Disclaimer: I do not own Kuroko no Basket, nor do I profit from writing this fanfiction. This story is inspired by Legend of Zhen Huan and includes quotes from the manga, anime, wiki, and other sources. This fanfiction has not been beta-read. As I am not a native English speaker, please excuse any language errors.
In the Court of the Crimson Emperor
Chapter V
"It's chicken again," Haizaki Shiina complained as she surveyed the shipment of food ingredients provided by the palace kitchen. "Why is it always chicken? Why not something more extravagant, like bird's nests, sea cucumbers, abalone, crab, or even shark fin?"
"My Lady," Ai, her maid assigned from the palace, spoke politely, "Sumptuous dishes such as those are reserved for celebrations. On an ordinary day, the kitchen provides only chicken, pork, and fish."
Shiina's eyes widened in surprise. "I had no idea the palace had such rules."
"Indeed, My Lady," Ai continued, bowing her head slightly, "This particular regulation was instituted by the Empress three years ago, as a means of reducing the overall expenditure within the inner palace."
Shiina's brow furrowed in annoyance. "Reduce spending in the inner palace? Absurd!" she exclaimed, her tone dripping with disdain. "What does Empress Tetsuya know about fine dining, anyway? I dare say before he became Empress, Kuroko Tetsuya has never even tasted any of those delicacies."
Teikou Empire was, after all, one of the most prosperous and wealthy empires in the world. The imperial palace could afford to serve shark fin, bird's nest, or abalone with every meal, and it wouldn't make the slightest dent in the treasury. To think that the palace had such a restrictive rule seemed utterly beyond her understanding.
"But the Empress drinks vanilla milk, and vanilla is such a rare and expensive ingredient," Shiina pointed out, still frowning.
Ai offered a quiet explanation. "Vanilla is offered by a governor of Seirin province, My Lady. It is a gift specifically for the Empress, given during one of the major events."
Shiina blinked, slightly taken aback by the response. "Major events?"
Ai nodded. "Indeed. There are three significant events each year: the Spring Festival, the Winter Solstice, and the Emperor's Birthday. During these times, governors from all 23 provinces of the Teikou Empire present offerings to the Emperor. While the gifts are intended for His Imperial Majesty, it is customary for officials to include something for the Empress as well."
Shiina's gaze shifted to the food before her, her mind swirling with discontent. It seemed like such a small matter, yet the rule about food irritated her to no end. How could a lavish empire like Teikou live by such meager standards?
"Leave," Shiina said suddenly, her tone dismissive.
Ai bowed low. "I shall take my leave, My Lady."
After Ai left the room, Shiina leaned back in her chair, her eyes narrowing in thought. Not only was the food situation far from satisfactory, but the monthly allowance from the imperial palace was a meager sum as well.
Her thoughts drifted back to her family. Fortunately, her father was a minister, a well-placed government official with significant influence. Every month, Shiina sent letters home, and her father would promptly send a generous amount of money to support her. With this allowance, she was able to purchase a wide variety of her favorite foods and indulgences, ensuring she always had what she desired.
It never once occurred to her that her father's salary, as a minister, might not be enough to sustain their extravagant lifestyle. The life of luxury they led was something she had come to take for granted, never questioning where the money truly came from.
The sound of the eunuch's announcement echoed throughout the grand pavilion. "Second Class Attendant Tomomi has arrived! Second Class Attendant Hiroko has arrived!"
A moment later, the thick curtain parted, revealing Moriyama Tomomi and Fukuda Hiroko as they stepped into the room. Tomomi, with her lively energy, wore a pink silk dress adorned with plum blossoms at the sides, while Hiroko wore a more subtle green silk dress decorated with a delicate bamboo leaf pattern. Both had layered winter coats filled with goose feathers for warmth, their hands protected by matching muffs.
Tomomi and Hiroko, both loyal to Shiina, had connections with the Haizaki family and followed her commands without question. Of the two, Hiroko was quieter and more intelligent, whereas Tomomi had a tendency to speak her mind without hesitation.
"Greetings, Noble Lady Shiina," they both said simultaneously, their voices respectful.
"You may sit," Shiina ordered, her voice cold yet commanding.
"Thank you, Noble Lady Shiina," both replied, lowering themselves gracefully into the seats provided.
