As soon as the two were safely in the palace, Maya swiftly extracted herself from the prince's embrace before sweeping into a deep curtsy.
"What does His Highness request of me?" she asked softly. The prince simply gazed at her, his eyes tracing over her hair, her pale skin, those eyes… how could he never have noticed…?
The prince snapped out of his reverie and smiled kindly at her. "Lady Maya of the Orphelia Estate…"
Maya had to fight back a surprised blush. He was giving her such a warm glance… the last time she had seen that glance, it had been aimed at Nina.
"I believe I owe you an apology," the prince bowed. "I ask that you accept my humble feelings of regret."
"Er… not at all, Your Highness," Maya shook her head. "But if I may be so bold to ask, apology for what?"
"My apology… for dismissing the woman I truly love," he finished with a soft whisper, and Maya's eyes widened.
He… He's… What is he saying…? Could it be…?
"You see… A young boy mistakenly told me that you were Nina of the House of Saqurail. Of course, Lady Nina Saqurail has proven to me that it was you, rather than her, that I danced with that day seven years ago."
"…Your Highness…" Maya murmured. "I… I am not sure what to say… I-"
"…I…" the prince hesitated. "I believe you heard me say these words already to Nina Saqurail, but… I wish for you to be my bride."
"…"
This is it! This is the moment! You can say 'Yes'! You can be happy!
"…Your Highness…" Maya lowered her eyes. "I do not know if I am worthy of you."
"Of course you are," the prince smiled tenderly. "You are the woman I've loved for so long."
"…Your Highness…" she murmured. "I am… no longer pure."
It took a few seconds for the words to sink in. The prince blinked… then backed away slowly.
"…Your Highness?"
"P- Please give me a minute," he muttered, bending over as he clutched his knees in a very un-princelike way. "I just… I had hoped…"
"I have no excuse," Maya bowed her head. "But after you dismissed me… I was vulnerable, and lonely… and-"
"Did you love him?"
Maya paused.
"Yes," her voice finally came out, cracked with tears. "I really did."
The prince let out a deep sigh, his face troubled. "I was not expecting this. I cannot find you guilty, for I am clearly the reason this happened… and yet…"
The prince paused, and then shook his head. "What bothers me is not your body's integrity… but rather, your heart. If you really loved this person so much… what, if I may be so bold to ask, are your feelings for me?"
"…"
…Yuta…
Maya softly pressed her palm against her watering eyes.
"I…"
You really have a beautiful heart, Maya.
"I…"
I am not like him!
"I will always love you," she finally choked out. "I have loved you for so long, and even now, that has not changed."
The prince's expression brightened momentarily, before darkening once more.
"But… But then why do you cry?"
Neither, fair maid, if either thee dislikes…
"Because… Because…"
Maya, please… I think I'm in love with you.
"I… I love you, but… I am not in love with you," she finally managed out. The prince sighed.
"Of course… I expected as much…"
"Forgive me, Your Highness," she bowed once again, hoping to hide her tears. The prince gently laid a hand upon her head, a warm smile on his face.
I have lived to see that smile… and now I see it again.
"There is no need for apology," he whispered. "I just wish for you to have found happiness."
"…thank you…" she murmured softly.
"However…" the prince held out his hand. "Perhaps you will allow me to dance with you?"
"…yes."
She accepted his outstretched hand, and the prince snapped his fingers. The room immediately began to glow with a soft, rosy light, as violin music began to smoothly flow through the air. Maya was transported back, to a time of childish innocence.
Your Highness… I have waited for this day for so long… I have waited to dance in your arms again. To feel loved by you.
But…
Now, it is not your love that I want so much.
Kirishima Yuta sat in Orihara Maya's living room, stunned.
He had blown it now. How could he have been so stupid? So risky? How could he have put his heart on the line like that and scare her away?
You fool… You fool! Look at what you've done… you've pushed away the woman you truly loved… all for the girl you cared about.
And in the end… that girl didn't even notice. She doesn't even know that you're sitting here, your eyes bleeding tears.
A quick flash of light interrupted his mourning… and Yuta looked into the pair of green eyes he had fallen in love with over the past month.
"Maya," he immediately jumped up, but was cautious not to approach her. "Maya… please, let me explain."
He stayed on his knees. He didn't deserve to look her in the eye.
"Please," he begged. "Just… Just listen to what I have to say."
Maya remained silent, which he hoped was a good sign.
"You have every right to hate me now," he said quietly. "But if you could find it in your heart not to hate me… that's all I ask for. For you not to hate me. I always loved you, ever since we were children… but now, I realize… I've fallen in love with you. I don't just love you anymore; I want to be with you."
Maya could only stare, eyes widening ever so slightly.
"I want to hold you… and I want to kiss you, and touch you and cook for you, and hold your hand…" Yuta lowered his head. "I want to… I want to be the one by your side."
Maya simply looked at him… and then opened her mouth.
"You broke me."
It wasn't an accusation. It was a mere statement.
"I know," he responded quietly. "I broke myself too."
"Why should I trust you?"
"Because…" Yuta took a deep breath. "Because you've fallen in love with me too."
Maya couldn't help the small gasp that slipped through her lips.
"Please…" Yuta pleaded. "Don't leave me broken like this… if you and I are both broken… can't we at least heal together?"
Maya felt tears strike her eyes… and she finally managed the tiniest of nods. Yuta could hardly believe it as he tried to stand, but realized that his knees were shaking too much.
Instead, Maya went down to the floor and as soon as she was level with him, Yuta swiftly pressed his lips against hers as he stroked her long hair, almost crying in relief.
The beautiful girl was finally his.
They eventually broke away… and Yuta couldn't help giving her a cheeky grin through his tear-filled eyes.
"So… about that red lingerie…"
She couldn't help a laugh, and huddled deeper into his arms. His warmth surrounded her, and the two slowly drifted to sleep on the floor, hardly caring less where they were at the moment.
They were together.