The tea room was quiet, with sunlight streaming through the paper screens and casting soft shadows on the tatami floor. Sho Ai sat on a cushion, her back straight. She reached for the teapot, wrapping her fingers around the handle and lifting it carefully. Tilting the spout downward, she poured tea into a small cup, stopping when it was half full. She returned the teapot to the tray, setting it down gently. Her fingertips brushed the edge of the teapot as she adjusted its position slightly.

Jun stepped into the room, his heels clicking softly against the wooden floor. He stopped in front of the cushion opposite her, glancing briefly at the low table before lowering himself. He knelt on the cushion, tucking his knees under his body, and placed his hands on his thighs with his fingers loosely spread.

Sho Ai lifted her head briefly, her eyes meeting Jun’s before dropping back to the teapot.
“Your Highness.”

“Miss Sho Ai.”

Jun lowered himself onto the cushion across from Sho Ai, folding his hands neatly on his lap.

"I hope I haven’t kept you waiting. I hear punctuality is one of your virtues."

Sho Ai reached for the teapot again, her wrist turning as she lifted it. She tipped the spout over the second cup, filling it halfway. She placed the teapot back onto the tray, lowering it carefully, and slid the cup across the table toward him. Her fingertips barely touched the porcelain as she moved it.

“As anyone from a proper family should. Perhaps you’ll find it one day.”

Jun tilted his head, a faint twitch at the corner of his mouth.

"Something for us both to look forward to."

"Patience is important. Especially when it’s tested again and again."

Jun picked up the cup, his lips pulling into a faint smile.

"And you’re a master of patience. It’s inspiring."

Sho Ai reached for her own cup, lifting it with her thumb and forefinger. She brought it to her lips and took a small sip. She placed it back onto the table, letting it rest exactly where it had been before. Her gaze rose to meet his.

"And you’re a master at testing it. Remarkable."

Jun sipped the tea, his face neutral as he placed the cup back down with care.

"The tea is excellent. Of course, I’d expect nothing less from someone with such... experience."

Sho Ai moved her hand toward the teapot, adjusting its position slightly on the tray. Her fingers pressed lightly against the handle before she placed her hand back on her lap.

"And I’d expect nothing less than flawless manners from the Crown Prince. Though you still manage to surprise me sometimes."

Jun gestured lightly at the teapot.

"How generous of you. I’ll try not to ruin the tea by enjoying it too much."

Sho Ai reached for the teapot again and poured herself another cup. She lowered the teapot back onto the tray and adjusted it with a slight nudge from her fingertips. She placed her hands back on her lap.

"I’m sure your presence alone has elevated the experience already."

Jun leaned back slightly, his hands resting loosely on his knees.

"Elevated? That’s kind. Maybe I should visit more often. Twice a year instead of once."

Sho Ai glanced at him, her tone sharp despite her calm expression.

"If you did, I’d consider taking up gardening. Something peaceful."

Jun raised an eyebrow.

"Gardening? You seem more like a fencer. Something sharp suits you better."

Sho Ai set the teapot down with barely a sound.

"Sharp things are tricky. They can cut both ways if you’re not careful."

A brief silence filled the room before Sho Ai let out a quiet breath, her voice softening.

"I’ve heard you grew up with a companion. Someone you were very close to."

Jun’s shoulders stiffened slightly, though his face didn’t betray much.

"Most people have friends, Miss Sho Ai. Surely you have some too."

Sho Ai tilted her head, her tone light but with an edge of curiosity.

"Of course. But not many friends inspire so many rumors."

Jun’s lips pressed into a thin line.

"People love gossip. It’s practically a hobby at this point."

Sho Ai sipped her tea, her gaze still resting on him.

"I’d like to meet him someday. It’s rare to know someone so important to you."

Jun reached for his cup again, his fingers steady, though his expression tightened.

"He’s not important. Just a childhood friend."

Sho Ai’s lips curved slightly, the calm tone returning to her voice.

"Even so, an introduction would be lovely. I insist."

Jun cleared his throat, his voice clipped.

"He’s busy. Always busy."

"That’s unfortunate."

"Very."

Sho Ai’s gaze lingered on Jun for a moment before softening.

"I’m sure an opportunity will come. I think I’d enjoy meeting him."

Jun opened his mouth, but Sho Ai cut him off, her voice turning serious.

"Your Highness, may I ask for something?"

Jun paused, his fingers brushing the edge of his cup.

“Permission to request something? How very proper of you, Miss Sho Ai. By all means, enlighten me.”

Sho Ai’s face remained pleasant, though her words carried more weight.

"A private conversation. Just us."

Jun blinked, his composure slipping for a second.

"Private?"

Sho Ai inclined her head slightly, her tone unchanging.

"Yes. Surely you don’t mind something so simple."

Jun glanced toward Kaizen, who stood near the doorway like a statue, before turning back to Sho Ai.

“Very well.”

Chapter 2 :

Roen was sprawled across the couch in the corner of the library. A book rested unevenly on his chest, one arm hanging loosely over the side. His eyes scanned the page without reading a single word.

He snapped the book shut and tossed it onto the cushion beside him.

“How long does tea even take? Are they brewing it one drop at a time?”

