The night had stretched into the early hours of the morning, and while the event site was quieter now, it still hummed with the steady rhythm of volunteers working to clear everything up. Most of them had stayed behind, despite the exhaustion weighing on their shoulders, determined to see things through. The main tent stood tall against the night sky, illuminated by soft golden lights, offering a space for everyone to gather one last time before they called it a night.

  Under the tent, Dylan stood at the front, addressing the crowd. His voice carried warmth and gratitude as he spoke into the mic.

  "I just want to take a moment to thank every single one of you. This event wouldn’t have been possible without your dedication, your time, and your heart. You’ve made a real difference. Whether you were out there handling logistics, speaking to donors, setting up tables, or simply making sure no one passed out from exhaustion—" Dylan’s eyes flicked to Theo at that, amused. "—you’ve all played a part in something incredible."

  Laughter rippled through the tired crowd, soft and genuine.

  "And to the diplomats, politicians, and royals who stayed with us from the beginning until now—who worked alongside us, not just as figureheads, but as real hands-on contributors—thank you. It means more than you know."

  Scattered applause filled the space, and Dylan let it settle before he grinned.

  "Now, I know we’re all running on fumes, but there’s one thing that brings people together no matter how exhausted they are: food. And guess what? We have a ton of it. So before you all collapse, let’s eat. Late dinner, early breakfast—whatever you want to call it. And yes, there’s pizza."

  A few cheers and laughs followed, the energy lifting just a little at the promise of food.

  At that moment, Theo stepped back from the table where he’d just placed down an absurd number of pizza boxes, fresh from delivery. He had barely paid attention to Dylan’s speech, too lost in his own thoughts. Specifically, a message from Cassius that had come in earlier that evening.

  Cass: im hungry. [crying emoji]

  Theo had smiled when he saw that, shaking his head.

  Theo: There’s a lot of food here, hon. Grab some. Don’t let yourself starve.

  The typing bubbles appeared. Then disappeared. Then reappeared again.

  And finally—

  Cass: but…

  A pause. Another hesitation.

  Then—

  Cass: i feel like i want eat some pizza.

  Theo had exhaled a laugh, shaking his head, and now, as he looked at the spread in front of him, he found himself smiling again. He had made sure to get a lot of pizza. Cassius might not have asked directly, but Theo knew him well enough.

  Dylan clapped a hand on Theo’s shoulder as he walked past. “You good?”

  Theo nodded, stretching his arms. “Yeah. Just making sure no one collapses before we actually get to eat.”

  Dylan smirked. “You mean Cassius doesn’t collapse before he gets his pizza?”

  Theo shot him a look, but Dylan just laughed, grabbing a plate as the volunteers and guests began lining up. The night wasn’t over yet, but for now, at least, they could share this moment—under the warm glow of the tent, surrounded by laughter, exhaustion, and the simple comfort of food.

  ---

  Theo balanced the plate of pizza in one hand as he made his way toward Cassius, who stood among a group of volunteers, engaged in light conversation. He barely acknowledged Theo’s approach, too caught up in whatever was being discussed. That was fine. Theo wasn’t looking for attention.

  Without a word, he placed the plate in front of Cassius—a quiet offering—before turning and walking away.

  Cassius paused mid-sentence, his gaze dropping to the plate now filled with slices of warm, fresh pizza. A beat of silence stretched between him and the volunteers around him as they all instinctively turned to follow Theo’s retreating form.

  “Did he just—” One of them started, brows raised.

  Another chuckled. “That was smooth.”

  Cassius didn’t say anything. He simply exhaled, shaking his head as he reached for a slice.

  Meanwhile, Theo reached Dylan, who stood with another group of volunteers, chatting over their plates of food. Dylan barely looked up as Theo joined them—at least, until he caught sight of the now-empty plate in Theo’s hands.

  The smirk was instant.

  “Well, well,” Dylan mused, taking a slow sip of his drink before nudging Theo’s side. “That was quite the pizza delivery service.”

  Theo rolled his eyes, but Dylan wasn’t done.

  “Cassius, huh?” Dylan drawled, pretending to be deep in thought. “You know, I think this is the first time I’ve seen someone deliver food with that much quiet devotion.”

  “Shut up,” Theo muttered, reaching for his own plate.

  Dylan only laughed, then took a step forward, grabbing the microphone once more.

