Unexpected Marriage

by Shroheim

Hikigaya Hachiman and Miura Yumiko now in their third year of high-school are caught in an arranged marriage orchestrated by their parents. How will they deal with this predicament, each other and those around them?

5. Chapter 5

Trouble seems to have reared its ugly head once more my way. When my parents were unusually persistent about me getting well dressed in a fancy suit of all things, provided by my mother of course. I strongly suspected something was greatly amiss.

It was an odd break from the usual routine I underwent under the roof of the house, or perhaps lodging would be a better term since I only went back home to sleep and nothing else.

My father, who wouldn't even give me the light of day for good reasons, was strangely on edge and interestingly uncomfortable. He tried to keep a straight face, but I knew better.

I knew for a fact nothing was capable of fazing my father with the exception of his wife and daughter and always remained calm and collective under any circumstances. So, it was alarming to see him conduct himself so differently than the norm.

The mother was a different story however, she was overly excited and jumpy. Racing from one corner of the house to the other with the effectiveness she only displayed in her workspace.

The mother who was passive and kept her distance away from me had become abnormally pushy and aggressive. It was as if she had become a different person of a sort, foregoing the events that took place in this very house all those months back.

It was safe to say how stiff and awkward I felt when my mother who had never touched me since I was mere child, kept on grooming my messy hair, trying her best to comb and straighten it. After many repeated failures she eventually had to give up despite her stubbornness to admit defeat to the gravity defying hair of mine.

Afterwards, she moved onto her husband trying to do the same to his piece of hair. Despite her husband's large stature and overwhelming strength, he was also powerless when faced with his wife's presence and sat down in surrender as his wife enacted as she willed. But unfortunately, she was met with the same result with the husband's hair which was just as rebellious as their son if not more. In a fit of rage, the applications were thrown on the floor as the mother stormed off into her room to complete her own preparations.

Preparations for what exactly?

That's what I thought as I witnessed the uproar and rampage swiping across the house. I wouldn't dare to ask what had caused this level of mayhem considering my current standing with his parents.

All I could do was just silently observe with sharp intelligent eyes the chaos being played around me that threatened to flip the whole house upside down and formulate accordingly. But no matter how much I tried, for the first time in a long time I drew a blank. No matter how much I scanned my surroundings with my dark abyssal eyes I couldn't come to a conclusion.

Eyes that were like my giant bear like father, in both viciousness and ferocity. Eyes that were the subject of much ridicule and contempt from my fellow peers.

The various names and insults kept circling around my mind like a broken tape recorder, always stuck on repeat.

Such was the life I had lived. Alone and isolated. It was like walking on a frozen wasteland while being bare foot, feet that had become numb long ago.

But even for me there was a silver lining, even for me light shined even in the depth of that cold dissolute place that one would call the heart.

Even I believed that maybe, just maybe, perhaps I could be saved at long last, by the bright supernova that threatened to melt away the fortress I had built for myself over the years.

I had prayed that would be the case. Hopeful of the fact that I would finally be able to swim out of the bottomless pit of despair and breathe again on the surface that I always wished for.

But reality was a cruel mistress. Instead of desperately reaching for the pair of hands that were trying to reach out to me, trying to pull me away from the frozen tundra. Not only had I rejected their aid but ended up destroying the very light that was guiding me out of my own cold prison.

What had remained of my dilute glass like heart was destroyed that day plunging me into never ending darkness. I had to live on knowing the lives I had crushed with my own two hands and had been living through the regret and suffering ever since. Knowing what did could never be forgiven.

In spite of what was transpiring around me, I had played along with the whim of my mother as best as I could. My heart ached when I watched my mother excitedly instructing me what to wear and what perfume I should apply, the latter act I loathed because the smell made me want to vomit blood. But I had to put up with it only because it had been a long time since I witnessed that youthful smile gracing my mother's features.

I had taken that smile away from her. Because of my crude way of life. I had robbed my family the happiness and warmth they once shared leaving it as a rotting corpse in my wake. But something had changed, something must have been the cause to rekindle the once dead flame that once resided in this very household.

But that's what I couldn't figure out. Even my sister who became indifferent since that faithful day had a curious sparkle in her big eyes like the olden days when we used to be inseparable, like two peas in a pot. Of course, she tried to hide her peeking around with little success from the comfort of the couch she lay flat on. The little sister was the only one save for the house cat who was idling around amid this storm.

Was she not involved in whatever our parents had cooked up? I thought deeply trying to make sense of things, but I was forced to halt when her eyes finally caught mine. It didn't take much time for her to revert to being dull and bitter but not before sending her brother a cold glare that matched a snowstorm of the Siberian plains.

It was nice while it lasted, I whispered to myself and went about finishing what my mother had told me. There wasn't much I had to do. I was dressed ready pan and proper, except for my hair of course. That was one thing that could never be fixed no matter how much I or anyone tried.

When everything was done according to my mother's satisfaction, I was practically shoved inside the car by my overly enthusiastic mother, and we were soon on the road not before telling my sister to watch over the house and lock the door.

The car ride would be silent if it wasn't for the mother's cheerful humming and singing, an act which increased her husband's nervousness and his grip on the stirring wheel. This also greatly confused me, whose confusion increased in the backseat. For one I was kept in the dark about the situation at hand while also worrying about the amount of strength father was using on the stirring wheel could end up breaking it.

I looked around once they had reached their destination without breaking, destroying or murdering anyone in the process. An act I was grateful and felt relieved. But little did I suspect, I would be thrown out of the frying pan and into the fire face first.

I felt odd to say the least, being surrounded by the so-called elites. I was wary of them as much as they were wary of me and my father. Various names like yakuza could be heard from around me. Will my father and I certainly looked the part to be honest.

We carried on further in the fairly high-class Japanese hotel under the constant gaze of those around us. Why don't the people mind their own business, I grumbling under my breathe. Even sending a glare at the two men who were gossiping like women, making them flinch and quick to run away.

This was a normal occurrence that I was used to and would usually ignore it if I was alone but because I was with my mother, those constant stares and whispers quickly got on my nerves. My mother who was dressed in a white formal suit led the way while being flanked by myself and my father a step behind.

The high-class hotel wasn't much populated and those people who were already inside including stuff quickly made way when they us approaching. Such was the presence caused by my father and I. Though, it made walking around the hallways much easier, and we quickly arrived at our destination.

At least that's what I believed since my mother abruptly stopped in the middle of the third lobby, her big eyes scanning the room for someone. Meanwhile my father was sweating, constantly readjusting his tie and collar as if he was suffocating.

Seeing him fudging around made me oddly curious and nervous. What is causing this man who held no fear for anything on this earth, to be shaking like a leaf on a windy day. Meanwhile my mother looked like a schoolgirl hungrily eyeing the latest desert ready to wipe it out from its very existence.

What's causing them to act like this and why bring me of all people along to a high-class place like this. Wearing a suit of all things? Wait. Parents all dressed up, this first-rate Japanese style luxurious hotel that only the elites can enter and most importantly myself.

Are they meeting their business partner or something? A shiver went down my spine almost instinctively as the sudden realization kicked in. My eyes grew wide, my fist clenched tightly and my blood boiling.

As if sensing my blood lust, both my parents turned around to face me, my father instantly forming a defensive posture while my mother just stood there startled, her mouth slightly open.

"Hachi, what's wrong?" Her voice shook along with her body. She took a hesitate step towards me, her unsteady hands moving towards my forearm. The fear in her eyes was the same as back then. The cursed day when I destroyed the peace of my family.

Am I going to lose control over myself again? Am I going to lose control because of him again? I clenched my mouth tight, my teeth grinding against each other to their breaking point. I need to calm the fuck down before I do something, adding even more regret to my already stupid life.

I wouldn't want to give him the satisfaction of seeing me in this disgraceful state. Calm down, take a deep breath and think rational.

I honestly wished Mari was here to knock some sense into me.

"Hachi, it's fine. Stay calm alright. Everything is going to be alright." My mother said soft smooching words to melt away my boiling anger. This was the second time she had called me by my childish nickname. When was the last time she called me using that?

"Hachiman, do what your mother says and please don't cause a scene here." My father stern ordered reached my ear making me turn towards him with a vicious glare. Cause a scene he says, I am pretty sure he is the one who is going to provoke me into doing something.

"Hachi, please." My mother desperately cried out. She had moved closer with both hands holding my clenched ones. How sad and pathetic she looked right now; it honestly broke my inside into pieces. Why do I have to cause her even more pain all over again.

I was trying to keep myself under control but just by remember that devil in human clothing makes me want to tear his head off. He promised me. That bastard promised me he wouldn't lay a hand on my family again. And now here we are in this place surrounded by people who are akin to him.

How could I possibly keep myself under control?

"There you guys are? Sorry we are late, rush hour traffic delayed us a lot." A kind and cheerful voice called out. Although it wasn't familiar to that man's, I couldn't help but glare at his general direction without masking my ever-raising blood lust stopping the man in his tracks.

The man, dark brown hair stood a few steps away from us, his wide eyes going from mine to my mother.

"Oh, you are here, it's fine we just got here too." My mother was quick to readjust herself, quickly turning around to face the newcomer by giving him a warm smile. It wasn't like one of her business-like ones, but a genuine smile like she was truly happy to see the person standing in front of her. The odd thing was she never showed such expression to others except for my father and sister.

"Hey, why did you suddenly stop out of nowhere." A new voice picked up. Because I was so focused on the man that I failed to see the figure standing behind him. A woman while rubbing her sore nose peeked out from behind the man.

Her bright golden hair fashioned in a graceful, braided bun was the first to make an entrance, followed by a pair of eyes as deep as emerald gems. She looked up at me, curiosity could be seen behind those glaring eyes of her. Eyes that were eerily similar. Where have I seen her before?

She was enveloped in a pretty pink yukata, guarding her slander body. It suited her more than I would like to admit. Because of her presence, my previously boiling rage was quick to evaporate as if it never existed in the first place.

"Those two look surprisingly good together." I heard my mother giggle knocking my senses back to the situation at hand, adding to my previous confusion.

I honestly thought that we were going to meet that guy again. Thankfully, that was not the case. But now that my nerves had calmed down somewhat, I wondered. Who are these people? The girl in particular, reminds me of someone I know.

"Let me introduce everyone here." My mother cut my thought process in half. "You have already met my husband before, Kenzou." She waved at the boulder of a man standing to her left. "And this is my son, Hikigaya Hachiman." For some strange reason my body became stiff.

But that was not all, the eyes of the girl grew two folds when she learned about my name. Again, my focus was drawn towards her more than to the man who I presumed was her father.

The father of the girl nodded his earlier shock upon seeing me was gone replaced by a soft smile. "Nice to meet you again, Kenzou-san." The man extended his hand to shake my father's and the latter did so with a grunt. Then the father suddenly turned towards me, his brown eyes shining like the sun itself. "It's a pleasure to meet you at last."

As if I was on autopilot, my hand moved on its own and shook the guy's hand, rather forcefully really because his face twisted up a little when I grabbed his hand. It wasn't my intention though; I was still lost in my own world trying to recall why does the girl looks so similar.

"I am Miura Hansuke." The man said as he backed away leaving me in a state of confusion. My wide eyes turned towards the girl who too was staring up at me with wide green eyes with her mouth open, an act she has been doing since my name was announced.

Now I know why she looked similar, what I wanted to know was why I didn't recognize her at first glance. Was it because I haven't met her face to face in a long time that I forgot how she looks entirely? No, that's not the case, there is no way that's true. How can I so easily forget the people I hurt last year?

Was it because she was so dolled up to the point that I could not figure out that this woman who was standing in front of me was someone I shared a classroom with for a whole year? I mean she looks amazing if I am honest. She always has been pretty, anyone will agree. But right now, she is far more than that, graceful and elegant. Something her more fierce and passionate side never allowed her to achieve.

Honestly, I was at a loss for words right now. How can woman change their appearance so much that they look completely different from before? I know I used to say this during my darker days when I was weak and pathetic but right now, I can't help but say it again, women are scary.

"And this is my daughter, Miura Yumiko. Yumiko, say hello to everyone." Even though her father told her, she just remained silent and kept her eyes locked with mine. Slowly the bewilderment in those eyes was disappearing like smoke in the wind replacing itself with a fire that threatened to burn everything down.

My mother, sensing the air around us immediately got into action. "Yumiko-chan is even more beautiful than the picture your father showed me of yours." Picture? Did she say picture? When did she see Miura's picture and why am I involved in this?

Miura's father gives off a small chuckle, "yes, she is." Giving a warm smile towards his daughter, he strangely turned towards me, again my body stiffen up awkwardly under his gaze. I don't know the feeling, but it felt like he was inspecting me from head to toe, it felt weird and creepy. "I must say, Hachiman-kun also looks different from the photo, he is much bigger than I expected."

And scarier, is what his concerned face tells me. He doesn't have to say this for me to know. Because everyone thinks I look terrifying to look at, even my own family, except for my father of course, the man who looks like me just thinks of me as a disappointment. He isn't wrong though.

"Let's go to our booked room then." My mother cheerfully announced and unexpectedly grabbed my arm and started to pull me along with her.

Seriously, what was going on?

It wasn't until they dropped the marriage bomb on us that I finally concluded that something was wrong with my parents. I suspected, in the back of my mind, that something was greatly amiss, but the word marriage never crossed my mind. For good measure too.

Yet this was reality, and I was too dumbfounded to say or do anything. My counterpart, Miura Yumiko, was sitting across the table from me equally dumbfounded by the current situation just stared at me with dead eyes. I think the news hit her harder than it did me. I wouldn't blame her too.

I had hoped that she would be the one to cause a scene in the hotel room, stir up trouble and talk very loudly, all annoyed like she always does when she wants her way. But she did none of that. She just sat her motionless and soulless. Like a perfectly kept doll while our parents continued to talk amongst themselves praising their own children's different quirks and attributes.

I was honestly surprised my mother had nice things to say about me and even father wasn't complaining about his useless son pre usual. It was very odd, but it wasn't the time to silently observe them like this.

At this rate, things might get out of hand and out of control. If Miura won't take the first move, then I don't have a choice. Grunting my teeth and clenching my fist, I acted as rude as possible. Disrespecting my parents in front of the other party. I watched the expression of my mother breaking the moment I spoke up. It was disgusting.

It was disgusting. I disgust myself. Again, I was doing something that would hurt my parents. But this was something I had to do for the better, or so I convinced myself. My mother tried to calm me while my father showed open hostilities directed at me, showcasing a glare so vicious that it would make the bravest run away.

Of course, I wouldn't work on a coward like me. A coward who kept on running from his problems with all his might. Even now I was doing something that caused a disturbance around me instead of tactfully facing my current predicament. I am sure my old self would have used shrewd methods to put a wrench in whatever bizarre plan they were cooking up.

