Counting Stars ✓

twenty

[warning: mild foul language ahead because of Fah.]

King frowned as he looked at the ongoing friend request, as well as the numerous messages he was getting. Rune, who had been sleeping peacefully by his side, his arm swung across King's waist, grumbled slightly before opening his eyes. He looked at King who was intently looking at his phone.

"You okay?" He asked, his voice hoarse and full of worry. After reassuring King he would be there for him, the younger boy did calm down a bit and seemed to feel slightly better. But it didn't mean all of his worries were gone.

King turned to look at Rune. "Did I wake you?" He asked softly. "No," Rune yawned, planting a kiss on King's nose afterwards. His actions made King blush.

Despite the countless flirting and dates they've experienced with one another, they rarely ever kissed one another - only ever holding hands and cuddling. And he didn't mind it, nor did Rune since they were not yet an official couple.

He turned off his phone to set it aside, and snuggled closer to Rune, inhaling his scent.

"Get some rest," Rune brushed King's hair with his hand, planting another kiss into the boy's head. King nodded, wrapping his arms around Rune. "Night."

"Night," Rune replied softly, waiting to hear King's soft snores before going back to sleep.

"What?!" Fah exclaimed. Fang pushed his hand down in his sister's shoulder, trying to calm her down despite his own arising anger.

"You're telling me," Fah bit out, "that his mother is trying to force an engagement onto him even though he stated he had someone else?"

Rune nodded in confirmation.

"That's fucked up," Fah swung her hands in exaggerated motions. "What time does she think we're in? Fuck. What do you plan to do?"

Rune sighed, running his hand through his hair. "We haven't really figured that out. I'm thinking I should talk to my grandmother. She might be able to help."

Fang pursed his lips, looking rather skeptical about the idea. "Are you sure?" He asked. "Your grandmother may end up using it to try against you and pressure you into agreeing to go public about being the heir."

"That's true," Fah agreed, crossing her arms. "You are after all the only son to her first born child."

"I don't know," Rune groaned, leaning his head against the wooden table. He looked from afar, sitting straight back up when he saw King walking towards them. He smiled and waved. Fah simply rolled her eyes at how love-struck her best friend was while Fang chuckled.

As usual, King sat next to Rune, and set down his tray of lunch. Fang and Fah frowned when they saw his face, wondering why it was so bruised. Despite wanting to ask how he got injured, she felt her brother's hand tug at her uniform - halting her from saying anything unnecessary.

"Hey, King!" Fah greeted excitedly instead. "How was your day?"

"It was-"

"Rune!"

Fah rolled her eyes. "Here comes a bitch," she muttered. Fang simply shook his head at her language but didn't bother to correct her.

Rune and King both frowned. They turned around and found Cherry stomping towards them, her face flushed with visible anger and what appeared to be desperation.

"What?" Rune sighed while King picked up his spoon and began to eat his fried rice.

"Let's talk," Cherry said, her eyes pleading.