"I am happy you finally decided to come home on your own free will." Mom snickered.
I narrowed my eyes, "if you call Yamada waiting outside my work for me to go with him is "my own free will."'
She chuckled, "you have your father's sense of humor."
"What did you need today?"
"Your father is in a business meeting so I thought we would finally have some mother-daughter time."
"I guess." I tried not to sigh out loud.
It's not that I hate my mother, far from it, but growing up I was more around the maids and directors of the many extra curricular activities I was in since my parents worked. Then when I was older I got wrapped up in school and work that it was hard to find time to come home other than on some holidays. And after all that has happened with Nowaki lately they were not exactly on my good side.
"Umiko, can you bring lunch out on the terrace."
"Yes madam."
I found myself staring into the rose garden as we waited for the food. I have always loved the view of the garden from here. It was easily my favorite place in the home. "You two think alike." I turned back to her. "Nowaki was staring at them when he was here."
"He would like this."
"I am glad you found someone. Almost had me worried there."
"Who cares if I found someone or not."
"Even so, you seem much happier now. And a very nice young man as well."
"Even though you created so much drama these past months."
She scoffed. At the moment Umiko had brought out two plates of sandwiches and soup. Mother took a bite from hers. "You are not going to let us live it down will you?"
"I do not appreciate those who butt in my affairs."
"Yes yes, always miss independence. Even when you were younger you always wanted to do everything on your own no matter how stressed you were feeling. We tried to talk you out of all the programs we put you in but you refused."
I shrugged, "Once I start something I do not want to give up no matter what."
"Just like your father." She drank some of the tea. "Hiroki, I know we weren't the closest family as you were growing up. I guess I am part to blame for the worry I have for you. I know work is important but you should not focus your life on it."
"I know mother." I grabbed a sandwich.
"So when are two getting married?"
"I don't know." I replied quickly. There was no surprise in my tone.
"He has not asked yet? What a delicate man. He seemed to look forward to it when I showed him wedding ideas before."
"Will you please stop showing my boyfriend your wedding planners. You already manipulated the situation as it is."
"How else am I going to get grandchildren?"
"You can with like a normal parent."
"But I am not a normal parent." Don't I know it. We continued to eat, talking about little things, when my phone started to buzz. "I have to go."
Okay, you can have our driver take you back." She walked me out. "I really enjoy seeing you Hiroki, please come by more often."
"If I have the time." I promised. She laughed and gave me a hug. "Tell Nowaki dear I say hi." I waved as I got in the car and drove off.
Next week
He's planning something. I don't know what. I don't know when or where or why. But I know he is planning something. I am starting to see him more than usual despite his work. He is asking me all of these questions that pertains to the relationship. He is even bringing me something everyday. What is he trying to do? Court me?
Who is that he?
AKIHIKO!
That bastard has come to my office the last few days, stealing a book a day, with no answer as to why he was coming. The guy is an author, should not he find some other ways then to mess with me during work hour? Does not he have a deadline due soon? "Research." Is all he tells me. What research could he be doing?
Does not help that once again I have not spent much time with Nowaki. It's been a good two weeks since we last had a day off together or even had sex. Not that I minded; I have been feeling sick the past few days. I know other students in my class were catching colds so I really hope I did not catch it.
"GET OUT!" I shout as I walk into my office, Akihiko and now MIYAGI drinking tea. "Don't talk to him."
"Welcome back Hiroki." "Hello Kamijouuu." They said at the same time.
"Get out" I repeat.
"No need to be rude just came by for another book."
"Which one this time?" That's another thing-he never lets me see the books he takes. They are always stuffed underneath his suit.
No reply as he walked out in a hurry. Asshole. What is he up to? "Calm down Kamijou it is completely harmless." I did not like the way he said that; it sounds as if he knows what is going on. "I think you a gaining wrinkles."
"I hope you face erectile dysfunction soon."
"Don't be mean."
"Don't be a dick." I picked up my material and went to my class. It was a normal day, my students just had a test so now things are slowing down in class. Still does not mean I will let anyone slack off. At least two students got chalk to the face.
"Staying here?" I looked up to Miyagi.
"I have some papers to grade still and if I go home I might be tempted to sleep."
"Your boyfriend have night shift again?"
I sighed, "Yes, I guess the hospital switched his schedules." I did not want to admit it but I did miss him. Miyagi was called out for some meeting, strange that he did not need me to come. Must be to meet his high schooler. I finally finished all my work just as I received a text from Akihiko. His girlfriend was studying at her friends and he remembered he owed me food. And I am sure it has nothing to do with the deadline he was complaining about earlier. I texted Nowaki to see what he was doing, only to sigh when he said he was asked to stay behind. Those bastards keep asking him to stay overtime; I hope he does not pass out there.