Or in the worst-case scenario, which was often the case with me. I would be forced to go along with it anyways regardless of my protest, shouts or cries. No one cared about my opinion, and everyone did whatever they felt like with me as a chess piece. Dragging me along like some cattle on a leash against my will.

Never, never again. I swore to myself that I will never be the subject of other people's whims. I won't allow myself to be weak like before and get dragged around by the throat, used and then discarded. I refused.

So, what if I am a disgrace, shameful or a coward but as long as I am not bound by the wills of others, I have nothing to complain about.

I don't know what my parents are planning but I can't allow them to have their way. Even if it meant I disrespect them in front of an audience. It was unpleasant but what could I do. At least this way I was the only one to be blamed for this disaster. No one had to get their hands dirty. One sacrifice was enough.

I had hoped Miura would have been that sacrifice, but it turns out that she was stuck in her place unable to do anything. It's a pity that she can't even do the one thing she is good at and that is to cause a scene.

Now I was the one who was forced to do that in her stead, for both of our sakes. Because if I didn't then our parents might really get the two of us married. I was already living through a nightmare, and I wasn't so keen to add another one to the pile.

But it seems my first attempt ended in failure. My mother had pulled down her husband with one word and although I didn't compile, still resisting, she didn't give up either. Her voice carried an unusual strength, her eyes focused, her will unshakable. With her command, I did what I was told and sat back down with the click of a tongue.

Maybe throwing a tantrum wasn't such a good idea after all. Just flat out walking out of the room might have been a better option. But it was useless now, my mother had her hand on top of mine. Her tiny hand tried its best to hold mine down despite its inferior strength. The desperation in her hold, not allowing me to escape away from her.

She was dead set on whatever she was trying to accomplish today. Even if it meant trying to go against her beast of a son who appeared to be untamable before till now. Never has she shown such resolve, not like this. I didn't have the heart to break free from her grip. I didn't want to hurt her any more than I already have. How much more pain will I inflict on her.

My desire to live my life free from the wills of others and not wanting to hurt my family any more than I already had comes into conflict. Threating to tear me apart from the inside at any given moment. I could only grunt my teeth in and sit helpless as my body was tired down by my woman's hold.

Dammit. All I could do was silently curse as Miura's father just smiled like the near chaotic scene that transpired just now was nothing to be alarm about. I had at least hoped that he would be startled by my brutish behavior, but it seems like it didn't even faze him.

How was that possible? What was wrong with this man? He was smiling without a care and even praised his daughter for being cool headed. Really, did she really have to be so calm in a situation like this. Where was her usually fiery fury that I came to know of her.

It was then that Miura, who was silent the whole time, finally spoke. Her calm soft voice made her the center of attention the instant words leaked out of her cherry-coloured lips. It was a rejection. It wasn't a surprise that she would reject the marriage affair. But what was surprising was the fact that it took her this long to do it and that she hadn't spontaneously combusted in the process.

This was a first.

A smile brewed across my face. Now that Miura was the one to reject the offer, both prime candidates were against their parents' little arrangement, there was no need to sit here any longer. The declaration from Miura had shaken my mother. I felt like. Her hand that firmly held onto mine had loosened and I was able to escape, standing to my full height looming over everyone.

The glaring eyes of Miura followed me along. She appeared angry, wanting to chew me out. That was expected of her. But thanks to her, both parents were stunned into place not knowing how to proceed further.

Just to be sure, let's bury this silly notion they have about us marrying in the bud while I still have the chance. I again spoke, arrogance spouting out of my mouth, insulting my parents that left a bitter taste in my mouth. A feeling akin to swallowing acid. But again, I convinced myself that it had to be done. It would be better if they had nothing to do with me, after all I bring misfortunate wherever I go.

But that wasn't all.

The final nail in the coffin was struck when I switched my focus over to Miura. Her glare breaking away as I glared over to her, my mouth still twisted up in a disgusting smirk. I will make sure that this marriage thing never comes up again. That I promise.

I played my trump card, Hayama Hayato. The man who was desired by every girl in school but couldn't because of the fear of a certain blonde woman who would spit fire out of her mouth the moment anyone approached what she deemed was hers.

That was her delusion of course. There wasn't a chance in hell that he would be hers. Because he was already promised to someone else. Someone that made my heart covered by a wrathful darkness, screaming for revenge. Revenge that I knew was impossible to carry out.

So, when I spouted his name, it came out harsher than I intended to. But it did its job, the message was clearly delivered to them. What I didn't expect, however, was the faces of everyone in the room save for my father, twisting up uncomfortably. Like they were made to drink some sour medicine.

Perhaps, does Miura's father know about the depth of her daughter's relationship with that two faced bastard? That expression was a telling sign of that. But what about my mother, why was she distressed about it?

What were the two of them hiding? It was obvious that these two had planned this disaster together considering my father looked clueless about the whole situation from the beginning.

If these two were responsible for what was happening today, then for how long have they been planning for this? My mother had been frequently going out at night to spend time with her friend much to the displeasure of my father. No wonder the gorilla sized man was annoyed through and through.

It was because mother's so-called friend was this man. Of course, father would be fuming mad, he was always the jealous type. But to think the two of them met up to cook up this absurd plan. I don't care how close they are, but to suggest marrying me to Miura, are they insane?

Just what was going on inside their heads? My head is spinning with so many questions that it hurts. But one thing I was sure about, whatever they had planned, I want no part in it. It's better if I leave and be done with it.

My life was already a mess, and I don't want to add any more to my problems. I had enough shit to deal with to worry about a forced marriage. I need to leave before I say or do anything stupid that might hurt my parents even more.

As I turned around to leave this damn room as quickly as possible, I saw a figure abruptly rise from the corner of my eyes. Miura in her own haste didn't account for the yukata she was wearing resulting in her being hamstrung and falling face first onto the table.

Instincts immediately took over and without even thinking about it. I dashed over to her with heavy steps. Catching her delicate body in my arms, a pleasant smell of perfume surrounded me. It was refreshing. Come to think of it, this was the first time I physically interacted with Miura.

A smile brewed across my face without me knowing, words leaking out. The few good memories of school flooding in. She really was riskless when she wanted to be. Everyone was afraid of her fiery temper.

Mentally shaking my head, I refocused myself. This wasn't the time to lose myself. Get a grip. I wanted to remove myself from her as soon as possible but I was afraid she might fall over again so I gently distanced myself away, making sure she was steady on her feet.

The warmth of her body lingering around my fingers. My sharp eyes fixed on her, making sure she was safe. Before I knew it, I was standing next to my parents, flanking me on both sides.

Her father had rushed beside his daughter in a blink of an eye, worry running rampant across his feature, examine her from head to toe in desperation. He really loved his daughter, that much was clear. What I don't understand is, if he loves his daughter so much, why go through this whole ordeal.

What happened next confused me further. I had expected Mr. Miura to come at me with hostile intent. After all, I was the reason his beloved daughter almost got hurt. But that wasn't the case. Instead, what happened next left me dumbfounded.

The father was bowing before me, thanking me for saving his precious daughter. My mother soon joined in, bowed her head to the other party, apologetic and regretful about how things turned out. But she also revealed some info regarding the situation. To think Miura's father was the one who came up with this arrangement.

One look at Miura, and the shock was completely visible in her eyes. It seems she came to this gathering as blind as me. I really don't know what they were thinking, nor can I even begin to wrap my head around this crazy turn of events.

This must be a joke, right? If it was, then it really was tasteless.

Whatever their intention was, did they honestly think that we would compile with it.

Miura and I getting married? What a joke. It's almost as stupid as the time I thought I could be in a relation with Yukinoshita. Just remembering that black-haired heiress made my mouth sour, my throat burning as if I had swallowed acid.

I didn't want to make the same mistakes again. Never again. It was better being alone, that way no one will be able to hurt me, nor will anyone be able to be hurt by me. It was better this way.

Stepping forward, I declared the relationship between my mother and Miura's father. It was a wonder why I didn't recognize him sooner, his presence overshadowed by his daughter who I was surprised to see after long. He was the man who treated me when I got hit by that woman's car at the start of high school.

I faintly remember both him and my mother friendly chatting with each other all the while not minding my hulking father who kept sending death glares at the doctor. It was probably the first time I had seen someone who was unafraid of my father's demon like stare. Something that fairly impressed me during that time. But I seemed to have forgotten over the years.

Well not surprising since so many things happened over the years since then. Most of which I wished never happened. If they didn't, maybe I would be living a better life? One where both myself and my family living happily without a care.

Yet reality was cruel. A fact that reminded me by the second. No matter how much I wish for events to rewind, that would never happen. It was like fate itself was playing with me, weaving and twisting my path as it saw fit.

I know it's me looking for something to blame. Fate, my parents, my teacher, my former clubmates, that wrenched man. I have blamed all of them for my misfortune. But in the end, no matter who or how many I blame, it was I who was most at fault.

The one who was weak and pathetic that allowed himself to be pulled along with the flow like it was nothing.

I was tired, a fact that I made known. Miura too looked overwhelmed, even more than before. It seems the news of her father planning to marry her off to me hit her harder than I thought. I didn't blame her; I too was not in a better state than her. My mental stamina had all been used up and I just wanted to leave.

But I wish it was that simple. In front of me was Miura's father, looking desperate, behind me was my mother, standing as distressed as if someone came to claim her soul. Her hands joined together in a silent prayer. No doubt wanting this matchmaking meeting to be successful somehow.

Behind her stood my father, his impressive body standing like a fortress guarding the only escape route out of this death room. If I wanted to escape, it would be through him. I would find better odds fighting a fully-fledged gorilla than him. I did win against him once, but it was only because he was caught off guard and he had been neglecting his training for quite some time.

Since then, he restarted his training in earnest, even during his chaotic working condition he didn't slack off once. Now he was back to his original shape, no, he was even stronger than that.

But it didn't matter to me, whether he was stronger than before or not. I wasn't interested in finding out. Once and only once I went against him. But it was done on an impulse, I was out of my damn mind back then without an ounce of control to my name.

I misused my newly acquired strength and hurt my father badly. I still remember the horror on the faces of my mother and sister. That day, what little peace we had in the house fell into ruins, like with everything else in my life.

With my escape route blocked off and acting disrespectful to everyone failing me, I had no choice left but to face the problem hard on. My odds of succeeding slim since both my mother and Miura's father looked deadest on this arrangement.

I asked him why he wanted me to marry his daughter, even after recognizing the fact her daughter already loved someone. That someone who his daughter can never claim as her own, but it was something she didn't need to know about. It will only hurt her, and I don't want to cause her anymore pain than she has already experienced.

I never apologized to her for that night. She was an innocent victim that got stuck in the crossfire. I never meant to hurt her, but in the end, I did and there was no changing that.

Mr. Miura started talking as if he was giving a speech. Describing different praiseworthy things about me that made me want to vomit. What was worse was the fact he had the audacity to say that my crude behavior was an act? What the hell did he know about me.

I wanted to shout but I held myself back. The presence of my mother looming over me like a hawk. Instead, I just glared at him, like I wanted to rip him apart.

But this wasn't enough to shake his resolve. He stood tall in defiance, his brown eyes staring back as if they were made of stone resisting my glare with all their might. It was then he revealed something that I could use, his real intent.

I decided to push my advantage before he could change his stance. My voice came out as something of the bark of a wild dog, circling its prey.

But this man was completely unfazed by me, it was like the time he had brushed away father's glare like they were nothing as he focused on his work. If he wasn't afraid of father, then he wouldn't be of me, no matter how threatening I looked. He just stood there with that stupid knowing smile.

In the end, he hinted at the reason. He purposefully didn't speak it out loud and kept it crypted, lest his daughter catch the truth behind his intention and surely plunge herself to the depth of despair. He wanted to protect her from that, with every means necessary.

And he wanted me to do it, by acting as her husband. I wanted to spit just by thinking of that word. At least one thing was clear, he knew about his daughter's little crush and what the future held for him, and with whom he would be sharing it with.

If he knew, so did my mother. That explains why the two of them got together and did what they did. But that was no excuse. They didn't have the right to meddle in the affairs of their kids forcefully like this. So, what if those two are engaged now, does that mean Miura and I must do the same?

Again, I felt bitter. It took me all I had from biting my own tongue off because of the amount of disgust I was feeling. Again, the people around me wanted to use me for their own benefit. As long as their goals were met, it didn't matter to them what became of me in the end.

I wanted to leave, but as I turned around the view of my mother filled my vision. Her distress had reached its limit with fresh tears following down her soft cheeks. She was pleading, pleading to me that this arrangement for me as much as Miura. She was crying without stop, her small hands grabbing the sleeves of my suit for support as if without them she would fall down.

I just stood there helpless as tears leaked uncontrollably from my mother's eyes, my fist clenched hard and my teeth biting into each other. Again, I made my mother cry. Just like last time when I hurt my father.

Miura's father also walked up and before I knew it, his face was on the ground leaving me speechless. Both this man and my mother begging me to reconsider their offer, to go along with their designs. Their resolve showed through their shameless actions.

I could not do anything nor say anything. I was trapped in place with no way out. My heart had long sunk to the depths of my stomach, afraid that if they went on then it might just disappear from my body altogether.

My mind was numb, unable to think of anything. No plan came to mind. Nothing. Nothing except for a series of storms raging inside of me, threatening to divide me into two. One screaming at me to run away even if it might hurt those around me, or just surrender to the raising tides and be swept along in its cruel embrace.

My eyes drifted to the blonde woman, lost in her torment. Our eyes met for a brief second before I turned away letting out a defeated breath. To think two fully grown adults could be more stubborn than children. Able to break my resolve.

In the end, I am the same as I have always been. Weak.

"I will do it." With a few words, I sealed my fate. There was no going back from this point. I will do what they want, and in turn they don't have any right to put the blame on me if things go wrong. Considering it was me involved, it just might.

Swallowing down all my pride and arrogance. I got on my knees, my forehead touching the cold wooden floor. Steeling my heart, I declared my promise to him, to try my best for the sake of this marriage they were forcing upon us.

It wasn't a lie. I fully intended to keep my word. Marriage was no small thing. It was heavy and filled with difficult responsibilities. I no longer just had to look out for myself, but also for my other half as well.

Mr. Miura was finally able to raise his head from the floor after hearing my magic-like words, relief washing over him. He thanked me for accepting, but there was nothing to be thankful for. By forcing his own daughter into marrying me, he was dooming her with his own hands.

I apart of me still wished that he would come to his senses, scream at me for being an uncivilized barbarian and take off with his daughter in toe, taking her as far away from me as possible. But that wasn't the case. The doctor just sat there with an anguished smile; all his hopes being placed on me.

I didn't ask for it, and yet I was still expected to carry them regardless. My mother too, who now sat beside me, was also smiling, tears still rolling down her eyes without stopping, her throat cracking up. She appeared happy…for once. Did my acceptance of the marriage really bring her joy?

