Wolfram closed his eyes and readied himself for the spasm of pain that Yuuri's decision will bring. Of course he knew it from the start. He knew that the time will come when Yuuri will finally abandon him. He also knew perfectly well that his relationship with the Maou is nothing but platonic… no more, no less. He winced slightly as he remembered the ache caused by his unrequited love. The pain he endures every night… the suffering that he has to undergo every waking moment… only to be doubled—no, tripled every time he sees Yuuri.
He sighed and opened his eyes to look at the Maou who stood in front of him. 'It has only been a short while since you came here Yuuri… And yet, why do I always find myself looking at you even though I know that it only causes this throbbing pain in my heart?' He thought to himself, unaware that tears are starting to form in his eyes. 'Why can't you see what I feel for you? Why can't I be someone special? Why, Yuuri… why? Did I ever pass by your mind the way you own mine? Have you ever felt a stabbing pain when you see your love with somebody else? Have you been consumed by jealousy but all you can do is stare and walk away? Do you know how it aches a lot to know that the one you love smiles at you only because he treats everybody else like that?'
"Wolfram? Wolfram, are you okay?" Yuuri turned around to see tears streaming down Wolfram's beautiful face—not that he'll ever admit it. "Perhaps you are feeling sick, do you want me to call for Gisela?"
Wolfram's eyes widened as he realized that he has been crying unconsciously—and that all eyes are now focused on him—including the Maou's gorgeous black orbs.
He looked away immediately, aware that he was now blushing furiously. 'You never fail to make me suffer every time you look at other people, Yuuri. But at the same time, you also never fail in making me smile whenever I see those orbs flood with concern… may it be me or anybody else…' He thought as a ghost of a smile played on his lips.
'And that's precisely why I like you… Yuuri Shibuya.'
"Hmmph… Shut up, you wimp." Wolfram said when he regained his composed self—sharp tongue and all. He heard Yuuri heave out a sigh and put on an expression that almost said 'Here he goes again…'
As soon as Yuuri turned to look back at his audience, Wolfram can't help but remember the first time they had actually laid eyes on each other… It wasn't really a look of concern… but more of astonishment. Wolfram is a very beautiful boy, after all… and he knew that very well. Nevertheless, if Yuuri was astonished at that time in seeing such a pretty boy, Wolfram's amazement is three times greater—no, make that four. Those black orbs… Yuuri's black orbs. Oh, how he fell in love with those the first time he saw them. Later on, he discovered that those were the windows to his very soul… showing each emotion perfectly. Sometimes Wolfram would wonder how Yuuri could manage to be so obvious at times, and yet hide so many things inside. He is revealing everything… and yet, concealing them at the same time, as Wolfram would like to say. But then again, let's go back to reality… To think that those black orbs just looking at him would actually trigger back memories, Wolfram couldn't help but manage a sad smile… It just hurts remembering the first time those eyes looked at him… knowing that this will be the last time.
(Yuuri's Arrival)
Today is the day of the arrival of Shin Makoku's new Maou. It has been a while since they had their last Maou, Lady Cecilie von Spitzberg. Of course they all knew that her time in power was a complete disaster. Wars broke, people died, famine plagued the country and just
about to summarize it all, chaos consumed Shin Makoku. Nevertheless, the people knew that they must not blame Lady Cecilie for all of these. It is true that all of these happened at her reign, but the people knew that this was not her doing. So that's why they haven't held a grudge towards their last Maou. However, the people still long for someone to look up to… for someone to come and give solutions to their problems.
Because of this, everyone seemed so happy and excited about welcoming the new king of Shin Makoku. However, Wolfram von Bielefeld, the Prince of the Mazoku country couldn't help but get irritated at all these festivities.
"This is insane! Why would one bother to welcome his supposed 'king' when that 'king' is a complete foreigner who doesn't even know a thing about ruling, and more or less, his country? Aaaargh!" The blond Mazoku fumed as he paced his room.
