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Chapter 14: Steps to Fall in Love: Friendship?

Ritsu tried not to faint, but breathe. His pounding heart and sweaty palms did not help him maintain his composure. He found it hard to even say anything because he simply did know how to even explain the situation himself.

"I-umm-uhh…" The brunette could only stutter out nonsense. He figured he could run, but the other obviously had better athletic ability compared to him, so he thought it would be pointless to even run at this point.

"Soooo… there is no Rika?" Masamune simply had to clarify this part first. He was interested in a girl that was not a girl? Wow. Life is always interesting for him apparently.

"I…yeah…"

"So before i ask what is all this" -the prince gestured to this confusing identity issue- "I just wanted to say I will not judge you because I am certainly in no place to judge as well. So… what is all this that I just saw?"

"Hahahaha…" The brunette sighed. There was no way out of this now. "Why don't we sit down and talk then." He motioned for the other to come towards him and join him by the river and sit with him. The two sat down side by side, but a silence lingered between them for a while.

"As you can see, I crossdress. Not out of personal preference though."

"Then were you forced to?"

"Mmmm… I guess you could say that. My parents made me dress as a female ever since I was a toddler. Since I'm used to it, I continue to do so because my parents tell me that it is for my safety."

Masamune furrowed his eyebrows. "Safety? Are you in danger?"

"Danger? I don't know. My parents never told me the reason why I have to dress in this manner. They simply emphasize that it's for my safety. They promised to tell me why in the future when it is appropriate, but for now they all they want me to do is trust them. I believe that there is a profound reason behind it, so I'll just do what my parents say until they tell me why."

"Hmmm I see. If it means anything to you, I feel honored that you told me something so secretive. I commend the fact that you are willing to dress in this manner. And I think you look even better in your male form than your female form. You are even more beautiful."

A hue of pinkish red bloomed across the brunette's cheeks. "Y-you don't call a man beautiful…"

The ravenette chuckled loudly. "Shouldn't you be used to be called beautiful by everyone."

"D-doesn't mean I like it!" Ritsu squealed loudly mostly out of embarrassment. "But thank you… you're the only person that I have ever told this secret to…."

Masamune's lips quirked upwards to form a sincere and charming smile. He raised his hand and ruffled the other's hair. "And I promise to keep my lips shut."

A very soft smile decorated the other male's lips. It felt nice for someone to know the real him. "I have a question."

"Hmmm…" Masamune raised his eyebrows. "What is it?"

"Well, who exactly are you? You are dressed quite differently compared to the first time I met you. You were dressed decorative clothing the first time, but the second time and this time, you are dressed in more mundane, commoner clothing."

The prince tilted his head in confusion. "You don't know who I am?"

"Should I?" Ritsu furrowed his eyebrows. He did feel that the other's name sounded fairly familiar.

"I'm Takano Masamune? I'm sure that I introduced myself with my full name the first time. I thought you simply kept silent about my identity or ignored it."

"But I do not know who you are?" The brunette was fairly sheltered, so he did not know much about the outside world.

"Hmmm… then I would prefer not to tell you then." The prince enjoyed the current state of their relationship. The other did not go out of his way to please him, but treated him as his equal.

The younger male frowned. "I told you about myself, I believe it's only fair if you do the same."

"But I fear that you will treat me differently if I told you who I really am." A saddened expression filled the older male's face.

"You treated me the same, if not better despite knowing about my secret." Ritsu thought for a few moments. "How about this?" He stretched his pinky out towards the other. "Let's make a promise to treat each other of equals no matter who we are."

Masamune could not help but laugh. He never met someone so earnest. "I have not done this since forever." He stretched out his own pinky and linked it with the other's.

"It's a promise." The two smiled and chuckled at their childish behavior, but they knew a wonderful friendship was forming between them.

"I'm still surprised that you do not know who I am. Do you know the Takano family?"

"It sounds familiar, but I cannot place where I heard of your family name."

"Well, the Takano family is the royal family of this land."

Purple-blue eyes widened. "WHAAAT?" The brunette blushed because he felt dumb for not knowing.

"Most would treat me differently after they find that out."

"Well I promise to treat you like an equal and I will! You may be a prince, but I see you as the kind, charming, humorous man that I met by the river and that saved me from being chased in town." Ritsu faced the other with a smile. "That's who you are to me."

