RENGOKU KYOJURO : Hearts on Fire

Our meeting was anything but ordinary.

I was busy with errands when suddenly; I heard a boisterous laugh coming from that certain household I always passed by. I stepped back a little to see who it was; and there I saw a man having bright yellow hair with red streaks, forked eyebrows and big golden eyes. He was smiling at a little boy, who I assumed was his younger brother – because he looked just like a mini version of him. Only, he had a mellower face, and he looked a little shy.

The man radiated so much cheerfulness and enthusiasm, and I couldn't help but smile as well. As I continued to stare at him a little longer, I found his features rather attractive. I felt the heat rise up my cheeks, and so I closed my eyes and shook my head to cast away my embarrassment. And so, I decided to leave before he could notice me. But when I opened my eyes, the man I was admiring just a minute ago was already in front of me - smiling.

How'd he get in here that fast!? Was I too careless?

"Yo! Where are you headed to with that heavy basket?" he asked with an energetic voice.

I was too surprised at his sudden appearance that I wasn't able to answer properly.

"I-I…"

"Let me do it for you, Miss."

He casually extended his arms to get the basket from me, and that's when I finally responded.

"Oh, uh…it's okay…! I can do it by myself…!"

"No, I can't possibly let a lady carry something as heavy as this!" he insisted, and for a moment; our hands brushed together. I blushed instantly at that, causing me to pull my hands away, leaving the basket in his arms.

"Senjuro! I'm going out for a bit."

He called out to the young adolescent who was peeking at the gate.

"Okay, big brother." He softly replied, and smiled shyly after.

He then turned to me with a wide smile.

"Lead the way, Miss!" he exclaimed.

I had no choice but to accept his offer. I waved goodbye at Senjuro first, to which he waved back before we left, leaving me in awe.

He's so cute…!

I occasionally glanced at him while we were walking, and saw that he still had that smile on his face. I had to admit, it really was relaxing.

How come I had never seen him here? I mean…one way or another, I should have - especially that our village isn't that big. Moreover, I always pass by that household.

He seemed to have noticed it, as he subsequently turned to me.

"What's the matter, Miss?"

"N-nothing at all…! It's just…it's my first time to see you here."

He chuckled. "It can't be helped, as I am away most of the time. I received a one-month break, and I just came home yesterday."

"Oh…so you're working at another place…"

"Well, it seems that way."

There was a period of silence, until I spoke again.

"You never seem to wear your smile off…"

"I want to keep my passion burning. That's why I always smile!" he replied, chuckling mirthfully. I couldn't help but be amazed at his positive attitude and principle.

"Honestly… I feel refreshed seeing you smile."

He blushed slightly at my remarks, and shortly after, he gave me a boyish grin.

"I see. I am glad that it makes you feel that way. All the more reason I should smile, then!"

He declared, and it suddenly made my heart flutter.

"I can manage from here, mister."

We stopped by the gate and I gestured to get the basket from him. However, he still wasn't handing it over to me.

"I'll carry it until the doorstep of your house." He said firmly.

"It's okay. I will do it; I've troubled you too much…"

"It's fine, really. Now open the gate, Miss."

I sighed inwardly at his overflowing diligence.

I guess he is one of those rare gentlemen out there huh…

I opened the gate and we entered our lawn. I pointed at the direction of our entrance door, and he vigilantly went and laid the basket down.

"Thank you so much…! Umm…name…" I stuttered as I tried to ask his name.

"It's Rengoku Kyojuro." He replied, beaming.

"Oh…! Thank you very much, Rengoku-san…!" I said, immediately bowing down to hide my flushed face.

"Kyojuro is fine! What about you, miss? What's your name?"

"I-it's H-Himiko…!"

Aaahhh! I hate myself…! Why am I struggling with just telling him my name…!

Not long after, I felt him gently tousle my hair, making me blush deeply.

"Alright! See you around, Himiko!"

He started walking away, and I suddenly called him out without even thinking of a proper reason.

"Rengoku-san…! I mean…Kyojuro…!"

He turned around, smiling.

"What is it?"

"Uh…w-wouldn't you at least have some tea? After all, I made you do something I was supposed to do…"

Kyojuro only chuckled at my offer. "Don't worry about it, Himiko! It was I who insisted to help."

"But…"

"I'm off!"

