Love so young(ZenxShirayuki)
Childhood Days
Zen Wistaria first saw Shirayuki on a bright summer afternoon when he was barely six years old. In the dusty courtyard of the countryside estate, while Zen’s friends ran through fields of tall grass, his eyes caught sight of a little girl with fiery red hair peeking timidly from behind her father’s leg. In that moment, the world seemed to pause.
“Hey, you!” Zen called out in a mix of curiosity and childish boldness. “You look like a shiny apple!”
Shirayuki’s green eyes widened with surprise as she stepped forward, her little face scrunching in confusion. “And you look like a little prince in muddy clothes,” she retorted, her tone both teasing and honest.
Zen grinned, proud of his title even in his young imagination. “I am a prince, and these are my battle-worn clothes from climbing the tallest tree in the field!” he declared, puffing out his chest.
Shirayuki’s laughter filled the air, and that spark of joy began a friendship that would weave through the tapestry of their lives. They spent countless afternoons together, climbing trees, exploring hidden corners of the estate, and sharing secrets that only children know—a secret language of giggles, dares, and promises made beneath the dappled sunlight.
Years of Letters
As the seasons changed, so did their lives. Zen was whisked away to the palace, where he was groomed for the responsibilities of his birthright. His days became filled with royal lessons, sword practice, and endless corridors echoing with duty. Yet, every so often, he would find solace in a folded letter—inked in delicate handwriting—that traveled over hills and rivers to him from Shirayuki.
In her letters, Shirayuki described the simple joys of the countryside: the scent of wild lavender on the breeze, the gentle hum of bees around the herb garden, and the timeless rhythm of nature that soothed her soul. She wrote of new herbs she’d discovered, remedies she was learning to craft, and the way the twilight painted the world in soft hues of pink and gold. Zen would carefully read each word, cherishing the warmth they brought him even on the coldest, loneliest days in the palace.
With every letter exchanged, a quiet love began to bloom—growing from the innocent seeds of childhood companionship into something deeper, something that would change both their lives forever.
Reunion at the Royal Garden
Years turned into adolescence, and the inevitable day came when Shirayuki was summoned to the palace. Zen had longed for this moment ever since he first clutched her letter, the words carrying her gentle wisdom across the distance. The royal garden, a vast expanse of meticulously tended blooms and secret nooks, became the stage for their reunion.
As Shirayuki stepped into the garden, Zen could scarcely believe his eyes. Gone was the little red-haired girl who hid behind her father’s leg—before him stood a confident young woman with eyes as vibrant as spring leaves, her hair flowing like a cascade of autumn fire.
“Zen!” she called out, her voice a melody that made his heart skip a beat.
In an instant, Zen closed the gap between them. Without a word, he wrapped his arms around her in a warm embrace that spoke of years lost and the promise of new beginnings. “I’ve waited for this moment every day,” he whispered, his voice trembling with emotion.
Shirayuki pulled back, searching his eyes for the truth behind his words. “And have you?” she asked softly, her smile both questioning and filled with hope.
“Every single day,” Zen replied earnestly. “Every sunrise reminded me of you, and every sunset promised our next meeting.”
They strolled through the garden, their conversation effortless as if the years apart had never existed. Zen recounted tales of his rigorous training, the pressures of palace life, and the loneliness that sometimes accompanied his regal duties. In turn, Shirayuki shared stories of her adventures in the countryside—of secret meadows, ancient trees, and the magical quality of nature that had nurtured her spirit.
As the afternoon waned, they found themselves beneath the ancient oak tree where they had once played as children. The leaves whispered overhead in a language only the heart could understand. Zen stopped and turned to face Shirayuki, his eyes reflecting both the fading light and the depth of his feelings.
“Do you remember when I first called you an apple?” he began with a soft chuckle. “I never imagined that you would become the most extraordinary part of my life.”
Shirayuki’s eyes shimmered as she replied, “I remember every word. And I’ve grown up with that memory always close to my heart. I’ve learned that sometimes the simplest words carry the greatest meaning.”
In that timeless moment, the quiet truth of their bond revealed itself. Zen reached out, gently taking her hand in his. “Shirayuki, I don’t want to be just your friend. I want to share every joy, every hardship, and every dream with you. I want us to build a future together.”
