Author's Note: So sorry again for the long wait, but, this is it. The last chapter of the whole story. I'd love to give thanks to Kin756894 for being my official beta-reader. Thanks for being a great friend as well, I appreciate it a whole lot! I also like to thank Omok for the fun conversation we had just a few months back. It made my day. I'd also like to give thanks to all my readers. Without you, yes you, this story wouldn't have been finished at all. I know I'm being repetitive, but I can't thank all of you enough. So again, thanks for the reviews in this fluffy story. I do hope you all had enjoyed reading my story as much as I had fun writing this. If there are any errors at all to this story from the first chapter to this chapter, please PM me so I could correct it. And a warning: this is not proofread, rather, it's skimmed by me, so sorry. And one more thing: please do vote in my poll. Hope you'll vote! See you in my next story and take care!
The Portrait Album: Caught By You
"Love can make you do things that you never thought possible." – Phil Collins
"You ready Himeko?" Makoto asked after she opened the rich mahogany door and peered her head through as she looked at her best friend up and down with the biggest grin she had in years. All she could think of was that she looked amazing. She was in a white wedding gown with embroidered bodice and silk taffeta skirt with pick-ups. Two people then backed away from Himeko to do the same thing-look at her in awe. The two then went outside, with Makoto and Himeko left in the room.
Himeko sighed happily before she closed her eyes, and then open them to look at Makoto through the mirror.
"Ready as I'll ever be." She replied with the biggest smile she had. Anxiety and excitement coursed through her when she said that.
All she could think about was this was the best day of her entire life.
Footsteps then clicked through the wooden, varnished floor and then followed by a pair of arms hugging her from behind. Himeko smiled at that. She knew that Makoto was in deep thought, her intuition reasoned. The photographer gave her a few moments, her lilac eyes written in contentment as she stilled herself to not break her best friend's imagination in her mind. Then as if forever was through,
"What are you thinking Mako-chan?"
Makoto's chin then rested on Himeko's shoulder, showing her face on the mirror with the photographer looking on. Her eyes somehow turned a deep green, an animated sparkle in it.
"This is going to be me someday with Sou-chan." With a playful grin.
Himeko could only giggle, remembering how Souma proposed to her best friend a few weeks ago. It was a bit funny.
The cute photographer looked on at the two lovebirds. She had set up this outing of sorts because Souma pleaded her to with Chikane so he could propose to Makoto. He didn't know what and how to do that at all. Himeko could only giggle that Souma can be a bit helpless in romance.
And when Souma had told her about this, Himeko could only nod and smile. She was all for Souma's plan since her best friend is going to get married with her other best friend. Happy could put what she was feeling right now to shame.
And that led to now. Himeko was just sipping coffee by a nearby comfortable stand with Chikane-drinking a bit of wine-beside her with Souma and Makoto a little far away, talking, holding hands, and enjoying themselves.
Chikane and Himeko were near a lighthouse, where Souma and Makoto were situated. They could only grin as they looked on at them, even though they could make out their shadows from afar.
It was at nighttime that happened, according to Himeko and Makoto.
"I bet Souma-kun is nervous." Himeko whispered to Chikane.
The tennis player smiled before she crossed one leg over the other and looked at her left hand. "I do bet as well." Remembering what happened at the beach in Kyoto, Japan involving her and her sweetheart.
Still, she couldn't get enough of Himeko's obvious yet adorable statements and her reactions to different things.
With a rather serious face, she stared at the shadows. Chikane could only kiss her on the cheek at her cuteness with the owner of the stand looking on at them as if they had grown three heads.
Back to Makoto and Souma, the journalist fiddled with Makoto's fingers for a while thinking back and forth on how to do this. Eventually, Makoto caught on at his sudden habit.
"Are you alright Sou-chan?" Makoto asked, concerned for her boyfriend.
Souma didn't reply but looked at Makoto with intensity, finding something in Makoto's a bit blue yet green eyes. The light started to swirl as well in the lighthouse when he had done that. Makoto could only look back, a bit startled with his actions.
"Mako-chan?"
"Yeah?" The athlete replied hesitantly, still dazed in the brown pool of his eyes.
Then as if time had stopped, Souma froze as well after he got something in his front pocket and presented a ring between his index finger and thumb to her.
"I love you. Will you marry me?" No soppy speech, no getting down on one knee, nothing. He was as nervous as hell. He couldn't do anything. But all he wanted to do right now until the day he died was protect Makoto with his life.
Even if Makoto would say no to him. He would wait. He would wait forever.
But something hit Makoto amazingly. She practically pounced on Souma before they both hit the soft green grass with her on top of him.
"Yes!" She whispered loudly as Souma hugged her tightly when she said that. And what was supposed to happen was that he would slip the ring in her finger but then he suddenly panicked.
"Mako-chan." Souma said again, in a verge to jump up from Makoto.
"What is it?" She pulled away a bit, looking at his handsome features, the shadows and whirling light emphasizing them.
"I think…I think I lost the ring."
And what had happened next was Souma calling out to the two beautiful women for help and a few minutes of frantic searching. Fortunately, they had found the ring despite the darkness.
"Yes this will be you someday Mako-chan." Finally back to reality.
Makoto gave a wider grin. "I'm not here to ruin your moment alright?" Giving a wink with a mischievous gleam in her eyes.
Himeko laughed. "You aren't. I'm happy that Souma-kun proposed to you. Even though that it had gone wrong a bit."
The athlete joined in. "True. But it all felt right to me."
"You're right."
She freed Himeko from her grip and gave a very gentle, playful shove from the back, not to the point making her move an inch from where she was standing right now. "Of course I'm always right."
Himeko giggled. She then continued with another grin, "So anyways, I'm just here to say congratulations and I'm really happy for you."
The photographer turned around and gave her best friend a hug of her own. "Thanks Mako-chan."