He exclaimed, and waved happily at me before leaving. I stared at him until his figure was gone. And even if it was, I still stood there.

It would be nice if I get to see him again…

A few days passed, and I was ordered by my parents to deliver the washed and cleanly folded clothes of our customers. At the same time, I would also collect their dirty laundry, if there was. I wasn't expecting anything, but when I passed by the Rengoku household, I luckily saw him training with Senjuro. I stopped for a while and watched the two of them. He was lively and spirited as always, and had that carefree smile on his face. I was contented with that, even with just a glimpse of him every now and then.

However, I was once again too caught up with the situation that I didn't realize that he already noticed me. I only snapped back to reality when I heard someone's deep yet zealous voice calling for my attention.

"Himiko! Miss Hi-mi-ko!"

Two golden eyes were closely staring at me, and I flinched.

"Aahh…! R-Rengoku-san…!"

"I told you, Kyojuro is okay. It's nice to see you again! " he exclaimed, and chuckled right after.

"Yes, it really is nice to see you…Kyojuro."

"That's better." He said and grinned curiously as he looked at what I was holding.

"Hmm…where are you going with that heavy basket again?"

"It's laundry, actually. I'm about to deliver them to our valued customers."

"I see! So your family runs a linen business."

"Yes…"

"Well then, let me help you with that!"

"P-Please don't bother…! I'm sorry to have interrupted your training with Senjuro…"

"It's fine! Senjuro is currently taking his rest; so while he's on a break, I have the spare time to help you." He said, beaming widely.

"Y-you don't need to…! I mean, you've already helped me last time…"

"It doesn't matter! I am willing to help you any time."

"But…don't you feel tired after that sort-of intense activity?" I asked worriedly.

"Haha! This guy has lots of stored energy. Let's go!" he exclaimed as he pointed a thumb to himself.

Upon exclaiming that; he went ahead of me while I stood there, flabbergasted.

"What are you gawking there for, Himiko?" He called out with a charming smile. My heart pounded at that expression of his; and eventually, I meekly followed after him.

And just like that, whenever I passed by their house while on my way to deliver or collect clothes, coincidence or not, he was at their yard most of the time. He would often spot me and we would always greet at each other. Ultimately, it became a routine for him to carry my baggage and accompany me on my work.

We talked about the most random things while we were walking, and I would always laugh at his sudden jokes. I am happy whenever I was with him, and I became fond of his infectious smile. The days with him never ended without a smile on my face. Before we knew it, we became close to each other as the days went by.

I was also glad that his break seemed to have been extended – since it had already been more than a month but he still didn't leave. Or maybe, he wouldn't anymore.

But one day, a sudden twist happened - which I never expected.

It was my free day and I decided to give Kyojuro a visit. I didn't see him for just two days and yet I missed him already. I got embarrassed at my thoughts, and I felt the heat creep up my cheeks.

Hold it right there, Himiko…! You sound like you're being desperate!

Once I arrived at their dojo, I was surprised to see that there was no one outside; not even Senjuro. The entire property was unusually silent, and I couldn't help but be worried about it. I was about to step in when I noticed Kyojuro go out of their entrance door. I was relieved for a second, but when I saw him with a seemingly vacant expression - my heart ached. He wasn't aware that I was just several steps away from him, although he always was even if I was still at their gate. He sat down on their platform and looked up at the sky. He appeared to be smiling, but his eyes flickered with melancholy.

I got so concerned over Kyojuro that I forgot how I tended to be shy at him each time we interacted. Right at that moment, I was the one who approached him first.

"Kyojuro…"

He turned to where I was, and his eyes widened as soon as he saw me. Suddenly, he plastered his usual cheery smile on his face and responded.

"Himiko! How long were you there? I'm sorry I didn't notice you."

"I just got here, so it's okay…"

Still with that bright look on his face, he gestured me to sit beside him – to which I instantly complied.

Neither of us talked at first, until he was the first one to do so.

"How are you doing, Himiko?"

I glanced at him momentarily and discerned his solemn expression, even with that small smile he was trying to sustain.

"I'm doing fine as always…" I answered softly to hide the loneliness in my tone.

"That's good to hear." He uttered with a soft smile.

"How about you, Kyojuro?"

"I'm good as well!" he abruptly declared in an optimistic tone.

There were a lot of discrepancies in his reactions, and I could feel that he was not himself. I'm pretty sure that there was something troubling him.