Her eyes widened in surprise before a tender smile graced her face. “Zen, I’ve been waiting for you to say that. I’ve loved you since we first met, even when you were just a muddy little prince.”
A Promise Under the Stars
That night, after the garden had been left behind in the golden glow of dusk, Zen and Shirayuki found themselves alone on a balcony overlooking the palace grounds. The stars twinkled like scattered gems across the velvet sky, and the cool night air whispered of possibilities.
Zen’s heart pounded as he looked at the woman before him, whose eyes mirrored the endless expanse above. “Shirayuki, I promise that no matter what challenges we face—no matter the distance, the duties, or the burdens of our worlds—I will always be by your side.”
Shirayuki stepped closer, her hand sliding into his with gentle assurance. “And I promise to be your strength when you feel weak, your solace when you’re lost, and your partner in every adventure life brings us. Together, we’ll turn even the simplest moments into memories that last forever.”
Under the luminous glow of the moon, they sealed their promises with a kiss that bridged the gap between past and future. It was a kiss that carried the echoes of childhood laughter, the quiet comfort of shared letters, and the passionate hope of a love that had grown and endured.
Building a Life Together
In the days, months, and years that followed, Zen and Shirayuki wove their lives together like the petals of a delicate flower. Zen, despite his royal responsibilities, always found time to meet Shirayuki in the quiet corners of the palace or in secret gardens hidden behind high walls. Each rendezvous was filled with whispered confidences, gentle laughter, and dreams of a future where duty and love could coexist in harmony.
Shirayuki continued to hone her skills as a healer and herbalist, often traveling into the countryside to gather rare blooms and ancient remedies. Zen would wait for her return, eagerly listening to her tales of far-off meadows and mystical woods. These stories, full of wonder and mystery, reminded him that life was meant to be lived in full color, even amid the gray shadows of responsibility.
Their love became a quiet revolution against the rigid expectations of the palace. With every shared sunset and every secret meeting, they reminded each other that true strength lies not in the fulfillment of duty alone, but in the courage to love without fear. They built a sanctuary in each other—a safe haven where laughter replaced the harsh clang of swords and where even the heaviest burdens felt lighter when borne together.
As seasons turned and the palace flourished with the changing cycle of life, their bond deepened. Friends and courtiers began to notice the subtle transformation in Zen—a newfound lightness in his step, a soft gleam in his eyes that spoke of a heart at peace. Even the strictest advisors could not help but smile when they saw the young prince walk through the corridors with Shirayuki by his side.
In one memorable spring festival, beneath a canopy of blooming cherry trees, Zen publicly declared his love for Shirayuki. In a moment of quiet bravery, he spoke before the gathered crowd, his voice steady and filled with emotion: “I have learned that strength comes not from solitude but from the love we share. I love Shirayuki—not just as the friend I have cherished since childhood, but as the partner who completes every part of me.”
The crowd erupted in gentle applause, not just for the prince’s words, but for the truth and passion that shone in his eyes. From that day on, their love story became an inspiration—a testament to the power of growing up together, of overcoming obstacles through the bond of friendship, and of embracing a future built on shared dreams.
Epilogue
Years later, in a quiet chamber lined with memories of both past struggles and triumphs, Zen and Shirayuki sat together, reflecting on the journey they had taken. Their love had weathered the storms of duty and the inevitable hardships of life at court. But in every challenge, they had found a reason to stand stronger together.
Zen looked at Shirayuki as the afternoon light streamed through stained-glass windows, casting patterns of color around them. “Do you remember,” he said with a soft laugh, “when I first called you an apple?”
Shirayuki smiled, her eyes twinkling with mischief and nostalgia. “And you claimed you were the bravest prince in the kingdom?”
“Perhaps I was a little exaggerated,” Zen admitted, squeezing her hand gently. “But I was always honest about one thing—I’ve loved you, from that very first moment.”
Shirayuki rested her head on his shoulder, and together they watched the sun dip below the horizon, marking the end of another day filled with memories, hope, and a love that had only grown stronger with time.
And so, in the quiet serenity of the palace garden, among blossoms that bloomed with every season, Zen and Shirayuki continued their timeless journey—a testament to a love that began in childhood and flourished into a lifetime of shared dreams and whispered promises.