𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐓

FIVE.

It isn't exactly that  Arion had a terrible past.

Of course, since Y/n knows the game, he knows the details of each love interest's history — specifically the Crown Prince's.  Arion wasn't physically harmed by his parents — they simply weren't there. They didn't hate him; his birth was the result of an arranged marriage, and they never went out of their way to care for their young child.

Young maids filled that role, but none treated him as an equal. The weight of his position made others defer to him, looking up to him as someone above them. He longed for someone who would understand him, someone his equal. The game never mentioned this. It never hinted that  Arion wanted an equal relationship. But hours of playing reveal the truth: the yandere prince craves someone who sees him as a person, not just a crown.

In the game, he doesn't have an equal relationship with Angelina. She admires the prince, but her fascination is for the idealized version — the figure of power and status — not for the person himself.  Arion is intrigued by her: by her actions, her words, her presence. Perhaps obsession, but never love; his need for equality is never fulfilled.

Hours, days, months — Y/n has spent every moment in this game. It was his escape from the bleak hospital life.
And now —

He is outside.

With the Crown Prince, of all people.

Y/n knows what he's getting himself into. He is fulfilling the Crown Prince's unspoken wish: being his equal, something even Angelina could not achieve in the past. A rapidly blossoming friendship, perhaps. A relationship? No. They are both men. But either way; that out of the way — the city square is amazing. Boutiques! Food stalls! The atmosphere! Y/n doesn't know how long he stands there dumbly, taking it all in when the prince interrupts him.

"You look so..."  Arion trails off. "You look...enthralled."

Y/n freezes, cheeks heating. "Do I?"

"Yes."

"I've never seen much of this," he admits.

"Really?" Arion blinks, "I would've thought you would."

"I don't think you have a right to comment," Y/n frowns. "You brought me here."

"And you said you were headed here," Arion says, tilting his head. "Are you sure you've seen any of this? Or did you simply deem it beneath you?"

"I was a bit of a shut-in," Y/n glares. "You can't judge. You are a prince, the firstborn son of the Imperial Family. You are the cream of the crop; so perhaps this is nothing to you."

"Point taken,"  Arion says easily. "Yes, I was raised in luxury. Jealous?"

"No," Y/n says. "Not at all. I'm just thinking that perhaps I could be doing much more worthwhile things."

"Hm?"  Arion hums. "Improving your chess skills to beat me, perhaps? I hope so."

Y/n narrows his eyes. The prince — he does not — !

"Your ego is as high as your chess skills."

Arion raises an eyebrow, unaffected. "Did I not prove that already?"

He did. Unfair.

"Did anyone tell you manners are essential for a future ruler, Your Highness?"

"Oh, certainly,"  Arion says smoothly. "Manners are important, and that's why I'm guiding you through the city square. First time here, is it not? You'd get lost."

Again, he is correct.

Y/n sighs, conceding. He would indeed be lost without guidance. But agreeing with the prince is aggravating.

"Alright, Your Highness," Y/n says, defeated. "You win."

Arion smiles. He looks victorious. Another win in a verbal battle.

"But," Y/n hedges, "just follow behind me. I hate following your shadow. How about you keep up with me?"

"Sure." Arion agrees relatively cheerfully.

Meaningless competition, Y/n tells himself. And yet he goes along with it. Is he a child?

**

It becomes a cat-and-mouse game. Y/n does duck into narrow alleys, trying to lose Arion — but it's impossible. Finally, he thinks he's escaped; a grin spreads as Y/n ducks into a quiet alley — until he looks up.  Arion stands at the other end, blocking the way. What — how?

"Nice try, Livio,"  Arion says.

"This isn't fair," Y/n accuses. "You must be cheating."

"If I remember correctly,"  Arion laughs, "someone suggested the game. And now that someone accuses me unfairly. You thought I cheated when I won that chess game, too. Are you just a sore loser?"

Y/n slumps. "Touché, Your Highness."

"At least you have self-awareness."

"Oh, just stop," Y/n says. "Stop disturbing me. I'm holding on to my last bit of manners trying not to curse at you again, Your Highness."

Arion smiles again — a bright, fond smile that Y/n startles at. "Go on and curse at me then."

"Preferably not," Y/n says dryly. "No thank you."

"You're all tired," Arion says. "Let's go to one of the boutiques. Perhaps some gifts will lift your mood up."

"Gifts," Y/n says incredulously. "Did I hear that correctly?"

"Yes." Arion says.

"You're going to give me something?"

"Yes," Arion's answer remains the same: an unwavering agreement.

"But — why?" Y/n stammers.

"You can be naive," Arion smiles. "Just accept them. After all, you gave me the most interesting afternoon."

Y/n's heart drops. The prince's expression is soft, tender, fond.

Oh.

He shouldn't have expected anything less. He's taken the female lead's place, treated the prince like a person, teased him, practically gone on a date with him.

Arion's voice drops, soft and tender.

"I'll tell this to you now so you don't forget. " he whispers. "Nothing is too difficult when it comes to what you want."