Miura's father asked for his daughter to sit down. It was like the chaos earlier never happened, nor did Miura's clear rejection for this marriage. It seems everyone forgot about it entirely in the commotion, or rather forced to dismiss the notion altogether.

Either way, the ball was in her court now. I had been pressured by the two conspirators into submission and now it was her turn. Either way, I doubt it will go any different from before. The fire has been lit and it would take no time for it to spread, burning everything in its path.

Miura's father again called out to his daughter, telling her to sit but she remained unmoving. Frozen in her spot, her body trembling, her lips shaking wanting to form words but failing in the attempt.

Her shaky green eyes locked on her father's uncertain brown ones. I watched both silently. Watching the little play unfold before me. Watching them, getting hurt just by looking into each other's eyes.

With all eyes on her, she was finally able to utter a single word. 'Why', a word best describing her turbulent state of mind. It was a trickle, but soon it became a flood. She started to yell, her voice increasing in volume with each passing second.

In the end, all she cared about was her so-called fated lover. Even in this situation she yearned for him like he was her everything. I could only clench my teeth to her outrage. He would never be yours, I wanted to scream out but held my tongue in. It would do no good except for starting another fight.

It was funny how she ended her one-sided shouting match. Proclaiming that everyone did whatever they wanted without taking her into account. I wanted to scoff at that. This was probably the first time something like this had happened to her, the first time something didn't go her way. It was clear she would be upset, unable to cope.

Honestly, she should get in line because the world isn't fair, and it doesn't care about who gets hurt or not. I know her father wanted to shelter her from the hurt she might receive if she found out the truth about her beloved but was that really for the best?

One day she will have to find out and face that reality head on.

My eyes narrowed down on her trembling figure, her hands pressing against her chest and eyes closed shut. She looked weak and pathetic. Barely able to hold herself together, ready to collapse at any given moment. When that moment came, I jumped to my feet and succeeded in catching her midway through her fall.

Her hazy green eyes, half closed, stared up at me. A name escaped from her lips, my name. It wasn't my given name or my family name. It was something only she called me by. When she whispered out to me, it felt like my heart had ceased up for a second and by the time I regained my focus, Miura already had her eyes closed, her breathing slow and steady.

"Yumiko." It didn't take any time for her father to couch down beside me with worry in his eyes.

"Yumiko-chan." My mother stood behind us, watching the unconscious Miura with trembling eyes. Probably blaming herself for this type of outcome. It was obvious that this kind of thing was bound to happen.

Miura was a weak girl. She had a sharp tongue, ready to latch out, her fist ready for a fight. But that was just her trying to act tough. She was weak, and deep down, she knew it.

"Should we get her to a hospital. I hope nothing is wrong with her." My mother said in a panicked voice, ransacking through her bag, no doubt looking for a phone to call an ambulance.

"I think that's a good idea." Mr. Miura answered without preying his eyes off his daughter. His doctor persona taking over as he went about checking Miura's condition with shaky but focused gaze. Paying no mind to the fact that I still had the blonde in my arms sleeping peacefully.

"It's better if you took her home instead." A heavy voice like the growl of a wild animal. "She is probably just stressed, no need to make it even more complicated than it already has." My father's dark eyes shifted to me, frown deepening.

I don't what he was trying to communicate but it was probably, disappointment? He looked more upset than usual? Which was an amazingly weird thing by itself. Was it possible for my father to appear even more upset than his normal contempt self.

Was he expecting things tonight to go smoothly? He should have known better that getting things this far was already a miracle and the fact that it ended with Miura fainting was a good enough outcome.

"It would be best if Hachiman carried Yumiko." My father spoke out again. Normally he would silently observe the situation from the back while others, mainly my mother, took charge.

Then again, it seems like both my mother and Miura's father were a bit disheveled at this point, mainly acting on impulse rather than thinking things through.

"Hachiman, get her safely to the car with your mother and Miura-san. I will check us out of the hotel and join you guys after." He ordered in a commanding tone. He then turned to my mother, his feature softening up a bit. "Don't worry, she will be fine. Go with Hachiman and I will catch up with you guys in a bit."

"This is all my fault." My mother's voice cracked as if she was about to cry. My father wordlessly placed a reassuring hand on her back and simply smiled at her.

"It's fine dear. Everything is going to be fine." As my father tried to comfort his wife, he again shifted his gaze back to me. The warmth his pupils carried quickly replaced with a coldness that even an ice demon would find it hard to survive against.

Good thing I am not an ice demon, just an idiot son who keeps screwing his life over.

"Miura-san, is it alright for Hachiman to carry your daughter?" And what about my opinion? I do mind carrying Miura all the way back to her car. Rather I want to get as far away from her as possible. My senses have already started to become clouded because of her perfume.

"Yes, I think it would be better if he carried Yumiko." Miura's father tore his gaze away from the sleeping Miura and looked at me, his eyes were watery, and he looked like he was able to cry. Please don't cry. I don't want to see a middle-aged man crying like this, my brain already has enough scars as it is. "And thank you for saving my daughter from falling again Hachiman. Thank you."

I said nothing, instead I slid my arm under Miura's knees while my other arm supported her back as I lifted her up. She was surprisingly lighter than I expected. It was like I was holding a feather. A feather with a nice soft scent.

"Please lead the way." Since they won't move then I will just have to move first. Seeing that Miura was soundly breathing against my chest, her father in his panicked form started to guide us to the place he parked his car.

I had to slow my speed a bit since my mother was also trailing behind us in her disheveled state while listening to the whispers of the people around us.

It was nothing short of torture if you ask me. What was worse than the added attention and disgusting gazes was the sweet scent that surrounded me thanks to the blonde in my arms. Seriously, if you wanted to faint, do it when I wasn't around.

You had one job Miura, and you pick to lose unconscious among everything else.

Ok, calm down Hachiman. You are being unnecessarily mean to Miura. It wasn't her fault that she was forced to get matched with me. I would faint too if I was forced to marry someone like myself.

I honestly wonder how Mari will react to me getting marriage off to some rude blonde girl just on a whim. Probably die of laughter, I could already imagine the scene.

Dammit, let's just get her back to the car so I can be done with it crazy situation before I go crazy myself.

By the time we got to Miura's car, I, with the utmost care, laid her down on the back of the car. I took a sigh of relief thinking that my job was done, and I could put the whole incident behind me and with time I would forget this sudden marriage thing never happened.

But that's where I was wrong. It wasn't over.

After a brief stare down between the two parents, they wordlessly nodded, and I watched as my mother also climbed in the back of the car; Miura's head gently placed against her lap.

Meanwhile I stood in place thinking what the hell were these two crazy people up to this time and why do I have a stinging feeling like I am about to be kidnapped?

"Hachi, don't stand there, sit in the front. Hurry." The urgency in my mother's voice was clear. Couple that with the desperation in her eyes made me think that she still hasn't given up on her foolish plan.

Mr. Miura too, even though his daughter was in an unconscious state due to their bizarre idea, he was still intent on going through with it.

These two are crazy. This is what I thought as I was forced to sit in the front along with Mr. Miura like a dumb robot and we were soon on our way to who knows where.

It was not until my father's call to my mother that I learned that we were heading to the Miura household and not to the riverbank like I originally thought where they would dispose of my body.

At this point, I wouldn't put it past them if they did. To think my father who wasn't a competent person was the most sensible being compared to these two who were boldly kidnapping their children in order to get them married off.

Father, I have a newfound respect for you. Just one small issue though, why the hell didn't you stop these two. And where are you, please come and save me from these two. Get me out of here.

My silent pleas for help went unanswered as we successfully arrived at the Miura household. It was a decent establishment in a well-off neighborhood. The house itself was big for just two people.

No wonder Yumiko acted all high and mighty, she was certainly well off and lived a comfortable life without having to worry about anything. Well, that's what I thought anyways. I am sure she has her own set of problems she is dealing with.

Mainly regarding a certain blonde guy.

But that doesn't concern me. But what does concern me right now is having to carry Miura all the way up to her room while I was escorted by her father who was in the lead and my mother who was there to cut off my retreat if I had any funny ideas of running away.

Now that I had reached the door of death, I mean Miura's room. I hesitated to enter, but with the instance of Miura's father, I was forced to.

Sorry Miura, it was not me you should blame, it's them. I swear I am innocent in this. If Miura was even half conscious, I am sure she would protest with all her being so I wouldn't enter her room like this.

But she wasn't conscious and so I was stuck, rather forced to enter her room and I was fairly disappointed once I set foot inside. I wonder why I expected everything to be pink. It was a mystery.

Once I laid her down on the bed, her father did the finishing touches and placed a blank on top of her, his head gentling her hair and cheeks. Now that my job is done, I need to get the hell out of here.

But as always, nothing was going my way and I was dragged to the living room where I was facing up against the full might of the parent alliance.

I wonder what their next move is?

"Are you two still planning on going through with this absurd plan?" Deciding not to beat around the bush too much, I asked them head-on. I didn't even need to act rude this time around.

Not after I had already accepted their proposal. It was Miura who had rejected them this time, so I was free for the time being.

"I still want to." Miura's father replied with his head down.

"Your daughter says otherwise." Mr. Miura smiled bitterly at the resort. Even my own mother shyly avoided my gaze at the question.

After everything had happened, they still wanted to push their agenda. I don't know if they are just stubborn or reckless. Probably both. Even after both Miura and I verbally spoke against this arrangement they wouldn't back off.

They might have pressured me with their parental talks but good luck trying that on Miura, she was tough as nails when she wanted to. Besides, that woman loved Hayama so blindly that she fails to see that he has been using her all this time.

This woman who is headstrong and demanding even cried for that blonde bastard's sake. A wave of bitterness waved around me at the reminder of the memory. That bastard was unworthy of her tears. Only if she knew.

"Is something wrong?" My mother asked, concern filling her voice. She looked worn out and tired, deep wrinkles formed on her smooth face.

"It's nothing." I answered, trying to dispel her worries with little to no success. "I think we should go back home, father will most likely be here in a while." The fact these two people even left my father behind like that amazes me.

As soon as I said that both parents exchanged nervous glances with me watching them trying to understand what they were trying to cook up.

"You can stay the night." I frowned at Mr. Miura weary smile.

Just how far are these two going to push it. It was truly absurd. "Can you guys please drop this matter now." I said in a calm manner not to startle the two parents, but it seems they flinched either way. "I know you guys want this but it's not right to force this upon us like this. Not when we are against it."

Again, both parents exchanged glances at one another before they turned towards me. My mother, as relented as she was, spoke first. "Hachi, didn't you already agree to this."

"Only because you guys kept pressuring me into it." How could I refuse when one was close to breaking down while the other was kneeling to my feet. "Please drop the matter." I turned my gaze over to Mr. Miura, my dark eyes meeting his deep brown. "If you keep going on like this then it will only hurt your daughter further. You don't want that do you."

Mr. Miura stared back without uttering a word. He knew I was right. Even my mother had her eyes downcast, not daring to look up.

There was a long silence, one that I needed to cool my own head. A lot had happened in a single night after all and it was too much to process. It just felt bizarre, like the events came straight out of a dream. Then again it was not the first time something like a dream like scenario happened.

Like for example, trying to save a dog on my first day in highschool and then getting run over by a high-class car and in turn becoming in-tangled with those very same people who owned the dog I saved and the owner of the luxuries car that rammed into me.

Yes, a dream scenario indeed. No, probably a nightmare. Look at how my life turned out thanks to getting close to them. I should have never gotten close to them. I regret the day I told them about my inner feelings in that old clubroom. I should have never told them that. I should have left them be. For my sake and theirs.

"If I may give a suggestion." Mr. Miura's voice broke my train of thought, my eyes darting over to him as well as my mother.

From the burning look in his eyes, it seems he hasn't given up. I didn't speak and patiently waited for what he did to say, not like I had a choice in the matter. "I will drop this issue if you can do this one thing." I could only raise my eyebrows where he was going with this. It was not a good feeling. "You will have to convince my daughter."

I said nothing. Just staring back at the middle-aged man and then to my mother whose eyes were twinkling likes stars in the night sky. Seriously, what was wrong with them. My body slumped toward with my head now buried in my hands.

How is this man a successful doctor and how is my mother a successful businesswoman if they can come up with crazy stuff like these to torment their kids like this. Crazy, these two are definitely crazy.

If this is a nightmare let it be over. And where is my overgrown father in the first place and what's taking him so long to get here. Come and save me please.

I can just walk out. That was one possibility, but. I peeked over to my mother who had regained all her vigor and looked at me with shining eyes and a bright smile. If I walked out like this, it would only hurt her.

I looked over to Mr. Miura and he too was beaming like the sun. Both eagerly waiting for my answer.

Taking a deep breath to get my nerves under control I faced the two of them. "So, you are saying if I do this, and your daughter still opposes the marriage then you will leave me be?"

"That's right." Mr. Miura replied with a big smile while I frowned in dissatisfaction. Why are they throwing all the mess they have created onto me like this. This is so exhausting but, it was the only way to get them off my back.

With a heavy sigh, I agreed to their demands. Which, I regretted the moment I realized that I would be thrown out of the fire and straight into the burning sun itself. Yes, I skipped the frying pan part altogether.

What became of me was a truly unspeakable act of horror that no man should go through. I found myself stuck inside Miura's room with a chair granted by her esteemed father and the door seemingly jammed from the outside, to prevent me from escaping of course.

"What does he mean by seducing his daughter?" I asked in a frenzy. No sooner did I raise my voice; my eyes darted towards a ruffling sound and instantly closed my mouth.

Miura turned under her sheets, and I could only watch with a halted breath, afraid that she would open her eyes and scream so viciously that it will bring the entire neighborhood down upon me.

Thankfully she didn't. She merely turned in her bed and hugged a stuff animal, a small lion. A smile appeared on the blonde's face as she latched onto the toy. It was a precious smile, one that you would show to a dear one.

Now somehow, I bear witnessed to such a smile. My mind drew a blank before I blinked a few times to regain my focus.

What am I doing? I questioned myself as my body crashed down onto the wooden chair with my face buried in my palms. It was a simple question, but it was incredibly hard to answer. I doubted that I would have been able to answer it even if I was given ten years.

But that would have to wait, right now the real question remains is, what should I do now? Taking a quick glance at the sleeping form of Miura, her slender back facing me, her golden hair seemingly glowing in the dim light.

I was quick to look away, however. I couldn't bear to look at her any longer. It felt wrong, not when she was defenseless like this. Seriously, what was wrong with our parents. Did they lose their minds working long hours in their respected jobs.

Whatever the case, it didn't help that I was stuck in this room with a sleeping girl. A girl who would rather jump off a building rather than being with me.

Speaking of jumping out of the window, it wasn't such a bad idea if you think about it. This room was on the second floor, and I think I can manage that much. Heck, I would be willing to break a bone or two if it meant getting out of this place.

After I was done plotting and planning, I did the one thing I could do, and that was bury my face in my hands again. It was becoming a habit, not a good one, but the situation demanded it. The only thing keeping the last thread of my sanity intact.