"Although I might need to go now since Sasaki-san would kill us since we're not all business unlike him." She rolled her eyes, chuckling.
She smiled wider. Sasaki Kaemon, a very lively person as always, according o her. "Ok Mako-chan."
They then pulled away, and Makoto then went towards the door but before she could go outside, she then told Himeko that made her a bit oblivious.
"Hey, Himeko, you might like to see what Himemiya-sama's wearing right now, but that'll ruin the surprise right?" She then closed the door without waiting for a reply, leaving Himeko with her thoughts.
"Wow. That's all I can say right now little Chikane." Yasuo said, enjoying himself as he looked on at her daughter in awe.
Chikane could only chuckle as she looked at herself in the mirror. She was kind of proud and at the same time, surprised that she looked really good with what she was wearing.
"Well…This will have to do because someone forgot to order my gown I intend to wear since she is busy with something." She reasoned out and smiled secretly as she straightened herself. She then looked at beside her and whispered teasingly,
"Or someone."
Yes, Chikane had found out about her and her boyfriend due to a few careless actions.
When she went back to the Himemiya mansion with a glowing face, Chikane-who decided to come back Kyoto, Japan so that she'd finish Yasuo's work for a few days-knew now that something happened. A major plus was when her boyfriend practically chased her to Kyoto, Japan and somehow found where she worked.
She knew her employer couldn't help but think.
And when Chikane confronted her about this, she told her the truth. There, she practically pleaded her employer not to tell her father.
Though Chikane had promised that she won't tell her father, she couldn't help but give Otoha a sly smile when her boyfriend would come to the Himemiya mansion.
Otoha had finally had a breather when Chikane went back to Tokyo, Japan to be with Himeko. She wasn't worried that Chikane would tell, she knew her employer wouldn't. The fact that worried her was that it was her employer point blank. Her boss. And she felt awkward that her employer would see her being with her lover.
And when Chikane said that, Otoha could only gulp and look down.
It was a usual cold winter afternoon in December in Kobe, Japan. And Otoha was glad that she was wearing a black winter coat with a light pink scarf wrapped around her over her long sleeved shirt and denim pants. She was wearing a black tuque and boots as well.
This was her hometown.
Otoha, who was sitting in the snow covered bench for a while now contemplating, missed her maid job in the Himemiya mansion. It's been a few months she hadn't come back to work but she was of course positively sure that Chikane was with her Himeko for a while until she would come back to Kyoto, Japan to do some work. She also knew that Chikane's father was well taken care of by the other maids. So there was nothing to worry about for her.
Now back to Himeko, she wasn't so jealous of her anymore. Maybe it was because that she was far away from Chikane, or maybe it's because that she grew tired of being jealous, she would never know why. But the fact that she wasn't so jealous made her feel relief in such a long time. She could only stop there. She was tired of too much thinking. She'd been doing that a lot lately as well. Thinking. And it was the fact that she had nothing to do. Good thing she had a good source of income that could reach her retirement.
But besides that, her mood today did not fare well as always. She tried hard to take some time off and have a so called love life, but it wasn't reached. Who could keep up someone like her? See, Otoha was a headstrong yet a very stubborn woman and did not give up easily. She had a fiery, passionate personality and was open to ideas made her…her. Someone like her couldn't open up to a beautiful, cold and, talented woman like Chikane though.
So why did she liked her to the point of obsession?
She shook her head and sighed, a fog of her breath engulfing a short space of air outside. It was because she had seen the side of Chikane who had never seen.
Chikane's free spirit with a hint of careless ambition under all that disciplined behaviour.
Otoha was brought young, around the age of twelve, in the Himemiya mansion and in that time, she had seen Chikane—who was at the age of ten at that time-on top of the tree, looking out, holding the shell necklace with her right hand. In her teenage years, she had sometimes caught Chikane contemplating, wishing of something and even caught her not doing her father's requests and instead, doing what she wants, which was going up to the usual tree and look at the stars even if she was a bit old to usually do that. But still, she couldn't pinpoint at how and why she was as elegant at sitting on a branch, the moon illuminating with the same grace as she had.
Yes she was the only one who saw this. Until Himeko came into her employer's life to see this as well.
But what made her jealous was that Himeko saw much more of Chikane. Much more. And what had angered her was that Himeko brought the best out of Chikane without any effort at all. It was unfair for her. Being Chikane's maid for more than ten years, she couldn't help but feel that. And Himeko, being with Chikane with only a few weeks, how could she not feel that all of it is unfair?
And from under those states and with a few more weeks between the two's interactions-from the help of the maids' conversation about the two, from the media, from rumors, and from her experience of seeing them going all romantic-she finally opened her eyes that she needed to get away from Chikane. And besides, she never got out of the mansion since forever.
Maybe that's why… She thought suddenly.
Scratch the reason. Maybe it was because she had no choice to love anyone but her employer. But still, that would be lying to herself right?
No, loving her employer was the greatest thing that happened to her life… Until Himeko came.
Ok, now I'm running around in circles. This is truly not getting anywhere. Otoha thought, a bit irritated.
But because of that here she was, sitting down on a cold bench like a lost puppy. Contemplating alone did that to her. And contemplating these things made her cry.
"You cold?" A smooth voice called out.
Otoha blinked a few of her tears, a bit surprised that she didn't notice someone coming on to her. She then looked up and the first thing she noticed was the amazing pair of light orange eyes. And then his handsome baby face. And then his charming smile that you could note his rather obvious dimples…
Her eyes then averted to what he wore, giving her a conclusion that not only was he attractive but had good fashionable sense. He was wearing a bonfire flare snowboard jacket over his abstract shirt and camouflaged winter pants, and a yellow tuque cap worn backwards and that meant he snowboarded just hours ago.
She nodded. With that, his smile grew wider. He gave a slight respectful bow and then reached a hand out to her, giving an introduction.
