The sun spilled golden light across the serene gardens of Shinomi's estate, where every corner echoed a quiet, aristocratic luxury. Yet, for all its grandeur, it was laughter that warmed the halls that morning.
"Ren!" Shinomi called out, his voice echoing through the courtyard.
"No! I'm not falling for that trick again!" Ren shouted back, ducking behind a tree with a cheeky grin.
Shinomi sprinted after him, barefoot on the cool grass, his robe trailing like a comet. "You said you'd help me with sword practice!"
"I said I'd watch you with sword practice, not be the sword dummy!"
They chased one another like boys from the countryside, laughter rising into the air as Shinomi finally caught Ren by the waist and tackled him gently onto the lawn, both collapsing in a tangled heap.
"I win," Shinomi whispered, his nose brushing against Ren's.
"You cheated!" Ren squirmed underneath him.
"I'm a prince. That's what we do."
Ren swatted his chest, but the hit turned into a lazy caress. Shinomi's laughter softened, his hands still cradling Ren's waist. Their breathing quieted. A breeze rustled the leaves. Ren stared at the way sunlight laced through Shinomi's hair and traced the curve of his jaw.
"Hey," Shinomi said quietly. "You look happy."
"I am." Ren nodded, eyes half-lidded. "This place… it feels like our own little world."
They lay there for a moment longer before Shinomi leaned down and kissed Ren's temple. "Come inside. I want to show you something."
Inside the estate, Shinomi guided Ren to a private balcony attached to his chambers. A small table had been prepared—soft breads, honeyed fruits, spiced tea—and a view of the river sparkling just beyond the trees.
"Is this a date?" Ren asked, amused.
"No," Shinomi said, pulling out a chair for him. "This is an apology. For kidnapping you away from your father. Again."
Ren laughed, taking the offered seat. "Then I should kidnap you more often too."
They sat in soft sunlight, sipping warm tea, sharing bites from the same plate. Shinomi fed Ren a sliver of pear, intentionally brushing his lips with his finger. Ren rolled his eyes, but a blush crept up his cheeks.
"You always look like you're about to do something sinful," Ren muttered.
"I am." Shinomi leaned forward, brushing crumbs from Ren's lips with his thumb, then slowly sucked it into his mouth. Ren's face flared pink.
"Don't start here…"
"We're alone."
"That's not the point!"
Shinomi grinned. "Then come to the bath with me. I need help washing my back."
Ren snorted. "You just want to get me naked."
"Is it working?"
"…Unfortunately, yes."
They rose from the table, and Shinomi gently took Ren's hand, leading him through the estate's quiet halls. His grip was soft, almost reverent. By the time they reached the bathhouse—steamed and filled with the scent of jasmine—Ren's heartbeat was betraying him.
Inside, clothes slipped away with the ease of familiarity. Shinomi poured water down Ren's back, then ran his fingers along his spine, tracing every bump and dip with tenderness.
"You know," Shinomi said, his lips brushing Ren's shoulder, "I still remember the first time I saw you. I never thought I'd ever get to do this."
"Neither did I," Ren whispered.
They sat together in the water, legs tangled, warm skin against warm skin. Shinomi pulled Ren onto his lap, arms curling around him like a cocoon. Their laughter had faded into something deeper now—quiet touches, shared silences, the kind of warmth only lovers understand.
"I could stay here forever," Ren murmured against Shinomi's chest.
"Then do," Shinomi said, kissing his hair. "Stay with me. Every night. Every morning."
Ren didn't answer with words. He tilted his head and kissed Shinomi softly, slowly. No teasing, no rushed hunger. Just warmth. Love. And promise.
Tonight, they were not a prince and a servant. Not rebels nor heirs.
They were just… them.