How was I even supposed to seduce her? Isn't that asking too much from me? I mean do they even know my past relationships with girls? How I made a fool of myself with one by confessing to her. How I rejected the one whose dog I saved not once but twice. And finally, that landmine of a woman who had made my life a living hell.

I breathed in sharply, keeping my inner rage from surface at the reminded of that woman and her family.

I glanced to the sleeping blonde before reverted my eyes to the ceiling, keeping my mind busy while various thoughts coursed through it. This is too much. Way too much for me to handle. It was nearly impossible. I mean that airhead Tobe would have better luck than me at seducing a girl. At least he was funny. Woman like funny girls, right?

I sighed deeply in defeat. It really was too much. I wonder what Mari would say to me if she found out about this mess, I found myself to be in. Probably die from excessive laughter. Yeah, I wouldn't put it pass her, it was Mari I am talking about. Probably the second time I thought of Mari dying of laughter tonight.

But she would also tell me to toughen up and face my problems head on. The best way is always through. That has always been her advice. It was a simple advice, best suited for Mari who was simple and straight forward, not wanting to overthink and just wanted to rush in with no plan at all.

A faint smile crosses my face. It was like Mari was cheering me up without even doing anything. That's the effect she had on me; I could always count on her. Always willing to support me no matter what.

Now then, time to face the problem head on. I straighten my back, fist formed and glare ready to destroy anything that might stand in my way.

But sadly, my fighting spirit was short lived. It died the moment my eyes fell on Miura's back, quickly reverting them back to the ceiling. It was a wonderful ceiling with the paint slightly coming off. They might need to fix that soon.

I sighed again, this one heavier than the last one. Yeah...I don't think facing this problem head on is the way to go. Sorry Mari, I have failed you. Please forgive me. I rather face Kei and Mari both in a fight at the same time rather than being stuck here.

Honestly, that jumping off the window idea sounds more tempting by the second.

My eyes sneaked a peek over to Miura and then back to the ceiling. It wasn't like I could stop myself looking her way from time to time. Because I was trapped in this room with her, it wasn't a surprise that I was overly conscious of her. I mean, who wouldn't. She was an attractive woman after all.

And for some bizarre reason my mother wanted me to marry this woman. A woman who had a foul mouth, selfish, violent, loud, viewed others as peasants, talked to people without taking their feelings into consideration amongst other things. I really don't understand what my mother sees in someone like Miura.

Well, to be honest. She did have some good things about her too. I frowned as I thought it over. For one she can act cute if she wants to, becomes strangely caring to anyone who is injured or sick and protective of her friends, going as far as threatening me if I did anything to hurt her peach haired friend.

Well, I did get slapped for it. She really hit me hard back then.

My frown deepened at the memory, the memory of that faithful night when I destroyed everything. I deserved that slap, and more. I glanced at Miura, her sleeping form at complete peace and without a care for the stranger in her room.

I never apologized for what I said to her that night. Not like it would change anything. Nothing could change that night. Still, I didn't mean to hurt her like that. Not like that. She was an innocent victim that wasn't supposed to get involved in the crossfire.

At that time, I was so blind sighted that I hurt her without realizing it. I still remember the way she received my words, like being stabbed through the heart. How her face twisted up in pain hearing my words.

They were painful words that shook her to the core, and I used them without holding back. How tears fell as she slapped me and ran away. That was the last time we talked face to face with each other until today that is.

If only her father knew that I hurt his precious daughter like that. I don't think he would have let me anywhere near Miura in the foreseeable future. Then again, since he is in league with my mother who knows about what happened that night. Maybe he does.

Or maybe he doesn't. In fact, no one knows what happened between me and Miura. It was an isolated incident without any preying eyes to bear witness to the event taking place between us.

I doubt that Miura even revealed what happened that night to anyone, even to her friends. Not like they can be called her friends in the first place.

They were utterly disgusting if you ask me. Thankfully, this year I was placed in a different class from them, otherwise I wouldn't be able to stand it. I did see their little group from time to time, but they always avoided me, save for Tobe of course.

That orange airhead was truly something special. I am sure he would laugh at that comment about himself, puzzling over whether to take it as a compliment or an insult. Truthfully, regarding him I wasn't sure either.

I let out a heavy sigh as I relaxed my heavy body, slowly overcoming with sleepiness. My eyes struggle to keep themselves open. I didn't want to sleep, not here. I had planned on staying up the entire night, if necessary, but as more time rolled by the harder my endeavor was becoming.

It wasn't a surprise, not when I had been up and at it since before dawn. Working and studying tirelessly without missing a beat or wasting my time away like those around me. The only time I truly relax is when I am with my friends. But even then, it usually ends up with extra training time with them.

So, I was already exhausted and dead beat when I came back home from my part time job when my mother suddenly forced me into a suit and dragged me into the hotel where we met Miura and her father.

A bitter smile formed, truthfully it should have been me who should have collapsed from the shock and exhaustion.

However, the smile was quick to disappear as soon as it formed when my tired eyes fixed themselves on Miura's back with only one thought in mind. What should I do?

Taking a heavy breath, I folded my arms as my mind went into deep thought trying to find answers for my question. But nothing came. I really didn't know what I was supposed to do.

According to our parents, I was supposed to seduce Miura which was impossible for me.

And suppose even if, and that was a big if. If somehow, I did succeed and, in the end, Miura agrees to this arrangement. Then what? Then we somehow get married?

Marriage. The word came out as a voiceless mumble. It was a simple word, yet it felt foreign and strange. This alien of a word has been the cause of my troubles for a few hours now.

Marriage. I repeated it again inside my mind repeatedly and every time it had a strange taste to it. It really was strange and yet it had me firmly in its grasp, refusing to let go.

Not in my wildest dreams did I imagine myself getting married to someone, not someone like Miura at least. Yet it was happening whether I liked it or not. Our parents wouldn't have it any other way.

I closed my eyes; they had become considerably heavy over the course of time. They may have closed but my mind kept on racing, not yet satisfied, not until it had its answers.

What did it mean to be married anyways? I did not know. Once, maybe I knew. But not anymore. The old answers that I knew belonged to my old self. That weak and pathetic boy who dreamed, thought and talked, while lost in his own world.

He would have probably thought of a million and one reasons for criticizing marriage and those who per-take in the activity with all his intellectual might and later boosting about how he was too smart for not falling into traps like the other normies around him.

What a hopeless boy he was. It really wasn't a surprise why Orimoto rejected him on the spot. I mean, who would even want to date a loser like him anyways. Yes, he was a loser. I was that loser. A loser who got pushed around by everyone, always the sacrifice, always willing to be the sacrifice.

Not anymore. Never again.

And so having buried my old self along with his hypotheses and varies theories in the back of my mind I had to start my thought process anew regarding the matter at hand.

Marriage, yes. What was it and what does it really mean to be married to someone. Two individuals coming together in a union to form a household and producing offspring that will continue their forefathers' legacies as well as service the society we live in.

It's a tradition that has been going on since the dawn of time. All in all, society would have collapsed ages if people stopped marrying in the first place. I mean the prime example is our very own country.

Japan has been suffering from low birthrates for some time now and the matter is only deepening with the passage of time. People nowadays either don't want to get married or even if they do, they will be burdened with working day in and day out.

My own parents have a hectic work timetable, and they barely have time to get a wink of sleep, especially my father. That man is a walking zombie at this point. Only through sheer will was he able to attend the meeting in the hotel earlier.

But I am getting sidetracked again. I keep beating around the bush and not trying to tackle the problem. The problem with my marriage with the blonde queen of my school.

To be honest, I am not sure if I want to tackle such a problem in the first place. A frown formed as I opened my heavy eyes, closing them again.

Fundamentals of marriage have already been established but that is only on a surface level. What I want to know what's it like to be married to someone in a personal life.

Your better half as most people call it. By most people I mean Kaede and Himeko-san. There are the ones who mostly talk about romantic stuff. Should I ask them for advice.

I shook my head. Asking Kaede was close to a death sentence. She will tease and annoy me to now end before she can give me a definitive answer. What about Himeko-san, she was probably the best person I can think of.

The only problem is that it's the middle of the night and that wouldn't be proper.

Though, there was one person I wished to call no matter what time of day it was. Mari, that gorilla of a woman was the only one I could turn to for help. I am sure she would come running, going as far as smashing down the door if it came too.

That's the kind of person she was. Reckless to a fault. If I ask her, I am sure she would give me some weird advice taken out of the boxing world and add her own twist to it. I have been given more of those than I could count.

The only reason I am not asking her is because she might actually come running and smash down the door. I was already troubled by this whole marriage thing, and I don't want to add repairing doors on the list.

I opened my eyes, my tired pupils settling on Miura slumbering form. Look at you sleep so calmly while I am forced into this position. If only you didn't collapse back, then and properly finish this ordeal.

Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes once again. Well, there was no use talking over spilled milk. I did give my word that I would go through with this marriage. That I will try to go through with it.

I bit my lower lip, trying to get rid of my frustration.

Well at least I am getting one part of the genuine thing I always desired. I scoffed at the irony. My genuine thing that I dreamed about, to be together with a partner that I could put all my trust into. My everything.

I believed that everything could have been Orimoto, but that was not the case. The aftermaths of my confession to her were less than pleasant. Pleasant was a pretty word to describe it though. How I was laughed at and ridiculed, even bullied.

In the end I changed school to run away from all that, where no one knew who I was to rid myself of that embarrassment. How tragic.

Then came in Yukinoshita, the young heiress. My first meeting with her was special to say the least, akin to a novel you could say. She had it all, pretty, smart, strong, rich and an awfully sharp tongue.

Everything, save for that cardboard of a chest that is.

As we spent time together, I generally started to become fond of her. I wanted to be her friend, but I was rejected twice, a cruel joke by her no doubt. After a split had formed between us, hampering our relationship. I did something that I regret to this day.

My hand masked my face, seemingly wanting to hide myself from that memory. How I had broken down and started crying before the two girls that I had become overly close to. How desperate I was about not wanting to let them go, not when I had become accustomed to them.

How I told them about wanting something genuine.

It was pathetic. I removed my hand from my face as I deep glared formed in its wake.

Genuine? I must have been delusional back then, probably influenced by reading too many trashy light novels. Only a child would dream about something genuine. The said child not being able to survive the cruel and suffering of the real world. This is just the reality of the world and if someone says otherwise, he is probably delusional himself.

I learned that lesson the hard way, and that man. Yukinoshita's father made sure that I fully knew how the real world worked.

My fist clenched in rage; my earlier doziness seemingly disappeared replaced by a torment of wrath. What I hoped was trying to place my trust in Yukinoshita, a fool.

If that wasn't enough, now the world had thrown me into yet another test that I must undergo. The subject of the test is not even a step away from me, currently sleeping without worry.

If the world, and our parents wanted to marry her then fine. I will do what they wish. I know I said that I don't want to go along with what other people's wishes are, but this was my parents we are talking about. I can't afford to being a jerk to them more than I already have.

Besides, my mother seems to really want this to succeed. Almost desperate even, why, I don't know but I don't want to break her heart. I was afraid if I did then, our relationship, whatever was left of it would be gone forever.

Now that was a far worse outcome for me than hanging onto my stubborn ideals. You bend your knees when it is necessary. You may not like it, but circumstances hardly took your feelings into account.

Besides, I also don't want to backtrack on my words given to Miura's father. I said I will go through with it and so I will.

And so, steeling myself for the last time I resolved myself that I will marry Miura Yumiko.

But even if I decided that I am willing to marry her, it will all mean nothing if she herself doesn't want to go through with it. It will all end with her rejection. It was up to her to decide, not her father or me but her alone.

But, somehow through some bizarre twist of fate she does agree, then what. I know I asked myself this question before, but it was no less daunting than before.

I clenched my fist tight, not from anger this time but from the strict will that I was reinforcing myself with.

For one, I will protect her with all my might. No harm would befall her under my watch.

I will provide for her and see to it that she doesn't lack anything.

I will treat her with care and tenderness, that even overshadows her father.

And finally, I will give her the peace she deserves. To make her smile and laugh. Not cry. If she did, then it means I failed in my mission. I personally don't want to see her cry. I just don't.

If I need to add or remove things from this list, then I will do just that as I go along, with Miura by all account.

But I don't want to get my hopes up. There was an extremely slim chance that she would agree to it, judging from how she reacted. Fainting and all.

And somehow it falls upon me to convince her to go along with it. Like hell she would listen to me. She would rather slap me again if it was up to her. Her bastard of a father even suggested for me to seduce her. I would have an easier time seducing a tree than seducing a girl, any girl for that matter, let alone Miura.

I mean, has he not seen my face. Girls start screaming if I stand next to them. Heck even boys start screaming if I stand next to them. And he wants me to seduce Miura. He must be out of his mind. Then again, his mind was always out seeing how he and my mother came up with this arrangement.

I settled on the chair again, making myself more comfortable as the adrenaline rush slowly seeped from my body, stealing away the strength, making me drowsy again, my mind heavy with sleep.

Now that I made up my mind, it was somehow content. Now all that is left is for Miura to not murder me when she awakes up and sees a giant bear in her room.

Try as I might, I still ended up falling asleep. I was only human after all and even I had my limits. However, what came next was truly surprising. I fully expected Miura to scream the moment she laid her eyes upon me, but it didn't happen.

What was even stranger was the fact that she twice tried to reach out to me. Perhaps wanting to straggle me and be done with the whole marriage affair in one go. Smart move by her, I command her for her actions.

But instead of going for the kill, she merely started to cry her eyes out. I opened my eyes, still heavy from the lack of sleep, and watched her weeping away, my heart hardening at the sight. Truly, I hated the sight of her crying like that.

I reached her, wanting to comfort her, my hand gently brushing against her red cheeks, made rough with tears. As I was removing the incoming tears with my thumb, strangely Miura leaned more into my hand rather than pulling away. It was strange, feeling the weight of her head against my hand.

It was a strange sensation, the warmth of her cheeks against my hand. My own touch filled with a purpose that they never held before. The touch directed towards your partner, well potential partner in this case. But still, I felt a sense of intimacy in it. It was strange.

I teased her to distract my brain from these foreign feelings rushing my brain, as well as to stop her from crying. We went back and forth, her point in case being that I remove my hand away from her and if I didn't then it wouldn't end well for me.

I wasn't threatened by her in the least. There was once a time I would shiver in fear with just one glare from her but that is a distant memory now. Not after facing the realities of this world. Besides, when it came to scary women, Mari topped the list by a landslide. Even I don't want to mess with her when she is having a bad day.

Miura compared to Mari looked like a child in comparison.

So, I tested, wanting to see what would happen, the possible outcomes already well established in my mind beforehand. Worst case scenario, I get arrested. Best case scenario, I get arrested. At least I will get free food in prison.

