on the floor where all the shoes were, it was a little wet from the rain but he couldn’t care less.

He vigorously puts a hand to his mouth, a big, red blush covered the entirety of his face and his eyes looked like they were at the brink of ecstasy. Aki looked lovesick–he couldn’t think of his ‘darling’ anymore, right then and there he decided. You were the one, you were his other half, his soulmate. And you clearly showed reciprocation to him.. So that must mean.. You two were meant for each other? Both of his hands were on his face now, trying hard to hold his head that was heavy at the thoughts of you. A smile crept on his face– he let himself fall, fall more into the abyss of his love. Anything he did for Kaori was behind him now, she never cared for him anyways;considered him a creep like everyone else in class. And now a new angel appeared in his life. A brand new salvation that accepts him for who he is.

He isn’t about to let go now.

Not precisely what he was expecting. Growing up as the son of the former general, Sebastian thought that naturally he’ll be succeeding his father. Training everyday and polishing his swordsmanship, sometimes going with his and your father on their different trips and expeditions, he figured he was experienced enough to climb the ranks amongst the soldiers. He marches through the open hallway of the castle besides the indoor castle, his friend beside him tries to convince him to not make a big deal out of the situation but how can he? If after 4 years he’s still not promoted to a higher rank yet he hears the new recruit who’s ‘coincidentally’ one of the counselor's son, was now a rank higher than him? His ego can’t take it, if he has to take this problem to you then so be it. He makes a beeline for the council room, where a meeting was being held. He has another reason for making such a disrespectful intrusion, recently defense and attack plans for the kingdom have been nothing but a failure. Sebastian has a sneaking suspicion that this may be a plot to sabotage the kingdom because of some very fortunate circumstances happening inside the castle. Ascending the throne too early after your father was killed, these old bastards are taking advantage of your inexperienced reign of the kingdom. They may be planning to overrule you and he can’t have that happening now can he? 

You sit at the end table with your hands pinching at your brow as you listen to the council members try and persuade you to take certain actions that you know will play at their hands. Despite their shallow judgement of you, you were very aware that they were trying to take advantage of your naivete. But you let it all happen, you don’t know why but maybe it’s because of your recent father’s passing or your disinterest in such matters like expanding territory.

‘The land covered by our rule is far enough, no?’ you thought to yourself as you sit up straight, still observing the debate between members. “Silence, I have decided a plan of action.” With your hand raised up, in an attempt to silence the room but a hast swing of the door that resulted in a loud bang instantly stole their attention from you. The council came into a halt, heads turned to the door with a shock and confused look amongst their faces; taken aback at the intrusion. At the door stood Sebastian, along with two knights and his friend convincing him to retreat back to the barracks. It was too late though, as Sebastian can never be convinced once he made up his mind. “[Y/n]!” he speaks out, his voice loud as you see him walk towards you. The informality of his greeting shocks the people in the room but you only raised your brow at him. “Your highness, if we must ignore this intrusion, we need to decide on a move to Izbeltt!” One of them cries out, Sebastian notices this. “Make a move? Like what, send another one of our troops to die in a meaningless fight for land?” He starts, ticking off some of the council members. Before they can rebut him, he continues on. “We have been on good terms with all our neighboring kingdoms, but ever since King [L/n] passed all you greedy fools have been scrambling to sever connections!” Sebastian accuses them, You sit with wide eyes. You were under the impression that both Izbeltt and Sezaria were the ones to have made the first move, threatening your kingdom. “You little- agh, your highness! Punish this man for intruding on a private meeting!” one of the men tries to plead with you, but it feels more like a command that you ignore. You look towards Sebastian and he walks up to you with soft eyes but a determined face. He tries to speak but- “You are dismissed Sebastian,” You cut him off before he starts. A look on your face has him understand that you mean to meet later privately instead. He turns around to leave with his friend waiting for him by the doorway.

