Max is the last guy standing...and his reasons to take Saori to the dance sets himself apart from all the other boys.

Chapter 10: Last Boy Standing

It had been a long day of trying to choose the perfect date for Saori to go to the dance with and Akashi was almost starting to lose hope with finding the one boy for Saori, but he's not one to give up so easily and is determined to find someone that's good for her and Saori said, "That's all the boys."

"Yeah, it might be it." Akashi agreed.

"Sir...I don't mean to disturb you...but there is one more boy that's been waiting the entire day." one of the guards said.

"Who?" asked Akashi.

"He calls himself Maximus." the guard replied.

Of course, Saori and Akashi immediately knew who that meant and it made Saori more excited and a lot more faithful that she'll get a chance and Akashi said, "Bring him in here!"

The guards did as they were told as they got out and brung Max in there and when he walked this way, Akashi could see that this is the right choice for his sister to go with to the dance and Max said, "Hello."

"Hi, Max." Saori said, smiling.

Akashi comes towards Max and he asked, "I know that you're capable of taking my sister to the Valentine's day dance in six days. So...I have to ask this question; how come you wanna take my sister to the dance? And what makes you think you're good enough among all the other boys that wanted to ask her?"

Max immediately responded in the most honest, genuine and heartfelt way possible, "Because I love Saori deeply with all my heart. I've been there for her ever since those croc bandits tried to come after her and I rescued her. What makes me different from any other guy; I'm honest, reliable, kind, putting others above myself, a hard worker, determined, patient, forgiving, compassionate, courageous, well-disciplined, strong but not too strong and above anything else...I have a humble heart. There's no one else I'd rather spend my valentine's day with than Saori...because she's the most beautiful person in the world and I would love to not only be her date, but an escort."

All of those words really made Saori tear up with happiness and Akashi felt his heart growing bigger after hearing everything Max has said...especially at that tender age of 15. Satoshi, on the other hand...was still unconvinced that he's good enough for Saori and he said, "That all sounds fine and dandy...but I think it's time you'd leave."

"Satoshi!" Akashi protested.

"I'm sorry, sir...but you told me to take care of her well-being from other boys." Satoshi argued.

"Yes...but Max is very different from all those other boys we saw today." Akashi responded.

"And you believe that?" asked Satoshi.

"I wouldn't say it if I didn't mean it." Max replied.

That pretty much said it all and Saori stood up and replied, "I choose Max to be my date for the dance!"

Satoshi was dumbfounded as soon as he heard Saori say that and he said to Akashi, "Do something!"

"I will. Saori...you said to make a choice on who you want to be at the dance with and I couldn't agree anymore. Maximus is the right choice for my sister!" Akashi exclaimed.

Saori was completely happy to hear that and she run towards Max and hugged her tightly and something in Akashi's heart knew that Max is the one for Saori to go on a valentine's day dance with and Satoshi left the palace in a huff, leaving all three of them happily embracing each other and Max said, "This is the best day of my life."

"Mine too." Saori agreed.

Sounds like Satoshi doesn't like Max for some reason. I had to make the character an over-the top overprotective bodyguard for Saori because he assumes that Max might be one of those boys that could take advantage of Saori despite not knowing that Akashi and Saori have history with Max. Stick around for more!