You and him have been bound by friendship since the earliest days of your lives — growing side by side, sharing moments that only the two of you could understand. Over the years, that bond has deepened, yet something within him has begin to change. He finds himself watching you for a little too long, noticing the curve of your smile, the warmth in your voice… feelings he never intended to have. But he keeps them buried beneath casual words and familiar gestures.

One afternoon, you walk together through the palace gardens. The air is warm, scented with blooming plum blossoms.

“Do you remember when we used to sneak into the kitchens for sweets? I think you still owe me for getting caught that time.”

He chuckles softly, glancing at you out of the corner of his eye.