You ever get called the wrong name and just stand there thinking, Who the hell do you think I am? Yeah, that was exactly what was happening to Prince Gabrielle right now.
"Wait a second," Gabrielle said, narrowing his eyes at Yuki. "Why do you keep calling me Taiyo? My name's Prince Gabrielle."
Yuki's stomach dropped. Oh crap—did I just call him Taiyo? That's my classmate's name from back home! Her brain scrambled for an excuse. "Uh—yeah! I just thought Taiyo was, like, a cool nickname or something. You know, 'cause you shine like the sun?"
Gabrielle wasn't buying it. His expression screamed, That's the dumbest excuse I've ever heard.
Before he could call her out, a new voice cut through the tension—sharp, serious, and carrying just a hint of menace.
"Yo, is there a problem here?" Alepou strolled up, her posture casual but her tone anything but. She'd just finished making sure some old guy got patched up by a healer, but now she had a feeling something was off. And honestly? Gabrielle had been staring a little too hard—not just at Yuki, but at her too.
Without hesitation, Alepou grabbed Gabrielle by the collar, yanking him close. "Listen, Prince," she said, her voice dripping with warning. "If you're up to something weird with Yuki, I'll be the one to deal with you."
Yuki, still fuming, crossed her arms. "Yeah, Taiyo—or Gabrielle, or whatever—don't think you can just act all creepy with us."
Gabrielle looked like he was ready to run. "I swear, I wasn't doing anything!"
Alepou arched an eyebrow. "Really? 'Cause it sure looked like you were checking out Yuki's boobs you know."
Yuki gasped, pointing at him dramatically. "Wait—now you're eyeing Alepou too?! What, are you trying to size her up now?"
Gabrielle's hands started flailing like a broken puppet. "NO, NO! It's a misunderstanding—I wasn't staring at your—!"
"Nah, save it," Alepou cut him off, finally letting go, though his embarrassment stayed right where it was. "I don't care what excuse you have. If you try anything shady, you're done."
Yuki smirked, feeling very satisfied. "You heard her, Prince. Keep your eyes where they belong."
Gabrielle, completely cornered, finally threw up his hands in surrender. "Alright, alright! I'll behave! Can we just move on now?"
Yuki and Alepou exchanged a look before Yuki shrugged. "Fine. But you're on thin ice."
Alepou shot Gabrielle one last warning glance before turning back toward the counter. "Let's eat. No way we're letting this ruin dinner."
Gabrielle let out a long, exhausted sigh. Deep down, he knew he had to tread very carefully around these two. Because if he slipped up again… he might not even live to see dessert.
What did we learn?
Yuki called him the wrong name, Gabrielle got absolutely wrecked, and Alepou does not tolerate nonsense. Meanwhile, there's definitely something Yuki isn't saying. And if Gabrielle wants the truth, he's going to have to step very lightly.
Guess we'll find out soon enough.