Later in the evening, while you were sitting on your desk scanning through various materials of reports from your subjects alike you hear a knock on your door. “You may enter” you speak, the door clicks as the knob is twisted. Sebastian enters your room, marvelling at the intricate details around the area. You look up at him from your desk and set down the papers in your hand, he walks up to you sitting at one of the chairs opposite to your table. “Good evening Sebastian,” You greet, eyes crinkling as you smile up at him. He gets stunned for a moment. “Good evening, your highness” he greets back. ‘Damn you and your beautiful smile’ he thinks as his brain processes your marvelous smiling face.

“Drop the formalities, we’ve known each other long enough for you to call me by my name right?” you chuckle, finding the irony in calling you by name in public yet by status in public. “So, what brought you to disrupt the meeting from earlier hm? Miss me much?” you joke but Sebastian can’t help but agree to your latter inquiry.

Sebastian relaxes in your presence, feeling just like two old friends that come to reunite. Nothing like the gritting formalities and fake reverence that has to be kept within the castle walls. It wasn’t that you guys weren’t friends but you’ve come so much further than him now, if only he was the general then maybe-

“The council is failing you, you know?” He cuts that line of thought, instead speaking what he wanted to tell you so many times before but never finding the chance. “They’ve been failing my men, sending them out to die like cattle on the battlefield. Barely any information or preparation for them, I can’t keep seeing them die and our forces dwindle.” He continues to explain the situation in the military.

“Hm, they also have lied to me about certain information so that I can appeal their decisions, I’ve only discovered that we were never threatened by Izbeltt and Sezaria” you ponder, putting a hand on your chin as you look down on the papers on your desk but your mind is in a different place, wondering what other information have they been withholding to you.

“I suspect they may be sabotaging the kingdom, may it be to turn you to a puppet king or to give a different kingdom an advantage to us.” Sebastian brings out possibilities on what the council’s schemes could be. “Not only that but Sir Velyarde (council member) has a son who’s high in the ranks of the soldiers, that cheating bastard.” He says with annoyance this time, glaring to the side where his reflection glares back at him in the mirror. “How can we stop them? We can’t really identify all those who have been plotting the downfall of this kingdom,” you ask Sebastian “There’s probably a huge portion of the council who work with them for their decisions to be agreed with,” You continue, trying to pick off which ones suggest questionable plans. But it seems impossible to detect, you can’t recall any consistent men who have suggested reckless plans. 

‘They must be good at hiding it among themselves’ you concluded. Sebastian looks at you with a slight blush on his cheek, seeming a little embarrassed to say something. “It's embarrassing to say this…but I think there’s also someone that's hindering me from ascending to general.” He stumbles a bit on his word, trying to speak his mind clearly while trying to also avoid sounding entitled. “It is a little weird.. With your experience and talents, Sir Lavryes would have announced you a high position if not a general like your father.” You consider this thought, Sebastian's heart quells at the mention of his father but he’s thankful for your consideration of his personal matter. He swears this problem is actually a conspiracy and he definitely didn’t bring this up to your attention so you can personally announce to him your general nodefinitelynotthathaha-

“I think this may play into our advantage though” You brought up, looking at him with a smile. It stops his spiraling train of thought and he opens his ears to your idea.

“Say Seb, why don’t you be my concubine?” The statement was blunt and unexpected, It gave Sebastian’s heart a little jump at the idea. Sure you guys are childhood friends and he spent his whole life yearning for you and maybe because you broughtthisideacoulditmeanyoualsolikehim?

He shakes his head, finding himself spiraling again. This probably has a different purpose in relation to the contents of your conversation earlier. He tries to stop his beating heart that he could almost feel climbing up his throat, a slight blush on his face as he tries to remain stoic towards you. “What do you mean?” He questions a small part of him hoping this may lead to something bigger. “Well, if you think about it you could always be by my side during council meetings.” You start explaining your plan to him. “I can’t assign you to be my personal bodyguard right now and if we use the excuse for my lack of concubines at the moment then we could both observe their behavior in the meetings.” you continue explaining. “And with your experience on the battlefield, having seen it with your own eyes. You can also give me advice on what decisions to accept or reject or even bring up” Your eyes light up at him, proud of yourself for this plan you brought up. “Then, we can promptly sort through which ones can potentially be the rats in our council!” you snap your fingers. Sebastian gapes at you, seemingly on board with the idea. Not only can he take a break from knightly duties but he could also be around you from time to time.

