Archive of Our Own

“but the secret to his majesty
that sets the boy apart
is the kindness that shows royalty
it's etched upon his heart”

Toge smiled politely as he watched a customer leave the coffee shop, a generous tip left on the counter. A hint of relief softened the tiredness in his eyes—finally, some recognition for the long hours he’d put in.

They must be the last one, he thought, glancing at the clock. The hour was late, and the usual bustle of the shop had quieted down to a peaceful stillness.

Toge was cleaning the floor, his movements brisk as he tried to finish up and head home. Being the only waiter on duty at this hour meant juggling multiple tasks—sweeping, serving, preparing the last few orders. His back ached from the constant bending and reaching, and he could already feel the strain catching up with him.

His body was already on autopilot, moving automatically. At least his coworker would soon arrive to switch shifts, and he could finally call it a day.

It took a few more minutes for Toge to finish mopping the floor. Just as he straightened up, Ozawa entered through the back doors, her presence a welcome sight. She gave him a nod, signaling that his shift was officially over.

“Good morning, Toge-san,” she greeted with a calming smile. “I saw Hana baking a new type of pie in the kitchen. You should try it.”

“It smells good,” Toge agreed, the warm scent of cinnamon filling the air, comforting in its familiarity. He could almost taste the sweetness on his tongue.

Ozawa smiled, nodding in agreement as she put on her apron. “I'll take one for my dad,” Toge added. Suguru had the bad habit of always forgetting to eat, which is why Toge started making him try some recipes just as an excuse to whet his appetite.

When even this couldn't make him eat, Mimiko and Nanako surely could—they could be terribly stubborn. Or, at the very least, the girls would end up taking the dessert in the end. Toge didn't like sweets that much anyway.

“Let us know if he liked it later,” Ozawa replied, already heading toward the kitchen.

Toge took that as his cue to gather his belongings and say goodbye to the two girls, who were now chatting animatedly near the oven. He gave them a small wave, finally heading home.

Luckily, the twins went to the same school where Suguru was an elementary teacher, so Toge didn't need to worry about picking them up. However, he also knew domestic tasks could be particularly and frustratingly difficult for his dad. Taking care of three kids was already difficult enough—Toge wished he could do more.

Although Suguru assured that financial support was sufficient, Toge still found himself managing Nanako, Mimiko, his job, and the house, so that Geto wouldn't feel overwhelmed.

On his way home, he opted not to take the train, choosing to walk instead to save some money. Suguru didn't know he did this everyday—otherwise, he would totally freak out.

Toge already had to hear the sound of the train running along the rails from his window each day. The constant rumbling was a reminder of why the building they lived in was so cheap.

As he arrived home, he was greeted by a mix of voices and the familiar sound of static. “And welcome back! Takada and I are thrilled to be here, bringing you the 144th Royal Procession”, the voice announced enthusiastically. He could tell it was coming from the old TV.

Toge immediately noticed the twins sitting right in front of the screen. “Girls, I'm home”, he stated.

“Toge! You finally arrived! The lottery is about to start!” Nanako exclaimed, already rising in excitement as she greeted him.

‘You say that as if your name were on it.’ Toge teased. Since she was facing him, he signed with his hands, smirking.

“Not yet! But when Mimiko and I turn eighteen like you, we'll put our names there, and one of us will win the lottery and become a lady royal, which will make the other a lady royal too, because we're sisters, so everything I am, she is too!” Nanako declared with determination. Toge couldn't help but laugh at the fervent monologue.

He raised his hands in a gesture of surrender and headed to the kitchen counter—the sound of the TV and the whole Royal Parade thing being the only noise in the house.

“How is Dad?” He asked aloud this time, since the girls couldn't see his hands to read his signs.

Although Toge could speak, he couldn’t do so for long, and the sore throat he ends up with is always hard to deal with. He has had this medical problem with his vocal cords since ever. That's why he prefers to stick to signing and speak only when he needs to, like when he is working.

Mimiko looked up from the TV. From where Toge stood, he could see her expression shift from silent excitement to concern.

“He's the same as always. You know.” Toge didn't like the answer, but he tried hard not to let it show on his face in front of the little ones.

‘Bad day?’ He signed slowly.

“Bad day.” The girl with brown hair nodded. Toge sighed deeply, feeling a wave of frustration and powerlessness wash over him. He knew how difficult it was for his father to manage everything on his own,—financially, but also mentally. If only Toge could earn enough money to afford a better place for the girls to grow up in, then maybe Suguru wouldn't feel so deeply guilty for not being able to provide better conditions for his children.

He glanced at the TV and decided to set aside his own worries for the sake of his sisters. Watching the Royal Procession seemed like the best distraction. He headed to the sofa, settling in the back while gently messing up their hair.

“For those born of royalty, from clans far and vast, a chance to earn their titles as princesses, duchesses, princes and dukes!” The male host continued his introduction, followed by the second host.

“And for those born commoners, the opportunity to win a place as a princess's most trusted advisor: a lord or lady roya—”, the TV started to malfunction, interrupting the female host. Nanako made a complaining sound.

When Toge moved closer to give a few taps to the old TV box to get it working again, he heard footsteps approaching.

“Oh, Toge. You're home,” Suguru said, his voice soft and tinged with exhaustion. He managed a weak but sweet smile, the kind he used to try to hide how tired he truly was, especially from Toge. His long hair was pulled back into a messy bun, a clear sign that he hadn't had the energy to take better care of himself today.

Toge noticed the subtle signs of weariness in his father—the slight droop of his shoulders, the dark circles under his eyes. It was a look Toge had become all too familiar with over the years. Still, Suguru always refused to admit his difficulties in front of the kids.

‘I didn't know you were awake,’ Toge responded, trying to keep his smile soft. He moved toward the small table by the kitchen, where he had set down a bag with a piece of apple and cinnamon pie when he arrived. ‘Did you eat today?’ He asked. Although he already suspected the answer.

Suguru hesitated, glancing away before answering. “I’ll have something later.”

‘You should eat.’

He waved a hand dismissively, avoiding the topic. “I’m ok. I’m not really hungry right now.”

Toge sighed inwardly, resisting the urge to push further. He knew it wouldn’t do any good to argue. Instead, he reached for the bag and unpacked the dessert. ‘I brought you pie. Hana's new recipe.’

Suguru noticed it was Toge's way of changing the subject. “Thank you,” he said, appreciating both the gesture and the distraction.

“It's time, it's time, it's time!” Both of them turned when they heard Nanako's excited voice. “Dad, come here! They're about to announce the winner of the Royal Charm School lottery—we need to watch!”

Suguru moved to the sofa, sitting between Mimiko and Nanako, while Toge perched on the couch arm—cramped but warm.

There was a tall man with white hair and deep blue eyes speaking on TV. Beside him stood a woman in an elaborate, high-fashion gown and a girl wearing a uniform who looked to be about Toge's age. The girl bore a striking resemblance to the woman, both in features and posture. Toge assumed they were related.

“To choose this year's lottery winner, I present Miss Orimoto Rika,” the man said, seeming to enjoy annoying the lady.

Toge could hear the woman correcting him—something about introducing the girl as the future princess of the Inumaki clan, but he didn't bother to look because he was more focused on trying to clean a coffee stain from his shirt.

The girl—Rika—pulled a piece of paper from the giant box full of names. Toge could tell from miles away she seemed utterly uninterested. “Geto Toge,” she announced, her voice echoing through the room.

He choked on his own saliva, his hands freezing mid-motion. The coffee stain on his shirt became the last thing on his mind as the name registered. He immediately glanced over at the twins, who were now staring at each other in disbelief. His dad seemed equally stunned.

“YES! I knew it!” Nanako exclaimed, jumping over Suguru to reach his sister and celebrate. “Mimiko, did you hear that? Toge will be a lord royal!” She clung to Mimiko, her excitement palpable, while Mimiko's eyes widened in surprise and joy.

‘Wait, that's not possible,’ he tried to convey, but their ecstatic expressions seemed to prevent them from even noticing his signs. ‘Girls! I never even put my—’ he trailed off, abruptly realizing the full meaning of Nanako’s words. Toge grabbed the blonde girl’s shoulders to get their attention. ‘Did you both enter for me?!’

Mimiko replied slowly, with a hint of guilt. “Only five or six times.”

But Nanako added, completely unbothered and satisfied, “a day! For an entire year!”

“Nanako!” he even exclaimed aloud, his eyes widening in disbelief. As the girl laughed, jumping and screaming about him being a lord royal in the Inumaki clan, Toge turned to Suguru. “Dad!” he said, to which Suguru only responded with a little smile.

The bell rang, and Toge felt like he might actually panic. ‘I am not going to Royal Charm School.’

Mimiko retorted with determined eyes that reminded Toge she was Nanako's twin after all. “Yes, you are.”

Toge shook his head, his expression tinged with frustration. ‘Mimiko, I don't belong with a bunch of princesses, princes, and whatever else. Look at me! I'm a waiter. I’ve got straws in my pocket and coffee powder on my socks.’

Nanako, still bouncing with excitement and now paying attention to his signs, added with an air of finality, “You’re perfect!”

He smiled a little. ‘Thank you. But they won't think so,’ he signed, less exasperated and more worried. ‘I also have responsibilities here.’

Suguru, who seemed to sense the underlying concern beyond Toge's conflicts, got up from the couch and moved to him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Toge, it wasn't right to Nanako and Mimiko to go behind your back, but— this is a big opportunity.” Toge felt the weight of his dad's words. “A position as a lord royal—” Even Toge could see Suguru’s eyes glazing over, lost in thought and maybe hope.

“Would change our lives. Forever.” Toge completed aloud, glancing at the twins, their smiles a mix of encouragement and hope. He took a deep breath, ‘fine. I'll go.’

Both Nanako and Mimiko screamed in excitement, rushing to hug him while Suguru went to answer the door. As Toge looked at their younger sisters' faces, he thought, I will miss this so much. A bittersweet smile touched his lips.

“You will tell us everything!” Nanako demanded, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Toge chuckled, gently squeezing the twins in his embrace. “Every detail,” he promised, feeling the warmth of their enthusiasm. He glanced over at Suguru, who was now chatting with the man wearing glasses at the door, and then back at the girls. Despite his own anxiety, he felt a surge of determination. This was more than just a scholarship for him—it was the chance to change their lives for the better, something he had always wished for.

He could handle it.

As Toge arrived at the Royal Charm School, he was immediately struck by the sheer scale and grandeur of the place. The entrance was marked by towering gates, intricately designed and flanked by meticulously manicured gardens that seemed to stretch endlessly. 

Walking through the ornate gates, Toge found himself in a grand foyer, a space larger and more opulent than any he had ever encountered. The high ceilings were adorned with elaborate chandeliers that cast a warm, shimmering light across the vast, marble floor.

The area was bustling with people dressed in elegant uniforms, their conversations and laughter creating a gentle hum that filled the expansive room. These were individuals he would likely have only seen from a distance, serving at high-profile events. They moved with an air of ease and sophistication, a stark contrast to Toge’s own simple attire and nervous demeanor.

He felt a pang of apprehension as he navigated this unfamiliar world, a world where he seemed out of place among the refined and privileged.

But, despite the overwhelming sense of being an outsider, Toge steeled himself with a deep breath. This was a significant opportunity, one that could change his life and the lives of his loved ones. He couldn’t let these thoughts distract him.

A bell rang, and suddenly, all the people vanished, leaving Toge feeling a bit lost.

He tried to find someone who could help him get oriented, but he hadn’t expected his host to be a large Bernese Mountain dog, which ran up to him without giving him a chance to escape and knocked him over.

“You scared me,” Toge whispered from the floor, laughing as the dog's tongue licked his face. The dog barked, and Toge quickly reassured, “Oh, no, it’s okay!” He stroked the dog’s black and white fur, and the animal panted with satisfaction. Noticing a collar around its neck with the name ‘Panda’ on it, Toge chuckled. “I kind of see it. You're a good boy, Panda.” The dog barked again, this time happily.

“You must be Geto Toge,” a deep voice said from behind him, causing Toge to spin around in surprise. “We don’t usually find our future lord royal sprawled on the floor.” Toge quickly scrambled to his feet, bowing immediately once he was upright.

“Um, hi.” Toge stammered, recognizing the tall man from the TV. “Sorry about, you know, being on the floor.” The white-haired man chuckled, waving his hands dismissively as if to say it was no big deal. “He just— he’s very sweet.” Toge added, gesturing to the dog.

The man raised an eyebrow, his smile taking on an odd edge. “Not really. He’s actually quite reserved.” Toge furrowed his brow in confusion but chose to remain silent, unsure how to respond.

“Go lie down, Panda,” the man instructed, gesturing for the dog to settle into his designated spot. Turning back to Toge, he continued, “I’m Gojo Satoru. I teach here. Welcome to Charm School.”

“It’s really an honor,” Toge replied, avoiding eye contact and feeling somewhat awkward for not knowing how to behave, unsure of how to comport himself in the grand setting.

Gojo’s smile remained warm, though his eyes were observant. “Let me show you to your room,” he said, gesturing for Toge to follow. As they walked through the opulent corridors, Gojo began pointing out various important areas of the school, his tone light and engaging—Toge felt a bit more at ease in his presence.

He guided Toge past a vast library, its shelves lined with an impressive collection of books, and then through a corridor of bustling classrooms where students were deeply engaged in discussions and hands-on activities. As they walked, Gojo explained that the school offered a diverse range of subjects, from diplomacy and posture to etiquette and politics, each designed to prepare students for their roles in the royal court.

He explained that failing the Royal training would cost him the crown—it was essential to attend every class punctually and in full uniform.

Next, Gojo led Toge to a spacious, elegantly designed cafeteria. This was the final stop on the tour before they reached a quieter corridor, where the white-haired man stopped in front of a door. “And this will be your room,” he said. “I actually know your roommate. He might seem a bit grumpy at first, but I’m sure he’ll warm up to you eventually.”

Toge couldn’t recall the last time he felt so nervous about meeting new people. Gojo seemed to notice his anxiety, as he took the initiative to open the door, revealing a neatly arranged room. It was well-furnished and inviting, with a cozy atmosphere. Inside, a boy with black hair was already settled on one of the beds, engrossed in a book.

“Megumi,” Gojo sang to the boy—whose name was apparently Megumi—informally. “Be nice to our new student.” Despite Gojo’s direct address, he barely lifted his gaze from the book he was engrossed in, only offering a brief glance before returning his attention to the pages. His indifferent attitude suggested he wasn’t particularly interested in the newcomer. “See? But he has a good heart,” Gojo added with a smile, as Toge noticed the boy rolling his eyes.

“If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask. Although, I doubt you will, because you'll find everything you need in this room—literally everything,” Gojo continued, unfazed by Megumi's lack of enthusiasm. It made sense now why the man with glasses, who had driven him to the school, insisted that Toge didn’t need to bring any clothes or personal items. “And there's also a uniform tailored to your exact measurements, made just for you,” he added with an excited smile.

“How do you know my measurements?” Toge couldn't help but ask.

“I know everything,” Gojo replied with a mysterious smile, leaving Toge furrowing his brow in confusion once again. On the other side of the room, he heard a sigh and the sound of a book being slammed shut.

“Gojo, you’re annoying me and my roommate. Get out of our room,” Megumi finally said, his voice flat but firm. Toge watched as Megumi stood up from his bed, seemingly fed up, and moved to physically push the white-haired man out of the room. He was a bit shocked by how the boy treated the teacher so disrespectfully, seemingly without fear of any consequences. What surprised him even more was how Gojo remained unfazed, still smiling and seeming, in fact, happy.

“Sorry about him,” Megumi said, closing the door behind him with a gentle but firm push. “I’m Fushiguro Megumi, prince of the Zenin clan.”

“Geto Toge,” he replied, using fewer words. Should he have mentioned that he was training to become a lord royal? Toge was already feeling a bit hoarse, but there was no other way around it. He needed to get through this—how could he be on the same level as the others if he couldn’t even communicate properly? He just needed some water, and he would be fine.

“Oh, right. The lottery boy.”

“Is it that obvious?” Toge whispered. He was still wearing his waiter uniform, and the thought suddenly made him feel awkward again.

“Well, they announced it on TV, so” Megumi replied, crossing his arms and raising an eyebrow.

“Oh, you're right. Sorry,” he said with a nervous smile. “Guess I'm just a little overwhelmed.” Toge admitted.

Megumi nodded empathetically. “I understand. Trust me,” he said, and for some reason, Toge found himself trusting him. “Look, why don’t you change into your uniform, and then we can head to the cafeteria? I know someone who’ll probably like you.”

“Sounds good,” he replied, feeling a bit more at ease. Megumi’s suggestion seemed like a reasonable way to start settling in.

Putting on the dark-blue uniform was comfortable—it really fit him perfectly. An aqua-green scarf left alongside it was something Toge was more than happy to wear. He enjoyed the fabric’s warmth in the cold but especially the security it provided, allowing him to bury his face and hide it. Toge felt better being able to blend in and not be easily noticed.

At least, that’s what he thought.

When they headed to the cafeteria, they met the person Megumi had mentioned—a redhead girl named Kugisaki Nobara. Apparently, she was training to become a lady royal of the Inumaki clan, just like Toge.

They sat at the last available table, which was tucked away in a corner of the bustling room.

Nobara leaned back in her chair, casually enjoying a chocolate muffin she had snagged from the balcony. Her eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief as she spoke, “There will probably be a speech,” she said nonchalantly. “Dame Orimoto wouldn’t miss the chance, especially now that Rika will be crowned.”

Toge and Megumi, on the other hand, had opted for drinks rather than food. Toge cradled a cup of mint tea in his hands, savoring its warmth as it provided much-needed relief to his dry throat. Megumi sipped his black coffee quietly, his gaze scanning the room, and Toge noticed he was naturally more reserved.

Toge, still grappling with the new environment, finally voiced his confusion. “Who is Dame Orimoto?” His question was laced with curiosity. He had caught glimpses of the name ‘Rika’ on TV during the lottery but had little context. Could Dame Orimoto be that woman he had seen with her? Did she work at the school?

Nobara's smirk widened as she leaned forward, clearly enjoying the chance to share information. “Oh, right. I forgot you’re totally out of the loop,” she said, her tone dripping with amusement. “Here, Rika is the current heir princess of the Inumaki clan, especially since the entire Inumaki family died in that car accident years ago. Dame Orimoto is her mother and teaches at Charm School.”

Toge’s eyebrows furrowed as he processed this new piece of information. “Car accident?” Nobara mentioned it so casually but Toge even hadn’t heard about it before.

Nobara’s expression shifted slightly as she murmured, “you’re more out of touch than I thought. If you don’t know about the accident, you certainly won’t know that it’s almost certain not everyone died that day.”

“That’s just a conspiracy theory, Nobara,” Megumi interjected, clearly skeptical.

Nobara raised an eyebrow and grinned, “come on. We all know you think so too, Megumi—you just don’t say it out loud,” she pointed out, her tone playful. “You believe in that Magical Crown myth thing, so you can’t really judge me for believing in my own things.”

“It's different,” he retorted, scoffing as he spoke. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, clearly annoyed by the accusation.

Nobara simply shrugged with a nonchalant air, a smirk lingering on her lips. “Well, it seems everything ‘conspiracy theory’ to me. I am just happier than you for admitting it.” She then turned her attention to Toge, who was still looking completely lost. “Damn, I’m going to have a lot of work with you, but it’ll be worth it.”

As Toge sat there surrounded by so many princesses, princes, and more, feeling more out of place than ever, he couldn’t help but think that if he was afraid of not fitting in, Nobara was certainly ready to ensure he was brought up to speed.

He smiled a little—she reminded him of Nanako, and Megumi looked a bit like Mimiko. It was like having a part of them with him.

Lost in his own thoughts, he didn’t notice someone approaching until he felt a large but gentle hand on his shoulder. The unexpected touch made him startle slightly, and Toge felt as if he had overreacted, shyly glancing at the stranger.

What he found was a tall boy with tan skin, chin-length hair, dark-blue eyes, and noticeable under-eye bags. He was dressed in a white uniform jacket that sharply contrasted with the attire of the other students, making him stand out even more. For a moment, Toge wondered if the boy had mistaken him for someone else—it seemed inconceivable that someone like him would have any reason to target Toge.

“Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you,” the boy said, his voice as gentle as his touch. His intense presence seemed to defuse the tension, and even Toge was surprised to find that his body felt a little more at ease after hearing his words. The boy gestured toward the empty seat beside him. “Do you mind if I sit next to you? The cafeteria is full today.”

“Oh,” Toge hesitated, glancing at Nobara and Megumi for some kind of cue. Why was this boy, who clearly must have an isle in his name, asking him specifically? He didn’t understand, but both Nobara and Megumi seemed entirely unbothered, casually continuing to talk as if nothing was unusual. With no clear reason to refuse, Toge nodded, feeling a bit awkward. “Um, no. You can have a seat.”

The boy smiled, sitting down on the bench next to Toge, close enough that he could feel the warmth radiating from his large body.

"I'm Okkotsu Yuuta," he introduced himself with a friendly tone. "I don't recognize your face, so you must be the lottery boy, right?" Toge could only nod in response, feeling as if his small bubble of privacy had burst, pulling him back into the reality of a world where he didn’t quite belong.

“Toge,” was all he managed to say, his voice barely above a whisper. Yuuta seemed satisfied even though it wasn’t much.

"Alright, Toge-kun. It’s nice to meet you." Yuuta's voice was warm, almost disarmingly so, and they held each other's gaze for a moment that felt longer than it actually was. There was a certain gravity about him, a magnetic presence that made Toge's head spin a little.

But the moment was quickly shattered when a loud, angry female voice called out across the room, snapping them both back to reality.

"Okkotsu! We've been looking for you, you dickhead!”

Yuuta winced slightly, a sheepish grin tugging at the corners of his mouth as he turned to face the source of the voice. Toge's gaze followed, and he realized with a sinking feeling that whatever semblance of peace he’d found in his little group was about to be interrupted by the chaotic energy of two more people.

“Fushiguro, Kugisaki! You’re here too! What luck!” A second voice, this time male, chimed in. A large boy with pink hair and a wide grin plopped down happily next to Megumi, his energy contrasting with Fushiguro's silence. He was followed by the girl who had shouted—tall with green hair and glasses, who took a seat next to Yuuta with a casual ease.

Both were carrying trays, just like Yuuta, though Toge hadn’t noticed it until now. As he watched Nobara and the pink-haired boy argue animatedly, with Megumi looking composed and unaffected amid the commotion, he felt a sharp sense of isolation. It was as if everyone around him was already well-acquainted, while he was an outsider trying to find his place.

Which worsened when a new voice joined the conversation. “I expected it from my sister, but Okkotsu Yuuta sitting with commoners? What would Rika think about this?” Toge didn’t understand why she used the term ‘commoners’ in the plural, considering he was the only lottery winner there, but he chose to remain silent. The girl hadn’t even spoken to him.

“Why would Rika need to think about anything?” the green-haired girl retorted, her tone laced with irritation. Toge's gaze shifted between the two girls, noticing that they were almost identical, despite their different clothes and hairstyles. The resemblance was so uncanny that it was almost like looking at reflections in different frames.

“The cafeteria is full,” Yuuta explained, though it wasn’t really necessary, his tone aiming to soothe the situation.

Toge thought she would leave after this, but the girl appeared to take his words as an invitation. Before long, the table was crowded with unfamiliar faces. Toge observed Nobara and Megumi exchanging uneasy glances, their discomfort palpable as they adjusted to the unexpected influx of people they clearly didn’t like much. What had been an intimate gathering quickly turned into a crowded, somewhat awkward assembly.

Toge tried to memorize their names while choosing not to participate in the conversation. However, it seemed that participation was not an option, as none of them—aside from Nobara, Megumi and sometimes Yuuta—made any effort to include him in the discussion.

“The chocolate salt caramel cake was truly amazing today. I think I might get another slice before it’s all gone,” said the blue-haired sweet girl named Miwa. Kokichi, who seemed to be her boyfriend—hugging Kasumi possessively as if to guard her from potential admirers—offered to fetch another slice for Miwa.

“We have a waiter sitting with us. Why don’t you ask him to serve you? I bet this suits him better than our school's uniform.” The comment drew immediate attention, and all eyes turned to Toge. He couldn’t see who had spoken, but he guessed it might have been Nishimiya Momo, judging by the proximity—she was sitting right next to him.

Mai—Maki's twin—let out a laugh, followed by Momo and then Kokichi. Miwa, however, appeared uncomfortable, her smile faltering as she looked around awkwardly. Yuuji and Yuuta also seemed unsettled, their expressions shifting as the conversation turned. The atmosphere became tense as the focus of attention fell uncomfortably on Toge. Nobara’s irritation was palpable, but all Toge wanted was to retreat into his scarf, seeking refuge from the unwanted attention.

Fortunately, the arrival of a new person at the table shifted the focus away from him, giving him a moment to collect himself and ease the discomfort that had suddenly washed over him.

He heard Yuuta call out, “Rika.” Toge wasn’t sure if it was the lingering impact of Nobara’s words from earlier or the way Yuuta’s voice carried a certain emotion, but he found himself instinctively following Yuuta's gaze. His eyes finally landed on the girl he had only seen on TV before, and a strange mix of curiosity and apprehension welled up inside him as he observed her in person for the first time—especially when he noticed she was staring at him too.

Up close, Toge could see that she had delicate features and exceptionally long brown hair that cascaded down to her hips. Her uniform was white like Yuuta's—a long dress that seemed to complement his jacket. Her sharp eyes seemed to hold a hint of frustration as she scanned the table, then returned to stare at Toge.

He avoided eye contact, but this didn’t stop her from scrutinizing him as if he were an animal on display, leaving Toge unable to understand why.

“Oh, there are no more seats,” Yuuta said, as if understanding the girl's dilemma without her saying a word. This clarified part of the situation but didn’t explain why her gaze was fixed on him specifically.

“You can have mine, Rika-chan,” Miwa said, already moving to get up, but Kokichi stopped her with a firm hand.

“I always sit next to Yuuta,” Rika explained, her tone carrying a hint of possessiveness. Ok, now this made a lot of sense. “It’s just how it is.” 

This clarification shed light on the situation, making it clear why Rika's gaze was so focused on Toge—she was protective of her usual spot. However, Maki was also sitting next to Yuuta, so why was Toge the target? Was he the intruder?

Mai took the initiative. "No need to mention it,” she said with a casual wave. She glanced at Momo, and for a moment, Toge thought she might offer up her seat—maybe just moving a person’s distance away would be enough to satisfy the princess’s need for proximity. Mai’s nonchalant demeanor suggested she was willing to accommodate Rika’s preference, but the underlying tension made it clear this was about more than just seating arrangements.

In one moment, Toge was sitting quietly, minding his own business. The next, Momo was abruptly pouring her entire matcha tea over Toge’s head, the cold liquid cascading down and soaking him completely. Stunned, Toge raised his arms in a futile attempt to shield himself, his eyes widening in disbelief as he blinked rapidly.

“See it? Someone’s going to have to clean themselves up. You can sit over there,” someone remarked coldly. It was probably Mai again, her voice dripping with fun. Toge barely registered the comment—he was too preoccupied with the icy shock of the tea and the rush of warmth spreading across his cheeks. As his body trembled from the cold and his face flushed with embarrassment, he struggled to process what had just happened.

