The grand ballroom of the royal palace sparkled with golden light. Chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, their crystals catching the glow of countless candles. Noblemen and ladies, dressed in the finest silks and adorned with jewels, moved gracefully across the dance floor. Laughter and polite conversation filled the air, mingling with the soft music of the orchestra.
Kaito stood near the banquet table, a glass of wine in his hand. His deep blue coat, embroidered with silver patterns, was stiff against his shoulders, a reminder of how much he disliked these events. Balls like this weren’t about dancing or enjoyment. They were about power—alliances, rivalries, and unspoken games.
His gaze wandered across the room, moving from one familiar face to another. Then, the grand doors at the far end of the hall opened once more.
Kaito’s fingers tightened around his glass.
A man entered, his presence impossible to ignore.
Kamui Gakupo.
His long violet hair shimmered under the candlelight, tied loosely with a silver ribbon. He wore a deep purple coat, embroidered with delicate patterns of dragons and clouds, a perfect match for his sharp, confident features. The nobles turned their heads as he passed, drawn in by his striking appearance. Gakupo always knew how to command attention—he had been like that since childhood.
Kaito felt an old irritation stir in his chest. Of course he’s here. Of course he has to make an entrance.
The last time they had seen each other, they had been nine years old. Two royal heirs forced into endless lessons together—swordsmanship, history, etiquette. And they had hated each other.
"Your posture is terrible, Kaito,"
Gakupo had sneered once during a fencing lesson, smirking as he dodged Kaito’s strike with ease.
"Are you holding a sword or a broomstick?"
"Shut up and fight me properly!"
Kaito had snapped, swinging harder—only to stumble when Gakupo effortlessly sidestepped.
The rivalry had been endless. Every lesson, every game, every moment spent together had been a competition. And now, nearly a decade later, Gakupo still looked like the kind of person who never lost at anything.
Their eyes met across the ballroom.
For a brief second, neither of them moved. The music, the voices, the golden glow of the candles—it all faded into the background.
Then, Gakupo smirked.
Kaito clenched his jaw. Still the same arrogant bastard.
As the evening progressed, Kaito did his best to avoid Gakupo, but fate had other plans.
"Prince Kaito!"
A noblewoman’s voice rang out, and before he knew it, he was being pulled into a small group—where Gakupo already stood, holding a glass of red wine with casual elegance.
"Ah, what perfect timing!"
the woman continued, clearly unaware of the tension between the two young men.
"Prince Gakupo was just reminiscing about the old days. How wonderful it must be to see each other again after so many years!"
Kaito forced a polite smile.
"Indeed. A most unexpected reunion."
Gakupo tilted his head slightly.
"Unexpected? Come now, Kaito. Did you really think we could avoid each other forever?"
YOU ARE READING
Bound by fate (-gakukai fanfic)
RomanceTwo princes, once divided by childhood rivalry, reunite at a royal ball, unaware that their fates are about to become intertwined. As they navigate courtly intrigue, hidden truths, and unexpected emotions, they must decide whether to follow duty-or...
