Notes:
() - Heroine's thoughts, Blue Text - Flashbacks
Hanare - Prince of Kuyou - Main Story
Chapter 1 - Determination Hidden Within the Eyes
Calendar Kingdom, Kuyou, December...
Deep in the forest, another prince has awakened within a bright light...
??: Uu...
MC: Are you okay?
??: ...
After shaking his head lightly, that person looked straight at me.
??: You...
His light crimson eyes that had a strong determination hidden within them blinked once.
MC: Um...?
At that moment...
MC: ...!
He strongly grabbed my arm and pulled me towards him.
(Eh...)
When the distance between us shrunk instantly, my heartbeat became fast before I knew it...
(What a pretty face...)
I was speechless from his beautiful face that could be mistaken for a woman's.
??: Ah... Sorry.
As soon as he releases my arm, he quickly looks away.
(What... was that just now?)
His wandering gaze stopped at my hand.
??: ...Your hand is injured.
MC: Eh?
I looked to see that there was a scratch on my left hand.
(He's right. I didn't notice.)
??: We should treat it...
Without his expression changing, he pulled my hand again.
MC: Ah, thank you. But, I'm okay.
??: ...I see.
MC: I'm MC. You are...
Hanare: Ah, my name... My name is Hanare.
(Hanare-san...)
The breeze made Hanare-san's black hair flutter. As he was holding my hand at the moment, I looked at him for a while...
Chapter 2 - Displeased Look
Afterwards...
-Flashback-
Hanare: ...Let me thank you. I want you to come to the castle with me.
-Flashback-
Hanare-san took me to the castle that he lives in...
Hanare: This is the castle of the Boar Clan. The Calendar Kingdom has 12 royal families. I'm from the Boar Clan.
MC: Hanare-san, the boar...
Unable to see that and his elegant impression together somehow, I couldn't find a good way to respond...
Hanare: Is there... something wrong about the boar?
MC: Ah, no! I'm sorry. It's nothing.
Hanare: If there's something you want to say, it helps to just say it clearly...
After murmuring those few words, he looked away from me.
(Is he mad...?)
When I caught a glimpse of Hanare-san's face, his expression was stiff... While feeling the unbearable atmosphere, I followed him from behind...
......
Servant 1: Hanare-sama! Welcome back.
Servant 2: You saved Hanare-sama, right! Somehow, words of gratitude aren't enough...!
As the servants were talking so fast, I became pressured by there energy.
Hanare: ...
Hanare-san watched with a frown.
(It looks like he's in a bad mood... I think it'd be best for me to hurry and leave.)
MC: Um, I appreciate your consideration, but...
Just as I spoke nervously.
Hanare: How about you stay for a while?
MC: Eh...?
Hanare: I haven't even thanked you properly yet.
MC: But...
(...Isn't he mad?)
Hanare: ...
(Maybe he wants to take care of me. But...)
Hanare: ...Are you uncomfortable?
MC: Eh? No! I'll stay.
Giving in to that intense gaze, I lightly nodded...
Hanare: I see.
He broke into a small smile.
(He smiled...)
His unexpected smile made my nervousness go away. Suddenly, I felt my heart pounding loudly...
///Choices///
- Return a smile (☽)
MC: ...Thank you very much.
When I happily returned a smile, Hanare-san lightly blinked.
Hanare: Why are you thanking me?
- Look away (☼)
MC: Ah...
When I ended up looking away, I heard Hanare-san's soft voice.
Hanare: ...You don't like it?
MC: No! I'm happy. Thank you so much.
///Choices///
Just as Hanare-san tilted his head to the side at that moment...
Man: Hanare-sama!
An old man ran over here out of breath.
Hanare: Master...!
Teacher: Hanare-sama, you've returned safely. Are you hurt anywhere?
Hanare: My apologies for making you worry. I'm okay.
Teacher: That's good. Since there's nothing wrong, it's time for practice...
I couldn't believe what I heard at that moment.
(Practice? Even though Hanare-san had just woken up earlier...)
Noticing my surprise, Hanare-san softly spoke.
Hanare: He's my dance instructor. He's pretty strict.
Teacher: What are you saying? If you miss even one day, I'll work you hard twice as much in return.
MC: Um, but...
When I held his hand, Hanare-san's expression stiffened up.
Hanare: It's just as Master says. I'll head down to the practice room immediately.
MC: Hanare-san...!
Hanare: MC. Don't worry about it and make yourself at home.
As he said that with a serious look, he left with his instructor.
(No way...)
When I somehow felt uneasy as he was getting further away, I spoke up.
MC: Please wait! ...Is it all right if I can watch you practice?
Hanare: ...My practice?
MC: Yes...
Hanare: Are you... curious about it?
MC: Ah... Yes.
(His physical condition...)
