A few days later.

Kasu lay on the bed, his gaze fixed on Selene, who stood at the foot of the large bed. The moon cast a soft glow through the open window, and the cold night air mixed with the warmth of their bodies. Selene was silent, but her eyes were filled with both uncertainty and longing.

Kasu reached out and gently brushed a silver strand of hair from her face. “You’re so beautiful,” he whispered.

Selene gave a shy smile, a faint blush spreading across her cheeks. “I’m not like the others,” she said, almost to herself. “You’re handsome… I’m so glad I met you, Kasu.”

Kasu sat up and pulled her close, his hands resting gently on her waist. “You belong here. Here with me,” he said with a certainty that made her heart beat faster.

Selene rested her head against his chest, breathing in his scent, feeling the warmth radiating from him. “And what about your father?” she whispered, without lifting her gaze. “What would he say if he saw us here… in your bed?”

Kasu took a deep breath. “My father,” he said, his voice turning more serious, “has his own ways of viewing the demon realm. But I won’t let him decide my life. I’m here with you because I love you.”

Selene slowly rose, her amber eyes meeting Kasu’s. “I… I’m not sure I deserve that. I’m not like you… not like the demons here.”

Kasu reached out and gently stroked her cheek. “That doesn’t matter to me. I love you for who you are, Selene. And there’s no one else for me.” His voice was firm, his eyes unwavering.

They leaned into each other, and Kasu pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. It was a silent promise—a moment where nothing else existed. Just them, lost in the warmth and safety they found in each other.

As Kasu pulled her down into the bed beside him, everything else seemed to fade away. In that moment, it was just the two of them. That night, they gave their love to one another.

later the same day

Yume stood silently, watching Kasu and Selene as they laughed together.
Kasu was happy—with someone else. A sharp pang of jealousy pierced Yume’s heart every time Kasu turned to Selene and smiled with a joy he would never give Yume. His heart shattered a little more each time Kasu embraced her, held her hand, or kissed her.

He knew he would never be the one to receive Kasu’s affection. And he knew there was nothing he could do to change that. His feelings for Kasu were his burden to bear alone. He wasn’t sure if Kasu even knew Yume was in love with him, though sometimes it felt like Kasu suspected it. Especially when he occasionally flirted with Yumesomething that only deepened the pain, because Yume knew he could never truly have him.

The fox demon wanted to be happy for his friend—for Kasu had finally found someone who made him smile like that. But every time Yume saw them together, he couldn’t help the sadness blooming in his chest.

He tried to convince himself that friendship was enough—that what they had mattered more than anything else. But deep down, his heart was breaking. He loved Kasu in a way that defied explanation. It was more than friendship it was a longing he could never share, and perhaps even Kasu wouldn’t understand if he tried.

When Kasu caught his gaze from across the room, Yume’s heart leapt into his throat. Kasu smiled—a kind, friendly smile but Yume couldn’t help the ache that followed.

He turned away, afraid someone might see what he was feeling. He didn’t want to seem weak. He didn’t want to be the one who cried over a love he would never have.
Inside, there was a storm of unspoken words and tears that would never fall. He couldn't afford to show his weakness.

Yume wanted to scream. He wanted to shout that Kasu was more than just a friend. But he knew it wouldn’t change anything. Kasu wasn’t his—and Yume had learned how to hide the pain.

“It’s okay,” he whispered to himself, even though he knew it wasn’t. It wasn’t okay. Nothing was okay. But he would go on being there—Kasu’s best friend and protector. Because that was all he could be.

And within him, he would carry his love in silence the love that would never be returned, the love that was his to bear alone.

Yume had returned to his room he was  sitting on his bed reading a book when someone knocked on the door.
"Come in," Yume called out, his voice low and tired.
The door creaked open slowly, and Varian stepped into the room. He was a low-ranking demon with the ability to manipulate shadows, one of Kasu's servants. Yume's eyes caught on his pale, almost sickly gray skin, and his eyes—deep, violet oceans. Yume had always noticed that Varian was more nervous around him than anyone else, which had led him to suspect that Varian harbored a crush on him. Something in the young demon's constant, anxious glances made Yume uneasy, but he said nothing.
"Um... Yume, Lord... Lord Kasu wants to speak with you," Varian said nervously, quickly shifting his gaze from Yume to the floor.

