unexpected reality // coroika

「strange day」

"damn it, we lost!" eging scoffed as he got up from the ground.

"a king beaten by such team.." emperor mumbled and began to walk away. he didn't say a word to his teammates.

"guys, we'll- brother? where are you.." prince stopped his sentence as it was futile to continue. soon enough, he was out of sight.

"that guy! always walking off like nothing. agh, let's just go home." eging slumped his way out of the lobby with n-pacer behind him. she waved the prince goodbye as they leave the square.

he sighed. yet again, he was left alone to do who knows what. he would usually hang out with the team or one of his friends but they weren't available.

he stayed in the lobby thinking of what he could do next. there wasn't much to do besides shop, sit at square or do turf with randoms. his thinking state was interrupted by a growl in his stomach. he ultimately decided to get food.

walking out of lobby, he notices the lack of people in the square. it was typically packed; with people trying to get in full shops or waiting in excruciatingly long lines.

after the short wait in line and ordering his food, he received a text from his group.

-

N-Pacer: We're having practice at five.
N-Pacer: And be here on time. We are NOT waiting half an hour again.

eging: got it princess

N-Pacer: Do not call me that.

-

prince watched as it goes back and forth with the two. he lets out a soft giggle and puts the phone in his pocket.

prince grabs his food and goes to an empty table. as he takes his seat, he notices a certain inkling heading his way. the inkling sees the prince looking at him and gives a shaky wave.

"h-hi, mr. prince!" he takes a seat next to prince .

"hey laceless, did you need something?" prince takes a bite of his food.

"i was wondering if you'd want to hang out later today." he asked with an unsure tone.

"well, i have practice soon. when i'm done with that, i'll be able to!" he gets a surprised reaction out the boy.

"o-oh, thank you! i'll wait for you then, since i get off work at seven." prince let's out a soft gasp. "i never knew you worked!"

"r-right.. i never told you. i officially work at the mansion! i help out my dad with the gardening."

"that sounds cool! you get to spend some time with your dad." prince would be lying if he didn't envy laceless a little. he got to be with his dad doing something they both enjoy. he wished he still had this relationship with his own father, or even with his older brother–emperor.

"yeah! i really do enjoy it. he's where i get all my information about the plants from. maybe, someday i'll teach you about–" he abruptly froze. "ah...im rambling too much, aren't i?"

the prince lets out a gentle giggle "not at all! im interested in knowing more about the plants in my yard."

they both laugh as the taller inkling looks at his phone. "ah! my break is almost over, i'll see you, mr. prince!" laceless then speed walks out the square off to the mansion.