MC: But, I'm sorry. If it's too much trouble...
Hanare: No. It's not a problem.
Before I could finish, Hanare-san said that quickly.
MC: ...?
His cheeks turned red a little...
Hanare: ...I don't mind. Let's go.
After turning his heel, he walked forward.
(What was that? Just now for a moment...)
Unsure on what to do with the faint strange feeling inside me, I followed Hanare-san from behind...
Chapter 3 - "Feminine Dance"
In the practice room, there were the elegant sounds of a shamisen and a flute playing... Along with the elegant sounds, Hanare-san started dancing gracefully.
Teacher: Okay, lower your hips more there! You're tall, so you must be more aware of it.
Hanare: Yes. Let's start again from the beginning.
(Wow...)
As he was being graceful like a woman, I couldn't take my eyes off his dance that hid his masculinity.
-Flashback-
Hanare: It's a man's way of dancing like a woman. It's called, "feminine dance".*
T/N: It's a real kind of dancing in Japan. They showed it in the series, Shugo Chara
-Flashback-
(It's like a woman's role in a kabuki play. ...How beautiful.)
Hanare: ...!
At that moment, my gaze met with Hanare-san's.
Hanare: ...
As I felt like a woman that was being seduced by a man that's she's in love with, he looked at me with a sweet, captivating gaze...
///Choices///
- Turn away in embarrassment (☽)
MC: ...
Feeling my cheeks getting warm, I turned away.
Hanare: ...
Even so, I noticed that Hanare-san was still looking at me and I became unable to calm down.
- Watch that beauty (☼)
(Pretty...)
I couldn't take my eyes off him as he looked so beautiful.
Hanare: ...
Despite the sudden event, Hanare-san's smile from before was strongly etched in my mind.
///Choices///
(My heart is racing...)
Each of Hanare-san's movements snatched my heart away. Forgetting about the time as it was passing, I watched him dance...
......
Once it was time for a break, I handed him a towel.
MC: Good work. Um... Your dance was really beautiful, Hanare-san.
Hanare: ...Thank you.
When I remembered how our gazes met earlier, my heart suddenly became noisy.
MC: ...
(What should I do... I can't look at Hanare-san's face well.)
Hanare: MC... Listen.
When I heard Hanare-san's meek voice, I slowly looked up.
Hanare: The dance that I was practicing just now, I'll be performing it in the upcoming blessing ceremony. Until then, I'll be wearing a beautiful kimono to make the performance even more gorgeous.
MC: The blessing ceremony...
From what Hanare-san explained... In the center of this kingdom, there's a sacred stage and the clan that watches over it changes every year. As a way of taking over that role, the clan that's going to watch over the sacred stage, starting from the new year, must perform a ritual at the blessing ceremony.
Hanare: This year, the head of the Rooster Clan* will be performing the blessing ceremony, so we'll be dancing as the opening act.
T/N: Kanoto's family
(I'm sure that it's going to be a wonderful performance.)
When I imagined that scene, my heart started becoming loud with high expectations.
MC: I want to see it. It was so beautiful earlier. To think that it'll become even more gorgeous...
After I told him that excitedly...
Hanare: ...
As he was staring at me, my heartbeat became fast.
Hanare: I'll show it to you on that day. I want to entertain you with my dance.
MC: Is that all right?
Hanare: I'll reserve the best seat for you. So, look forward to it.
Hanare-san's strong words made my expectations rise instantly...
After continuing practice, it became night by the time he was finished.
Hanare: It's gotten so late. Sorry...
MC: It's okay. I'm really looking forward to the blessing ceremony.
Hanare: I see...
After he murmured that, he looked at my face.
MC: Hanare-san?
When I became curious about his gaze...
///Choices///
- Ask (☼)
MC: Um, is something wrong...?
Hanare: No. Nothing's wrong, it's just that...
His gaze that was looking at me silently turned towards outside.
- Support him (☽)
MC: Do your best at the blessing ceremony.
Hanare: Yeah...
His response was so soft that I almost missed it.
///Choices///
As he looked somewhat hesitant to speak, he became silent.
(What should I do...)
With everything that happened until now, he looked like he had something to say as he was making a face that makes it seem like he was searching for something... But, as Hanare-san had his mouth closed, I couldn't think of a way to speak to him...
Chapter 4 - Forgotten Pouch
With the moonlight shining into the room, it became silent.
Hanare: ...
MC: Hanare-san?
Hanare: It's nothing... Goodnight.
As I watched him leave after he told me that, I...
///Choices///
- Stop him (☼)
MC: Um...!
At that moment, Hanare-san turned towards me.
Hanare: ...! Do you need something?
When he said that in surprise, I blinked.
MC: Ah, no... Goodnight.
Hanare: ...I see.
