Chapter 14
Return to the Fair
"What ride are we going on first, Hikari?" Kei asked, smiling at the thought that it had not been that long since they were last at the fair together.
"Let's go on the big ride Kei!" he smiled as he allowed Hikari to pull him by the hand towards the biggest ride in the fair. As they stood in line, Kei looked around for a moment, smiling at the sight of all the children running around and laughing. He hoped that one day he would be able to bring his and Hikari's children to the fair in remembrance. "Kei, come on. It's our turn!" Kei turned his warm gaze back to the girl he had loved for years. Taking her by surprise, he ran ahead and pulled her with him, laughing like the carefree teenage boy that he rarely allowed other people to see. Hikari smiled and ran alongside him, getting into her seat as he got in to his, ready to start the ride. Kei caught Hikari's hand in his, kissing it softly.
"Squeeze my hand if you get scared, nii-san." He smirked, recognising her rising ire at the name.
"Don't call me thaaaaaat!" She yelled, just as the ride started, causing her voice to rise in surprise. As they finally slowed to a stop, at the end of the ride, Hikari was laughing in amusement and Kei was chuckling in happiness at his girlfriend's joy. He'd do anything to make Hikari happy, even…
"Yo Kei!" They turned to see Tadashi waving at them and grinning stupidly. Behind him were Akira, Yahiro, Megumi, Jun, Sakura, Ryuu and Finn. The whole group was visiting the fair because Hikari had looked so cute when asking him if they could make it a group outing. Kei had allowed it and even paid for the group's admission into the fair. He had the entire day planned, including a picnic by the nearby river. It was the perfect outing. The group had fun, riding on all but the biggest rollercoaster which only Kei and Hikari would go on.
By the time night had fallen, Hikari was tired and was resting her head on Kei's shoulder, her arms wrapped lovingly around his waist.
"Hikari?" Kei asked, nudging her gently to get her attention.
"Mmh?" She responded sleepily.
"Want to go ride the Ferris wheel?" She smiled sweetly at him and nodded. Kei crushed his lips to hers but managed to pull himself away from her before he lost himself.
Together they walked hand-in-hand towards the Ferris wheel where he handed Hikari into the cart and climbed in after her.
"Look at the stars, Kei! Aren't they beautiful?" she smiled as the ride started.
"You're much more beautiful." He responded, mesmerised by her shining eyes and hair caught on a slight breeze, wafting her scent over to Kei. She turned and blushed when she saw that he was staring intently at her. He smirked smugly in response and her cheeks reddened even further. Smiling at her embarrassment, Hikari kissed him lightly and continued looking outside. Nervously, Kei checked his watch. Three… two… one. The sound of explosions outside the carriage drew his attention to the night sky.
"Fireworks, Kei! Aren't they amaz-" She was cut off as the explosions started to form words.
"Hikari, will you marry me?" She stared open mouthed at the words written in the dark night sky. When she finally turned around, she saw Kei on one knee in the middle of the carriage.
"Kei, what…"
"Hikari, you are the most beautiful, loving, devoted and intelligent woman in the world. You are my rival and my best friend. I've loved you for a decade and will endeavour to make you happy for the rest of your life. I love you Hikari. Will you marry me?" She stood silent in front of him for a moment, tears lining her onyx eyes.
"You mean it?" She asked.
"Of course. I can only imagine my future with you in it and without you; I see nothing to light up my life. You are my light, my Hikari."
"Yes."
"Yes?" He couldn't believe it. The girl he had loved for years would be his, mind, body and soul.
"Yes, I will marry you!" She giggled just before Kei lifted her into an ecstatic hug, lifting her from the floor completely. They laughed together.
"I love you, Hikari!" For once in his life, Kei felt that he could truly forget all his reservations and simply be as happy as he wished.
"I love you too, Kei."
"Hikari, I respect you too much to- I mean… I want our first proper time to be on our wedding night. I want time to prepare and ensure that it is truly special for you."
"Kei, anything with you would be special."
"I know but I will make it even more magical." By the time Kei had released Hikari and finally placed the ring on her finger, they were due to disembark from the carriage. Kei grinned menacingly when he thought of how to tell everyone about the upcoming nuptials.