Tomomi, true to form, was the first to break the silence. "We saw Mayuzumi Chiharu and Sakurai Ryuna earlier. They're heading to Furihata Kouka's pavilion."
Shiina's lips curled into a smug smile. "Oh, they're going to visit her? How delightful. I do hope that after meeting Furihata, His Imperial Majesty will have enough sense to reject them."
Tomomi smiled in agreement, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Absolutely, Noble Lady Shiina. They're no match for you."
The news of Furihata Kouka's fainting spell had spread like wildfire through the Crimson Forbidden Palace. The whispers about the new concubine's fear of the Emperor were hard to ignore. Shiina couldn't help but feel a sense of triumph—one less rival to contend with. The more she thought about it, the more she hoped Emperor Seijuurou would see the weakness in Sakurai Ryuna as well.
"It truly is a shame," Shiina said with disdain. "If she had any dignity left, she would have ended her life rather than live with such shame."
"Yes," Tomomi agreed eagerly. "Everyone in the palace is gossiping about her. I heard she hasn't left her residence since it happened."
Hiroko added, her tone sharp, "We heard that Mayuzumi and Sakurai are planning to take her to the palace garden. They want to comfort her, or so they say."
Shiina's expression darkened with condescension as she let out a soft chuckle. "Comfort her? How pathetic. The only thing she deserves is to be pitied for her foolishness."
With a wicked glint in her eye, Shiina stood up slowly. "Let's go to the palace garden. I want to see how she looks after all this humiliation. Let's see if she has any pride left."
The three women walked towards the garden, their footsteps light and purposeful. Shiina couldn't help but relish the thought of seeing Furihata Kouka, the girl who had fainted from fear, now reduced to nothing more than a mockery in the eyes of the entire palace. One less rival, one step closer to achieving what she wanted in the palace.
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Mayuzumi Chiharu and Sakurai Ryuna were on their way to visit Furihata Kouka. After the shocking news of Kouka fainting and being sent back to her residence, she had not been seen outside since. It was understandable, even unsurprising, given the circumstances.
"Hopefully, Kouka is alright," murmured Ryuna, a note of concern in her voice.
Chiharu shared the sentiment, her thoughts filled with worry as they continued their walk.
At long last, they arrived at the Pavilion of Joy.
"First Class Attendant Ryuna has arrived! First Class Attendant Chiharu has arrived!" the eunuch announced loudly as they stepped inside.
Kouka, who had been quietly sitting in the centre of the room, looked up in surprise at their arrival.
"Chiharu, Ryuna!" she exclaimed. "What brings you here?"
"Are you alright, Kouka?" Ryuna's voice was filled with genuine concern. She hurried to her side. "You've been locked away in here for days. We were worried."
Kouka smiled faintly, though her eyes carried a touch of weariness. "I'm fine," she reassured them, though her voice was soft. In front of her lay a go board, its pieces arranged in a complex pattern. She had been playing alone, perhaps to calm her thoughts. "Please, sit down," she added. "Mao, could you fetch us some tea and snacks?"
"At once, My Lady," said Mao, the maid, bowing before leaving to the kitchen.
Ryuna couldn't hold back her curiosity any longer. "What happened, Kouka?" she demanded, her voice edged with impatience. "We were told you fainted. But no one's explained why."
"Ryuna…" Chiharu gave her best friend a gentle nudge, her tone a warning. "Don't press her so much."
Kouka, however, held up a hand, her expression calm. "It's alright, Chiharu," she said softly. "I should tell you." She paused for a moment, taking a deep breath before continuing. "I… I was so frightened. The fear just overwhelmed me. My hands were shaking, and I was drenched in sweat. And then, everything just went black. The next thing I knew, I was back here, safe and sound." She glanced down at the go board, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the edge of a piece.
Chiharu wasn't sure how to respond to Kouka's confession. Among the three of them, she was the only one who had not been summoned to serve the emperor. Yet Chiharu was no fool; she understood exactly what would have happened on that first night.
Ryuna, on the other hand, was confused. "But what's there to fear?" she asked innocently. "It's our duty to serve His Imperial Majesty. And besides, the emperor is young and very handsome. We're fortunate to be chosen as his concubines."
Chiharu sighed and shot Ryuna a look.
Ryuna immediately seemed to realise her mistake. She blushed, lowering her gaze. Since childhood, Ryuna had never been one to filter her words. It was never a problem in her own home, but things were different now that she was a concubine. One wrong word in the emperor's court, and the consequences could be severe.