"Now you've crossed the line, Mai,” he heard Maki say sharply to her twin, but Toge was already on his feet, stumbling away. He ignored Yuuta’s concerned touch and the frantic question of whether he was alright, as well as the desperate calls from Nobara and Megumi.

His mind was a whirlwind of embarrassment and humiliation, and he could barely process the commotion around him as he hurried to escape the scene.

No. It wasn't a reasonable way to start settling in—at all.

Toge stood in front of the large bathroom mirror, drying his hair with a towel.

After the incident, Toge had quickly retreated to his room, feeling overwhelmed. He shut the door behind him and headed straight to the bathroom. Once inside, he turned on the shower and let the water run hot. He stepped under the stream, allowing the warmth to wash over him, and stayed there for a long time, hoping it would soothe his mind as much as his body.

It was unusual to see his platinum blonde hair down and wet, as Toge typically let it dry wild and free, resulting in a spiky look—although the straight style didn’t look bad either. As he gazed at his reflection, noting his own uncommon purple eyes, Toge reflected on how none of them—Nanako, Mimiko, and himself—resemble Suguru. Perhaps Mimiko reminded him a bit because of her dark hair, and Toge because of his purple eyes. But that was all.

Observing others' reactions to their differences was always intriguing, but they had known about their adoption since childhood and were immensely grateful for the family they had.

Would Nanako and Mimiko still be excited to enter the Royal Charm School if they knew what really happens inside? Should he tell them everything, or perhaps hide some details for their sake?—Who was Toge trying to deceive, could he even complete that semester?

He clearly wasn’t on their level in any aspect.

Toge decided to step out of the bathroom, only to realize he had been so absorbed in his own thoughts that he hadn’t noticed Nobara and Megumi had already entered the room. Their presence was unexpected—though it was also Megumi's room. He had simply assumed they would still be with the others.

Nobara was pacing back and forth, looking distressed, while Megumi sat on his bed in the same position he was in when Toge first arrived. "I can't believe they sat at our table and then kicked us out!” she complained, frustration evident in her voice.

“Technically, we left,” Megumi said, trying to sound nonchalant. However, his restless body language betrayed that he was just as unsettled as Nobara.

“They kicked out Toge, and Toge is our friend, which means they kicked us out too.” He could smile a little at her words. Nobara stopped pacing and threw her hands up in frustration. Her face was flushed with irritation as she threw herself onto Megumi's bed. “Huh, everything was fine when Yuuta, Maki, and Yuuji sat with us,” she said, her voice rising with each word. “Why did Mai have to show up? And then Rika?”

“Apparently, ‘it’s just how it is.’” Toge’s voice cut through the tension as he made his presence known in the room. He used the exact words Rika had said before the whole drink incident, his tone carrying a hint of resignation. His expression mirrored the frustration that had been building all day.

Both Megumi and Nobara seemed surprised to realize he had been there listening. Toge offered a reassuring smile and calmly walked over to his own bed. He settled down, taking a deep breath as he sat. The gesture was meant to ease the tension in the room and convey that he had already moved past the situation.

"Toge, you okay?" Nobara asked, concern evident in her voice. "I'm so sorry about Mai, Momo, and Rika. If we had known it would end like that, we wouldn't have let them sit with us.”

"It's fine. I’ve learned my lesson. I'll never get close to any of them again.” Toge didn't hate them—he just didn't want any more unnecessary problems.

Megumi sighed. “You know you didn’t need to run away from all of them, right? They aren’t all bad. Maki is my cousin. She can be a jerk sometimes, but not like Mai or Momo. And Yuuta isn’t bad either.”

Toge couldn't contain his curiosity. “How do you know him?”

It made sense that he knew Maki and Mai since they were related, but how did he know the others? And how did Nobara know them? He had never given it much thought—he was clearly more focused on surviving—but there must have been some kind of event where all these elite members would gather. Something Toge would never attend, not even as a waiter.

“He doesn't just know him, Megumi had a crush on him.” He could see the exact moment Fushiguro’s face turned red as he tried to suffocate Nobara with his pillow. Toge burst into laughter, not expecting that.

“Huh, I should have never told you that!” Megumi nearly shouted, his embarrassment clear in his voice.

She ran away from Megumi's reach, throwing herself onto Toge's bed with a carefree sigh—the way she settled in so easily made Toge feel unexpectedly comforted.

“Megumi lived with Yuuta for some years,” Nobara explained, as a way to change the topic before Megumi could try to kill her again.

“Why?” Toge asked, tilting his head slightly—a bit confused with the connection between the two.

"It's a long story. You might have noticed that I don't use Zenin as my last name,” Megumi began, his voice emotionless, as if he wasn’t talking about himself. “My father gave up his title as prince so he could marry my mother. Technically, I was never a royal member—because he wasn't a prince anymore.”

“The thing is, the Zenin clan wasn't happy with his choice. They saw it as a betrayal.” Toge couldn’t understand why, but he assumed it was something far bigger than him. “They wanted me to return, and be crowned. But I didn’t want any part of the life he had rejected.”

“The best compromise I could get was that I didn’t have to live there, as long as I entered the Royal Charm School under the Zenin name,” he finished his explanation, as if he hadn’t just shared the wildest family drama Toge had ever heard. “It was their way of keeping me tethered to them, even from a distance—a reminder that I am still property of the Zenin Clan.”

He shrugged, as if the weight of his words was nothing more than a minor inconvenience. "Politics. You'll get used to it," he added, his voice almost casual.

Toge blinked, trying to process the whirlwind of revelations.

"Wow, Fushiguro, you're really bad at telling stories," Nobara complained, her tone laced with playful exasperation. She was completely unbothered by all the drama unfolding around them, as if she had heard that story countless times before—or perhaps she had heard even worse. "You left out all the best parts. Honestly, how do you expect Toge to be up to speed if you skip over the juicy details?”

“What juicy details?” Megumi grumbled.

“Like, Gojo Satoru being the one who raised you is the reason you lived with Yuuta in the fucking Gojo clan's castle,” Nobara said, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

This new information clarified much of the dynamic between Megumi and Gojo when Toge first met him.

“I thought it was obvious when I said the Zenin clan saw it as a betrayal!” Both of them rolled their eyes.

“I still don't get why Yuuta was in Gojo's castle,” Toge confessed, a bit embarrassed that Nobara was right and he didn’t grasp some things that seemed like common sense here. “I thought only the royal family lived there.”

“Oh my god, Toge, I'm starting to believe you actually lived in a cave! Okkotsu is the heir prince! He’ll assume the Gojo clan’s throne since Gojo-sensei abdicated years ago.”

Oh right, he needed to remember that everyone he was talking to held some significant title—Megumi himself was none other than the heir prince of the Zenin clan.

“That girl Mai said he was sitting with commoners,” Toge remembered. “Was it because of that? She knows Megumi’s background—she is a Zenin herself, isn't she?”

"Exactly,” Megumi agreed. “If it helps, as long as you sit with us, you will never be the only commoner at the table.”

Nobara nodded firmly. “You too?” Toge asked, curious.

“Yeah. I came from a really poor and dull part of the city—just me and my grandmother. Everyone knew everyone in that neighborhood, and you couldn’t do anything! Literally, anything you did would turn into a public event by the next morning.” Unlike Megumi, Nobara spoke with intensity, as if she were reliving those moments just by thinking about them. “So, to give you an idea, when I dyed my hair red, my teacher tried to convince my grandmother that I was possessed.”

“Wait, I’ve heard that before,” he interrupted, trying to recall why it sounded so familiar.

She seemed disbelieving. “What do you mean?”

“My dad! He mentioned something like that happening at the school where he teaches.”

“No way. Are you kidding—Izumi-ku?” Her eyes sparkled with a mix of disbelief and excitement.

It seemed like she hadn’t met anyone who could empathize with her old life in a long time.

“Yeah, Izumi-ku! My sisters go there too, and they get a discount since he works at the school.” Nobara’s smile grew wider, and Toge couldn’t help but smile as well.

“I bet I know them! That's so exciting.” Even Megumi was smiling at the scene—just a small smile, but a genuine one nonetheless. She waved her hands, trying to compose herself. “Ok, ok. Now, back to the lady royal thing. It just so happens that, one day, my grandmother discovered that her father was once married to someone from the Inumaki clan—a duchess, I guess. However, it doesn’t matter because I don’t have actual royal blood. But that marriage gave me the title of lady royal!”

She clapped her hands. “Awesome, don’t you think? I left that place and could wear fancy clothes, and make annoying people like Maki’s sister my new hobby. Sounds like the perfect life.”

Toge chuckled quietly, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Yeah, I could live like this.” He hugged a pillow, distracted. “Do you know Maki because of Megumi?”

“Nah, she is my roommate,” she replied, giving an uncommon smile.

Toge’s curiosity piqued. “And what about that pink-haired guy, Yuuji? He mentioned your names.”

“We all met at the parade,” she explained, her tone light as she remembered the event. Toge nodded in understanding.

“The thing you need to know is that news travels quickly among the elite—like with that waiter ‘joke’ Momo made,” Megumi murmured, his tone serious, making Toge pay attention.

“In the end, it’s not that different from my neighborhood,” Nobara added. She sighed, stood up, and spun around in the middle of the room. “But none of this will matter once we receive our crowns and official titles.”

Toge lowered his head, deep in thought. They were right. Once he had the title of lord royal by the end of the semester, no odd looks or harsh words could take that away from him.

Hesitant, he asked, “will they always be like that?”

Megumi paused, considering her response carefully before answering.

“I’m not sure. I think, as long as Yuuta isn’t around, Rika will be easier to handle. As for the others, they’ll likely forget eventually.”

Toge let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding.

“Ok,” he said, trying to sound confident. “It will be easy. I can do anything they can do.”

Toge, in fact, can not do anything they can do.

He came to this realization after a few weeks of studying at Royal Charm School. Perhaps Megumi was right when he said the others would eventually forget he even existed. Yet, Toge wouldn’t know, as his name seemed to linger on the lips of his classmates since the very first day of classes.

He kept his distance, just as he had promised himself he would—he made excuses whenever they tried to strike up a conversation, and would quietly slip out of the room whenever they walked in. However, his strategy wasn’t very effective, especially since Toge had a knack for being a complete disaster in every single subject. No matter how hard he tried to stay under the radar, he constantly found himself in the spotlight, but for all the wrong reasons.

His mistakes and blunders made him impossible to ignore, drawing more attention than he ever wanted.

They were in the dance practice room now. Miss Utahime had gathered both classes from that semester for the lesson, which was the last thing Toge needed at that moment. She said it was to push them out of their comfort zones—but Toge hadn't been comfortable before that either.

“I’ll let you choose your partners. Remember, it has to be one from Class A and one from Class B,” Iori instructed firmly.

Normally, when Miss Utahime didn’t choose the pairs herself, Megumi and Nobara were partners, and he danced with Miwa. Toge could even say he was getting along well with his classmates—like Kasumi and a boy from the Ryomen clan named Junpei.

However, when it came to Class A, his familiarity was limited to just Maki and Yuuji—thanks to Nobara. The rest of the students from that class remained largely unknown to him—he only knew their names at most—, adding to the growing discomfort he felt as he faced the task of pairing up.

“You should invite Itadori before Yoshino does,” Toge was pulled from his thoughts by Nobara’s voice.

He didn’t even notice that he was daydreaming while considering his options in the room.

“So what if he does? I was thinking about inviting Kamo, not him anyway,” Megumi responded indifferently. However, his shoulders were tense, and he seemed to be glancing at Yuuji as he spoke.

“Liar,” she said with a grin. “I know you’d rather be touched by someone you’re familiar with. But fine. Whatever. Do what you want.”

Megumi grunted and strode purposefully toward Itadori, who was chatting with Todo Aoi, both from the Ryomen clan. Nobara smiled triumphantly, too focused on spying on Megumi and Yuuji's conversation to notice Maki approaching.

"I see you're wrapping up your matchmaking duties. Care for a dance?" Nobara's eyes widened, and her face flushed. Toge smiled faintly and decided to keep that tidbit for later.

Maki extended her hand, and Nobara accepted the invitation. As they began to position themselves, Zenin’s gaze shifted to Toge, who stood nearby. “Do you need a partner, Toge?” she asked. He gave a nod. Zenin took a moment to survey the room before finding what she was looking for—a boy with two strands of hair falling over his face. “Hey! Noritoshi! Invite Toge to dance!” She basically ordered.

Toge smiled shyly when he actually agreed and approached him.

"Do you mind if I...?" Kamo began tentatively.

"Oh, no," Toge replied, smiling equally formal. "Go ahead.”

"Okay," Iori clapped her hands once. "Class A on the blue line, Class B on the purple." The students swiftly moved into position as instructed. Miss Utahime walked between the pairs, carefully evaluating their postures and alignment. As she passed, her eyes caught Rika standing alone outside the line, seemingly detached from the organized pairs. "It looks like we have one extra student," she said, her tone laced with curiosity.

“I just don't see Prince Yuuta. He’s the one I want to dance with,” Rika said with a hint of frustration. A murmur rippled through the room as everyone began to realize Okkotsu's absence.

Miss Utahime's brow furrowed in concern as she scanned the crowd. “We'll have to begin without him.”

Toge was so distracted by thoughts of why Yuuta was late that he didn’t notice Mai approaching until she suddenly pushed him a few steps away from the line. He stumbled over his own feet in surprise, turning his head toward her in confusion, only to see Mai raising her hand as if she hadn’t done anything.

"I'm doing you a favor by stopping you from embarrassing yourself," she whispered sharply to him, her tone carrying an edge of irritation. She then turned on a charming smile, her demeanor shifting to innocence as Iori noticed her raised hands. "Miss Utahime," she said sweetly, “Rika can dance with Noritoshi.”

“What about his partner?” she asked, observing carefully. Iori visibly disapproved of the behavior of both—Mai and Rika—but was striving to maintain her composure.

“Toge offered him to Rika. He said it was a pity not to have partners for everyone. He is such a gentleman.” Her smile was obviously so sarcastic.

“Is that right, Toge?” With all eyes on him once more, he shrank into his own scarf, his face partially hidden.

Toge opened his mouth, but no sound emerged. He didn’t want to stir up more trouble. Mai was right—it seemed wiser to stay out of it this time. He shut his mouth, then gave a hesitant nod, though it wasn’t entirely the truth. The room was silent for a moment, the tension palpable as everyone awaited Miss Utahime’s response.

“Okay, come along. Blue line, please bow. Purple line, curtsy.” Toge breathed a sigh of relief as Iori’s instructions shifted the attention away from him.

He noticed Nobara glaring at Mai, while Rika took his old position in front of Kamo before turning away.

“Sorry, Miss Utahime, I'm late— oh,” Toge felt a body brush against him, causing them both to lose their balance. As they fell, he closed his eyes, bracing for the impact of his head hitting the floor. To his surprise, he realized that the person had quickly placed a hand behind his head to shield him from the fall. “Toge?”

When he finally opened his eyes, he found Yuuta lying on top of him, one arm propped beside Toge's head, supporting his weight to prevent crushing him. The other arm remained beneath Toge's head, tangled in his platinum-blonde hair. Yuuta's face was inches from Toge's, a mix of concern and embarrassment evident in his eyes—the sudden proximity made Toge’s heart race.

"I'm sorry," they both said simultaneously. For a moment, neither of them moved, their expressions frozen in a mix of embarrassment and surprise.

The close proximity made the situation feel even more awkward as they lay there, their breaths mingling in the still air. Yuuta's intense dark-blue gaze met Toge's but was quickly averted by Toge himself, who felt his face growing warm.

Immediately, Yuuta stood up and extended his hand to help Toge to his feet.

"I'm sorry," Okkotsu repeated. Toge waved his hands dismissively, trying to downplay the situation.

"It's okay." Toge replied, attempting to move past the incident. He was prepared to stand up for himself, but Yuuta's insistence caught him off guard.

"No, it's not. Please, accept my help." Yuuta's tone was firm yet gentle, his intense gaze fixed on Toge. The sincerity in his eyes made Toge feel a bit self-conscious, and he hesitated for a moment.

Feeling a flush of shyness under Yuuta's unwavering attention, Toge reluctantly accepted the offered hand, hoping to end the scene as quickly as possible.

"Thank you," Toge said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.

The sound of a fake cough abruptly pulled both of them out of their moment. Toge turned around in alarm, only to find the entire room watching them, including Miss Utahime. She raised an eyebrow, while Yuuta offered a sheepish, apologetic smile.

"I'm so sorry, Miss Utahime. I got stuck in a meeting with Gojo-sensei."

"Obviously, it was him," she murmured, her tone revealing a hint of stress. Yuuta smiled apologetically once more, and Iori let out a resigned sigh. "It's good you came, Okkotsu. The two of you can pair up and join the dance.”

Rika looked ready to protest—since she had been waiting for Okkotsu, to start with—but Utahime gave no room for any objections. "We’re already too late. No more talking—I’ll start the music.”

As Utahime turned to the stereo, the room fell silent with anticipation. Yuuta and Toge quickly took their places, trying to shake off the shyness, while Rika shot a discontented glance in their direction. The hum of the music started, and the focus shifted to the dance, with everyone doing their best to move past the earlier disruption.

"It looks like you won't be able to escape this time," Yuuta teased in a low voice, a playful glint in his eyes. It was just a joke, but Toge's eyes widened with surprise, realizing that Okkotsu had noticed his attempts to slip away all those times. Sensing Toge's sudden urge to flee again, Yuuta smoothly bowed, a gentle yet knowing smile on his lips, and extended his hand. "If you'll allow me," he murmured, his voice soft but polite, as if they were actually dancing at a grand ball.

Toge took a deep breath, reminding himself that it was all just part of the performance. He followed Iori's instructions and performed a graceful curtsy. As he placed his hand in Yuuta's, he nearly choked on his breath when Yuuta gently kissed it, the unexpected gesture sending a shiver down his spine.

Toge heard Miss Utahime instructing them to gently kiss their partner's hand immediately after. Yuuta knew the choreography by heart—it was impressive.

"I think you should know that I'm a terrible dancer," Toge admitted shyly as they gracefully moved and spun through the room. He couldn’t help but recall the countless times he had accidentally stepped on Miwa’s feet, who, despite wincing in pain, was always too kind to complain.

“It’s okay,” Yuuta replied with a reassuring smile. “We’re here to learn, after all, aren’t we?” His encouraging words made Toge’s face light up with a genuine smile, even though he couldn't really believe it.

"It's just that sometimes it seems like everyone here is already ready to rule a kingdom tomorrow," Toge confessed, his voice tinged with a mix of admiration and insecurity as he remembered Mai's words.

Yuuta himself was one of them—so poised and regal, almost otherworldly in his presence.

Yuuta chuckled softly, shaking his head with a knowing smile. "Some of us have been training since we were kids," he said. "But we all started somewhere. Everyone has royal potential—it’s just that some of us also have the advantage of resources, time, and opportunities." Toge nodded in understanding.

It's easier said than done, Yuuta knew. But he was beginning to realize that Toge seemed to need some words of affirmation, particularly after all the negative things he had heard whispered about him—sometimes even shouted aloud.

As they momentarily switched partners, Toge danced with Kamo while Yuuta spun elegantly with Rika. When they returned to their original partners, Toge lost his balance, teetering on the edge of falling, but Yuuta was quick to catch him by the waist. "Let me guide you," Yuuta murmured close to Toge's ear, savoring the brief intimacy. "I’ll take care of you. If you'll allow me." He used the same words, but now carrying a weight that suggested he was offering much more than just dance guidance.

Toge remained captivated by Yuuta’s gaze, feeling the steady support of his hand on his waist as Yuuta spun him with effortless grace. "Yuuta," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

And somehow, it was a yes.

Since the day of the dance practice, Toge could say that he had gained a bigger problem than his disastrous performance as a royal lord in training—Rika.

Before the events of that class, Rika had simply ignored Toge's presence as if he were invisible. Now, having experienced what it was like to be scrutinized by the heir princess of the Inumaki clan, Toge was convinced that being overlooked was far preferable to being actively targeted and provoked. The shift from indifference to attention was unsettling, revealing a level of intensity he hadn’t anticipated.

Toge couldn't understand why, but it seemed that she deliberately showcased her perfection in everything she attempted, while he continued to fail repeatedly.

Honestly, he wondered if it was something he had imagined. Rika probably had more pressing matters to attend to, with her coronation only four months away—but even Megumi and Nobara had noticed her obsession.

Being bad was already challenging, but being worse than someone else, regardless of whether being good or bad, could be particularly disheartening. It was not just about personal failure—it was about the constant comparison that makes every failure feel more pronounced and every effort seem less worthwhile.

"I think you irritated her,” Megumi offered his theory one day.

Toge didn't want to sound desperate, but he did anyway. “How?”

“Yuuta,” Nobara added. “She’s always been possessive of him. It’s like she feels the need to assert her superiority… I think she sees you as competition.”

He opened his mouth in disbelief. “Why?”

Seriously, what did she gain by emphasizing to Toge everything he already knew? They were not on the same level—she didn't need to remind him or anyone else in that school. Toge knew it, Rika knew it, and every single student and teacher at Royal Charm School knew she was better. It was an unspoken truth, a fact as solid as the walls of the academy itself. Yet, for some reason, she seemed compelled to make sure Toge was acutely aware of the gap between them.

Every single time.

“Ask Yuuta,” was Nobara’s reply. There was that too. He had stopped avoiding Yuuta and the others since their conversation, but witnessing Rika and Yuuta being excessively clingy and intimate wasn’t exactly his favorite pastime.

It was just another way Orimoto seemed to make a point of catching his eye and making him uncomfortable.

Wasn’t Yuuta noticing her actions? Despite Rika's overt displays of affection and possessiveness, Yuuta seemed oblivious, continually drawing Toge closer and closer. It was as if he was either ignoring the dynamics between them or was deliberately choosing to focus on Toge, leaving him to wonder if Yuuta was truly unaware or simply indifferent to the tension Rika was creating.

Rika was strutting with a stack of ten books perfectly balanced on her head. Toge thought he wouldn't be impressed by anything else, but he was mistaken. Rika's posture and balance were nothing short of extraordinary.

“Poise. Proper poise commands respect—a necessity for anyone in royal life,” Dame Orimoto said, her voice carrying through the room as the classroom observed her daughter’s flawless performance. When Rika came to a stop in front of her, Orimoto Ema's eyes gleamed with pride as she broke into applause, her claps echoing the satisfaction she felt. “Thank you, Rika.”

Everyone joined in the applause, politely.

“Now, ladies and gentlemen, let’s see what you can do, hm?” Dame Orimoto said, her tone both encouraging and critical. “Start with just one book. Then glide—glide smoothly and gracefully, as if it’s second nature to you.” Her gaze was sharp, reflecting a blend of high expectations and keen observation.

Her own posture demonstrated why Rika was the better one, after all.

Toge took his book and carefully placed it on his head, trying to find the right balance. “I can balance a tray of coffee cups for customers, right?” he whispered to himself, feeling the book wobble dangerously. “Of course, I’ve never done it on my head…” He shifted slightly, his concentration intense as he tried to mimic the effortless grace he had seen in Rika.

They started to form a line, and Toge followed right behind Momo, his hands held in the air as if ready to catch the book from falling at any moment.

“C’mon… c’mon, do it for Nanako and Mimiko,” he muttered to himself, trying to keep his nerves in check. So focused, he didn't notice Rika standing next to him.

She crossed her arms, a challenging expression on her face as she commented, “It looks like you’re used to bending over—your back is practically hunched.”

Hearing Momo’s laughter was the final trigger that caused him to lose his balance and topple over. As if things couldn’t get any worse, he inadvertently dragged Nishimiya down with him. Nishimiya, in turn, pulled Miwa, who was directly in front of her, and soon the chain reaction set off.

One by one, the other classmates began to fall like dominoes.

"You…” Toge lowered his head, embarrassed, upon hearing Ema’s voice. “What do you have to say for this disaster?”

He sighed deeply. “It was an accident, Dame Orimoto. I was trying to—” Toge couldn’t finish his sentence as she interrupted him.

“Stand up!” Without hesitation, Toge straightened himself, his movements almost instinctive. Despite this, he kept his back turned to her. “You’re the lottery boy, aren’t you?”

His face flushed with even more shame. The recognition was painfully clear.

“Yes, Dame Orimoto.”

“I should have known.” Her tone was heavy with disappointment. “Face me, boy,” she commanded firmly. “A true lord royal never hangs his head.”

He did exactly as she instructed and turned to face her, meeting her gaze directly. He was bracing himself for a reprimand, but Orimoto Ema simply froze. Toge blinked in confusion—she was left speechless, and he couldn’t fathom why. The silence stretched on, so awkward and prolonged that even the other students began to exchange puzzled glances, trying to decipher why she appeared so unsettled. The tension in the room was palpable, adding to the growing sense of unease.

“Mother…?” Rika was the first to finally break the silence. “You were going to say something to Toge?”

Dame Orimoto glanced at her before turning back to Toge again—and he had never seen her eyes filled with such hatred as they were in that moment.

“Yes!” she affirmed, suddenly full of emotion. “You’re completely unfit for royal life! I want you out of this class!” Her voice grew louder with each word, her tone seething with anger as she advanced toward Toge. His eyes widened in shock, and he shrank back under the intensity of her gaze. He could hear gasps from the others as well. “You might also want to consider whether someone of your station and life should even be in a place where you so clearly don’t belong!” Each word seemed to cut deeper, making Toge shrink even further as the room buzzed with tension.

“I understand,” he murmured slowly, his voice barely above a whisper.

As he turned to leave, the last thing he saw was Rika looking as shocking as he was.

“Ugh, who am I kidding? I don't fit in here at all,” Toge murmured, his voice heavy with resignation. He was lying on his bed, the mattress creaking slightly under his weight, his hands covering his face as if to shield himself from the harsh reality that had finally caught up with him.

Nobara and Megumi were sitting on the edge of the mattress, both watching him with a mix of concern and confusion. Nobara’s brows were furrowed, her usual fiery demeanor replaced by a rare moment of quiet sympathy. Megumi, normally stoic, had softened his gaze, his worry for Toge clear in his eyes. They were his friends, but even their presence couldn’t chase away the growing sense of alienation he felt.

At least they might not be terrible at anything they tried.

“I’m like a burp in a symphony,” he added, his voice tinged with bitter humor.

“You have to give yourself more time, Toge,” Megumi said, his tone uncharacteristically gentle. There was an earnestness in his voice, a quiet plea for Toge to hold on just a little longer, to believe that things could get better.

Toge let out a dry laugh, one that held no real mirth. “You’re right. Maybe with more time, I can destroy the whole school.” His words were sarcastic, but there was a deeper undercurrent of frustration and self-doubt. The weight of his insecurities pressed down on him, making it hard to believe that time would do anything other than make things worse.

“No.. Dame Orimoto is right. The Royal Charm School can’t fix me,” he said, shaking his head and sounding more pessimistic than he intended. With a heavy sigh, he turned and lay face down on the mattress, facing away from them.

“Seriously?” Nobara asked incredulously, her voice tinged with disbelief. “Toge, the Charm School fixed her.”

Toge furrowed his brows, pushing himself up to sit on the bed. He looked at her with a mix of confusion and curiosity. “What do you mean?”

Megumi took a deep breath, his eyes steady as he explained. “She was a lottery winner,” he said. The news left Toge in complete shock.

“But no princess chose her as a lady royal,” Nobara added. “Not even her sister-in-law, Queen Inumaki Chiyo.”

