Hakuren Ren - Magi

As long as you could remember, you had always hidden them.

Freckles. A scattering of golden dots on your nose and cheeks — what others might call cute, for you was a curse. You hated them. You hid behind layers of powder, behind fabric, behind long sleeves that you could lift to your face, pretending to be deep in thought.

You didn't know why they embarrassed you so much. Maybe because as a child, people laughed at them. Maybe because you had decided for yourself that an ideal face was a clean face.

Now, you were simply used to hiding them.

Today was a warm, sunny day. You slipped into the imperial garden when no one was around — no servants, no guests, no passersby. You hadn't applied any powder. You hadn't draped any cloth over your face. You simply — walked, letting the wind touch your skin, letting your freckles shine in the sun.

You had almost relaxed.

And then, from around the corner, he appeared.

— Ah, there you are! Hakuren Ren smiled his bright, sunny smile, one that could illuminate even the darkest night. — I've been looking everywhere for you!

You froze. Your hand instinctively shot to your face, covering your cheek with your long sleeve.

— What are you… he stopped, noticing your movement. His smile softened. — What are you hiding from?