Kouka smiled bitterly. "I wish I could be like you," she said softly, her voice laced with sadness. "That would be so much easier. I only bring shame to my family."
Kouka's words hung heavy in the air. It was a harsh truth. News of her fainting and subsequent seclusion would spread quickly, and it wouldn't take long for the ministers to hear. People would whisper that the Furihata family had failed to properly educate their daughter. Being selected as a concubine of the emperor was an incredible honour and a source of pride. Yet Kouka had failed to meet the emperor's expectations.
The room fell into a heavy silence, each of them lost in their thoughts, until Mao arrived with a tray of hot tea and delicate cakes. She placed them on the low table before bowing and retreating from the room.
"I'm sorry," Ryuna said awkwardly, her eyes wide with genuine regret. "I didn't mean to upset you. I just… I'm worried about you."
Kouka looked at her with a soft, understanding smile. "I know, Ryuna," she replied, her voice gentle. "And I'm grateful that you both came to see me."
Ryuna, eager to change the subject, brightened. "How about we take a walk in the garden?" she suggested, her tone light and hopeful.
"But it's winter," Kouka said, a little confused. "What's there to see in the garden at this time of year? The flowers are all gone. There are only a few trees that stay green."
"Come on," Ryuna urged, her enthusiasm contagious. "It will be nice. A bit of fresh air will do you good."
Kouka hesitated for only a moment before nodding. "Alright, then. I'll just grab my coat and muff."
With Kouka's spirits lifted by Ryuna's cheer, Chiharu felt a small sense of relief. The walk might do them all some good.
As Kouka turned to fetch her coat, she couldn't help but think about her future. Despite her fear of Emperor Seijuurou, there must be a way to make him call on her again. If things continued as they were, her prospects at the imperial court would be bleak, at best. If one became a favoured concubine, they might wield some power—but they would be hated by the others. And if one were rejected by the emperor? They would be vulnerable to bullying and neglect.
The key, she realised, was balance. She had to be clever, calculating, and ever-vigilant in the game of court life. It was a constant struggle, but it was one she had no choice but to play.
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Although it was winter, the garden proved to be unexpectedly stunning. Fresh snow had settled in mounds across the landscape, blanketing the trees in a delicate layer of white. The grass, once lush and green, was now hidden beneath a pristine carpet of snow that stretched as far as the eye could see.
"Wow! It's absolutely beautiful!" Ryuna exclaimed, her voice filled with delight as she looked around in wonder.
Chiharu nodded, agreeing with her friend. "It is," she said quietly. They rarely ventured out in the winter, but the snowy scene before them was breathtaking in its quiet beauty.
"Look!" Ryuna said, suddenly pointing. "The pond hasn't frozen over!"
"Where?" Kouka asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Over there!" Ryuna replied, leading the way as the three of them made their way toward the pond. It was true—the water had not yet frozen.
"How strange," Kouka murmured, gazing at the calm surface of the pond. "But where are the fish?"
"Maybe they've settled at the bottom for the winter," Chiharu suggested thoughtfully, her gaze scanning the water.
"That's a shame," Ryuna muttered, her expression wistful. "I have a fish pond at home," she added, turning to Kouka. "I love watching koi swim around. It's so peaceful."
Kouka smiled at the mention of Ryuna's pond. "We can come back here in the spring," she said, the sadness in her voice now replaced with a more cheerful tone. "When everything is blooming again."
"That's a great idea!" Ryuna exclaimed, her eyes sparkling. "I'll bring some food for the fish next time. They'll be so happy."
Kouka chuckled, her mood noticeably lighter. The thought of the garden in spring, with the koi swimming in the pond, brought a sense of hope. Perhaps things weren't so bleak after all.
"Well, well, well, look who's here," a voice called out from behind them.
The three of them turned to see Haizaki Shiina and her two attendants, Moriyama Tomomi and Hiroko Fukuda, approaching with smug expressions.
"Noble Lady Shiina, Attendant Hiroko, Attendant Tomomi," Ryuna said, her voice polite but her eyes wary. "What brings you here?"
"We're simply enjoying the scenery," Haizaki replied, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Why? Is this garden part of your domain now? Do we need your permission to be here?"
