Hello all! Just thought I'd do a bit of drabbling since I fell in love with this manga. This story runs off from chapter 88 when Seiji explains the value of the ring to Shiharu, though it is my own take of the response afterwards (and the remainder of the story). I hope you enjoy it, and please review it if you like it!
Disclaimer: I do not own Love so Life
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Imagine if I just said yes there and then. That shining ring poking out of that little polished box. My life's dreams all packed into that most precious gift from Matsunaga-san.
Looking at him now, with his passionate stare and curling hair, I couldn't help but feel the pain of acceptance and rejection. It must've been so hard for him to do this, especially out of pity for me. I'd cried so many tears in front of this man; so many fears and worries about love and belonging which all stemmed from my love for him. My love for Seiji Matsunaga.
"Matsunaga-san…"
"Nakamura-san. I know this is a shock to you, and I'll apologize a thousand times, but I'm willing to wait a thousand lifetimes for you to respond to my feelings. I know your mother wouldn't have wanted me to pressure you, and I won't if only for my own conscience. All I wish is for you to be happy. No matter the reply, I will wait for you; you who I love so much."
I can't breathe. The sweet words seem to roll out of his mouth naturally. This is the coherence of an adult; intentions plain and clear, and perfectly aligned with my own. My hand grabs his own for support, and to feel the heat of his body; to prove this is real. He strokes my fingers with his other hand comfortingly.
"I know you are still a child, but you are more than family to me. You are my most important person." He finished with a bright smile.
"Matsunaga-san; I don't know how you see through me, but you do." I grasped my free hand to my chest painfully. "You see all my insecurities and my sorrows, and you just take them away. You are the only person I have ever cried in front of, and I hope it will remain that way forever." I choked back tears. "I…I love you…I have always loved you; from the moment you saved me from my impartial existence at the institute, and brought me into your family. You make me feel as if it's worth believing in the power of love, since in the end, the twins will leave here forever. No amount of my love will make them stay here with you…with me. But it's too much for me as their babysitter to-"
He pulled me into his chest and growled. "Shiharu." My world shattered with that one word; my name. He pulled back slightly to look into my face and wipe away my broken tears. Pulling my face close he whispered "I'm here. I will always be here…I won't leave you behind."
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The ring wasn't specifically an engagement ring; it was more a way of showing others that she belonged to me. My Shiharu. From the moment I'd seen her with the twins at her hips, I'd tasted her joy and her hope, and had begun to crave it; the love she gave unconditionally. As an adult of the higher rungs of society, I knew the problems a relationship would cause for both sides; the gossip and the legal problems, but I couldn't help the flowing desire that rushed through my veins.
Her reaction when she opened the ring box had been priceless, and though I had shared my honest thoughts and feelings with her, I could not help but hide the darkest truth from her. I wanted her to stay; now and always. I wanted to make her mine, and take her where no one could ever hurt her again. Rationally, I knew I couldn't do this, but I could wait for her as long as she needed, because at the thick and thin of it, it would always be her. My Shiharu.
I spoke my heart; I let it bleed to the wind. What hurt most, however, was when she spoke those words. "I love you." As if her blushing face hadn't been enough to tingle my spine; the stroke of her fingertips on my hand had almost undone my very being.
I heard every word she spoke in raspy breaths, but I couldn't stand to listen to her spout realistic concerns. I couldn't listen to her doubt the love she had just declared; not after two long years of self-control and total respect for her being. I love her too much for that.
"Shiharu" I growled possessively. I would not let her go now. She was mine. The tears fell as I pulled her to my chest; cradling her gently. The warmth I felt from that contact was the relief I needed from the pressure; the loss of the children I had raised for two years, and the loss of my family lifestyle. Without Akane and Aoi, Shiharu would no longer come. I would lose my entire makeshift family, and I would lose the feelings that felt so dear to me.
The wracking sobs echoing from the girl in my arms brought me back to my position as I stroked her hair. I would comfort her, and I would protect her.
I decided then and there; I would do anything to protect her happiness.