Guarded Whispers (GiyuuSane)

17

Days passed after the lively coronation. Despite the busy schedule, one thought persisted in Sanemi's mind: his growing feelings for Tomioka.

Sanemi found himself alone in his room. The room was dimly lit by the soft glow of a nearby lamp, casting long shadows on the walls. He ran his fingers through his hair, trying to distract himself from the tingling in his chest.

But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't escape the image of Tomioka. The bodyguard's calm presence, his captivating good looks, and the way his blue eyes seemed to see right through him. Sanemi sighed, leaning against the headboard.

"When did I start thinking stupid sappy things like that? And why? It's almost like... I'm -"

He had to admit it to himself: he was in love with Giyuu Tomioka.

The realization brought a mix of emotions. Relief at finally acknowledging his feelings, but also a deep frustration. As a prince, his path was already decided. His marriage to Princess Kanae was arranged before he could even talk.

Sanemi clenched his fists, anger bubbling up inside him. Why did things have to be so complicated? He knew he cared for Kanae, but it was nothing compared to the intense feelings he felt for Tomioka. The thought of spending his life with Kanae while harboring these emotions for someone else was unbearable.

Lost in his thoughts, the prince didn't notice the door to his room opening. Tomioka stepped inside, his footsteps quiet. He paused when he saw the prince, sensing the tension in the room. "Sanemi," he said softly, not wanting to startle the prince.

Sanemi looked up, his heart skipping a beat at the sight of Giyuu. He quickly composed himself, forcing a neutral expression. "Tomioka," he acknowledged, trying to keep his voice steady.

Tomioka stepped closer, his eyes filled with concern. "Is everything alright? You seem troubled."

Sanemi let out a bitter laugh. "Troubled? That's an understatement." He turned away, unable to face Giyuu directly. "It's nothing you can help with." Giyuu's brow furrowed. "If there's anything I can do..."

"There isn't," Sanemi snapped, more harshly than he intended. He saw the hurt in Tomioka's eyes and immediately regretted his tone. "It's just... complicated." He muttered, running a hand through his hair.

Tomioka remained silent, his presence a quiet comfort. Sanemi wished he could just say what he was feeling, confess the emotions that were tearing him apart. But he couldn't.

As Tomioka left the room, Sanemi felt a pang of longing. He knew he had to accept his feelings, but he also knew the path ahead would be filled with challenges. Accepting his love for Giyuu was one thing; finding a way to adjust it with his royal duties was another.

Sanemi sank into his bed, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. He would find a way through this, somehow. But for now, he had to endure the frustration and heartache, knowing that the man he loved was just out of reach.

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Days turned into weeks, and the tension between them lingered. The prince tried to bury himself in his duties, hoping to distract himself from his feelings. But every time he saw Tomioka, his heart ached with longing.

One night, as Sanemi lay awake in bed, thoughts of Tomioka consumed him. He tossed and turned, unable to find peace. The weight of his unspoken feelings pressed down on him like a heavy stone. It was torture, knowing what he wanted but unable to act on it.

Outside his chamber, the castle was quiet, save for the occasional footsteps of the night guards patrolling the halls. Sanemi glanced at the clock on his bedside table. It was late, past midnight. He sighed, running a hand through his hair in frustration.

Suddenly, a soft knock on his door startled him. Sanemi sat up, his heart racing. "Who is it?" he called out, trying to steady his voice. "It's me, Tomioka." came the reply, barely audible through the heavy oak door.

Sanemi's breath caught in his throat. What could Tomioka want at this hour? He hesitated for a moment before responding, "Come in."

The door creaked open, and Giyuu stepped inside, his expression serious. "I'm sorry to disturb you, Your Highness," he began, "but I received some reports from the night guards."

Sanemi sat up straighter, suddenly alert. "What kind of reports?" Tomioka hesitated, his gaze flickering with concern. "There have been rumors of suspicious individuals lurking around the castle grounds," he explained. His mind raced with possibilities, each one more unsettling than the last. "Are we under attack?"

"Not exactly," Tomioka replied carefully. "But the security risk is significant enough that we've decided to increase patrols and tighten security measures."

Sanemi nodded, absorbing the gravity of the situation. "What does that mean for me?"

Tomioka shifted slightly, his eyes meeting Sanemi's with unwavering intensity. "It means," he said softly, "that I will need to stay in your room at night, at least until we can ensure your safety."

Sanemi's heart skipped a beat at Tomioka's words. He had grown used to the routine of Tomioka leaving him at his door at night. A protocol they had maintained since Tomioka became his bodyguard. But now... the thought of Tomioka staying with him, through the night, sent a thrill through him that he couldn't deny.

"I understand." Sanemi replied, his voice barely above a whisper. He cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure.

As the night wore on, Sanemi lay in bed, painfully aware of Giyuu's presence in the room. The tension between them was palpable, charged with unspoken words and desires. Sanemi found himself stealing glances at Tomioka, studying the way the lamplight cast shadows on his features, highlighting the curve of his jawline and the softness of his lips.

Giyuu, for his part, remained stoic, his attention focused on the task at hand. In the quiet darkness of the night, Sanemi couldn't help but wonder: was Tomioka feeling the same desires he was? Or was he alone in this storm of emotions?

As sleep took him, Sanemi wrestled with these thoughts, knowing that tomorrow would be a busy, stressful day.

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