"Attendant Ryuna is His Imperial Majesty's favourite," Moriyama sneered, her words thick with contempt. "Perhaps she thinks this entire palace belongs to her."
"I never said that!" Ryuna protested quickly, her face flushing with embarrassment. Her thoughts raced back to the time Haizaki had slandered her in front of Empress Tetsuya. The memory made her uneasy, and her voice faltered.
Haizaki's gaze shifted to Kouka, who was standing slightly behind Ryuna. "Attendant Kouka is here too," she said with a wicked smile. "I thought you'd be hiding in the Pavilion of Joy forever. But clearly, you have thick skin."
Kouka's face flushed with a mix of anger and embarrassment, but she said nothing. She knew her rank was lower than Haizaki's, and to speak out of turn would only make matters worse.
"Noble Lady Shiina," Chiharu interjected, her tone calm yet firm, "The garden looks exceptionally beautiful today. Why don't we both take a moment to enjoy the view?" She hoped her suggestion would diffuse the tension before things escalated any further. The last thing they needed was for the situation to spiral into an argument—one where words would be spoken that could never be taken back.
But the underlying tension remained, a constant reminder that in this court, every conversation was a potential battleground.
Haizaki cast a dismissive glance at Chiharu, as if she were beneath her notice. The girl probably thought Chiharu was intimidated by her. "Attendant Chiharu is here too," she remarked, her voice dripping with condescension.
"Of the three of you, only Attendant Chiharu has not been called by His Imperial Majesty," Fukuda declared haughtily, as if pointing out some great flaw.
"Being uncalled hardly compares to someone who has been summoned and then fainted in fear," Haizaki interjected sharply, her voice cold and cutting. "One must wonder if there's something wrong with her."
"Absolutely," Moriyama chimed in, her tone laced with mockery. "Attendant Kouka, you bring nothing but shame to your family. If I were your parents, I would have killed you myself."
Kouka's face drained of colour, her expression faltering as the cruel words sunk in.
Ryuna's eyes widened, the shock evident on her face. She hadn't expected such venom, especially not in front of them all.
Even Fukuda, usually so composed, seemed taken aback. Her gaze flickered between the others, as though unsure how to react to such an open attack.
Only Haizaki seemed pleased, a small, satisfied smile curling on her lips as she watched the tension grow.
Who wouldn't be shocked? How could Moriyama speak like that? To insult someone's family in such a manner, let alone to curse them so openly, was a direct violation of basic decency. It was unforgivable.
"What?" Moriyama challenged, her expression defiantly raised. "Did I say something wrong?"
Kouka remained silent, her heart pounding in her chest. The words stung, but she knew she couldn't afford to speak out. If she responded, it would only fuel the fire. She bit her lip, her gaze lowered in an attempt to keep her emotions under control.
"Attendant Tomomi," Chiharu said sharply, her tone biting. "You come from an educated family, your father holds a position in government, and yet you still have no manners. Did your parents never teach you basic courtesy? You behave like a barbarian."
Moriyama's eyes flared with rage. "What did you say?" she hissed, her hand shooting up to slap Chiharu.
Just as it seemed the situation was about to spiral out of control, a loud voice rang through the air, cutting through the tension.
"Stop!"
They all froze and turned toward the sound.
There, at the centre of a group of maids, stood Aida Riko, the head of Empress Tetsuya's maid, flanked by other attendants. In the centre of the entourage, Empress Tetsuya himself sat, cloaked in a luxurious fox fur coat, carried in a royal palanquin by the eunuchs.
Since when had Empress Tetsuya arrived?
Ryuna, Kouka, and Chiharu exchanged a quick, relieved glance. The Empress's arrival had brought an unexpected sense of calm to the situation, though it was clear the mood had shifted entirely for Haizaki and Moriyama. Both women now wore expressions of unease and fear. Fukuda, however, remained composed; she had said nothing out of line, after all.
"Grace to Your Majesty," they all said in unison.
Empress Tetsuya's was unreadable, as always, but Chiharu couldn't help but wonder how much the Empress had heard—and what he had seen. Was this a mere coincidence, or had Empress Tetsuya been observing the entire exchange?
Big blue eyes traversed the assembled concubines, pausing with a glacial intensity upon the figure of Moriyama. "You are all, of course, aware of your position as consorts to His Imperial Majesty. Acts of physical violence constitute a grave transgression. Surely, Attendant Tomomi, you are aware of this?"
