Envious

   After Theodore's birthday, something in the air between Theodore and Joseph shifted. Though Joseph never dared to talk about the kiss he shared with Theodore, he thought about it a lot. He questioned himself if what he did was right or wrong. He was embarrassed for initiating the kiss that day. He was thankful that Theodore never talked about it either. So, he just decided to ignore it. He consoled himself not to think about it too much because it just happened in the heat of the moment.

   After the little kiss they shared, they had been undeniably close to each other. As time passed by, Joseph and Theodore became more and more physically close to each other. Holding hands, hugging each other, cuddling with each other, kissing each other on their cheeks, neck, and everything else started to become normal for them. But, the two boys were unaware of the feeling that had been building up inside them.

   But, after his birthday, Theodore started to become a lot busier. So, Joseph couldn't spend much time with Theodore. He was sad. Because every time he went to the Divine land, he had to come back home without meeting Theodore. Their routines were different so, when one had free time, the other one would be busy. So, Joseph went to Yuki's house to spend his time in the Divine land. Since he was a shy person, he went to the library and read books about the human realm. And, Yuki gave him company. Though they wouldn't talk much, Joseph was happy to have company with him.

   Theodore was busy with his missions and training. So, Joseph was glad that he could spend his free time doing something productive as well. Also, it was he who started writing letters to Theodore. He was bored reading the books so, he decided to write a letter and leave it within Yuki's hand so Yuki would give the letter to Theodore whenever he came by. And that is how they ended up sharing their routines and met up at least one day a week.

   Everything was going smoothly for a year. They both would meet up a day in a week. And on the days when they couldn't, they used to write letters to each other. But, one day, Theodore was late for their meet-up. Joseph was getting restless. He waited for Theodore by the plum tree, but he didn't show up. Joseph was worried that Theodore had injured himself while training or something like that. Or maybe he had some work and was busy. He consoled himself thinking that Theodore would come even if it was late.

   After seeing the boy stay up until late, Yuki told him to go back to his realm. But Joseph was stubborn. So, he waited in Yuki's house as it was starting to get dark. Joseph didn't go back to his realm that day. He was surprised to see no sign of Theodore even the next day. He waited for Theodore the next day as well. But he didn't show up. Feeling heartbroken, Joseph went back to his realm without even leaving a letter for Theodore.

   After two days, Yuki came to the realm of angels. He handed the letter Theodore had left for Joseph. Joseph was finally happy to see that Theodore was fine. Joseph read the letter. It said that Theodore had some official work with King Asmodeus so, he was unable to come. He apologized and said that there was a surprise awaiting him. Joseph was happy and excited. He was relieved that Theodore wasn't hurt.

   Joseph was finally going to meet Theodore after two weeks. Joseph was excited about the surprise that was awaiting him. So, he went to the Divine land earlier than he used to. As Joseph was about to reach the plum tree, he saw Theodore already there. Joseph was about to call Theodore's name when he saw another boy standing with Theodore. Joseph thought about who that guy was and what the guy was to Theodore. He was curious. 

   "Oh, look. It's Joseph. He is here early too," Theodore saw Joseph. And his voice was cheerful.

   "Yes. Hi, I was excited to meet you. So, I came early. By the way, who is he?" Joseph looked at the boy next to Theodore.

   "Oh. Say hi to my best friend, Joshua. He is the son of the president of our realm. Isn't he just like me? He looks like an angel but is a demon," Theodore looked excited. Joseph was a little disappointed to hear the word best friend from Theodore's mouth.

   "Oh my god, Theodore. Breathe," Joshua laughed. He looked at Joseph and extended his hand, "Hi, I'm Joshua. I have heard a lot about you from Theodore. You are cuter than what he described."

   Joseph took Joshua's hand and said, "Umm. Hi, I'm Joseph, the prince of the realm of angels." Joseph was curious about how Theodore had described him to Joshua. Was he just cute in Theodore's eyes?

   "Also, I'm the same age as Theodore. So, you can call me Joshua," Joshua explained. Joseph just nodded his head as a response. 

   "You know, I was so excited to introduce you two to each other. I thought we three would get along very nicely. I'm glad that you two don't feel awkward around each other," Theodore clapped his hands happily.

   "I can imagine how happy you are right now. You've been waiting for this day since we met two weeks ago," Joshua laughed at Theodore.

   "You guys knew each other just two weeks ago?" Joseph was confused about how could Theodore call Joshua his best friend so quickly when it took Theodore months to call him a best friend.

   "Yes, we met two weeks ago over an official lunch of my father and his. And since then, he has been staying in the castle with me. We train together and are given missions as a duo to complete," Theodore explained.

   Joseph was silent. He was envious of Joshua. He wanted to stay together with Theodore too, but they belonged to different realms. "It must be fun staying together with your best friend. I wish there was someone my age living together with me as well," Joseph sighed.

   "Don't worry. We are here for you. We three will have lots of fun together, won't we?" Joshua replied. Joseph just smiled at him.

   Despite everything, Joseph was happy to see Theodore as well as Joshua. As the day went by, he got to know Joshua better. Joshua was a fun guy to be around with. Despite being a demon, he had a very comforting vibe. Joseph thought of Joshua as a good friend but couldn't help himself from getting envious. He did have fun with the two demons, but he felt a little hollow on the inside. He tried his best to not show his little sadness. The day went by with a lot of chitchats.

   "Is something burning somewhere? Why do I smell those plum flowers burning?" Yuki was smiling, "Young love sure is funny sometimes."