After saying that softly, he left the room next.
(Really... What's with me?)
- See him off (☽)
Just as my hand was about to reach out to him, I silently withdrew it.
(That silence just now was...?)
Hanare: Well then, I'll should be going... Is that okay?
With just his face turning towards me, Hanare-san asked that.
MC: ? Sure... Goodnight.
Hanare: ...Goodnight.
He sounded a little disappointed as he said that.
(Just what...)
///Choices///
With questions rising, I watched him leave from behind...
MC: ...
Once I was left alone in the room, I sighed.
(Hanare-san... I really don't get him.)
Just as I thought of that, I looked around the room and at that moment...
MC: Huh?
In the corner of the room, I noticed a small pouch that was placed there.
(Did someone leave this...?)
When I opened it a little, I saw some makeup tools inside it.
(Could this be Hanare-san's...? That's not good. He mentioned that he has to get up early for practice tomorrow.)
I picked up the pouch and quickly left the room.
(I'm pretty sure that Hanare-san went this way...)
As I searched for him, I heard someone from the courtyard.
(That's... Hanare-san and a servant?)
From the shadows of the trees, I watched the two of them as they had serious looks on their faces.
Servant: So... It seems like the clothes that you'll be wearing for the blessing ceremony hasn't been sent yet. Looks like we should've gone to the supplier that we usually use...
The complicated situation made me freeze in place.
Hanare: It can't be helped now that you say that. Why didn't we hear that it would be late? You're the one who chose that merchant. Shouldn't you have made sure that the merchant was doing his job properly?
He said those stern words to the servant directly.
(This is the first time I've seen Hanare-san make such a stern face. It looks like they're having a serious conversation, so I should leave them alone...)
Just as I was about to leave with that thought.
Hanare: MC? Why are you here...
MC: Ah...
When Hanare-san noticed me, I nervously came out from the shadows of the trees.
MC: I'm sorry. I didn't mean to eavesdrop...
Hanare: No... Don't worry about it. I made you overhear such a complicated conversation.
After Hanare-san apologized to me, he turned towards the servant.
Hanare: Tell them that the color should be just as good as the embroidery. Hopefully, they'll make something good.
Servant: Color? But, the quality...
Hanare: Is something wrong?
Servant: No... My apologies, I'll let them know right away!
After the servant bowed to me, he left immediately.
(Embroidery...? Color? I thought they were talking about the outfit being late.)
Hanare: MC?
I...
///Choices///
- Try asking about earlier (☼)
MC: Um, about what you were talking about earlier... What was it about color?
Hanare: ...Even if you ask why, it's hard to answer. I saw the design for the outfit before, somehow.
(Somehow...)
Even so, Hanare-san's eyes didn't shake as they had belief within them.
- I hope you'll get it in time (☽)
MC: I hope you'll get your outfit in time.
Hanare: That's not a problem. That man has a good eye.
(I see... He relies on the servant.)
///Choices///
Suddenly, Hanare-san cleared his throat.
Hanare: More importantly...
When he looked at me, he looked like he was expecting something.
Hanare: Did you need something from me?
MC: Ah... Um, here...
Hanare: ...!
The moment I presented the pouch, Hanare-san gasped loudly...
Chapter 5 - Sudden Confession
-Flashback-
MC: Ah... Um, here...
Hanare: ...!
-Flashback-
The moment I presented the pouch, Hanare-san widened his eyes greatly...
Hanare: ...! This is...
This was the first time I've seen the usually calm Hanare-san look so panicked.
(I wonder what's wrong.)
MC: ...It was left in the room, so I thought that it was something you forgot, Hanare-san.
Hanare: Yeah... It's mine.
MC: I thought so.
I sighed in relief that I delivered it to him safely.
MC: It's a good thing that I gave it to you-
Hanare: It's not what you think!
MC: ?
Hanare: Having these sorts of things doesn't mean that I have a lover!
MC: Eh...?
Hanare: So, I don't want you to get the wrong idea!
MC: Wrong idea?
(...What is he talking about?)
I was unable to blink from his sudden words.
Hanare: !
When he widened his eyes as if he noticed something, his cheeks turned red the next moment.
Hanare: ...Sorry. Just now... No, I thought that you have fallen for me...
MC: Fallen for you...!?
Hanare: ...!
When I shouted that in surprise, Hanare-san gasped.
(I... Towards Hanare-san?)
The inside of my heart slowly became warm.
-Flashback-
Hanare: ...My practice?
MC: Yes...
Hanare: Are you... curious about it?
---
Hanare: ...
MC: Hanare-san?
Hanare: It's nothing... Goodnight.
---
Hanare: More importantly... Did you need something from me?
-Flashback-
(So... That's what all that was about.)
Clearing up all the questions that I had up till now, my entire body became warm at the same time.