"Your Majesty," Moriyama implored, her voice trembling, "I beg your forgiveness." In a moment of desperate impulsiveness, she blurted out, "But it was Attendant Chiharu who initiated the altercation."
"I heard your words quite distinctly. Including your disparaging remarks concerning Attendant Kouka's parents." Empress Tetsuya stated, his tone subtly altered, a nuance that did not escape the notice of Chiharu, Haizaki, and Moriyama alike.
Moriyama's complexion drained of all colour. She sank to her knees, her silken robes pooling around her. "Your Majesty, I did not intend to cause offence. Please, I beg you..."
Empress Tetsuya regarded her with an unwavering gaze. "For your attempt to strike Attendant Chiharu, your monthly allowance shall be halved for a period of six months. Furthermore, you shall be confined to your quarters for three months. Save for the eunuch charged with the delivery of your meals, no person shall enter or depart." He paused, a moment of pregnant silence hanging in the air. "And for your impertinence, you shall receive thirty strokes to the face."
Moriyama remained speechless, the severity of the punishment rendering her utterly stunned.
Riko offered a curt nod, whereupon a stern-faced lady-in-waiting approached.
The lady-in-waiting delivered a sharp blow to Moriyama's right cheek. "One," she intoned, her voice devoid of emotion.
Then, a corresponding blow landed on Moriyama's left cheek. "Two."
And then, another blow to the right. "Three."
By the time the punishment was done, Moriyama's cheeks were swollen and inflamed, resembling a squirrel's hoard of winter nuts. Crimson handprints marked her once pristine white skin, a stark testament to her transgression.
"Let this serve as a cautionary example," Empress Tetsuya concluded, addressing Moriyama with a chillingly calm tone before turning his attention to Haizaki. "Noble Lady Shiina, your utterances were equally devoid of sense. Therefore, your monthly allowance shall be halved for a period of three months."
Haizaki dared not offer a single word of protest or defence. Chiharu observed that Haizaki was visibly shaken by the severity of the punishments. Given Empress Tetsuya's delicate, porcelain-like demeanour, one would scarcely expect such decisive and severe retribution.
"Return to your respective residences," Empress Tetsuya commanded, before his entourage carried him away.
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"Your Majesty," Aida Riko began, her voice measured, polite, and imbued with the utmost respect.
"Thank you, Riko," Tetsuya responded, taking a slow sip of the warm vanilla milk, relishing its creamy sweetness. The delicate fragrance of vanilla had always had a soothing effect on his nerves. He set the now-empty glass upon the table with a soft, deliberate click.
Having grown increasingly weary of his confinement within the palace's oppressive walls, Tetsuya had sought a brief respite in the imperial gardens. Yet, to his misfortune, he found himself entangled in the unpleasant spectacle of a quarrel between the factions of Haizaki and Sakurai. The entire affair had cast a shadow over his mood, particularly due to the appalling conduct of Moriyama Tomomi.
"Riko," Tetsuya inquired, his tone calm yet thoughtful, "what is your assessment of this recent disturbance?"
"Your Majesty," Riko replied with measured professionalism, "as you are well aware, the concubines have divided themselves into three distinct factions. The first consists of Sakurai Ryuna, Mayuzumi Chiharu, and Furihata Kouka. The second, Haizaki Shiina, Moriyama Tomomi, and Fukuda Hiroko. The third comprises Hanamiya Misaki and Kawahara Sayuri." She paused, her expression composed, yet her eyes betrayed a hint of concern. "Of these three factions, Haizaki's group has openly declared their hostility towards Sakurai's. Sakurai's faction, to date, has adopted a defensive stance. Within these groups, I would note that Fukuda Hiroko and Mayuzumi Chiharu exhibit particular discernment and intelligence."
Tetsuya's gaze sharpened. "And Hanamiya?" he asked, his voice betraying the hint of curiosity that often accompanied his sharp observations.
"Hanamiya has, as yet, refrained from taking any overt action," Riko answered, her tone unwavering. "It seems she is either observing the situation closely or intends to remain aloof until one of the other factions falters. Should such an outcome occur, Hanamiya would undoubtedly stand to gain."