"All the people getting excited with this new 'king'… For Shinou's sake! Ha! I bet he's just some filthy Mazoku with human blood running through his veins. He isn't even worthy enough to be called a Mazoku. And to think that I'll be serving him?! There's no way in hell I'd be doing that!" He shouted as he grabbed the nearest thing he could reach and he slammed it onto the floor. Unfortunately, the nearest thing was the flower vase that stood only moments ago on top of the bedside table.
Immediately after the loud crash, a soldier knocked hurriedly on Wolfram's door. Adding to the fuming blonde's irritation. "Lord Bielefeld! Are you alright? We heard something crash in there. May we come in?"
"Shut up soldier! Do you think I am such a weakling?" Wolfram retorted, acid dripping from his words.
"No, my lord. I don't mean to—"
"I said shut up!" Wolfram cut off before the soldier could even finish. "Just hurry up and call the maids in here!"
"Y-y-yes sir!" The poor soldier stammered as he tried his best to get away from that place—and fast.
"Undoubtedly, being rejected again yesterday is not a good thing… but being shouted at by that 'little lord brat' Wolfram von Bielefeld is another story altogether… not to mention, ten times worse." The soldier murmured to himself when he was sure he is a good distance from that 'dreaded' place.
A few moments later, there was a loud knock on Wolfram's door. It was then followed by "Lord Bielefeld! The Maou will be arriving shortly! It is requested of you to come and meet him." It was Dorcas, the only soldier brave enough to stand still and face Wolfram—but still, not so brave enough.
"Fine, whatever. I'll follow right away." Wolfram said, rolling his eyes. 'Now, let's see what you're made of, Maou…' He thought to himself as he opened his door and walked towards the main gate.
When he got outside, he noticed Gwendal, Conrad and Gunter surrounding a stranger who is currently slumped on the floor. Then he heard Conrad say, "Are you hurt, my lord?"
Annoyance suddenly flooded his senses as he saw who Conrad is addressing. 'Guess what… I'll be serving some common guy who just happens to be my 'king'… How can he even
be our 'king'?! For Shinou's sake! He doesn't even have any trace of royalty in him!' He thought to himself as he tried his best to calm down and walk towards them. Unfortunately, being Wolfram as he is, he failed.
"Don't tell me he's the new 'demon king'." He said with all of his pent-up annoyance, his voice dripping with sarcasm and mockery as he walked towards the four of them. He descended the stairs with regal grace just as expected from him, the Prince. He stopped almost midway and he saw their new 'king' gaze at him, astonished. Actually, he wasn't really paying attention to their supposed 'Maou' until now… Now that he has a good look at him, what he saw made his heart skip a beat and he almost blushed—almost…
'Black eyes… Stunning black eyes.'
Wolfram was snapped out of his thoughts when the Maou beside him suddenly cleared his throat. It was then that he realized he hasn't been paying any attention to what Yuuri was saying these past few minutes.
'I guess that's better… Since I didn't hear it come from his mouth, I guess it won't hurt that much.' Wolfram thought as he bowed his head. It was then that he realized that he is holding Yuuri's hand. 'What the?! When did this happen? Was I so spaced out that I didn't realize we were holding hands?!' He lifted his hand, still entwined with Yuuri. He gazed at it for a moment then turned to look at Yuuri. He saw that young king is smiling… though he is sure that his eyes weren't. 'His eyes are so confused.' Wolfram concluded. Just then Yuuri spoke,
"I am truly sorry for all the interruptions that keep coming. It seems as if fate doesn't want this to happen…" Yuuri laughed at what he said, thinking it was a good joke. But what he didn't notice was the pained expression of Wolfram who just then bowed his head again.
"Anyways, I just want to acknowledge the presence of Bob, the Maou from Earth. Let us give him another round of applause for his very warm speech. Though I must say, you really interrupted the dramatic effect of my announcement, Bob." He addressed the other Maou. Wolfram's head snapped up as he realized that Yuuri didn't say anything yet regarding their engagement. What's more… he is still holding his hand.