  Alright, everyone, listen up! I know some of you are running purely on caffeine and stubbornness at this point, but we’ve got one more day to make this event everything it’s meant to be. That means—" he paused, looking around at the exhausted faces before grinning, "—get some damn rest. Seriously. We’re no good to anyone if we’re half-dead tomorrow. So finish eating, find your way to a bed, and sleep. That’s an order."

  Soft laughter rippled through the crowd, but people heeded the words, beginning to wrap up their conversations and make their way toward their accommodations for the night. Cassius was among them, finishing his slice as he exchanged farewells with the volunteers around him.

  Theo, however, didn’t leave just yet.

  As the crowd began to disperse, he pulled out his phone, thumb hovering over Cassius’ name before he typed out a message.

  Theo: My bed is too spacious.

  He smirked at his own text, clicking his phone shut.

  And then—nothing.

  No reply. No typing bubble. Not even a read receipt.

  Theo frowned, tapping the screen a few times as if that would change something.

  Dylan, ever observant, caught the movement. And, of course, he wasted no time in teasing.

  “Oh no,” he gasped in mock horror. “He left you on read?”

  “He didn’t even read it,” Theo muttered, still scowling at his phone.

  “That’s worse.” Dylan clapped him on the back, grinning. “Tragic. Maybe he’s finally realized he’s too good for you.”

  Theo shot him a glare. “Do you ever shut up?”

  “Absolutely not.”

  Theo huffed, shoving his phone back into his pocket as he made his way to one of the benches, casually sitting down as he waited. He didn’t have to say it, but he knew Cassius would come.

  And sure enough, after a few more minutes, Cassius finally finished his conversations and began to make his way out of the tent. Theo didn’t move, didn’t call out to him—just waited until Cassius was close enough before reaching out and catching his wrist.

  Cassius glanced down at him, brow arched. “I thought we were keeping things professional in public.”

  Theo didn’t let go. Instead, he tilted his head slightly, lowering his voice. “You’re not checking your texts.”

  Cassius exhaled, amused. “I was talking with people.”

  Theo only smiled. “My hotel’s just across the street. Ten-minute walk.” He leaned in slightly, just enough for Cassius to hear the next part. “3012.”

  And with that, he let go, standing up and walking off toward the hotel without another word.

  ---

  Theo wasn’t sure how long he waited after arriving at his room.

  Ten minutes. Fifteen. Maybe twenty.

  He had already changed into something more comfortable, running a hand through his hair as he checked his phone one last time. Still no response.

  But then—

  A soft knock at the door.

  Theo didn’t hesitate. He crossed the room in a few strides, pulling it open to reveal Cassius standing there, slightly disheveled from the night but still exuding that effortless air of regality.

  Neither of them spoke.

  Theo just reached for him.

  Cassius let himself be pulled in, let Theo’s lips find his own in a kiss that was slow, unhurried, yet carrying all the weight of the exhaustion and longing that had built up over the past few days.

  When they finally broke apart, Theo didn’t let go. Instead, he wrapped his arms around Cassius, pressing his face into his shoulder.

  “If you want to clean up, you can use my bathroom,” Theo murmured against his skin. “I brought plenty of clothes.”

  Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

  Cassius smiled, shifting slightly in Theo’s hold. “Still clinging to me, though.”

  Theo only tightened his grip. “Just making sure you don’t change your mind.”

  Cassius huffed a quiet laugh before finally pulling away, heading to the bathroom.

  When he returned, he was dressed in one of Theo’s shirts—plain, soft, slightly oversized on him.

  Cassius eyed his reflection in the mirror, lips quirking as he plucked at the fabric. “Seriously, Theo. Every single one of your shirts is just… plain.” He reached for another, this one a beige polo with an embroidered Ralph Lauren logo. “This is the most personality I’ve seen in your wardrobe.”

  Theo leaned against the doorframe, watching him. “That smells like me.”

  Cassius hummed, running a hand down the fabric. “Yeah.” Then, with a smirk, “It’s mine now.”

  Theo grinned, arms spreading slightly. “Take all of them if you want.”

  Cassius didn’t take all of them. But he did settle beside Theo in bed, the exhaustion finally catching up to both of them as they eased into the silence of the night.

  Theo didn’t say anything—just shifted, wrapping an arm around Cassius once more, pulling him close.

  Cassius let himself be held.

  ---

  Morning sunlight streamed through the hotel room window, casting soft golden streaks across the bed. Theo blinked his eyes open, his gaze instantly landing on the figure still nestled against him. Cassius hadn’t moved much in his sleep, still wrapped in the warmth of Theo’s hold, his face relaxed, breaths deep and steady.