“Exactly,” Megumi said, nodding in agreement. “If Rika weren’t in line for the throne, Dame Orimoto wouldn’t be any more special than anyone else.”

Toge let out a sound of surprise, touched not only by the influx of new information but also by the genuine effort Megumi and Nobara were putting into comforting him. Despite this, the fact that Dame Orimoto had been a lottery winner didn’t change the harsh reality that Toge was on the verge of becoming the worst student Royal Charm School had ever seen.

He rolled his eyes in exasperation, already worn out from his constant self-doubt since arriving at the school. “But it’s not just her,” he said, his voice heavy with frustration. “Everyone thinks I don’t belong here.” He glanced at Megumi and Nobara, who were exchanging concerned looks. “Everyone except you two.”

The room fell silent for a moment until a knock echoed from the door. Megumi quietly got up and went to answer it.

“Oh, Ichiji. Good evening,” Fushiguro greeted, recognizing the delivery person. From his spot, Toge could see that it was the same man who had driven him to the school on lottery day, now holding a medium-sized box.

“Good evening, Prince Megumi,” Ichiji replied politely, his fatigue evident. It was probably Gojo’s fault. “Delivery for Geto Toge,” he added, handing over the package.

This immediately caught Toge’s attention—since he had no other contacts besides his family. Megumi took the package with a nod of thanks, and Ichiji gave a weary smile before heading out. As the door closed, Toge's curiosity peaked. He sat up straight, his anticipation growing as he wondered about the contents of the box.

“It’s for you from…” Megumi paused to read the sender. “Nanako and Mimiko.”

Toge’s face lit up with a smile that was brighter and more genuine than anything Megumi and Nobara had seen from him. They exchanged glances, sharing a silent acknowledgment of how much this small gesture meant to Toge.

“Nanako and Mimiko? Really?” He asked, unable to hide his excitement as Fushiguro handed him the package—Toge wasted no time tearing it open.

Once opened, Toge immediately saw a bundle of letters, each adorned with colorful writings and tied together with a delicate purple string. But what surprised him the most was finding the red, patched-up plushie of Mimiko nestled inside. Toge lifted it from the box with the utmost care, his eyes widening in disbelief.

“I can’t believe she gave me this!” he exclaimed—so disheartened that he barely noticed Nobara peering curiously into the box and Megumi scolding her for it.

“Why?” she asked, trying to grasp the reason behind his sudden shock.

“It’s her favorite plush. I mean, I’ve never seen her sleep without it in fifteen years! Why would she do that?”

“It seems she believes you need it more than she does,” Megumi suggested. The thought touched Toge deeply, and he instinctively drew the red plushie to his chest, hugging it tightly.

Could they, from afar, sense the depth of the emptiness Toge felt? God, he was missing them so intensely that it ached deeply within him.

“It’s a pretty drawing,” Nobara commented, pulling him back to reality as she held up a picture frame that Toge was very familiar with.

Inside it was a drawing of a long-haired man standing in front of a door and a platinum-blonde baby in a basket on the floor. Nanako was a skilled self-taught artist and dreamed of working in fashion, but that had been one of her first sketches and was amateurish in a childlike way. Toge loved it even more for that.

“Nanako did it,” Toge said, holding the picture frame and smiling without realizing it as he gazed at the drawing—pride evident in his eyes. “She always loved the story of me being found on my dad’s doorstep with a note with my name written on it. I was... only one.” He chuckled, a soft, nostalgic smile playing on his lips.

Someone knocked on the door and pushed it open slightly, but none of them seemed to notice—their attention was entirely absorbed by Toge finally opening up and sharing his personal history.

“Dad adopted Mimiko and Nanako just three years later.” Toge dug further into the box and found a very old photo of the four of them from when they were still children and Suguru wasn’t feeling as ill.

In the photo, Nanako was combing their father's hair, which was shorter back then, while Toge was styling Mimiko’s hair. They were all seated on the worn floor of the living room. The photo was taken by an old friend of Suguru’s named Shoko.

“They were the daughters of one of our neighbors,” Toge continued, his voice steady but filled with emotion. “The couple was always fighting and breaking things, until one day the man just left. My father agreed to take care of them while their mother worked, so he could earn some extra money. But one day, she simply left and never came back. Since then, he’s been taking care of them. Taking care of us…” He gently stroked the photo, his fingers lingering on the old, well-loved image.

Nobara placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, her eyes filled with understanding. Toge looked at her and smiled, a mixture of gratitude and melancholy in his expression. “They’re everything to me,” he said softly, his voice trembling with the depth of his feelings.

Quietly, the door was closed. But none of them noticed again.

Toge stood awkwardly in the middle of the etiquette class, his posture stiff and uncertain.

Mei Mei, their instructor, moved with effortless grace as she demonstrated the proper way to hold a teacup, her fingers barely grazing the delicate china. In stark contrast, used to handling heavy trays as a waiter, Toge’s fingers fumbled clumsily with the fragile cup, almost dropping it more than once. The soft clinking of the china echoed his nervousness, each near-miss making his heart race a little faster. 

He had already fumbled embarrassingly when it was time to practice the proper way to sit at the table—bumping his knee against the chair with a loud thud, nearly toppling over as he awkwardly tried to recover.

His face flushed with a mix of frustration and embarrassment. Fortunately, Mei Mei said nothing more, simply offering him a sidelong smile that suggested she was having fun watching him being a disaster.

“Alright, students, you’re free to go,” she announced as the bell rang. As Toge began to rise with Megumi and Nobara, Mei Mei’s voice stopped him. “Not you, Toge. Gojo would like to see you after class.”

He could hear Momo’s laughter from her spot across the room. "I’m surprised this didn’t happen sooner," she said with a laugh, not even bothering to lower her voice.

Toge lowered his head, feeling a flush of embarrassment. Nobara stepped closer, her tone reassuring. "You’ll be okay. We’ll save a spot for you in the cafeteria." Meanwhile, Megumi offered a comforting pat on his shoulder, trying to ease the tension. 

When the classroom had emptied, Mei Mei gestured for Toge to follow her. She led him to an adjacent empty room where Gojo was lazily organizing his desk. With a brief, polite knock on the open door to announce her presence, she said, "He's all yours, Satoru," before stepping out. As the door clicked softly behind her, Toge was left alone with the white-haired man.

“Is...” Toge began, struggling to find the right words. He hesitated, unsure if he should ask Gojo if something was wrong, fearing the answer. “Is everything okay?”

“No, it’s not, Toge,” Gojo replied, his voice low and serious. His frustration was palpable, though Toge couldn’t tell if it was aimed at him or another issue. “Yesterday, Dame Orimoto recommended that we expel you.”

“Oh,” was all Toge could manage, his voice barely above a whisper.

Gojo started walking through the classroom, seeming contemplative while collecting the books from the desks and handing them to Toge to carry.

“I can’t really blame her,” Gojo continued, his tone a mix of resignation and humor. “I know it’s only been a couple of months, but honestly, I’ve never seen a student come into these halls in such a disastrous state.” Gojo chuckled, the sound laced with disbelief.

“I see,” Toge said quietly. He gripped the stack of books a bit tighter than necessary, his mind racing as he prepared himself for the impending expulsion. He shut his eyes momentarily, steeling himself for the worst.

“You’re lucky my old position gives me some privileges, lottery boy,” Gojo said with a wry smile. He then turned and left the room, with Toge following closely behind, his heart pounding. It wasn’t what he was expecting, and Toge needed a moment to collect himself before walking again.

As they walked, Toge noticed they were heading toward the library.

“What do you mean I’m lucky?” Toge finally asked as Gojo began to return the books to their proper places on the shelves, organizing them with ease, as if he could do it with his eyes closed.

Gojo glanced over his shoulder, a hint of amusement in his eyes. “I mean that despite everything, I have some leeway to make decisions even when my higher-ups said I shouldn’t.”

Toge blinked, absorbing Gojo's words. The weight of the conversation left him puzzled. Why would he do that, though?

“Toge, do you know what it takes to make a prince?”

Toge shrugged uncertainty. He was confused by the sudden question. “A crown?”

Gojo chuckled softly. “No, not a crown. Character. All of our classes—poise, manners, dancing—they’re not just subjects to fill out a curriculum. They build confidence. The problem is, confidence without character is dangerous. You probably understand what I’m talking about,” Gojo said with a side smile. Toge nodded in agreement—after two months at Charm School, he certainly did. “But you…” Gojo laughed again. “You, Toge, have a different issue. Character without confidence.”

“So you’re going to expel me?” Toge asked, his voice tinged with anxiety as he tried to grasp the direction of the conversation.

“Not yet,” Gojo replied. He placed the last book back on the shelf and turned to Toge, his grin widening. “Because I’ve found a tutor to give you private lessons. Consider yourself honored—he’s in high demand.”

Toge didn’t immediately grasp the implication until his gaze moved past Gojo and settled on a tall figure hunched over a desk, surrounded by books and diligently jotting notes into a notebook.

“Yuuta,” Toge murmured in surprise. The figure seemed to sense his presence, as Yuuta looked up from his work and offered a warm, soft smile.

“I think there’s no one better than my dear cousin to help you find the prince within you, Toge.” Gojo nudged him toward Yuuta. “The potential is already there. He won't make you a prince. You will make him a subject.” Toge couldn’t understand what the white-haired man saw in him, but he certainly saw something—Gojo strongly believed he had potential. So, maybe he wasn’t a lost cause after all. “So, what do you say?”

For the first time in those two months, Toge felt that he was someone worth the effort. He thought about Mimiko’s plushie, Nanako’s drawing, and Suguru. If he didn’t deserve this second chance, his family certainly did.

With newfound determination, Toge responded, “When do we start?”

Gojo’s smile broadened, a look of genuine satisfaction in his eyes. “That’s the spirit, lottery boy.”

Since Yuuta had a meeting with the higher-ups that afternoon, they decided to postpone their private lessons until the next day.

Gojo had warned Toge that Yuuta’s schedule was hectic, and Toge himself had noticed these patterns. It was always hard to catch a glimpse of Yuuta at school. Despite this, Toge couldn't shake the feeling of confusion. He knew that Yuuta was the heir to the Gojo clan, a position that undoubtedly came with immense duties. However, it puzzled Toge that despite being in a similar position, Megumi, also an heir to a big clan, didn't seem to carry even half of the burden that weighed on Yuuta's shoulders.

Toge wondered what made Yuuta's role so demanding.

“The Gojo clan is the most influential clan these days,” Megumi explained once. “Even Gojo-sensei probably has more power as a teacher than current kings like Ryomen Sukuna or Zenin Naobito.” Toge had never fully considered the immense reach and influence of the Gojo clan, having spent his entire life within the Inumaki clan's territory.

The idea that a mere teacher, even one as formidable as Gojo-sensei, could outstrip the influence of actual kings was almost too much to comprehend. “Yuuta is set to assume the throne,” Megumi continued. “But the thing is, he isn’t actually a Gojo by blood. He was just second in line—the closest relative Gojo had when he decided to abdicate. It’s similar to the situation with Rika.”

The Gojo clan’s influence extended far beyond what Toge had ever imagined, and the fact that Yuuta was at the center of it all, caught between duty and the weight of expectations, made Toge realize just how complex the situation was. “There's a lot of pressure coming from within the clan itself,” Megumi said.

They decided to study the theoretical subjects in the library and leave the practical ones to practice in one of their rooms. That's why they were in the library this time, with the chosen subject being Nanami's—diplomacy.

“The key to knowing how to conduct yourself—what to say and what to avoid—is to understand the history that has shaped each clan and brought them to their current standing,” Yuuta explained with a calm authority.

As he spoke, Yuuta appeared transformed, embodying the demeanor of a true prince—his brows were furrowed in concentration, and his face was marked by intense focus. Toge had heard stories about how intimidating Yuuta could be when he assumed his role as heir, but seeing him now, he understood the gravity of those accounts. Megumi spoke of Yuuta with deep respect, and Toge could grasp why that respect was so well-earned.

They were sitting side by side, a deliberate choice by Yuuta, who wanted Toge to feel as though their discussion was simply a conversation between friends.

Their shoulders brushed against each other occasionally, and Toge was acutely aware of the proximity, feeling a heightened sense of self-consciousness. The warmth of Yuuta’s presence was both reassuring and unsettling. Toge appreciated the scarf wrapped around his neck, which obscured half of his face and offered a small barrier against Yuuta’s penetrating gaze. It allowed him to maintain a semblance of privacy, shielding his true reactions and emotions from being too easily read.

“There are five clans,” he began, raising a finger as he named each one. “The Inumaki clan—where we are now, as the Royal Charm School is situated in their territory. The Gojo clan, from which I come. The Zenin clan. The Ryomen clan. And the Kamo clan.”

“There was a time when the Inumaki clan was the most influential, not Gojo’s. But that was before family Inumaki's death seventeen years ago,” Yuuta said, his pen scratching across the pages of his notebook as he listed the names of the five clans. “This also explains why the Royal Charm School is located in their territory.”

“A lot of people within the Inumaki clan resented that Queen Chiyo was a legitimate heir. The higher-ups couldn’t control or replace her—and no one in the elite likes something they can’t manipulate. Ask Gojo,” he added with a hint of dry humor. Toge recalled how the white-haired man had gone to great lengths just to avoid expelling him. “Her death marked a significant political upheaval. As a result, the clan lost much of its impact and authority.”

“In the present day, the Gojo clan, the Zenin clan, and the Kamo clan are the three most influential. Obviously, there’s a lot of tension and rivalry between them,” Yuuta said, his pen gliding over the paper as he drew a large circle encompassing these three names. “The Kamo clan is known for their neutral politics, which makes them the weakest of the three because they avoid making risky decisions.”

He then drew an arrow from ‘Zenin’ to ‘Ryomen’. “These two are allies, sharing similarities in their customs and morals. The Zenin clan is the most conservative of the three. They even refuse to crown women. Mai and Maki were supposed to be next in line, that's why they ensured that Megumi would take the position after Naoya failed his semester last year.” Toge nodded thoughtfully. He found it interesting how the intricate web of alliances and rivalries seemed to influence the lives of their royal members.

He could tell a lot about Mai now just by knowing how her clan worked. 

Yuuta continued by drawing a line connecting ‘Gojo’ with ‘Inumaki’. “We are allies too,” he said, indicating the relationship between the clans they represented. Toge shifted slightly, feeling a touch of self-consciousness at the weight of the words. “Unlike the Zenin and Ryomen clans, our alliance is more recent. It began after the death of the Inumaki family leader, an effort to stabilize the situation and prevent further chaos. The alliance was formalized eight years later with the proposal of an arranged marriage between the clans.”

Toge found it a bit amusing how formally Yuuta spoke about the arranged marriage, as if he weren't the groom himself. He still clearly remembered the day he discovered Okkotsu’s true relationship with Rika. It was a few days after their shared moment in that dancing class.

“I was having so much fun watching Rika’s face while you and Yuuta danced together,” Nobara remarked with a laugh, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “I mean, I can understand her. If my girl looked at someone like he was looking at you, I’d probably kill someone. Maybe myself.”

“You’re so dramatic,” Toge retorted, feeling a mix of embarrassment and irritation. The class had been filled with people dancing, so why did Nobara make it seem like Yuuta and he were doing something special? “You were blushing because Maki invited you to dance—why am I being teased?”

Nobara’s cheeks flushed, clearly caught off guard by the attention. Yet, she was adept at deflecting the conversation.

“Because it wasn’t me and Maki who were practically devouring each other with our eyes. Seriously, get a room!” Nobara’s comment made Toge's face heat up in genuine offense.

“Wait, we don’t—” Toge began, but then he froze, realization hitting him like a ton of bricks. If Nobara thought that, others probably did too. Oh my god, was this the impression everyone had?

Kugisaki’s grin grew wider as she noticed the gears turning in his head.

“You don’t need to hide, Toge! Megumi isn’t jealous. He’s already taken by that Ryomen prince jerk.”

Megumi’s face darkened with annoyance. “I wasn’t even part of the conversation! Why am I suddenly a topic?!” he grumbled. Nobara’s laughter was genuine, as teasing Fushiguro seemed to be her favorite pastime.

Toge, meanwhile, couldn’t ignore how he hadn’t exactly denied the implication.

Nobara turned back to Toge, her expression now falsely innocent. “I mean, if you liked him, you’d need to be careful around Rika. You wouldn’t want to run into problems with his fiancée.”

Toge’s jaw dropped. He had assumed Yuuta and Rika were merely high school sweethearts or something similar—wasn’t Rika the same age as him? A marriage? What the hell was going on?

“You said fiancée?” he asked, just to be sure he had heard correctly.

“Political,” Megumi clarified, his tone laced with exasperation as he saw the chaos Nobara was stirring.

Nobara waved her hands dismissively. “It’s basically the same thing.”

On that day, Toge had believed it wasn’t. He knew that a royal position sometimes required sacrifices. But now, facing Yuuta, he couldn’t help but wonder about the nature of Yuuta’s relationship with Rika. Were they a real couple, or was it just diplomacy? The way they interacted seemed intimate—perhaps the arranged marriage was the push they needed to realize their feelings. It would make sense.

Now that Toge was looking more closely, he could notice a silver ring adorning Yuuta's finger. He decided to take the risk. “You and Rika?”

Yuuta didn’t look exactly surprised, but he scratched the back of his neck in a strange way. “Yeah, that’s right.”

Their table fell silent. Toge fidgeted with his knee unconsciously while Yuuta chewed on the end of the pen he was holding. For a moment, neither of them spoke. Toge didn’t know how to ask such a personal question naturally, so he decided to be direct. He had no ulterior motives—just curiosity, especially since Megumi and Nobara had conflicting opinions about the situation.

“So you’re not together?” Toge finally mustered the courage to ask, but Yuuta’s surprised expression quickly made him regret it. His face and neck flushed so much that he wished he could remove his scarf due to the heat. He rushed to clarify. “I mean—I don’t know how these things are supposed to work, I never—I’m not—I just—” He sighed, feeling mortified.

Fortunately, Yuuta seemed to understand his awkwardness. A small, charming smile graced his lips as he replied. “We’re not together. Not anymore.” Toge tilted his head slightly, intrigued. Yuuta appeared comfortable sharing. “It wasn’t anything tragic. Rika and I dated when we were younger, but we decided not to mix politics with romance. We didn’t want one to affect the other.”

“Oh, I understand,” Toge said, picturing the complications of a political scandal emerging from a teenage breakup. He didn’t even realize when his thoughts slipped out loud. “I thought you dated because she is...” He noticed Yuuta’s attentive gaze and suddenly felt shy. “I mean, she seems a little…”

“Overprotective?” Yuuta prompted, and Toge gave a small nod, which made Yuuta chuckle softly. “Yeah, she is. That’s because she knows some people get close to us just because of our titles, sometimes with less than honorable intentions.” It made sense—Toge had always thought they seemed like genuine friends. “I already told her you’re not like that,” Toge’s mind froze at that revelation—had they discussed him? “But she thinks I’m not thinking clearly because I’m—” Yuuta abruptly stopped mid-sentence.

“Because I’m” what? Toge blinked several times, trying to keep his composure, though he was unconsciously hoping Yuuta would finish his sentence.

“Forget it. I veered off topic, sorry about that.” Toge couldn’t trust his own words, so he simply nodded and dismissed it. Yuuta avoided eye contact, refocusing on the notebook. “Let’s get back to the subject.”

As if Toge could process anything after they enter that dangerous territory.

A few weeks had passed.

Toge had been taking private lessons with Yuuta, focusing exclusively on theoretical subjects such as diplomacy and politics. The heir of the Gojo clan had explained the rationale behind this sequence of lessons during their first encounter—grasping the dynamics of the clans was crucial for mastering how to interact with each one effectively.

Which led them directly to where they are now, in the shared room of Toge and Megumi, on their first day practicing Dame Orimoto's subject: posture.

"You need to be comfortable. It will be better if you change your clothes. I'll wait," Yuuta had said. That's why Toge was in the bathroom now, changing out of his uniform into stirrup leggings and a white shirt.

Toge himself was no longer wearing his usual scarf, and the feeling of not having it covering half of his face made him feel terribly exposed and vulnerable.

He stared at his reflection in the mirror, his unease palpable as he took several deep breaths, trying to calm his nerves. Realizing his delay had become awkward, he knew he had to face Yuuta.

When he returned to the room, Yuuta was busy unpacking books from his backpack. “Oh,” Yuuta said, finally noticing Toge. His eyes widened in surprise, and his smile grew wider, as if he were under a spell. “How do you feel?”

“Strange,” Toge replied with an awkward smile. He was acutely aware of how different he felt without his usual attire, understanding that his insecurity was tied to Gojo's comment about 'character without confidence.' Yet, the stark contrast between his casual appearance and Yuuta's intense demeanor made him feel almost naked.

It was as if 'waiter Toge' was meeting 'prince Yuuta’.

“What can I do to make you feel more comfortable?” Yuuta asked.

Toge didn’t want to admit it, but he felt a powerful, unexpected surge of importance from Yuuta’s words, a sense of being valued that was both surprising and reassuring. He wasn’t sure how to respond and, feeling self-conscious, lowered his gaze to his jacket—the symbol of his royal image, so untouchable.

Without missing a beat, Yuuta removed his own jacket, causing Toge’s eyes to widen in surprise. “You don’t need to!” Toge hurried to protest, but Yuuta merely shrugged, his expression untroubled.

“I don’t care,” Yuuta said with a confident smile. Toge quietly admired him for that. It was the first time he had seen Yuuta without his signature white jacket. Instead, Yuuta wore a dark-blue shirt that mirrored the color of his eyes. “Better?”

Toge found himself nodding in agreement, though it wasn’t just the removal of the jacket that made him feel more at ease. It was Yuuta’s genuine effort to ensure his comfort and the way he effortlessly dissolved the tension in the room that truly made a difference.

“Good. That’s good,” Yuuta said with a reassuring nod. “We’re just beginning, which is why I asked you to change your clothes. It’s important that you feel relaxed and at ease with yourself and your body. Only then you’ll be able to focus on every small detail and gain control over them.”

Yuuta slowly picked up a stack of books and balanced them on his head, just like Rika did in that posture class. He then went a step further, bending forward while extending both arms and lifting one of his legs—the books perfectly balanced, showcasing an impressive level of control and balance.

“This was one of the first things Gojo-sensei taught me,” Yuuta explained, his voice steady and calm. Toge watched in awe as Yuuta demonstrated his skill, his movements smooth and assured. “I can do this because I’m completely comfortable with myself.” Yuuta then returned to his original position, carefully setting the books back on the bed.

“That’s because you’re not surrounded by people who make you feel like a complete nothing,” Toge said, his voice lowering as he spoke, revealing his own insecurities. Yuuta’s response was unexpected—he gently lifted Toge’s chin with a touch so soft it felt almost reverent.

“Toge-kun, do you understand why I asked to practice in your room? And why I suggested you change your clothes?”

“To make me feel more comfortable,” Toge repeated, trying to grasp the full meaning behind Yuuta’s actions.

Yuuta’s smile broadened. “Yes, but why?” Noting Toge’s confusion, Yuuta continued, “you feel better in comfortable clothes and familiar surroundings because they help you feel like you belong. But Toge, believe me, you have the power to make any place your own.” His gaze was intense, almost piercing, and Toge felt a flutter in his chest. Did Yuuta realize how profoundly his words affected him, making him feel as if he could do anything? “The ultimate goal is to reach a point where you can feel at ease no matter where you are—what you wear. That is true poise.”

What he said seemed to make perfect sense. Toge had been at the Royal Charm School for three months, struggling to make progress because he was constantly restricted by the constraints of his background. He had been kept within a narrow framework of limitations, unable to expand beyond the boundaries imposed by his origins.

Yuuta—like Megumi, Nobara, and Gojo—was giving him space to improve, to make mistakes, and to become better. Come on, Suguru hadn’t raised a weakling—Toge had been learning and adapting his whole life. So why did he let the opinions of these privileged kids suddenly feel so important?

"Okay," Toge said firmly, his voice resolute, crossing his arms. “But if you try to place that stack of books on my head, I will kick you out of my room.” His eyes flickered with amusement, though he kept a straight face.

Yuuta laughed, lifting his hands in a playful gesture of surrender, stepping back a little as if to avoid any retaliation. “Just one is fine,” he said with a grin, clearly enjoying the banter. He glanced down at the book in his hand and added, "Believe it or not, I was terrible at first. I was so scared and shy all the time that Gojo-sensei used to say I’d be devoured by Rika.”

Toge, despite himself, couldn’t help but chuckle, the sound soft but genuine. Yuuta, catching the reaction, smiled sheepishly—his eyes warm, clearly satisfied for having made him laugh.

"I kind of see that," Toge teased, straightening up and slowly walking around Yuuta, pretending to size him up from head to toe with a smirk. His tone carried a playful edge, though his gaze lingered a bit longer than intended. "So, do you like being bossed around?" The question slipped out, sounding more flirtatious than Toge had intended, but he didn’t flinch, holding his ground with a casual confidence.

Yuuta’s eyes flashed with amusement as he shot back without missing a beat, "Do you want to find out?”

Toge was caught off guard, his breath hitching just for a moment. But he refused to break eye contact, his pride keeping him locked in the silent stare. His heartbeat quickened, though he kept his expression cool. Okkotsu was smiling now, that teasing, easygoing grin still on his face, casually holding the book in his hands as if nothing had just shifted between them.

“Do you say that to all your private students, Okkotsu?" Toge raised an eyebrow, his tone sharp but with a teasing lilt.

Yuuta, never one to back down from a challenge, pretended to pause and think, tapping the cover of the book lightly. "No," he said with mock seriousness, his lips curling into a grin. "Only to the bossy ones.”

Toge, trying to mask his growing amusement, rolled his eyes, but his smirk betrayed him. In one swift, smooth motion, he snatched the book from Yuuta’s hand, his fingers brushing against Yuuta’s just briefly.

He then attempted to lean and balance with it on his head. Each time he moved, the book wobbled precariously and nearly fell. His attempts were met with frequent slips and tumbles, the book hitting the floor with a soft thud each time, prompting him to start over.

Yuuta continued to encourage Toge with casual suggestions and occasionally adjusted his posture personally.

It was during one of these frustrating attempts that Toge sighed, placing his hands on his hips in exasperation. “Is this really necessary to become a lord royal?” he asked, bending down to pick up the fallen book. “I mean, do you, royal members, actually greet each other this way?” In a playful attempt to mock the rigid manners of the elite, Toge placed the book back on his head and performed a flawless bow. He didn’t even realize he had managed to keep the book balanced while bending forward for the first time. Still smiling with amusement, he addressed Yuuta with exaggerated formality. “Prince Okkotsu Yuuta of the Gojo clan, it is a great honor to serve you.”

When Toge didn’t receive a response, he lifted his head slightly until his eyes met Yuuta’s. Yuuta seemed utterly captivated by the scene, his gaze fixed and almost hypnotic. A broad, delighted smile spread across his face, clearly amused and impressed by Toge’s confident gesture.

Only then did Toge realize the naturalness with which he had acted. His eyes widened as he heard Yuuta’s satisfied laugh.

“You did it! Toge, you’re amazing,” Yuuta said, rising from the bed. His genuine praise made Toge blush, but the book on his head began to tremble with his sudden distraction, causing him to lose a bit of confidence. Yuuta, noticing his struggle, quickly moved to assist him. “Wait, let me—” he whispered. Toge felt Yuuta’s large hands grip him firmly. It was almost amusing how they always seemed to find their way back to his waist.

