SAT Word of the Chapter: pallid - (adj.) pale
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Part II: The Morning After
Chapter 3: The Announcement
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Tsukushi and Tsukasa walked back to the party. Their friends immediately attacked them, all were eager to know what had happened.
"What did she do?"
"Did she offer Tsukushi money again?"
"Don't worry, we'll support you two all the way!"
Tsukushi was overwhelmed with all the comments flying at her. Tsukasa took control over the situation. "She accepted our relationship."
Everyone stopped in his or her tracks. This was totally unexpected. It was impossible that Tsukasa's mother would allow a girl with no wealth or prestigious background to be married to her son.
Tsukushi nodded, seeing as how her friends had an incredulous look on their faces. "She gave us some conditions and if we follow it, Tsukasa would inherit the company and when I graduate we could marry, with her blessings."
"Wow, this is too good to be true!" Shigeru cried. She hugged Tsukushi fiercely. "I'm so happy for you."
"Thank you." Tsukushi put her arms around Shigeru. She knew Shigeru also liked Tsukasa but her feelings weren't returned. Tsukushi marveled at the strength and good nature of Shigeru. Instead of being jealous Shigeru devoted herself into making the person she loved happy. Shigeru could have easily married Tsukasa, but she knew she would have only been deceiving herself and making both her and Tsukasa unhappy. Tsukushi wondered if she was in the same position as Shigeru would she be able to do the same thing? She looked at Tsukasa. She honestly didn't know. He's become so important to her, she didn't know what she'd do if he wakes up one day and decides that she's not worthy of him.
Lately she had been thinking about their relationship a lot. What was it that he liked about her? She was just an ordinary girl, getting by in life. She didn't have looks or prestige. She sure wasn't the tall sexy women that always flirt with the guys. She was just. herself.
"Tsukushi? Earth to Tsukushi!"
Tsukushi snapped out of her thoughts. Yuuki was the calling at her. "Gomen."
"What were you thinking?" Before Tsukushi had a chance to respond, Sakurako answered for her.
"Of course she's thinking about Tsukasa. Did you see the ring on her finger? She's probably so happy that she's stunned."
"That's right! I just noticed the ring on your finger when that witch came in," said Shigeru.
"But it's bit plain don't you think? It's only a gold band." said Sakurako.
Yuuki smiled, "You probably asked for it didn't you?"
Shigeru agreed, "Knowing Tsukasa, he probably wanted to give the biggest diamond ring possible."
"If it was me, I would have asked for it," said Sakurako. She raised her left hand, "Nothing but the best on my finger."
Tsukushi shook her head, "I don't need that. I just wanted something simple and beautiful."
"But knowing Tsukasa he probably wouldn't have left it at that. You know he likes to spend money," said Shigeru.
"Take off the ring, maybe there's an inscription of some kind," said Sakurako.
Tsukushi took off the ring, feeling oddly bereft when it was no longer on her finger. Tsukushi smiled, it was already a part of her.
She handed the ring to Shigeru. Shigeru and Sakurako were inspecting it. "I knew it!" Shigeru exclaimed, "There is something there."
"Really? Let me see." Tsukushi hadn't expected anything to be there.
Shigeru pointed at it, "Look, it's the infinity symbol with the initials of both of your first names inside."
"That's so romantic," Yuuki sighed.
Tsukushi was still stunned at the inscription. When had Tsuaksa become so romantic? There were tears coming out of her eyes.
The girls weren't alarmed at the sight of Tsukushi's tears. They offered their shoulder, and hugged Tsukushi.
The boys on the other hand were alarmed, especially Tsukasa who started stalking over. "What did you do to her?" Tsukasa was angry that someone made his girl cry.
Shigeru didn't say anything and handed Tsukushi over to him. Tsukasa immediately embraced and cradled Tsukushi. "What's wrong?"
Tsukushi shook her head. She released herself from his arms and showed him her engagement ring, the description. Tsukasa blushed red, embarrassed at being confronted with the romantic act with everyone in the room.
Tsukasa tried to explain his actions, "I know you wanted a plain gold band, but I couldn't resist adding something to it. A little inscription isn't anything much, and it's on the inside." Tsukasa stopped and started getting mad. He didn't want to explain his actions, so why was he doing it.