"Hi. My name's Ishihara Maro. Coffee with me? And perhaps share with me why are you crying?" He said without breaking their gaze, direct to the point. He seemed to be attached to Otoha. And attracted to her, that's for sure.
She would have said no due to his somehow aggressive tactic but somehow…
She bowed as well, and took his hand, suddenly feeling a jolt that was indescribable. "Kisaragi Otoha. And yes, I love to."
And that's when one thing led to another.
"Otoha-san, you can leave now. After you're done with Kaemon, change into the gown we had for you so that you can attend. We don't want you to work all day you know that Otoha-san." Chikane gave her a smile of appreciation of Otoha's hardwork as she said that. That made Otoha brought her own self back to reality.
She looked at Yasuo a bit surprised, who gave her a confused look back. Chikane too looked at her. Remembering what she was in now, she blinked and quickly bowed.
When the door silently closed with Yasuo and Chikane, the two looked at each other and chuckled at her actions, knowing all too well about their maid.
Sasaki Kaemon ran and ripped through doors and shouted at them to get ready. When he passed by Souma, who was straightening his rather expensive button shawl suit-in all black and white glory-as well, Kaemon practically shoved him towards the huge carved doors and told him to be on his place. Souma could only scratch his head, knowing that the show was going to start in two hours.
"Two hours! Is he crazy?" He muttered angrily to himself as he absently went to the front benches and sat there, his arms crossed, waiting.
And Makoto, who saw the whole incident, could only laugh as she walked through the busy hallways, having to do her own duties before she could go to her fiancée.
That sounded good. She thought lastly with a smirk.
Himeko and Chikane-who were in different rooms-could only smile at Sasaki Kaemon's voice booming on the hallways, practically panicking, even though it's still two hours away.
"Hey! The show's going to start soon. You two you should- " Sasaki Kaemon announced when he opened the door but stopped abruptly since he found no person in his line of sight. He raised an eyebrow, confused. He knew that Korona and Oota Reiko occupied this room and yet, there was nobody. He had to be sure since there were two white gowns folded properly and neatly on two chairs but weren't used yet.
Until he heard a slight sound of a distinct voice, followed by a whisper, and then a panicky rustle of clothes from the adjoining door.
Sasaki Kaemon was no idiot. Knowing what was going on with instincts, he could only turn red and silently went outside with the door closed silently.
He would have to shout at them later, cutting off the details on what happened right now of course.
"Reiko-chan. I think-" Korona whispered between beautiful, vehement kisses but stopped her words hesitantly. Korona and Reiko had been assigned-by Kaemon, of course-to the same room, which gave them some rather perverse thoughts and a smile to each other all knowingly and secretly. They had been together for quite a while now. After Korona impressed Reiko a year ago with the Gods know what really happened, Reiko finally opened up her heart and her real self to her.
And if someone were to ask them, they were there to just say that it was sort of unspoken. The details were vague as well, only knowing that it happened on a rainy day and Reiko kissed her there and then, knowing that the time and place suddenly felt right for her and Korona. For them.
The strong drizzle of rain was unexpected. And this was more unexpected. But it was melodramatically appropriate.
Reiko, who probably had given everything up from the action right now, kissed Korona under the rain, not feeling the frigidness of the rain on her flushing skin. Her right hand, as cold and as it was, held Korona's paling cheek with unexpected gentleness in them. She had taken her wet eyeglasses-which were held by her left hand-from her face before she caught Korona in surprise with a caress on her chapped lips. Her drenched left arm encircled the young pop star's now-wet, t-shirt clad waist. And was it electric.
Korona couldn't believe that Reiko, Reiko, kissed her on such a time and place. And at the moment that those lips were placed perfectly on hers, she practically froze, surprised that it was tender yet…so unrelenting, so controversial. She silently gulped, feeling every coherent thought or movement stop suddenly. Her eyelids grew heavy and eventually, slowly closed her eyes, a lone rain drop falling as well. She forgot that she needed to kiss back. With her own hands, she held both of Reiko's sweater-clad upper arms, not wanting to let go.
But before her eyes could fully close to pitch blackness, the warmth of the mangaka halted. And she couldn't accept that. Korona-her eyes not opening-did not let go of her arms, and instead, moved another inch towards Reiko, recapturing both of them, again, a kiss, never minding the rain.
And they were still going strong. Really strong. And somehow-well sooner or later-the public knew, and they had accepted that.
They're still famous until today with Korona continuing her showbiz career and Reiko continuing her manga career. Even with schedule conflicts, they tried hard to be together once or twice a week.
With that, they knew each other's strengths and weakness. Who knew that from Reiko's cold demeanour laid a very possessive side? How about an aggressive trait as a plus? Not that Korona minded at all. In fact, she loved that she knew Reiko's different sides after she opened up to her.
"What?" Reiko said, mumbling during her mouth covering the pop star's neck with sudden intensity. They were in the other adjacent room, which wasn't used and was locked, fortunately. The door between their room and this room was locked now as well.
The room, to say the least was as similar as the other church rooms, plain but very expensive with a lone desk and chair on the side. And to think, that they were about to have their lovemaking in such a holy place somehow turned it so sinful.
Very sinful. And yet, the thought of that, made them excited.
"I think Sasaki-san-" She couldn't finish again.
That's going to leave a mark. They both thought. They were worried since they were going to wear something that was going to show their skin. But the feeling was quickly passed.
"I do think he's only going to come here later."
Korona could only form incoherent words as Reiko's tongue lowered-creating tantalizing patterns-down to the collar region with one of her nimble hands slipping inside her shirt, unclasping her bra in speeds, and in the end, feeling her right breast. Her other hand slipped inside her already unbuttoned pants, and was now kneading Korona's backside. She took her time alternating between sucking and kissing the small pocket beneath Korona's jawline.
