Afterstory: How they got married
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The story went like this.
It was the final day in Hakusen High School for the school's supposedly last batch of S.A students.
Graduation ceremony.
Right. The last day in which I and Hikari, Akira, Ryuu, Megumi, Jun, Tadashi will be officially a high school student.
It was as expected, a busy and lively day mixed with laughter and sadness for everyone else..
I adjusted the golden tie I had on together with the black suit, glancing beside me at Hikari who was chatting with Akira and Megumi.
The smile and enthusiastic tone of her voice were enough to make me smile too.
If Hikari is happy, then, I am too.
Well, I am going to make her more happy today, though.
The plans are in the process.
.
For some reasons, the school is planning on distributing the graduation certificates by genders this year.
So, I stood as required of me, in line with the guys at the right most of the hall. I was the first of the queue due to my school rank, which was good. It meant I could get this boring event over soon. I still have to continue my plans...
"Takishima!" The familiar voice of Hikari rang across the hall, and when I turned, I saw her enthusiastic wave at the left side of the hall. Her figure clad in graduation attire was small, but having been loving her for so long, I could see every feature of her grinning face.
I smiled again, the warmth of happiness engulfing me for a good moment.
Then, the nerves sparked, and I settled for my playful expression and shouted across.
"Miss Number Two!"
The air crackled, her face changed just like normal and exactly as I expected. I laughed, wholeheartedly, as she yelled "Don't call me that!" back at me.
Jun, Tadashi and Ryuu who were in sequence behind me looked at me in a blank unsurprised look, I could tell, but I could not mind them at the moment.
Indeed.
As always, only my Hikari can move me this way.
That is why, no matter what, my plans will succeed today.
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" - And with that! Congratulations to all the graduates!" The male emcee declared as the last candidate took her certificate on stage. A round of applause followed.
Then, it was time.
"Now, dear audience, sit back and enjoy the performance put up by our current second years!"
The wine colored curtains fell, shielding the stage, and a corner of my lips turned up.
Performance?
No.
It will be a...
I raised my right hand straight up, gathering lots of curious glances, even from other SA members. I could barely hear Ryuu calling me tentatively in confusion. However, none of those matter.
My fingers snapped.
The curtains raised.
Applause barely started, but they fell dead once the stage was fully revealed.
I knew what was on the stage now. On that screen.
Deftly and quickly, I strode down the rows of chairs to where Hikari was, a good five rows down, at the first seat of the girls section.
Her eyes were too wide, too shocked. She kind of look pale too.
Oh well.
"Miss Hikari." I gave my best smile, promptly getting down on the traditional one knee. I set out my palm. "I love you, now and forever. Will you marry me?"
She looked at me, dazed for a second, before turning redder than tomato.
"Takishima... B-but I said..." Hikari looked really reluctant.
I could hear my own heart flinch.
Yes. Of course I remember what she said.
Our promise - that we would get married only if she defeats me, that was the main point.
The point that got me anxious and stupid enough to eat that chocolate*...
However...
"I mean what is written on the stage right now." I said gently, the barest hint of a sigh as I smiled lightly.
"Will you marry me please?" I asked again, a hand reaching to lift a handful of her always beautiful long hair.
Hikari's black sparkling eyes wavered, her blush prominent, and I could tell she really was happy inside.
Ah. I will be happy too. Regardless of her answer. Because she is.
She hesitated for another second, before shooting up from her seat before I could blink.
"Yes Takishima! I accept your challenge!" She declared proudly, thudding her chest, with what I feel was her ride on a sudden impulse. Then as expected, a second later, she blushed deeply and staggered.
How cute.
But the main point! She agreed!
I got up with a strong urge, pulled her in for a kiss with all the happiness I feel while ignoring all the gasps, before pulling her onto the stage for her ring there. I just could not hide my smile.
"Thank you, Hikari."
She smiled back, with a tad of blush.
And that was my proposal.
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Oh. I did not say what was on that stage?
On the screen projected on stage: (words of)
To be honest, I have loved you since we were 5 years old. If this is a match about who falls in love first, I have lost long ago. You are the winner of my heart. So, please marry me Hikari.
P.S.: Unless you feel like you will lose to me in being the better partner in this marriage, Number Two.
On the stage itself:
Lots and lots and lots and lots of pictures of Hikari, with a classy round table where a diamond ring in a box sat.
.
Well.
It was a long shot at that time, but I am glad my proposal went well.
"Daddy!" I was snapped out of my reverie by a familiar voice.
"Oh Heiko." I pat her lithe shoulders barely until my hips as I searched for who I know will be behind her. "School's alright as usual?"
"Of course!"
Hikari walked nearer, Rei at her side engrossed in an algebra book ordinary people will think crazy for his age, her long black hair fluttering in the breeze.
Our eyes never left each other, and the bubbly warm feeling made me smile again.
Ah, I have been smiling too much recently, be it at work or at home like now, just by looking at her.
"Hikari."
"Kei. We're back."
"Welcome back."
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*Chocolate incident - refer to SA - Street fighting (i just read/found this recently too)
Good bye!