While Miura futilely attempted to remove my hand by force, I was busy playing with her golden bangs, twisted and curly at the ends. I always wondered why she would play with her hair like that. Nervousness and stress were the natural conclusion but now that I was touching the soft silky hair myself, I had to change my perspective. It was addicting really.

My tired eyes shifted to Miura herself, a playful smile gracing my face as I watched the blonde trying with all her might to push against my hand. Even throwing all her body weight behind her force. But it wasn't enough. It would take more than that to move my hand.

But seeing her attempt to do so was rather fascinating and almost cute even. I really wonder why I used to find her scary all the time. Rather she was strangely cute. It was weird that I just noticed it now. Then again, Miura and I never truly interacted with one another.

Only on two occasions did we meet without anyone else involved, and both times the meeting was short-lived. With both times Miura threatening me regarding her group and friends.

So, this was truly the first time that I was able to interact with her like this. What's more was the fact that I was supposedly instructed to seduce her. Again, I didn't know how and wished that there was some instruction manual for this kind of stuff.

Probably give trash advice anyways. If only I was handsome instead of possessing a face that might even, make a ghost run away back to the afterlife. It really was a wonder how my mother even married my face in the first place. It was a mystery.

Seeing Miura still struggling with pushing me back, a desire to tease her more boiled within me. Her eyes were closed, too focused on moving my hand away than anything else. So, she failed to notice when I pushed against her shoulder with my free hand pushing her onto the bed.

She was surprised and before she could recover, I had captured her waist robbing her of the ability to move as she wished. She was stunned to say the least. Her panicked wide eyes stared intensely into my dark ones. She protested again, knowing by now that struggling against me was useless.

In an act of half teasing and seriousness. I called her cute, loud and clear and her little reaction straight after that caused something strange within me, something akin to my heart missing a beat. I was sure it was the lack of sleep and my now rampaging hormones had caused me to utter say a thing out loud.

Try as I might, it was increasingly getting hard to think straight. Again, the weird sensation of holding Miura was clouding my mind. It even surprised me how close I had leaned towards the blonde; how dangerously close I was before I did something I might regret.

I swallowed hard, staring down at the blonde. Eyes closed shut and body trembling away in my hold. I did not intend to act this way, make her afraid of me and force her down like this. Somehow my teasing took a turn for the worse.

Lightly tapping her forehead, I moved back. A good step or two away from her, afraid that I had gone too far this time. I did not mean to hurt her. Not after I promised myself to protect her.

I watched her grab her forehead where I tapped, seemingly in pain even though I only did it lightly. I expected her to cry again, the prospect giving me a heavy heart. But she broke my expectations again when she suddenly grabbed hold of her pillow and threw it towards me with all her might while screaming on top of her lungs.

Woman can be very loud when they want to.

In the next few seconds, I was dodging or grabbing the projectiles aimed towards me skillfully. When there was nothing left to throw, I said something that made her fly into even more rage.

After realizing my fatal error, my instincts told me that my life was in great danger and that I should flee with all haste, and flee I did before I could find out what the blonde could do to me, not after I heard her blood curdling scream.

I took a heavy breath after I successfully escaped the room, my heart pounding against my chest. Not gonna lie but, that was scary as hell. Woman can be scary. I shook my head, calming myself down.

Guess seducing her failed miserably. I looked down on my palms, the warmth of Miura's body feeling like a distant memory. But my thoughts didn't linger for long as my dark eyes shifted towards a figure running up the stairs in a panic.

Probably coming up to check why his daughter was screaming like a cursed spirit. And also, to check if she was safe. I held back the urge to scoff. I couldn't not after seeing my man's face.

His eyes were similar to mine. Tired and restless. I doubt he got any sleep himself the entire night. Sympathy for the man didn't occur it, especially not since he was the one who had planned this bizarre arrangement in the first place.

Even throwing me into the room where his daughter was sleeping. Yep, definitely no sympathy whatsoever.

"What happened?" The older man asked in a panic.

"Nothing much, just your daughter wanting to kill me." I said in a dead pen voice and threw down a book on the ground in front of him, the last item Miura threw at me before I fled the room.

The father stared down at the book in dismay. The discarding book symbolizing his plans, utter defeat. I could see it clearly on his face, the moment you realize that you have no hope of winning against your opponent.

Well, this was an expected result in the first place. Now for the important matter at hand. Can I go home now, I think I can get some sleep in before my part time-job begins.

"Can I go now; I think I don't have anything to do here now." The faster I leave this place the better.

"Can you please come downstairs with me?"

Without my acknowledgment, the middle-aged man begun to lead and I in turn forced to follow him with a grunt that resembled a growl more than anything. When is this going to end, I want to go home and rest.

Mr. Miura led me to the living room, where he only did two things. First was to put a form in the middle of the table followed by his head bowing till his forehead was glued to the glass table.

My attention wasn't on him, not one bit. Instead, my eyes were focused primarily on the documents and forms stationed in the center of the table.

My jaw clenched after redirecting my glare to the middle-aged doctor, fist tight. "You still won't give up will you. What the hell is even wrong with you?" I yelled at the panicked man who flinched from my voice, his eyes wide.

"You said you would drop the matter if I did that one favor, and you still won't keep your word. Listen to me, your daughter doesn't want this so stop forcing her upon me." I continued to argue, my voice a low growl, my glare fixed on him.

"Please. Just this once. Please." He only pleaded, his spirit nearly broken, the desperation leaking out of his cracking voice.

"Why? Why are you so fixated on this? Why do you want her to get married so badly that you are forcing her to do it? Why are you trying to ruin your own relationship with the daughter you love so much? And why me, why match someone like me to your precious daughter?" The last question said in a softer voice than the others.

The man in front smiled back at these questions, a heartbroken and bitter smile. His eyes left me and lingered towards the first floor, in the direction of his daughter's room. He continued to stare as if in longing before he forced myself to break contact, shifting back to me.

"Because I love my daughter more than anything in the world. That's why I am so desperate." His voice was calm and sober. It felt different from before, he felt different from before. It was like I was staring at a different person altogether.

"I know what I am doing is unreasonably cruel, to both of you. How both of you are hurting by this. Believe me, I know. And so does your mother. All of this isn't easy for us either." His smile brightens a little when he mentioned my mother.

But that smile was quick to disappear. "Even if both of us know that what we are doing is wrong and it might damage our relationship with our children. We still decided to do it. Because your mother loves you with all her heart and I love my daughter. Both of us just want you two be happy."

"Happy? You honestly think we can bring happiness to each other. If you think that then you are delusional." I bit back, not satisfied with his little speech.

The man in front didn't change his expression as I retorted him, his eyes still holding that sadness in them. "You know how much my daughter loves Hayama Hayato. He is the only one my daughter will cry and weep for. He has her in the palm of his hands."

The sheer venom in his voice was clear. This man, he must be aware of the extent of Miura and Hayama's relationship. That much is certain now that I hear it dearly from him.

Mr. Miura's anger was visible in his glare, the flame in his eyes all too similar to mine. "You already know about his engagement with the Yukinoshita's. A family you hate." I was startled by the revelation; I much does this man know?

I glared back, more than matching his. Few people can look me in the eye when I am staring at them with the ferocity of a wild predator, but I don't know whether Mr. Miura had nerves of steel, or he was someone who had nothing else to lose.

The latter was most likely the case, seeing how recklessly he was trying to get his only daughter to get married, to me of all people.

"Your mother told me about what you did to their second daughter." He stated, answering my unspoken question. He slowly relaxed with his back against the chair, his body slumped over with exhaustion. "I don't know what happened between you and them but there is clearly bad blood. That I am certain of. I still remember how you stormed off when their engagement was announced."

I also leaned back, my own back now resting against the seat. My body was relaxed but my glare still locked on the man. "Was my mother there too?" My mother was one of the top executives of one of the Yukinoshita's companies. There was a high possibility that she was also present that night.

That explains alot. Also, why did these two joined together and formed this stupid marriage plan. One marriage plan to counterbalance the other. How stupid.

Once Mr. Miura nodded, my suspicion was formed. I stared back at the man, his face twisting up with seriousness and anguish. "If my daughter learned about their engagement, she would be devastated. I am afraid that something might happen to her if she learns about it." The pain and the panic leaked out freely from him, his hands shaking.

"So please, just this once, please follow my selfish request and try again for the last time." Again, he pleaded, his head finding itself against the table.

"Why me. Why use me in your schemes. I am sure you have other capable people you can select for your daughter." He was a successful doctor. He must be seeing he was invited to that engagement party which was reserved for only very exclusive people.

Mr. Miura raised his head, his face guilty and downcast. "Your mother also wanted this for you. She is worried about you alot and just wants what's best for you. She regrets it you know. For you having to suffer all this time on your own." He raised his chin, looking directly at my glare. "She wants you to find peace."

"Peace?" I repeated his word in confusion, my brows twitching.

He nodded, "sometimes having a partner be your side can help you find peace. That's what your mother hoped, as well as I for my daughter."

"Hope?" I scoffed in amazement. "So, you two are 'gambling', sorry I mean you are hoping that we can find peace with each other like this?"

Even though I was sarcastically talking, his resolve didn't waver. "That's what we believe in." He said it in a small soft voice, his gaze turning to the direction of his daughter's room, then at the documents at the table and finally at me.

His brown eyes, dark and restless from no sleep, still held some spark in them. This man just doesn't give up. My eyes trailed to the documents while the image of my mother came to mind.

She wants this too. I whispered to myself.

"Fine. I will do it. But this is the last time." For my mother, I am only doing this for her. Since she wants this so much. If bringing Miura into our household will bring my mother some peace, then I will do it. It was the least I could do after I hurt her so much.

Mr. Miura nodded, as tired as he was, he still managed to create a smile that beamed like the sun. He nodded and stood up promptly. "Then I will leave my daughter in your capable hands Hachiman-san."

"Where are you going?" I asked, my eyebrows raised.

"To work. I don't want to get in the way of two couples taking their first steps." Did he wink at me? Did he seriously wink? And just like that, he ran away leaving me with the mess he created. Again.

I found my face buried in my hands as I tried to figure out what the hell had just happened. Letting out a sigh, I walked upstairs and into the bathroom as instructed by Mr. Miura just before he successfully escaped.

Looking at myself in the mirror, I did look twice as horrid as he said. Probably scare the wit out of his daughter if I look like this. My eyes went to the filled tub which had cooled considerably. Not that I planned on taking a bath in the first place. Not in this house, especially not under these circumstances.

Draining the water, refilling it again with hot one. Maybe Miura would like to take a hot bath, to help her relax from the happenings of last night and this morning. A court she might reject in disgust.

I still filled it up knowing that.

So, I just washed my face and left the bathroom, only to meet the resident of the household. Miura Yumiko.

The blonde stared up at me, wide green eyes surprised that I was walking around her house as if I owned the place. Nothing I could do about that matter.

I smiled down on her, or at least tried to. I was never sure when it came to me. I tried to compliment her, the casual clothing and the pony tail. It was something new to her image, something that oddly suited her.

I stared down, watching how her cheeks colored when I called her cute so shamelessly. I am amazed at myself for even saying that with a straight face. What was more amazing was the fact that she didn't look at me with disgust when I told her about the hot water in the tab.

She merely thanked me. Feeling a bit awkward and wanting to recollect myself, I decided to give her some space since she entered the bath. The space that I also needed.

Heading downstairs to catch my breath and clear my mind, I went straight into the kitchen to prepare breakfast for myself. Not having eaten anything since last night, I was starving by all accounts and wanted to put something in my stomach to calm the roaring hunger.

But first, my eyes traveled to the set of documents left untouched on the table. Taking a long-tired breath, I walked over to them and did what I was supposed to do.

I made breakfast, two sets. One for myself and the other for Miura. She too wouldn't have eaten anything since she was also in a state of shock similar to me to eat anything. Hunger can be a mild thing when your parents are scheming to marry you off against your will.

As I tried to search for the plates, Miura appeared behind me, her steps light and arms holding herself defensively. I tried to smile and spoke cheerfully towards her, trying to put her in ease.

I asked her for the plates and she kindly took them out of the cabinet, asking where her father was at. I wanted to tell her that he ran away with his tail between his legs but that would not be right.

I did tell her that he went away leaving behind two teenagers alone in the house. I noticed how she almost dropped the plates, a flash of panic and anger twisting inside her green eyes.

I did tell her a joke to calm her nerves, but it seems like she was in a sour mood. I didn't blame her for it. I was in a sour mood myself, just didn't want to show it. Not to her.

As I was half done with my meal, I watched Miura from my side of the table. She sat on the other end, as far away from me as possible. Her gaze focused on her eggs which she ate at a pace even slower than mine. I didn't blame her, it was hard to swallow food when our issue remained as it is.

I patiently waited for her, I needed time to recollect my thoughts for what was about to come. I felt sorry for her that she won't have the luxury of doing the same. It was just too much to take in.

Truthfully, I was right on the mark. The moment I handed Miura the documents her father gave to me, I could see the sheer panic in her eyes, her breathe coming to an abrupt halt as she stared down at the papers with wide green eyes.

I knew this would happen, maybe I should have waited and calmly confronted her about the issue. That way she wouldn't be in such a shock. Hurriedly I jumped to her side, squirting down so I would be eye level with her.

I spoke calmly and tenderly, so that her panic form would relax a bit. I spoke of her father, how he loved her and only wished the best for her. The very same speech her father had given me not too long ago.

I also added bit of my own sob story, how our parents little stunt yesterday had effected me, it would be a lie if I said it didn't. The imagine of my mother tearing up still haunted my memory. I vowed to change in front of the blonde and I intend to keep my word.

In the end, I also promised to keep her safe, that I would protect her if she accepted to be with me, as part of my family.

And that if she didn't want to. She was free to tear the papers right then and there and no one will bother her with the issue again.

By all means I had expected her to reject me, right there and then. What I didn't expect from her was acceptance. She stood up, her figure tall and proud as she looked directly into my eyes with a resolve that brought shame into me.

She accepted? No, that is not right. I maintained my position, my body frozen in place as her declaration passed through my ears. She said she was going to go through with this only because of her father's wish. And not because she likes me.

That was fair, after all I am undeserving of her love. I doubt I ever will be.

But still, the moment she uttered those words, a strange sensation passed through me, like a bolt of lightning struck my very core. She agreed to marry me?

This changes everything.

I stood up, my full height towering over her as I wrapped my arms around her slender body in a tight embrace as these unfamiliar feelings within me ran rampant. Feelings that I was insure of.

Was I happy?

I did not know, not for sure at least.

What I do know is that, at that point, I uttered her given name for the first time. Her name sweet on my tongue.

After things settled down, we finished breakfast. The food was no longer irritating to eat, not after we had come to a conclusion, still not believing that Miura, no Yumiko agreed to marry me.

It was an odd turn of events, something that I could not imagine. Something for the better I hoped.

