Love beneath the lanterns

The palace was abuzz with excitement as preparations for the annual Lantern Festival reached their peak. Every year, the royal family made a grand appearance, but this time, Nani had a special request. He wanted to experience the festival as an ordinary citizen, away from the formality and pomp of the royal balcony. The King, after much pleading from Nani, relented on the condition that Sky accompany him as his sole guard.

Sky, dressed in plain clothes to blend in, watched as Nani’s eyes lit up with anticipation. The prince, wearing a simple outfit and a scarf that covered the lower half of his face, looked more like a boy excited for his first adventure than the future king.

“Sky,” Nani chirped, his voice muffled by the scarf, “do I look like a commoner?”

Sky’s lips quirked into an amused smirk. “You look like a commoner trying to look inconspicuous and failing miserably. Those eyes of yours are a dead giveaway.”

Nani huffed, his cheeks puffing out in irritation. “You’re no fun. At least pretend I’m blending in.”

Sky chuckled softly, his warm gaze lingering on Nani. “Fine. You’re the most convincing commoner I’ve ever seen, Your Highness.”

Nani swatted at him playfully, but his eyes sparkled with amusement.

---

The festival grounds were a spectacle of color and light. Strings of lanterns hung between stalls selling trinkets, food, and handcrafted souvenirs. The air was thick with the scent of roasted chestnuts, sugary confections, and the faint tang of incense from a nearby shrine.

Sky stayed close to Nani, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd for any signs of danger. Despite the casual attire, his hand never strayed far from the concealed weapon at his side.

“Sky, look!” Nani exclaimed, tugging on his arm. “There’s a stall selling those candied apples. Can we get one?”

Sky raised a brow. “Aren’t you supposed to be avoiding sugary foods?”

Nani pouted, his eyes wide and pleading. “Just one. Please?”

Sky sighed, unable to resist the prince’s charm. “Fine. But don’t complain to me later if you feel sick.”

As they approached the stall, Nani’s excitement was palpable. Sky paid for the treat, and Nani took a bite, his eyes closing in bliss.

“This is so good!” Nani exclaimed, his voice muffled by the candy.

Sky chuckled, his gaze softening as he watched Nani. “You’ve got a little something…” He reached out, his thumb brushing the corner of Nani’s mouth to wipe away a sticky streak of caramel.

Nani froze, his cheeks heating at the intimate gesture. “T-Thanks,” he stammered, looking away to hide his blush.

Sky’s hand lingered for a moment before he pulled back, clearing his throat. “We should keep moving. It’s getting crowded here.”

---

The evening progressed with the pair wandering from stall to stall, laughing and teasing each other like old friends. Sky found himself relaxing in a way he rarely did, the weight of his duty temporarily lifting under the glow of the lanterns.

At one point, they came across a game stall where players had to knock down bottles with a ball. Nani’s eyes lit up with determination.

“Sky, I’m going to win you that stuffed bear,” he declared.

Sky raised a brow, amused. “You’re going to win me a prize?”

“Just watch,” Nani said, his voice full of confidence.

Despite his enthusiasm, Nani’s first few attempts missed the mark entirely. Sky chuckled, stepping up beside him.

“Here,” Sky said, his hands lightly covering Nani’s. “You need to aim like this.”

Nani’s breath hitched at the proximity, his heart racing as Sky guided him. With Sky’s help, the ball hit its target, and the stall owner handed Nani the stuffed bear.

“I told you I’d win it for you,” Nani said, grinning as he handed the bear to Sky.

Sky took the bear, his fingers brushing against Nani’s. “Thank you, Your Highness. I’ll treasure it forever.”

The sincerity in his voice made Nani’s heart flutter.

---

As the night drew on, the highlight of the festival arrived: the release of the lanterns. The crowd gathered near the riverbank, each person holding a lantern with their wishes written on it.

Sky and Nani stood a little apart from the crowd, their lantern resting between them.

“What should we wish for?” Nani asked, looking up at Sky.

Sky hesitated, his eyes softening as they met Nani’s. “You go first.”

Nani smiled, closing his eyes as he placed his hands on the lantern. After a moment, he opened them and looked at Sky. “Your turn.”

Sky placed his hands over Nani’s on the lantern, their fingers brushing. He closed his eyes, silently making his wish.

When he opened them, Nani was watching him, his expression unreadable.

“What did you wish for?” Nani asked softly.

Sky smiled, his voice gentle. “If I tell you, it won’t come true.”

Nani huffed, but his eyes sparkled with curiosity. “Fine. But I bet my wish was better than yours.”

Sky chuckled. “I’m sure it was.”

Together, they released the lantern, watching as it floated into the sky. The warm glow illuminated their faces, and for a moment, the world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them.

---

As they walked back to the castle, the atmosphere between them was different—softer, more intimate. Nani’s usual teasing had quieted, replaced by thoughtful glances and shy smiles.

Sky, too, was unusually subdued, his mind racing as he replayed the events of the evening. He had always known he cared for Nani, but tonight had made him realize just how deep those feelings ran.

He glanced at the prince walking beside him, the stuffed bear clutched tightly in one hand. Nani caught his gaze and smiled, his cheeks tinged with pink.

“What?” Nani asked, his voice light.

“Nothing,” Sky replied, his lips curving into a soft smile. “Just thinking about how cute you are.”

Nani’s blush deepened, and he swatted at Sky’s arm. “Stop teasing me!”

“I’m not teasing,” Sky said, his tone sincere. “You really are cute.”

Nani looked away, his heart pounding. “You’re impossible.”

“And you wouldn’t have me any other way,” Sky said with a wink.

As they approached the castle gates, both of them felt the weight of reality settling back onto their shoulders. The night had been magical, but they knew it couldn’t last.

“Thank you for tonight,” Nani said softly as they reached his chambers.

Sky smiled, his gaze warm. “It was my pleasure, Your Highness.”

Nani hesitated, as if wanting to say more, but he simply nodded and stepped inside.

As the door closed behind him, both of them leaned against opposite sides of the door, their hearts heavy with unspoken feelings.

---

In the quiet of their respective rooms, they each admitted the truth to themselves.

“I love him,” Nani whispered into the darkness, clutching the stuffed bear to his chest.

“I love him,” Sky murmured, staring out the window at the fading glow of the lanterns.

But the barriers of duty and status kept their confessions locked away, leaving them to carry their feelings in silence.