  For a moment, Theo just watched him, memorizing the way the early light framed his features—how even with sleep-mussed hair and a half-covered face, he still managed to look like royalty. A soft, amused smile tugged at Theo’s lips.

  Leaning in, he pressed a lingering kiss to Cassius’ forehead before slowly slipping out of bed.

  The hotel floor was cool beneath his bare feet as he padded toward the bathroom, running a hand through his hair before stepping into the shower. By the time he emerged, steam curling around the edges of the doorway, he was already buttoning up a crisp, plain white Ralph Lauren shirt, the sleeves folded neatly to his elbows. He left a couple of buttons undone at the top, pairing it with fitted black trousers.

  As he fastened his watch, the bed rustled behind him. He turned, catching sight of Cassius stirring awake.

  Cassius blinked up at him, his hair an endearing mess, his face still carrying traces of sleep. Despite that, he still looked effortlessly regal. And cute.

  Theo chuckled. “Morning, my love. Ready for day two?”

  Cassius let out a groan in response, flopping back onto the pillows dramatically. “No.”

  Theo laughed, shaking his head. He still couldn’t believe this—waking up with Cassius here, in his bed, wrapped in the warmth of the morning together.

  Eventually, after much coaxing (and Theo stealing a few more kisses in the process), Cassius finally got up and got ready. When he stepped out of the bathroom, Theo froze.

  Cassius had chosen to wear Theo’s clothes again.

  Not just any clothes, but almost the exact same outfit—another plain white Ralph Lauren shirt, sleeves folded the same way, paired with fitted trousers. The only difference was the way Cassius wore it, the effortless grace in his every movement as he adjusted the cuff of his sleeve.

  Theo didn’t comment—just smiled to himself, letting Cassius have his moment.

  Before they left, Theo caught Cassius’ wrist, gently pulling him back.

  Then, without a word, he crashed their lips together, his other hand finding the small of Cassius’ back.

  “Don’t push yourself too much, sweetheart,” Theo murmured between the kiss, his breath warm against Cassius’ skin.

  Cassius only hummed, tilting his head to steal another kiss before they finally stepped out into the hallway.

  ---

  They walked side by side to the event site, the morning air still crisp as the volunteers bustled about, preparing for the second day of the charity gathering.

  But Theo could feel the stares.

  And, sure enough—

  Dylan saw them first.

  Then Edric.

  Dylan’s grin was instant, wide and knowing, like a cat catching a particularly interesting piece of gossip. Edric, on the other hand, barely reacted—just let the corner of his lips lift into a barely-there smile before turning away.

  Theo ignored them both. He headed straight toward the main tent, ready to get to work. Cassius, meanwhile, took his time greeting some of the volunteers, offering small smiles and brief conversations before rolling up his sleeves and helping set up.

  But Dylan?

  Dylan wasn’t about to let this slide.

  With a clipboard in hand, he sauntered up to Theo, barely glancing at the event checklist as he cleared his throat dramatically.

  “Okay, so,” Dylan began, eyes sparkling with amusement. “Are we gonna talk about the coincidence of you and Prince Cassius wearing the exact same thing?” He wiggled his fingers in the air for emphasis. “Not just the same color, but also the same Ralph Lauren shirt? Like, c’mon, Theo. Matching outfits? That’s practically couple territory.”

  Theo didn’t even glance up. “Shut up.”

  Dylan laughed, flipping a page on his clipboard. “I’m just saying, you two are getting dangerously close to the ‘soft-launch’ stage of a relationship.”

  Theo sighed, rubbing his temple. “Dylan—”

  “Oh, look at that,” Dylan interrupted, feigning surprise as he lifted the microphone from the table beside him. “Guess it’s time to make an announcement.”

  Theo barely had time to react before Dylan turned, bringing the mic to his lips.

  “Alright, everyone! Good morning and welcome to day two of the event!” Dylan’s voice rang through the speakers, drawing the attention of volunteers and attendees alike. “First off, let’s give ourselves a round of applause for making yesterday such a success.”

  Scattered applause filled the air, tired but enthusiastic.

  Dylan continued, flipping through his notes. “Today, we have a full schedule ahead of us! The main event space will be open to the public in an hour, so let’s make sure everything is set up properly. Food stalls, donation stations, and medical tents should all be checked and running smoothly before the crowd arrives.”

  A few volunteers nodded, moving toward their respective stations.