"Damn it." At least that's what Korona tried to say that without moaning.
Korona practically yanked Reiko's hair and shoved her mouth into hers without waiting for her permission. The mangaka return the kiss with no problem at all, her hands still doing the work until Korona could barely breathe. Their kiss was unrelenting as always, and as soul searing as it can get.
This was what you get from an unreserved pop star and a silent type mangaka who had a passionate side deep within her. Really deep.
Feeling her state, Reiko pulled away and looked at Korona, who still wanted more of her. Needed more of her.
"Korona…" She trailed off before ripping the shirt off of her. Korona impulsively pulled off Reiko's, too.
"No more talking…" She managed to interrupt, Reiko grinned a bit as her hands traced her lithe hips, her lips back on her shoulder. "Don't stop." Korona said between rough breaths, as her lover began to hum a bit, making vibrating sensations.
She chuckled at that, and then countered, "I thought there was no more talking."
"Reiko-chan." She complained, suppressing a moan. It was hard to concentrate when you were as turned on as Korona.
In a few seconds at looking at the pop star, she began to lean in. And before the two could engage another breathtaking kiss, a sound from their door came with shouts from the one and only Sasaki Kaemon. Reiko could only silence Korona with her right hand before the pop star could make a sound of surprise. Unfortunately, a sound came through her hand.
And when a sound signalling that the door was closed and no person was there, they could only sigh in relief.
When Otoha left the assigned room so that she could help Kaemon for the reception and food, Chikane and Yasuo were left inside the delicate room.
"Daughter, I have something to say." Yasuo said, his voice soft yet raspy due to his old age.
Chikane turned around elegantly, her gorgeous face practically glowing with happiness that she was getting married with the love of her life. Her father could only smile at her when he saw that.
"Yes?"
Himemiya Yasuo peacefully walked towards her and hugged her tightly.
"I love you. And I'm so proud of you." Yasuo whispered at her, wanting to cry, knowing that his little Chikane wasn't so little now. He mumbled to Chikane something that she didn't quite really hear.
"And I'm sure your mother is proud of you as well."
Himemiya Chikane's eyes began to water a bit but resisted to cry when she hugged her father back. This was what she wanted from him for so long. To make him proud that she was his daughter. "Father…Thank you. I love you too." She whispered back, Yasuo's hug tightening, not wanting to let go of her.
A stray tear came from down to his aging cheek. "Daughter, always remember that I'm here for you. And I only wish for you and Himeko to have a great life together forever."
She smiled. "I know we'll have a great life."
He pulled away, wiping the unexpected, few tears with his thumb. At that sight, Chikane knew that Yasuo was genuinely happy for her. And all she couldn't help but cry just a little bit from that sight. This was a bit too overwhelming for a father-daughter conversation. Yasuo could only soften up and cupped his daughter's pale, flawless cheeks with his calloused hands.
"Now, now, this is your wedding. I do not want to ruin your once in a lifetime moment nor your make up. I did not come all the way here from a meeting from the other side of the world to make you cry." He chuckled at his last words.
She couldn't help but laugh as well. Yes, this short conversation with her beloved father completed her day a whole lot more.
Chikane then nodded softly but chuckled again at her father's last words as he would leave to sit on one of the front benches of the church.
"By the way little Chikane, you look beautiful."
Ishihara Maro, still in his young, twenty-seven year old dashing self, was not wearing his usual driver outfit, but now in a three piece tuxedo. He was there just a bit earlier than the time of the wedding. Yes, he was invited by Otoha with Chikane and Himeko's permission as well.
And the fact that he was just a bit early was that he needed to see his girlfriend of course. He looked at the exterior of the cathedral, his thoughts drifting to his girlfriend.
He remembered that he would surprise Otoha to another drive in the rented car, a Toyota Celica, after the wedding.
There, he reflected.
When Maro saw the woman on the bench all alone, he would have ignored that, but when he saw her crying when he passed by silently, he couldn't pry himself off her. He just had to comfort her in his own ways and introduce himself.
He had given up Himeko throughout the months without seeing her face, and there he realized it was just a physical thing. Not that he already knew about it, it was just he wasn't really sure what he was thinking back then. He laughed at himself at that. Just a minor crush, he reminded himself always. It was that her adorable face attracted him, but when he brought Himeko to the airport and parted ways, he did suddenly miss her. He shook his head at this thought. Never had he been attached to a girl whom he barely knew.
He knew that the reason was, as he repeated. He was rejected. And he self-pitied himself at this.
And throughout the first month, he did some dating as always to forget the cute woman. And he barely expected that he had accomplished it in a breeze.
So here he was in the second month, completely forgetting Himeko, finding himself on his feet again. And here he was suddenly being attracted to a crying woman.
He then went back to the woman, hovering in front of her.
"You cold?" He asked, noticing that she didn't saw him. And when he saw her face, there were butterflies in his stomach that practically fluttered. No, she wasn't as beautiful as the other women he had dated, but when her features were shown, there he saw the simplicity that he suddenly appreciated of her. Even from the tears, he still concluded the same thing about her over and over.
And her watery brown eyes with a tint of yellow, he noted, showed practically her personality that he needed to know.
And when she nodded without breaking their gaze, reached for his hand, which she shook it, and gave introductions, the oxygen within him couldn't come out.
Then things happened.
After that, he asked if she'd liked to join him at a nearby coffee shop, and when he just thought that she'd gave her a gaping look-a look that was thinking back and forth from something- from his aggressive ways, she said,
"I'd love to."
And when they arrived there, Otoha did share a vague bit of details of what happened, never mentioning the name and such crucial information, that was only about it. Maro just brushed it off, but genuinely concerned about her.
