Chapter 19 – Be My.. What?
Kei walked me to the hospital this morning, I refused at first since it's just walking distance but he insisted so I couldn't do anything to prevent him from what he wanted. Yesterday, Yumi asked me if she could take over half of my shift since she needed to accomplish certain hours of shift because she had to look for her mom who's sick. I agreed so that I could help her and of course, it's an opportunity as well to spend more time with Kei. Or might as well, inform Suga and Kaori that I can go out early today and just invite Kei to go with us. Come to think of it, I haven't told Suga and Kaori about Kei. I should explain to them first.
It's still early today yet there are many patients already. Almost all of them needed to get their blood extracted. I have extracted bloods from 15 people already. "Yumi, can I have a bathroom break first? I think it will take a while before patients come again." She nodded as approval. I took out my phone and texted Suga and Kaori. 'Hey, my shift will end early today, are you two still gonna meet up? I have so many things to tell you. But, the most important recent thing is, Kei's here. Like literally in our hometown! And uhm, I slept at his house last night. Hehe. Don't scold me, I can explain.' It's a vague message since I'm in a rush. I can't take a break for too long, I don't wanna burden Yumi.
As soon as I finished peeing, I received multiple replies from the both of them. Almost every reply contained panicking and scolding tone. They told me that I'm so vulnerable to be easily swayed by my ex, but they also told me that they understood since I love him so much and they know he feels the same too. They texted me a certain location where we'll have our catch up, they also said to bring Kei along so that they could finally hear both of our story. So, I immediately texted Kei that we're going to meet them later. He just replied 'Sure'.
I went back to the laboratory and found Yumi with 3 new patients. I called one of the patients so that the extraction would be faster. Our routine continued for the next few hours. Lunchtime came and my shift for today is over, Yumi will be taking over so I said that I should atleast get her food. She refused and said that she brought some home-cooked meal. Then, I waved goodbye and went to the main entrance.
The four of us would be having lunch at a nearby restaurant. It's my first time eating there, I discovered that the place is more like a private restaurant wherein you should place a reservation first. I wonder who chose that place. "Hey, chibi. Are you lost in your senses? You passed by me yet you didn't notice." I was startled when Kei tugged my scrub suit. Oh, right! I forgot that I was already here at the main entrance. "I'm sorry. I was just wondering who chose the restaurant they've picked. It seems like a private one." Kei just shrugged his shoulders. He said that he's never been in that place as well. I texted Suga and Kaori that we're already on our way.
When we finally reached the restaurant, I was amazed immediately. The interior looks luxurious and elegant in the picture when I searched it awhile ago but it looks better in person, I almost panicked because I thought the menu is expensive.. but good thing, it's affordable. Kei and I entered the restaurant, I quickly saw Suga and Kaori so I pulled Kei with me. "I missed you both!" I hugged them separately because I couldn't contain my happiness. While, Kei just gave them a formal greeting. As soon as we sat down, Suga handed us the menu. I ordered pork cutlet while Kei ordered ramen.
Kaori bombarded us with questions but Suga scolded her and told her to ask questions one at a time. "So, how did you two meet again?" I explained to them that I saw him in a fastfood chain yesterday. "I was still unsure at first whether he's really Kei or not. I thought that I was mistaken since he's at the province. Then, I decided to share seats with him because he's the only one alone inside. When I was eating, Suga called. That's when Kei slipped his softdrink.." Kei pouted as soon as I explained why his softdrink spilled.
"I'm sorry, Kei.. I didn't mean to make you jealous." Kei clicked his tongue. "Tch. It's alright." Kaori giggled because it's obvious that she's liking the scene right now. I went on with my explanation, then they asked Kei what really happened when he was gone. Kei explained thoroughly and said that he didn't want everything that happened. Kaori's getting teary-eyed and I laughed at her reaction. She said that our story is literally heartbreaking. Well, I agree with her but I'm glad that we're already working on it.
Our food came so we stopped chatting for the mean time. I took time to appreciate the food because it's really delicious. I could say that this could pass as a high-class recipe. "Who picked the restaurant?" I blurted out. Suga and Kaori looked at each other. "I don't know. We're just searching for some restaurants nearby then we both agreed to this one." I nodded and proceeded to eat again. When we finished our main course, we ordered some dessert before we end our lunch. "So, are you here for good, Kei?" Suga asked. They looked at each other like there was something they have talked about. "Yes." I choked on my own saliva that it made me cough so bad. What the hell!? He didn't tell me anything about that! He said that he'll just be here for a couple of days.
"What do you mean yes.. you, tall guy?! You didn't mention anything about staying for good. You only said that you'll be here for a couple of days." I felt some weird feeling in the atmosphere because the three of them looked like they were communicating about something. Then, Kei pulled out some piece of paper. I got confused. What's the paper for?
"It's because.. you just got pranked!" Suga and Kaori said in sync. Different thoughts came into my mind because I'm clueless on what they're talking about. What do you mean I just got pranked? "Well.. the truth is, we have been in touch with Kei for the past few weeks." Kaori added. What is going on? Why did Kei contacted them instead of me? "Wait, listen first Misaki. Let us finish our explanation before you go mad." I decided not to talk to hear their explanation. "At first, we were shocked upon knowing that he's reaching out out of nowhere and after so many years. Then, he explained to us everything that happened to him and that he has a plan so we tried to understand him. He also informed us that he'll be going here to visit you but he didn't tell us that it's yesterday. So, we didn't have a clue until he messaged us that he's with you and you slept in his house." My face felt warm. I feel so flustered! He even told them that I slept in his house. Silly.
