The Sugilite Prince

After Vante left the room sullen and defeated, Sugi went to search for Jimon. When he wasn’t in his room, Sugi looked out the window that faced the pretty courtyard. With relief, he saw that golden-haired Jimon was seated at one of the benches looking out at the meadow in the magical afternoon haze. Knowing Jimon had not left him, he wondered if he should go after Vante. There was no telling what his vexed friend would do. His gaze followed Jimon’s catching sight of the reckless Vante riding at a gallop away from the castle. Sugi sighed wondering how to explain this to Fay. She would surely blame him for Vante’s escape but she might also use it to try to be intimate with him. Last night she made it clear she still wanted him. It was her that had removed his shirt always taunting him with her sexual desires. He felt bad for Vante that pretended it didn’t bother him.

Sugi left to look for him and suddenly realized he had forgotten his mask. He went running back to his room, his eyes half-lidded ready to close if he saw someone. How difficult it was to live this way. Always in fear of hurting someone accidentally.

′How could Vante do this to me? Making my life more difficult than it already is. He even made me forget my mask!′ To add to his anxiety he was worried about him getting hurt. He knew his friend was hurting emotionally and he would hate it if he also got hurt physically. With a heavy sigh, he entered his room that was still a mess. Being the thoughtful person that he was he started to hang up the clothes. Seeing Jimon’s discarded clothes on the floor brought a smile to his face erasing the frown of anxiety. He was so cute with his big eyes and sweet smile. Everything about him made Sugi happy, but why was the boy so afraid of him. He wanted to reassure him. Above all else he wanted Jimon to like him for himself.

After picking up his room, Sugi made his way downstairs to the courtyard just beyond his living room. Glancing out the window he saw Jimon sitting there with a pensive look on his face. Sugi suddenly remembered the kiss they shared and he felt breathless and nervous.

“Hi, Jimon. What are you doing here?”

“Waiting for you,” he said meeting his eyes.

“I’m sorry,” he said taking a seat next to Jimon, “Vante was upset and needed to talk to me.”

“I see,” Jimon stayed quiet wondering if Sugi would share the reason with him but in truth, it was none of his business.

When Jimon continued to look sad Sugi added, “we are good friends, Jimon, there is nothing more between us.”

“Why are you telling me this? You can do whatever you want. I’m not part of your life,” Jimon said looking down at his shoes.

“Is that what you want?”

The young man stayed silent tears threatening.

“You know what LEAVE! See if I care!”

“FINE!” Jimon gets up and walks into the living room.

“Leave me here to suffer by myself. It’s what I deserve!” Sugi started to cry.

In his hurry to leave, Jimon runs into Fay. He grabs her arms to steady her before she falls.

“Slow down, boy! Where are you going in such a huff?”

“I’m leaving. It was nice to meet you.”

“Don’t leave, Jimon. Whatever it is you can work it out. You make him happy like none of us ever could.”

“No, I don’t. Go be with your boyfriend. I don’t belong here.”

Fay stared at him not knowing what to say or what had just happened.

“By the way, your other boyfriend just left on a horse. I guess you have Sugi all to yourself now.”

Jimon finds the door and leaves in his fancy clothes that Sugi so lovingly picked out for him. He doesn’t know where to go. He has nowhere to go, but he has to or his heart will break.