I've been rejected.
"You can't have my daughter!"
He said it straight into my face,
Without even missing a beat,
Raw and unfiltered...
Amidst my paralysis, I searched for Ayase-san. My bones creaked as I turn towards her.
She looked equally mortified, but then she shot forward. "D-Dad?!"
"BAHAHAHAHAH!!" Kazuto-san repeatedly smacked my shoulder. "I've always wanted to say that"—THUD—"Agh—!"
A book struck him right on his head.
"Don't give my son a heart attack!" Mom barked then broke down into a cough.
"Ahahah..." Kazuto-san rubbed his head, straightening himself. "My apologies."
I blinked, absolutely bewildered.
He chuckled. "You're as amusing as Risa said."
"Wh—!" I stammered.
"Dad—! Secret!!" Ayase-san blurted, cheeks turning pink.
"Yaaah, I can't help but check for myself." He rested his hands on his hips. "She talked about you like a maiden in lov—"
"Daaad!!" Ayase-san squealed, but her voice was adorably soft.
"Hm-hm." Mom joined in, nodding along. "And Rion talked about her like she was the most beautiful thing in the worl—"
"Mother!!" I barked.
"What~? You two are getting married." She shrugged. "What's wrong with expressing your love?"
"Yes, yes." Kazuto-san chimed in, crossing his arms, nodding along. "Showing your love is important for a healthy marriage."
"I'll do that myself!"
"Let me do that myself!"
"Ah—!"
"Ah—!"
I turned.
"Ayase-san—!"
"Rion—!"
Her face was as red as I felt at that instant.
"BAHAHAHAHAH—!"
I turned to Kazuto-san as he laughed his heart out.
"Truly a match made in heaven!" he exclaimed.
Ahhhh—
I can't handle this!
My face is making me dizzy!
These two work too well together!
I can barely handle Mom—and Kazuto-san just teamed up with her!
What are they—Twins?!
Talking about 'a match made in heaven'—
These two are a match made in hell!
"Nevertheless," Kazuto-san held my shoulders.
I blinked, raising my gaze to match his.
"I'm glad you both met, " He smiled, warm, proud, and... relieved?
"Take care of her for me," He firmed his grip. "Alright, Rion?"
Something warm rushed into my chest. His words felt true, filled with hope. For me.
"With my life," The words spilled. "Kazuto-san."
His smile widened, enhanced with another level of trust. "Well said."
"Alright, then." He released my shoulders, straightening his suit, heading for the door. "I'll be on my way."
"Already?" Mom asked.
"Hah!" he cackled. "I have places to be." Stopping mid-step, he turned to mom.
"Besides," He glanced at me. "One look was all I needed."
I perked up.
Then he turned to Ayase-san, reaching for her head. "Get along with him, Risa."
She cooed when Kazuto-san rubbed her head. "Mm." She nodded. "I will."
"Well then," The door opened with a hiss. "I'll see you sometime." He waved and stepped outside, disappearing behind the closing door.
An exhale escaped me, easing my shoulders. The hurricane had finally passed. The chaos within myself had begun to still. But oddly enough, I kind of wished he'd stay a little longer.
"Your father," I turned to Ayase-san, "He's quite busy, huh?"
A breathy chuckle escaped her, and her eyes softened. "Busy as it gets."
I felt myself soften as I watch her.
"Oh, right," She blinked, reminding herself of something. She handed me a piece of paper, our marriage registration form. "We just need your signature, Rion."
I couldn't help but stare at her. An adorably shy smile. Eyes flickering everywhere, unsure of where to settle. Blushed cheeks hidden behind a few strands of caramel. Her features at this moment sent a ripple within me.
I reached for the form.
"My shift ends at five today," She started fidgeting. "We can go to the administrations office right after."
"Ah," I blinked. "I'm sorry, but I have a lot to finish today." I tilted my head, leaning in slightly. "Is six okay?"
"Mm." She nodded. "I can wait here."
"Six it is." I replied with a smile. "And—" I blurted, averting my gaze (and failing).
She tilted her head.
Heat crept up my spine, settling stubbornly in my ears. "And... Dinner after?"
A quiet moment passed.
And when my eyes returned to her, I found her fidgeting. "Sure." Her cheeks glowed pink and her eyes actively tried to avoid me. "That'd be nice."
For a moment, there was just warmth. Nothing physical. We only stood across each other, yet I could feel her warmth all the way from here.
"I'm still here, y'know."
"Ah—!" We jolted.
I slapped a hand on my mouth and Ayase-san instinctively hid behind her digi-pad. We had completely overlooked the one gravely ill person that was the centerpiece of this room.
Mom sighed, exasperated. "You two lovebirds really need a room."
"I—" I stammered, shuddering. "I-I have work to do!" I turned away, marching to my laptop. "Don't disturb me!"
I heard giggles as I stepped, one aged and another angelic. I didn't turn back. Not when I knew what kind of expression I was wearing.
***
POV: Ayase Risa
The hospital was lively today. Patients, nurses, doctors. Everyone seemed so bright. At least, that was what it felt like to me at that moment. My steps felt just a little bit lighter. And the ripple inside me felt just a tad bit vigorous.
I'm getting married.
To Rion.
Ahhhh! I can barely contain myself!
I'm terrified...
But at the same time, the excitement completely overtook that feeling.
And we're having dinner after...
I wonder where should I drag him to this time...
A small smile formed on my lips and I clutched my digi-pad closer.
Maybe he'll take me somewhere this time...
Or maybe...
We'll just see what we come up with on the way.