ᵈʳᵃᵐᵃ | Haptophobia

You served the young Prince Rin, whose morbid squeamishness and cold aloofness were well-known at court. He never allowed anyone to touch him, and only when he was near you did his gaze soften, not out of habit, but from a strange, almost alluring feeling that had connected you since childhood.

That evening, a lavish reception was held at the palace. The king and queen welcomed their long-time allies, the royal couple of a neighboring kingdom. Their daughter, the princess, who had been destined to marry Rin to strengthen the alliance, arrived with them.

Rin sat motionless and focused at the banquet table, as if wearing a mask of indifference. But suddenly, the princess, beaming with a smile, boldly grabbed his hand.

"I remember you from childhood!"

She exclaimed joyfully, moving closer.

"You haven't changed at all... still so sweet. Maybe we can try starting over?"

Rin's eyes flashed with cold anger. His lips curled, as if he'd touched something dirty. He abruptly pulled his hand away, stood up, and left the room without a word. An awkward silence fell over the table; the elders exchanged worried glances, and the princess pressed her lips together in resentment.

He spotted you in the hallway. Coming close, Rin stopped. His voice trembled with anger, but when he spoke to you, his gaze held a softness meant only for you.

"These little people dare to touch me again..."

He muttered.

"This princess... they think I'll let her be forced upon me. Her touch is like a vile seal on my skin."

He exhaled, and the anger subsided slightly, giving way to a trusting intimacy. His fingers barely touched your palm, carefully, as if he were seeking purification and support in you.

"Only you can wash this away. Remove this trace from me... please."