Before he could get any angrier Tsukushi tiptoed, placed her arms on his shoulders and kissed him. "I love it. Thank you."
Tsukasa was dazed at the sudden display of affection. Tsukushi had never kissed him in front of everyone. Tsukasa hugged her while everyone congratulated them on their engagement.
********
The party ended at around 10. They were going to party the whole night but Tsukushi wanted to get back to her parents and tell them she's home. Everyone disbanded. Tsukasa had his chauffer drive them to Tsukushi's home.
Tsukushi took out her keys, inhaled and opened the door. "Tadaima!"
As Tsukushi was taking off her shoes her parents attacked her. "Tsukushi we missed you!" her mom cried.
"You didn't even give us a call! We were very happy for you," said her dad.
Tsukushi was exasperated. They were only happy because they found out she went on a trip with Tsukasa. It gave them hope that Tsukasa will be their son-in-law.
Then her parents noticed Tsukasa was behind her. "Doumyouji-sama! Forgive our rudeness, we didn't know you were here."
"Iie, it's okay." Tsukasa said, as he was taking off his shoes.
Tsukushi's mom ushered them in. The place was small with only a living room, one bedroom, a small kitchen and bathroom. All together it was the size of Tsukasa's closet.
Susumu came out of the bedroom when he heard all the noise. "Onee- chan! Welcome back!"
Tsukushi smiled, she knew her brother meant it not because she was with Tsukasa. They sat down. Before Tsukushi said anything her mother squealed. She whispered to her husband, "Oto-san - that's an engagement ring on our daughter's finger."
Tsukushi and Tsukasa heard every word seeing as how they were right across her parents. Tsukushi was about to explain to her parents when Tsukasa started talking.
"I'd like to ask for your daughter's hand in marriage."
Her parents jumped up and down with joy. "Of course we'll give you our daughter. I'm so happy you're willing to have her."
The way her parents said it made Tsukushi feel like she was being sold. She was exasperated. She knew this was how her parents were going to react, which is why she tried to delay going home as long as possible.
Tsukasa was extremely happy. He had no doubt that Tsukushi's family would welcome him. After all who wouldn't want a Doumyouji for a son-in- law. But even with his certainty, hearing the confirmation made him feel elated.
Susumu narrowed his eyes. "Are you really going to marry my sister? You're not playing with her?"
"Of course. I wouldn't do something I don't mean."
Tsukushi smiled. Her brother was looking out for her even though she was the eldest. This was what her parents should have done. "But we're not getting married until I graduate from college."
Tsukushi's parents paused in their celebration. "Why so far away?" her mom asked.
"It was one of the conditions made by Tsukasa's mother. And besides I don't think I should marry so early anyways. I should concentrate on my studies."
Her parents frowned. Tsukushi knew what they were thinking. The longer this engagement is the higher the chances that she and Tsukasa won't marry, meaning that they can't rely on the Doumyouji money. After all an engagement doesn't guarantee marriage.
"That's good! You should continue studying with Doumyouji-sama," her dad said.
Tsukushi sighed. She knew her dad wouldn't think about the possibility of no marriage. He would worry about it when it happens. Tsukushi turned to look at her mom who was looking back at her. Tsukushi silently pleaded for her mom to control dad. She knew that her dad would gamble and not worry about money because they were now connected to the richest family in Japan. She didn't want to rely on Tsukasa every single time to bail her family out of trouble. It was embarrassing and made her feel like a leech even if she wasn't herself.
Her mom nodded and Tsukushi sighed. It wouldn't be much but it was better than nothing.
Tsukushi and Tsukasa told her parents much about the trip, the places they've been to and the wonderful things Tsukushi had seen.
Tsukasa left around midnight, leaving Tsukushi alone to face her parents' incessant questions.
Her mom raised Tsukushi's left hand, to look closer at the ring. "How come it isn't a diamond or any other precious gems. People won't believe you're engaged to the Doumyouji heir with this ring."
Tsukushi was mad at her mom. She was sick of her parents always being so concerned with money. "I asked him for this ring. I didn't want him to get me anything too expensive if this doesn't last." It wasn't exactly the real reason, but she didn't want to tell her parents that she wanted something simple.