Akihiko met me in front of the university. "Afternoon, what's your problem?" I asked when he looked me up and down with a disapproving gaze.
"That is what you are wearing?"
"Did you not notice where we are asshole? What's the big deal? Where do you plan to take me?"
"Somewhere that does not take people dressed like that."
"Fuck you. So what am I supposed to wear?" He chuckled, opening the passenger door for me. I noticed a box in the back. "What are you planning?"
He did not reply as we drove off. I noticed him heading to my place. "You know I hate surprises."
"Don't I know." I heard. He pulled up in front. "Now, go change into this." He grabbed the box and shoved it towards me. "And hurry up."
"Don't tell me what to do! What the hell is this!?"
"Shut up and put it on."
"Akihiko," I froze when his hand swung out and grabbed the back of my head. He pulled my face close, our noses almost touching. I could smell his cigarettes. It was intimidating to see his grey eyes up close. "Hiroki, for once in your life, just shut up. Go get dressed and hurry up. Now." Shit, I can't fight that. He let go of me and I stumbled out the car and up to my apartment. Just what did he have planned?
I went inside and looked at the box. It was small, dark, and when I opened it, I almost dropped it. It was a dress, a long-sleeved, dark brown dress. I put it on to find it was tight, the v-neck dropping a little lower than I would like. It is strange; it fit perfectly. Included in the box were brown heels.
I heard a car horn go off outside. "I'm coming!" I shouted to no one.
"You look nice." He commented as I got back in. Are you going to tell me what's going on? This is not what you wear to a simple diner."
"Who said we are going to a diner? Just enjoy the ride." I sighed in defeat, sitting back. It was no use fighting with him. "How are things going at school?"
"Horrible. Everyone is catching the flu. I had at least eight students missing in one class alone." Though I am sure some of them are acting.
"I think Misaki was saying something about that. I heard Hidori was going to take her to the hospital."
"Damn, I hope it is not serious."
"Me too."
We arrived at a hotel near the park. It was a new hotel, one I read was supposed to be extremely luxurious with its own restaurant with a city view. "Um, Akihiko, what the hell are you doing? Is this really a place you should be bringing me? What would your girlfriend think?" I know Nowaki would have a little issue with this scene.
"Trust me, I would never bring anyone other than Misaki to such a place."
"Then why are we..." I looked out, surprised when I saw Nowaki standing out in front. He was wearing a dark suit, holding a small rose in his hands. He smiled when he noticed the car.
I looked at Akihiko. "What. Did. You. Do?"
"Shut up and get out of my car."
"I don't want to go." This was so sudden; Nowaki and I have never done anything like this. I do not remember ever dressing like this for him before. I am not prepared for this. Akihiko laughed, no doubt my face was red, and pressed a button that unlocked the door. "Out. It's not polite to keep someone waiting."
I do not know how I will kill him but I will. I opened the door, trying to hold my head high, and not fall in these heels, as I stepped out. Nowaki walked over, with caution. "You look beautiful Hiro-san."
"Yeah, you too, I mean, you look good, not beautiful, I mean, uh, yeah, thanks." God I cannot talk. He chuckled as he kissed my cheek. "Thank you Usami-san."
"Have a nice time you two." Nowaki closed the door so he could drive away.
"I thought you had to work." He handed me the rose. "I'm sorry for lying but I wanted to surprise you. I was able to get my shift changed for tonight and I had Akihiko find out about your schedule."
"So that's why he has been annoying me these past few days." To think those two were in contact, not a good idea.
"Are you mad? I just wanted to do something nice for you, us." He gave me those puppy dog eyes.
"...No...I'm not mad..." I looked down at the rose, bringing it up to my nose. "Thank you." He smiled brightly, grabbing my hand. "Shall we?"
Nowaki had a reservation set for us. We ended up with a table right next to the window. The city looked great at night. One of the reasons that drove me here. "You do look beautiful tonight. I thought that dress would be great for you."
"So you picked out the dress?" That would explain why it fit. I definitely would have freaked out if Akihiko somehow knew my size. "How long have you been planning all of this?"
"Three weeks."
"Three..." Before I could continue to yell the waiter came over with a red wine, my favorite, that he had ordered beforehand. "So the overtime?"