“I think that's a good idea, [y/n]” he speaks up, voicing his agreement to your plan.

“Your highness, isn’t this-” Sir Velyarde tries to inquire only to be hushed by you. “Shush, May the council meeting begin.” [Y/n] announces as the council members gapes at the knight beside you. Sharp eyes observe every movement among the crowds as you continue the meeting from yesterday. Trying a little hard to ignore the revealing outfit he’s wearing, it might take a little while to get used to it, especially since he’s used to the armor that barely leaves any skin to be shown when worn.

“For the mission,” He thinks, he focuses on the crowd before him. “What about…!” A council member pitches an idea. Underneath the table, Sebastian draws an X on your thigh and soon the idea is immediately rejected by you. “Then why don’t we…?” Idea rejected. “I suggest…” Idea rejected. “We should…!” Idea rejected. Soon the council room was like the battlefield in itself. Its members fought for [y/n] to accept their plans and suggestions, but with the battle-ridden knight towering before them they failed to take advantage of the king. All the proposals that proved to be a future failure or proposals that hid a scheme were all turned down. “I say we must do a peace treaty with Izbeltt or Sezaria.” Sir Vallyaris speaks up. A proposal that caught both you and Sebastian’s attention. You urge Sir Vallyaris to continue. “Your highness, rather than surrendering that each kingdom seems to strongly stand against, then I suggest we mend our ties with them by a peace treaty.” He continues with the proposal, some members of the council start considering his plan and nod along his words.

“But your highness we can’t-” A council member tries to debate Sir Vallyaris but [y/n] quickly shuts them off, allowing Sir Vallyaris to continue. “We haven’t caused them major damage and since we already have a long history with them, we should be able to persuade them easily for a peace treaty. I can’t guarantee it will solve tensions but it could at least stop all these meaningless battles.” Sir Vallyaris explained. “But what could be provided as the symbol of the peace treaty?” Sir Ellayn asks the man.

“Your highness, since it seems like you’ve begun appointing concubines, why don’t you also accept the prince of Sezaria and princess of Izbeltt as your concubines? I’m sure King Zolos and King Attypus will be more than happy to settle this with just their sons and daughters.” Sir Vallyaris turns to you and looks at Sebastian behind you. You lean on the tall chair you're sitting at and give the idea some thought, this could definitely solve the issue but what would the man next to you think? Unbeknownst to you, Sebastian was seething. First day as YOUR concubine and he’s already about to have some competition? Prince or princess, peace treaty- It doesn’t matter! He’s your childhood friend and he’s known you ever since you were little! He earned that concubine title more than anyone! If they’re going to be concubines, might as well assign him to be your spouse.

You look over to the man next to you, looking at his shocked expression can’t help but make you worry. But this seems like a chance you couldn’t turn down, what’s a few more concubines? 

After the successful meeting, some of the council members can’t help but discuss among themselves about your new concubine. “I can’t believe the king’s taste to be so..” One of the men started. Earning some scoffs at what they said. “I thought the first concubine they’d take would be a beautiful lady from a distinguished family but a knight? From the Llyais heritage of brutes?”  “I expected them to be like their father, taking in beautiful men and women despite the background, not like- a battle hardened knight!”

“I can’t see anyone from house Llyais to be a concubine, even their daughters end up as knights! And that previous general, Veldar, always scared me..”

“Good riddance! I hope he never comes back!”

The small group of council members discussed among themselves as they went back to their own rooms in the castle.

Meanwhile, in his own new room, Sebastian paces back and forth thinking about what Sir Vallyaris suggested earlier. He couldn’t even begin to understand why you agreed to it; he couldn’t blame you though, it was a good proposal that could fix the tense relationships amongst the kingdoms. Still, deep inside the selfish part of his heart, a childish yearning bloomed back like a warm explosion in his chest, he wishes that you rejected the proposal for his sake.