"That's why you ask for an expensive ring. If the relationship doesn't last, at least you can sell the ring and get something out of the relationship."
"Mom! Would you stop thinking like that! If this relationship doesn't work, I'm returning everything I got from him."
Her mom sighed, "How are you ever going to get anywhere if you think so selflessly?"
"I don't want something I didn't earn to get. I'm not a beggar or a lecher. And Oto-san please don't gamble. I don't want to ask Tsukasa for money! If I keep asking him, he might think we come with too many expenses and ditch me." Tsukushi knew this wasn't true, but she didn't know what else to say to make him stop. Only threats of not being connected to the Doumyouji name could affect her parents to the point of being pallid. But she didn't know why. They were never connected to the Doumyouji family. It's like counting your chickens before they hatched.
All of a sudden Tsukushi felt so tired. She went to take a bath. Sometimes her parents just drained her.
When she came out of the bath, her parents were already in their room. Tsukushi prepared the living room so that she and Susumu could sleep.
"Ne Onee-chan, do you really love Tsukasa? You're not with him because of our parents right?"
"Of course not! Do I seem like the kind of girl that would be with someone because of obligations?"
"But before the trip you weren't even dating him, and now you come back engaged to him!"
"A lot of things happened on the cruise. I was already in love with him before the trip. It's just that they were too many circumstances that prevented us from being together. During the trip I realized none of that matters as long we loved each other and wanted to be together."
"I suppose as long as you know what you're doing." Susumu was silent for a few minutes, "You know I really wouldn't mind Doumyouji as my brother."
"You and everyone else seem to like him."
"No, it's not for his money. There's just something about him that makes him easy to hang out with even though I haven't been with him much."
Tsukushi smiled, "You know you're probably the only person who would say that he's easy to hang out with."
Susumu thought, probably. But maybe it's because when I see him he's always with you. He didn't voice any of his thoughts but he knew that Doumyouji probably really loved his sister. In that case, he wouldn't worry Doumyouji will protect her.
"Good night onee-chan."
"Good night."
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Hope you all liked this chapter. If I have the time I'll try to update at least one more time before the end of the year.
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Part II: The Morning After
Chapter 3: The Announcement
************************************************************************
Tsukushi and Tsukasa walked back to the party. Their friends immediately attacked them, all were eager to know what had happened.
"What did she do?"
"Did she offer Tsukushi money again?"
"Don't worry, we'll support you two all the way!"
Tsukushi was overwhelmed with all the comments flying at her. Tsukasa took control over the situation. "She accepted our relationship."
Everyone stopped in his or her tracks. This was totally unexpected. It was impossible that Tsukasa's mother would allow a girl with no wealth or prestigious background to be married to her son.
Tsukushi nodded, seeing as how her friends had an incredulous look on their faces. "She gave us some conditions and if we follow it, Tsukasa would inherit the company and when I graduate we could marry, with her blessings."
"Wow, this is too good to be true!" Shigeru cried. She hugged Tsukushi fiercely. "I'm so happy for you."
"Thank you." Tsukushi put her arms around Shigeru. She knew Shigeru also liked Tsukasa but her feelings weren't returned. Tsukushi marveled at the strength and good nature of Shigeru. Instead of being jealous Shigeru devoted herself into making the person she loved happy. Shigeru could have easily married Tsukasa, but she knew she would have only been deceiving herself and making both her and Tsukasa unhappy. Tsukushi wondered if she was in the same position as Shigeru would she be able to do the same thing? She looked at Tsukasa. She honestly didn't know. He's become so important to her, she didn't know what she'd do if he wakes up one day and decides that she's not worthy of him.
Lately she had been thinking about their relationship a lot. What was it that he liked about her? She was just an ordinary girl, getting by in life. She didn't have looks or prestige. She sure wasn't the tall sexy women that always flirt with the guys. She was just. herself.
"Tsukushi? Earth to Tsukushi!"
Tsukushi snapped out of her thoughts. Yuuki was the calling at her. "Gomen."
"What were you thinking?" Before Tsukushi had a chance to respond, Sakurako answered for her.
"Of course she's thinking about Tsukasa. Did you see the ring on her finger? She's probably so happy that she's stunned."
