Hoshi no Ouji-Sama (Prince of the Stars)

Chapter 7 - Diamond Storms

It's tonight.

I'm such an idiot for almost forgetting. I quickly pack up a few things, like snacks, and get ready on the way out. It was cold yet again, but I was so caught up in getting there that I forgot a coat. That won't end well.

I ran almost the whole way there, something I normally don't do. It was by a hill to the east of the library. I got there, and tried looking for Tai. I couldn't seem to find her anywhere, and opted for "just sit until you can find her". After all, I had ran the whole way here. I looked up every now and again, trying to find her. Eventually, I did, finding out she had come a bit late. That didn't bother me much, I told her I was going to be late too.

"I can see that."

"What?"

"It's 42 out, and you don't have anything other than a simple outfit on."

"So? I can handle the cold."

"..Sei."

"I'll be fine"

"Sei."

"I swear!"

She let out a sigh of frustration. "Sei, just take mine."

"I'll be fine!" I didn't want her to be cold so I wouldn't.

We went to sit down, and I noticed she threw the coat on both of us.

"That settles it. You're not getting out of this one buddy."

"Fine."

"..Thanks." Well, I gave up easily.

Most people were talking about what it'd be like, but we were what seemed like the only silent ones. I've seen one before, but I didn't know if Tai had seen one.

"So.. have you even been to a meteor shower?"

"Oh yeah, just not with another person."

"Ah, so it's your first time?"

"I guess so."

"That makes us both."

"I thought for someone interested in astronomy so much, you would've seen one!"

"I've never had the time, really."

"Makes sense. You're, y'know, the prince and all-"

"That's not why, but alright."

We eventually both got quiet, and opted to huddle close, mostly because of the jacket, but also because it's nice.

Though, within the first 10 minutes, I had fallen asleep. Something about the moment was calming. The only thing that woke me up was everyone cheering.

"Hey, you still asleep?"

"W.. what?"

"You're finally up." I look up at Tai in surprise.

"I.. what?"

"Go back to bed, you sleepyhead."

"Maybe I will."

"Well then, good night."

What do you know, I did end up going to sleep again. I don't really recount much after that, though.

Except for when I got back up.

The sun was up, and I wasn't anywhere familar. I looked out the window, and recognized who's house it was. Did she actually have to carry me to her house? Then again, hers was closer, and knowing her, she probably wouldn't have wanted to walk the distance. Besides, I'm sure it looked weird.

I walk downstairs, and see Tai in the kitchen.

"Oh, you're finally awake! I've-"

"Did you.. actually do what I think you did?"

"It was late, and I don't know how Esther would've reacted, knowing her."

"Well, uh, thanks."

"No problem!" She sounds cheerful as usual, something I think is odd, considering it contradicts my usual melancholic mood.

"By the way Sei, have you heard about your sister?"

"What do you mean?"

"Y'know, she's like 'romance is super gross', but apparently she's dating someone."

"That... doesn't bother me really."

"Here's the catch, it's the dick kid from school."

"The what now?"

"Kasei. Mr. Know-It-All. Apparently she's been-"

"What the fuck."

I can tell she's sideglancing at me. I probably shouldn't have said anything.

"Pardon my language."

"No, that was my first reaction too. What the fuck indeed." This was a pretty unusual conversation, for we both only really swore when we were truly upset. 

In this case, I sure was.

"I'm going to have to talk to her about this."

"Well, not right now-" I pause from my mini rant for a minute. "-It's, like, 20 out and it's 10 am. Besides, it'd be nice if you stayed for a while."

"I wasn't.. planning on leaving right now."

"Well that's good! By the way, I'm making breakfast, want some?"

"What is it?"

"Pancakes, and coffee."

"Hell yeah."

We sat down at the table, and talked about typical topics. What we were gonna do tomorrow, etc.

"By the way, have you heard of a person called... Kaiousei? I found something-"

"Oh yeah! He was the previous king or something."

"Oh. I thought he might have been some ordinary person."

"Well, my mom told me he married the queen, and they ended up being pretty happy together, til about 6 years ago."

"What happened?"

She looks at me, then looks at her breakfast. She looks like she has a lot of regret, and that doesn't help me with my anxiety for the situation.

"...Tai? What happened?"

"It's a pretty long story. But the queen left, and left Esther in charge of the kids." She stops. "I'm talking about it like you're an outsider. You knew what happened, right?"

"...No."

"I'm surprised Esther didn't bother telling you. It was really damn important."

"Anyways, Meiou ended up leaving, apparently."

"Yeah, she had to... go find the King."

"I know exactly what you're hinting at here, and I don't like it."

"Sorry. It's quite vague what happened, and everyone has their own opinion on it."

"I mean, I could try to ask her."

She messed around with what was on her plate. "Should we head to the library?"

The request was pretty sudden, but I accepted. "Of course!"

"Well, you should probably get a coat or something. Again, it's cold out."

"Makes sense. I'll borrow one of yours."

From there, we headed to the library.