Guarded Whispers (GiyuuSane)

15

🍃🌧

The next morning, the castle was bathed in the soft light of dawn. Giyuu had barely slept. The events of the previous days weighed heavily on his mind, and his feelings for Prince Sanemi left him restless. He tossed and turned throughout the night, his thoughts a turbulent storm he couldn't calm.

When the first rays of sunlight filtered through his window, Tomioka reluctantly got out of bed. He washed his face, hoping the cold water would help him shake off the dazedness, but it did little to ease his exhaustion. He dressed in his uniform and made his way to his post, determined to carry out his duties despite his exhaustion.

Prince Sanemi, on the other hand, was feeling more refreshed. After the calming effect of playing his cello the previous evening, he had slept soundly. As he went about his morning routine, he couldn't help but notice how different he felt when he thought of Tomioka. There was a warmth there, an unspoken connection that was growing stronger each day.

As Sanemi made his way to the dining hall for breakfast, he spotted Giyuu standing guard near the entrance. The bodyguard's usually sharp eyes were slightly dimmed, and there were dark circles under them. His posture was a bit slouched.

"Good morning." Sanemi greeted, his voice softer than usual. Giyuu straightened up immediately, trying to mask his weariness. "Good morning, Your Highness." Tomioka replied, his tone as respectful as always.

Sanemi studied Giyuu for a moment, his sharp eyes catching every detail. "Have you slept at all?" he asked, concern lacing his words.

Tomiok hesitated, not wanting to admit his sleeplessness. "I'm fine, Your Highness." Prince Sanemi frowned, not satisfied with the answer. "Join me for breakfast." he commanded, leaving no room for argument. He followed the prince into the dining hall, where the table was already set with a variety of dishes.

As they sat down, Sanemi kept a close eye on Giyuu. "You need to take better care of yourself," he said firmly. "You're no good to me if you're running on fumes."

Tomioka nodded, taking a sip of the tea that had been placed in front of him. "I apologize, Your Highness."

Sanemi sighed, frustration evident in his expression. "It's not just about your job, Tomioka. Your well-being is important, too."

The admission hung in the air between them, heavy with unspoken meaning. Giyuu's heart skipped a beat, and he found himself at a loss for words. He knew Sanemi was a strict and demanding prince, but this display of concern was unexpected. "Of course." Tomioka managed to say, his voice barely above a whisper.

They ate in a comfortable silence, the tension from the previous days easing slightly. Sanemi's mind wandered back to the previous evening when he had played his cello, and Giyuu had watched him with such admiration. There was something undeniably special between them.

As breakfast came to an end, Sanemi looked at Tomioka. "Promise me you'll rest today." he said, his tone softer. Giyuu nodded. "I promise, Your Highness."

Sanemi felt a surge of warmth at the sincerity in Giyuu's eyes. "Good. I have a meeting this afternoon, but after that, I want you to take the rest of the day off. No arguments."

Tomioka's protest died on his lips when he saw the determination in Sanemi's expression. "As you wish, Your Highness."

The prince smirks. "Just call me Sanemi when it's just us. No need for formalities all the time." Giyuu's eyes widen slightly in surprise, but he nods.

As they left the dining hall, Tomioka felt a sense of relief. The prince's concern for him was more than just a command. It was a sign of something deeper. And as he resumed his duties, he couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of purpose and connection to the man he served.

Throughout the day, Sanemi kept a close eye on Tomioka, making sure he didn't overextend himself. When the afternoon meeting ended, Sanemi personally escorted Giyuu to his quarters, insisting he rest. As Tomioka lay down, the prince's parting words echoed in his mind.

"Take care of yourself, Tomioka. For my sake."

And as sleep finally claimed him, Giyuu realized that his feelings for Sanemi were growing stronger, fueled by the prince's unexpected kindness and care. The bond between them was deepening, and neither could deny the feelings.

🌧。• *₊°。 🍃°。

Tomioka slowly opened his eyes, the room enveloped in darkness. The faint glow of the moon cast eerie shadows across the room. With a deep breath, he sat up, his senses heightened by the silence of the night. The creaking of the floorboards beneath his feet echoed in the stillness, sending a shiver down his spine.

Giyuu found himself in the gardens, seeking solace among the flowers and the quiet rustle of leaves. He sat on a bench. He couldn't stop thinking about Mitsuri's words from the banquet.

"Think hard about your feelings towards the prince, and if they're romantic, then you make the choice if you want to pursue them or leave them unspoken. The choice is yours!"

Her words echoed in his mind, causing him to replay every interaction he had with Sanemi. From their early days of barely tolerating each other to the recent moments of unspoken understanding, everything seemed to point to something deeper than mere duty or friends.

He remembered the way his heart raced when Sanemi's eyes met his lately and the inexplicable joy that filled him. The way he got jealous every time the princess was mentioned. He's never felt like this towards everyone ever in his life.

"Am I... in love with him?" Giyuu whispered to himself, the realization hitting him like a tidal wave. The clarity of his emotions overwhelmed him, and he felt a mixture of fear and happiness.

How could he protect Sanemi without letting his emotions get in the way? What if the prince didn't feel the same?

Despite his concerns, one thing was clear: his feelings for Sanemi were undeniable. He couldn't ignore them any longer.

🍃。• *₊°。 🌧°。

The bodyguard was able to get a few more hours of sleep before having to wake once again.

As he watched the prince go about his morning routine, Tomioka couldn't help but feel a sense of longing. It was unlike anything he had felt before. The way Sanemi's eyes would light up when he talked about something he was passionate about, or the rare moments when he would let his guard down and show a softer side, all of it tugged at Giyuu's heart.

Later that day, as Tomioka stood outside the prince's chambers, he watched the prince through the slightly ajar door. Sanemi was reading a document, his brow furrowed in concentration. The sight made Tomioka's heart ache with affection.

As the evening wore on, Giyuu found it increasingly difficult to focus. Every time he looked at Sanemi, he felt a pang of affection and a desire to be closer to him.

"Just do your job," Tomioka thought, steeling himself. "Even if he never knows how you feel, just do your job."

With that resolve, Tomioka turned and walked away, determined to stay professional while quietly cherishing his feelings for the prince.

🌧。• *₊°。 🍃°。

Awww, about time 🙄😜
Special thanks to Khai770 for the idea 🤍🙏