Hoshi no Ouji-Sama (Prince of the Stars)

Chapter 2 - Red Orbits

Today, again, it didn't go away.

I wasn't expecting it to, since it gives me an excuse to do nothing, but that comes with its downfalls. I got out of bed earlier than usual, and walked downstairs to the living room. I looked absolutely miserable and tired, but at least my mood was in a better place than yesterday. I didn't expect to see Sui up this early, it was only 8 am. She didn't see me at first, but after hearing a sheet dragging along the floor, she stopped me.

"Hey, what are you doing up?"

I had no reason to be up, but I knew I had to think of something, quick.

"I accidentally woke myself up."

That was the lamest excuse I could've come up with.

"Well, you could've just stayed in your room, there's no reason to go downstairs. Unless you're hungry."

I stared at her for a bit, envying her a small bit, before heading towards the kitchen for breakfast.

Taiyou had left, since she only came over on rainy days. Today wasn't as bad, it was only light showers. I didn't expect her to be over again. Until I heard a "Come in!" from Sui. God only knows what would happen.

I guess she assumed I was in my room, and headed straight to the kitchen, only to see me pouring a bowl of cereal.

"Jeez, is that the best you have?"

"Just because I'm royalty doesn't mean I can't be normal."

"I get you there."

It was odd, I seemed so distant. In truth, you could come up to me and call me your friend. I'd have a hard time being your friend, though. Not because of trust issues, more of I find it hard to make friends. It's hard letting go, especially with people. But, if I don't make friends, I'll be a shut-in. Why did everyone think I was so avoidable? Probably due to the fact I never speak to anyone, really.

I realize I've been zoning out for the past 2 minutes, rambling in my head. I haven't even poured the milk yet.

"Earth to Kinsei."

I stumble back a bit, taken by surprise.

"How long were you doing that for?"

"Like, a minute."

I don't directly look her in the face, but I know she's grinning like she does. That, enough, makes me smile, even if it's faint.

I continue to prepare breakfast, and I just pick up the bowl before losing my train of thought again.

"So, are you any better?"

"Not really, I mean. I'm not in the dumps anymore, but I'm still physically trash."

"Yeesh."

I didn't expect her to feel bad, since I don't deserve the pity. I take the bowl back to my room, but not before she stops me.

"Why are you taking it up?"

"I'd be dead if Esther caught me out of bed."

I continue on my way, upstairs. I almost tripped 3 times, spilled a bit of milk once, but made it in one piece. Unknowningly, Taiyou had followed me up, and I only realized as soon as I sat down. She was busy examining a tub I had, which harbored 3 ants.

"What are these guys doing here?"

"I.. meant to get rid of them. But, I haven't had the time to."

Another stupid excuse. They were my pets, I didn't want to get rid of them. But, saying that to the girl of your dreams is one way to never talk to them again. Anyways, I kind of grew attached to a bunch of ants.

"Oh, that's alright then. I can always do it for you, you know."

This is the point where I have officially screwed myself over. Saying that I would do it means that in the near future, I can't have them around. Saying she could do it means I'm saying goodbye to them. I could always release them into Sui's garden, but she'd hate that. I mean, she killed all the beetles I let loose, so I'm not taking a risk.

"I've got it, Taiyou."

She sort of looked at me in an odd manner, as if she didn't expect me to say it. Nonetheless, she was still smiling.

"Alright then, Mr. Hoshikuzu. I guess you have it then." She said this in a joking manner, so I knew she was far from serious.

Suddenly, I hear a male voice coming from 2 rooms down.

"What do you mean there's something wrong?"

Why, today of all days, are they back?

Placide Chaput. Sure, they're a doctor, but that doesn't excuse much. They're , in reality, the worst person you could actually meet. Too direct, too brutally honest, doesn't actually care, et cetera. As soon as I heard them, my face went from slight happiness to that of boredom. I was hoping Esther hadn't said anything about me, because that would've been my end, for sure. As soon as Taiyou heads for the living room, I exit out of bed. I stop by my ants for a second.

"Please be safe, Jerry."

I go by the door, and listen in on their conversation. Probably a wrong thing to do, but I wanted to know. For my safety.

"So, Ms. Durand, I assume everything went well while I was gone?"

"Yes, doctor. A few mishaps here and there, but it's alright."

"'Mishaps'?"

"The usual, Hime pricking herself on the roses, a few paper cuts, but nothing too serious."

"I have a feeling you're lying."

I instantly had that sinking feeling.

"I'm not lying. I can assure you."

I heard a bang, assuming Placide slamed a book against the desk, or something.

"Esther. Do not lie to me, ever. Tell me what happened."

I ignored all warning signs. By this point, my breathing was anything but even, and my pulse was through the roof.

"Well... Sei was-"

I slump up against the door, absolutely afraid. I didn't think for once they could hear it.

"What in the hell was that?!"

"I don't know, I'll go check."

I felt like I couldn't move. I thought everything was alright. My mind wandered back and forth from what could happen and what will happen.

The door opened.

"Kinsei, what are you doing out here?"

I look up, and there she is. She looks fairly worried, and for a good reason, I looked in bad shape.

"...Did you fall?"

Quick, you've got to make an excuse.

"Y-Yeah. I fell."

"Oh, are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm.. fine."

How did she not see I was lying? Clearly, by the way I was acting, I didn't fall.

"Well, you should go back to your room. It's not good to be up when you're sick." Another bang, probably from Placide, who's about to tell off Esther for lying. I felt bad for her.

I trudge back to my room, uneasier than ever, knowing that they know now. I'm done for.

Sui passes by, and only goes with a "Good night, bro."

Sometimes I want to leave. Go away from here for just a day. I don't care whether I'm better or not, I just want to leave.