Shades of Azure

シェイドス オフ アジュル  

A guy's lonely life brightens as he encounters a girl who is unemployed… for the nth time around.

Disclaimer: I do not own this anime

Chapter Seven: Pinky Promise

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As they were eating, Kanata suddenly said something. "You know, I can't really force you to marry me."

She stopped eating. What? He's got a change of heart? So easy, huh...

"... besides, you don't even know me personally and vice versa."

"Yeah, we just met a few days ago," Miyu agreed.

"But I honestly feel like I've been with you before." Kanata replied, making Miyu startled. "I am usually irritated with women, but I didn't feel that way with you."

"Really?" she replied nonchalantly "I guess you are changing now."

"I'm willing to tell you everything about me for you to know me, it will just take some time."

"I guess we really have to do that."

"So is the deal off?"

"No," Miyu smiled. "I'm beginning to like you, honestly."

"Great. Well, we can make a promise so that we'll be free in case we need to."

"What promise?" Miyu asked...

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"In case we don't feel like staying together or we found someone we truly love, we should let go of each other. It means that the deal is off." Kanata replied.

"I don't want to take away your freedom, Miyu. There are lots of guys better than me out there." He continued with utmost care.

I know it, he's really kind. Miyu thought, smiling. "Okay. I fully understand."

"So stick out your pinky finger then," he said seriously.

Miyu chuckled, "Do we have to be so childish?"

"This indicates agreement, you know."

"Alright," she agreed. Afterwards, Miyu laughed.

"What's wrong?" Kanata asked.

"Oh, nothing. I guess I will be enjoying the time we'll be together." She smiled at him. "Let's continue eating. We have lots of stuff to arrange later."

"Right." Kanata said as he proceeds to his food. "Anyway, what shall we do first?"

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Miyu and Kanata slowly entered a wedding boutique. Miyu was amazed by the different wedding dresses.

"Wow, unreal!" she exclaimed like a little girl. Kanata suddenly moved closer to her, bracing his left arm around her.

"So you've dreamed of these fancy wedding dresses as a child then." Kanata whispered.

Miyu blushed. "No way, Kanata. I was just mesmerized by the beautiful designs, that's all."

"No, you weren't. I can see the twinkle in your eyes." He grinned. "pick anything and I'll buy it for you."­­­

"Fine," she said. Then Miyu approached the sales lady. "excuse me miss, which one here is the most expensive?"

"Here are the dresses madam." The lady said.

Kanata simply shrugged. And he followed them. As soon as Miyu fit the gown, Kanata was more deeply attached to this girl.

"I guess I'll never regret anything at all, Miyu." He told her softly. "I think I really like you now..."

"Stop kidding, Kanata!" Miyu said, "Come on and pay this. I don't trust Santa can take care of Ruu better than his future mom,"

Kanata smiled. "I wasn't joking." He took out his credit card from his wallet.

"Okay then," Miyu agreed. "Shall we?"

"Yes, my dear."

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The planning was fast-paced that the wedding will be in three weeks. The whole thing is already wrapped up. Miyu suddenly remembered about her mom and dad.

"I guess I must not hide anything from Kanata," she replied. "He needs to know my past,"

So she went to Kanata's room that night.

"Kanata, are you there?"

Miyu entered his room and a nice smell of his perfume filled the air. He has just taken his shower.

"Yeah?"

"I need to talk to you."

"Let's talk it out on dinner, we're going out." He simply said. "And we'll bring Ruu along."

"Okay, I better get us ready then." Miyu said.

After a while, Miyu dressed herself and Ruu properly. Hey headed for a fine dining restaurant, and families are gathered there.

The woman who owns the place came to Kanata. "So you finally brought along your wife, eh?" she said to him. "Irasshaimase,"

"Hai..." Kanata replied shyly. "She's Miyu. And she's not my wife---"

"I'm his fiancée. Nice to meet you!" Miyu said politely. She bowed down afterwards.

"Wow, so you're getting married. Best wishes, then!"

"Thanks." They both said and they were led to a table.

"This place is nice and cozy," Miyu said in a gentle manner. "I bet you and Ruu often go here."

"Yeah. We always ate dinner here." He said as he flipped on the menu. "Ruu's favorite is their special kiddie meal here,"

He pointed out at the menu to Miyu and nodded.

"Oh, so you're a very leisurely father then. You still have time for him,"

"Of course." He said as patted Ruu's head. "He's my only treasure."

"That's touching," Miyu said. "So what can I order here..."

"Anyway, what are you going to tell me?" Kanata suddenly asked.

"It's about me," Miyu said. "You see, I didn't really need a job after all those subsequent firing."

"What?"

"I... actually ran away from home."

"You're joking." Kanata said. Miyu just shook her head,

"I really did rebel with my parents. I was trying to escape a fixed marriage. Kanata, I was once destined to get married. That was about 2 years ago."

"You didn't---"

"I'm sorry that I wasn't that honest. You see, I just knew you a few days, and..."

I've fallen for you... her mind wanted her to speak out.

"I... I want to be Ruu's mom."

"I see..." Kanata suddenly became serious. "So you married me to escape, right? I guess we both have our specific reason. This will make our marriage really profitable for both of us."

"It's not that, Kanata. You're a nice guy. So I better marry you than someone I never knew." Miyu admitted.

"Really," he said nonchalantly.

"Yeah,"

He smiled at her gratefully. "I'm glad that's the way you look at me."

"Of course," she was quite blushing. "Let's order now."

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After they ate dinner, they went to a theme park. There is a fireworks display there every 7 in the evening.

"Ruu seems to like it so much," Miyu said as she held the happy child. "I wish he'd smile more often like this,"

"He surely will, as long as you marry me, right?"

Miyu hit him on the head. "Baka! You don't have to reiterate that okay?"

"Sure, my dear." He said, grinning foolishly.

"Nah, what should I call you then?" Miyu asked.

"I guess darling sounds nice,"

"That's so corny..."

"Then what should it be?"

"Kanata would just be fine," Miyu said.

"No way."

"Why not? You want me to call you stupid or something?"

He inched closer to her, and the distance between their faces is too small.

"No. I don't want it."

Miyu flinched. "K-Kanata... I---"

"Shh..." he whispered, getting closer to her. "you won't mind, do you?"

He suddenly kissed her lips once again. Miyu blushed instantly.

"Wha---"

"Thank you Miyu. Thanks for everything. I'll be a good husband, I promise." He said.

"Yes, you should be." Miyu said, looking at Ruu who is just smiling at them. "Then we'll all be happy."

"We will."

God, I am really grateful in meeting this guy. He's the best thing that's ever happened to me... Miyu smiled contentedly as she gazed at the beautifully-lit fireworks.

"This will be a long night..." she whispered in the air.

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To be continued

つづく。。。