"I wanted to make sure I could get everything in ordered. Senpai was happy to have the break."
"But why do all of this?" It was not our anniversary nor was it anyone's birthday.
He grabbed my hand to place a kiss on my fingers. "I just wanted to do something nice. We work so much that it is hard to find time to see each other. I just wanted a night to act like an actual couple. I missed you."
I did not know what to say, mostly because my mind was still focused on his warm lips sliding across my palm. My fingers brushed against his cheek.
He did not let go of my hand when the waiter came even when I tried pulling it back. He ended up ordering for the both of us, salmon in a butter sauce. "That was embarrassing" I growled as I got my hand back.
"I cannot help it Hiro-san. You are looking so beautiful, and sexy." I did not miss the glaze look in his eyes. Is that the only thing in his head? I did feel prideful, knowing I could make him feel this way. I did not miss my own chance to check him out. It is rare to see him so dressed up and I know Nowaki has a good body. One I have not seen in almost two weeks. And even then it was a quick session in the shower before work. No time to enjoy it. I looked into Nowaki's eyes, annoyed at his knowing smirk. He was being too cocky now.
"Hiro-san?" His smirk was now replaced with shock as my foot touched his knee. Now who is laughing?
"You were saying?" I drank some of my wine as my foot moved towards his thigh. Nowaki wanted to say something but it was perfect as the waiter came back to drop off the water he forgot to give us. "Hiro-san." I barely heard him growl before, only in bed, but his eyes were so fierce. His hand reached down to grab my foot. "I am trying to stay calm now."
"That's a first." I tried to move foot but he held it still.
"Please Hiro-san, I still have plans before I take you in bed." I could not help but shiver at the suggestive tone.
"You're no fun." I put my foot down just as the salmon came.
"And you are a tease." It was a pleasant night. The wine did its magic as I laughed at another one of his jokes. Our food finished, Nowaki went ahead and ordered dessert.
"Are we going home after this?" I asked when the waiter brought out a slice of cheesecake. It was too nice of a night for it to be over. Nowaki shook his head, reaching into his pocket to pull out a hotel key. "Well, we are not going home tonight."
I looked at the key, taking a sip of my wine. "You really did go all out today."
"Only for you." I guess I am not getting much sleep tonight. He asked for the check. "Thank you Nowaki, dinner was great."
"I am happy. I love you so much Hiro-san." Now I really wanted to go to our room. We left the restaurant and when we got to the elevator I was surprised when he pressed the button for the first floor. "I thought we were staying in this hotel."
"We are but I thought it was such a great night to go for a walk." The doors open and I shivered at the rush of wind. "Sorry." He took off his jacket to place around my shoulder before I could protest. It really was not that cold. It was quiet through the park, a few shouts of children and distant chatter. We were walking through the grass, allowing me to take off the heels. "Do you remember this place?"
I looked around at the grass area. There would be only one reason the park is important. "This is when we first met. You were shooting bottle rockets with those CEOs.""That's right. They were all commenting how I finally did something right and brought a pretty girl for them to look at."
"Perverted old men."
"Of course I would never let them near you. I already knew then I had to make you mine."
"And I thought you were a lost puppy."
He chuckled "that too." He grabbed my hand and dragged me away from this area to another part, one with a bench. "You remember this?"
How could I forget? The spot we first met. "What's with the trip down memory lane?" He did not answer as we walked to the bench to sit.
"Hiro-san, are you happy?"
"Why do you ask?"
He sighed, "when I first saw you, sitting there, you were crying. I wanted nothing more than to turn that sadness into happiness. Nine years later, Hiro-san, did I do that?"
My stomach started to do flips. I felt like throwing up but also a warm sense. It was disturbing but also exciting. "That's a stupid question Nowaki." He still waited. I sighed, "I was content with my life, and then you came in, like a storm. Because of you I have been angry, sad, annoyed, frustrated. We've had our ups and downs. But I would not change it. I am happy Nowaki, because of you."
I heard sniffling and looked to see Nowaki wiping his eyes. "Don't cry!"
"Me too Hiro-san. You have made me so happy. I never knew such emotions before you. I know I was young when we met but I knew from the moment I saw you I would want no one else."
"Nowaki?" He wiped his eyes one last time before a look of determination appeared on his face. It sent my heart racing and I felt my body heat up. There was a fear of the unknown, or known, it was hard to decide. The decision was made when Nowaki got up and went down to his knees in front of me. "Nowaki?"