Yuuta slowly guided Toge into a more upright posture. His hand slid gently to the lower part of Toge’s back, sending a shiver through him. When had they become so close? Toge could feel Okkotsu's warm breath on the back of his neck. They were so absorbed in the moment that neither of them noticed the book slipping off and landing softly on the plush carpet.

Since their study sessions had begun—probably even before that—they had shared an underlying tension, but nothing as intense and consuming as this. Toge felt as if he could be completely enveloped by Yuuta right now, and he desired that closeness.

The spot where Yuuta’s hand rested was tingling. “Yuuta,” Toge whispered softly, though he wasn’t really calling him—Toge had nothing specific to say, but it felt instinctively right to utter his name.

Once again, Toge felt Yuuta’s hand—the one still resting at his waist—turning and gently lifting his chin. The new position, coupled with their close proximity, made their noses brush against each other. Toge might have been startled by this, but he was too absorbed in the sensation of Yuuta’s touch and their size difference to think about it. The warmth and tenderness of Yuuta’s hands were overwhelming—Toge was melting.

Yuuta’s gaze held such devotion that he felt as if he were the prince.

Suddenly, the door opened.

Toge was the first to pull away, almost desperately.

Yuuta tried to help by taking a few steps back but ended up stepping on the fallen book and almost lost his balance.

“Um, did we interrupt something?” Nobara’s amused voice was something Toge had never hated so much as now. At least Megumi was beside her and seemed genuinely apologetic for having witnessed the scene.

“No!” Toge shook his head, perhaps a bit too vigorously, while Yuuta scratched the back of his neck, looking embarrassed.

Toge could feel his face heating up, matching the growing grin on Nobara’s face.

“We're sorry. We really didn’t mean to intrude—we thought you had already finished,” Megumi said, trying to minimize the embarrassment.

“And we had,” Toge almost felt guilty for shoving Yuuta away so abruptly, but he was more concerned about the potential fallout if Nobara decided to comment.

Yuuta seemed to catch the hint, swiftly gathering his things and pulling on his jacket.

“See you tomorrow,” he said, offering a brief, awkward smile as he passed by the two still standing in the doorway, deliberately avoiding eye contact. Toge didn’t even attempt a reply.

Turning to Nobara with a steely gaze, Toge said, “Not a single word.”

She burst into loud laughter. “Oh, Toge, he wants to kiss you so badly.”

It was the only thing she managed to say before being hit by a pillow Toge had thrown—Nobara's expression turning comically offended as she scampered to Megumi’s bed to exact her playful revenge.

Toge had been religiously maintaining a routine of care for his throat, a necessity born from his unknown medical condition. He knew it was impossible not to hurt it—after all, Toge could hardly remember the last time he had to speak so much and so frequently as he did in those grueling months at Royal Charm School.

The constant strain weighed on him, both physically and mentally. He found himself waking up with a rawness in his throat that no amount of tea or warm broth could fully soothe. Toge drank plenty of water every day, always choosing to eat and drink warm things whenever he could, and after a certain time, he would simply stop using his voice altogether.

He had to be thankful that Megumi was his roommate. Fushiguro was always so quiet, absorbed in his own thoughts and training, that Toge rarely had to worry about idle conversation that might strain his throat further at night. If the heir of the Zenin clan had noticed Toge’s meticulous routine or the pain that sometimes crept into his eyes after a long day, he certainly hadn't said anything.

Toge knew, however, that this was only a temporary reprieve. The delicate balance he maintained was fragile, always teetering on the edge of collapse. If it were that easy, then Toge certainly wouldn't have had to learn sign language.

All this extra care—meticulously planned meals, constant hydration, and strict vocal rest—was working quite well to at least keep him functional in his daily life.

Until now.

The night before, Toge had begun to notice subtle cracks in his carefully constructed routine. A dry cough that lingered longer than it should, preventing him from sleeping properly. Toge knew his body well enough to recognize this sign for what it truly was: a warning.

Which he deliberately chose to ignore.

But he knew it was a terrible idea when he woke up and realized that the simple act of swallowing saliva was painful as hell. It would be a tough morning—the sharp, burning sensation seemed to radiate from the back of his throat, making every attempt to consume even a sip of water a struggle.

There was a hoarseness in his voice that Suguru used to treat with syrup and rest whenever he was a child and such incidents occurred more frequently. Those remedies felt like a distant memory now—Toge cursed himself for not having any on hand.

It was a shame that his responsibilities as an adult and student didn’t allow him to simply shut himself off from the world until he got better. Especially on that day, when Toge had an important politics class, where the primary focus was literally speaking—they would have a debate.

The prospect of having to articulate his thoughts clearly and persuasively with his voice in such a strained state filled him with dread.

The class had been divided into two groups in the previous session, and the topic discussed would be "Smart Cities vs. Social Impact.”

They were now gathered with their respective group members, finalizing the details of the data and research each side would use to bolster their argument. Amid the flurry of activity, Toge felt Nobara’s hand nudge him gently.

“Are you sure you want to do this? Gojo definitely won’t force you to participate if you explain the situation,” she said, concern lacing her voice. Megumi had probably filled her in on the previous night.

Or perhaps his hoarse voice and pained expression were simply too glaring to ignore.

“I can handle it,” Toge replied, his voice barely more than a whisper, though he forced himself to sound resolute despite the pain. He didn’t want to admit that he had thought about stepping down, but he had abandoned that idea after realizing that Dame Orimoto was, for some reason, accompanying Satoru in class that day.

He couldn’t give her more reasons to doubt his improvement. He couldn’t afford to tarnish the reputations of Gojo or Yuuta, not after everything they had done for him.

Toge just needed to speak when it was his turn and drink plenty—no, lots—of water.

When Gojo clapped once and announced with a smile that the debate would begin, Toge took a deep breath, feeling the familiar pangs of discomfort in his throat. He straightened up in his seat between Megumi and Nobara, trying to steady his nerves.

The group advocating for the implementation of developed cities within clan territories was chosen to start, with Mai introducing the thesis and the main argument. It didn't take long before the spotlight shifted to their group, with Nobara’s exceptional communication skills drawing the attention of the room.

Arguments volleyed back and forth like a fast-paced game of ping-pong. Each student had delved deeply into a specific aspect of the topic, ensuring that when called upon, they could speak with authority. Toge—and everyone else—had spent hours poring over thick books in the library, meticulously preparing for this moment.

That’s why, when Toge heard Rika’s argument and felt the weight of his teammates' intense gazes on him, he knew there was no more avoiding it.

"This development does not refer only to urban centers but also to the peripheries. It would be beneficial for the integration of low-income individuals, thereby leveling the opportunities and lifestyle across the commoners.”

Toge glanced at his notes before rising slowly, feeling every bit of strain in his throat. He cleared his throat, wincing at the discomfort. The atmosphere was thick with tension, and he could feel the weight of Dame Orimoto’s and Gojo’s scrutinizing gazes, pressing down on him like a tangible force.

“If you invest money in a poor neighborhood, that same integration will increase the cost of living in that area. Low-income individuals will no longer be able to afford that lifestyle and will migrate, creating a new periphery.”

Toge could hear his own voice wavering, the harshness of his hoarseness grating on everyone’s ears in the room. He felt a deep sense of embarrassment as his voice sounded more strained and brittle with each word.

“It’s a good theoretical study, but in practice—” A violent cough cut off his sentence. “Sorry, in practice—” The pain in his throat intensified, making it feel as if it were tearing apart from the inside. His chest heaved with desperate, ragged coughs.

He quickly covered his mouth with both hands, trying to stifle the coughs.

“Sorry, I’m having trouble understanding you,” Orimoto Ema’s voice came from a distance, laced with amusement. Her tone made it clear she was not only speaking to Toge but also ensuring that everyone else heard her as well. Through blurred vision and tears that refused to fall, Toge could only feel the relentless burn in his throat.

Overwhelmed by frustration and pain, Toge almost broke down. A hand began to gently massage his back in soothing circles—likely Megumi's—providing a small measure of relief.

This fleeting comfort gave Toge the chance to attempt finishing his point. He needed to convey his conclusion, despite the agony that made speaking feel like it was incinerating him from within.

"I was saying that... in practice—" His attempt to finish was abruptly shattered as another intense cough burst forth, staining his palm with blood and splattering it onto the pages of his notebook.

Toge froze, the sight of the blood sending a jolt of fear through him. His fingers trembled uncontrollably, and the room fell into an excruciating silence, filled only with the sound of his ragged breaths.

His eyes widened in shock as he clumsily rose from his seat. He knew he should have asked, apologized, or at least said anything before leaving, but he was paralyzed by the overwhelming pain and impotence.

After so much time feeling unheard, Toge had forgotten just how much worse it was not to be able to speak at all.

“It’s a disgrace for someone in a real position who can’t even speak in public. If you weren’t able to present your argument, there was no need to make a spectacle of it,” he heard Dame Orimoto's critical voice again, clearly aimed at making her judgment known. Her deliberately loud tone made it clear she wanted Toge—and everyone else—to hear it.

But all he wanted was to run away and spend the rest of the day in Suguru’s lap, like a child.

Toge fled the room without concern for decorum. He made a beeline for his dorm, and while scrubbing his blood-stained palm with more force than necessary at the bathroom sink, he caught sight of more red on his lips in the mirror. The sight struck him with a jolt.

In a frenzy, he scrubbed his face with such intensity that it began to tingle, hoping to erase any trace of the scene that had unfolded.

He had been trying to believe Yuuta’s words, and on most days, he managed to. But today was different. He simply didn't want to—too drained, both physically and emotionally, to hold onto any semblance of confidence. All he wanted was to cocoon himself in a blanket and become invisible to the world.

Toge didn’t want any place to be his own right now. It was irrelevant since he couldn’t be in the one place that truly mattered to him: home.

It wasn’t just his throat, but what it symbolized. It served as a harsh reminder that Toge was fundamentally different from those around him—he was the one who needed to fit in, not the other way around.

He lost track of time lying in bed, hugging Mimiko's plushie tightly, barely noticing when he drifted into a fragile sleep, worn out by his sore throat.

He also didn’t realize when he had woken up to the sound of whispering voices in the room. Toge could still make out that the conversation was about him, even though Megumi and Nobara were trying to keep it hushed. He shifted slightly, deliberately making some noise to let them know he was awake.

"Toge. How are you feeling?" Nobara’s voice was soothingly low, a welcome relief as a headache began to press against his temples.

Out of habit, Toge raised his hands to sign his response, only to remember that he wasn’t at home with Nanako, who would have understood his silent gestures after a long, stressful day.

His arms fell back to the bed, feeling heavy and lifeless, and Toge simply shook his head. He knew this gesture didn’t fully answer the question, but he hoped it would communicate something of his state.

He saw the worry etched clearly on Megumi and Nobara’s faces as they exchanged anxious glances. It was written on their faces—he was in bad shape.

"We'll let you rest," Megumi whispered softly, and Toge felt a wave of gratitude wash over him.

With that small mercy, he let himself drift back into sleep, the comfort of their concern allowing him to momentarily forget his pain.

Once again, Toge was awakened by a few knocks on the door, unaware of how much time had passed. He lay still, hoping that sheer exhaustion would convince whoever was outside to give up and leave. But the persistent knocking continued, refusing to be ignored.

It didn’t work.

With a groan, Toge forced himself to drag his heavy limbs out of bed and shuffle toward the door. His body protested with every step, his throat still raw and sore. The last thing he expected when he opened the door was to see Yuuta standing there, his face etched with concern.

“You didn’t show up at the library, so I decided to come and find you. Is everything okay?” Yuuta said as Toge’s eyes widened in realization. Damn, he had completely forgotten about the private lesson they had scheduled for today.

Given how drained he felt, it was probably best to cancel. Toge knew he wasn’t exactly in the right state of mind to be good company, let alone to focus on any lesson. He opened his mouth to convey this, only to be startled when nothing came out—his earlier coughing fit had completely stolen his voice.

Yuuta stood there patiently, anxiety deepening with each passing second as he waited for an answer Toge couldn’t give. The silence between them grew uncomfortable, and for a fleeting moment, Toge actually considered slamming the door shut just to escape the situation. But that wasn’t fair to Yuuta, who was already making room in his busy schedule for Toge and his disastrous performance.

Instead, Toge sighed inwardly and nodded, reaching for the aqua-green scarf he had left on his study desk before following Yuuta out of the dormitory wing.

He knew Okkotsu wasn’t fully convinced by his silent response. But Toge didn’t need to speak anyway—Yuuta was the one who took care of that part.

Toge no longer felt as much pain in his throat, which was a relief, but the absence of his voice still prevented him from actively participating in the study session with Yuuta. He almost felt sorry for the heir of the Gojo clan, who had been speaking uninterrupted for nearly forty minutes.

"What do you think about a break?" Yuuta suggested, and Toge could tell he was puzzled by his behavior, as it was unusual to take a break before an hour of class had passed.

Toge nodded in agreement. Honestly, the information Yuuta was sharing was starting to jumble in his mind. He hadn’t realized how tense he was until Yuuta murmured that he would grab something from the cafeteria. The moment Yuuta left, Toge nearly collapsed onto the table, his fatigue catching up with him. He buried his face in his arms, trying to shield himself from the world and focus on calming his racing thoughts.

What if Dame Orimoto seized the opportunity to try to expel him again? What if Gojo realized that he was actually a fraud and felt embarrassed for having defended him? What if Nobara and Megumi now viewed him with pity, seeing him as a complete underdog? What if Rika was now convinced she was superior in every way, even in something as basic as speaking normally?

What if she had met with Mai and Momo to laugh at him? What if Suguru, Nanako, and Mimiko were disappointed in him? What if Yuuta—

"Toge, are you okay? You’re shaking," Yuuta’s gentle voice cut through his spiraling thoughts. Toge opened his eyes, which he hadn’t realized he was squeezing shut, only to find Yuuta lying beside him, his head resting on his arms in the same manner as Toge.

They were only inches apart, with Yuuta’s face comfortably turned toward his. How long had Okkotsu been there, observing him? Had he fallen asleep again?

There, with his hair draped over one side of his face and his intense gaze locked on Toge, Yuuta appeared almost ethereal—like a fever dream.

He tried to speak, but Yuuta gently interrupted. "You don’t need to say anything. I know it hurts. I brought you some tea. I read in a book that it might help." Yuuta gestured to the table, and Toge managed to lift his head just enough to see the steaming cup next to a thick medical book.

As he accepted the tea, Toge felt a profound urge to express his genuine gratitude to Yuuta for his concern and care—not only for this moment but ever since the day of the dance class. Toge reached for one of Yuuta’s notebooks and a pen, carefully writing "Thank you, Yuuta" in the middle of the page under Okkotsu’s intense gaze.

When Toge timidly met Yuuta’s eyes, he saw the Gojo heir smiling warmly. "No need to thank me," Yuuta said as he affectionately ruffled Toge’s light hair, causing Toge to shake his head in mild protest.

“How did you know?” Toge wrote on the page next.

Yuuta read the note and scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. “I met Megumi in the cafeteria.” Yuuta’s gaze softened. “He mentioned what happened and how you were feeling. I mean, I asked him.”

Toge nodded slowly, feeling a bit disoriented by the intensity of being the focus of Yuuta’s attention.

“Does this happen often?”

Toge thought for a moment before he began to write. “Not anymore. At least not since I was a kid.” His eyes briefly unfocused, thoughtful, before the pen glided across the paper again. “I don’t know why it happens. I had some really tough days before figuring out that my throat was the issue. Imagine a child realizing they have to choose between speaking or not feeling pain.” He didn’t know why he kept writing—Yuuta hadn’t asked anything, but for some reason, Toge wanted him to know. “My dad thinks I might have been hurt somehow before he adopted me. But any treatment or attempt to find the cause of the pain would have been too expensive. My father knew sign language because he was a teacher, so he taught me. I used to communicate with my sisters through notes, like we're doing, until they learned JSL too. I didn’t want to be a burden.”

Toge let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding.

“I can speak, just not like everyone else. I'm not totally useless.” He didn't intend to sound so aggressive in his words, but even the ink stained the page because of the way he strongly held the pen.

“Toge, you're never useless.” Yuuta’s voice was firm, but Toge avoided his gaze, staring down at the table instead. He couldn't understand how frustrating and powerless it was.

“You can't know that,” Toge scribbled on the paper, his hand trembling slightly. He wasn’t angry with Yuuta, of course, but he was definitely angry about something.

“Yes, I can. My eyes are always on you.” Yuuta reached out, his hand warm as it covered Toge’s, gently but firmly making him drop the pen. Toge’s breath hitched at the touch—especially coming after that revelation. It was only when Yuuta’s hands gripped his wrists, steadying him, that Toge finally looked up.

When Okkotsu started to sign, Toge's eyes widened.

‘You’ve sacrificed your own growth to avoid being a burden to your family. Every day at school, you’ve pushed through the pain, using your voice even when it hurts you. I’m not here to pity you, Toge—I’m in awe. I can’t even name three people who have the kind of strength you’ve shown. You’re amazing, and it drives me crazy that you don’t seem to see that.’

Toge was frozen by Yuuta’s rapid sequence of signs. If he hadn’t been using sign language since childhood, he would have certainly lost the rhythm.

‘I'm serious, Toge. Everyone who sees you just once can't forget you. They talk about you all the time because they can't get you out of their heads, and I can’t blame them. Because you’re mesmerizing. It has been this way since the first day. The moment you step into a room, all eyes are on you. Not because they think you don’t belong, but because they can sense—just by looking at you—that you have the power to make anyone kneel. They just know. I know. Gojo knows.’

The room fell into a heavy silence. Toge's eyes were fixed on Yuuta, his breathing slightly uneven. The intensity of Yuuta's words seemed to envelop him as if it were oxygen. He felt his heart race, his throat tightening in a way that wasn't entirely from his illness. The sincerity in Yuuta's gaze was almost overwhelming.

Slowly, Toge raised his hands to sign, ‘How do you know sign language?’

Yuuta chuckled lightly. After all his speech, that was Toge's first question—he was truly something.

“Gojo said it was important to know, as a prince. He made Megumi learn too.” Toge's gaze dropped momentarily as he processed this information, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. “I bet if Nobara doesn't know, she’ll surely want to learn just for you.”

Toge's expression twisted into a grimace, the weight of his insecurities evident. He signed, ‘I don't want to be a bother.’

Yuuta sighed, “Toge, let people pamper you. You deserve to be a little spoiled.”

Toge pause. The idea of allowing himself to be cared for was foreign, but he saw the sincerity in Yuuta's eyes.

“You shouldn’t always have to put others first.”

Toge’s heart pounded in his chest as he absorbed Yuuta's words. For the first time, he truly wished to be selfish.

He wished Yuuta to kiss him.

Toge couldn't believe the coronation day was only two days away. It seemed like just yesterday he had stepped into the grand halls of the Royal Charm School, filled with anticipation and fear. He could barely contain his excitement at the thought of reuniting with Mimiko and Nanako—he imagined their faces lighting up as he shared everything he had discovered about the world of royalty.

They were the reason Toge attended the school in the first place. Every time he felt overwhelmed by the rigorous training or daunted by the high expectations placed upon him, it was thoughts of them that kept him going.

Today wasn't much different, with Gojo announcing that Dame Orimoto had granted permission to visit the palace—where she and Rika had been living since the Inumaki family's passing—, Toge could only think about remembering as many details as possible to share with his sisters later.

He, Megumi, and Nobara were enjoying the casual atmosphere of the spa session offered by the school. Toge was meticulously painting Nobara's nails, his hands steady as he applied each stroke with precision. Both had already taken their respective baths and were now wrapped in plush robes, feeling excited and pampered. Meanwhile, Megumi reclined in the warm bath, his eyes closed as he let the heat melt away any lingering tension.

"You're surprisingly good at this. You'll have to do my nails forever from now on," Nobara said with a playful smirk. She raised her already painted hand to admire the glossy finish, and she couldn’t help but feel a surge of satisfaction at how perfect they looked.

‘I had to learn because of my sisters,’ Toge signed with a side smile, focusing on not smudging the fresh polish as he worked. His expression was one of quiet concentration.

After a long conversation with Megumi and Nobara, Toge realized that Yuuta had been right—Nobara didn’t know sign language, but she was catching on quickly. Her rapid progress didn’t surprise Toge—he had always admired her unyielding determination.

Though Toge still used his voice most of the time, he noticed himself relying on it less than before. It was becoming more natural for him to switch between signing and speaking in the presence of someone who wasn’t family, and when Nobara struggled to decipher a sign, Megumi would seamlessly step in, translating Toge’s gestures so she could stay in the loop.

“Your sisters forced you to?” Nobara asked with a teasing lilt in her voice, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She had likely only caught the sign for ‘sisters', but her playful tone made Toge chuckle. He thought back to his sisters’ insistence on teaching him this skill and shrugged with a grin.

It was true, in a way.

"I'm so excited to visit the palace," the redhead girl said suddenly, her shoulders twitching with anticipation. "I hope we can uncover more about what happened to Queen Chiyo and her family. They’re so mysterious." Toge nodded, feeling the same sense of curiosity. He had never considered what specific parts of the palace he might want to explore—because he never thought he would attend such a luxurious place—, so he didn’t have any particular expectations. "What about you, Fushiguro?”

He shrugged, a casual motion. Megumi was the only prince among them—he was probably accustomed to attending grandiose events localized in royal places.

“Oh, right. I always forget you lived in a palace, unlike us mere mortals. This is probably just an ordinary Wednesday for him,” Toge chuckled. He found humor in Nobara’s grumpy words, especially when Megumi responded with a dismissive middle finger. Nobara feigned offense, placing the painted hand dramatically over her chest. “Is this how a prince behaves, Megumi? Honestly, what a disgrace.”

“I’ve never been to the Inumaki castle,” Fushiguro clarified, as if the distinction should have been obvious. “But Yuuta has, when he went to visit Rika.”

“Speaking of them, today’s visit is for both classes, right?” Nobara asked, his tone amusing. Toge nodded, recalling that Gojo had mentioned it earlier. “You’d better be careful not to steal Rika’s man in her own house, Toge.”

For a fleeting moment, Toge considered deliberately messing up Nobara’s nails just to annoy her. She had been teasing him about Yuuta since the day of that posture practice. He even decided against using sign language, knowing that it could be too easily misinterpreted by Kugisaki. “I’m not going to steal anyone, especially not someone who already has a girlfriend.”

“Technically, he doesn’t have a girlfriend,” Megumi interjected. Toge knew that, of course, but it only made things more complicated.

“You’re right, he has a fiancée. Even worse,” Toge muttered, rolling his eyes in exasperation. He had spent months trying to move past his annoying teenage crush on Yuuta. It had only started to work once their private lessons ended, as they began to see each other less frequently.

Yuuta was a prince. That simple fact had nearly slipped Toge’s mind, buried beneath the intimacy and familiarity of their interactions. But with the coronation day looming—the same day Yuuta and Rika would also be officially married—the reality he had tried to ignore was now impossible to avoid.

Their time had come to an end. It had been good while it lasted—even if it hadn’t happened at all.

“You know it’s a political marriage,” Megumi pointed out. “Arrangements like that are more common in royalty than you might think.” As always, he was quick to defend Okkotsu.

“Don’t be such a buzzkill, Toge. It’s almost thrilling, don’t you think? Imagine the headlines—‘Royal Scandal Unveiled: The Untold Story of Forbidden Love.’ They could make a blockbuster movie about this royal drama after you both die. The prince of the Gojo clan secretly meeting with his wife’s own royal lord!” Nobara’s eyes sparkled with mischief as she spoke, her words dripping with playful sarcasm. Despite knowing she was only teasing, Toge felt his face heat up, a flush creeping up his cheeks.

“I will not be the other woman!” Toge declared, his voice sounding non-conformist. He might have wrestled with his confidence in those tough first months at Charm School, but now he was certain—he loved himself far too much to play that role.

Nobara, utterly unfazed, flashed him a wicked grin and continued with unbridled enthusiasm. “Oh, you’re absolutely right. A series would be even better! Think about it—a multi-season epic full of intrigue, betrayal, and a web of conspiracy theories surrounding the Inumaki clan. You should feel honored, Toge. Your episode would be right between the mysterious car accident and the Inumaki's Magical Crown.”

"Oh my god, you’re so annoying," Megumi grumbled from his spot in the bath, clearly exasperated. Kugisaki responded by sticking out her tongue at him in mock defiance, and he rolled his eyes before mirroring her gesture with exaggerated drama.

Toge, eager to change the subject away from himself, remembered the mention of the crown from their first day. He turned to Nobara with renewed interest. "Oh, I remember you mentioned that before," he said, finally finishing the last coat of polish on her nails. "Nanako and Mimiko would love to hear about it."

"You don’t know yet? Megumi, tell him the legend," Kugisaki urged Megumi with a grin. Toge also recalled their previous debates about whether the legend was an authentic piece of history or merely an elaborate conspiracy theory.

He couldn’t help but ask himself why the Zenin heir knew so much about an Inumaki myth.

"Fine. It said that the crown glows and reveals snake and fang seals on the wearer's tongue and both cheeks when it is placed on the true heir of the Inumaki clan,” Megumi began. “It lit up during Queen Chiyo's coronation. But it hasn't been seen since then.”

The dramatic words fell over the room, plunging it into silence. Kugisaki was the one who broke it.

“Like I said, conspiracy—perfect material for my TV series,” she sang out playfully, her tone laced with teasing. Toge could tell that, while she enjoyed the banter, there was a part of her that didn’t entirely dismiss the myth as fiction. Despite her skepticism, he could sense a hint of curiosity beneath the surface. He understood her hesitation, though—how could anyone fully believe in something so mystic without seeing it with their own eyes?

Megumi, clearly irritated by the ongoing discussion, grumbled, “I’m going back to my room.”

Nobara’s laughter echoed through the spa as Megumi stepped out of the tub. He casually wrapped himself in a robe, then, mimicking Nobara and Toge, twisted his damp hair into a towel, securing it atop his head.

“He’s right. We should head out,” Toge agreed, steady. “The earlier we get to the palace, the more we can see.”

The shocked gasp that escaped Megumi’s lips the moment he opened their bedroom door was Toge's first sign that something was wrong. His eyes widened in disbelief as he took in the scene before him.

The second sign came when Toge peeked into the room and saw their uniforms, torn and scattered across the floor. The unsettling sight made his heart race, and he could barely suppress the surge of panic rising within him.

Megumi's face turned pale as he stepped inside, with Toge closely following. They exchanged a glance of alarm before plunging into the chaotic mess, searching desperately for any signs or clues that could explain the disturbing scene before them.

“Our uniforms!” Toge exclaimed, kneeling on the bed and clutching a torn piece of his scarf, though his voice was barely more than a whisper. “They’re all in shreds.”

He looked at Megumi, who was also holding a tattered piece of his hood, his face etched with a mix of frustration and worry. “We can’t go to class without our uniforms,” Megumi said, his voice tight with irritation. “And if we miss even one class, we get an F.”

“We can’t fail! Coronation day is just two days away,” Toge said, his frustration evident in his trembling voice. They were so close—he refused to fail after coming this far. “How could this happen?”

Megumi’s hands clenched into fists as he surveyed the room, his mind racing to piece together what could have caused such destruction. When he finally connected the dots, his expression hardened into anger. “It was Rika and her mom. It has to be them,” he growled, his voice low and tense. Toge didn’t want to accept it, but deep down, he knew Megumi was probably right. Everything pointed to them—from the moment he and Yuuta had started getting closer, to Dame Orimoto’s strange outburst. “They’re always making you feel like you don’t belong, like you’re not worthy of being here.”

