The meal was...awkward. Zak was just trying to get by without anyone talking to him, knowing that he'd snap at them. Unfortunately for him, his mother had other plans.

"So. How was your day?" His mother said as her son glared at her.

"It has only started." He said through gritted teeth, every word echoing down the hall. He would've had a better time hiding in his room. Sadly, that ship has sailed.

"Zak," His father, the 'peacemaker' of the family started, "Are you okay? Is something bothering you?" He tried to connect with his son, but it seems like it only distanced him more.

"I'm fine." He lied. It was hard for him to keep his composure. When your mother who neglected you set you up for an arranged marriage you did not consent to, of course you'd be infuriated when she'd try to reconnect.

"I wish your sister was here." His mother mumbled, enough to catch Zak's attention. It was a simple sentence, but somehow, it brought up the most complicated emotions.

"That- that stranger is not my sister! She's a traitor!"

Pushing his half-empty plate away from him, he excused himself, not even bothering to look at his family.

They made no attempt of stopping him.

~

Bad walked to his bakery, but to his surprise, the door was already unlocked.

He saw Juliet, her eyes were closed and her hand held up her head. He smiled at the slight. Looks like she came early. He decided not to wake her up, seeing the dark bags under her eyes.

He ruffled her hair lightly, muttering, "Sweet dreams, little muffin."

~

Walking in his hallway to his room, his stomach grumbled. Zak should really take care of himself better, ey? He sighed, knowing that that would be a hard task to even attempt to start.

He glanced at his left, seeing his family portrait. Or, at least, what other people would think to be a family.

His father was smiling so hard. He remembered his dad complaining about it hurting for a while, and he smiled at that freememory. Smiling that hard for what seemed like an eternity must've hurt.

His mother... er, the Queen was holding his father's hand, looking to his eyes adoringly. If only she looked at her own son the same way, maybe everything could be different.

And then his..someone who used to be his sister, she laid a hand over Zak's shoulder, smirking at him playfully.

Finally, there was Zak. Pouting, with his arms crossed, facing away from everyone else. It's funny how things haven't changed a bit, but at the same time, everything feels so different now.

Shaking his head, he tried his best to ignore the painting, but thoughts of 'what could've been' raced his mind.

~

Techno tapped his foot impatiently, looking over the window. Although he didn't care about his fighting lesson, he cared about the boy, he was a good friend.

Oh. He cared about the boy.

After a few moments, he processed the thought. He couldn't have cared about the boy. The only thing he should 'care' about is the salary he's getting paid.

He can't get attached to him.

He heard the door open, causing him to quickly look at the person who entered the room. It was Zak, who barely gave any effort to return his gaze.

"Mornin'." He said, looking at Zak. He swore he could see dried tears.

"Let's just get this over with."

~

Zak was aggressive, throwing attacks at Techno with all his strength. Techno could only ignore the pang in his heart, knowing that he never lashed out at him.

Soon, he failed to block an attack, sending his sword flying away and causing him to be cornered with a knife around his throat.

Zak could only smirk at the sight, seeing Techno's surprised yet impressed expression, wishing he could take a picture. He almost felt a bit of pride because of it.

None of them spoke a word, surprisingly. No cocky comments from Zak, no defensive responses from Techno. Only Zak smirking while Techno looked straight at him. Zak let down his sword.

Zak stomachs grumbled, breaking the tense atmosphere.

"Seriously? Again?" Techno stared at Zak as a father would star e at his child.

Zak only averted his eyes, covering his mouth out of embarrassment, nodding shyly.

Techno only sighed at this. Of course, if Zak didn't take every opportunity to tease the man or act cocky, of course something would be wrong. How could he not notice?

"Get up, kid." He said, standing up and hovering over the prince.

"Tech, I'm literally only one year younger than you." Zak rejected the man's offer, again, and stood up on his own.

"Did I mumble, your highness?"

"Techno, please stop talking."

Techno only rolled his eyes, smiling when Zak wasn't looking. Maybe caring about him wouldn't be so bad.

07/31/21

Sorry for taking so long to update, my loves <3

Also lmao- Don't be afraid to spam me with comments, they bring me ✨d e t e r m i n a t i o n✨