Reunion of hearts

The palace gates loomed large as Sky escorted Nani back from their daring escape into the city. The thrill of the night lingered in their minds, but it was replaced with dread the moment they stepped into the dimly lit royal corridor. Waiting for them, with arms crossed and a stern expression carved into his regal features, stood the King.

Sky’s heart sank. He knew this wasn’t going to end well. Nani froze beside him, his earlier joy draining away as guilt flooded his chest.

“Father,” Nani began nervously, but the King’s sharp gaze cut him off.

“Silence, Nani,” the King ordered. His voice was firm, but his disappointment rang louder than any scolding could. His gaze turned to Sky. “Explain yourself.”

Sky, ever the soldier, straightened his posture. “Your Majesty, it was my decision. I took Prince Nani out without authorization. I believed he deserved a moment of freedom, but I see now it was a grave mistake. I apologize for my actions.”

The King’s expression remained stony. “Sky, you have broken the sacred trust placed in you as my son’s bodyguard. Your actions endangered him, and for that, there can be no forgiveness. You are hereby dismissed from your position and will return to the military effective immediately.”

Nani’s eyes widened, tears pooling in them as he stepped forward. “Father, no! It wasn’t his fault—it was mine. I begged him to take me out! Please don’t do this!”

The King’s expression softened only slightly as he turned to his son. “Nani, you are the crown prince. You cannot afford such recklessness, nor can you let others indulge it. Sky has already accepted his punishment, and you will do well to learn from this.”

“No!” Nani wailed, falling to his knees. “Please, Father, don’t send him away. I can’t—he’s my—” His voice cracked, and he couldn’t finish the sentence.

Sky’s jaw clenched as he watched Nani’s anguish, but he knew better than to argue further. Bowing deeply, he said, “Thank you for the honor of serving the royal family, Your Majesty. I will leave at once.”

---

Sky’s return to the military was swift and without ceremony. Despite his previous rank, his reputation and skills earned him a promotion far beyond what he had ever dreamed of. Within days, he was leading elite combat units, a role most soldiers could only aspire to after years of service.

But none of it mattered to him. The shiny insignia on his uniform, the respect of his peers, and the power of his position all felt hollow. The ache in his chest was constant, a reminder of the life he had left behind—and the prince who had become so much more than just a charge.

Every night, as Sky lay in his barracks, he thought of Nani. He missed the prince’s gentle laughter, his playful teasing, and the way his eyes sparkled when he was truly happy. The memories of their night out haunted him, a bittersweet reminder of what they had shared.

Even as he led missions with precision and skill, a part of him felt incomplete. He wanted nothing more than to return to Nani’s side, even if it meant risking everything.

---

Back at the palace, Nani was a shadow of his former self. He refused to leave his room, ignoring royal duties and meals alike. His once vibrant demeanor had dulled, and even his closest confidants couldn’t coax him out of his gloom.

On the seventh day of his self-imposed isolation, he sat on the edge of his bed, clutching a Polaroid photo they had taken during their night out. In the picture, Nani was smiling brightly, his arm around Sky, who had an uncharacteristic grin on his face.

Tears blurred the image as Nani whispered to himself, “Sky… why did you leave me?”

The King, who had been observing his son’s descent into despair, finally relented. He summoned Sky back to the palace, recognizing that his son’s happiness—and the stability of the royal family—depended on the bodyguard’s return.

---

Sky was preparing to send a formal request to the King, hoping to regain his position as Nani’s bodyguard, when the summons came. Relief flooded him as he boarded a transport back to the palace.

The moment he arrived, Sky made his way to Nani’s chambers. The guards outside the door nodded respectfully, stepping aside to let him in.

Inside, Sky found Nani curled up on the bed, still clutching the Polaroid. His cheeks were streaked with tears, and his usually bright eyes were dull.

Sky leaned casually against the doorway and said, “If you miss me so much, you should come greet the real thing instead of staring at that picture.”

Nani’s head snapped up, his eyes widening in disbelief. “Sky?”

Sky gave him a teasing grin. “The one and only.”

Before Sky could say another word, Nani bolted from the bed and threw himself into Sky’s arms. The force of the hug nearly knocked Sky off balance, but he steadied himself, wrapping his arms tightly around the prince.

“I thought you were gone forever,” Nani sobbed into his shoulder. “Don’t leave me again, Sky. Please.”

Sky’s heart clenched at the desperation in Nani’s voice. He rested his chin on Nani’s head, whispering, “I’m not going anywhere, Your Highness. Not now, not ever.”

Nani tightened his grip, as if afraid Sky might disappear if he let go. “You promise?”

“I promise,” Sky murmured.

For a long moment, they simply held each other, their hearts beating in sync. Eventually, Sky pulled back just enough to look at Nani, his hands still resting on the prince’s shoulders.

“You’ve been crying a lot, huh?” Sky teased gently, brushing a tear from Nani’s cheek. “Did you miss me that much?”

Nani flushed, his pout returning. “You’re so annoying.”

Sky chuckled, the sound deep and warm. “And you’re as dramatic as ever.”

Nani swatted at him, but there was no real force behind it. “You’re impossible.”

Sky caught Nani’s hand, squeezing it lightly. “And yet, you wouldn’t trade me for anyone else.”

Nani glared at him, but his lips twitched into a smile. “Unfortunately, you’re right.”

Sky grinned. “That’s more like it. Now, why don’t we go get something to eat? You look like you haven’t had a proper meal in days.”

Nani nodded, his stomach growling as if on cue. “Fine. But only if you promise not to tease me anymore.”

“No promises,” Sky replied with a wink.

As they left the room together, Sky couldn’t help but feel a sense of contentment he hadn’t known in weeks. He was back where he belonged—by Nani’s side. And this time, he wasn’t going to let anything take that away.