"Are you really okay, Kyojuro? You don't appear to be happy at all…" I said with concern.

"Haha. What do you mean?"

"Please stop lying to yourself…"

All he could do at that moment was to offer me a faint smile that would eventually fade if I dug in further. As if a completely different me had taken over, I slowly went closer to him and wrapped my arms around him. I felt his body stiffen a little.

"Forgive me for this…Kyojuro. I'm not going to force you to talk to me about it, but whatever you are dealing with right now - I know that you will be able to get through it. You have a strong spirit, and I really like that about you."

After I said those words, I felt him relax and to my astonishment, he responded to my hug by burying his face on my shoulder. I quickly blushed at his unexpected course of action.

"K-Kyojuro…?"

"I'm sorry, Himiko. But can I borrow your shoulder for a while? Thank you." He said in a very calm tone, which was very unlike him.

"…okay."

We stayed like that for some time, and when he raised his head and gently moved away from me; I immediately stood up. He was taken aback a little by it.

"Himiko?"

I noticed that his eyes were a little red, and I took that as a sign that he had indeed wept slightly a while back. I decided to set aside my throbbing emotions and looked at him with determined eyes.

"Alright! Let's go into town! I heard they were having the sun festival today!"

"What?"

He was a bit hesitant, but I grabbed his wrist anyway and made him run with me.

"Senjuro! Father Rengoku! I'm borrowing Kyojuro for a bit!" I yelled as we left their house.

Of course there was no answer, but on my peripheral view, I saw Senjuro at their doorstep, waving slowly at us.

The town was crowded with people who wore their traditional festival yukata, while Kyojuro and I were among the few who were just wearing regular kimonos. At first, Kyojuro looked like a lost child who was new to his surroundings; as if he wasn't a country bumpkin. I giggled at his confused yet cute expressions.

"Come on, Kyojuro! Feel the vibe of this festival and smile! Have fun!" I encouraged him, and soon, the corners of his mouth quirked up. This time, it was his real, energetic smile.

It felt like time stopped right at that moment, like we were the only beings in the world.

I…I really have fallen in love with Rengoku Kyojuro.

We visited all the festival booths and tried playing their games. He was actually amazing - most especially in shooting games and in swordplay-related games. He won lots of prizes, and because of that, we were able to taste every food that were displayed. That's where I noticed that he was fond of eating, to which he commented 'tasty' to every food we ate.

"You're actually a glutton, aren't you?" I teased, grinning at him.

"Yeah. I am probably getting close to that already." He replied with a laugh, and I laughed as well.

Then, people started gathering to certain places, and that's when I realized something.

"Ah! It's almost time for the fireworks! I know a place where there's a good view. Let's go!" I exclaimed as I faced him and grabbed his wrist.

We arrived on a cliff near the village, and there was a wisteria tree in full bloom which stood on the edge. I urged him to have a seat with me, and he compelled.

As we both waited for the fireworks, he suddenly spoke up. It was not random, because it was about himself, and what he was bothered with.

Come to think of it…he never once mentioned anything about himself in our past conversations…

"Himiko…I am a demon slayer."

I turned to him, my eyes wide. "What…?"

"You heard it right. My job is to kill those demons that lurk around and kill innocent people. I am a member of the Demon Slaying Corps, and I am currently known as the Flame Pillar."

The flame pillar...I think I also heard something about it from the village folks.

"Right now, our main goal is to kill Kibutsuji Muzan, who is known to be the strongest and is the head of those demons. His minions have gone rampant these past years, including those well-known servants of his, called the Twelve Kizuki. They are divided into the lower and upper moons."

I never knew his job was a very crucial and dangerous one. The mere mention of demons even makes me shiver.

"In time, I may have to face one of the upper Twelve Kizuki; and I know that they are very strong. I am not even sure if I could survive, but even so, I will not give up. I will make sure to kill him, even if it means my death. That is the oath I had sworn ever since becoming a demon slayer. And now that I am a pillar, the responsibility has become bigger."

Above all, I fear for his death more than the demons, to which he just casually stated.

"I worked hard, until I attained the position of being the Flame Pillar. I happily shared the news to my father, but he wasn't pleased about it at all, not even the slightest. He deemed it as unnecessary and a waste of time, and that I would only end up like him. Though I felt dejected, I didn't let it get to me. I did not get disheartened. I persevered, because I am Senjuro's big brother. I am his role model. He will always have his big brother by his side to support him. And that's me."