Tetsuya leaned back slightly, his expression thoughtful. "She possesses more astuteness than I had originally perceived," he murmured, his voice laced with quiet contemplation. "Haizaki is impetuous, driven by impulse, while Mayuzumi appears to avoid conflict altogether. Keep a vigilant watch over them, Riko. Ensure that no untoward events transpire in the coming days."
"I understand, Your Majesty," Riko affirmed, her voice resolute, her posture unwavering. "I shall continue to monitor the situation closely and report any developments promptly."
Tetsuya nodded, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Your diligence is most appreciated, Riko. You serve me well."
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A month elapsed, and Moriyama Tomomi remained confined to her quarters. However, her isolation did not preclude her from the palace's gossip and latest tidings, as the eunuch tasked with delivering her provisions proved exceedingly eager to share such information.
Tomomi was consumed by a simmering rage. Her enforced confinement had caused her to miss the Winter Solstice celebration, an event she had eagerly anticipated. Furthermore, she learned that all the other consorts had been summoned to attend upon the Emperor, save for herself, who remained under strict orders of seclusion.
This, she seethed, was Mayuzumi Chiharu's doing! Had it not been for her, she would not have suffered the Empress's punishment. Sakurai Ryuna and Furihata Kouka were equally culpable. The more she dwelt upon her punishment, the more her fury intensified.
She tenderly touched her cheek, still sensitive from the Empress's punishment. The humiliation, she found, was far more excruciating than the physical pain. The burning indignation within her reached such a fever pitch that she seized a porcelain vase and hurled it against the wall, the delicate object shattering into countless fragments.
"My Lady!" her maid exclaimed, hastily gathering the shards, her voice trembling with apprehension lest her mistress injure herself.
Tomomi vowed, with a chilling resolve, that Mayuzumi Chiharu would pay dearly for this humiliation, even if it were the last act she performed.
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Following the Winter Solstice celebrations, the next grand occasion was the Emperor's Birthday. Akashi Seijuurou had been born on the twentieth day of the twelfth month, and this year marked his twenty-third year. Officials from every province of the Teikou Empire would journey to the Crimson Forbidden City to partake in the festivities. There, they would gather in the Hall of Supreme Harmony to offer their felicitations, wishing the Emperor both longevity and the continued prosperity of the Empire.
The celebrations would last far into the night, culminating in a splendid banquet attended by the Imperial Family and those favoured officials. There would be performances of song, dance, and theatrical plays, each more lavish than the last. The final act of the evening, a breathtaking display of fireworks, would mark the conclusion of the festivities.
Once the celebrations had drawn to a close, the guests returned to their respective residences, as did Tetsuya and Seijuurou, who retired to Tetsuya's palace in quiet companionship.
"It is exceedingly wearisome to endure such elaborate birthday celebrations each year," Seijuurou remarked, his voice tinged with weariness. "Perhaps, next year, I shall see to it that they are curtailed."
"You expressed a similar sentiment last year," Tetsuya murmured softly, a small smile playing at the corner of his lips.
"Indeed," Seijuurou agreed with a faint chuckle, "celebrating with only the two of us, and perhaps our closest friends, would be far more agreeable. Much like the simple gatherings we held in our youth, for your birthday."
"It has been a considerable time," Tetsuya replied, his tone laced with nostalgia.
"Seventeen years…" Seijuurou's voice was wistful, as if the passing years had taken him by surprise.
Seventeen years ago, when they first met, they were but children, scarcely six years of age. At that time, Tetsuya had been unaware that the young, red-haired boy who so diligently practised his martial arts was none other than Crown Prince Seijuurou. Time, it seemed, had passed with remarkable swiftness. Seventeen years had slipped by unnoticed, and it had been eight years since their relationship had shifted from that of close comrades to something far deeper.
"And eight years since my fifteenth birthday," Seijuurou continued, a faint glimmer of amusement in his eyes. "Tetsuya surely recalls the gift I so dearly wished for on that occasion."
Tetsuya nodded, the memory of that day vivid in his mind. How could he ever forget?
"'I want Tetsuya,'" Seijuurou recited, his voice low but tinged with the same impishness it held on that fateful night, eight years prior. "'If Tetsuya is mine, I require no other gifts.' So, I must ask," he continued, his gaze narrowing playfully, "where, pray tell, is my gift?"
Author's Note:
Hello, everyone! First and foremost, thank you so much for reading! I'd love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to leave a review.