Though, he had no idea she would end up being the woman he had truly committed to for the first time. At first, he thought that he made a mistake going out with her on for a second time because they seemed to have nothing in common. He realized she was feisty and very emotional while he was more gentlemanly and in check with his manners. But, on the doorstep of her apartment, when he kissed her on such a short span of time, he was shocked at how sparks practically rocketed through.
And eventually, he came around and loved her personality through and through and her open mind just as she embraced him as being her complete opposite. And he became daring enough to follow Otoha to her working place, which was the Himemiya mansion. He knew from other sources of course, and that he would never tell who were they. Eventually, after a few months or so, he had decided to relocate his driving job to another Manga World headquarter in Kyoto, Japan to be with Otoha. There, he lived in an apartment near the Himemiya mansion.
Love did funny things to everyone and he was no exception.
And right now, dating for more than a year, he was here, wanting to check up on Otoha. He then went inside and saw his girlfriend, with a tired look, following Kaemon's frantic state. And when Otoha noticed him, she gave him a smile, which he returned with a wink.
As if a silent signal between the two, Maro approached her, with Otoha leaving Kaemon's side.
"Hey. Are you ok? You look tired Otoha-chan." Maro said, his hands automatically holding Otoha's hips when she got near him.
She nodded, immediately comforted by Maro's presence. "Yes, I'm ok. I just need to do a few things with Sasaki-sama. But I'll get a quick change when I'm done. Ojou-sama wants me to attend the wedding just like the others." Otoha said with a smile, cupping his baby face. She was happy that there was no one watching them.
He nodded. "Ok. I'll save a seat for you."
With that, the two parted ways reluctantly and Kaemon was already shouting, looking for Otoha.
Yasuo walked out of the room, leaving his little Chikane alone with her own dreamy thoughts after the conversation with her. Gods how Chikane was in love with Himeko.
He smiled in mirth at that thought. There, he remembered on how he was in love with Chiaki, his wife.
"You do know that I love you correct?" Yasuo, in his eighteen year old glory, asked his sweetheart. They were sitting on the staircase of an old temple of Mahoraba, where Chiaki worked voluntarily.
Chiaki, of age sixteen, raised an eyebrow at him. "Yes I do. But where are you getting at Yasuo-kun?"
Yasuo sighed. "It's just I never heard you say that to me." Yes, for all his years of courtship for this gorgeous woman, he hadn't heard her say it.
"What?"
"You already know what I meant. Do not play clueless on me Chiaki-chan." Yasuo said, mock threatening. This was always their constant bickering.
Chiaki gaped at him. "Now I do."
"Yes, now you do," Yasuo chuckled. "I do want to hear you say it to me."
"But I thought actions speak louder than words Yasuo-chan." She emphasized that title, proving her point.
"Come on. It's just three words." Yasuo insisted, now locking his gaze to those marvelous bluish green eyes.
Chiaki blushed, and looked away from him, mumbling, "For a Himemiya, who came from a high class, long bloodline of talented, well-mannered people…" She trailed off, wanting to add not to mention beautiful and handsome nobles.
"Yes?" Yasuo was amused at her stubbornness. Gods, how they were meant to be.
"You sure are persistent and rude." Chiaki finished, for lack of a better word.
Yasuo could only laugh. He knew that last comment from the beautiful girl was not true. And besides she wasn't talented at bringing people down with harsh comments. In fact, she was weak at it. "You do know that that does not affect me in any way."
"I love you." She mumbled, barely audible.
The handsome man's ears perked up. Surely he had not heard her right. "What was that?"
"I'm not going to repeat it Yasuo-chan." She smiled. There, she got her revenge.
With Chiaki smiling rather triumphantly, Yasuo could only look at her, wishing that he could rewind time so that hear the three words more audibly.
Yasuo smile grew softer, recalling the times when Chiaki was so vibrant with him. So alive with him.
And those were one of the only memories he had kept, never minding-or at least trying to avoid remembering-the tragic incident on the plane where Himemiya Chiaki was involved. To him, she was always alive in his heart and mind, and it will forever stay that way.
Souma, who was having fun with his own thoughts, sat still for somewhat an hour now. It wasn't actually bad for him to wait for two hours. And against his better judgment, it was better than he thought. The silence within the decorated church gave him sweet time to think of all the things that had happened in his childhood life. In amusement.
"Hime-chan! Be careful or you're going to fall!" Young Oogami Souma called out to the young blonde who was standing, her front against his back. His deep chocolate eyes didn't stir one bit on the road. He was being careful that the bicycle that he was pedalling won't shake and lead to their fall.
"I am!" Himeko called back, having the time of her life as her hair flowed freely against the August winds. And it was sunset. "Look Sou-chan!" She said between laughs, pointing to the setting sun when they passed a long stretch of the sandy beach.
And the young boy, finally giving up from concentrating on the road ahead, looked at where the young, lively girl was pointing.
Souma could only grin at the sight with Himeko joining in.
Those were the good old days. Not a care in the world for them. Souma sighed and looked at his surroundings.
And here I am, in Himeko's wedding. He thought, definitely satisfied where Himeko was now in. At first, he was quite worried that Himeko wouldn't have any romance at all. The photographer had seen him of course with other women, but none had he seen someone with Himeko.
Not until Chikane-san came. He then smiled. Yes, he had the privilege to call Chikane by her first name now. He, along with Makoto, had bonded with Chikane and Himeko throughout the year, no further details added.
He was definitely happy for Himeko. And the fact that he had a crush on her until high school-which he never confessed to Himeko-he was a bit envious of Chikane. Souma would've wished to be in Chikane's place right now if it hadn't been that he wasn't over her. It wasn't worrisome of course because he thought of her as a best friend ever since it was their college days. Maybe they were always meant to be that way, considering how close they were at childhood until today. Now that he thought about it, dating Himeko would be like dating his sister.
He shuddered at that thought, and chuckled outwardly, knowing that no one would hear him.