As I stared at him with full of concern, the fireworks began booming in the sky. Even after sharing such painful thoughts, he was smiling fiercely while watching; and the fireworks seemed to match his burning passion that he was currently giving off. It was so strong to the point that I was able to sense it.

Kyojuro is a brave warrior, and he is also like the sun. He is warm.

The surroundings dimmed, signaling the end of the fireworks show, and the festival. And for the whole period, I didn't get to focus on the fireworks, because my eyes were mostly locked on him.

"That was magnificent! You were right about the great view in here!" he commented valiantly, and I only nodded.

"Well then, shall we go?" he asked as he faced me. Somehow, I could clearly see his face despite the darkness.

"…right."

We walked together in silence. I was beside him, and our footsteps were in unison.

"I'll walk you home."

I was startled at his sudden suggestion. "I-It's alright…! I can manage. Also, your father might get angry…"

"He won't. And never will I allow a lady walk home alone at night."

"Okay then…"

We reached our place, but my feet didn't want to move further.

"Himiko. About this morning."

He suddenly said; his tone serious.

"What about it…?"

"I informed my father that I am going back to the hideout tomorrow."

Huh…? He…he's going back already?

"He got extremely angry, because he thought that I had quit since I came home after a very long time. Senjuro witnessed him scolding me, and it scared him. He cried as he ran away, but I quickly went after him and tried my best to comfort him."

"And then…that's when you finally went outside?"

"Yes."

"Were you successful?"

"Of course. I never give up that easily!"

That's when I realized…that beneath the gallant and cheerful Kyojuro is a Kyojuro with a fragile soul. It's just that his armor is so thick and hard that no matter what you do, he won't let his inner self be shattered.

"You told me a lot, even your problems. Thank you for trusting me, Kyojuro." I said, smiling gently at him.

"My instincts tell me that you are the right person to share it with." He said with a boyish grin. Once again, my heart fluttered at his words.

I am fairly at a loss for words about how much I've fallen deeply in love with this man.

"Then, I'm going. Take care of yourself and always smile, Himiko." Kyojuro said in a casual tone, but to me – it sounded more like an 'uncertain goodbye'.

He then turned around, and started walking away.

As much as I want him to stay, I can't. I can't possibly destroy the passion he had been building for years. Even though I am afraid that his life is always on line…I still respect his desires. And if there is no certainty about him coming back here right away, now is the time I must confess.

"Kyojuro…! Wait…!" I called out desperately, and it made him stop. He turned around, and approached me with a speed I had never seen.

Woah…I am undoubtedly amazed at his skill.

I slowly looked at him, my eyes starting to well up.

"What's the matter?"

"A-are you really going back tomorrow…?"

He looked down for a second. "Yes. I have received a message from Oyakata-sama that we will have our annual Pillar meeting. And from that, I have a feeling that I will be assigned to a mission."

"Is that so…"

"Hmm."

"If that's the case…then I have something to tell you. After that, you may go. You don't need to answer."

"I see."

"I...I know I just met you for a short time…but to me, that short span of time means a lot. At first, I got curious at your smiles and optimistic behavior. Eventually, I became attracted to it, and before I knew it…I was happy being with you. Those times that you helped me, those times that you talked to me…I will always treasure them. I will always be rooting for you, and no matter what happens…please. I want you to stay strong, and stay alive. I want to see you soar as the Flame Pillar, and see you defeat Kibutsuji Muzan and his demons. Lastly…I can't help but feel that meeting you was fate. I am in love with you, Rengoku Kyojuro."

I declared with all the sincerity in my heart, and at last, the tears that I had been trying to stop flowed freely from my eyes. I began sobbing as a result of happiness and contentment from being able to express myself, and sadness from my parting with him.

As expected, he didn't respond. But of course, it was only natural. He was probably shocked at me confessing my love for him, while he was only treating me as what a friend would do. He might regard me as someone hopeless, but I won't regret anything.

I blinked a lot of times as I looked at him, trying to erase the awkward atmosphere I created.

"Thank you for listening, Kyo—"

But before I could finish my statement, he had cut me off by closing the distance between us…and in a flash, he held me in a tight embrace. In that very moment, I saw his eyes flicker with overwhelming affection; as if he had been holding back for so long. I didn't want to assume things, so I mustered up my courage to speak.