"That's right! I just noticed the ring on your finger when that witch came in," said Shigeru.
"But it's bit plain don't you think? It's only a gold band." said Sakurako.
Yuuki smiled, "You probably asked for it didn't you?"
Shigeru agreed, "Knowing Tsukasa, he probably wanted to give the biggest diamond ring possible."
"If it was me, I would have asked for it," said Sakurako. She raised her left hand, "Nothing but the best on my finger."
Tsukushi shook her head, "I don't need that. I just wanted something simple and beautiful."
"But knowing Tsukasa he probably wouldn't have left it at that. You know he likes to spend money," said Shigeru.
"Take off the ring, maybe there's an inscription of some kind," said Sakurako.
Tsukushi took off the ring, feeling oddly bereft when it was no longer on her finger. Tsukushi smiled, it was already a part of her.
She handed the ring to Shigeru. Shigeru and Sakurako were inspecting it. "I knew it!" Shigeru exclaimed, "There is something there."
"Really? Let me see." Tsukushi hadn't expected anything to be there.
Shigeru pointed at it, "Look, it's the infinity symbol with the initials of both of your first names inside."
"That's so romantic," Yuuki sighed.
Tsukushi was still stunned at the inscription. When had Tsuaksa become so romantic? There were tears coming out of her eyes.
The girls weren't alarmed at the sight of Tsukushi's tears. They offered their shoulder, and hugged Tsukushi.
The boys on the other hand were alarmed, especially Tsukasa who started stalking over. "What did you do to her?" Tsukasa was angry that someone made his girl cry.
Shigeru didn't say anything and handed Tsukushi over to him. Tsukasa immediately embraced and cradled Tsukushi. "What's wrong?"
Tsukushi shook her head. She released herself from his arms and showed him her engagement ring, the description. Tsukasa blushed red, embarrassed at being confronted with the romantic act with everyone in the room.
Tsukasa tried to explain his actions, "I know you wanted a plain gold band, but I couldn't resist adding something to it. A little inscription isn't anything much, and it's on the inside." Tsukasa stopped and started getting mad. He didn't want to explain his actions, so why was he doing it.
Before he could get any angrier Tsukushi tiptoed, placed her arms on his shoulders and kissed him. "I love it. Thank you."
Tsukasa was dazed at the sudden display of affection. Tsukushi had never kissed him in front of everyone. Tsukasa hugged her while everyone congratulated them on their engagement.
********
The party ended at around 10. They were going to party the whole night but Tsukushi wanted to get back to her parents and tell them she's home. Everyone disbanded. Tsukasa had his chauffer drive them to Tsukushi's home.
Tsukushi took out her keys, inhaled and opened the door. "Tadaima!"
As Tsukushi was taking off her shoes her parents attacked her. "Tsukushi we missed you!" her mom cried.
"You didn't even give us a call! We were very happy for you," said her dad.
Tsukushi was exasperated. They were only happy because they found out she went on a trip with Tsukasa. It gave them hope that Tsukasa will be their son-in-law.
Then her parents noticed Tsukasa was behind her. "Doumyouji-sama! Forgive our rudeness, we didn't know you were here."
"Iie, it's okay." Tsukasa said, as he was taking off his shoes.
Tsukushi's mom ushered them in. The place was small with only a living room, one bedroom, a small kitchen and bathroom. All together it was the size of Tsukasa's closet.
Susumu came out of the bedroom when he heard all the noise. "Onee- chan! Welcome back!"
Tsukushi smiled, she knew her brother meant it not because she was with Tsukasa. They sat down. Before Tsukushi said anything her mother squealed. She whispered to her husband, "Oto-san - that's an engagement ring on our daughter's finger."
Tsukushi and Tsukasa heard every word seeing as how they were right across her parents. Tsukushi was about to explain to her parents when Tsukasa started talking.
"I'd like to ask for your daughter's hand in marriage."
Her parents jumped up and down with joy. "Of course we'll give you our daughter. I'm so happy you're willing to have her."
The way her parents said it made Tsukushi feel like she was being sold. She was exasperated. She knew this was how her parents were going to react, which is why she tried to delay going home as long as possible.
