For a few seconds, Adrian was tongue- tied. His lips parted as though to speak, but no words came. Then, after clearing his throat softly, he said, "There are many ladies out there—"
He did not get to finish.
"I prefer men." William said flatly, his tone serious, his gaze unwavering.
The words hung in the air like a quiet confession.
Adrian froze, blinking a few times. He had not expected that answer— at least not so boldly said. He'd met men who hid behind laughter, men who masked their truth under layers of charm or silence. But William had said it as if he was merely stating the weather. Calm. Confident. Unashamed.
Something flickered inside Adrian's chest. A strange recognition. He too was like that— but unlike William, he had always kept that part of himself buried, hidden beneath duty, silence, and fear of judgment. Even his parents did not know. Not that it mattered. They never really saw him, not the real him.
He exhaled quietly and leaned back slightly. "Well," he began, forcing a small smile, "there are plenty of men out there. Why would you want me as the love of your life? I think this one" —he gestured to himself— "is rather undeserving. You should find someone else."
William shook his head immediately, a smile tugging his lips. "No, no. You are perfect. You are just the right one."
Adrian raised a brow, feigning confusion. "Oh? And how do you know this?"
William leaned forward, his eyes warm and mischievous all at once. "I know because…"
"Because?" Adrian asked again, his tone curious but cautious.
William only smiled, tilting his head slightly. "It's a secret."
Adrian sighed deeply and shook his head. "What did I expect?" he muttered under his breath. "I always thought no one could compare to the first prince and his obsession with male beauties, but after meeting you, now I know— you are on a different level entirely."
William gasped softly, clutching his chest dramatically. "Why? Are you interested in the first prince?" he teased. "Let me tell you, I am far more handsome and far better for you."
Adrian looked away, refusing to let him see the faint smile threatening to escape. "You are impossible." he murmured.
They ate in silence for a while— well, Adrian did. William mostly watched him, resting his chin on his hand like someone admiring a rare painting.
After a moment, Adrian frowned and said, "Are you not eating?"
William lowered his voice on purpose, eyes never leaving Adrian's face. "Has anyone ever told you…?"
Adrian glanced at him, puzzled. "Told me what?"
"You are beautiful."
The words hit softly but deeply. Adrian blinked, looking away at once. He could feel the warmth creeping into his cheeks, betraying him. "You have said that several times already." he muttered.
William grinned. "I will keep saying it until you believe me. But be careful— the first prince might try to capture you. I have heard he is called the 'male beauty soul eater.' What if he sees you and decides to take your soul? That would be sad. Very, very sad."
Adrian's lips curved faintly, his tone dry. "Really? Is that true? Then that will be great."
William blinked, startled by the unexpected reply. "Great?!"
Adrian's expression did not change. "At least he will be the one dealing with your nonsense, not me."
William pressed his palm to his chest, pretending to be wounded. "Your beauty brightens the world. If it disappears, what would become of this poor world?"
"Can't you ever be quiet?" Adrian asked, finally setting down his cup. "Can't you just enjoy a meal without talking?"
William chuckled softly but did not respond. For once, he fell silent.