"Okay, I'll go to him," Yume replied.
When Yume stepped into Kasu's bedroom, it was as if the whole room had transformed. Kasu and Selene were sitting on the bed, their faces lit with happiness as they gazed at each other. Yume felt his heart pound harder, and for a brief moment, it was as if his breath had caught in his throat.
Kasu looked up with a broad smile and glittering eyes, as if he were about to share the most wonderful news.
"Yume, we have something to tell you. Selene and I... we're having a child, and we've decided to get married," he said, his voice full of joy.

A cold sensation spread through Yume's chest, as though someone had shattered his heart. He stood there in silence, frozen, his eyes flicking between Kasu and Selene. His thoughts swirled with confusion, sorrow, and pain.
"You barely know each other," he said slowly, his voice almost trembling. "Is it really a good idea to get married? And a child already... isn't it a bit soon?"
Kasu didn't even look surprised. His face remained calm and full of firm resolve.
"I love her more than anything, Yume. So why not? If I marry her, I can take over as ruler of the Underworld," he said.
"Aren't you happy for me?" Kasu continued, his gaze full of expectation.

Yume looked at him, and in that moment, he understood that Kasu truly loved Selene—more than anyone else. He would never have a chance to win Kasu's heart. Yume felt more alone than ever.
"Of course I'm happy for you," he said, but his words were heavy, as if they were made of stone. "I'm happy for you and Selene, Kasu."

But in that moment, he felt like a stranger—someone who didn't belong with them. Someone who could never be the one Kasu wanted by his side. The pain of that realization was almost unbearable.
Kasu looked at him, and for the first time, it seemed like he truly saw through Yume. His voice softened, tinged with concern.
"But you don't seem okay. Are you sure you're alright?"
Kasu touched his arm.
"I just need some time for myself. You and Selene need time for each other too," Yume replied, but his words were empty. Sorrow and pain churned inside him.

"If that's what you need..." Kasu hesitated, his voice gentle and caring. "But... will you come with me to see my father first? I want you by my side when I tell him."
Yume felt a knot form in his stomach. He didn't want to be there, not now—but he knew he couldn't say no.
"Of course I will," he said, trying to keep his voice steady, though it nearly broke under the weight of the pain he was hiding.

When Kasu pulled him into an embrace, Yume felt his whole body go cold. It was a hug of friendship, but to Yume, it was also a reminder of what he would never have—a reminder of the place he would never fill. He pressed his cheek to Kasu's shoulder, and for a moment, he wished he didn't have feelings for his friend. That he could just be a normal friend, not the one who loved Kasu.

"I'm here for you, Yume," Kasu said softly, and Yume's heart beat faster from the warmth he so desperately craved but knew he would never receive.
When the hug ended, a heavy feeling lingered in the air. He walked with Kasu through the corridors, but each step felt like a step away from who he wanted to be—away from the dreams that would never come true.

This was how it would be. He would be there for Kasu, support him. Yume would only ever be Kasu's protector and friend—nothing more. He would always be a stranger to the one he loved. Kasu would never know how deeply Yume truly loved him. It would remain the fox demon's secret, buried in his heart.

Yume and Kasu entered the tower room where Draegon sat on his great throne. The room was cold. Draegon lifted his gaze and stared at them, his piercing red eyes intense.
Kasu stepped forward, his stride confident though there was a faint tremor in his voice as he spoke."I'm going to marry Selene, Father, and we're going to have a child together."

Draegon furrowed his brow, his expression dark and filled with a quiet fury. He studied his son, his eyes hard, as if searching for something he didn't want to find. But when his gaze shifted to Yume, who stood beside Kasu, it was like a cold wind swept through the room. Yume looked heartbroken. He tried to stay still, but his hands were clenched in anxiety.

"Is this really such a good idea, son?" Draegon asked, his voice tinged with doubt and a kind of bitterness.
Kasu stood firm in his resolve. "Yes, Father. It is. I can take over as ruler of the Underworld. We can rule everything. Selene and I... we will reign together."
Draegon laughed. It was a cold, almost mocking laugh that echoed through the silent room.
"Very well, my son. Do as you wish. You may take over the Underworld—but not now. Not yet. Perhaps in a few years... Marry whoever you like."