"K-Kyojuro…"

His grasp around me only tightened when I mentioned his name.

"Himiko…when I come back, let's get engaged."

My eyes widened at his sudden short confession AND proposal at once. "Wha…Y-you mean…?"

"I mean it. With that, I am going to make you my wife in the future."

"Wh-what…? Is what you're saying true…? You didn't just get swayed by your kind nature, right...?"

"Of course not! I am a man of my word. I do not just say words with empty meanings."

"Are you sure about me, though…?"

"Hmm...besides joining the Demon Slaying Corps, I have never been this sure in my life."

My tears flowed naturally once again. I finally responded to his gesture, and tightly hugged him back.

We remained in that position for a while before Kyojuro and I gently pulled away from each other. We then stared at each other endearingly, and shortly after, he genially pressed his forehead against mine.

"Wait for me, Himiko." He mumbled with devotion while gazing at me. I could feel my face redden, to which he chuckled.

"You know, I always find your reactions cute." He added, and it made my blush deepen.

"Oh, stop it...!"

He lightly chuckled and smiled.

"I will wait for you Kyojuro. No matter what, no matter how long." I answered back, and gave him a loving smile.

My tears of happiness resumed flowing, and he wiped them with his big, rough yet delicate hands.

"You should stop crying. I told you to smile, remember?" he reminded, and I replied with a small laugh.

"I am smiling, though. These are just tears of bliss."

He let out a small sigh of appreciation.

"Himiko, my dear. I love you." He said that with a voice full of emotion and meaning; and with that, he steadily leaned down and tilted his head in an angle perfect enough for him to kiss me. Eventually, our lips met.

"You should go inside now. Your parents might be worried." Kyojuro said, still holding my shoulders.

"No. I will see you off." I said with a smile.

"Are you okay with this?"

"…yes."

"Alright then… I'm going!"

He said, and gave me a quick kiss on the forehead before dashing off at a flaming speed.

Even if he was getting farther and farther away from my sight, the brilliant glow of his fiery cape was very visible, just like the trust and love that I have for him.

Half a year has now passed since Kyojuro had left the village. I haven't gotten any news from him ever since, but I continued to pray for him and I believe that he's out there, doing his best as a well-renounced demon slayer.

I went on with my life as usual, doing the tasks I always did. Though, I had to adjust myself again; considering that I had become accustomed of his assistance. Senjuro and I even became buddies, to the point that I already think of him as my younger brother too. I would constantly see him sweeping outside of their house, and he would always greet me happily. He would even offer to help me, but given with his small body, he won't be able to take it just yet.

Like with my errand today, I saw him again and he meekly approached me.

"Himiko nee-san! Are you out for work again?" he asked with his ever-so innocent expression.

"Yup. I see you're being diligent as always." I replied cheerfully.

"Yes. I don't like to slack around...father might get angry."

I suddenly remembered what Kyojuro had told me regarding their situation.

I gently patted his head. "Don't worry. I'm sure your father is proud of you right now."

"I…hope so."

"I better get going, or else the customers will get mad at me for taking too long." I said with a giggle to lift his sadness.

"Ah…! I want to help you with that…!"

"No, it's alright. It might be too much for you to carry."

He pouted, and it really made me want to pinch his cheeks.

"Someday…I'll be just as strong as my big brother Kyojuro…!"

I smiled at his self-motivation and his admiration for his brother.

"Yes. You definitely will, Senjuro." I said as I gave him a light hug, and excused myself after.

That night, I was enthralled by the moonlit sky and went outside. I sat on our wooden balcony and stared at the sky for some time.

Kyojuro, I hope you're seeing the beautiful sky tonight. I can't wait to see you again.

The next day.

I was on my way to the marketplace in town and saw Senjuro, so I greeted him right away.

"Senjuro!"

"Ah, Himiko nee-san…!" he happily greeted back. I bent down to his level to give him a soft pat on the head. But just as I did, his blissful expression suddenly became afflicted.

"What's wrong…?"

"B-big brother Kyojuro…" he mumbled, his voice shaking.

"What…?"

I slowly turned around and I was in a complete shock. I unconsciously dropped the woven container I was holding. Right before my eyes was indeed…Kyojuro. His left eye was wounded, and there was blood oozing out from the corners of his mouth. He was badly injured, and he looked very pale. It seemed like he was on the verge of death. Despite that, he was smiling.