  “As for our special guests,” Dylan added, glancing at the crowd of politicians, diplomats, and royals, “we appreciate you sticking around for another day. And hey, if you feel like getting your hands dirty—” He shot Cassius a playful look. “—you’re more than welcome to lend a hand.”

  Cassius smirked but said nothing.

  “Lastly,” Dylan grinned, “if anyone finds two very important people mysteriously twinning in Ralph Lauren shirts today, please report it to me immediately.”

  Scattered laughter rippled through the volunteers.

  Theo groaned, dragging a hand down his face. Cassius, standing a few feet away, simply looked over at him, an amused glint in his eyes.

  Dylan just winked. “Alright, let’s get to work, people!”

  With that, the event officially began.

  ---

  The day unfolded in a flurry of activity.

  Families arrived, donors and supporters trickled in, and the event site transformed into a lively hub of charity and goodwill. Volunteers moved efficiently between food stalls, medical tents, and activity stations.

  Cassius, despite his royal status, didn’t just stand back and observe. He actively helped, rolling up his sleeves to assist with setting up chairs, carrying donation boxes, and even entertaining some of the children in the designated play area.

  Theo, meanwhile, focused on logistics, ensuring that medical supplies were stocked, food was distributed properly, and donors were acknowledged.

  In the midst of it all, he spotted Cassius.

  Cassius was crouched near one of the makeshift seating areas, helping a young girl untangle the strap of her small satchel. A few other children surrounded him, clearly enamored by the fact that a real-life prince was among them. He smiled at something one of them said, his usual guarded expression replaced with something softer, something real.

  But Theo could see it—subtle, but there. The slight tension in Cassius' shoulders, the way he pushed his hair back as if trying to shake off the exhaustion creeping in.

  Theo sighed, shaking his head. Of course, he’s pushing himself.

  Without a word, Theo grabbed a bottle of cold water from the nearest supply table and made his way over.

  Cassius had just finished helping the little girl when Theo appeared beside him, holding out the bottle.

  “Drink,” Theo said, his voice leaving no room for argument.

  Cassius blinked up at him, caught off guard. “What?”

  Theo wiggled the bottle. “You’re sweating, and I’m pretty sure you haven’t taken a break. Hydrate before you pass out in front of the children and ruin your regal image.”

  Cassius scoffed but took the bottle anyway, unscrewing the cap. “You’re bossy.”

  “And you’re stubborn,” Theo countered, watching as Cassius took a long sip.

  Cassius lowered the bottle with a sigh, wiping the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand. “I’m fine, you know.”

  Theo arched a brow. “That’s exactly what someone not fine would say.”

  Cassius narrowed his eyes. “And you? Have you had any water?”

  Theo hesitated.

  Cassius smirked. “Thought so.”

  Before Theo could react, Cassius held the bottle out to him in offering, the curve of his lips daring.

  Theo rolled his eyes but took the bottle anyway, bringing it to his lips without hesitation. The moment was fleeting, but the way Cassius watched him—the small quirk of amusement in his expression—sent something warm curling in Theo’s chest.

  “You’re lucky I like you,” Theo muttered, handing the bottle back.

  Cassius grinned. “I know.”

  Before Theo could come up with a retort, a familiar voice interrupted.

  “Oh, this is cute.”

  They both turned to find Dylan standing a few feet away, arms crossed, eyes gleaming with barely concealed mischief.

  Theo groaned. “Dylan, I swear—”

  Dylan held up a hand, feigning innocence. “No, no, please. By all means, continue. I’m just here enjoying the live show.”

  Cassius, unbothered, took another sip from the bottle before flashing Dylan an easy smile. “You could always get a drink yourself instead of staring, you know.”

  Dylan clutched his chest dramatically. “Oh, he’s quick with the comebacks and sharing drinks? This is true love, folks.”

  Theo exhaled sharply. “Aren’t you supposed to be working?”

  Dylan grinned. “I am working. I’m overseeing volunteer morale, and I gotta say, you two are giving me plenty of material.”

  Cassius laughed under his breath, shaking his head. Theo just sighed.

  Then, as if remembering his actual duties, Dylan suddenly clapped his hands together. “Alright, lovebirds. The next round of activities is kicking off soon, and we need all hands on deck. That means you, Prince Charming.”

  Cassius gave a mock salute. “Understood.”

  Dylan turned to Theo. “And you—please take a break at some point before you collapse and I have to drag your unconscious body out of the crowd.”

  Theo waved him off. “Yeah, yeah.”

  Dylan eyed them one last time before walking off, muttering something about hopeless cases.