Kasu looked at his father, a trace of uncertainty in his eyes. "Are you sure it's okay?" His voice softened, as if hoping for another answer.
Draegon fell silent. His thoughts were like storm winds in his head. He didn't want to accept this, but he knew he couldn't stop his son. There was no turning back.
"Yes, fine. Marry her, if you truly love her," he said, but his words were hollow, as if even he didn't believe them.

Kasu looked at his father. "I love her," he said, but his voice lacked conviction, despite the words. He wanted it so badly to be true.
Yume, standing silently beside him, felt a cold knife in his heart. Was it really love he saw in Kasu's eyes? Or just a hunger for power? Yume knew he couldn't compete with Selene, but his feelings for Kasu ran deeper than he dared admit. His whole world trembled as he looked at him.
"You're not just losing a friend, Kasu. You're losing something far more important." Yume said, his voice was faint, full of pain he couldn't hide.

Kasu turned toward Yume, his eyes hard yet lost. "I don't want to lose you, Yume. But I have to follow my heart."
Draegon looked at them, his gaze full of unspoken emotion, but also something else—a worry he wouldn't admit. He knew Kasu was young and full of dreams, but he sensed that this was a decision that would change everything. He also knew he couldn't stop his son's will, but he felt powerless as he looked at him.
"Remember," Draegon said, his voice suddenly dark and serious, "love and power are not the same. Sometimes they consume you completely."

Kasu nodded slowly, but his mind was already far beyond the words his father had just spoken. He wanted Selene. He wanted control over the Underworld.
Even though Yume would always hold a place in his heart—as his best friend and protector—it was a place Kasu could never accept. For Kasu would never love the fox demon the way he loved Selene. That was the painful truth that hung like a heavy shadow between them.

As they left the throne room and returned to Kasu's quarters, the air between them was thick with unspoken feelings. Yume hesitated a moment before breaking the silence.
"So... is it okay if I leave your kingdom for a while?" Yume's voice was quiet, as if he were trying to hold back everything he truly wanted to say. "I need to think. Be alone for a bit."
Kasu looked at him, eyes filled with confusion and a hint of concern.
"Where will you go?"
Yume hesitated, his gaze flitting restlessly.
"I don't know... maybe the human world. I just need some time. I'll come back soon."

Kasu studied him carefully, as if trying to read something deep within his expression.
"As you wish," he said, but his voice was uncertain. "But you know you can always talk to me if something's wrong."
Yume froze. The words were so simple, so kind—but they cut through him like knives. "No, you'd never understand," he thought. "You don't love me, Kasu. You never will." But he didn't say any of that. Instead, he forced a faint smile.
"I know," said Yume, his voice soft, almost distant. "But right now, I just need some time for myself. And you and Selene... you need that time too."
Kasu looked at him, and Yume felt a painful lump in his throat when he saw the worried look in his friend's eyes. Kasu sensed something was wrong, but said nothing. Instead, he pulled Yume into an embrace, and the warm, comforting gesture made Yume ache in a way that nearly crushed him.
"Just be back in time for Selene's and my wedding," Kasu said, his voice full of expectation. "It's in two weeks."

Yume looked into Kasu's eyes—the warmth he had longed for was still there. But now, all that had been lost felt more real than ever. He didn't want to be there. He didn't want to see Kasu—the one he loved—marry Selene. His feelings would be torn apart that day.
"Of course," Yume replied, but the words felt hollow in his mouth.

He already knew he wouldn't be able to keep that promise. It would be too painful to stand there and watch Kasu and Selene together, while his own heart shattered under the weight of loss and longing.

Yume turned away and looked at Varian, who stood quietly at Kasu's side. The tall, sickly pale demon remained silent as always, his hands clasped in front of him like he was trying to make himself as small and still as possible. Yume's gaze locked onto Varian's violet eyes.

Yume felt the same unease as always in his presence. "Take care of Kasu while I'm gone," Yume said, his voice barely a whisper, filled with something he didn't want to name.
Varian nodded quickly, his voice shaky as he answered, "Yes... Lord Yume, I promise."

Yume looked at him one last time, and for a fleeting second, he almost felt sympathy for Varian the anxious demon who always seemed on edge around him, as if afraid of making a single mistake. But Varian wasn't the one Yume worried about. It was Kasu—and the weight of the loss Yume would have to carry alone.

Without another word to Varian, Yume turned away, his heart an echo of everything he had lost and everything he would never have.