Toge’s eyes darkened with determination as he straightened up, his voice firm. “No. They’re not.” Megumi looked at him, blinking in surprise at the sudden resolve in Toge’s voice. “Not when I have the power to make any place my own,” Toge continued, his gaze unwavering.

He could feel the anger bubbling up inside him, but it wasn’t the kind of anger that led to despair—it was the kind that fueled him, that pushed him to fight back. He wouldn’t let anyone, not even Rika and her mom, dictate where he belonged. Not anymore.

‘We're princes,’ Toge signed with a resolute gesture, his eyes narrowing as he spoke silently to Megumi.

Megumi frowned, clearly puzzled by Toge’s sudden assertion. “But we don’t even have our crowns yet. And technically, you’re a lord royal, not a prince…”

‘I’m not talking about titles,’ Toge signed back, his movements sharp and deliberate. ‘I’m talking about what we’re capable of—what we trained for.’ He could see the uncertainty still lingering in Megumi’s eyes, so he shifted his focus, kneeling down to gather the torn pieces of their uniforms scattered across the floor. ‘The rule is that we have to show up to class in uniform, right?’

“Yeah, but it doesn’t look very possible, as you can see,” Megumi replied, his tone tinged with sarcasm as he pointed to the remaining scraps on the floor.

Toge slung the backpack over his shoulder with a determined look. ‘It’s possible. Trust me—I’ve got a plan.’ He paused, his gaze steady as he met Megumi’s eyes. ‘We need to go to Nobara.’

Megumi hesitated, taken aback by the sheer resolve in Toge’s expression. There was a fire in Toge that he hadn’t seen before, a fierce determination that radiated from him. The confidence and strength in his demeanor made Megumi believe that the platinum-blonde boy truly had the capability to turn things around.

Fushiguro felt a deep, almost instinctive pull compelling him to join Toge and follow his lead without question.

Nodding firmly, they quickly headed to the girls' dormitory wing, retracing the steps they had taken just moments earlier. Toge led the way, his pace brisk as he knocked on the door of the room he knew belonged to Nobara. Megumi followed close behind, his arms crossed, leaning against the wall with a pensive look on his face.

When the door opened, it was Maki who stood in the doorway, already fully dressed and looking every bit as though as usual. “Toge,” she said, her voice a mix of surprise and curiosity. “Can I help you?”

‘I need to talk to Nobara,’ Toge signed, his urgency clear in his movements. It wasn’t until he saw the confusion on Maki’s face that he remembered she didn’t understand sign language. Her eyebrows shot up, likely recognizing he signed from something Yuuta or Nobara might have mentioned, but it was obvious she hadn’t understood a word.

Fortunately, Nobara appeared behind Maki almost immediately, her expression turning serious when she saw the two boys at the door. She, too, was already dressed. “Toge? Megumi? What happened?” she asked, her voice tinged with suspicion.

Toge didn’t waste any time explaining. He stepped into the room, unzipping his backpack and dumping its contents onto Nobara’s bed. The remains of his uniform scattered across the sheets like a heap of discarded hopes. “This happened,” he said, pointing to the shredded fabric. Kugisaki’s eyes widened in disbelief, and even Maki, usually so unbothered, looked taken aback. “We found our uniforms like this. But I think some pieces are still salvageable.”

Toge hadn’t come to Nobara without a reason—as she examined the mess, he recalled the stories she’d shared about her grandmother, who had insisted she sew tirelessly, day and night, deeming it an essential “lady's skill”. Toge could see the wheels turning in Nobara’s mind, the determination settling in her eyes as she began to sort through the pieces. She moved with precision, carefully assessing what could be saved and what was beyond repair.

Toge himself had to learn as well, since Suguru couldn't afford to buy new clothes for him and the twins every time they tore them. Two hands would work better than one.

“I see,” Nobara said, her tone thoughtful as she looked Toge over from head to toe, then turned her critical gaze to Megumi, who had moved to sit on Maki’s bed, his posture tense. “All I need is a needle and thread. I swear.”

Maki, who had been watching the scene, silently, finally spoke up. “I don’t know if you have time for this,” she reminded them, her voice laced with a hidden concern. 

Nobara, however, was undeterred. Her expression hardened with resolve as she met Maki’s gaze. “I’ll make time,” she declared, her voice firm and unyielding.

The determination in her words brought a small smile to Maki’s lips—a rare sign of approval.

She could totally see what Yuuta was talking about.

“It seems Toge, Megumi, and Nobara are running late. I do hope they aren’t skipping class—I hate to fail anyone so close to coronation day,” Dame Orimoto said with a hidden smile, her fingers drumming lightly against her crossed arms as she surveyed the empty hallway.

Gojo leaned back against the wall, a relaxed grin spreading across his face. "Don't be hasty, Dame Orimoto. I'm sure they are on their way." He tilted his head playfully, his eyes gleaming with amusement. “Are you going to tell me you've never been late to a class?”

Ema stiffened, her posture becoming rigid as she shot Gojo a sharp look. “Never,” she declared with an air of indignation, her voice laced with sternness. “Especially because I would never inconvenience my classmates by making them wait, as they are doing now.” She glanced toward the entrance, impatience evident in her narrowed eyes. “These three are always causing trouble, especially the lottery boy. You just defend them because your protégé is involved, Satoru.” She stepped closer, her voice dropping to a more accusatory tone. “Don’t you see Geto Toge is a bad influence on Megumi?”

Gojo’s smile didn’t waver, but there was a subtle shift in his posture, a slight tension in his shoulders as he held Ema’s gaze. Before he could respond, Utahime raised her hand, cutting through the growing tension. “Enough, both of you,” she said firmly, her voice echoing in the grand hall. “Sorry, Gojo, but Dame Orimoto is right.” Ema’s lips curled into a satisfied smile, relishing her small victory.

Despite the reprimand, Satoru remained unbothered, his calm demeanor unwavering. Even as the palace attendants began to close the massive doors, he showed no sign of concern. His eyes flicked to the entrance, his casual expression suddenly sharpening with interest. “It’s not fair to keep the others waiting—oh, I think it's them,” Ieri interrupted herself, her voice tinged with a mix of surprise and relief.

Immediately, Dame Orimoto spun around, her earlier composure giving way to frustration as she spotted the familiar figures approaching.

“I hope we’re not too late,” Toge said as they dashed down the hallway, their footsteps echoing off the marble floors.

Gojo stepped casually away from the wall, a smug smile playing on his lips. “Not at all, you arrived just in time to put on a show.” He watched with amusement as they approached.

Ema’s eyes narrowed as she took in their attire. “What do you think you’re wearing? Those are not the uniforms Charm School gave you,” she demanded, her voice rising in indignation.

Toge stood tall, his expression unruffled. “Forgive me, madam, but they are, in fact, entirely made from the material of our original uniforms. Nobara sewed them herself.” He gestured toward Nobara with a proud nod.

Ema’s frustration grew, her face flushing red. “But that’s against the rules!” she exclaimed, her hands clenching into fists at her sides.

Satoru stepped forward, his calm demeanor cutting through the tension. “Actually, Dame Orimoto, there is nothing in the dress code against what they’ve done.” He raised an eyebrow, as if daring her to dispute the fact.

Nobara crossed her arms and placed one hand firmly on her hip, her stance defiant. “Exactly,” she agreed, her eyes challenging Ema’s. Megumi, standing beside her, crossed his arms with a small, knowing smile, while Toge casually tucked his hands into his pockets, his posture relaxed.

“We just were aware that it was a special occasion, and we aimed to demonstrate that we were capable of meeting the standard,” Toge added, his head tilting slightly as he noticed Dame Orimoto’s growing irritation. His grin widened, clearly enjoying the effect.

“And did it well,” Utahime said with a small, approving smile. She gestured toward the door, hastily. “Come, join the class. Nanami and Mei are waiting for us.”

As they walked past Gojo, the white-haired man leaned closer to Toge and whispered, “Nice move, lottery boy.” Toge’s face brightened with a satisfied smile as he caught Gojo’s eye.

Toge stepped into the palace for the first time, and felt his shoulders relax, his senses fully attuned to the surroundings. The majestic exterior had hinted at something grand, but nothing could have prepared him for the sheer beauty of the interior. The palace’s opulence was revealed in every detail—the walls, adorned with intricate tapestries and elegant moldings, seemed to tell stories of a bygone era, while the polished marble floors mirrored the soft light streaming through tall, arched windows.

Megumi, walking beside him, looked around with a quiet sense of admiration. His gaze was steady, taking in the historical elegance with a subdued reverence. Nobara, slightly ahead, couldn’t suppress a smile of awe as she explored the space with a mix of curiosity and delight. She brushed her fingers along the golden frame of an old painting, clearly enchanted by the palace’s refined sophistication.

The trio moved through the grand hall, their footsteps echoing softly, as they marveled at the intricate details of the palace’s interior. The three were so absorbed in the moment that they didn’t even notice the gazes of everyone upon them.

Maki's voice was what made them realize they were the center of attention. “So, you really made it on time, huh?” she said to Nobara, a playful smile on her face and an eyebrow arched in amusement. Toge chuckled softly, nudging her toward Zenin with a friendly shove.

Nobara, trying to appear confident but looking decidedly bashful, replied, “I mean, Toge did it too. But yeah.” Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she fidgeted with the hem of her altered skirt, which only made Megumi's expression more entertained.

“And I see you did more than just sew for them,” Maki remarked, her gaze shifting as she observed Nobara’s outfit. Nobara lowered her head, eyes focused on her own clothes as if to check for any imperfections. Even though the boys had insisted she didn’t need to, she had altered parts of her own clothes to use the fabric in their uniforms, since some of their scraps were beyond repair.

Her jacket, once long-sleeved, was now a sleeveless top with a high turtleneck. The skirt that no longer reached her knees revealed her legs, and to make up for the missing leggings, Nobara wore two black loose socks she had sewn from the leftover fabric of Toge’s pants.

“You guys look amazing! I want to customize my uniform too!” Yuuji burst into the conversation with enthusiasm. He threw an arm around Toge’s shoulder in a friendly gesture, but Toge noticed that Itadori’s gaze was intently focused on Megumi.

Fortunately, Nobara and Toge had managed to salvage his entire pair of loose pants. The jacket, on the other hand, had to be transformed into a sleeveless top. However, knowing how Megumi preferred to be more discreet, Nobara used the sleeves from her own jacket to make long gloves for him. As Megumi adjusted the gloves under Yuuji's gaze, he glanced at Nobara with a grateful nod—in the end, the only exposed skin was his shoulders.

“Toge,” Yuuta’s voice made him shift his attention from Fushiguro to meet Okkotsu’s eyes.

“Yuuta,” Toge replied, their names exchanged like a private code between them—a language only they understood. His gaze then fell on Rika, who was standing beside Yuuta, avoiding eye contact. “Rika,” he said, offering a smaller, more reserved smile.

“Maki told us what happened. I’m glad you and Megumi could come.” Toge, trying to read any sign of Rika’s involvement in the incident with their clothes, kept glancing at her while Yuuta’s next comment caught him off guard. “You look absolutely stunning.”

Toge turned back to Yuuta, his expression one of surprise as he saw Yuuta gazing at him with an almost dazed look. The admiration in Yuuta’s eyes made Toge’s heart skip a beat.

Of the three, Toge was dressed the most unusually. His pants, barely salvageable, were replaced by Nobara’s stirrup leggings, which he wore as makeshift tights since they were a bit transparent and he and Kugisaki were nearly the same height. He had painstakingly stitched his oversized jacket, incorporating a high collar where the scarf used to be, complete with a zipper that extended up to the collar. Nobara had transformed the remnants of his pants into a dress that looked like an extraordinarily long tank top, reaching halfway down his thighs.

As he adjusted the collar of his jacket and smoothed down the dress, Toge couldn’t help but feel a mix of satisfaction and nervousness under Yuuta’s admiring gaze. The way Yuuta’s eyes lingered on him made him feel both cherished and self-conscious.

“Thank you,” Toge finally replied, his voice sincere. Then, he added, signing with a casual shrug, unconcerned if the others couldn’t understand, ‘You look great too.’

Yuuta’s smile widened, his eyes sparkling with delight—as if he were satisfied Toge was speaking literally just for him. “Oh, no, I’m just looking as usual. You definitely shouldn’t compare us. You would win.”

Itadori, probably not understanding Toge’s signs, pulled him closer with a playful smile, his hand resting lightly on Toge’s shoulder. “Don’t even think about it, Yuuta. I asked him first,” he said, referring to the uniform.

Toge laughed, the sound mingling with the playful banter, especially when Megumi pushed Yuuji away and muttered something about him being a nuisance. But his laughter was tinged with a warmth he couldn’t deny, the kind that came from Yuuta’s praise and his gentle presence.

Damn, every time he thought there was nothing left between him and Yuuta, a simple look from Okkotsu would leave Toge completely lost again.

He felt Nobara’s fingers gently press into his waist as she discreetly pointed at Yuuta. Okkotsu’s smile faltered slightly as he glanced down at where Itadori’s hand lingered—as if he wanted to be the one touching Toge. The thought made Toge feel acutely aware of Yuuta's attention. Nobara’s teasing wink made his cheeks flush almost instantly, a mix of embarrassment and warmth spreading across his face.

The intensity of Yuuta’s gaze made Toge’s pulse quicken. He met Yuuta’s eyes, seeing something more than just admiration there—it was something like.. devotion. It was as if, in that brief moment, the rest of the world had faded away, leaving only the two of them.

Toge wanted to curse Nobara out for the playful tease but couldn’t quite manage to stay annoyed. Even Maki seemed to find the scene amusing, her lips curling into a knowing smile as she watched the interaction unfold, fully aware of the chemistry between them.

“Attention, everyone,” Gojo clapped loudly to capture everyone’s focus. The sound echoed through the room, drawing curious glances as Nanami rolled his eyes and Utahime’s face turned stern as she ordered Gojo to stop. “Welcome to the royal palace of the Inumaki clan.”

Seizing the moment while Ieri and Satoru were distracted, Kento stepped forward with a commanding presence. “As a special treat, you will have some time before the meal to explore the first floor of the palace.” His voice was steady, exuding a calm authority.

“Enjoy!” Gojo chimed in, striking an exaggeratedly cartoonish pose with a broad grin that made everyone chuckle.

Nobara’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she turned to Megumi and Toge. Without waiting for a response—or even giving them a chance to say goodbye to the others—, she grabbed them by the wrists, her enthusiasm palpable. “Royal secrets, here we come.”

The trio was already deep within the palace's corridors, which almost resembled a labyrinth. So far, all they had seen were paintings that probably worth millions, depicting landscapes shrouded in mist. A few sculptures stood sentinel-like in the corners, their lifeless forms almost too real, as if they might move at any moment. Toge couldn't shake the unsettling feeling that they were being watched, though she dismissed it as her imagination playing tricks.

Suddenly, something caught Nobara’s immediate attention. Her breath caught in her throat, and without thinking, she sprinted ahead, her shoes tapping frantically against the cold marble floor.

“No way,” she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper, her eyes wide with disbelief. She skidded to a halt in front of one of the walls, where, instead of another dull landscape, there was a portrait of a woman. She spun around, waving frantically at Toge. “Toge!” Her voice echoed through the corridor, sharp and urgent.

Toge blinked, startled by the suddenness of her call, but before he could respond, Nobara grabbed his arm, dragging him forward with surprising strength. “It’s a picture of you!” she said, her tone a mix of amazement and confusion.

“Why would there be a portrait of me?” Toge muttered, exasperation lacing his words as he was pulled toward the painting. But the moment he stood in front of it, all frustration faded, replaced by a chilling wave of familiarity that sent a shiver down his spine. He stumbled back slightly, his eyes widening as he tried to make sense of what he was seeing.

The woman in the painting had the same striking purple eyes that stared back at him from his reflection each day, and her platinum-blonde hair was styled in a mullet, a sharp contrast to his own. Her expression was calm yet intense, the high-collared dress she wore accentuating her regal demeanor. But what unsettled him most were the two distinct marks on her cheeks and the purple crown on her head—it was as if he were looking at an alternate version of himself, one from another time, another life.

His heartbeat quickened, each thump echoing in his ears as he leaned in closer, drawn to the mysterious figure like a moth to a flame. His fingers hovered just above the surface of the painting, almost expecting to feel the cool texture of the canvas beneath his skin. The air around him seemed to grow heavier, thick with an ancient energy that made his skin prickle.

Toge bent down slightly, squinting to read the elegant script etched into the frame beneath the portrait. The letters were ornate, almost too elaborate to decipher at first glance. “Princess Chiyo, age eighteen,” he read aloud, his voice trembling ever so slightly.

The words sent a jolt through him, and for a brief moment, the corridor seemed to tilt. Why did she look exactly like him? What did that mean? A thousand questions flooded his thoughts, but no answers came.

“Gojo wasn’t lying then,” Megumi whispered, his voice low and intense, as if he were trying to piece together a puzzle. His gaze was fixed on the portrait, his brow furrowing in deep thought.

“What do you mean?” Nobara asked, her eyebrow raising slightly. She stood frozen, her eyes darting between Megumi and the painting, her mind racing to keep up with the sudden shift in understanding.

“He said he had seen her coronation. Look at the seals,” Megumi said, his finger pointing decisively to the marks on the woman's cheeks. “It's the snake and fang seals. She was a true Inumaki heir.”

Toge’s eyes widened as the pieces began to fall into place. “So that’s why you believe so much in the myth. Gojo lived through it,” he said, his voice steadying as he grasped the full implication of Megumi’s words.

There was another painting next to it. Toge moved toward it, his steps quick and determined. The other two followed closely behind, their curiosity piqued. In this painting, the woman now had longer hair styled in an elegant updo. Standing beside her was a man, she was holding a baby in her arms. A Bernese Mountain Dog puppy rested on a cushion nearby.

“That dog…” Toge murmured, his eyes widening as he recognized the familiar face. “It couldn’t be...” His voice trailed off, his gaze locked on the puppy.

Megumi bent down to read the plaque beneath the painting, his expression growing more intense as he deciphered the ornate script. “Queen Chiyo, King Kai, the Prince Inumaki, and their loyal dog—Panda,” he read aloud. The revelation hit Toge like a physical blow. He stumbled backward, his back hitting the wall, as a torrent of thoughts raced through his mind.

“No way,” Nobara said with a smile that held a mix of disbelief and excitement. She turned to Toge, her eyes bright with realization. “Toge, do you know when your dad found you on his doorstep?”

“The date? Sure,” Toge said, a frown of confusion crossing his face. “I mean, he made it my birthday since he didn’t know my real one.” He hesitated, trying to piece together the sudden significance of the question. “October 23rd.”

Megumi and Nobara exchanged a significant glance, their eyes conveying a shared understanding.

“Toge, you know what October 23rd is, don’t you?”

He shrugged, now even more confused. “I mean, my birthday...?”

“It’s the day the Inumaki family died in that car crash,” Megumi explained, his voice steady but urgent.

Nobara grabbed Toge’s arms firmly, her grip reassuring. “I’m thinking, maybe baby Inumaki didn’t die in that crash.” She began to lead him back towards the painting of the young Princess Chiyo, her steps quick and purposeful. “Maybe he was found... and left on someone’s doorstep.”

Toge’s eyes widened as the implications began to sink in. “No…” he said, his voice faltering as he struggled to make sense of the revelation.

“Yes! Look at the portrait,” Nobara insisted, guiding him closer to the painting. She pointed at the image with a sense of urgency. “You look exactly like Queen Chiyo. You could be baby Inumaki.”

Toge stared at the painting, his breath coming in shallow gasps. He traced the features of the young Queen Chiyo with his eyes, noting the striking resemblance to himself. His heart raced, and he felt a wave of dizziness overcome him. The realization struck him like a lightning bolt, leaving him disoriented.

“If it's true, and Dame Orimoto knows it, that would explain why she’s been so awful to you,” Megumi added thoughtfully. “Because you’re the rightful heir to the throne. Not Rika.”

Toge’s eyes widened as the weight of Megumi’s words sank in. His mind raced, grappling with the implications, and yet, hearing that title belong to him out loud felt entirely surreal.

“Okay, that’s crazy. You’re crazy,” Toge said, a strained laugh escaping his lips. His attempt at levity failed to mask the desperation in his eyes. He rubbed the back of his neck, a nervous gesture that betrayed his turmoil. “Dinner time is coming. We should go.”

Without waiting for a response, Toge turned abruptly and began to walk away. His footsteps echoed loudly in the empty corridor as he moved with purpose, his shoulders tense. The vastness of the space seemed to close in on him, the walls pressing in with every step he took.

Megumi and Nobara exchanged concerned glances. They followed Toge silently, their footsteps soft against the marble floor. As they rounded a corner, they didn't notice the murmurs of voices growing louder, hinting at a group approaching the exact spot they had just left.

A voice called out, breaking the silence.

“Yuuta, look! Isn’t that Toge-kun?”

Toge had been tasked by Mei Mei with serving tea to the students while everyone else had yet to arrive for dinner. He was grateful to have a task to focus on, as it provided a welcome distraction from the thoughts lingering in his mind about the conversation he, Megumi, and Nobara had shared just moments earlier. He moved with quiet efficiency, his expression calm but focused.

Nobara and Megumi sat at the table, engaged in a quiet conversation, their voices low as they occasionally glanced toward the door. They had saved an empty chair for Toge.

Rika, Yuuta, Maki, and Yuuji were the only ones who seemed to be running late.

As Toge poured the steaming tea into Miwa's cup, the blue-haired girl smiling gratefully as the warm aroma filled the room, the latecomers finally arrived. Toge felt eyes on him but chose to ignore it, moving on to serve Momo—his hands steady despite the tension in the air.

"It's good to see everyone here. I have an announcement before dinner," Dame Orimoto said, rising from her seat. The group settled into their chairs, and she held up what appeared to be a draft. Toge focused on serving the four of them. “Actually, my daughter has a declaration about how she will handle things when she is crowned princess in two days.” The room fell silent as everyone turned to Rika, who seemed lost in her own world—her gaze remaining distant. “Rika,” Ema said firmly.

Yuuta gently touched Rika’s shoulder, jolting her back to reality. She blinked, then stood up, her expression a mix of confusion and apprehension.

Dame Orimoto continued, her tone authoritative, “My brilliant daughter has observed that the poorer sections of the Inumaki clan’s territory are impeding our development as a community.” She unfurled the draft with a deliberate motion, and Toge’s eyes widened as he saw his neighborhood’s name circled in red. His hand wobbled slightly, and he almost spilled tea into Maki’s lap. “Inspired by Gojo’s teachings, she plans to take over these areas, demolish the buildings, and create a modern space worthy of the Inumaki name.”

Toge’s frown deepened, and he found himself speaking out before he could stop. “But people live in those areas you want to knock down. My neighborhood is there.”

Rika’s eyes widened in shock. “It is?” Her voice was barely a whisper, but before she could say more, Ema interjected.

“Rika is aware of that. Those people will move out.”

Toge felt a bitter taste settle in his stomach, a tight knot of unease. How could she speak so coldly? All because of a stupid painting? “How?” he questioned, his voice barely more than a whisper, filled with disbelief. “They’re like me.” His tone began to rise, growing more indignant with each word. “They don’t have money—that’s why they live in places like these. They can’t just pick up and move.”

“Well, if I were you, I’d leave this school immediately and get my family ready to move,” Ema replied sharply. Toge's hand trembled as he nearly covered his mouth, feeling a wave of nausea rise. The room seemed to spin around him, and he could hardly breathe.

He couldn’t bear the thought of Suguru facing this kind of upheaval. It would crush him.

Desperation clawed at Toge. He turned to Rika, his eyes pleading. “Rika?” he asked, his voice breaking with emotion. But Rika only lowered her head, her expression unreadable, her silence like a weight pressing down on him.

Toge’s vision blurred with unshed tears. He let the teapot clatter onto the table, its contents sloshing and spilling over, disregarding Yuuta, who was looking at him like Toge was about to break. Overwhelmed and unable to bear the scene, Toge pushed past the chair and bolted from the room. He felt so impotent—his footsteps echoing in the hallway as he fled, his heart racing, his breath coming in ragged gasps.

The room was abuzz with hushed whispers and furtive glances toward the door where Toge had just fled, too preoccupied to notice Gojo as he quietly leaned in closer to Dame Orimoto. His usual playful demeanor was replaced with a rare, serious intensity. His eyes, usually full of mischief, narrowed as he spoke, his voice low and measured.

“So that’s how you’re going to play it, Ema? I see... how shameful.” His words were laced with a subtle but unmistakable edge, his gaze locked on her, challenging.

Dame Orimoto, however, remained unfazed. She met Gojo’s stare with an unwavering gaze of her own, her expression cold and resolute. “I’m not playing, Satoru.” Her voice was firm, almost icy.

When it came to her daughter’s title, she was not playing.

Toge didn't want to leave—he knew that.

But the weight of royalty and its cruelty had worn him down. Each day had been a struggle against the very essence of what he refused to become. Leaving after so much effort seemed like a bitter irony, a confirmation of their judgment from the start. Yet, Toge couldn't bring himself to care about their opinions anymore. He was no longer the timid boy afraid to make his presence felt. He could fit in there if he chose, but why would he want to?

His heart ached as he thought about the real transgressions that had pushed him to this breaking point. Rika and Dame Orimoto had crossed a line, one that involved his family. That was unforgivable. Nanako and Mimiko might be disappointed by his departure, but he trusted that, in time, they would understand his choice.

Nothing in that room truly belonged to him, so Toge gathered the box that his sisters had sent him months earlier and began to leave. As he walked through the ornate hallways, his mind kept drifting back to how close he had come to the coronation.

He paused at the grand hallway. He would miss Megumi and Nobara—their presence had been a rare comfort in the cold corridors of power, they truly made him feel like he was one of them. He would be eternally grateful to Gojo for all the opportunities and second chances he had given him, for believing in him when others didn't.

The thought of Yuuta crossed his mind again. Would he ask him to stay?

The idea felt absurd, yet he couldn’t shake the hope that Yuuta might choose to follow him. If Toge asked, would Yuuta stand by his side, forsaking his own place in this world for him? The question lingered in his mind, a whisper of possibility against the backdrop of his resolve.

It was a foolish question, he realized. They were talking about Rika, Yuuta’s best friend, his fiancée. She was the obvious choice for the role he was expected to fill. The heir to the Inumaki clan—Rika had somehow managed to eclipse him in every way, even in this. The thought was bitter, but there was no denying the truth of it.

That stupid crown.

He had never wanted it—he had never asked for the title. He had barely considered the absurd possibility of having it until he saw that frighteningly similar portrait of himself. Young Princess Inumaki Chiyo standing there—looking some much like a version of him that never existed.

And now Suguru, Nanako, and Mimiko would pay the price for something even Toge himself didn't fully understand.

It wasn’t fair.

Toge was halfway down the stairs when the sound of running paws jolted him from his thoughts. He tried to hurry down the remaining steps, but Panda charged at him with enthusiasm. The impact sent Toge tumbling, and the box he was holding flew out of his grasp, spilling its contents across the floor.

He winced as he hit the ground but couldn't help but smile faintly, recalling his first day at school when things had seemed so different. The smile faded quickly, though, as he looked around and saw the letters and drawings scattered everywhere, now a chaotic mess.