Content and very happy, Souma smiled again and his thoughts began to drift to his fiancée. Yes, he loved Makoto with all his heart.
Much, much more than he can describe.
Looking around again, suddenly, he found someone sitting at the back of the bench. An hour early? He thought astonishingly. He narrowed his brown eyes and finally, knowing who it was.
His arm then rested on the back rest of the bench, still looking at him.
"Tsubasa-nii-san."
Tsubasa, hearing his name, stood up and approached Souma with an intimidating aura around him. Now sitting beside him, he rested his ankle on his left knee, arms crossing with his eyes averted in front of him and never looking at his little brother. Not in his usual clothes, he wore what everybody was wearing of course. Miyako would have swooned if she was right here now, seeing Tsubasa in a white tux.
Which luckily she isn't. Tsubasa thought in relief. Since Miyako travelled a lot just as much as Tsubasa, it was hard to avoid her. And as often, they would meet coincidentally in a foreign country.
If by coincidence, I mean she could somehow know where I am.
"Thanks for inviting me, dear little brother." Tsubasa's harsh voice echoed softly between the holy walls.
"It's no problem," He said with a smile, "and besides, I wanted to see you again. You barely visit me now and I can't seem to find you anywhere."
He stayed silent for a while and then replied, "Hmph. You know I can't stay still."
Souma chuckled. "You're still overpricing the clients nii-san?"
Tsubasa didn't reply at that, leaving Souma's question hanging. He never liked small talk that much and Souma's big brother was never a good conversationalist.
"Hey nii-san." Souma finally said after a few seconds of silence, knowing that Tsubasa won't answer the nonsensical question.
"What?"
"You know that you're going to be my best man at my wedding with Mako-chan."
Tsubasa nodded, remembering the phone call just a week ago when Souma had announced that he was going to get married with his girlfriend. Tsubasa, always his dear older brother, was secretly happy for him but his tone was indifferent when he congratulated Souma. And when the journalist had asked him to be the best man, he knew he couldn't say no. Even though he was very cold, he loved his little brother.
"Fine." He said on the phone.
"Thank you nii-san! This means a lot to me." With genuine happiness.
"Yeah…" He trailed off and clicked his phone, knowing that Souma would signal that as a goodbye.
Here he was as well, because Souma had invited him. And even though no one could probably notice what his motives were, it was for his little brother's satisfaction. Every little action from Tsubasa was from his heart if it was for Souma.
That's what older brothers do.
"I'm glad that you came nii-san. It means a lot to Himeko. And to Chikane-san of course." Souma said, reeling him back from his thoughts. He would've added and to me but held himself back. This was not his day.
"No problem." He mumbled, knowing all too well that he was here for his younger brother's happiness.
Kazuki and Yukihito, who had just received their invitations with a phone call from Souma just hours ago, were now in front of the church.
"Destiny." Kazuki whispered.
Yukihito looked at him. "What?"
He smiled and spoke louder. "The Gods must have played on us. It is too much of a coincidence that Himemiya-sama and Kurusugawa-san's wedding is where we are."
Yukihito shrugged. "I'm just glad that I get to see Souma-kun again. I miss teasing him."
Kazuki raised an eyebrow at him. Seriously, he never knew what made Yukihito tick after all his years of having his company. After a few moments of silence, he began, "Well, we better get in now. Souma-kun, Himemiya-sama, and Kurusugawa-san is expecting us."
He then nodded and behind Kazuki, he followed and began to hum a silent tune.
The two sweethearts were getting married soon.
It had been hard since Chikane had to go back to Kyoto, Japan once in a while. But eventually, this all led to one simple date just five months ago when Himeko decided to give a surprise visit for a few weeks to Chikane in Kyoto, Japan, saying that there was something she wanted to tell her during her visit. One thing led to another.
Chikane and Himeko were in the beach in the beautiful Kyoto, Japan one day just to laze their day away since it was there was nothing to do actually. Finally. It was at dusk they decided to hang out there and seagulls were following idly the nearby boats, which were floating freely in the very blue sea.
Holding their own pair of shoes in one hand, they strolled on the shore with their hands intertwined. The two were in casual clothes, their pants folded up to the knees. They could feel the wet sand between their toes as they absently pressed footprints on the beach, leaving marks, as each led one way.
The tennis player looked at the photographer, who looked distant a bit. This made Chikane concerned of course.
And paranoid.
There, she started to think that maybe Himeko wasn't satisfied with their current status and wanted to break up. Sure, they were in a hard situation right now, but surely it would pass right? They were together for more than a year now but…
But what if she's bored of me now? Chikane's throat suddenly dried as she thought that.
And then Himeko suddenly spoke.
"Chikane-chan?"
She inwardly gulped as she gave her full attention to her love of her life. "Yes Himeko?"
"Oota-san confessed to me just a week ago." She said, almost bursting into tears.
The mangaka, Chikane remembered. That was a year ago.
Is this about feelings? She couldn't help but voice it out. "Baby, is this about feelings?"
Himeko blinked and laughed a bit at her assumption. This got Chikane confused. "No, no, that's not it."
"Then what is it?"
"Oota-san confessed to me, that she was the cause of my parents' death. She kind of knows where my residence is because of Manga World. So she sent me a mail to my condo. Inside was a request that we'd meet in Hoshi Park. So I did go there and she confessed."
Chikane's heart wrenched. "Your parents' death?" Chikane cursed herself hardly. They had talked with more details now and then about their background ever since they were girlfriends and she did remember that this came up. Not that they forgot about that conversation. It was just it never entered again in their minds.
Himeko could only nod, her eyes looking back at the sea. "But I don't believe her. It was nobody's fault. She only persisted, but I guess I tried to rationalize with her about what happened a lot of years ago. She asked for forgiveness, like her letter said, but I only shook my head, since she was not at fault at all." She was crying now before she could finish her incident with the mangaka. With that, Chikane automatically softly made her look her in her pools of rare eyes and hugged her tightly.