The room remained silent. Roen sat up, rubbing the back of his neck as he glanced at the door. His gaze lingered there for a moment. Nothing happened.

He stood up and walked into the hallway. His hands stayed in his pockets, his shoes brushing softly against the floor. The carved wooden panels lining the walls passed by as he walked.

“Mr. Heltix! Off to the kitchen again?”

A voice called out from behind. Roen stopped but didn’t turn around.

“I’m not.”

“Right. Sure you’re not.”

“I wasn’t—”

Before he could finish, one of the maids appeared. She caught his sleeve lightly.

“You’re heading there anyway.”

Another maid blocked his path, her expression knowing.

“Let’s go.”

They started steering him toward the kitchen, their touches barely firm but insistent. Roen didn’t resist, but his feet dragged with every step.

The kitchen table was already set when they arrived. Pastries sat in neat piles, sugar-dusted buns gleamed under the light, and caramel-glazed fruit rested on a platter. A cup of steaming tea sat to the side.

Roen stopped just short of the table. His eyes landed on the plate of fruit. The caramel pooled around the edges, reflecting the light.

“You didn’t have to do all this.”

One of the maids smiled and nudged the plate an inch closer.

“His Highness told us to always have your favorites ready.”

Roen looked up sharply. His eyebrows drew together.

“What? Why would he—”

The maids exchanged glances but didn’t reply. The plate of fruit was pushed a little closer.

“Anyway, I’m not eating.”

The growl of his stomach broke the silence. Roen’s ears turned red as the maids pressed their lips together, stifling laughter.

He scowled at the plate.

“I said I’m not—”

His hand darted forward and grabbed a slice of fruit. He froze, staring at it for a moment before sighing.

“Fine. Just one.”

He took a bite, the caramel clinging to his lips.

The older maid slid a tray of pastries closer. Roen’s gaze flicked to it, but he didn’t reach for more.

The kitchen door swung open, and another maid entered in a rush.

“Big news!”

Roen glanced at her.

“I just passed the tea room! Everyone’s outside. His Highness and Miss Sho Ai sent them away. It’s just the two of them in there now!”

The maids gasped, their voices overlapping.

“Just the two of them? What are they doing?”

“Could it be romantic?”

“Maybe he’s confessing!”

Roen set the half-eaten fruit back on the plate. He brushed crumbs from his fingers.

“Thanks for the snacks. I’m done.”

He stood and walked toward the door. The maids exchanged looks but didn’t stop him.

Roen’s pace quickened once he stepped into the hallway. His thoughts were loud.

What are they doing? Why would Jun send everyone out?

He kept walking until his legs gave out, and he sank to the floor. His hands rested against the cold marble.

Something wet touched his hand. He blinked and realized his vision was blurry. Drops of water slid down his fingers and pooled on the floor.

“…And who was the one saying he didn’t want to have tea?”

His voice was soft, almost a whisper.

“Now what? You sent everyone out of the room?”

A laugh escaped him, dry and hollow.

“Haha…”

It faded quickly. Roen’s shoulders shook faintly as his head dropped into his hands.

“Pathetic.”

Jun burst into the study like a storm, his arms thrown wide as his voice boomed through the room.

“I’m back, honey!”

Silence greeted him.

The couch, where Roen always sat, stared back at him, perfectly empty and utterly unbothered. Jun’s steps slowed as his expression shifted to one of pure suspicion. He crossed the room, narrowing his eyes at the offending piece of furniture.

“Roen?”

Kaizen entered moments later, clipboard in hand, his gaze firmly fixed on the papers. Jun spun toward him, his coat flaring dramatically.

“Kaizen. Declare a national emergency.”

Kaizen didn’t look up, his pen gliding across the clipboard as if Jun’s dramatics were background noise.

“For what reason, Your Highness?”

"Roen has been kidnapped."

Jun declared, gesturing toward the empty couch like it was evidence in a crime scene. Kaizen shifted the clipboard slightly and tapped the edge with his pen.

"Tomorrow’s dinner with Miss Sho Ai will be held at the Sapphire Hall. It begins at seven. Shall I confirm the menu with the chefs, or do you have preferences?"

Jun dropped his arm and stepped closer to the couch. He stopped beside it and looked down, brushing his fingers lightly over the fabric.

"Do whatever. It’s for the media anyway."

"As you wish, Your Highness."

Jun sat down on the couch, his hand still moving over the cushion. He pulled his phone from his pocket and tapped the screen. The glow of the display lit up his face as he stared at it for a few seconds before turning it off and sliding it back into his pocket.

"Leave me. I have work to do."

Kaizen paused near the couch and glanced up from his clipboard.

"Shall I confirm your attendance tomorrow?"

"Seven. Sapphire Hall. Formal nonsense. Yes."

Kaizen adjusted the clipboard and headed for the door. Before leaving, he paused, his tone as dry as ever.

"We both know what’s waiting at the end of the other path."

Jun’s hand froze briefly on the couch, but he didn’t look up.

"As I thought, I do hate you."

Kaizen gave a slight bow, stepping out of the study and closing the door behind him. Jun stayed by the couch for another moment, his fingers lightly brushing the fabric again before pulling away.