Tsukasa was extremely happy. He had no doubt that Tsukushi's family would welcome him. After all who wouldn't want a Doumyouji for a son-in- law. But even with his certainty, hearing the confirmation made him feel elated.
Susumu narrowed his eyes. "Are you really going to marry my sister? You're not playing with her?"
"Of course. I wouldn't do something I don't mean."
Tsukushi smiled. Her brother was looking out for her even though she was the eldest. This was what her parents should have done. "But we're not getting married until I graduate from college."
Tsukushi's parents paused in their celebration. "Why so far away?" her mom asked.
"It was one of the conditions made by Tsukasa's mother. And besides I don't think I should marry so early anyways. I should concentrate on my studies."
Her parents frowned. Tsukushi knew what they were thinking. The longer this engagement is the higher the chances that she and Tsukasa won't marry, meaning that they can't rely on the Doumyouji money. After all an engagement doesn't guarantee marriage.
"That's good! You should continue studying with Doumyouji-sama," her dad said.
Tsukushi sighed. She knew her dad wouldn't think about the possibility of no marriage. He would worry about it when it happens. Tsukushi turned to look at her mom who was looking back at her. Tsukushi silently pleaded for her mom to control dad. She knew that her dad would gamble and not worry about money because they were now connected to the richest family in Japan. She didn't want to rely on Tsukasa every single time to bail her family out of trouble. It was embarrassing and made her feel like a leech even if she wasn't herself.
Her mom nodded and Tsukushi sighed. It wouldn't be much but it was better than nothing.
Tsukushi and Tsukasa told her parents much about the trip, the places they've been to and the wonderful things Tsukushi had seen.
Tsukasa left around midnight, leaving Tsukushi alone to face her parents' incessant questions.
Her mom raised Tsukushi's left hand, to look closer at the ring. "How come it isn't a diamond or any other precious gems. People won't believe you're engaged to the Doumyouji heir with this ring."
Tsukushi was mad at her mom. She was sick of her parents always being so concerned with money. "I asked him for this ring. I didn't want him to get me anything too expensive if this doesn't last." It wasn't exactly the real reason, but she didn't want to tell her parents that she wanted something simple.
"That's why you ask for an expensive ring. If the relationship doesn't last, at least you can sell the ring and get something out of the relationship."
"Mom! Would you stop thinking like that! If this relationship doesn't work, I'm returning everything I got from him."
Her mom sighed, "How are you ever going to get anywhere if you think so selflessly?"
"I don't want something I didn't earn to get. I'm not a beggar or a lecher. And Oto-san please don't gamble. I don't want to ask Tsukasa for money! If I keep asking him, he might think we come with too many expenses and ditch me." Tsukushi knew this wasn't true, but she didn't know what else to say to make him stop. Only threats of not being connected to the Doumyouji name could affect her parents to the point of being pallid. But she didn't know why. They were never connected to the Doumyouji family. It's like counting your chickens before they hatched.
All of a sudden Tsukushi felt so tired. She went to take a bath. Sometimes her parents just drained her.
When she came out of the bath, her parents were already in their room. Tsukushi prepared the living room so that she and Susumu could sleep.
"Ne Onee-chan, do you really love Tsukasa? You're not with him because of our parents right?"
"Of course not! Do I seem like the kind of girl that would be with someone because of obligations?"
"But before the trip you weren't even dating him, and now you come back engaged to him!"
"A lot of things happened on the cruise. I was already in love with him before the trip. It's just that they were too many circumstances that prevented us from being together. During the trip I realized none of that matters as long we loved each other and wanted to be together."
"I suppose as long as you know what you're doing." Susumu was silent for a few minutes, "You know I really wouldn't mind Doumyouji as my brother."
"You and everyone else seem to like him."
"No, it's not for his money. There's just something about him that makes him easy to hang out with even though I haven't been with him much."
Tsukushi smiled, "You know you're probably the only person who would say that he's easy to hang out with."
Susumu thought, probably. But maybe it's because when I see him he's always with you. He didn't voice any of his thoughts but he knew that Doumyouji probably really loved his sister. In that case, he wouldn't worry Doumyouji will protect her.
"Good night onee-chan."
"Good night."
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Hope you all liked this chapter. If I have the time I'll try to update at least one more time before the end of the year.