MC: Um... I...
As I was unable to speak up...
Hanare: ...I see.
MC: Eh?
Hanare: I... I had the wrong idea. But, I love you, so...
I...
///Choices///
- Wait for him to continue (☼)
MC: ...
I waited for him to continue speaking, but he didn't speak anymore. When Hanare-san shook his head...
Hanare: No... Forget about it.
- Speak up (☽)
MC: Um, Hanare-san. What do you mean by wrong idea...
Hanare: If that were the case, then I don't know what I should do.
Interrupting me, Hanare-san said that tensely.
///Choices///
His usually calm eyes were shaking violently right now.
Hanare: ...!
He took the pouch from me.
Hanare: Sorry. Thanks for bringing it to me. Goodnight.
After saying that, he left the courtyard as if he was running away.
(He loves me...)
Those words wouldn't leave my ears.
(A wonderful person like Hanare-san loves me...?)
My heartbeat became louder than before. For some reason...
(I... What was that about?)
I was still unable to come up with a proper answer...
Chapter 6 - Some Kind of Meaning
As I was in the futon, I rubbed my eyes from the sunlight that was shining in from the window.
(I couldn't sleep well...)
I could only think about those words from last night...
-Flashback-
Hanare: I... I had the wrong idea. But, I love you, so...
-Flashback-
(Hanare-san...)
I couldn't forget about his sad face no matter what. Right now, my heart was tightening in pain from that expression...
(I want to... talk to Hanare-san.)
Once I got dressed, I headed over to where he was...
While inhaling the scent of the morning dew that was dripping on the fresh greenery, I walked into the courtyard...
Servant: MC-sama.
I passed by the servant that was talking to Hanare-san last night.
Servant: My apologies that you had to see something so improper last night.
MC: No, it's okay... Um, did something good happen?
As the servant looked happy for some reason, I asked that.
Servant: Yes. Actually, about the matter we were talking about, it looks like the merchant did exactly what Hanare-san said.
-Flashback-
Hanare: Tell them that the color should be just as good as the embroidery. Hopefully, they'll make something good.
-Flashback-
Servant: It seems like the craftsman that the merchant relies on had some trouble with the embroidery. Once it was put on the cloth, the golden threaded embroidery didn't spread out well... But, since it doesn't change the fact that they're responsible for it, they seem to be awfully troubled by it.
MC: I see... Also, Hanare-san mentioned about it being colored.
Servant: Yes. Once the problem has been dealt with, the outfit that's suited for the next gorgeous performance will be finished!
When the servant smiled broadly, I became happy as well.
MC: Hanare-san... Even though he says "somehow", he really does understand everything.
The servant smiled as he spoke.
Servant: No, it's exactly as you said, doesn't it feel like that somehow!
MC: Eh...
Servant: Hanare-sama has always been like that! He has sharp senses, so he checks out all the materials.
(Wow...)
Even so, I somehow understood, probably because of Hanare-san's personality.
Servant: Ah, I need to hurry and report to Hanare-sama... Ah, but... I think it would be best to do so later.
MC: Is something wrong?
Servant: No, but when I saw Hanare-sama this morning, he didn't look so good...
MC: ! Hanare-san is...
My heart throbbed loudly.
MC: Um, is it all right for me to see Hanare-san too...?
Servant: Sure, I think that'll make him happy.
Together with the servant, we went to Hanare-san's room...
Just as we arrived in front of Hanare-san's room, we encountered the dance instructor.
Teacher: Good morning. It's almost time for practice, so I came to get Hanare-sama.
MC: Um, it seems like Hanare-san isn't feeling well...
Teacher: Eh...! Hanare-sama is?
When the instructor called out to Hanare-san from outside of the sliding door, the door slightly opened and Hanare-san showed his face.
Hanare: Ah...
The moment our eyes met, Hanare-san's face turned red.
Teacher: Hanare-sama! Your face is so red, is your body feeling all right!?
Hanare: Eh...?
I...
///Choices///
- Everyone's worried (☽)
MC: Are you feeling okay? Everyone's worried about you.
Hanare: Eh? Everyone... No, this is...
As Hanare-san avoided looking at me, he softly spoke.
- Do you have a fever? (☼)
MC: Hanare-san...! Do you have a fever?
Hanare: No, I'm fine...
Hanare-san lightly lifted up his bangs.
///Choices///
Hanare: Master, sorry. I'll be on my way to the practice room immediately.
Teacher: Hanare-sama, please lie down. It'll be bad if your body gets cold.
Hanare: Eh!? No, I need to practice my dance, I'm fine...
Servant: If you caught a cold, then resting for today would be...
As everyone spoke, Hanare-san furrowed his brow troubledly.
Hanare: No! Wait!
His shout echoed within the room...
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