Whisper Of The Wind [ONF FF]

Chapter 8

As celebrations neared, the palace slowly turned into a frenzy of busy people. Yuto paused his visits to the town for a few days, no matter how much he longed to go, how much he missed Minkyun or wanted to let him know he was doing fine, the matters of the palace came first. He had also given Changyun a break so he could properly enjoy his new relationship along with all the new responsibilities it brought.

Yuto's family had always been the ruler of the Kingdom, creating and undoing rules as they went. It was not the first time a member of the family had a person of a lower status as a love interest, Yuto's father had been a knight, inheriting his mother's status after marriage. It was, however, the first time such applied to a Crown Prince. It was also the first time the Crown Prince's love interest was someone of the same gender. It was in many ways as if Yuto was witnessing a romance novel developing right in front of him.

The urge to tell Minkyun about it, to excitedly chat with him about how the love of his friends looked straight out of a romance fiction left Yuto missing the other even more. Minkyun made each day they spent together memorable, be it by his warmth or his unique personality.

"Prince Yuto? Have I done anything wrong?"

He was pulled away from his thoughts by a concerned maid, the said lady holding a turquoise fabric roll mid-air, scaring Yuto all of a sudden.

"Ah, no, nothing's wrong, my apologies."

The maid returned to her previous task, laying the different tones of blue across Yuto's body, taking measures as she went.

"Is my Prince sure? Your sighing was quite profound."

"I just miss the town."

A dark blue fabric was draped over his shoulder, being cut almost immediately after by a sharp knife.

"Oh, I thought Prince was allowed to go freely?"

"I haven't had much free time."

The maid then grabbed a few periwinkle blue strings, taking note of where to sew them later on. "This is your last task, isn't it? How about you go there tomorrow morning? The royal family will head over to town in the afternoon to conduct the presentations. The festivities will officially begin after."

Yuto seemed to have an epiphany at that moment, his mind only then realizing what exactly the ceremonies meant. And there was less than one day till they begun. Being presented to the Kingdom as a Prince? He might not be able to freely walk around town as before. Besides, he had lied to everyone he met there. He had lied to the Baker lady. He had lied to Hyojin. Worst of all, he had lied to Minkyun. How was Yuto supposed to face him?

"There, done. I suggest you get some rest now Prince."

The maid excused herself, leaving Yuto inside his room, alone with his thoughts. What should he do? Should he come clean the next day? Or should he let Minkyun find out during the celebrations?

He knew the first option was the most correct one, his etiquette lessons told him as such. However, he was also aware that he wouldn't be able to go through with it, the short time he had was not enough for him to prepare what he would say. So that left only the second option.

He exhausted his brain, trying to think of the best possible route, searching for a scenario where he would be able to tell the shopkeeper and the latter wouldn't be hurt by his lies nor shocked by the news.

Then a new thought joined the chaotic others. How would Minkyun even react? Would he want to stop getting acquainted with Yuto because of his status? Would he be distraught?

Yuto's mind refused to come up with a positive outcome, leaving him drowning in a sea of negativity. He decided to force himself to sleep, rest was crucial for the following day.

_____

Yuto walked in circles in front of the big wooden lodge he had gone to almost two weeks previous. His biggest fear was to disrupt Changyun, especially it being uncertain he was currently alone. Yuto's ears burned bright red at his thoughts, him trying to erase whatever scenario of his friend's relationship had just been suggested by his brain.

It hadn't been long since he had been there, or at least he did not think so, when the front door of the lodge opened. To the worst of his nightmares the person who walked out was exactly who he had feared meeting there.

"Y-your Highness."

Jaeyoung looked at him with a surprised expression, his sleepy expression quickly transforming into a gentle one.

"Yuto! Good morning."

It was only then Yuto took a good look at his cousin. It was the first time in a few years that he saw the other in such an innocent state. He was still in his satin pajamas, his hair sticking up towards various directions and he wasn't wearing any shoes. A chuckle left him before he could hold it. It was an adorable sight.

"I'm too sleepy to scold you but don't think I don't see you laughing at me."

"Are you talking to someone Jaeyoung?"

Another person walked out from the lodge, bright pink coloring their cheeks once they saw the visitor. "Yuto!"

Yuto laughed, freely teasing the couple. "What happened to sticking to formalities Changyun?"

The older boy rolled his eyes, walking towards his friend to shove him lightly. "Why should I keep formalities with my boyfriend? We broke a few rules, it's just another one."

Yuto lifted an eyebrow, looking from one half of the pair to the other. "Wild."

"Excuse me?" Jaeyoung questioned, a chuckle sneaking past his lips.

"It's an expression Minkyun uses a lot."

"Speaking of Minkyun," Changyun interrupted, pointing at the hat on Yuto's head. "Does being here have anything to do with him?"

Yuto rubbed the short hairs on the back of his neck. "It might."

"I can get ready to go to town in five minutes if you want."

"Ah, no. I do not wish to disrupt you two. Like you two said, one more broken rule won't hurt, right? Tell His Majesty I'll meet you in town and please let the maid know she should bring my suit with her as I'll change there."

Jaeyoung smiled, walking closer to squeeze his cousin's shoulder. "Go. But don't break as many rules when I become King, alright? I do not wish to punish you."

"Tell that to your lover."

With that Yuto left the two of them, walking by himself towards the town. He felt happy for his friends, it was obvious both of them had been looking more smiley recently.

"Who's Minkyun?" Jaeyoung asked as soon as Yuto left, back-hugging Changyun as they saw the younger's retreating back.

"Someone who might take Yuto to town permanently. Hopefully."

"Do you wish to get rid of my cousin that much?"

"No! I wish for his happiness. And that is over there."

"You see it too. He's happier over there."

"He is. I just hope he realizes it as well."