Outside the house, the sun washed over me, warming my skin and bones granting me much needed relief especially since my brain was still riddled with sleepiness and my body suffering from lack of energy.

But there was no time to think on those issues for long. Miura had accepted to the marriage and was going to sign her part of the forms while I waited outside for her. Figured she needed some peace and quiet to do that. To recollect herself before starting.

Meanwhile I was straightening my thoughts too. Her acceptance really came out of nowhere. It was hard to believe but it did happen right in front of my eyes, I heard her with my own two ears.

It's just that it didn't make it less amazing.

She is really marrying me, Miura Yumiko.

"Yumiko." I said her given name again, it really felt sweet and light on my tongue. Her name bringing new sensation into my body. Excitement? Was I really excited like some kid would be if you dangle a piece of candy in front of him?

I shook my head dismissing the thought. How can I compare her to candy. She was much more than that. Much more than anything I had both. She was going to be my wife.

I took a heavy breath to calm my nerves. But it did little to help how overwhelmed I felt. I stared back at the closed door. If I am in this state, then I could only wonder how Miura felt. Nothing good came to mind.

Despite telling her I will be waiting for her outside; I still worried for her and so went inside to check up on her. She was crying, without stopping.

It only saddened my heart to see her like this. I hugged her, trying to comfort her, even teasing her a little to lighten the mood. It got some of her spirit up but not all. With all the excitement and initial shock of Yumiko accepting the marriage thing,

I forgot that she was forcing herself to do it. Placing a considerable strain on her. Telling her it was fine if she didn't want to go through with it. She didn't have to if it made her uncomfortable, she didn't have to force herself.

But it wasn't the only reason for her breakdown. The name of her blonde crush floated through the air; it was unpleasant hearing it. Not from her.

But even that part of her I was willing to accept. If she can't love me the way she does him, it was fine by me. Besides, I don't deserve her love in the first place.

I tried to convince her, bringing up her father again as it might resonate more with her. Then I used myself, talking as if I was some pitiful animal.

I don't know why I was even trying so hard. I tried to convince myself it was because I gave my word but was there more to it?

I don't know. But whatever it was, it was working. I saw the uncertainty in Yumiko's eyes. Questioning both my words, as well as her own thoughts.

In the end she said nothing, just grabbed the pen and scrabbled away at the forms rapidly filling it as my heart drummed inside my chest.

By the time she finished, my chest was all but silent. Her proud form stood beside me like her height matched mine. The fire in her eyes ablaze.

In the next instant, her body was locked with mine as I hugged her so furiously that her feet dangled in mid-air, her face a deep crimson all the way to her ears.

An adorable reaction that made my chest ignite once more. Only after her scream did her feet return to the ground.

The walk down the street was silent despite the hustle and bustle around her. The noise didn't affect me when I was lost in my own world. My mind filled with thoughts of marriage.

It was strange. Who would have thought I would get to marry some like Miura Yumiko. My younger self would have vomited blood at the thought.

The directions to the ward office were simple either. The details of how to find the place written on a map, the handy work of Yumiko's father. Someone needs to check his brain for deficiency. I mumbled to myself.

As various thoughts crossed through my mind, my eyes set upon something that made me stop in my tracks. My heart seized up.

From behind, Yumiko complained, rubbing her sore nose because she collided with me. We aren't marriage yet and already I hurt her.

But there was no time to dwell on it. There was a much bigger problem that needed to be addressed. Or rather run away from.

They had already noticed us, my tall frame standing out amongst the crowd. I couldn't let Yumiko see them. I could only fear for the worse if she did.

Without warning, I snatched her wrist and pulled her along without any clear direction of where to go to. Just as far away from them the better.

Yumiko protested but I was too busy creating distance between us and them. Her feet moved with resistance, trying to counterweight against my pull but to no avail.

For a second or two the thought of just carrying Yumiko would be faster. But that would attract too much attention, as well as unrestricted screams from the carried blonde woman.

It wasn't until I felt a sudden jerk from my arm that I stopped abruptly, watching Yumiko fall from the corner of my eye. I spun around in an instant catching the troublesome girl barely before she could hit the pavement.

This was the third time I have caught her like this. I just prayed there won't be a fourth time as I examined her with worry. Afraid that I dragged her along too forcefully and that I hurt her.

But there was no time to scold himself over it. People around us peered our way, talking amongst themselves, their stares directed to me. It didn't take a genius to figure out what they were talking about when it concerned me.

I wanted to leave this place but it seemed Yumiko had the same idea and this time she was the one who held onto me, her small hand leading me away.

We stopped at a small park, the scowling eyebrows of my soon to be wife directed at me. She yelled without fear, her voice roaring like a vicious lioness. She demanded to know why I threw them off course from the ward office.

I could give her only a flimsy excuse to calm her fury but it clearly didn't work. She still felt sour, instructing me to follow along. But when I saw who were heading our way my arm grabbed Yumiko's pulling her back haphazardly.

This was the last straw and she exploded, shouting to my face. But her shout along with her voice died as soon as she heard a familiar voice. And all too familiar voice.

Yumiko was frozen stiff in place, her eyes met mine shaking with terror. I could only frown back before I stood before her, shielding her with my massive body.

Of all the people we had to encounter, it had to be them. I sneered at the newcomers cursing my luck, while receiving an equal greeting if not more.

But I was not the target of their quest, the one they sought was currently poking her head from my back. I just wished she would stay hidden and let me deal with those two.

Two people I was also all too familiar with. A girl, Yukinoshita Yukino, the graceful heiress whose family almost destroyed mine and the boy who was the main culprit, the reason why I was stuck in this arranged marriage in the first place.

Both of them I hated to my core. It felt sickening just standing there being watched by both of them. I cursed my luck again, wondering I did wrong that led me to this point.

Grunting my teeth, I endured. Kept my calm, for the sake of Yumiko. Only for her.

But it wasn't easy. Not when Hayama was spouting his usual nonsense about friendship and what not. It got on my nerves all too quickly, but I had to endure, keeping my anger in check.

But there was a limit to how much I could do. Not when the blonde male crept up and tried to grab onto Yumiko forcing her away from me. That I could not tolerate.

So I went into action, grabbing his arm before he could reach Yumiko. My glare akin to a demonic beast bore down upon him. It was quite amusing seeing the blonde wince in pain as I squished his arm like a lemon.

But that wasn't enough to put the high-born prince down. Hayama issued his final ultimatum. He was always too passive for his own good.

I expected Hayama to perform a judo technique, I have seen his skill in more than one occasion, he had a certain mastery over the art. But I was ready, trained by one of the best. I could counter whatever he could conjecture up.

But unexpectedly, he threw a punch, straight on my cheek. It was a clean hit, definitely feeling its effects. Under normal circumstances I would have praised him for it but it would take more than that to bring me down. I have sparred against people who hit much harder than him, most noticeably Kei.

While taunting him again, I clenched my fist ready for a strike of my own. How badly I wanted to, for a long time. Now that I had the justification I needed, I could do whatever I wanted.

But as I was in mid-strike, the two girls around me shouted, forcing me to halt. So close, a second later and my fist would have made contact with Hayama's face. It would be revenge for those not born with a handsome face.

Yumiko protested in bewilderment but it was Yukinoshita, with her long black hair swaying behind her that took center stage. She really never changed did she, her tongue as sharp as ever. No, maybe even more now.

She demanded I release the blonde before she called the authorities on me. A part of me wanted to see her try but I knew that law would not be on my side, only with the highborn. Besides, my family had suffered enough because of her, and I did not intend to bring more.

So, I released Hayama, throwing him hard. His form a disgrace to watch any longer.

It was then that Yukinoshita started to heap insults my way, just like what she used to do back when we were still in club together. Instead of feeling nostalgic, it only brought painful memories back. One I rather forget.

But it also created a desire to stop her nonsense, after all I wasn't a punching bag for people's insults any longer. But I could not, not against her. If I so much as touch a single hair of her. Her family might hear about it and I don't want to attract the attention of her family. I suffered enough because of them.

So, I stood there taking her insults until Yumiko stepped forward, feet planted firmly shooting back with equally intensity as the Yukinoshita heiress. It was amazing, even I was left dumbfounded when Yumiko was defending me against the raven haired highborn.

What shocked me the most was when Yumiko in her temper, boldly proclaimed that I was her husband, leaving them stunned with jaws dropped. It took a while for them to recover, especially Yukinoshita who still had a hard time believing the matter.

The raven-haired woman had to reaffirm about what Yumiko said and even then it was hard to believe the news. I didn't blame her, I would be shocked too if I learned that I was getting married to Yumiko.

But that was where things took a turn for the worse. I watched as Yukinoshita came to terms with the sudden news, her eyes becoming dark and her smile twisting up.

The evil woman held nothing back at this point, going as far as revealing the fact that she and Hayama were engaged to each other. A weapon targeted directed at Yumiko.

The blonde woman, the girl I was tasked this very thing to protect her from, got attacked her head on and there was nothing I do to pervert it.

Fresh anger flared up within me and the desire to tear the heiress tongue off boiled inside me. Heaven above me only knew how much I wanted to. But I couldn't. Heaven knew I couldn't.

So, I endured, only content with showing how much I wanted to end her. Even with Yumiko latching onto my arms did little to cool my rage.

Announcing the news wasn't enough however, Yukinoshita continued to belittle both of us and top it off all Hayama actually had the audacity to say so shamelessly that he didn't want to ruin the mood of the group? How I wanted to bury him in the ground where he stood.

I would have done it too without regret if not for Yumiko hanging onto me for dear life. Her small body was shaking like a leaf dancing in the wind. It looked like she might collapse at any moment.

Bringing my arm around her, I shielded her from the two of them. So, she can sob and cry without having to worry about it. I knew how much she was trying to hold back.

I growled at the two highborn again, it was their fault Yumiko was in such a state, even seeing her in this way, they did not let up, especially Yukinoshita with that twisted superior smile on hers. They were free to target me as much as they wanted but why were they dragging Yumiko into this.

Haven't she suffered enough?

The highborn woman even went as far as to remind me what I did to her on the night where I destroyed her. How I destroyed the relationship I had with her. In her own twisted manner she made a speech how I opened her eyes to the realities of the world.

I could not say anything back. Because I knew she was right.

While I was figuring out how to deal with the situation, Yumiko pushed herself away from my chest, her tears had dried up leaving red stains along her cheeks.

I uttered her name. A nickname without realizing it. Too worried about her to correct myself. Strangely, she showed me a soft smile that brought much needed ease back to me.

What unfolded next left me amazed and stunned. Yumiko first confronted Hayama, bowing her head to the male blonde leaving all of us speechless. She thanked him for the three years they spent together, declaring in the end that it was time to end their relationship.

Then came Yukinoshita. Yumiko also bowed to her, apologizing for the wrong that I had done to her. Even after Yukinoshita taunted her, Yumiko was unfazed by the highborn's remarks, keeping her face as natural as it could be. Like a well crafted mask. Her voice like a calm flowing river on a sunny day.

Yumiko apologized again, for the second time. This time for herself in regarding to Hayama. Stating that she will keep her distance from away him since he was now engaged.

This didn't please Yukinoshita all that much. For her who was taunting and belittling Yumiko and me a second ago was being humbled by Yumiko of all people. It was a spectacular sight. One that I could never imagine seeing.

But what came next made me less than thrilled. Yukinoshita requested a private audience with Yumiko, one the blonde accepted in a heartbeat.

I could only watch on as the two girls walked away until they were out of earshot, freely conversing with each other. It was annoying not knowing what they were talking about as I was glued to my spot with the blonde bastard next to me.

"So, how did you two get married?" Hayama chimed in, curiosity in his voice.

"One word from you and I will kill you." A threat I was all the eager to carry out.

Having shut the blonde up completely, I observed the two girls in silents with a deep-seated frown. One wrong move from Yukinoshita and I was fully prepared to step in, not caring what I did the raven-haired heiress when I get my hands on her.

But it didn't come to that, I watched the two girls first smiling and laughing and then all of a sudden Yukinoshita start to tickle Yumiko? At first, I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me but that didn't seem to be the case.

What happened? How did they go from clawing at each other's throat to this. Seriously, what happened?

"They look like they are having a good time." Hayama showed a smile while watching the scene.

"I will kill you." I growled trying to grab his shirt, but Hayama jumped back in fear. I really wanted to kill him. But it had to wait. My eyes going back to the two girls who were now, hugging?

What kind of nightmare was I stuck in? I questioned myself as I watched the two girls walking back to us, my frown deepening the more Yukinoshita came closer. What kind of spell did the witch weave to make Yumiko hug her?

My confusion increased when the two girls exchanged phone numbers as if they were long lost friends. I was pretty sure my eyebrows were twitching mad at this point. But I stayed silent, not wanting to destroy the peace that surrounded us.

Only when did the witch and the blonde bastard leave that I could finally breath, earning a feeble punch from my violate soon to be wife because of my crude speech, declaring the witch her friend and ally now.

Now I was definitely sure that witch had brainwashed Yumiko when they were alone. I asked her just to be sure and she stated that things changed. I wanted to scoff at that. Things don't change so easily. Not when it involves the witch and her family.

I tried to probe more but only got a vague reply in-turn. She asked about me and Hayama, what we did but I also gave a vague answer. Not because I didn't want to, but because I didn't want to tell her about my death threats, wanting to murder the blonde bastard.

If only we were in a public place in board daylight. I would have done it too. Next time. Looking down, my eyes met Yumiko's, her pouting face refreshing to look at. Without knowing I had moved close to her, her small hand captured by my large one as we walked to the ward office. Her hand was soft and warm, it was a pleasant feeling.

But it was short lived when Yumiko asked me whether her father and I knew about Hayama's engagement to Yukinoshita. I lied straight through my teeth. I don't know why but I did it on instinct and now it was too late to go back. I played dumb until the name of Haruno reached my ear.

It was a random name from Yumiko, but it was enough to fold me, revealing that I was hiding something. Keeping it a secret was useless at this point and so I told her the tale of what happened that night at the private party hosted by the Yukinoshita's. How I was forced to attend as Haruno's date.

For some reason, Yumiko flinched when I mentioned the date part. It clear made her uncomfortable, probably jealousy? A fact that she denied straight out. But that didn't stop me from teasing her, her cute behavior warmed my heart.

With our hearts light and feet heavy, we reached the ward office. The whispers of those around us trailing behind us. It was something I had grown accustomed to, but I worried about Yumiko who was now the target alongside me. However, she pressed on without bother.

Once we submitted the documents, we were officially recognized as a couple, even receiving a gift from the clerk. How nice of her, only if she would stop giving me nervous glances. There were two other clerks not far from us who were constantly talking about my wife, I learned to ignore them but Yumiko fed up glared at them with furious eyes.

I couldn't help but chuckle at that. Still, I didn't want a scene, not when I was married for just five seconds.

