Tonight By The Moonlight: A TakuRan Story

Third Phase

The day of his departure came fast. Takuto will now leave Ritsu's place and continue his trip to the Teikoku Palace. That day, both of them became friends and he can't but to feel sad leaving his savior and friend. Besides, he didn't even thanked Ranmaru properly. “Ranmaru?”

Her attention turned to him then 'hmmed' in response. “Can I stopover here again?” He tried to keep his cool. He was nervous actually, afraid of Ranmaru declining his request. His face lightened up when he saw her smiling then nodded after.

He couldn't help himself but tightly embraced her. The princess was surprised at first but hugged back. He pulled away then stood up, cleaning his attire. Both of them head outside and gave their farewells before Takuto head out.

Ran lightly closes the door, sat on the couch then sadly smiled. Her first true friend she gained.

---

The news of Prince Takuto arriving at the palace came instantly. His Majesty and Her Majesty, the Queen quickly arranged maids to prepared for the feast, his room, etcetera.

Finally, the prince showed up inside the palace. He was greeted by number of maids and butlers lined up. He immediately head to the throne room to see the royals ruling the kingdom. The knights announced his arrival at the room, he then, kneeled and bowed his head. “I, Prince Takuto Shindou of Raimon Kingdom, pay respects to Your Majesty and the Queen.”

The queen sweetly smiled then let Takuto rise. His whole body arched up to glance at the royals. He can see the king and the queen but not their beautiful princess. “You've arrived late, child. Your father informed us that you left your kingdom some days ago.” It was His Majesty.

“Did something happened, Prince Takuto?” It's now the queen who asked. The prince started stating what happened and how he was saved by a beauty named Ran. Her Majesty's face looked amused then asked further. “You are here for Princess Ranmaru, are you?”

He nodded. The king started to rub his temples while the queen kept her genuine smile. “She's having a little vacation for now. But I'm surely Ranmaru will be back sometime soon.”

He nodded again as he thought the name of the princess and name of his friend. Ranmaru and Ran. Is it a coincidence that they almost share the same name? He shrugged his idea off then excused himself. A butler leads him to his room and closed the door before laying on the bed. Takuto started thinking of his very own friend. “Ran...”

Meanwhile, Ranmaru sneezed for unknown reason. Her maid noticed it, worried that she caught any cold. She innocently shook her head, meaning she doesn't have. Ritsu sighed in relief, she then recalls what her mother used to say, “Someone misses or remembers you.”

“Did you said something, Ritsu?” The maid merely shook her head while smiling. “By the way, help me get dressed. We're heading to the palace.” She nodded and prepared for her attire.

Ranmaru wore what her maid chose her. It was a long blue lacy tube gown. It has some elegant flowers on the waist part. It suited her perfectly. Satisfied with the outcome, both of them head to the palace.

The knights immediately opened up when they saw their princess coming. Ritsu left her side when they arrived at the throne room. The door creaked then he saw his father, his eyes closed. She immediately bowed then announced herself. “Father...”

His Majesty instantly opened his eyes, revealing his daughter on his front. He sweetly smiled then let her rise up. “Father, I apologize for what I've caused you.”

He just nodded then Ranmaru continued to explain her side. She was considering the deal. It's for both kingdoms' sake and it's a big deal for her, it's her marriage. She bowed before going out and visit her mother.

Takuto also went to the throne room then passed a young lady with a pink hair and blue veil on her face. He looked back but the girl was already gone. He sighed then continued to walk to the room. He pays his respects before asking the king if he know the lady just now.

“It was my daughter, Princess Ranmaru. I'm expecting her that she's already at her mother's chambers.” His Majesty trailed. “She also informed me that she's still thinking about your wedding.”

He just nodded. The royal asked the prince what was he doing in the room. “Your Majesty, please allow me to take a good look at the whole kingdom for two days.” The king permitted him so he instantly got ready to visit a certain someone. He changed his clothes into simple one then bought a basket of some fruits.

The young prince arrived at her place. He knocked on the entrance and patiently waited for her to open the door. After sometime, the door creaked, revealing Ranmaru wearing a cute pink apron. The rose princess didn't expect her friend to visit in a sudden but she let him in and offered him juice.

She greeted him then he greeted back. Ranmaru got back to her work while Takuto silently sips his juice. The silence was present but it wasn't awkward one. Takuto somehow manage to get rid of the quietness by asking her if he can eat lunch at her place. Ranmaru cheerfully smiled. "Why yes, of course!"

She told her that he was just in right time because she's just finished cooking sashimi. She offered him a plate of the food then he gladly accepted it. He tried the dish and was amazed by her delicious meal. Takuto complimented him and both sides smiled.

"Thanks." She replied. Ranmaru joined him so they were both eating now. The time they finished, the princess started washing the dishes. Takuto offered to help her then she agreed. They've washing dishes together. They've chat and played with water and bubbles, like childs, and they've spent happy moments in that time.

They hope that they're always like this when spending time with each other.

-----

Taadaa!!! I've updated the third phase as soon as I've anticipated. And just a notice, I think I'm going to change many things on the next chapters. But worry not, it'll be more good than before. Thanks for reading!!!