Panda, seemingly aware of the trouble he had caused, began to lick Toge's face with a mix of apology and affection. Toge gently patted Panda's head, trying to reassure him. "It's okay, Panda," he murmured, his voice tired but soft.

Toge started picking up the letters and putting them back into the box when his attention was drawn to a drawing that had fallen on the floor. Nanako had made it recently—Toge recognized her style in the illustration. It depicted him, the twins, and Suguru all wearing crowns. Next to it was the drawing of baby Toge at his father's doorstep.

Toge looked from one drawing to the other, several times. Then he glanced at Panda, who had sat beside him on the floor and seemed to be watching him intently. His gaze shifted back to the purple crown Nanako had drawn on his head, and once again, the image of Queen Inumaki flooded his thoughts.

“The magical crown...” he whispered thoughtfully, his gaze fixed on the scattered drawings. Toge’s expression hardened with determination as he carefully folded the artwork and placed it back in the box.

He couldn’t let that happen. He shouldn’t always have to put others first.

“Toge!” Nobara’s voice suddenly pierced the tension. He looked up to see her and Megumi sprinting toward him, their faces etched with concern. Toge managed to tuck away the last two drawings just in time. As Fushiguro extended a hand to help him up, Toge grasped it firmly, pulling himself to his feet.

“Are you okay?” Megumi asked, his brow furrowed in worry.

“I’m more than okay,” Toge replied, adjusting his dress with a resolute nod. “I’m ready.”

“For what?” Nobara asked, her tone a mix of confusion and curiosity as she came to a halt beside them.

“To fight back,” Toge’s voice was steady, filled with a new sense of purpose. “If Rika gets on the throne, she’s going to ruin my family—and probably this clan along with it.”

“If she gets on the throne?” Megumi’s eyebrows shot up in surprise.

Toge swallowed hard, closing his eyes momentarily as if grappling with the enormity of his own words. When he opened them again, his gaze was unwavering. “If we can prove someone else is the rightful heir.” He glanced at Megumi, whose eyes widened in understanding.

“It said that the crown glows and reveals snake and fang seals on the wearer's tongue and both cheeks when it is placed on the true heir of the Inumaki clan,” Megumi repeated the myrh, a spark of realization in his eyes. Toge responded with a slight, determined smile.

“The Inumaki's Magical Crown.”

“Okay, but what if we invade the palace tonight?” Nobara asked while resting her chin on her hand, seriously considering the plan. The golden hues of the setting sun bathed the hallway in a warm glow as the three of them walked from the empty cafeteria towards their lockers, their footsteps echoing softly.

Time was running short—they still needed to figure out a way to reach the crown before Rika did.

“That’s the worst idea I’ve ever heard,” Megumi replied, his tone brutally honest, as he held the door open for them. Toge remained silent, his gaze shifting between Nobara and Megumi, his eyes flickering with mild agreement. “You could just, I don't know, say you’re Prince Inumaki when Rika is being crowned.”

‘They wouldn’t give me the benefit of the doubt,’ Toge signed. ‘Besides, Yuuta told me they hate true heirs because they’re not replaceable. They probably cheered when Queen Chiyo died.’ He hesitated for a moment, feeling a strange unease talking about the woman he was considering as his mother.

Nobara looked over at Toge with a thoughtful expression. “Oh, why don’t you tell Yuuta?” she suggested. “I mean, he’s the fucking Gojo heir prince. And he likes you.”

Toge quickly shook his head, his fingers moving rapidly to sign his response. ‘Absolutely not.’ He paused, then stopped signing so that Nobara could understand without Megumi needing to translate. “You’re forgetting he’s Rika’s best friend and fiancé. What if Yuuta tells Rika, and she and Dame Orimoto find out I already know about the heir thing?” He avoided their gazes, his fingers fidgeting with the edge of his jacket. He didn't want to admit his stupid fear—that Yuuta might hate him for taking his best friend’s title. If Megumi and Nobara noticed his anxiety, they chose not to comment.

Megumi crossed his arms and gave Toge a skeptical look. “And what will they do? Lock you in a dungeon?” he asked rhetorically, his voice carrying a hint of dry humor.

Nobara, adjusting her bag on her shoulder, smiled ironically. “I wouldn’t doubt it,” she replied.

Toge thought a bit more, his brow furrowed as he mulled over their options. ‘The crown has to be transported to the ceremony hall at some point. We just need to know when, and we can try to intercept it.’

“That kind of falls under the category of invading the palace,” Megumi reminded him, his voice carrying a hint of uncertainty. Toge simply shrugged, his gaze drifting to the floor as he considered what was left to them.

‘Technically, no, because we’ll already be there. We just need to know when the transport happens and which route it takes.’

“Gojo-sensei probably has this information,” Nobara commented, a spark of determination in her eyes. “You should try talking to him, Megumi. You mentioned he saw Queen Chiyo being crowned, so he might have noticed her similarities with Toge too.”

Toge shook his head slightly, his expression troubled. “I think involving anyone else is not a good idea,” he said, glancing at Fushiguro, who was fiddling with the cuff of his glove and clearly uneasy about the idea of involving Gojo.

“Okay, but what else can we do?” Nobara said, frustration creeping into her voice as she threw her hands up. “The coronation is tomorrow. Unless you guys have a better idea, it’s either this or invade the—” Her words were abruptly cut off as they turned the corner.

The trio came to a sudden halt, their eyes widening in surprise. In front of their lockers, all the school’s teachers were gathered in a tight cluster, their serious faces reflecting deep concentration—their voices low but intense.

Megumi’s face fell as he took in the scene, his shoulders slumping slightly. “Oh no, this is bad,” he muttered under his breath, his tone filled with concern.

Nobara’s eyes widened, her mouth forming a thin line as she glanced at her friends. She took a deep breath, trying to mask her frustration. “Just what we needed,” she said quietly, her voice tinged with irritation.

Toge could feel the tension in the air intensify, but he deliberately chose to ignore it. With a determined lift of his chin and a steadying breath, he walked with purpose towards the group, his footsteps echoing in the quiet hallway.

He was easily noticed—Dame Orimoto was the first. Toge spotted Rika standing behind her, her face a mask of uncertainty.

“Thieves,” Dame Orimoto declared sharply, her finger jabbing in Toge’s direction. “They’re thieves, I tell you. Arrest them.”

Toge’s eyes widened in disbelief, and he felt a rush of anger. Nobara and Megumi’s faces mirrored his shock. “What?” Toge demanded, his voice cracking with frustration.

“I’m sure it’s some kind of mistake,” Gojo said, his smile stretching in a way that seemed both forced and insincere. “But Dame Orimoto believes you stole her jewelry.”

Toge’s face flushed with indignation. “No! I would never!” he exclaimed, his fists clenching at his sides.

“Not even to save your poor family from losing their home? I doubt that,” Ema’s voice was cold, her words like a dagger to his heart. Toge’s anger surged, his hands trembling as he struggled to maintain control. How could she use his family to accuse him so easily?—especially when she was the reason they were losing it in the first place. “Plus, my daughter Rika saw you.” Ema gestured toward Rika, who stepped forward slowly, her gaze shifting between her mother, Gojo, and Toge. “Didn’t you tell me you saw Toge poking around my office yesterday? And then hiding something in their locker?”

“I…” Rika began, her voice faltering as she looked nervously at her mother, then at Gojo and Toge. “I mean, I don’t remember exactly, but…” Ema’s impatience was palpable as she crossed her arms, glaring down at Rika. With a resigned sigh, Rika lowered her head and nodded. “Yes. Yes, I did.”

Toge’s eyes darkened, his fury barely contained. He took a deep breath, fighting the urge to lash out. The weight of the false accusation felt unbearable, and his gaze turned steely as he faced the assembled group, struggling to keep his voice steady.

“I demand you search their lockers,” Dame Orimoto ordered.

Nobara was about to complain that it wasn’t fair when Nanami intervened, trying to pacify the situation. “It’s procedure. If you have nothing to hide, it shouldn’t matter.” Nobara swallowed her urge to protest and crossed her arms, resigned.

They began to open the lockers one by one. Toge, Nobara, and Megumi stood silently, their bodies tense. The sound of the locker doors creaking open echoed ominously through the hallway. Mei Mei stepped forward, her movements deliberate, and reached into Toge's locker. Her hand emerged holding several delicate necklaces, the jewels catching the light and sparkling accusingly.

Dame Orimoto’s eyes narrowed as she stepped closer, scrutinizing the necklaces with a piercing gaze. “My jewelry!” she declared, her voice thick with accusation.

Toge’s face drained of color, his breath catching in his throat. His anger, which had been simmering beneath the surface, now mixed with a deep sense of shock and helplessness. “That’s not—” he started, but his voice faltered. Nobara and Megumi exchanged panicked glances, their fists clenching at their sides as if trying to hold on to some sense of control. “I didn’t put that there!”

They continued their search. Soon, Utahime pulled more necklaces from Megumi’s and Nobara’s lockers. The room fell silent as even the teachers, who had been so sure of their actions, seemed momentarily taken aback.

“We didn’t steal anything,” Megumi whispered, his voice barely audible, completely stunned by the unfolding events.

“Don’t lie,” Ema snapped, her tone cold and unforgiving. “It’s unbecoming. Lock them up!”

Toge turned sharply to Gojo, desperation creeping into his eyes. “Gojo-sensei, I promise you!” His voice wavered, betraying the storm of emotions swirling inside him.

Gojo’s face remained inscrutable, his usual playful demeanor replaced by a mask of seriousness. “With the evidence and the witness, I’m afraid we have no choice,” he said, his voice flat. The trio exchanged glances of disbelief, their minds racing for an explanation, for a way out. “Ichiji will have to take you to the detention room,” Gojo added—but it was clear that even he was uncomfortable saying that.

Utahime stepped forward, her expression apologetic yet firm. “We can’t investigate until after the ceremony tomorrow. You will remain detained until then,” she explained, her words heavy with finality.

“Detained?” Nobara’s voice rose in indignation, her eyes flashing with anger. “As in locked up? During the coronation?”

“I’m afraid so,” Utahime responded, her tone softening, but there was no escaping the harsh reality of the situation.

Gojo sighed, his arms crossing over his chest as he looked over the group. “Unless there is another way to explain this…” He directed his gaze pointedly at Rika, the unspoken question hanging in the air. But Rika, standing rigidly behind Dame Orimoto, averted her eyes, her shoulders hunching slightly as if the weight of the moment was too much to bear.

Seeing her reluctance, Gojo’s expression hardened, the lines of disappointment etching deeper into his features. “I understand,” he said quietly, the finality in his voice unmistakable. “How very disappointing.”

"Ichiji, take them away," Ema demanded, her voice cold and satisfied.

Ichiji nodded, stepping forward as he began to lead the trio out of the room. Toge’s heart pounded in his chest, a mix of disbelief and anger swirling inside him. He couldn’t bring himself to look back at the teachers, at the people who were supposed to trust them.

As they neared the corner, Toge glanced back one last time. His eyes locked onto Rika, who stood frozen in place, her eyes wide with a mixture of fear and something else he couldn’t quite place. As they were led away, he turned back, his mind racing.

The sight of her haunted him as they disappeared around the corner. Although, Rika was looking at him as if he were the one haunting her.

The trio was walking down the corridor in low spirits—their footsteps echoing being the only sound since they left. Ichiji trailed behind, maintaining a respectful distance, both to give them some privacy and to stay close enough to escort them.

They had all been silent since the incident with the lockers, a heavy tension lingering in the air like an unspoken weight on their shoulders. Something like disappointment. Or maybe frustration.

Toge, trailing slightly behind, couldn’t take it anymore. The silence was suffocating. “Nobara,” he called out softly. She didn’t respond at first, lost in her own thoughts, but then she raised her head, meeting his gaze. “Megumi,” Toge continued, his voice barely above a whisper. Fushiguro’s eyes flicked towards him, acknowledging the call.

“I’m so sorry,” Toge began, his voice filled with genuine concern. He hesitated, the weight of his words heavy on his tongue. “Now, neither of you will get your crowns.”

Nobara and Megumi exchanged a brief glance before both shrugged—they seemed calm, perhaps more annoyed with how far Dame Orimoto had gone than with the loss of the crown itself. But Toge wasn’t convinced. “No, I’m serious. I’m sorry,” he insisted, his eyes locking onto Nobara’s. He pointed at her, his voice softening. “I know how much you wanted to be a lady royal.”

Nobara met his eyes, and though he braced for anger, a small smirk appeared on her lips. “Toge, don’t sweat it,” she said casually. “I don’t want to be a lady royal if the prince isn’t you.” She shrugged again, her sincerity catching Toge off guard, and for the first time since the incident, a small, genuine smile tugged at his lips.

Toge’s gaze shifted to Megumi. “But what about Megumi? Now he’ll have problems with the Zenin clan.”

“I don’t care,” Megumi said with emphasis. “I never wanted it anyway. It’s not the end of the world.” He maintained his usual stoic expression but managed a small smile to match Toge's.

A voice that didn’t belong to the small group interrupted the scene. “Ichiji-san! Hey!” The corridor seemed to hold its breath as they all stopped walking. Toge's eyes widened as he recognized Yuuta sprinting towards them, his expression a mix of urgency and determination.

“Prince Yuuta? What are you doing here, sir? Can I help you?” Ichiji asked, adjusting his glasses with a hint of concern. His eyes darted nervously, clearly unsettled by the unexpected interruption. Toge could ask the same thing.

Okkotsu, panting heavily, came to a halt in front of them, quickly regaining his composure. He had clearly run to them from wherever he had been. Toge glanced at Nobara and Megumi, who exchanged puzzled looks. They too seemed unsure of what was unfolding.

“Actually, you can,” Yuuta said with a strange smile. “Gojo asked me to find you. He needs your assistance in his classroom.” Toge frowned at this, wondering why Gojo would need him again so soon. They had just been with him—what could be so urgent now?

Ichiji's confusion deepened. “B—but sir, I need to take these students to the detention room.” His voice faltered slightly as he looked at Yuuta, who met his gaze with unyielding resolve.

Yuuta quickly glanced at Toge. It was only a brief moment, but his determination was palpable.

“Gojo anticipated you’d say that,” he said firmly. “That’s why he said you could leave them with me. I’ll take them.” Yuuta’s authoritative tone was impressive—he sounded every bit the future king.

“But Dame Orimoto won’t like it…” Ichiji murmured hesitantly, his eyes flicking nervously towards the direction of the detention room.

“Well, that’s a problem for Gojo to handle, not for me,” Yuuta replied with a dismissive wave of his hand, his confidence unwavering. Toge saw Nobara’s eyes light up with amusement at Yuuta’s decisive attitude.

She leaned closer to Toge and whispered, “I like this guy. You’d better take him.” Her voice was tinged with approval, and Toge felt a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He was tempted to nudge her to wipe away her annoying smile, but he chose to simply mask his satisfaction by slightly rolling his eyes.

“I understand, Prince Yuuta.” Ichiji bowed his head in respect, acknowledging Yuuta’s authority. The fact that Yuuta was to be crowned as the Gojo prince the following morning added a layer of gravity to the situation. “Here’s the key.” Ichiji handed over the key with a slight bow, then turned and walked back down the corridor.

As Yuuta accepted the key, he exhaled deeply, only then realizing he had been holding his breath. The trio instinctively moved closer, curiosity and tension thick in the air.

“Okkotsu..” Megumi was the first to break the silence. “How did you know we were here?”

“Rika told me,” Yuuta replied, his tone matter-of-fact, though the answer only deepened their confusion. “She said her mom put you in trouble.”

Nobara crossed her arms, her skepticism evident as she raised an eyebrow. “Rika did it as well.”

Yuuta nodded, understanding her frustration. “I know. It wasn’t right, but Rika said she’ll make it right. She’s going to compensate you, Inumaki-kun,” he added, his gaze locking onto Toge. The way Yuuta specifically addressed him made Toge’s eyes widen in surprise. “You already know, right? You saw the portrait.” Yuuta’s voice was gentle but probing, as if he was urging Toge to acknowledge something important.

Toge hesitated, shifting his gaze away and avoiding eye contact. “I mean, I don't know for sure, but... I think so,” he admitted, his voice softening as a small, uncertain smile tugged at his lips.

Yuuta’s expression softened as well, a big smile forming. “That’s good. Because I think so too.” Toge got wordless with the naturalness he said.

Only then did Toge notice Yuuta taking a piece of paper from his pocket. “Rika wrote the instructions you’ll need to get inside the palace’s basement. There’s something that belongs to you inside the vault.” Yuuta’s fingers lingered as they handed the paper to Toge, their touch sending a small, electric jolt through him.

“Inumaki’s Magical Crown…” Toge whispered, his voice catching with the faintest glimmer of hope as he scanned the written directions.

Yuuta leaned in closer, causing Toge to need to tilt his head up so their eyes could remain locked on each other. “You need to let everyone know the truth before the coronation. Once Rika is crowned, it will be too late,” he murmured, his voice low, filled with an urgency that made Toge’s heart race. The closeness between them was almost overwhelming, an intoxicating mix of danger and desire.

The thoughts Toge had tried to bury earlier resurfaced, more persistent now. ‘But… She doesn’t care about losing the throne? You don’t care?’ His gestures were fast, his mind struggling to make sense of it all. ‘Why?’ he asked, his gaze searching Yuuta’s eyes for answers.

“Toge,” Yuuta began, his voice rich with emotion. He reached out, his hand gently cupping Toge’s cheek, his thumb brushing lightly against his skin. “All I care about is you.” The sincerity in Yuuta’s words hit Toge like a tidal wave, making his breath hitch. He wasn’t ready for the depth of feeling he saw reflected in Yuuta’s eyes, so raw and undeniable.

Toge’s cheeks flushed deeply, and he lowered his gaze, the intensity of the moment almost too much to bear. But Yuuta wasn’t finished. His voice, steady and sure, cut through the tension. “Look, Rika said she’ll leave a window open for you on the first floor. She’ll be a distraction for the guards.” Megumi and Nobara, who had been silent until now, exchanged determined looks, their nods firm as they accepted their roles in the plan.

Yuuta hesitated, his fingers reluctantly slipping away from Toge’s cheek as if he didn’t want to break the connection between them. “I need to go now. Gojo will have some questions for me. Probably.” He scratched the back of his neck, a nervous gesture that made Toge’s heart ache with affection. There was a vulnerable sweetness to Yuuta that contrasted sharply with the dangerous tension that had been simmering between them since the very first day.

Toge couldn’t help but laugh, but it was a sound tinged with bitterness and care. He realized then that Yuuta had lied for him—had put everything on the line for him.

Yuuta had lied to protect him.

Just as Yuuta was about to turn away, Toge’s resolve broke. “Yuuta, wait!” The urgency in his voice made Yuuta stop immediately, his eyes wide with concern. Even Megumi and Nobara looked surprised.

Fuck if Yuuta was getting married tomorrow—this wouldn’t be the first thing Toge was doing wrong.

Without a second thought, he closed the distance between them, his heart pounding in his chest. He threw his arms around Yuuta, pulling him into a fierce embrace. The impact of the hug made Yuuta stumble slightly, but he quickly regained his balance, his arms wrapping tightly around Toge's waist, as if his hands had been made to fit there.

For a moment, time seemed to stand still. Toge buried his face in the crook of Yuuta’s neck, inhaling the scent that was uniquely his. The world outside ceased to matter as they held onto each other, the silence between them filled with unspoken words and shared fears.

“Thank you,” Toge whispered, his voice trembling with the depth of his feelings. Before Yuuta could respond, Toge tilted his head and pressed a soft, lingering kiss to Yuuta’s cheek. The warmth of Yuuta’s skin against his lips sent a surge of emotion through Toge, and when he pulled back, he saw the rare sight of Yuuta blushing, a delicate pink spreading across his cheeks.

Yuuta’s smile grew wider, his eyes shining with a mixture of happiness and something deeper, something that made Toge feel as if he were the only person in the world. The way Yuuta looked at him—like he was something worth fighting for, as if Yuuta could let the world burn for him—caused a shiver to run down Toge’s spine.

‘We need to go,’ Toge finally signed, his movements heavy with reluctance. He stepped back, feeling the ghost of Yuuta’s touch lingering on his skin. Yuuta’s hands hesitated, as if unwilling to let him go, but Toge knew they couldn’t afford any more delays.

If everything went right, they would have time.

“See you at the coronation, Prince Okkotsu Yuuta,” Toge said with a playful grin, trying to lighten the mood. He performed an exaggerated bow, mimicking the one he had made that fateful day when they almost risked everything.

Yuuta chuckled, the sound warm and genuine, his smile even broader now. “See you, Prince Inumaki Toge.”

Under the cover of night, Toge, Nobara, and Megumi approached the towering palace, their footsteps silent against the grass path. The air was thick with tension, but they moved with determination. As they reached the shadowy side of the building, they spotted the window Rika had promised to leave ajar. It was slightly open, just as planned, allowing a sliver of moonlight to guide their way.

They could hear Rika at the front gate, skillfully engaging the guards in conversation. Her voice was laced with concern, yet steady, as she told them that Panda was causing trouble in the east wing of the palace, clearing the path the trio needed to take to reach the basement. The guards, bewildered and distracted, had no reason to suspect her true intentions. They fanned out, following her to find the pet, leaving their posts unattended.

"That's the window," Toge whispered, pointing to it. "Rika really did what she said she would.”

With the guards occupied, he was the first to scale the palace wall, since his height was a great asset—his movements were agile and deliberate. He reached the window and pushed it open further, gesturing for Nobara and Megumi to follow. Nobara, ever the daredevil, swung herself up and through the window with ease, landing silently inside. Megumi was right behind her, his eyes scanning the darkened room for any sign of company.

Once inside, the trio exchanged a brief nod, silently agreeing to move forward. In the distance, they could hear barks and shouts. Toge gave a small smile, reminding himself to give Panda some treats for his help later. Together, they advanced deeper into the palace. With Rika buying them time on the other side, they knew they had to act quickly and efficiently before the guards realized they had been tricked.

Toge glanced at the piece of paper again. "It says that if we turn right, we’ll see a staircase." Nobara nodded in agreement, and they were about to follow the instruction when a familiar voice echoed from the exact corridor they needed to turn into.

They froze, their hearts racing. It was Dame Orimoto.

Megumi quickly took action, grabbing both Toge and Nobara and pressing them against the wall to hide. They crouched low, trying to make themselves as inconspicuous as possible.

"Are you telling me the dog ate one of my dresses? Ugh, I should have gotten rid of this mutt a long time ago," Ema said, her high heels clicking sharply against the marble floor as she walked. Her voice grew louder as she approached, and the trio held their breath, their nerves on edge.

After a moment, they began to edge away, moving as quietly as possible. Just as they were about to make a sound, Dame Orimoto abruptly halted. The trio exchanged anxious glances, their bodies tense as they wondered if she had heard them. They held still, barely daring to breathe.

Fortunately, after a few tense seconds, Dame Orimoto resumed her walk, her footsteps fading into the distance. The trio let out a collective sigh of relief, their bodies relaxing as they waited until her presence was no longer audible.

As they followed Rika's instructions, the trio eventually found themselves in the dimly lit basement of the palace. The air was colder down here. Toge led the way, his steps cautious as he scanned the surroundings. Nobara trailed close behind.

Suddenly, Megumi halted, his eyes narrowing as he noticed something on the walls. He immediately stretched out both arms, stopping Toge and Nobara in their tracks. "Don’t move," he whispered urgently.

Toge blinked in confusion, his heart skipping a beat. ‘Why?’ he signed.

Megumi silently pointed to a series of faint, red beams crisscrossing the hallway ahead. "These are laser alarms," he explained, his tone serious. "We have them at home. If we break the beams, the alarm will go off.”

Nobara squinted, finally noticing the thin, nearly invisible lines of light. She exhaled slowly, realizing how close they had come to triggering the alarm. Toge nodded, his expression tightening with focus as he scanned the area for a way around the obstacle.

Megumi knelt down, carefully examining the pattern of the lasers. "We’ll need to find a way to disable these or navigate through without touching them," he said, his mind already working through possible solutions.

"There’s a control panel on the other side. Look!” Nobara suddenly pointed, her voice hushed but filled with urgency. “Only one of us needs to pass,” she suggested, her eyes narrowing as she calculated the distance.

Megumi shook his head, his expression tense. “It’s too risky,” he replied, scanning the room with a critical eye. “One wrong move, and we’re done.”

Toge stepped closer to the lasers, his gaze tracing the narrow gaps between the beams. "I think I can squeeze through…" he murmured, his voice calm but determined.

Nobara and Megumi turned to him simultaneously, their eyes quickly assessing his frame. They exchanged a brief, knowing glance before looking him up and down from his feet to his head.

“You’re right,” Nobara agreed, thoughtful. “We’re the same height, but you’re slimmer than me.” She paused, then added with a hint of a smile, “You might actually pull this off.”

Megumi nodded in agreement, though his hesitation was evident. “If you’re going to try this, be careful. Move slowly and keep your body as close to the wall as possible.”

Toge gave a small nod and took a deep breath to steady himself. He slowly positioned himself in front of the first set of lasers, his body tense with concentration. With a careful step forward, he began inching his way through the narrow space, his movements deliberate and controlled.

Nobara and Megumi watched in silence, their eyes glued to Toge as he skillfully maneuvered between the beams. Each step felt like an eternity, the tension in the air almost palpable. Toge’s breath was slow and steady, his focus unshakable as he carefully avoided each laser.

As he approached the final set of lasers, Toge noticed that the last beam was positioned unusually high, leaving just enough space for him to try something risky. With a quick glance back at Nobara and Megumi, who were watching with bated breath, Toge made a split-second decision. Gathering his strength, he took a small leap and executed a flawless backflip, his body twisting gracefully in midair as he cleared the laser with inches to spare.

He landed softly on the other side, knees slightly bent to absorb the impact. For a moment, he remained crouched, listening for any sound that might indicate he had triggered the alarm. But there was nothing—just the quiet hum of the palace around them.

Toge exhaled in relief, his body relaxing slightly as he turned back to his friends. Nobara and Megumi stared at him in stunned silence, their eyes wide with a mix of awe and disbelief. With a quick glance at the control panel, he began working to disable the lasers, his fingers moving swiftly over the buttons and switches, following Megumi's instructions.

Moments later, the lasers flickered and then disappeared, leaving the path clear. Nobara and Megumi let out breaths they hadn’t realized they were holding, both of them breaking into relieved smiles.

“You did it,” Megumi said, his voice filled with genuine admiration.

Nobara grinned, her usual confidence returning as she teased him. “Not bad, Toge. Not bad at all. And that flip—were you just showing off?”

Toge chuckled quietly, a hint of pride in his smile as he rolled his eyes. They regrouped as they finally faced the vault itself. The door was adorned with a large seal of snakes and fangs, the symbol of the Inumaki family—the same Queen Chiyo had on her face—, and beside it was a numerical lock. Toge reached out hesitantly, his fingers just brushing the surface, when suddenly a mechanical voice echoed through the chamber.

“Welcome, Dame Orimoto.” Toge jumped back instinctively. The suddenness of the voice had caught them all off guard. “Please enter your password,” the voice continued in a cold, automated tone.

Toge leaned in closer to the lock, his brows furrowed in concentration. He could feel Nobara and Megumi’s expectant gazes on him.

“Try something,” Nobara encouraged, her voice steady but with a hint of urgency. “What would Dame Orimoto choose?”