  Theo exhaled, glancing back at Cassius, who was finishing off the water bottle.

  “Thanks,” Cassius said simply, crumpling the empty bottle before tossing it into a nearby recycling bin.

  Theo nodded. “Don’t make me do it again.”

  Cassius smirked. “No promises.”

  With that, Cassius turned back toward the main tent, ready to dive back into work. Theo watched him for a moment before following, already anticipating another long—but worthwhile—day.

  ---

  “Alright, everyone! We’re moving into the fun part of the day,” he announced, his voice amplified by the microphone. “We’ve got community games, a mini art exhibition, and—best of all—a talent showcase featuring some of you lovely people.”

  Scattered cheers rippled through the crowd, along with a few nervous chuckles from the volunteers who suddenly realized they might be voluntold to participate.

  Dylan grinned. “And guess what? Our very own Prince Cassius has graciously agreed to join in the festivities!”

  The crowd immediately erupted into applause, heads turning toward Cassius.

  Cassius blinked, caught off guard. “I—wait, what?”

  Theo, standing beside him, barely held back a laugh. “Graciously agreed, huh?”

  Dylan shot him a smirk. “Absolutely.” Then he turned back to Cassius. “Come on, Prince Charming. Time to show the people of Viladair that you’re more than just a pretty face.”

  Cassius sighed but stepped forward, surrendering to his fate.

  “Fine. What’s the first event?”

  Dylan beamed. “Relay race.”

  Cassius looked between Dylan and Theo, then at the makeshift track being set up near the field. A few volunteers were already gathering, stretching, and getting into position.

  “You planned this, didn’t you?” Cassius muttered to Theo.

  Theo smirked. “I might have mentioned to Dylan that you used to be a decent runner.”

  Cassius groaned. “Remind me why I like you?”

  “Because I bring you water and let you steal my clothes.”

  Cassius rolled his eyes but didn’t argue. Instead, he stepped onto the track, rolling his shoulders as he prepared for the race.

  The relay teams quickly formed, with Cassius ending up in a group of volunteers and local students. Theo stood on the sidelines, arms crossed, watching as Cassius crouched at the starting line.

  Dylan, acting as the overenthusiastic referee, raised a small flag.

  “Alright! First runner, ready!”

  Cassius glanced over his shoulder at Theo, smirking.

  Theo mouthed, Don’t lose.

  Cassius just grinned.

  The whistle blew.

  The runners launched forward, feet pounding against the track. Cheers erupted from the crowd as the first group sprinted toward their teammates. The baton passed hands quickly, and Cassius’ team gained ground.

  When the baton finally reached him, Cassius snatched it smoothly and took off, legs propelling him forward in long, powerful strides. The crowd’s cheers grew louder as he pulled ahead.

  Theo watched, lips curling slightly. Show-off.

  Cassius crossed the finish line first, slowing to a jog as he caught his breath. His team erupted in cheers, hands clapping his back in excitement. Cassius grinned, running a hand through his hair before turning toward Theo.

  Theo simply clapped, slow and deliberate.

  Cassius rolled his eyes but made his way back toward him. “Well?”

  Theo smirked. “Not bad.”

  Cassius huffed a laugh. “You’re impossible.”

  Before Theo could respond, Dylan jumped in again.

  “Alright, alright! We’ve got one more activity for our special guest.”

  Cassius groaned. “There’s more?”

  Dylan grinned. “Oh, this one’s easy. Just a little Q&A with the kids.”

  Cassius visibly relaxed. “That doesn’t sound so bad.”

  Theo chuckled. “Famous last words.”

  A group of children had already gathered near the small seating area where the Q&A was set up. Cassius took a seat, and the kids wasted no time bombarding him with questions.

  “Are you really a prince?”

  “Do you live in a castle?”

  “Can you fight with a sword?”

  Cassius answered each question patiently, though some made him laugh.

  When a little girl asked, “Do princes have to get married?” Cassius hesitated for the briefest moment before responding, “Only if they want to.”

  His gaze flickered toward Theo—so brief that no one else seemed to notice.

  Theo, however, did.

  Before he could dwell on it, Dylan wrapped up the session, thanking Cassius for playing along.

  Cassius stood, stretching. “That wasn’t so bad.”

  Dylan grinned. “Told you.”

  The event carried on, the afternoon slipping into a golden haze. Theo and Cassius spent the next few hours moving between activities, helping where needed. And though they never openly acknowledged it, they gravitated toward each other—stealing glances, brushing shoulders in passing, lingering in each other’s orbit.

