SIDE STORY (5)

The royal garden was huge.

Trees as tall as the castle walls. A fountain so big Leo swore it had its own little lake. Flowers of every color stretched as far as his eyes could see.

And most importantly-

"Catch me if you can, Father!"

Leo darted through the garden, his laughter echoing as Sebastian sighed behind him.

"This is ridiculous," Sebastian muttered, adjusting the golden cuffs of his royal coat.

"Just let him play," Alex said, chuckling as he followed beside the king.

Sebastian huffed, crossing his arms. "I am the king, Alex. I have far better things to do than-"

Suddenly, a yelp rang out.

Alex and Sebastian snapped their attention forward-

And found Leo completely missing.

A rustling came from a nearby bush.

A very large bush.

Alex sighed. "Leo."

"I'm stuck."

Sebastian pinched the bridge of his nose. "Of course you are."

________________________________________

Leo struggled.

The stupid bush had trapped him! Its tiny branches had wrapped around his coat, and no matter how much he wiggled, he was stuck!

"Ugh-stupid bush-stupid-"

"Do you need help?"

Leo froze.

A soft, melodic voice drifted from behind him.

Leo turned his head-only to see the most beautiful child he had ever seen standing nearby.

Blond hair, almost like gold.

Delicate, fluttering blond lashes.

Bright green eyes that sparkled like emeralds.

Leo's jaw dropped.

"Who... who are you?"

The blond child tilted their head. "I was playing over there, but I saw you fall. Do you want help?"

Leo blinked rapidly, heat rushing to his cheeks.

"Y-Yeah! Help me!"

The blond child knelt beside the bush, carefully untangling the branches from Leo's coat. Their movements were so gentle, their hands so soft-

Leo swore he had never seen anyone prettier in his life.

Within seconds, Leo was free.

He stumbled forward, brushing himself off. "Wow! Thanks! That was so cool!"

The blond child smiled. "It wasn't hard."

Leo's heart skipped.

Before he could say anything else-

"LEO!"

A pair of very strong hands yanked him up.

Leo yelped as he was lifted into the air, his legs kicking. "Wha-hey! Put me down!"

Sebastian glared. "How do you always find trouble?"

Alex, standing beside them, sighed. "Are you hurt, Leo?"

"No! I'm fine! Thanks to-"

Leo turned back-

But the blond child was already gone.

Leo blinked.

Sebastian followed his gaze. "What are you looking at?"

"There was a-"

Leo hesitated.

Did they imagine it?

No, they couldn't have.

That kid was real.

But before Leo could explain, Sebastian was already scolding him about not diving headfirst into strange bushes.

And Alex?

Alex was watching Leo with a knowing smile.

Because the moment Leo had looked at that child-

His eyes had sparkled.