So, I grabbed Yumiko leaving the gift behind and we found ourselves in the street with no idea what to go next. So, we were married now. Now what?

The only thought that came to mind was to inform our parents. Since they were the mastermind behind all of this. I watched Yumiko fish out her phone expecting her to call her father but she didn't. Instead finding it more comfortable in texting him. Not a poor choice considering how her father wrapped her up in his schemes.

As for me, even though I was the one who suggested it, I didn't call or text my parents and when asked about it from my newly wed wife, I just told her they will find about it soon enough. Yumiko looked less than pleased hearing that.

My family and I weren't in a good state of affairs for me to contact them, even if this was as important as me getting married. In fact, it was just a sorry excuse I told myself. I was just a coward, and nothing else. Afraid of contacting them.

Thankfully Yumiko didn't press the issue and instead offered to sit down for a moment. A suggestion I was all too eager to accept. With everything going on, I needed time to adjust my thoughts.

But that would have to wait, for now I had to deal with walking with Yumiko while holding her hands. Just the matter of her hands overwhelmed my senses to a degree that was hard for me to handle.

Were they this soft before? They were really different from mine, small and warm. I wasn't gripping her too hard was I? What if I hurt her? Am I walking too fast, should I slow down? Are my hands too sweaty? Do I smell? Maybe I should have taken that bath.

It was as if a switch had flipped inside my skull. A switch that made me overly conscious of my blonde wife, overloading my senses. Yumiko, noticing my dilemma, only laughed softly, causing me to feel light as well as grumble at my awkwardness.

We stopped by the park, different one from where we met the ice witch and the blonde bastard. It was quiet with no people around. Prefect place to have some peace of mind.

I let Yumiko sit first on the bench and then myself. Again, my awkwardness and inexperience acted up, was I supposed to sit close to her or maybe give her some space. Did it matter if I didn't. Will it offend her.

Dammit. These useless thoughts riddled my mind like a damn pledge eating my brain from the inside. It has been like this since I submitted that form. It was like a damn spell as be cast over me, losing my usual calm and cool.

What worse was the fact was Yumiko called me out, a nickname primarily used by my mother and deceased grandmother. Her voice was sweet and lovely, like the chirping of morning birds waking one up from deep slumber.

Her touch was light and captivating as she leaned against me, my body stiff as a board. She teased me, much to my horror. It was like a reversal of fortunes from before. With Yumiko freely teasing me instead, as an act of revenge.

One where I was powerless to stop her, the only thing I could do was look at, with my brain having a melt down while my heart was ready to explode inside my chest. Such was the effect of calling out to her, using the nickname given by her to me.

Yumi. I only spoke it once but unknown to her I had probably repeated the word a thousand times in my head. Becoming all to acquainted with the name. The name of my wife.

But my daydreaming had to stop. Yumiko, unexpected asked me about my family. About my sour relationship with my family members. I was reluctant to talk about them. It felt uncomfortable and weird, especially with her around.

I tried to dismiss it but Yumiko would not have it. In the end, I was forced to reveal my pain to her. How I was hated by my own family. How I hurt them. How they were better off without me.

To my surprise, tears ran down my face. The pain, anger and fear I had held for so long, all came rushing in one turret that I could not control. It was only because Yumiko held me, soothing me, that I managed to calm down.

It was ironic really, no matter how big I had become. Now no matter how strong or smart I had become. I still felt like that weak pathetic boy that I once was.

But Yumiko didn't see it that way. She told me I was strong, but it was also fine to rely on her if I was troubled. Seriously speaking, someone like her was just too good for a reject like me. When I made my thoughts none, she chastised me for it.

Her form of punishment honestly confused me, and I swear a question mark appeared over my head when she suggested a lap pillow of all things. It did bring out rather cute reactions out of her, making me feel happy and light inside. Making me forget about the pain and suffering of the past.

In the end, I gave in to her offer. It was limited time according to her and I couldn't refuse. Besides, she was right about my lack of sleep. I must look more horrid than usual for her to say that.

I had to struggle to lie down on her lap, it was a strange experience that I couldn't put into words. It felt nice for its own good. Lulling me to sleep even. Before I could shut my eyes however, she told me to act nicer to my family, I said I will try, not fully sure that I could do it.

She was satisfied with it saying that she will help me. That brought a smile to my face. It was nice, having someone to rely on like this. Of all people it was Yumiko. Who would have thought. At least the view from her lap was nice. Got double slapped for it too but it was worth it.

Sleep came fairly quickly, it was light sleep, her soft hand gently brushing my hair in a soothing manner, it was comforting. My mind could finally rest. My body was finally able to let down its guard.

This isn't so bad after all. I thought to myself as I drifted off to a light sleep.

The next instance my eyes opened, I witnessed Yumiko committing those funny flustered poses, her cheeks were roses red, her smile cross between innocent and mischievous. It was cute. A word I have been associated alot with Yumiko.

As much as it was funny it was to tease her. Something else came to mind when my eyes noticed the sun on the horizon.

Pushing myself away from the comfort of her lap, I stood up and stretched my long limbs, feeling refreshed from the short rest. I fished out my phone, an old flip phone that had seen better days. I use this instead of a smartphones, less distraction that way.

I simply checked the time on it and frowned hard. I nearly forgotten about my part-time job. It was regrettable because I didn't feel like going today. Not when I strangely wanted to spend time with Yumiko.

Maybe I will ask for sometime off. It's not like I am a regular and I only get paid by the amount of work I do.

I will have to talk to my boss as soon as I get to work.

But I will have to worry about it later. For now, the matter of which house to drop Yumiko off to arose. Should I drop her back to her house or mine? We were married, at least on paper now but I was still unsure what course should I take.

Yumiko ended my thought process by saying my house. She will be living there anyways. Was she though? It was unclear. Our parents made the whole affair unfair and unclear. It was bloody annoying.

If she does come to live in my house, does that almost mean she will share the bed with me? No of course not. We are still teenagers and even my parents aren't that bloody insane to put us in the same bloody room and on the same bloody bed that is not large enough to hold two people.

Then again, they are my parents who organized this so I wouldn't put it pass them.

Yumiko and I on the same bed...the thought led to nothing good so I stopped myself. At least the pushing and shoving on the train kept me distracted from the matter.

What amazed me was my wife smiling face as I suffered because I was trying to protect her. It was a nice smile though. I don't think I will ever get tired of seeing it.

She has been smiling alot now. Her hands didn't hesitate to touch mine, welcoming in fact. She smiled and teased freely. Overly curious about me and my affairs.

It's been like this since the meeting with Hayama and Yukinoshita. Somehow it had changed Yumiko to this overly cute woman, her small hand completely incised in mine.

I could only critically eye her as we talked freely, her behavior akin to a longtime lover. I didn't hate it. But it was still unpleasant, the shadow of the blonde bastard looming over her as she tried to cope.

Cope using me. Unpleasant.

Yet, I could not let it show and kept my feelings to myself. I made an oath to keep her happy and safe regardless of how I felt.

And so, the topic of our future together came center stage in my mind. The money I earned through my part time job. How much I have saved up. Should I continue working there or look for a more suitable site to earn.

I had to earn, since I planned on leaving my family house. To be independent. That's what I thought anyways, not anymore now that I am married.

Just thinking about moving Yumiko to that rundown neighborhood I have been scouting made my mouth sore.

There was no way I was going to do that. A nicer neighborhood would require more finances but that was not the end of it.

More finances will pile up in no time, the cost outweighing the income. It would be unsustainable. Not with my income.

A single person could scrape by but not when you have another along with you. A wife that you had a responsibility over.

The more I dawdled on the matter, the more the temptation of not leaving home flooded to mind. Guess I would have to postpone my plans to leave for a considerable time.

Strange, the possibility of sharing a single room with my wife didn't bother me as much as it before, now that I was thinking more seriously compared to my fluster self from earlier.

Now that the sober topics were out of the way, I decided to tease my new wife a bit before we reached home. I wouldn't be able to do it in the house, not with prying eyes on us.

So, I teased her to my heart content, joking about divorce and domestic abuse. It was quite adorable when my wife tried to hit me. It did nothing of course except make me want to laugh.

With all my teasing and poking, a simple slip of tongue made me reveal that I used violence against the blonde bastard. She questioned me of course, worry appearing over her.

What my question was whether it was worry for me, or that blonde bastard. The latter made my mouth sore, my hand wanting to withdraw from Yumiko, but I held it in.

I did tell her though, that I didn't touch let alone hurt him. I wanted to but it seems luck was the side of the blonde bastard, it always has.

In turn, I was forbidden from fighting again! I forgot how demanding she can be. I did end up agreeing loosely, Mari always told me my temper was getting out of hand. Like she was one to talk.

We arrived at my house, our little chat sadly coming to a halt. Yumiko took a deep breath to calm her nerves and gather courage, a new kind of fire burning in those deep seeded eyes. Were her eyes always big. It was like staring into a grassy land looked upon favorably by the sun. I could get lost in those eyes, not wanting to leave.

I spoke encouraging words to her. She didn't have to be so nervous, not when my mother basically wanted Yumiko to be her daughter in law. A little too aggressively if you ask me.

She will be all too delighted to see Yumiko while my father on the other hand will grunt, silently accepting the circumstance. Komachi was a whole other story though.

I wonder how she will take the news.

I entered first after being called an edgy teenager by my own wife. That comment hurt more than it should have. I then watched as my wife took her first steps inside my house. It was oddly satisfying to watch.

Another thought came to mind at the same time. Was I some kind of pervert?

I dismissed the thought entire, there was no time to think about it, not when my wife was glaring at me for not announcing my greeting. She really wanted me to try and get along with my family didn't she.

With reluctance, I shouted out the greeting followed by Yumiko. In a blur of movement that would put Mari to shame, my mother appeared before us. Her eyes shining like twin moons glittering in the night sky.

She only gave me a passing glance, her real target was my blonde wife. After welcoming and congratulating her, my mother trapped my helpless wife in a hug so strong that it was suffocating the girl.

My mother. When was the last time I saw her this happy?

I frowned at the question to myself. Deepening at the thought, What if I didn't agree, or failed to convince Yumiko for this marriage. How devastated my mother would be. How damaging our relationship.

I watched my mother again, it looked like she might just cry while holding onto Yumiko, as if the girl was an illusion who will disappear if she let go.

When my mother did release my wife and content that she was real and won't disappear, she welcomed the blonde once more. Her voice livelier than before.

After seeing this scene. I could only pray that the future was as bright as this. That peace may be restored back into my house. I could only pray.

Coughing to clear my throat and get the attention of the two ladies, I told my mother that I will be leaving for work and that Yumiko would be in her care. This was probably the longest conversation I had with my mother in a long time.

My mother more than delighted to spend time with her daughter-in-law agreed all too easily. But before I left, she informed me about the family dinner at night. Where I will be reunited with my dear father-in-law. Ah, the joy.

While grumbling to myself, I made myself upstairs only to find the entrance to my room being blocked by another unpleasant person. My father. The giant man eyed me with a fearsome glare that would make lesser men run for their lives.

I returned the favor in kind.

"What are you doing to my room, father?" My eyes peered pass the man and looked into the room. A storm seems to have hit my room while I was gone with untold garbage littering across the room.

And was that a corpse under my bed?

"Your room? This is the storage room now." My father spoke in a growl in his voice, always looking for a fight when near me. It has been like since I beat him that one time. He could never swallow it down.

Storage room huh? So, I am getting kicked out it seems. I expected this day would come, just not under these circumstances, not when I am married.

"Your room is down the hall, the last room." My father said with a frown. My own eyebrows frowned at what I heard.

The room at the end of the hall? That was the old guest room wasn't it, transformed into a makeshift storage room.

"Your mother had me clear that room. For you and your wife." My father stared especially hard when he said the word wife. His stare even more intense than before, which practically speaking should be impossible.

"What?" Does he have some problem with Yumiko? He didn't say or do anything while my mother and Yumiko's father was whatever they wished back at the hotel.

My father just glared, his eyes like a beast eyeing its prey. But then he closed his eyes, nodded and placed his arm on my shoulder. "Congrats." A single word as he stalked off. Stopping short of the stairs. "But you have yet to prove yourself." With that he left.

"Well. that was strange." Probably the strangest thing I have seen since yesterday. And that is saying something.

Shaking my head, I peeked into my room, former room anyways. My bed, closet and desk were there along with everything else. It seems like my father didn't bother with moving my stuff too. Only the stuff from the storage.

I tip toed inside and got fresh cloths from my closet. Having no time to waste, I quickly got inside the bath, took a quick shower, dressed up and walked down hall, about to travelled down the fleet of stairs. But I stopped midway.

My eyes shifted towards the door to the end of the hall. The old storage room and now my room. My room and Yumiko's. Curiosity boiled inside me and my feet led me to the front of the door.

Opening it revealed a spacious white room. Only containing a bed and an old sofa. It was nothing special but for some reason my heartbeat ever louder in my chest.

This was the room I am going to share with Yumiko. And the bed we are going to sleep on. I shook my head furiously, my senses becoming overwhelmed. As the heat raised to my head, I questioned myself. If I am like this now, what will happen when Yumiko and I are in the room together, at night.

I will probably explode.

Shaking my head one more time, I closed the door and headed downstairs.

Usually, I would just straight up leave but this time I stayed. My eyes fell upon Yumiko and my mother standing stand by stand with smiles on their faces. It was a pleasant sight.

What was more pleasant and captivating what the fact that Yumiko wore my little sister's apron. An apron that enhanced her already beautiful features. My eyes were stuck to her like bee on honey.

It was really tragic that she was hiding behind my mother for protection against my gaze. A real tragedy. I told them that I will be gone for work and won't be back till late. My focus more on Yumiko than my mother.

If something important came up, she should call me immediately, that I would come running back. And run I will. There was one problem however, we did not have each other contact information. It was promptly exchanged. My eyes glued to the label, wife.

Holding back a sigh, I again told my mother to look after Yumiko, an act she most definitely will fulfill even without me telling her. In turn my mother wanted me to be careful.

Giving a vague promise, I turned to leave and Yumiko followed behind with both of us standing outside the house. She didn't have to walk me outside like that but she insisted it was because I got along with my mother that she is offering me a reward.

Huh, if that reward is anything like that lap pillow punishment. I don't mind it one bit. But instead of a reward it was more like torture if you ask me. The way she cutely leaned forward calling out my nickname made heat raise all the way to my mind, the image of our bed coming into my mind.

It was all the excuse I needed to run away and didn't stop until I was a good hunk of the way away from my house. Reward she says? That thing is a weapon.

I cursed my luck and started to walk more slowly towards Chiba's warehouse district.

It was business as usual, with works and trucks going one way and then the other. It was nosy, more than anyone would like but I was used to it by now. I went to my station and together with other part-timers got to work under the instruction of the regulars.

Unloading goods off trucks and sorting them to their distinctive locations. After everything was sorted and accounted for, we were sent off to load the cargo that was to being shipped off to Tokyo.