"I know you've all been waiting for my final decision." Yuuri began "And maybe most of you already know what my decision is… Nevertheless, I would want to say so myself. Yes… I will break my engagement with Lord Wolfram von Bielefeld." After Yuuri said this, gasps and pained expressions flooded his audience. Wolfram winced in pain and his other hand clenched his chest, almost as if preventing it from falling apart.
"However, I am not breaking this engagement because of any unpleasant reasons… So you may all now wash those expressions of yours, my dearest people. The true reason as to why I am breaking this is because I don't want to tie down Wolfram or me for responsibilities that we never really accepted… responsibilities that were only brought by a simple accident.
"It is true over the months; the two of us became closer. We now learned how to trust each other, depend on each other and pretty much have fun… just like whenever we are with Gwendal, Conrad or Gunter."
'I knew it, Yuuri… I can never be someone special for you…' Wolfram thought as a single tear made its way down to his cheek… then another… and another… and another… until he was crying fully now.
Seemingly oblivious to the crying boy beside him, Yuuri continued. "And so, this is why you see now my precious people, our hands entwined… Because we will always be like this. Supporting each other, trusting and being FRIENDS."
The last word hit Wolfram hard more than anything. 'Friends… just friends… just that Yuuri… nothing else…' he thought bitterly. 'Maybe if I was a girl, you'd marry me right there and then… Maybe if I was a girl, you'd accept my feelings… MAYBE IF I WASN'T METHEN YOU'D LOVE ME YUURI!' He wanted to shout so badly at the young Maou who stood beside him. He wanted to shout at everyone else in the hall. He wanted to set everything aflame. He wanted to take all of the hurt that was swelling inside his chest. He wanted to escape… He wanted to breathe…
Before Yuuri could say anything more, Wolfram yanked his hand free from Yuuri's grasp and he ran down the platform. He stormed out of the room, just like the way he had come in—just double the force he used. He ran out… he wanted so bad to escape that place.
"Maybe coming was a very bad idea… I should've listened to Mother when she told me I mustn't go. But because of this damned pride of mine, I still went. Aaarrrggghh!" He growled in frustration, tears flowing down his eyes like a river. "I know I have prepared myself… I knew that it will soon come to this… I thought I was strong enough not to shed a tear when this finally happens…"
He ran to the garden of the castle and he made his way to his favorite spot… where he knew he is safe from ridicule and humiliation… where he knew no one will find him… where he knew he could cry as much as he want… where he knew he can breathe…
As soon as he was there, he couldn't help but let out all anger, sadness and frustration that have been bottled up inside him. It was just so painful… all those emotions that he couldn't release… He didn't care now about what happened around him… He couldn't care less… it was just so agonizing… so painful… so unbearable…
'I know how you feel…' a soft melancholic voice seemed to whisper through the night air. 'I know exactly how you feel…' It said again… then, it started to cry.
Author's Note: Chapter Two's up, guys! Thank you very much for all those who reviewed my story... Whoa... I'm kinda amazed... I didn't know this story would be worth a review at all... Oh, I really thank you very much! Anyways, I'm sorry if it took a long time before I finished this new chapter... Oh, and I'm also sorry if this chapter has fluctuating emotions... WARNING: You might get confused with this... Read at your own risk... Well, I guess it's just me... I really am abstract and random in thinking... Not too good for an aspiring writer, eh?! Yeah, I know... It's just that I can't continue one emotion all throughout... Aw, I wanna be a linear thinker... How sad that I am not... sniff Anyhow, I really, really, really thank all of you guys who reviewed and those who also took the time in reading this stuff! I also wanna mention those who gave suggestions... It really helped me in my plot... Thank you so much! Hehehe... This is really a VERY LONG author's note, eh?! At any rate, this'll be the end of this... So, until next chapter guys! :D