"You don't need to explain. I'm sorry." Chikane whispered after kissing her forehead.
Himeko shook her head, still crying. "I want to."
Chikane then pulled away a bit and looked at her for the second time, her thumbs wiping the photographer's tears. "Ok. Continue."
"Well. In the end, I've cried. She cried. In the end we were both sorry for my parents' death. I was sorry since I couldn't do anything about it. She was sorry since she couldn't do anything about it. But hey, destiny's hard." She said, chuckling with just a bit of humour, trying to calm the tension she created.
Chikane smiled sincerely. "Yes. It is. I too lost a mother, remember? I think I never told you that it was due to a plane crash. But I guess that's just way life is. I'm sorry that I couldn't do anything about it as well and I wasn't there. But I just want you to know that I'm here for you now." She needed to be strong to Himeko. Always, for the both of them.
Gods, how Himeko changed her from a cold woman to an apologetic, sincere person who could do anything for her. Everything for her.
She then hugged her tighter than ever before because Himeko started crying again. "Why are you crying?"
"Overwhelming. And it's hard to remember the incident again without crying Chikane-chan. And you do know that since I told you this before." She whispered and that was enough.
After a few minutes of comfortable silence, Chikane-still hugging Himeko with the side of her face touching hers-broke it.
"So this is what you want to tell me when you came all the way here?" She whispered with love.
Himeko smiled, her tears dry now. "That's not actually it. I just want to share you that. And I was supposed to tell you tomorrow but I can't wait any longer since you asked that…" She trailed off, as she reached in her back pocket.
Chikane could barely breath, her eyes wide, knowing what to expect already as she saw the red velvet box before her with Himeko down on one knee, blushing hard. She opened the box, showing a gorgeous ring.
An engagement ring. This was totally unexpected. This was totally unlike Himeko. You can't expect someone as submissive as her propose to you right?
Wrong. Chikane thought, admiring this side of Himeko. Her heart practically paraded when she saw the ring, knowing what was going to happen next.
Himeko was at first dead nervous when she got down but suddenly felt courageous when she saw Chikane's reaction to that, since she knew that Chikane wouldn't expect her, Kurusugawa Himeko, the shy and submissive girl, to propose to her. That's why she had planned this. She had planned to propose her Chikane months ago and right now felt right. Very right.
This was what love did to her. This was what Chikane did to her. Chikane made her felt that she could do anything impossible, unexpected. Anything at all. And this was what she was doing right now.
Her lilac eyes sparked from the tears previous and passion. She was still blushing at what she was doing right now though.
"I know we've only been together for a year now. And I know that getting down on one knee, reciting a speech, and slipping this on your ring finger would seal the deal isn't enough but, I want to be with you for the rest of my life. I love you so much. So Chikane-chan will you-"She couldn't even finish her statement when Chikane silenced her with a kiss. Himeko blinked, and when she opened her amethyst eyes, Himeko saw another ring before her as well.
Chikane, who was smirking right now, then continued for her, "Marry me?"
The tennis player was not the only one who had planned to propose to her on what was supposed to be tomorrow as well.
And the rest as they say was history. Somehow, they found a church where relationships similar to theirs were accepting weddings.
It was outside Japan of course. It had a bit more planning to do since it was Western culture rather than their traditional customs in Japan.
Now here were familiar people in Chikane and Himeko's wedding. First is, of course, Saotome Makoto as the maid of honor. Oogami Souma was the best man, and really proud of it. Two of the groomsmen were Anthony and Mark, the Sports Illustrated people. Matisse was one of the bridesmaids, including Korona and Reiko. Sasaki Kaemon was the receptionist with Otoha helping him in some way. While Yasuo was just contented to see everything, and besides he had enough hassle from his business, and besides, his doctor-who was nicknamed Nekoko-said that he should go easy. Yes they were all there, and were happy to be involved at the grand wedding.
In fact, the church was filled with more than two hundred guests excluding photographers-who came all the way from Japan just to see the wedding-and it was amazingly decorated with white roses and ribbons.
This was a rather usual church, with colored paned glasses, artfully placed to form sculptures of people, telling on what had happened in the Christ era. Bronze carvings were present as well and a huge organ was place on the fourth floor, giving an emphasis on the whole cathedral. Even a whisper could echo there. The maple floor was cleaned until you could see your face on there and it was covered now with a carpet where the bride would walk on towards the altar. The ceilings were in an elegant arc with paintings above with usual painting styles. One separate ceiling showed cherubim surrounding the Virgin Mary on a sea of clouds perfectly swayed with a skilled hand and a paintbrush. Another was a painting of the Angel Gabriel slaying a demon with glorious backgrounds. The candle lights gave the paintings an eerie yet glorious feel of the church. White matching, marbled pillars were holding them. But besides that, the paintings practically watched down at the people.
Speaking of which…
The priest-who Sasaki Kaemon requested for her service-was already there, in all of her glory to unite the two women. She was none other than Miyako, who was a preacher, but was also very experience in the art of priesthood, so to say. She was a former nun after all but became one of the first female priests in the world. With that notion, Girochi was there as well, grumbling that he should be marrying Himeko instead.
And since Miyako was there, she, as always, couldn't stop staring at Tsubasa, who was just as irritated at her just as much as Girochi to Chikane.
Kazuki with Yukihito was there as well, who, fortunately and timely, just happened to be in the place where the wedding was held, and with Tsubasa's same motives-but only partly. They were invited by Souma, with Chikane and Himeko's permission of course. And since their invitation was so short noticed, they were just in semi-casual clothes. Akahana was also invited to see the wedding as well, and repeated, so was Maro.
Throughout the year, they all bonded in different ways that made them all closer than before.