Megumi, standing slightly behind them, narrowed his eyes in thought. “Rika's coronation day?” he suggested, his tone uncertain but hopeful.

Toge nodded, feeling a bit more confident with the suggestion. He quickly typed in today's date.

For a moment, they held their breath, waiting in tense silence. But the silence was soon shattered by a loud, grating buzzer. The red light on the lock blinked angrily, signaling their mistake. Toge winced, pulling his hand back as if the lock had stung him.

Nobara cursed under her breath, her eyes darting around as if expecting the wrong entry to have triggered some hidden alarm. Megumi clenched his fists, his frustration barely contained.

“Alright, let’s think,” Toge said, trying to keep his voice calm despite the tension rising between them. They needed to figure this out quickly, before they ran out of time or attracted unwanted attention.

Suddenly, the mechanical voice returned. “Would you like your password hint?”

The trio exchanged quick, wary glances. “Yes,” they all said in unison, though a sense of dread began to settle in.

“Your hint is: the day it all fell into place. Ten seconds until lockdown.” Their eyes widened in shock as the voice began counting down. This wasn’t what they had anticipated.

“The day it all fell into place? What does that even mean?” Nobara hissed, her frustration barely contained as she clenched her fists. She glanced around, half-expecting something terrible to happen.

Megumi’s eyes darted as he processed the hint, his mind racing against the ticking clock. “Wait,” he said, a sudden thought striking him. “The day it all fell into place,” he repeated slowly, as if saying it aloud would solidify the idea. “It’s the day Dame Orimoto’s plan started working.” He looked at Toge with urgency.

Toge’s eyes widened as the realization hit him. “The day of the car crash,” he whispered, his voice filled with a mix of dread and certainty.

The countdown was closing in on zero. With no time to waste, Toge’s hands flew to the keypad, his fingers trembling slightly as he quickly typed in the date: October 23rd. Each second felt like an eternity, the tension in the air so thick it was almost suffocating.

Nobara and Megumi held their breath, their eyes locked on the door, waiting for the outcome. The silence that followed was deafening, every tick of the internal mechanism sounding like a thunderclap.

Then, with a soft but decisive click, the door unlocked. The heavy metal door creaked as it slowly swung open, revealing the interior beyond.

“Thank you, Dame Orimoto,” the voice intoned, its cold, automated tone echoing eerily in the now-quiet room.

Toge let out a breath he didn’t realize he had been holding, his shoulders sagging in relief. Nobara’s tension finally broke, and she let out a shaky laugh, her grip loosening on her weapon. Megumi exhaled deeply, the tight knot of anxiety in his chest beginning to unwind.

They exchanged a quick, relieved glance, but the victory was short-lived.

The trio began searching the vault with urgency, their eyes scanning the dimly lit room. Shelves lined the walls, filled with ancient artifacts and treasures, but there was only one item they were after.

“It has to be somewhere around here,” Megumi muttered as they split up, each taking a different section of the vault. Nobara rifled through a collection of ornate boxes on a low shelf, while Megumi carefully examined a row of locked chests. Toge, meanwhile, wandered towards the back of the vault, his gaze drawn upward.

“There,” Toge whispered, spotting a glint of purple inside a glass case high up on an enormous shelf at the far end of the room. It was the crown, encased and resting on the topmost ledge, far out of reach. “I see it! The Inumaki's Magical Crown…” Toge called softly to the others, pointing to the crown. Megumi quickly joined him, assessing the height of the shelf.

“You’re going to have to climb up,” Megumi said, crouching down to offer Toge a boost. Toge nodded, stepping carefully onto Megumi’s clasped hands.

With a grunt of effort, Megumi lifted Toge higher, giving him just enough height to reach the ledge. Toge stretched his arm as far as he could, his fingers brushing against the glass case. With one last push, he managed to grasp it firmly, lifting it from its resting place.

“I’ve got it,” Toge said, a note of triumph in his voice as he carefully descended, the glass case securely in his hands.

Megumi steadied him as he climbed down, and once Toge’s feet were back on the ground, they both let out a breath of relief. Nobara quickly joined them, her eyes lighting up as she saw the crown inside the case.

It appeared to be a tiara adorned with a large purple diamond in the center, with a tiny violet gem on top of it. On each side of the tiara, there was one purple oval-shaped diamond, one violet rhombus-shaped diamond, and one tiny purple circular diamond. The crown was wrapped in pure gold with wavy battens, and the backside was flat.

The crown looked absolutely mesmerizing, its appearance almost mystical.

“We did it,” Nobara said with a grin, the weight of their success sinking in as they gathered around the prize.

“We just need to figure out how to get it out of the case,” Toge said, determined. His fingers itched to open the glass case, but his sense of urgency was abruptly interrupted when the lights flickered on. A familiar voice echoed through the room.

“You won’t,” came the voice, sending a chill down their spines. They turned to see Orimoto Ema standing in the doorway with a guard. “But I shouldn’t have too much trouble with it.” They gasped in shock.

How had she found them?

Toge’s heart sank. His initial triumph was replaced with a cold sweat as he realized their situation. “No, not now,” he muttered, feeling a rush of panic. His mind raced, desperately searching for a way out.

With a dismissive gesture, Dame Orimoto signaled the guard to retrieve the case with the crown. She laughed loudly, the sound echoing off the walls. “Goodbye, Toge,” she sang, her voice dripping with malice as she began to close the door with another password. “Enjoy coronation day…” Her tone was icy, her mockery clear.

Toge’s mind was a whirlwind of frustration and determination. He lunged toward the door, but it was too late. The heavy door slid shut with a finality that left him staring at the unyielding barrier. He pounded on it with his fists, his face flushed with anger and desperation.

Toge turned away from the door, his shoulders slumped in defeat. Nobara lay on the floor, staring blankly, while Megumi buried his face in his hands, clearly exasperated.

“We’re stuck.”

The trio had been trapped in the palace vault for hours, completely losing track of time. The heavy air in the room was stifling, adding to their growing frustration. Each tick of the clock seemed to stretch endlessly, but neither could tell how much time had truly passed.

At one point during the night, desperation took hold. They began frantically searching through every corner of the vault, rifling through boxes and stacks of papers, hoping to find an escape. Dust filled the air as they tossed aside old documents and overturned crates, their movements growing more frantic with each passing minute. But no matter how hard they searched, their efforts led only to dead ends and rising tension.

Now, exhausted and defeated, they lay amidst the chaos they had created. The floor was littered with scattered documents, overturned crates, and broken seals. Toge, feeling the oppressive heat that seemed to hang in the air, had removed his jacket, tossing it aside in frustration. Later, he picked it up again, folding it into a makeshift pillow as he leaned back against a crate, staring up at the dimly lit ceiling in resignation.

"The coronation must have started," Nobara murmured, her voice barely audible as she absentmindedly scanned the papers in front of her. Her eyes flickered over the words without really processing them. She wasn’t reading to find a solution anymore—just trying to kill time, to distract herself from the oppressive reality of their situation.

Toge's hands trembled slightly as he ran them through his hair, the stress of the situation weighing heavily on him. "Mimiko and Nanako are probably watching it right now," he said, his voice thick with a mixture of guilt and fear. The thought of his sisters eagerly waiting for him to appear on screen, only to be met with his absence, twisted his stomach into knots. He felt a wave of nausea rise within him, the bile burning at the back of his throat.

The image of Mimiko and Nanako's faces—full of hope and expectation, then crumbling into disappointment and despair—played in his mind like a cruel loop. They would be devastated, and the knowledge that he couldn’t be the only one thing they asked him for made the situation all the more unbearable.

What would he say to Suguru? Actually, Toge had a better question: would he ever see them again? What would Dame Orimoto do to them once Rika took possession of the crown?

Toge was pulled from his thoughts when Nobara seemed to find something in the papers that caught her attention. "The Zenin clan is without their heir again," she murmured, the corners of her mouth twitching with curiosity. "Who will be the prince now that Megumi won't be crowned anymore?”

Toge, who had been lying on his back, lost in the maze of his own thoughts, turned his head to look at her, then shifted his gaze to Megumi. Megumi was sitting nearby, his back against the cold stone wall, knees drawn up slightly. He glanced up, meeting Toge's eyes for a brief moment before shrugging with an air of detached indifference.

"I don't know," Megumi said, his voice carrying a note of dry humor that belied the tension in the room. He rubbed the back of his neck, the weight of their situation pressing down on him. "But considering this is the second time an heir from the Zenin clan has failed the Royal Charm School, maybe they should start thinking about crowning women."

He let out a short, humorless laugh, glancing at the scattered papers around them. "I think Maki and Mai are next in line after me," he added.

"Do you think one of them will be crowned today?" Toge asked, glancing at the scattered papers and then at Megumi. He remembered Yuuta explaining that the Zenin and Ryomen clans still adhered to very conservative traditions.

Megumi didn’t have to think long before shaking his head. "Unlikely."

"Thank goodness. I’m fine with not being a royal lady anymore, but if Mai were crowned the princess heir, that would definitely be my villain backstory," Nobara said with a laugh. Toge chuckled along with her, momentarily lifting the mood.

“Seriously, does she always act like that? How do the others handle her?” Nobara asked, her tone a mix of curiosity and exasperation as she put the papers aside.

“From what Yuuta told me,” Megumi said, running a hand through his hair, “Mai feels frustrated that a commoner can secure a place in royal life while she, with her royal blood, has to prove her worth.” He leaned forward slightly, his eyes reflecting a hint of sympathy. Toge mulled over Megumi’s words, nodding slowly. It made sense, although it didn’t excuse her behavior.

Nobara rolled her eyes, clearly not convinced, and turned her attention back to the scattered papers in front of her. “Maybe she’ll start to like you more now that you’re Prince Inumaki,” Megumi added, directing his comment towards Toge

Toge straightened up, brushing dust off his leggins, and responded, “Technically, I’m not. Not without the crown.” His tone was calm, but his eyes held a distant look as he thought about the situation.

“It doesn’t change what you are,” Megumi said, his voice steady as he shifted his weight against the wall.

“It doesn’t change the world either,” Toge replied with a weak smile, his gaze drifting to the dimly lit ceiling. He sighed. “Look on the bright side, Nobara. If Maki were crowned, you’d technically become part of the royalty by association,” he joked to lighten the mood, hoping Nobara would fire back with a retort. 

Instead, she just laughed and tilted her head to the side. “I wouldn’t mind being a trophy wife,” she said with a smirk, making Toge laugh. The tension seemed to lift as the conversation turned playful.

Then Nobara’s expression turned mischievous as she leaned closer to Toge. “But what about you and Yuuta, huh? I thought you didn’t want to be ‘the other woman,’ but as soon as Yuuta shows up, you’re throwing all your charm.” She began mimicking kissing sounds, her lips puckering in exaggerated gestures. Toge rolled his eyes, shaking his head but clearly amused.

“You could still have that royal drama, with Yuuta protecting your whereabouts and your family while you both evade Dame Orimoto,” Nobara continued, her voice full of theatrical flair. “Those dangerous monthly meetings—it’s all quite thrilling. You being Prince Inumaki would add at least three more episodes.” She gestured grandly as if unveiling a new plot twist, causing the trio to burst into laughter.

“Well, at least one of us is doing well. Megumi can return to Gojo’s castle,” Nobara said, shrugging and glancing at Megumi with a playful smile.

“But I don’t think I will,” Megumi said suddenly, his voice taking on a more serious tone. Both Toge and Nobara looked at him in surprise. He looked down, his fingers fidgeting with the edge of his sleeve as he spoke. “I’ve been talking to Yuuji. He told me he never wanted to join the Charm School, but his clan forced him to ever since his grandfather died. He plans to run away after the coronation. He mentioned having a half-brother who was the result of his mother’s cheating. He offered Itadori a place to stay. And… he invited me to run away with him.”

Megumi closed his eyes, bracing himself as he awaited their reactions, feeling a mix of anxiety and hope.

“Wow,” Nobara said, her eyes widening in surprise. She looked at Toge, who was staring at Megumi with a mix of shock and curiosity. “Sorry, Toge, I think he won the royal drama competition.” Toge opened his lips in mock offense, pretending to be hurt.

“He hasn’t won. My plot is definitely more dramatic,” Toge said, his voice light with a teasing edge. Megumi let out a relieved laugh, the tension easing from his shoulders.

“So, are you going to run away with him?” Toge asked, leaning forward slightly, his eyes searching Megumi’s face for an answer.

“Maybe. He’s nice,” Megumi admitted, his cheeks flushing slightly as he glanced at Nobara. She grinned mischievously, her eyes twinkling with curiosity, while Megumi sighed, feeling a mix of embarrassment and regret for his honest confession.

“I think you should,” Toge replied softly. “I mean, you have the chance.” He turned his gaze back to the ceiling, a wistful look in his eyes. His fingers drummed idly on his knees as he thought about how he wished Yuuta had offered to run away with them. But their situations were completely different. Yuuta was the heir to the Gojo clan. Running away was one thing, but having to hide was something entirely different.

It didn’t seem quite as romantic.

“You’ll have your chance too,” Megumi assured, noticing the distant look in Toge’s eyes. He shifted his weight against the wall, crossing his arms and offering a reassuring smile. He felt a bit silly for focusing on this when there were so many other important things at hand, but he couldn’t help it. The encounter from the previous night still gave him butterflies. “Yuuta is head over heels for you—it’s almost sickening.”

Toge could have denied it. He usually would. However, Toge laughed and murmured, “Yeah, he is. It’s cute.” As he spoke, he glanced over at Nobara, who chuckled quietly behind him, the sound light and easy.

The room fell into another silence, this one comforting, as the trio enjoyed a brief moment of peace. Then, Nobara suddenly gasped, nearly choking on her surprise. “Oh my god.” Both Toge and Megumi turned to her in unison, their expressions shifting to curiosity. Nobara, with a look of excitement and urgency, held up an envelope. “I found the birth certificate for baby Inumaki.”

Now she had Toge’s full attention. He straightened up abruptly, his heart pounding as he leaned forward, eyes locked on Nobara. Megumi, sensing the gravity of the moment, crawled over to join them, his face a mix of anticipation and concern.

“Why was the baby's name never revealed?” Toge asked, his voice barely above a whisper, a question he had been grappling with since this whole mess began.

“Gojo said it was for security reasons. He always mentioned that Queen Chiyo knew she was in danger, but he never explained why,” Megumi replied, his tone thoughtful as he leaned in closer.

“Gojo-sensei knows so much. It's bizarre,” Nobara murmured, her fingers working quickly as she opened the envelope—her comment made Megumi chuckle softly. “Okay, let me see this…” She quickly scanned the pages, her eyes widening as she read. “It says here that the son of Inumaki Chiyo and Inumaki Kai was born on December 30th in the territory of the Inumaki clan and was named…” She paused dramatically, glancing up at Toge, who was holding his breath. “Inumaki Toge. The heir prince.”

Everything pointed to Toge being the baby Inumaki since that portrait, and yet, hearing that left him blinking, somewhat dazed. His mind raced as he tried to process the confirmation. The room seemed to spin slightly, and he felt a strange mix of satisfaction and disbelief. He was truly the prince.

"Okay, this can't be a coincidence. The person who left you at your father's doorstep knew who you were," Megumi pointed out, his voice steady but tinged with determination.

“But who?” Toge asked, his voice cracking slightly as he struggled to contain his emotions. The uncertainty and concern were palpable in his eyes. Neither Nobara nor Megumi had an answer, and the silence that followed was heavy with unspoken thoughts.

Toge sighed deeply and took the medical record in Prince Inumaki's name, his hands trembling slightly as he flipped through the pages, unconsciously searching for any clues about his throat condition. “Nothing here,” he said after a few moments, his voice laced with frustration.

“Maybe you were injured in the car crash,” Nobara suggested. The idea seemed to fit, but it also brought back the painful realization that his family had died that day. Toge’s heart ached as he thought about how close he had come to death, the weight of the loss and the enormity of his new reality crashing over him.

Toge had never thought much about his biological parents. He was too young to have any memories of them, and even though Suguru wanted to, he had no information about Toge's life before he met him, apart from his name. Dwelling on it would only bring headaches for all of them, and Toge was content and satisfied with his father and younger sisters.

Perhaps that was why realizing the death of his biological family felt like such a heavy burden.

The click of the door opening startled Toge, pulling him out of his spiral of thoughts. He straightened up, his heart racing as he turned toward the sound. “What? Already?” Nobara asked, her eyes widening in surprise.

They had all anticipated Dame Orimoto would wait a bit longer before addressing them. But it wasn’t entirely unexpected—Ema was clearly eager to wrap up the last loose end.

When they saw someone who wasn't Dame Orimoto standing in the doorway, their expressions shifted from apprehension to shock. Toge’s eyes widened, and he blinked several times as if trying to clear his vision. Nobara’s mouth dropped open, her hand flying to her face in surprise. Megumi leaned forward, his brow furrowing in confusion.

"Maki?" Fushiguro was the first to speak, his voice tinged with a mix of disbelief and relief. The green-haired girl grinned, a confident gleam in her eyes.

"I heard that some princes and princesses were in trouble," she said, crossing her arms triumphantly. Toge didn't know how she had managed to open the door, but at that moment, he couldn't have cared less. His heart pounded with a rush of adrenaline.

They all immediately rushed to Maki, a sense of urgency and gratitude washing over them. "Why are you here?" Nobara asked, her voice shaky with a mixture of shock and excitement, her eyes wide and shining.

"To rescue you," Zenin replied as if it were the most obvious thing in the world, her tone carrying a hint of amusement at their surprise.

"But you won't be crowned," Toge murmured, still confused, his brows furrowing as he tried to make sense of the situation.

“Fuck that crown. They didn’t want a woman wearing it anyway." She shrugged nonchalantly, as if dismissing the entire notion of royalty. Nobara sighed, nearly melting on the spot, her admiration for Maki evident in her expression.

"Oh my god, you need to be my girlfriend," Kugisaki blurted out, the words tumbling from her lips before she could stop herself. Her sudden declaration almost made Toge laugh out loud, his tension easing slightly. Maki's smile widened, clearly pleased with herself, and she gave Nobara a playful wink.

But then Megumi's voice broke through the lighthearted moment, snapping everyone back to focus on the situation at hand. “But how did you know we were here?”

“Yuuta told us where to find you if you didn’t show up by the time of the coronation,” Maki explained briefly, her tone growing more urgent as she glanced toward the corridor.

“Wait, you said ‘us’?” Nobara repeated, raising an eyebrow in confusion.

“Yuuji is distracting the guards,” Maki replied.

Now, it was Megumi's turn to raise an eyebrow. “How?”

Maki didn’t even need to answer. A loud, joyful scream echoed from one of the corridors, and moments later, Itadori appeared, his face lit up with a mischievous grin. He was laughing, clearly enjoying himself, as he held up a megaphone blaring an ear-splitting alarm. Panda was running and barking beside him. “Look what I found on one of the shelves!” he shouted, his voice barely audible over the noise. He waved the megaphone, which had an Inumaki seal drawn on it.

They all stared at him, eyes wide, just in time to see a swarm of guards chasing after Yuuji. The sight of them barreling down the hallway was almost comical, but there was no time to waste. “Shit,” Maki's eyes widened in realization. “Run, run, run!” she ordered, her voice cutting through the chaos. Without hesitation, they all bolted, their footsteps pounding against the floor as they sprinted down the corridor.

At first, they just ran aimlessly through the enormous palace, trying to shake off the guards.At one of the turns, Maki shouted over her shoulder, "The only thing that matters is getting Toge to the crown!" Toge was taken aback by her words—it reminded him when Gojo had told him that he would win over followers, not subjugate them under the excuse of a title. He smiled briefly, feeling a surge of determination.

"We’re going to have to split up," Maki continued, her voice urgent. "Some of us won't make it."

“Itadori and I will draw them away!” Megumi offered, his voice steady. Without hesitation, Yuuji grabbed Megumi's hand, ready to put the plan into action. Maki nodded in agreement, quickly signaling for Toge and Nobara to follow her.

They dashed into a nearby living room, the door creaking softly as they slipped inside. The three of them crouched behind a large, ornate sofa, trying to control their breathing. Toge’s eyes darted around the room, and his gaze landed on the television mounted on the wall. It was on, and the coronation was being broadcasted live.

Toge’s eyes widened in shock as he saw Yuuta standing at the center of a grand hall, receiving the crown in a solemn ceremony. Behind him, Rika stood, her expression calm but with an unmistakable aura of concern. Toge's heart raced as he noticed Yuuta’s posture—his face was inscrutable, but his shoulders were tense, betraying his anxiety.

Nobara and Maki noticed Toge's fixation on the TV. "What’s wrong?" Nobara whispered urgently, peering over Toge’s shoulder.

"Yuuta’s being crowned," Toge replied, his voice barely above a whisper. His mind raced with thoughts of the implications.

“They did everything they could to delay the ceremony.” Maki explained, but her expression was determined. “We need to move now, before it’s too late.”

Toge nodded, reluctantly tearing his gaze away from the screen. Through a crack in the door, Toge watched as Megumi and Yuuji—and Panda—sprinted past, still holding hands. Their footsteps were frantic, deliberately loud, meant to draw the guards away. A few seconds later, the guards thundered by, completely oblivious to the fact that they had missed three of their targets.

As they prepared to leave, the sound of the guards’ footsteps grew faint, and Maki, Nobara, and Toge slipped out of the room.

Maki quickly took charge. "I know a shortcut," she said, her voice firm. She led Toge and Nobara through a series of narrow corridors, finally arriving at a concealed staircase.

Maki took the lead again, her footsteps echoing softly on the old wooden steps. Toge and Nobara followed closely, their breaths visible in the cool air of the staircase.

As they climbed higher, the sound of the coronation ceremony grew faint but still discernible, adding urgency to their steps. Maki's face remained focused and resolute, guiding them with practiced efficiency. Finally, they emerged onto a mezzanine overlooking the grand hall where the ceremony was taking place.

Toge sprinted to the railing just in time to see the crown hovering mere inches above Rika's head. “Wait!” Toge shouted, stretching out his hand, his voice resonating through the hall with a surprising force. He couldn’t remember the last time he had spoken so loudly—his throat even hurt.

Everyone in the hall turned their heads in unison, their whispers growing into a cacophony of gasps and murmurs. Yuuta’s eyes widened in recognition, and he looked toward Toge with a mix of happiness and relief. Rika, momentarily taken aback, managed a small, relieved smile. Gojo’s eyes twinkled with intrigue, and a broad grin spread across his face, while Ema’s face contorted into a scowl of irritation.

“No!” Dame Orimoto’s voice cut through the noise, her tone sharp and commanding. “Do not wait!”

Toge's heart pounded as he stepped forward, his gaze locked onto the man holding the crown. “I am making a claim to the throne, as Prince Inumaki Toge, son of Queen Inumaki Chiyo,” he declared, his voice steady and resolute despite the chaos surrounding him.

A wave of shocked gasps rippled through the crowd. Heads turned back and forth between Toge and the increasingly agitated Ema.

“You know, there is a resemblance…” Miss Utahime's voice rang out, her tone filled with astonishment as she surveyed the scene.

“This is ridiculous!” Dame Orimoto scoffed, her laughter harsh and derisive. “The prince died seventeen years ago. Finish the coronation and make Princess Rika the ruler of the Inumaki clan for life!” Her voice grew louder with each word, her frustration palpable.

Gojo raised an eyebrow, his expression a mix of amusement and challenge. “Dame Orimoto, that’s a serious claim. We need to—” But she cut him off.

“We need to crown my daughter!” Ema’s eyes were locked onto Rika, who now seemed more anxious than ever, her hands fidgeting at her sides.

In the midst of the uproar, Toge felt Maki and Nobara grasping his arms firmly, their urgency apparent. Both girls quickly descended the mezzanine with Toge in tow, their steps echoing off the grand walls of the palace. As they reached the main floor, they hurried into the hall, their eyes scanning the chaotic scene before them.

Toge's gaze locked onto Ema, who was furiously grappling with the man holding the crown. Her hands, now visible through the throng of people, were pulling and tugging at the crown with relentless force, desperate to wrest it from his grasp. Her face was a mask of frustration and fury, the tension palpable in the way her body strained against the resistance.

He could see Yuuta trying to pull Rika away from her mother, his hands gently gripping her arms as he looked around, clearly unsure of how to intervene in the chaotic scene unfolding before him. Toge's heart raced as he drew closer, eyes locked on the purple crown in Dame Orimoto’s hands.

Just as he was about to reach them, Dame Orimoto lunged forward, her fingers closing around the crown with a triumphant gleam in her eyes. Toge's breath caught in his throat—especially when she noticed him standing there, her gaze locking onto his. A smug, mocking smile spread across her lips, making his stomach churn.

Then, in a blur of movement, everything shifted. One moment, Ema was striding toward Rika, crown in hand, and Yuuta was just opening his mouth to protest. The next, a streak of fur bolted across the room. Panda crashed into Ema with full force, sending her stumbling back as the crown flew from her grasp.

Right behind the Bernese Mountain dog, Megumi and Yuuji were sprinting at full speed, their eyes locked on the chaos unfolding. The sound of guards chasing after them echoed through the hall, but neither of them slowed.

The tiara tumbled through the air, spinning wildly, before arcing down toward the ground.

Yuuta’s reflexes kicked in, and he extended his hand, catching the crown just before it hit the floor.

Dame Orimoto, regaining her composure, pushed Panda away with a look of disgust before crossing her arms. She smiled with satisfaction when she noticed Okkotsu holding the crown, her eyes gleaming as she spoke. "Thank you very much, Yuuta. I always knew you were the best choice for my daughter's fiancé."

Toge, who had instinctively started toward Yuuta, halted mid-step at her words. “Yuuta,” he called, whispering. His heart sank, a cold realization washing over him. He blinked, his gaze shifting from Yuuta to Rika—oh, right, he was the intruder.

When he saw Okkotsu and Orimoto exchanging silent glances, with the girl nodding slightly, Toge lowered his head, resigned to the fact that he couldn't compete with someone who held so many important roles in Yuuta's life. 'Waiter Toge' meeting 'prince Yuuta’ again. Inumaki might be the person Yuuta wanted, but Rika was who he needed—the princess, the one trained for this since childhood, not the boy with the injured throat and poor family.

His choice was obvious, everyone knew it. And to Yuuta, it was especially obvious.

He didn't hesitate for a second before gently placing the crown on Toge's head.

The purple diamonds of the crown began to glow, and Toge could hear murmurs of surprise from the crowd. He lifted his face again, meeting Yuuta’s gaze, only to find him staring intently at his face. The sensation of the crown settling into place sent a tingling feeling through his skin and tongue as the snake and fangs seals began to manifest on his face. The intricate patterns seemed to pulse with a life of their own.

Megumi and Nobara exchanged joyful glances, their eyes reflecting the thrill of the moment. “It is Prince Inumaki!” Miwa’s voice cut through the crowd, full of astonished disbelief. Toge touched the seals on his face with his own hands, feeling the rough texture of the newly etched skin. Yuuta’s warm, caring smile met Toge’s, who managed a shaky smile in return.

“You useless child!” Dame Orimoto’s voice erupted, filled with scorn, causing everyone to flinch. She pointed a shaking finger at Rika, who recoiled in shock. “You couldn’t even hold onto your man!” Her voice dripped with disdain, treating Toge and Yuuta as mere pawns. “I eliminated Queen Chiyo so you could become princess one day!”