  As the sun began to set, casting long shadows over the event site, Dylan nudged Theo.

  “You two are disgustingly obvious.”

  Theo sighed. “Shut up, Dylan.”

  Dylan just smirked. “Love you too, buddy.”

  ---

  As the sun dipped below the horizon, the final echoes of laughter and chatter faded into the evening air. The event site, once bustling with energy, now hummed with the quiet rhythm of cleanup. Volunteers moved in unison, folding chairs, stacking tables, and clearing the last remnants of food and decorations. The work was familiar, almost comforting—one last shared effort before they all parted ways.

  Dylan stood under the main tent, microphone in hand, watching as the volunteers worked together for the last time. He exhaled, running a hand through his hair before lifting the mic.

  “Alright, everyone, let’s bring it in!”

  Scattered conversations hushed as people turned their attention toward him. A few volunteers wiped their hands on their shirts, gathering closer. The politicians, diplomats, and royals who had stayed until the very end stood among them, blending into the crowd.

  Dylan smiled, his usual playful demeanor softening. “First of all, give yourselves a round of applause.”

  A ripple of cheers and claps spread through the group.

  “This event wouldn’t have been possible without you—the volunteers who showed up, who worked through exhaustion, who gave your time, your energy, and your hearts to make this happen. Every meal served, every person helped, every small act of kindness—it all mattered.”

  His voice carried over the quiet field, sincere and steady.

  “To the diplomats, politicians, and royals who stayed from start to finish—you didn’t just show up for the cameras. You stayed. You worked alongside us. And that means more than any headline ever could.”

  Cassius, standing among the crowd, bowed his head slightly in acknowledgment.

  Dylan continued. “I won’t drag this out—we’re all tired, and let’s be honest, we’re all just waiting for the post-event snacks—” Laughter rippled through the crowd. “—but before we close this out, I just want to say one last thing. What we did here? It wasn’t just about these two days. The real work happens after this. When we go home. When we choose to keep making a difference, even when no one’s watching.”

  A beat of silence followed, heavy with meaning. Then, another round of applause—this time, quieter but deeper, filled with something unspoken.

  Dylan lowered the mic, about to step back—

  “Hold on a second.”

  Theo’s voice cut through the air. He stepped forward, hands in his pockets, casual as ever. The volunteers turned toward him, curious.

  Theo let the moment stretch before tilting his head toward the crowd.

  “Dylan just gave a great speech.” He paused. “But I think he forgot something.”

  Dylan raised a brow, half-smirking. “Oh?”

  Theo turned to the volunteers. “He forgot to mention himself.”

  A murmur of agreement spread through the crowd. Dylan shifted on his feet, suddenly wary.

  Theo smirked. “For those of you who don’t know, Dylan isn’t just some guy with a microphone. He’s the reason this entire event happens year after year. He’s the one who makes sure every person in need gets help, every volunteer feels valued, and every disaster zone gets the aid it deserves. And he does it without asking for recognition.”

  Dylan’s smirk faltered. His jaw clenched slightly, but he stayed quiet.

  Theo let his gaze sweep the crowd. “So I think it’s only fair that we give him a round of applause.”

  The response was immediate. The volunteers, the politicians, the royals—everyone—erupted into cheers and applause. Some whistled, some clapped louder, some even stomped their feet in appreciation.

  Dylan exhaled sharply, shaking his head. “You’re an ass, Theo.”

  Theo grinned. “And don’t forget—” His voice carried over the applause, teasing now. “—you are the Prince of Viladair.”

  A louder cheer followed. Someone from the back yelled, “Long live Prince Dylan!”

  Dylan groaned, rubbing his temple. “I hate you.”

  Theo laughed, clapping him on the shoulder. “No, you don’t.”

  The applause gradually faded, but the warmth lingered. Dylan rolled his shoulders, then sighed. “Alright, alright. That’s enough. Go eat your pizza before I revoke your invitation.”

  Laughter filled the air as the volunteers dispersed, heading toward the last round of late-night snacks.

  Theo turned, scanning the crowd until his eyes landed on Cassius.

  Cassius was watching him.

  And when Theo met his gaze, Cassius—still dressed in Theo’s borrowed white shirt—smiled.

  A quiet, knowing smile.

  Theo felt it settle in his chest, warm and unshakable.

  Maybe Dylan was right. Maybe they were disgustingly obvious.

  But for once, Theo didn’t care.