The Crown Prince's Love

"Randy," I shouted, removing the honorifics.

It felt more natural to speak that way because I was fed up with saying, "Your Highness."

"Desmond," He acknowledged, facing me with a stoic look. "Any problem?"

"Why are you changing rooms? Is there something going on?" I asked.

Randy's response was abrupt, his eyes meeting mine with uncharacteristic firmness. "It's none of your business, Desmond."

My eyes widened at his sharp response, and I struggled to find my voice. "None of my business?" I repeated. "I am your bodyguard, Randy. I am supposed to protect you."

"A role I never wanted you to have. It was my parents who made you my guard, not me. So what are you trying to say?"

"I..." I stuttered, but he cut me off.

"I don't need you to be my guard any longer. Once I change my room, you won't have to bother about anything anymore," He stated and turned to leave. However, I grabbed his hand. Time stood still, and it felt like it was just us. A surge of electricity coursed through my body as our eyes met, and beneath his stoic look, I sensed a feeling of want.

We stared at each other until Randy broke the silence.

"Let me go right now!" He yelled at me.

I tightened my grip slightly, the magical sensation intensifying.

"Afraid, Randy?" I questioned the words hanging in the air like a challenge. "Afraid of the things I could do to you?" I muttered in a lone tone, hoping he could understand what I meant. Randy's eyes widened, and I watched him visibly gulp as he yanked his hand from mine. "What the hell are you saying? Are you insane?" He shouted.

"Yes, I am going crazy because you are giving me the silent treatment," I admitted.

"Why have you refused to talk to me? Stop giving me the silent treatment, please!"

Randy chuckled. "Then deal with it. You also gave me a silent treatment years ago," He stated, then paused momentarily. "By Saturday, after Ana's birthday party, I will be moving out," He announced and turned to leave. "You are relieved of your duties.'

"Randy!" I shouted his name, and he stopped.

Just as I was about to talk to him, I heard Ana's voice at the dormitory entrance.

"Your Highness," She greeted Randy and then walked towards me to hug me.

"Desmond," She wrapped her arms around me. When she finally let go of me, I looked toward Randy and realized that he was gone, losing my chance to speak to him about changing his mind.

~Randy~

It had been two days since I last spoke with Desmond. It was a decision I had to make for my happiness, freeing myself from thoughts of my crush on him and him being with someone else. Desmond had made every effort to communicate, but I ignored him. In the worst cases, I would wake up early and leave the house before he even woke up.

Was I happy?

No.

Did I want it to continue?

No, but I felt I had no choice. For my well being, I needed to accept that one day, I would have to reject the fact that Desmond was the one I loved and wanted.

Today was the day I was supposed to move out of our shared room and be alone. It was also Ana's birthday ceremony.

Desmond had left five minutes earlier, and I pretended not to hear him even when he announced his departure. I intended to continue the silent treatment once I left the room. It was the best option.

My secret would be safe, and Desmond, who didn't even look at me the same way, wouldn't have to worry about anything.

Standing in front of the mirror, I admired my reflection.

I wore black pants, a snug fitting black turtleneck highlighting my muscles, and a burgundy blazer with white sneakers. After checking myself for about five minutes, I took mirror pictures I never intended to post. Once done, I headed out of the room.

Exiting the dormitory, I found my siblings standing beside a black limousine. Ana said the party was in a hall close to the school. Despite my reluctance to attend parties, I had no option but to go because I had promised to be there. Noah waved at me, and Sonnia clapped her hands.

Noah wore a blue tuxedo, while Sonnia wore a glittering short red dress. From afar, they looked like the celebrants with their sophisticated outfits.

"You look dashing, Randy!" Sonnia squealed as I approached them. "If you weren't my brother, I would date you," she added.

"Ewww," Noah remarked, placing his hands on my shoulders. "Our sister is starting to act like this because she is single," He tutted.

Sonnia frowned at him and pointed a finger towards me. "You and Desmond are both matching except for the colors."

Just as she finished saying this, I saw Desmond walking towards us, hand entwined with Ana's. Our eyes met briefly, but I quickly looked away, pretending not to see him, and turned to face Ana with a smile. "Happy birthday, dear." I said to her.

She returned the smile and hugged me without removing her hands from Desmond's.

"Thank you for coming, Crown Prince. I never expected you to attend the party," She added.

What did she mean by that?

I wondered as I let go of her.

She had invited me, and now she was pretending she hadn't.

I laughed shortly and shrugged my shoulders. "You came for my birthday two years ago, so I should return the favor." I replied.

"Of course, you should. See, Desmond, and I are matching as a couple." She announced, and I took my eyes off hers, looking towards Desmond.

Like me, he wore a black burgundy blazer, a white turtleneck, black pants, and, surprisingly, white sneakers. I had no idea he was dressed like that because I pretended to be asleep when he left.

Our eyes met again, but he was the first to look away this time.

"You are wrong, Ana," Sonnia said, pointing towards me and Desmond. "They are the ones who are matching, not you both."

Ana laughed out loud, almost sounding manic. "Right. They must have planned it since they are both roommates," She said.

I wanted to reply, but Noah interrupted, standing before us while holding his phone up. "Let's take selfies," He shouted and started taking pictures of us.

"Stop looking so stiff, Randy, and pose for the camera!"

Sonnia placed her arms around my neck and made silly faces. "You do the same, Randy," She implored.

I rolled my eyes at her, and Noah took a picture of that, ending the photoshoot.

Soon, we were on our way to the hall.