"Ah…perfect timing. Senjuro, my dearest little brother... and Himiko, my precious woman. "

My feet quickly moved and I rushed to his side. My hands trembled as I reached them out to caress his face.

"How…how did this happen…?" I asked with a hoarse voice, my tears already threatening to come out.

"I have no regrets, Himiko. I protected everyone around me."

"Kyojuro…but you said…you'd definitely come back to me, alive and well…"

"I did…but it seems that this is what destiny has in store for me."

"No…! Please don't say it like that…!"

Senjuro, who stayed quiet for some time, finally burst into tears.

"Nii-san…! Please hang in there! We'll take you inside and—"

"Senjuro. This is enough…I won't make it in time, anyway." Kyojuro interposed, cutting him off.

"But…"

"It's even a miracle that I managed to come here."

Senjuro and I fell silent as we helplessly watched him in that situation. I continued to shed heavy tears, and so did Senjuro. Then I stood up and turned my back on him, as it was too much for me to bear. I felt him motion at his little brother to go closer to him and there, he whispered something.

"…Himiko."

He clearly called out to me after, but I didn't respond. I didn't look at him either. I just couldn't.

"I'm happy that I still got to see you before I die…and I want you to know that even in the afterlife…I will always love you."

And that's when I decisively faced him, with my eyes already sore from crying too much. But still, my tears wouldn't stop flowing.

"Ugh…Kyojuro…we were supposed to get married…"

"But I already think of you as my wife, so it's not necessary anymore."

"It won't...! Because...you..."

He only chuckled, and I gritted my teeth.

"I love you so much, Kyojuro…! I love you…so…much…" I voiced out loud in between my sobs.

"…hmm."

That was his last word, and he was smiling…till the end.

That was the only time I finally had the strength to hug him as tightly as I could.

"Oh, my Kyojuro…!" I cried out, and that's when Senjuro also joined in and hugged him as well.

"Himiko."

Huh? Who's calling me?

"Himiko, my dearest."

My eyes snapped open at the sound of my name, which apparently came from the voice of someone I cherish a lot.

There he was, crouching down in front of me and staring straight at me with those alluring golden eyes of his. He was smiling.

"K-Kyojuro…?"

He was wearing an outfit which I deemed to be his uniform as a demon slayer, and he was wearing a cape that had red, flame-like ridges at the end. He had a blade on his hip, and its hilt had the design of fire.

"Yes. I am back, Himiko."

But…just moments ago, I witnessed him pass away…

"I-is that really you…Kyojuro…?" I asked, my voice trembling.

"Definitely." He assured and in an instant, my arms reached out to him, pulling him into a tight a hug. I wanted and needed to make sure.

He returned my embrace, and then he spoke.

"I found you asleep here outside, and you were crying."

So…that was only a dream…?

"I…was sleeping?"

"Yeah."

That's when it finally sunk in, and I was now wide-awake.

"I-it…all seemed so real. Oh, Kyojuro…! I'm so glad you're alive…!" I cried out, and the tears started spilling off my eyes once again.

"Were you having a bad dream?"

"Yes…in that dream, you only came back to deliver your final thoughts…and-"

I felt him tighten his grip on me. "Himiko, my beloved…I'm sorry for worrying you. It's okay now, I'm here."

I didn't say anything back, but we didn't let go of each other as I continued sobbing to my heart's content until the fear and sadness I felt subsided.

We both drew back and then stared at each other. He went on and held my hands to comfort me.

"…I don't want you to die, Kyojuro. Please, promise me that you'll always come back to me. Promise me that you'll stay alive…" I begged as I squeezed his hands back. His expression clouded but soon enough, he gave me a troubled smile.

"…I will do my best."

My eyebrows knitted at his uncertain answer. "Promise me…!"

He chuckled lightly at my demand. "Alright then… I promise."

He then stood up and sat beside me.

"Starting tomorrow…you'll be my fiancée."

I was caught off-guard at his sudden announcement and I blushed.

"Eh…? W-we'll have our engagement right away?"

"Of course! You don't know how much I've been waiting for this."

"…I've always been looking forward to this too."

On that memorable midnight, we gazed at the bright full moon together as I rested my head on his shoulder, our fingers intertwined.

~ F I N ~