From that day Hotsuma was found at the palace quite often. Of course he still had his work in his father's shop and Shuusei had his studies but when they had a bit of free time they met. And Hotsuma enjoyed it very much! He liked Shuusei's humour which was quite different from the people around him. And he liked that the prince opened up more and more towards him. And that led to him confiding in Shuusei as well. He told him about his worries about the future and somehow he was glad that Shuusei didn't offer him money right away but tried to calm him down in other ways.
When Shuusei wanted to go out he still had to sneak out secretly. His father didn't want him to stroll around town without his brother. But well, he preferred Hotsumas companionship outside which made him proud. He really enjoyed spending time with the prince who wanted to know everything no matter how trivial. So he showed the prince the world of the common people. The first time they had used the underground to go somewhere a bit out of the city centre he had smiled at how curious the prince had looked at everything. It was adorable to watch a 17 years old boy use public transport for the first time in his life.
"Hotsuma?" Shuusei caught his attention while he stared out of the window at the dark wall of the tunnel.
"Yes?"
"I want to do something."
Hotsuma looked at his friend. "We're doing something. We're going to visit the botanical garden."
"That is not what I mean."
"What d'you mean then?" Hotsuma was confused.
"I mean I want to do more to help people who can't afford using public transport anytime they need to." There had been a paralyzed man at the platform begging for a bit of change so he could go visit his sick mother. Shuusei had of course given him what he needed and enough for his way back.
"I want to do more to help people who can't afford to feed their families. But I do not know how. Father doesn't acknowledge these people exist at all. He doesn't want me to be too present in public. I know he only wants to protect me, but..."
"He's too strict with you. I don't know much about the ways people like you can help besides what you already do. But... Why don't you ask your brother? You said he starts to understand that poverty exists and that you can't blame these people. Perhaps he can make a law or two?"
Shuusei chuckled. "It is not so easy. Even father can't just make any law he wants to. But perhaps he will listen if Sairi says something. I am not supposed know what it's like being outside. But Sairi sees so much more of the world... And Ria does, too."
Hotsuma nodded. If Shuusei could convince his siblings perhaps they could really move a thing or two for the better. "If you need any help... I'm here. I'll do whatever I can."
"Thank you. Really. For showing me everything. And for your support." The prince smiled a bit and Hotsuma grinned widely.
"That's what friends are for. Come we need to get out the next stop."
They left the train and spent a few relaxed hours at the botanical garden before they returned to the palace. Hotsuma had even brought food Shuusei could eat. He had prepared the cake himself so he was sure there was nothing inside his friend couldn't eat and it was so beautiful to watch Shuusei eat it. At home he got so much better food but he loved this simple cake so much just because Hotsuma had made it for him. The more time they spent together the better Hotsuma understood why Shuusei valued these simple things so very much. He would never have thought that he could make a royal so happy with the things he could do. But seeing the lonely prince so joyful also made him happy. No matter their different backgrounds, he never wanted to lose this person as his best friend. And it would make so many people happy if one of the royal family really started to use their influence to help those in need. Although it would take time until Shuusei's voice would be heard. For many he was still just the pretty boy who looked good at some events to strengthen his father's power but nothing more. But they would work on this. Together.