Honey orbs widened at the earnest statement. He did not know why, but he could feel his heart pound harshly against his chest and his cheeks burn. He did not understand why his body was reacting in such a manner to a simple, but sincere words. "Thank you… no one has ever said anything like that to me."

The two sat together in a comfortable silence. They found each other's presence quite soothing.

"Can I ask you another question?"

"Yeah. What is it?"

"Do you know anyone by the surname Onodera that works in the royal court?"

Masamune racked through his knowledge to see if he could recall anyone by that surname, but nothing came to mind. "I don't believe I have heard or met anyone with the surname Onodera in the royal court. Why?"

The brunette just shook his head. "Just wondering something." Now he was confused. His parents claimed that they had important roles in the royal court. Something was certainly amiss.

The ravenette could tell that there was a reason that the other asked, but decided to not question it. He looked towards the sky and could see beautiful arrays of red, orange, and yellow covering the skies. The prince realized how late it was getting. He should get home soon before all of his attendants and friends start fussing.

"Hey, I had a great time with you today, but I need to get going."

"Oh! Sorry for keeping you with me for so long. Let me lead you out of the forest."

The two got up and began navigating their way out of the forest.

Masamune asked, "Would it be okay for us to continue meeting by the river?"

Emerald eyes widened, but soon sparkled with delight. "I would love to. Do you want to meet again tomorrow?"

The prince nodded with a smile. "When the hour reaches 4, lets meet there again."

"Okay!" The brunette could not deny the immense happiness that filled his heart.

The edge of the forest was not far from the river, so they quickly arrived at the entrance. The two waved at each and departed.

…

"Ritsu! We are home!"

The brunette could hear his parents call out to him. Numerous questions swirled in his mind. After Masamune told him that no one by the name of Onodera worked for the royal court, it scared him. Have his parents been lying to him?

He descended the stairs and returned the greeting. "Hello Papa, Mama. Welcome home." He hoped his voice was not shaky. "Mama, Papa, Did-" He truly wanted answers, but he was too afraid to. "Um. How was your day?"

Atushi answered, "It was good. There was a lot of work, but nothing your parents can't handle."

"You two rest. Let me cook dinner tonight."

Kiyomi smiled, "Thank you, Ritsu."

He returned the smile. "Just rest." He wanted to ask his parents, but something in him told him that if he did, he would greatly regret knowing, as if his world would shatter.

…

"Stop smiling so disgustingly, Masamune."

The said man turned towards his friend, "What's wrong with smiling? I think you need to do that more. I'm sure Kirishima would appreciate it."

"W-what are you talking about?!" A deep red blush grew across the advisor's face at the mention of the head knight.

The prince could not help but snicker. He loved to tease his friend, especially because it makes it easier to sway and trick the other.

Yokozawa coughed in order to regain his composure. "You seemed to have enjoyed your time in town today."

"Hmm…" The smile only grew. "I guess you could say that."

The advisor looked slightly creeped out. "Please stop that. It's creepy."

The ravenette rolled his eyes. "Did you have something to tell me?"

"Oh right. Tomorrow, in the morning, you need to attend a important meeting with the royal court. Certain matters of importance have arisen. It is important that you be there."

Masamune nodded his head. "I understand."

"And can you please finish your paperwork. It is starting to pile up. If you don't, I will not let you leave the castle tomorrow after the meeting."

"Yes. Yes. I will do it."

Yokozawa sighed. As much as he would like to know why his best friend was so giddy, he decided that it would be better to leave it alone. "Don't forget! I warned you. I have to go, so please be good and do your work."

"I know. I know. Go have fun on your date."

"IT'S NOT A DATE!"

Masamune only smirked and walked out the room. He always had the last laugh whenever it came to his advisor. Sigh. Now it was time to work, so he could meet Ritsu. At the thought of the other, a sense of happiness filled his heart. "I can't wait till tomorrow…"

I hope you enjoyed this chapter! I left a lot of hints in this chapter that explain their past together ;) hehe i wonder if you guys can pick them up. LOL please know I'm truly doing my best to update on this day every week. If I'm late, please excuse me :( I'm getting a little busy, but I'm doing my best!

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Love and Snow Kisses! Till next time! :)