Misaki didn't really think this day would come so soon. The two months flew by so fast, it felt like only yesterday he had passed through the doors of the great palace. However, those short two months had been full of complications. He had started having strange feelings for Akihiko, for one thing, that seem to only grow the longer he spent time with him. And not matter how hard he tried he always ended up by Akihiko's side again either reading, talking or simply relaxing in his presence. It was better than talking to everyone else.

Some good things had happened though. He made some new friends, like Miss Aikawa and Sumi. Plus he's managed to do some sightseeing and even learned how to ice skate. As a bonus, he had also gotten used to putting on his 'disguise'. He had learned how to put the makeup and dress on better as well as learn a few new hairstyles for his now slightly longer hair. Was it something to be proud of? He wasn't really sure but he would think of it as a plus, since at least he didn't look as ridiculous like he did in the beginning. Misaki sighed as he stood up and decided to take a walk around the palace to think.

A few servants and maids ran around the palace, carrying decorations or food from place to place, nearly knocking Misaki over. Today was the day that the King chose the next five princesses who would 'advance' into the next round. They would stay three more months and then at the end of it all the King would choose who the next Queen would be as well as the next King. Misaki frowned at the thought. He was sure he wouldn't be chosen, not when he had missed almost every 'group' activity and failed all the manners and etiquette tests. But he didn't know why that upset him so much. If anything, he should feel glad. If he wasn't chosen, then he could go home. He could stop all this nonsense and go back to living a normal life with his brother. But...he didn't want to go back. He should want to, but he didn't. He sort of liked it here. He liked his new friends...especially Akihiko. They had become fairly close and were comfortable in each other's presence. Misaki knew that if he left it didn't mean that he could never talk to Akihiko. He could always write letters or visit time to time with his brother. However...leaving him made him sad. He didn't want to leave him. He wanted to stay and talk to him, go on walks, ice skate and play in the snow with him...

Misaki let out a frustrated groan and shook his head. What was he saying? He sounded like some sort of damsel in distress there for a second. Misaki wasn't sad, of course he wasn't. He was fine. Just fine. He was just a bit tired is all. That's why he was talking crazy. Misaki leaned against the wall, whining a bit at his own stupidity.

"Manami?" Misaki straightened up and looked over to see Sumi coming closer to her.

"Ah, Sumi." she smiled and walked over. "What's is it?"

"A letter from your brother." he said, handing it over to her. "What is that? The third one this month?" he teased with a smirk.

"Shut it. He's just worried about me is all." she looked over the letter and smiled a little, feeling a bit relieved to have another letter from her brother. It seemed the only normal thing in her messed up world.

"I'm worried about you too, you know. My friend could be leaving today if she doesn't make it, right?"

"Uh, yeah...Sort of scary to think though, hm?"

"Yeah. But at least you'll be able to go back home. You've been complaining since you got here."

"Yeah that's the good part. Although I'll sort of miss the place."

"I see. You'll probably miss Akihiko too."

"W-What? No I won't!" she blushed as she got flustered. "I'm sure Usagi would probably be happy for me to leave. I've been following him like a lost dog for a while." she grumbled. She was joking but now had depressed herself with the idea.

"Probably. Although now you call him by his nickname hm?"

Misaki argued with him a bit more before he had to go. She walked around a little bit more before she decided to go to the library. Akihiko was probably done with his errands and was probably looking for her right now. She dusted off the snow on her shoes and dress before running up the stairs and into the library. The library was quite large, two stories high and full of books from around the world. Some were in different languages and some from way back. It was quite interesting although Misaki's limited education didn't allow her to read most of the books. However she could read and enjoyed the more simpler books. Akihiko had offered to tutor her but she declined, thinking it'd be weird if he tutored her.

"Usagi?" she called out, looking around.

"Here."

Misaki turned and saw him sitting down on one of the many armchairs they had around the library. She walked over and noticed he was all dressed up for tonight. He had on his formal clothing, his hair was brushed neatly with his crown on top of his head. His hair looked so smooth, she wanted to touch it although she luckily stopped herself. "Ready for tonight?"

"Mm. I'd rather miss the whole thing."

"I know, but then you won't get to say goodbye to me hm?"

Akihiko tensed up a bit, "How do you know you'll be leaving?"

"Just look at me! I'm not really graceful, or royalty or anything. I'm not even the person I'm supposed to be." she mumbled the last part. "I doubt the King would choose me."

Akihiko was silent for a bit, thinking, "Well I guess you will leave then hm? Things will be quieter without you around." He didn't mean it, of course. However he was mad now and his tone became somewhat sharp.

Misaki frowned, feeling hurt but didn't react. She sat down on a chair and pulled the letter out, pouting slightly. She opened it and read it, feeling a little better by her her brother's comforting words.

"Manami!" Misaki jumped, looking up. Aikawa was running to them, "Where were you? You're late for your dress fitting!" she cried, grabbing her arm and dragging Misaki away.

"O-Oh! I forgot!" she looked back at Akihiko but looked away, too upset to say goodbye. He wasn't even looking at her.

However in her hurry, the letter had fallen to the floor, forgotten in the rush. Akihiko raised a brow and picked it up, curious. "What's this…" he muttered, opening it up and looking it over. It didn't look interesting however something caught his attention.

Dear Misaki,

I'm glad that you are having fun despite the circumstances. It makes me feel a little better knowing you aren't having a horrible time. Manami and I are doing fine, thank you. We are almost going to marry soon. Hopefully after you come back. If you do come back, I should say. I hope that you can and don't advance on to the next round. Or else I'm afraid you might be found out.

Misaki, you have no idea how much this means to me. You're the best little brother anyone could ask for. I don't think Manami and I could ever repay you for pretending to be her and saving us from being torn apart. Also wearing a dress might be weird, no?

I'll make this letter short because I bet you have more important things to do, but please be careful. I don't want anything to happen to my little brother. Be safe and write me back soon.

-Takahiro

Akihiko stared at the letter in confusion. Little...brother? This letter was for Misaki right? Why did he write little brother- His eyes widened as it all suddenly clicked. The way he looked, talked and acted like...Misaki...was… "A boy?" He let his hand drop to his side, letter held tightly in his grasp. No way. It had to be a mistake yet it wasn't. It made sense, now that he thought about it. So that's why he was so concerned about staying here. He wasn't just pretending to be Manami, but a whole different gender together. But why didn't he tell him? Was he afraid that he would be mad? Or kick him out?

Akihiko furrowed his brows as he thought. This was all so strange and sudden. Should he let Misaki know he knew? Or would it make him afraid? Would he worry if he knew? Something suddenly occurred to Akihiko. If...Misaki was a boy then...he...he really did love Misaki. Before he was conflicted because he liked men, and he had thought Misaki was a girl and was confused as to why he would be attracted to Misaki. But now he knew his true feelings. Misaki was a boy, and Akihiko loved him. Plain and simple. He stood up and started walking to the door quickly, a newfound energy in him. He needed to make his father chose Misaki to stay. Now that he had realized that he did love him, he couldn't let him go. Not yet. Not before he could tell Misaki how he felt.

Hopefully he wasn't too late.

((A/N: Short but full of drama huh? Now Akihiko knows and the plot can advance XD This was one of the hardest chapters to write because I wasn't sure how to sort of start it and what I wanted to do. I almost was going to wait another chapter till he found out but decided to do it now. I still am not happy with it but for now I'll leave it up. Thank you for the wonderful comments you guys and look out for another chapter soon! Next one might be a little late because of finals coming up but hopefully not.))