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“Prince, we need to talk.”
Draped over one arm Soubi had Minari’s graduation gown neatly folded, in the other hand the tube containing his diploma was secured in place. In more ways than one Soubi felt guilty about crossing the stage instead of his counterpart, because all he had contributed to the school year was one failed grade after another. It was only through Minari’s efforts that the both of them were able to pass and move forward with their life. But there was still one issue that Soubi had been avoiding, one issue that he was sure Minari was completely oblivious to. And even if the ruffian knew of it, it was one topic he would never broach.
Inclining his hand towards a nearby bench he smiled, “After you.” The walk was slow, casual, as if one was marching to the gallows to be hanged. Although it was along a similar line of thinking no was going to literally die.
Yet.
Once the couple had situated themselves on the bench Soubi continued to smile, his sparkling blue eyes reflecting the sky above him. The sky, what a perfect way to start this conversation, “The weather’s nice, isn’t it?” Smiling innocently it was obvious that Soubi was unaware that his topic was a stereotypical one, often utilized when the speaker either had nothing better to say or merely didn’t want to say it. “Usually whenever I’m around I only see the sky when it’s at its worst. Kind of foreboding, wouldn’t you say?” He smiled once more at Prince, but just as before his true attention was on the bright blue sky above him. “This is the first time I’ve seen it at its best…”
He allowed the silence to trickle in, the serenity of the moment preserved forever in his memory. Even if he were to disappear right here, right now, he would always have this beauty to remember – to take with him wherever he went. ‘To disappear…’ What a terrible way to remember one’s true motive in all of this.
“Prince…” For the first time since he had called Prince over Soubi’s voice wavered, his face lacking its usual cheerfulness. No need to try and hide the fact that this topic was treading on dangerous waters. “We need to talk.” No, they weren’t a couple, but in Soubi’s mind that was the proper way to indicate to someone that the topic that was about to be put up for discussion was a serious one. “I’m not certain how you feel about me, but if I had to guess then I’m certain that my guess would be right.” He didn’t want to say, to give himself the hope that he was right by seeing Prince’s reaction to it. So for now he would play the mulberry bush game.
All around the mulberry bush…
“Prince.” One word. One simple name that made his chest burn as if it were on fire. “You were the first person that Minari ever put his trust into. The first person I learned about – even before my own ‘mother’ and ‘father.’” It was weird to say the term, to address those two people as such. Even if Minari was able to do it so easily (especially in regards to the latter individual) it was one thing that Soubi still couldn’t bring himself to do without some hint of sarcasm. After all, they had given life to Minari. The only person whom Soubi could claim as a “parent” would be the one who created him.
The monkey chased the weasel…
Soubi sighed, unable to bring himself to say that one simple phrase. To lead Prince on and then crush him? He couldn’t. It hurt him to even consider it. But his feelings about Prince were genuine; there was no doubt about that. It was the one thing he looked forward to whenever Minari “slipped.” To be brought to this world and not be able to see his precious Prince, it would be cruel joke by God to demand such of him.
But he knew better than to allow a good thing to continue forever. After all, he had spent his whole “life” relying on dreadful things to happen, just so he could get a few minutes with Prince. Anticipating something good to come his way was like giving a dollar to a beggar and then having to do so every day for the rest of your life. Because at first it may seem like a good idea, an honest intention, but sooner or later the “good stuff” will run out. And then where does that leave you? Hurt, disappointed, and left with absolutely nothing. It was something Soubi had to constantly remind himself of. One day, maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but in time Minari would eventually stop relying on him as an escape and ultimately, he would stop appearing.
The monkey thought it was all in good fun…
Gripping his pants his shook his head, standing so that his back was towards Prince. If there was anything he could do, it was this one thing. Just this one simple task before everything was thrown back in his face. He had to tell Prince. Before anyone else could tell the kingling before him.
“This is good bye.”
And pop goes the weasel.