The confession sent a wave of gasps through the crowd, their murmurs rising in volume. Toge’s mouth fell open in disbelief, his hand moving instinctively to cover his gaping mouth. Even Rika’s eyes widened in shock. Yuuta, with a protective instinct, stepped in front of Toge, his body forming a solid barrier between him and Dame Orimoto. His expression darkened, eyes flashing with a fierce resolve as if he saw Dame Orimoto as a direct threat to Inumaki’s safety.

Ema realized she had said too much and tried to smooth over the situation. “No,” she murmured, forcing a false smile, her eyes betraying her desperation. “That’s not what I meant…”

But Gojo didn’t give her a chance to rectify her mistake. With a serious expression almost as intimidating as Yuuta’s and a decisive gesture, he said, “Ichiji. Take her away.”

“No! You can’t do this to me! Get your hands off me! You have to crown Rika!” she shouted, her voice growing desperate as she flailed against the guards, who were following Ichiji. Her cries echoed through the hall as they began to drag her away. Rika’s gaze shifted to her with sadness, her eyes downcast as she watched the scene unfold.

Toge, feeling a surge of empathy, moved closer to Rika. His footsteps were calm as he reached out, gently placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. Rika flinched slightly at the unexpected touch but then looked up at Toge with a grateful, though tearful, smile.

“I'm sorry,” she said to him, probably referring to everything she and her mother had done throughout the semester.

In response, Toge offered a warm, understanding smile. “I'm sorry too," he said, referring to Ema in general. He gave a slight nod, his gesture conveying his acknowledgment of her help last night. Rika bowed deeply, which surprised Toge, but he smiled wider—especially when Yuuta approached from behind, placing one hand on Toge’s waist and the other on Rika’s shoulder.

“Prince Toge,” Gojo called, his voice light but tinged with amusement. Inumaki straightened up, bowing slightly in response. “Is there anything you’d like to say to your new subjects?”

Toge’s mind raced for a moment. He closed his eyes briefly, feeling the weight of everyone’s gaze on him. The room seemed to hold its breath. Just as he was searching for the right words, he felt Yuuta’s breath close to his ear, warm and reassuring. “This is your clan, Toge. You made them kneel,” Yuuta whispered, his tone calm but powerful.

Toge smiled softly, their eyes locking, mere inches apart, and for a brief second, the world felt smaller—just the two of them in that moment. But with a nod of understanding, he stepped away from Yuuta, letting the warmth of the connection linger as he moved forward.

As Toge ascended the few steps to the stage, each step seemed heavier, the weight of the crown more tangible on his head. He reached the center of the platform and turned to face the sea of eyes staring back at him, his heart pounding. His gaze swept across the room, meeting familiar faces—Gojo’s satisfied grin, Maki’s confident smirk, Nobara’s proud smile, Megumi’s eased presence, Yuuji's excited face.

Yuuta's intense eyes.

“Hello,” he began, his voice strong but edged with uncertainty. He paused, feeling the pressure to say something grand, something fit for a prince. The silence stretched, but then Toge let out a small breath—he could make any place his castle, and any word a speech because it was him. His hands began to move as he signed along with his words, more comfortable in his own language. “I’m just a regular boy. I have a part-time job as a waiter, and I live with my family in a house with fewer rooms than people.”

He glanced down for a second, his fingers brushing against the seals on his face. He smiled, almost to himself. “I always thought there was no space for me in royalty. Or worse, that there was no space for royalty in me.”

He glanced around—first at Yuuta, then at Gojo, Nobara, Maki, Yuuji and Megumi.

“I’m glad I was wrong. I’m glad I had people who showed me—not how to be, but how not to stop being.”

Toge paused, his hands resting at his sides now, his gaze soft as he added, “It is an honor to be your prince.”

The hall was silent for a beat, almost as if everyone was absorbing his words. Then, suddenly, Maki and Nobara began to clap, their applause sharp and strong. The sound spread like wildfire, the entire crowd joining in, their cheers growing louder.

“Toge, this is the moment when the Prince of the Inumaki clan chooses his lady royal,” Satoru approached him, speaking more privately. “It's an important decision, I know,” he added, waving his hand dismissively. “If you need more time—”

Inumaki shook his head, his gaze determined. “I already know who I want.” He then turned back to the crowd, the weight of the moment palpable. “It would be an incredible privilege if my lady royal could be… Nobara.”

The hall fell into a hush as Toge’s eyes met Nobara’s. She stood frozen, her hand flying to her mouth in shock. The gasps and murmurs from the crowd created a ripple of anticipation. Toge gave a soft chuckle, the choice seeming clearly obvious to him. “You've got my back since the first day. I owe you this one.”

“Yeah, you do,” Nobara responded with a playful smirk, but her eyes were twinkling with a mix of gratitude and delight.

Inumaki, rolling his eyes yet smiling, carefully took a step closer. “Will you accept?”

Nobara immediately stepped forward, her eyes gleaming with emotion. “I would be honored, Your Highness.” With a graceful curtsy, she lowered herself.

Toge’s eyes softened as he nodded in approval. Gojo handed the ornate crown to Toge, who carefully approached Nobara. As he placed the crown on her head, the crowd’s applause grew louder, their clapping echoing through the hall. Nobara, now adorned with the delicate tiara, gave a deep, respectful bow to the crowd.

“Lady Royal Nobara of the Inumaki clan!” Satoru announced with a flourish, his voice carrying over the clamor.

“I'm thrilled that everything ended well, but we still have one final matter to address, Prince Inumaki,” Gojo’s voice cut through the murmurs of the crowd. Toge tilted his head slightly, intrigued. “The agreement was that the marriage between the heir of the Inumaki clan and the heir of the Gojo clan would be formalized following the coronation.”

Toge's eyes widened as he realized that Satoru had not mentioned Rika directly but rather the position she once held. The implications of this revelation struck him with sudden clarity—he hadn’t connected the dots before. It was never about Rika, but her title.

Toge didn’t know what to say. He liked Yuuta, of course, but marriage? He was too young for that. He and Yuuta hadn’t really had the chance to talk about their feelings, with the whole arranged fiancée situation and potential royal blood. Moreover, this union wasn’t even about romance to begin with, and Toge couldn’t allow himself to be selfish and prioritize his individuality over his new role as prince.

Unsure of how to respond, Inumaki looked into Yuuta’s eyes, only to find them firmly fixed on the ground.

“No,” Yuuta said abruptly. Toge furrowed his brow, initially confused by his decisiveness. And then, as if Okkotsu could read his mind, he turned to Toge and gently took his hands in his own. The size difference between them made Toge feel almost enveloped by Yuuta’s presence. “I don’t want you to marry me just because you think it’s the right thing to do. I want you to want it. I want to win you over.” Yuuta’s voice was soft, earnest, as he pressed a tender kiss to the backs of Toge’s hands.

The gesture sent a shiver up Toge’s spine. His heart raced as he gazed into Yuuta’s eyes, which were now filled with affection. The crowd’s murmurs faded into the background as Toge took in the sincerity of Yuuta’s words.

Everyone present seemed to be waiting anxiously for Toge’s response. He smiled, his cheeks flushing as he struggled to contain his emotions. “You have my permission, Prince Okkotsu Yuuta,” he finally declared, his voice carrying a hint of teasing as he struggled to maintain his composure.

Yuuta’s face lit up with a wide, relieved smile. He gave an exaggerated bow, his eyes never leaving Toge’s. “I’m relieved,” he said, his tone suddenly warm and flirtatious, catching Inumaki off guard. “Because you already have my heart, Prince Inumaki Toge.”

Toge had completely lost track of time, caught up in greeting so many people who, before, had never even acknowledged him. His coronation had made him the center of attention, and he still wasn’t used to the overwhelming formality.

“Your Highness,” Nobara called, interrupting the steady flow of people around him. She smiled with amusement as she spoke so formally, already slipping into her role as the lady royal. “There are some important people here to see you.”

She stepped aside, revealing Suguru walking hand-in-hand with Nanako and Mimiko, their eyes wide with wonder at the grand palace. For a moment, Inumaki froze, his heart racing at the sight of them. Then, his face lit up instantly.

“Nanako! Mimiko!” He opened his arms wide. “Dad!”

“Toge!” The girls ran toward Toge, flinging themselves into his arms at the same time. The embrace was tight and filled with longing. Inumaki closed his eyes, finally able to relax, now that his family was with him again. He knelt down to their height, hugging them even tighter, overwhelmed by a sense of relief he hadn’t felt in a long time.

They pulled back slightly as Suguru approached, his calm steps echoing through the hall. ‘Welcome to our new home,’ Toge signed, smiling brightly as he gestured toward the vast castle. His smile only grew wider when he saw the excitement in Nanako and Mimiko’s eyes.

“Really? We get to live in the palace?” Nanako clutched tightly at Toge’s robe, as if that could make the dream real.

“We do,” Toge whispered, confirming it, gently brushing his hand over her head. Mimiko nestled into his side, her face lit up with an enchanted smile, while Suguru watched the scene with a calm, affectionate gaze.

“Oh, Toge…” Geto finally said, his voice thick with emotion. He was looking at Inumaki with such pride and care—suddenly, all those tough months now felt like nothing. He studied Inumaki intently, taking in every detail, the weight of unspoken words lingering between them. “How are you feeling?” Suguru barely whispered, his voice gentle yet filled with meaning. It wasn’t just about the moment—it was about everything.

Toge didn’t need to speak to know Suguru understood. Suguru saw him—not as Prince Inumaki, not as the boy who had once served tables—but as Toge. His son. The one he knew as if they shared the same heartbeat.

"Now that you're here, I've never been better," Toge spoke out loud. He didn’t want to move even an inch away from Suguru just to sign. He needed this closeness, this moment. Yes, what happened to his biological parents was a tragedy. But Suguru and the twins were the family he knew, and they were here —right where they belonged.

“You’ll finally be able to rest,” Toge assured, relief flooding his voice, mixed with a deep sense of pride. He looked at Suguru closely, noticing how much better he seemed. The dark circles that had haunted his face for months had lightened, and his usually disheveled hair was now loose and silky, with a small bun sitting neatly on top. Nanako and Mimiko’s hair had grown longer too, and seeing how they had changed made Inumaki feel a surge of nostalgia. Time had passed—he had made it, they all had. They made it through those months. “I’ll pay you back for everything, I promise.”

Suguru’s face softened, his eyes glowing with affection. “Oh, Toge, you don’t owe me anything. I’d do it all over again for the three of you,” his gaze lingered on Inumaki, and after a brief pause, his expression turned more serious, though still tender. “You’ve been through some hard times, haven’t you?” His voice was low, almost a whisper, as if he knew exactly how much Toge had endured without needing to ask. Then came that smile—a smile so paternal, so full of gentle care, that it stirred something deep inside Toge. It was the kind of smile that reminded him of safety, of home, of being cared for without asking.

In that moment, Toge felt small, like a child, and before he knew it, he had thrown himself into Suguru’s arms. His body moved instinctively, seeking comfort and security in the familiar embrace.

Suguru wrapped him tightly in a hug, his hand coming to rest on the back of Toge’s head, fingers threading gently through his hair. “I’m sorry for what happened,” Suguru whispered softly into Toge’s hair, his voice cracking just a bit. He was referring to the car crash—they had probably seen Ema’s words during the transmission.

Toge buried his face deeper into Suguru’s shoulder. The embrace was grounding, pulling him back from the overwhelming storm that had been his life recently. He could feel Suguru’s steady heartbeat, and it made him feel anchored, safe.

“I’m so proud of you,” Suguru murmured after a moment, his voice filled with genuine awe. He gently reached up, his fingers brushing over the seals on Toge’s face, a soft smile forming as he did so. Then, he pulled back just enough to look Toge in the eyes, his expression beaming with pride. “My boy is a prince now.”

They both chuckled.

“Toge,” Mimiko called quietly. Inumaki turned to her immediately, noticing the thoughtful look on her face. “If you're a prince now, does that mean we’re princesses too?” Her wide eyes shimmered with curiosity, and Nanako, standing beside her, looked up at Toge with the same expectant expression, eyes wide and hopeful.

Toge's lips curved into a gentle smile. He stepped away from Suguru just long enough to reach up and take off his crown—placing it on Mimiko’s head. “Of course,” he said, ruffling Nanako’s hair playfully with his free hand. Nanako let out an exaggerated groan, immediately swatting his hand away.

Toge chuckled silently and signed with a sense of pride, ‘You can make any place your own.’ The words came naturally, and for a moment, he felt like he was passing on wisdom—a truth that felt right. He could see how much it meant to them, especially when Mimiko reached up to touch the crown on her head, as if to make sure it was real.

His heart swelled even more when he sensed the presence of the one who had spoken those words to him long ago.

“Toge,” a familiar voice called softly. Yuuta approached, his steps slow and measured, as if he didn’t want to break the moment. Without thinking, he placed a gentle hand on Inumaki’s waist, a natural and unconscious gesture of intimacy and caring.

Inumaki felt a warmth spread through him at the touch, and his eyes flickered over to Yuuta with a soft smile. But before he could sign anything, Nanako and Mimiko, who had been watching quietly, suddenly burst into giggles. They nudged each other, eyes sparkling mischievously as they pointed at Yuuta. It was clear they recognized him from the transmission.

“You must be Geto,” Yuuta said, addressing Suguru with a respectful nod. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Okkotsu then performed a deep bow, so profound that Suguru felt a rush of embarrassment. He reached out to steady Yuuta, his face a mix of surprise and discomfort. The heir Gojo prince treating a commoner like him with such reverence felt almost surreal. Suguru's heart pounded—it reminded him of things he had promised to forget.

Yuuta then extended his hand, and when Suguru accepted, he raised it to his lips and placed a gentle kiss on the back of it. The gesture was unexpected and left Suguru momentarily stunned. He stood there, his eyes wide open, unable to form words as Yuuta continued, “I hope you will grant me permission to court your son.”

Before he could gather his thoughts, Nanako and Mimiko drew their attention by clearing their throats loudly, almost in unison. They stood with arms crossed and expectant expressions.

“You’ll also need our permission to court our brother!” Nanako declared with a serious expression, her hands placed firmly on her hips. Mimiko, mirroring her sister’s stance, raised an eyebrow.

Toge, observing the scene with a mix of amusement and affection, chuckled quietly. He signed playfully, ‘They can be easily bought.’ His smile widened as he watched Nanako's reaction.

Her initial look of offense melted into one of excited anticipation as she looked up at Yuuta, clearly eager to hear his response.

“It's okay. I can buy anything in the world, even the moon, if it means making you mine,” he declared with a playful glint in his eyes. “I will be the happiest man on earth pampering you and your sisters.”

Toge's eyes widened slightly at Yuuta’s bold declaration, a mix of surprise and delight flickering across his face. The twins burst into giggles, their earlier seriousness replaced by joyous laughter. Toge’s face turned a deep shade of red, his cheeks flushed with a blend of embarrassment and shyness. He tried to hide his face behind his hand, but it only made the situation more endearing.

Even Suguru let out a soft chuckle.

Suddenly, a new voice entered the conversation. “I knew you’d take care of him,” said Gojo, his tone laced with amusement as he approached them with his imposing height and hands shoved in his pockets.

Toge initially thought Gojo was speaking to Yuuta, but he quickly realized that his teacher’s gaze was fixed directly and intensely on his father.

“It was you!..” Suguru said, his frown deepening as he connected the dots. The look of confusion was evident on both Inumaki’s and Okkotsu’s faces as they glanced between Suguru and Gojo.

“Wait, you know him?” Toge asked, turning to his father with a blend of curiosity and disbelief. Suguru shrugged nonchalantly, though his cheeks flushed slightly, betraying a hint of shyness. His usual composure was slipping.

Gojo, standing beside them with a broad grin, couldn’t help but chuckle. “I asked Ichiji to bring them. You’ve grown up well, Suguru. Still as pretty as ever,” he said, openly praising Suguru. The statement added another layer of surprise, as it was clear Gojo was quite familiar with Suguru. The room’s confusion grew as everyone tried to piece together the relationship.

“Let’s just say I was a terrible heir and kept skipping my meetings with the Inumaki clan to cause trouble with a certain commoner,” Gojo continued, his grin widening as he reminisced. He winked at Suguru, who looked both embarrassed and exasperated.

Toge’s eyes widened in disbelief. “No way. Dad, you were a rebel!” he exclaimed, a mix of shock and amusement in his voice.

Suguru sighed in frustration, rubbing the back of his neck. “That’s exactly why I never told any of you about this,” he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “ Thanks, Satoru .”

“I can’t believe you dated the Gojo prince and never told us!” Nanako exclaimed, her voice rising in surprise. Suguru stood frozen, his face reddening with embarrassment.

“Don’t say that, Nanako!” Mimiko scolded, lightly smacking her sister’s shoulder. Her eyes were wide, trying to signal her sister to stop.

“Yeah, don’t say that. You’re embarrassing him,” Satoru chimed in, a mischievous grin spreading across his face as he teased Suguru.

Suguru rolled his eyes with a dramatic sigh, clearly exasperated. “ You are embarrassing me, Satoru,” he said, his tone a mix of irritation and resignation.

Toge watched the scene unfold with a mixture of confusion and amusement. Yuuta leaned closer to his ear and whispered softly, “Now I know where your charm comes from.” His voice was warm and teasing.

Inumaki rolled his eyes in a manner very similar to his father. “And I definitely know where your confidence came from,” he retorted sharply, maintaining eye contact just inches away.

“It worked with both of us,” Okkotsu smiled.

Toge simply shook his head with a smirk, deliberately ignoring Yuuta as he turned to the twins. 'Come on. I want to introduce you to everyone.'

Inumaki left the hall in search of some fresh air. A lot had happened in the last 48 hours—in the past few months, actually.

He found a quiet balcony on the mezzanine, tucked away from the lively celebrations below, and leaned on the cool metal railing. After leaving Nanako and Mimiko with Yuuji and Yuuta—although, in truth, it might have been the other way around, as the last thing Toge saw was the twins giggling while Yuuji and Yuuta carried them on their backs—it was good to be alone for a while.

It felt a bit strange to be exploring corners of a place that was supposed to be his home—a place that is his home, starting today. He hadn't fully come to terms with that yet. During the day, the view from here was probably stunning, with the gardens sprawling beneath the balcony and the horizon stretching far into the distance. But at night, illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns and the pale shimmer of the moon, it was simply ethereal—otherworldly, even.

He had passed by Suguru and Satoru on his way out, catching a brief glimpse of the two of them in a secluded corner of the hall, deep in conversation. Suguru was leaning casually against the wall while Gojo was leaning over him, one arm propped against the wall beside Suguru’s head. Their faces were close, too close for a casual conversation. Inumaki had quickly looked away, not wanting to intrude—they seemed to have a lot to talk about, anyway.

He exhaled slowly, watching his breath disappear into the cool night air. A slight tremor ran through his body as a gust of wind swept past, causing the loose strands of his hair to flutter.

"Finally, we found you, Your Majesty." The silence was broken by Nobara's playful voice. Toge smiled softly and turned around, finding her standing with Megumi at the entrance to the balcony. Nobara’s eyes sparkled with mischief, while Megumi had a small smile on his lips.

"I don't think I'll ever get used to you calling me that," Inumaki commented, his voice carrying an amused tone. He adjusted his position slightly, his fingers gripping the edge of the railing as he spoke.

“Me too. Actually, that's why I'm practicing,” Nobara said with a grin, her tone as lighthearted as ever. Toge couldn’t help but laugh at Nobara’s explanation. It was so typical of her.

The duo quickly joined Inumaki at the end of the balcony. "Damn, we're all crowned now," Megumi murmured, leaning back against the railing.

“I think I owe you an apology for that,” Toge said, though his tone was light. “I mean, I sort of ruined your plan to run away with Yuuji.” He made a dismissive gesture with his hand as he spoke—now that Fushiguro had been crowned as the heir prince of the Zenin clan, escaping would be a bit more complicated than initially planned.

Fushiguro laughed, a hint of mischief in his eyes. “I can still pull it off,” he shrugged, his posture relaxed and confident. “I have the princes of the Gojo and Inumaki clans to back me up.” He looked at Nobara and Toge with a grin, obviously joking, making them both laugh.

‘You'll always have us,’ Toge signed, his gestures sinceres despite Megumi’s attempt at humor. His smile shifted from playful to more reserved and shy as he glanced away.

“You’ll always have me, too,” Megumi replied, his gaze fixed on the ground, avoiding eye contact.

Nobara made a playful cooing sound, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Fushiguro, I didn’t know you could be so sentimental,” she teased, nudging him lightly with her elbow.

“I take back everything I said—you will never see me again,” Megumi grumbled, crossing his arms with a mock scowl. He turned slightly, as if preparing to walk away, but the corners of his lips betrayed his amusement.

Toge burst into a hearty, affectionate laugh, his eyes crinkling with genuine fondness. He reached out and gave Megumi a light, playful shove.

They were still the same, and in a way, that made Inumaki feel like he was exactly where he was meant to be.

“Are we interrupting something?” Yuuta’s voice immediately caught Toge’s attention. The trio turned toward the entrance simultaneously, finding Yuuta and Maki standing there. Yuuta leaned casually against the doorframe, his hands in his pockets and his eyes fixed on Inumaki as if he were holding the moon, while Maki stood beside him with a raised eyebrow, clearly amused by the scene.

“Oh, no, we’re done here, right, Megumi?” Nobara replied without hesitation, giving Fushiguro a playful nudge with her shoulder. She flashed a mischievous grin and leaned closer to Inumaki. “We’ll leave the lovebirds alone.” She whispered this—still loud enough for everyone to hear—and while Inumaki might have had a response, Nobara didn’t give him a chance to reply. She grabbed Megumi by the sleeve and began to drag him away. “I’m sure Itadori needs some help with babysitting Toge’s sisters.”

Maki stepped forward, crossing her arms with a smirk, and roughly pulled Yuuta toward Toge, her movements deliberate and playful. Yuuta stumbled slightly, catching himself with a chuckle as he looked back at Maki, who winked at him.

They looked like a bunch of teenagers. It felt good.

Toge watched them leave until only he and Yuuta remained on the balcony. The wind made Inumaki shiver again, this time more intensely, and only then did he realize he had left his jacket in the vault before rushing after Maki, with everything afterward becoming a blur of adrenaline.

He didn’t have time to think about it as Yuuta moved with quiet resolve, removing his own jacket and gently draping it over Toge’s shoulders. The welcome warmth made him let out a satisfied sigh.

Yuuta kept his eyes on Toge for a few more seconds, a look of contentment settling on his face as he ensured Toge was warm and taken care of. He then turned and leaned against the railing, his posture relaxed yet attentive. Inumaki mirrored his movement, pulling the white jacket a bit closer around himself, feeling the comforting presence of Yuuta nearby.

“You’re doing well,” Yuuta complimented, his voice gentle and sincere. Toge nearly laughed at Okkotsu’s sudden sweetness. “But if it gets to be too much, you can always talk to me.”

“I know,” Toge replied, his voice warm and filled with a soft smile that was almost audible. “I just needed to think a bit,” he added, his gaze drifting back to the view before them. The city lights twinkled below, casting a serene glow.

Inumaki felt the urge to sign, so he turned halfway, making Yuuta do the same, positioning them face to face, with almost no space between them. The closeness was intimate, charged with an unspoken connection.

Yuuta immediately focused all his attention on Toge— how could he not? The way his eyes stayed locked on Toge, filled with a mix of attention and affection, pleased Inumaki more than he would admit aloud.

‘It’s still a bit strange,’ he confessed. His next gestures came more slowly and hesitantly, thoughts Toge had had while trapped in the vault hours earlier with no prospect of escape, and that he wasn’t sure if he should share. ‘How different everything would have been if it weren’t for the..’ , he paused. ‘Car accident.’

It was strange to think about the accident because Toge still couldn’t fully process that these were his parents. It seemed so distant, yet at the same time, so close and intimate. He understood that discovering his family had been murdered rather than being victims of an accident was a lot for anyone to digest. He didn’t feel bad for not being deeply affected by the news—he felt bad for knowing so little about his parents that he couldn’t even go through the mourning process properly. Even that had been taken from him.

He felt Yuuta’s hand on his waist, drawing gentle circles with his thumb, and his mind began to slow down. The soothing touch was a balm to his frayed nerves. He closed his eyes briefly, feeling grateful for Yuuta’s presence and the warmth that seemed to ease the ache inside him.

‘I mean, Rika and I are cousins. This is weird,’ Toge added, trying to lighten the mood with a small, knowing smile. ‘We might have known each other since we were kids, maybe.’

“Maybe,” Yuuta agreed, his voice soft and reassuring. “But that doesn’t matter much. I know I would find my way to you.” He reached out, tucking a stray lock of hair behind Toge’s ear, his touch lingering just a moment longer than necessary.

Toge felt a funny twist in his chest. It wasn’t fair how easily Yuuta could affect him.

Inumaki felt Okkotsu’s hand gently move up to his face, tracing the seals on his cheeks as if Toge were a work of art. The soft, deliberate touch sent shivers down his spine. He remained silent, fearing what might come out of his mouth if he tried to speak, but he couldn’t help it when Yuuta’s thumb brushed against his lower lip, the feather-light contact making his breath hitch.

“Yuuta,” he whispered, a breathless call that was part plea, part surrender.

“Have I told you how beautiful you are?” Okkotsu asked softly, leaning in slightly. His breath was warm against Toge’s skin, creating a palpable tension that made Toge’s heart race. The closeness was intoxicating, making his mind spin with anticipation.

“You have,” Inumaki tried to sound teasing, but his voice emerged more as a wistful sigh, full of longing.

“And have I told you that I haven’t been able to stop thinking about kissing you since the posture training day?” Yuuta’s confession was a soft, earnest murmur. The words hung in the air, thick with emotion. It should have shocked Toge, but instead, he felt even more enraptured by the sheer intensity of Yuuta’s presence.

“No, I think you haven’t mentioned that yet,” Toge replied, trying to tease again, though his voice wavered with the weight of the moment. Okkotsu’s chuckle was a soft, intimate sound against his skin, making Toge feel the warmth of his breath on his lips.

God, he was so close. When Inumaki looked into Yuuta’s eyes, he saw the raw, intense desire reflected back at him. It was the spark that ignited Toge’s resolve. He grasped the thick strands of Yuuta’s hair, his fingers tangling in the soft strands, and pulled him closer, closing the tiny remaining space between them.

The sudden movement caused their lips to collide awkwardly at first, their teeth clashing briefly. Okkotsu pulled back just slightly, a soft, affectionate laugh escaping him. “A toast to us,” he murmured, his eyes twinkling with a mix of affection and mischief, referring to the sound of their initial collision. That simple gesture melted Toge’s heart further.

Yuuta leaned in again, pressing his lips to Inumaki’s in a deeper, more deliberate kiss. The kiss was tender yet fervent, a melding of emotions and promises. It started slow, with gentle explorations, but quickly deepened into a dance of passion, each movement speaking of unspoken desires and heartfelt connection.

Toge’s hands roamed up to cradle Yuuta’s face, pulling him closer as if he wanted to merge into him entirely. When they finally pulled apart, their foreheads rested together, and they gazed into each other’s eyes, their breaths mingling in the cool night air.

Yuuta’s hands continued to caress Toge’s face, his thumbs brushing softly over his cheeks. “Cheers,” he added with a warm smile, his gaze full of adoration, before pressing his lips to Inumaki’s once more.