Reception was going to be followed in a sea port, where a sunset was already waiting for them. The honeymoon was also arranged already-a trip to somewhere seclude where the media won't follow them since Himeko was getting famous as well. Like a Caribbean island of some sorts.
"So when's the wedding?" Yasuo was amused at the love struck woman. Yasuo, thinking that Chikane was still in Tokyo with her girlfriend, had been a bit surprised when Chikane with Himeko went to the Himemiya mansion unannounced, but when he looked at the beaming faces and intertwined hands, he knew that there was good news. Very good news.
"In a month." Chikane replied, not really paying attention. She was looking at Himeko who was outside their garden, with a grin plastered on her face. When the two caught each other's gazes, Himeko immediately proceeded to go inside the Himemiya mansion.
The peaceful man chuckled inwardly. This was quite a surprise for him alright. And he knew that, as a father, he needed to be sure. "Well now, are you quite certain about this?"
Her head then turned to look at her father, blinking with innocent confusion. "Of course."
He grinned at her. Truly, she had gotten the stubbornness of both him and her mother. And he knew that when Chikane made up her mind, she won't have a second thought.
"Of course you are."
"Father, are you trying to play me around?" Chikane said, grinning as well.
Yasuo only looked at her. "I do not know little Chikane."
Chikane sighed. Her father could be a teasing person when you push his buttons once in a while. "I'm quite sure. Father… In fact, I've never been this sure in my whole life."
"Well then, I'm glad. I'll try to help what I can for your wedding." He closed his eyes, a bit tired. It was late afternoon after all, and being stacked in the morning with papers was tiring. Not that Chikane complained, she knew how it felt.
"So, where's the honeymoon?"
Chikane gave a lopsided smile to herself, knowing that her father's eyes were not open. "I can't tell you that."
Without noticing Himeko was already at the opened door, he continued his questions with a laugh, "Can you just tell me how long the honeymoon is?"
The tennis player somehow didn't notice her as well, and Himeko could only giggle at how quiet she was.
"Forever."
At that answer, Himeko began to blush like she never had blushed before, and practically adored Chikane when she said that.
And the house they planned to live together was in Sendai, Japan. They had bought it just days after Himeko and Chikane proposed each other.
It was a simple yet a romantic two-story house and was situated near the beach. Its style was modern and the exterior cladding was meant for beaches and hot weathers. Copper-topped bay roofs and French windows hugged around the house. Inside was a master bedroom with grandiose four-poster king size bed worthy of a King or Queen, a two sided gas fireplace, an extra large bathroom with a four person Jacuzzi tub with flat screen television, a glass-surround multi-headed shower, dual basins set in a blue pearl granite, bidet, and an antique vanity dressing table. There was already an invigorating steam room with hardwood chaise lounges and size shower head and an outdoor shower on the deck.
This was their dream house and that was that.
Now back to the wedding. Two hours later, Chikane was now waiting for Himeko to come out. Yasuo-who was in awe before-was now amused at what Chikane was wearing now.
A tuxedo was what Chikane was wearing now, with her hair tied in an elegant ponytail. A peak lapel jacket and under was the traditional white shirt with linked cuffs and black buttons. A black bow tie did the finishing touch. Oh this was quite a sight for him now. Especially since he was in front row. So why not enjoy this? It was once in a lifetime after all. It's pretty rare to see someone as beautiful as her wearing men's formal wear. In fact, it's impossible to see someone as beautiful as her wearing men's formal wear.
"Father…" Chikane trailed off.
"Yes little Chikane?" Still amused.
"Please stop smiling. You are making me a bit uneasy." Well someone had to be the groom, sort of, even though this was accidental.
"But little Chikane. You look quite good in that tuxedo I must say right now."
She didn't reply but only sighed with her father chuckling now. After her father had heard the news of Himeko and Chikane getting married made him quite happy actually.
They were perfect for each other, according to him. He felt proud of having Himeko as his daughter-in-law-to-be. All in all, he repeated what he said to Chikane, he was proud for everything that happened in his life and his daughter's life.
Chiaki, you're proud of her as well aren't you? He said inwardly for his late wife and Chikane's late beloved mother.
All thoughts were broken as an all familiar tune played throughout the church. All guests stood up, eagerly waiting and watching. And may the Gods be their witnesses; they couldn't wait to be married.
One, two, three, four, five… Himeko, now age 23, thought nervously, counting, as she came out in slow strides excited to be in Chikane's side with Souma escorting her there. And Chikane-who was of course 23 as well-could only stare as she looked at her wife-to-be.
Himeko was absolutely…perfect.
Guests looked on, giving smiles to Himeko with genuine happiness. She gave them back but when she laid eyes on Chikane, she was taken aback at what she was wearing now, but then quickly composed herself.
Unlike Yasuo and Makoto, she didn't think that it was funny to see Chikane wearing men's wear. What she was thinking was that as always, Chikane was ravishing-too beautiful even, according to Himeko-in men's wear.
After a few seconds, the two were now side by side, saying their "I dos". Their wedding bands weren't so traditional. Not the simple plain gold bands, they were white gold with triangle symbols all around the ring, hardly giving any gaps.
Then as Miyako announced that they were officially married, they shared a tender kiss. So soft, that it could send the slightest tickles on their pink, full lips.
This was the shackles of love. Yet you willingly place yourself on hold forever. For rich or for poor, for sickness and in health, and other statements that make a person's heart race when someone says that, knowing that they would be together till death do they part.
That's marriage. And there was no ending for Kurusugawa Himeko and Himemiya Chikane. This was no fairy tale. No happy endings.
Since true love stories never had endings. But they were happy, of course.
It all came back to once upon a time when the cute freelance photographer was hired to capture pictures of the beautiful tennis player, and instead had captured each other's hearts. This was how Kurusugawa Himeko and Himemiya Chikane fell in love.
And hard.