Transmigrated as the ill 2nd Prince (BL)

Chapter 13: A Night in the Garden (Rewritten)

Hiroka’s POV

My vision was still blurry when I slowly opened my eyes. I sat up from the soft fabric beneath me and rubbed my eyes to clear the haze. As the world came back into focus, I realized I was in my room.

'Right, I must’ve fallen asleep.'

I glanced toward the window, noticing the sky was still cloaked at night. The stars shimmered, and the moon cast its gentle light over everything. It was beautiful, too beautiful to ignore. Something about it pulled me, like the night sky was inviting me outside.

Carefully, I slid out of bed and tiptoed toward the door, mindful not to make a sound.

Everyone in the palace was surely asleep at this hour. I slipped through the hallways and out into the open, letting the cool night air greet me.

I needed to see the stars up close. Staying inside my room felt suffocating. I’ve spent enough time trapped indoors in another life, hospital rooms, IV drips, and sterile white walls. I wasn’t even allowed to step outside then. But here? Here, I was free. No more confinement, no more waiting. Just me and the world.

As I wandered aimlessly, I found myself in the palace garden without realizing it. Flowers bloomed in soft clusters, swaying gently in the cool breeze. Their delicate scents floated through the air.
Nearby, a bench beckoned to me, so I took a seat, letting the night wrap itself around me.

The flowers seemed to dance with the wind, and the breeze almost sounded like a song.

I hadn't sung in so long. The thought flickered, and I smiled quietly to myself.

Once upon a time, I used to sing songs filled with daydreams and hopes. I used to imagine a better life, lying in that hospital bed, dreaming of freedom.

One song, in particular, stayed with me, a song that meant more than words ever could: A Million Dreams.

It was a song Aki and I once promised to sing together. But, that dream would never come to pass. Even so, the urge to sing it now swelled inside me.

I took a breath, the cool air filling my lungs, and opened my mouth to sing.

When the last note faded into the night, I heard a sudden crack. I jolted upright and scanned the darkness. A figure stood awkwardly nearby, his foot pressing down on a broken branch.

It was Riku.

He looked as stunned as I was, standing frozen in place, as if unsure whether to run or stay. He was dressed differently tonight. Cleaner, more refined.

I could tell the maids had done their job well. He seemed nervous, shifting slightly as if ready to leave.

Before he could turn away, I spoke. “Why are you here?”

_____

Riku’s POV

I tensed, unsure how to answer. Words didn’t come easily to me, especially not when I was talking to someone like him. This was only the second time we’d spoken alone.

“I…” I started, my voice faltering. “I came to look at the flowers.”

The truth was, I’d seen the garden from the window of the guest room earlier. It looked beautiful, even more so under the night sky. I couldn’t resist sneaking out, hoping to experience it for myself. I knew I probably needed permission to come here, but I didn’t ask. I doubted they’d let me, so I waited until everyone was asleep and slipped out.

I didn’t expect to hear him singing. His voice was, captivating. I’ve never heard anything like it. It made me stop in my tracks, drawn to him as if his song pulled me in.

Now, here he was, waiting for my answer. His gaze was calm, but I could feel the weight of his question.

“I’m sorry,” I added quickly, bowing my head. “I didn’t mean to intrude, Your Highness.”

I stood still, bracing myself for punishment. I knew I shouldn’t have wandered around without permission. But what he said next left me stunned.

“It’s fine,” he said softly. “You can stay if you like. The flowers are lovely tonight.”

I blinked, raising my head in surprise. He smiled at me, his expression gently, and something about it made me feel safe.

“There’s no need for permission,” Hiroka continued. “This garden belongs to everyone. It was built so people could relax and find peace. My mother used to say it was for anyone who needed a place to breathe.”

His words left me speechless. No one had ever told me something like that before. I was used to being treated like an outsider, someone who didn’t belong. But standing here, in this garden under the stars, with him, I didn’t feel out of place.

Hiroka leaned back slightly, his gaze drifting upward to the sky. His expression was soft and peaceful.

He looked like the moon itself. Calm, distant, and quietly radiant.

And for the first time in a long while, I felt myself smile.