SIDE STORY (6)

The grand hall of the castle was filled with the soft hum of conversation. Nobles stood in their fine robes, exchanging pleasantries while servants poured wine into crystal goblets.

Sebastian, seated on his throne, boredly rested his chin on his hand.

"Why do I still do this?" he muttered under his breath.

Alex, standing beside him, chuckled. "Because you're the king."

Sebastian sighed. "Unfortunate."

But then-

"Sebastian!"

A booming voice echoed through the hall.

Sebastian immediately perked up.

A tall man, dressed in dark blue noble attire, strode toward him. His long brown hair was neatly tied back, and his confident smirk was far too familiar.

Sebastian smirked. "Arthur."

Arthur Langford, the Duke of Langford, Sebastian's oldest friend.

"It's been years!" Arthur laughed, stepping forward to clasp Sebastian's hand. "And yet you still look insufferably smug."

Sebastian snorted. "And you still talk too much."

Alex watched their exchange with a small smile.

But then-

A smaller figure stepped forward from behind Arthur.

A child.

With golden-blond hair.

Emerald-green eyes.

And long, delicate blond lashes.

Leo's heart stopped.

"It's you!" Leo blurted out, pointing.

The blond child blinked at him, expression calm and unreadable.

Arthur chuckled, resting a hand on the child's shoulder. "Ah! I see you've already met my little troublemaker. This is my child-Elliot."

"Elliot..." Leo whispered, absolutely entranced.

Sebastian raised an eyebrow. "So this is the heir to Langford?"

Arthur grinned. "That's right. I brought Elliot along to meet you properly. And it seems they've already made a friend."

Leo was still staring.

His entire face felt warm.

Elliot, meanwhile, simply looked at him and-

Smiled.

A tiny, soft smile.

Leo's heart exploded.

Alex noticed.

Sebastian also noticed.

And immediately frowned.

Sebastian leaned toward Alex and whispered, "Is it just me, or is our son looking... ridiculous right now?"

Alex barely contained his laughter. "Leo might have a little crush."

Sebastian scowled. "He's too young for that nonsense."

Alex smirked. "You were younger when you started falling for me."

Sebastian shut up.

Meanwhile, Leo was absolutely still in a daze, staring at Elliot like they were the most amazing thing in the world.

And Elliot?

Elliot just tilted their head, still smiling.

"Nice to see you again, Leo."

Leo died.