"So, why did you inform them first? And why are you here for good? I thought you have a job in your province!" I crossed my arms while waiting for his explanation. "Suga told you earlier, I have a plan.. that's why I'm staying here for good." I raised my eyebrow at him. He rolled his eyes and handed me the piece of paper he's been holding since awhile ago. I read it and my eyes widened as soon as I noticed the title. Be My.. What?! Please tell me I'm not dreaming.
My vision started to get blurry because of the tears. I've just read the title and not the entire content but I'm bursting into tears already.
Be My (Slave) Wife - Tsukishima Kei's contract
1. You have to love me for the rest of our lives. I promise to do the same.
2. You have to take care of me whether I get sick or not. I promise to do the same.
3. You have to bear me beautiful children. I want a girl, but a boy is fine too. Nonetheless, whatever will be the gender of our child, I'll still accept it whole-heartedly.
4. We have to stay with each other through thick and thin, sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer.
5. We have to understand each other more. No secrets and no lies.
6. Communication is the key.
7. We have to lift each other up, especially when one of us is falling apart.
8. We have to be ready to compromise and make some adjustments.
9. I promise to devote all my love, sacrifices, and efforts to you, our relationship, and our future family.
10. Say yes, and I promise to win you back forever.
So, will you be my wife, Misaki?
My heart is going to burst because of different emotions. I feel like I'm so ugly because of my cries. I've been crying since I started reading this contract. No, I think this is more of a vow because it's more sincere than contracts. Damn you, Tsukishima Kei. I really fell for you that hard, huh? You're really full of surprises and I couldn't believe that you're now asking me to get married.
I looked at Suga and Kaori. Suga's getting teary-eyed while Kaori is also crying hard like me. I just know that they're happy for me. I really am. I'm so fucking happy. No words could describe how I'm happy right now.. because I think this is finally the right time for us. After all the sufferings, sacrifices, separations, here we are today.. still trying to get back what we have lost.
"What is this all about, you stupid salt?! Not reaching out for so many years, then appearing out of nowhere, then contacting my best friends to set me up so that you could propose to me?! You're really a handful, Kei.. but you also know how to make me feel different things all at once. You always have." I'm running out of breath because I'm crying hard. I gasped for air and he handed me a glass of water. I drank it until I calm down. My eyes were puffy and my nose became bright red. "I'm sorry, Misaki. I just thought that I shouldn't waste time and opportunity that's why I planned it before going here. Of course, I needed help so I contacted Suga and Kaori. I don't want to let you go anymore so I proposed right away." I cried again even before I could speak. He pulled me into a hug and stroked my back.
"Whatever! Of course, I want to be your wife! Yes, Kei.. I'll marry you!" I said in between cries. He hugged me back tightly. I heard him shout 'yes!'. Suga, Kaori, the restaurant crews, and some of the customers clapped their hands as I said yes to Kei. When we pulled away from the hug, he inserted the ring on my ring finger. I cried again as I admired it. The ring is just simple, it has a diamond heart-shaped stone, while the ring itself is silver in color, not too thin but not too thick.
"I love you, Kei." "I love you too, Misaki." I kissed him before hugging him. I can't really contain my happiness.
Kaori offered to take a picture of us. I refused at first since I look really ugly with these puffy eyes and nose. However, I realized that we wouldn't have a souvenir if I wouldn't agree so I retouched my face a little bit before having our picture taken. "What about your job, Kei?" I asked. I forgot to ask him that because we were interrupted awhile ago. "Oh, about that. I talked to my parents about my proposal for you. They said that I should resign in my previous job if I wanted to marry you. Well, at first, I contemplated if I should resign because a part of my heart already lives in the hospital. However, when I talked to my superior, he said that he could offer me a position at the hospital you're working with. Since my contract is already ending and I had a good performance, my superior gave me that offer as a bonus and to wish me luck in my marriage." I smiled. I'm relieved that fate was finally cooperating with us.
"What about your parents?" I asked. "Akiteru still doesn't have a plan to get married. His girlfriend said that they're still saving up for their wedding and their future married life, but they agreed to live in our house when they got married."
"Where will you live? You two both have houses, right?" Kaori blurted out. Yeah right, where will we live? Kei and I looked at each other. "I still don't know. We'll have to talk about it." I nodded. We spent the rest of the afternoon chatting about each other's lives, catching up, and chilling out.
When it's already 6 PM, we've decided to part ways. Suga and Kaori reminded us to keep them updated about our wedding. I told them that they would be the first one to be informed since they had a big participation in our relationship.
Kei and I got home and I couldn't help but stare at the ring he gave me. "Is it beautiful?" I nodded. "I love it so much. You have a good taste, huh." He gave me a smirk. "Of course, that's why don't belittle me."
Oh right, I still have a question in mind. I know it's already a long time ago but I forgot to ask him this when we were still in college. "Kei, why did you agree to swap with Kuroo before?" He fell silent and just stared at me. "Hey, I'm asking-" He cut me off and held my face. I blushed. "Because I fell for you since the first time I saw you.. that's why I agreed to him." My mouth formed an 'o' with his answer. Is he real?! Isn't he joking?!
"Don't fool me." I furrowed my brows. "I'm not. I'm serious, Misaki. The first time I saw you is when you're still Kuroo's slave. Don't you remember that we bumped into each other while you're running to chase Kuroo who suddenly left you?" Oh my gosh. He's the tall guy I bumped into before?! I didn't notice him since I just bowed to apologize then ran again after. "Gosh. Just how many times have we bumped into each other before?!" He chuckled as he embraced me. "I think, many times, including those which we haven't noticed. Maybe it's really fate, but I'm glad you became my slave before.. because if you didn't, then I wouldn't have the courage to accept my feelings for you."
I'm glad that I have been your slave too. Maybe the Elite System wasn't so bad after all. We started from being a master and slave, then now we're going to be husband and wife. I couldn't ask for more.