"Hiro-san..." He reached into the pocket on the jacket and pulled out a small box. My mind went blank, my mouth opened but nothing came out. "I know I want to spend the rest of my life with you." He opened the box to show a diamond ring. The band was lined with small diamond with one large, oval-shaped diamond at center. "The band belonged to the grandmother of my mom from the orphanage. She passed it to me, saying that if I ever found someone special to me, that they deserve this. And I want you to have it."
"Nowaki..." That seemed to be the only thing I could say.
"Will you marry me?"
My eyes looked to the diamond and back at Nowaki. I opened to reply but my voice could not come out. "Hiro-san?" His hand reached up to my cheek. "Please don't cry."
"I am not crying!" I tried to maintain my dignity. "It's just raining." I reached down to touch the diamond. "You really asked."
"And I figured it out all on my own."
"Sap." We shared a small laugh. He took the ring out and placed it on my finger. "You never replied."
"You know my answer."
I hated the smile on his face. He leaned forward so our noses were touching. It was such a different feeling than when Akihiko came this close. This was warm, pleasant. "I need to hear it, from you."
How dare he be so demanding. "Yes, Nowaki. I will marry you."
"Thank you." He leaned in for a kiss, rubbing my new ring. "I love you Hiro-san." We sat there, embracing each other, every now and then I glanced at the ring on my finger. "Let's go."
"Nowaki" I cried when my back hit the back of the hotel door. Whatever pain I felt was gone when his lips went to neck. "The bed."
"Later." He pulled my dressed up enough that when he lifted me up my legs could wrap around him. He walked over to lay me down on the bed. He kissed the ring. "My fiance."
I do not think I will get used to that.
The next morning I woke up to the smell of eggs. Opening my eyes I saw Nowaki placing a plate next to the bed. "Good morning."
"Morning." He jumped back in bed and wrapped his arms around me. He brushed the ring. "Take a picture, it'll last longer."
"I don't think I could be any happier."
I smiled, turning back to kiss him. "Me too." His eyes sparkled. "Hiro-san...""WAIT NOWAKI!" I tried to get up but Nowaki pinned me down. I did not miss the bulge in his pants. "I have work!"
"You don't go in until later."
"NOWAKI!" He moved to take his pants off.
Hooray, I am not dead. Sorry for the little hiatus but I am back!
Yay, they are engaged now!
Coming up next on COH:
Ever notice how everyone knows everyone at this point? Let's find out how that started!
OMAKE
"Congratulations! Oh my sweet honey is getting married! Did you set a date yet? How did he propose? Let me see the ring again!" Miyagi went on and on with questions since I got to work (late might I add). Even the dean congratulated me after he saw the ring, promising to buy me a wedding gift. "It is great that boy finally stepped up and proposed. And what a rock!"
"Can you please get to work." It was weird having this attention on me.
"How can I work when we have to celebrate the good news?"
"Simple."
The door pushed open as Shinobu, Hidori, and Misaki ran in. "Let me see!" Damn! Who else knows?! My arm was yanked away. "Pretty!"
"Don't you have class?!"
"What are you doing here Shinobu?" Even Miyagi looked shocked.
"Shut up old man." She walked over to whisper something in his ears, making him blush. "Did you plan a date yet?"
"No! That is too early!" God, I just got engaged last night!
"Come on Misaki, you know that is not what they did last night, if there was much talking at all." Hidori smirked as Misaki's face went red.
"Will you guys just go away?"
"See ya later! Congratulations!" All three left. "I am sick of those girls."
"Be nice."
"Shut up." My phone started to ring. "Hello?"
"Sooooooooooooooo," I growled at my mother's voice. "Are we going wedding dress shopping soon?" "No because I have no time."
"But that still means he proposed! We are getting our grandchild!"
"Yes, yes, I have work to do mother."
"Don't try and not act excited. You are engaged honey! Congratulations. Are you happy?"
I looked down at the ring, "yeah, I am happy."
"That's wonderful dear. I will let you go but tomorrow we need to start discussing details. I will have Yamada pick you up some time this week."
"But.." I sighed when she hung up. Leaning back in my chair I looked at my ring. It seemed so strange, scary even. It was happening, Nowaki and I was getting married. All that was next was...uh oh.
"Kamijou?" I faintly heard as I ran out of the office and to the closest bathroom. I made it into the stall just in time to throw up this morning's breakfast into the toilet. It was disgusting and burned my throat. I coughed up every last bit before pulling away to catch my breath. I moved to get up when I was thrown back down by more dry heaving.
Oh god, it better not be the flu.