I continued to work along with others, taking small breaks in between, listening to chitchat of those around me. Jokes being cracked, complains being shouted, laughter being heard. Everyone having a story to tell, about new love, about heartbreak, about their children.

This went on until the day grew old and the end of my shift drew near.

"Sudo-san, can I have a word with you?" I approached a middle-aged man, standing by his lonesome checking off the inventory from his clipboard.

He was the owner of this warehouse. A kind man as I have come to know. Always smiling and cracking jokes with his older employees, even teasing the newer ones, within limit.

I have also received his teasing too, mainly focused on my eyes. But it never out of malice or being crude. Not from this tender-hearted man.

A man who would personally go out of his way to take care of his people if they were in need. Whether it be financial, physical or emotional. He would be there if someone needed him, ready to aid them. Lending a shoulder to lean on if need be.

People around me sang nothing but praise for the man since I came here. One particular incident came to mind, it happened not even a month ago. One of his worker got into accident and Sudo-san visited the man in the hospital until he recovered, aiding him as he could.

There were other stories too. Too many to count.

He was probably the reason why I kept working here. The pay was reasonable and the work environment more than I hoped for. It would be sad if I could no longer work here.

"Hikigaya?" Sudo-san smiled, his body turned towards, his gray eyes met mine with full focus. "Want to talk about something? Let's go to my office in that case." Whenever his workers sought help, he would always lead them to his office, away from prying eyes respecting their privacy.

"Here is fine. It's no big deal." I explained as I looked down at the man. He was a short man that didn't even come to my chest level. Yumiko is probably taller than him. Despite that, his presence alone was large enough to loom over me.

He may be kind-hearted, but that does mean he was a pushover either. He was given respect as due his stations, and fear if necessary. He knew how to be stern as well as kind when necessary.

"If you want." He eyed me curiously. In all my time working here, the number of times I personally talked with Sudo-san can be counted on my hand. So, he must be curious why I approached him. "Not asking for another shift, are you?" Sudo smiled, half cracking a joke and half serious. "I know I told you this before, but you should cherish the time you have instead of working. Youth doesn't wait for oneself."

I wanted to debunk him on the last part, calling youth the biggest lie of all. But I held it in and accepted his advice with a silent stare, he meant well after all. "Not this time. I want to ask for some time off. Two weeks if possible."

Sudo-san frowned at my request. He rarely frowns. "That's unusual coming from you. Everything alright I hope." He asked, concern in his voice.

I nodded, feeling a bit awkward about what I was about to reveal next. And embarrassed too. "Everything is fine. I just got married and my wife will need time to adjust. So, I don't think I will be able to work during the time."

After I was done explaining, he looked at me with a blank face, the checkboard falling out of his hand. His cloudy gray eyes staring wide. "Your married?" He asked in surprise, blinking hard. I didn't repeat myself, I couldn't if I wanted to. It was already awkward saying it once. Twice would be overdoing it.

I just nodded, reconfirming his question. He blinked back, staring. "I see." he finally spoke, breaking eye contact and grabbed the checkboard from the floor. "So, you are married now. So young. But congratulations, son. I am happy for you."

The smile he was well known for reappeared on his face, his hand barely reaching my shoulders tapping on it lightly. "Huh, my youngest would be devastated to hear the news. She was quite fond of you."

I gave him a weak smile at that. His youngest daughter routinely comes in bearing lunch for her father and usually stuck around scooping through the place. She bothers alot too, earning much laughter and jokes from the others.

"So, is it alright if I take the two weeks off?" I was just a part-timer so it wouldn't affect him if I was absent for the coming weeks. But it still didn't hurt to ask. I already knew this man wouldn't refuse.

"Of course, of course. Take as long as you need." I nodded, his mood brighter than usual.

I smiled back, returning the favor. "Then I will leave. thank you again."

I tried to turn around and leave but a hand on my shoulder stopped me. For a man as short as him, his grip strength was quite impressive. I stared back at my boss, his smile changed into something less than pleasant.

I could only fear for my life at that mischievous smile. "Since you are married, let me give you some pointers." And so, I was dragged away by my boss as he began his lectures, jokes and teasing. Others joined in, making the experience even worse.

Times like these, I regretted being employed here.

It was only after all the jokes and laughter died out that I was allowed to escape with what remained of my sanity.

There was only one destination that came to mind. Home. But my pace was slow and sluggish, as if my body was weighed down by something. That something was my wife, Yumiko. Hikigaya Yumiko. It felt strange attaching my surname to her.

It felt like a dream almost.

A bizarre dream. My lips curved up in a pathetic smirk, thinking about how I even came to marry the blonde. How our parents forced us. How our past relationships haunted us. Yukinoshita with me and Hayama with Yumiko. It was truly pathetic.

Yet, I already resolved myself to make this bizarre relationship work. As best as I could.

The sound of a bell ringing slowed down my steps. A familiar tone, one that always rang around this time of day, after I got off work. I fished out my phone, my feet halted on the spot as I read the name of the display.

I answered without missing a beat, fully preparing for the yelling and shouting that was sure to follow.

"Surprised you're not dead yet." The voice on the other end spoke first.

"If it was up to you, yeah I would be." I replied back with a faint smile. My feet moving again with the flow of the crowd.

"Keep pushing me like that and I will." She grumbled, sounds like she is in a bad mood. Fight with Kei again maybe. They are always going at it like children. "Everything alright?"

"Yeah." I answered exhausted.

"You don't sound alright to me. Tell me what happened?" Her voice was soft and friendly. She could always tell when I was bothered.

"Mari." I said my voice heavy. "I got married."

There was silence on the other side of the phone. I kept walking, the phone glued to my ear in waiting.

"Is that so. Who's the poor soul?" Was the reply.

"Aren't you gonna doubt me?" It was a simple question, but I needed to hear it from her.

"Why would I? Have you ever lied or told jokes before. Besides," Her voice paused for a few seconds before answering. "I know you, Hachi. You will never joke about that. Unless you are playing on killing yourself. Are you? Where are you right now?" Her voice was urgent.

"I am not killing myself." I grumbled.

"Of course you aren't. If you did I will just revive you and kill you myself." I had to pull my phone away from the incoming shouts followed by huffing and puffing. "So, how did this happen. I mean, who would want to marry a brat like you." Her tone was still harsh but more sober than before.

I let out an exhausted breath and started my tale from the beginning. How my parents forced this marriage. Telling her a little bit about Yumiko. About meeting with Yukinoshita and Hayama. Everything she needed to know.

Mari, she was she was only one I can openly talk to without holding back.

"It amazes me how you find yourself into big trouble every time." Mari sourly commented after I was done.

"It's a gift." I jokingly said. The small smile slowly fading away. "Alot I am dealing with right now."

"I can see that." She mumbled. "Well whatever, what done is done so don't worry about what happened and keep grinding forward."

"The best way is always forward." A phrase Mari always says when faced with a problem. She was an idiot, an exceptional one at that, so she walked life with simplicity and her fist. Mostly her fist.

"Right." Mari proudly sounded. "Just beat the shit of that blonde bastard out of your wife." The way she phrased it was so wrong but I didn't bother to correct her. "Maybe I didn't say it the right way. Don't abuse your wife alright. I will beat you to death if you do. Revive you and beat you again using that fat Zaimokuza as a bat.

Poor Zaimokuza will probably faint if he hears this. He was already getting slack from Mari as it is. At least Mari realizes what she said was wrong. Why am I getting beaten up because of it though.

"What I mean is. Love your wife to the point she completely forgets about that pretty face of a bastard. Understand?" She yelled through the phone and again I had to distance my ear from it. "Though, from what you told me, she is already doing her best to get along with you and your family."

"She is just coping." I told Mari sourly. "The vacuum left behind by Hayama, she is using me to fill it." And I don't like it one bit. Every word spoken with that cherry voice, that lovely smile signaling the beginning of spring. Those cute gestures. All of it reminds me of Hayama.

"Hachi." Mari loud voice scolding me. "Coping or not. Vacuum or not. She is still trying and that is all that matter. You have to try too. Who knows, someday you might actually like each other for real."

"If you say to." I mumbled, my mood still down.

"Trust me I know you will. By the way, I haven't met her yet but she sounds interesting. I have been telling you for sometime now to get along with your parents and she has tamed you to do that in half a day. I am amazed. I must meet her right now. Where is she, is she at your house. I will be there right away."

"Hold it. Please don't come up. And no don't ignore my words right now and definitely don't hang up the phone right away." I yelled over the phone, not caring about any who might listen in.

"Oh, come on. I want to meet her. I am curious. And you know how I am when I am curious." I know she get jumpy and she won't be able to sleep soundly at night. But I don't care about that right now.

"Not now. Now is not a good time. I promise you will get to meet her. Promise." I pleaded, praying that she will understand, for once this time.

"I hate you, Hachi." Mari shouted, my ear-drums crying out in pain. "I want to see my sister-in-law." She demanded.

"You will." I shouted back. "Believe me you will."

"Humph. Meanie." I released a sigh of relief having to finally convinced her. "By the way, is she cute?"

"Huh?"

"Don't huh me. Tell me, if she is cute!" Mari demanded, a faint sound of something breaking in the background, a plate.

"Well, you can say that." I don't even know why I was even talking about this with Mari. I mean sure Yumiko had a cute side. The way her cheeks turned cherry pink whenever I tease her. Her pout that was too adorable for its own good.

Yes, I was enchanted by her. I admit that. Her every action seemingly amplified. It has been like that since I signed that bloody paper that linked me to her to the day of my death.

Yumiko image of her wearing that pink apron came to mind. It truly suited her, especially when she sent me off.

"HMMM, I want a picture. Send me her picture." Mari demanded breaking me away from my fantasies which I was graceful for. I don't know where my mind was leading off to.

"I don't have a picture." And even if I did I wouldn't send it to Mari. Who knows what she might do with something that destructive.

"I bet you do but don't want to give it to me."

"I really don't." It was a good thing it was the truth. Mari knew when I lie.

"Fine. I will see for myself when I meet her." Mari said in high spirits. "Hachi, can I give you a suggestion." Her tone changed, more mature and sober. A rare moment and I waited for what she had to say.

"You will give it regardless of what I say." I teased her, still waiting.

She laughed in turn, it was a rare laugh. Not one of her gorilla like howls but of a girl in her innocence. "She may or may not like you as you said. How about giving her a piece of you that she can carry with her all the time. Like a present."

A present, for Yumiko? "Ah, you mean something like a necklace?" The thought of giving Yumiko a present was potentially scary. What if she rejects it or doesn't care. What will I do then?

"Close, but not what I was thinking of. You guys are married, right. How about a ring. How does that sound?"

A ring. "Isn't that going too far. I mean a ring is a big deal you know." A ring would be too heavy off a present. Something little like a neckline would be safer.

"Are you chickening out? Doesn't sound like the Hachi I raised." I can just imagine Mari shaking her head in disappointment. My own head was down staring at the ground deep in thought.

"Don't overthink it, Hachi. Just believe and go with the flow. Besides, if it works you will know where your relationship stands. If it works, well good for both of you. If it doesn't, that is fine too. Just work your way from there. Just keep the ring when the time comes."

"I will try, Mari. I will try." It won't be easy, then again nothing is easy. "Thanks Mari." For always. After talking to her and listening to her advice, I felt so much lighter now. Like a heavy burden was lifted off my shoulders.

She always manages to do that.

"You don't have to thank me, what are big sisters for." I could just picture her proud victorious grin as suited her all so well. "Remember. You can always rely on me." Her voice was soft and motherly. Bring comfort to one's heart.

If only she acted like that more. She would have been in a relationship, no problem.

"Now, go out there and give them hell." Her loud roar returned making me distance my phone from ear. "Wait, don't give them hell. If you hurt some-"

"Bye Mari and thanks." I cut the call before she can go into another rant. I took a deep breath and tried to place my phone back into my pocket. But before I could do that my phone rang and shook in my hand.

I wonder who it was, oh look it was Mari again. Probably angry that I cut the call so abruptly. I answered, not wanting to die before seeing the next sunrise if I didn't pick her call.

"Hachi." Mari called out to me. Her voice soft and caring, which surprised me. I thought she was going to chew me out for cutting the call. I didn't say anything and just listened. "Take care of her alright."

Was all she said before cutting the call-off herself, before I could say anything.

Taking another deep breath, I resolved myself anew.

"I will." I whispered to myself, a promise that I will uphold until my last breath.

My feet changed direction, heading towards the shopping district. My eyes scanning for a suitable shop. And so the search begins.

By the time I got back home, it was fairly late with night already set in. I promised Yumiko that I would be home early but I couldn't fulfill my word. People from work pulled me along to advice and also tease me while a good chuck of time was spent trying to search for the so called present for Yumiko.

The present, a pair of rings currently resting in my pocket. I did buy them, now the question remains on how I will give it to her. "I rather face two Kei at the face time." I bitterly mumbled to myself as I entered the house, my eyes nervous looking for Yumiko.

It was a relief that I didn't see her right away.

My mother rushed towards me from the confines of the kitchen, leaving Komachi to her lonesome preparing plates for the up-coming dinner. A single glance is all she spared me.

Yumiko did text me that Komachi and her went to the supermarket together. I just hoped my little sister got along with the blonde regardless of personal feelings directed for me.

They weren't very pleasant feelings either.

My eyes shifted towards my mother whose smile could make it's mind of being nervous or happy. I just wish she would choose the latter.

"Your back, just in time to. Hansuke-san is on his way here. I was worried you won't be able to make it and was about to call."

The fact she didn't, means she was unsure to call me. Her right fist would clam up whenever she was stressed.

"I just got caught up with work a bit. Sorry about that." I tried to talk to her as calm as possible, caring not to offend her. "I took two weeks off instead of one."

My mother called me during work hour to inform me about the new room arrangements. Of course, I already knew but I kept that to myself. Knowing my mother was making the effort to try and talk to me.

"Oh, that's better. I am sure Yumiko-chan will be happy to hear that too." My mother beamed with a smile.

My mother has been against me going out to work in such a place, leading to an unpleasant argument that I would rather forget.

At least the effort to get along was equally being performed.

I also hoped that Yumiko would be happy to hear the news about taking leave from work. Hope that she would like to spend time with me as much as I wanted to spend time with her. One can only hope.

Why I even wanted to spend time with her, I did not know. I just wanted to.

My eyes were already scanning for my blonde wife. I could only frown in worry as she was nowhere to be found.

"If you are looking for Yumiko-chan, she is resting in your room. She helped with dinner preparations till the end." My mother flashed me a knowing smile, her dark pool-like eyes sparkling brightly.

"I see." My frown deepened. She must have been tired with everything going since yesterday. I didn't blame her; I was tired too.

"You must be tired too. Why don't you go rest and I will call you when Hansuke-san arrives."

I shook my head. I was exhausted, my eyes heavy and my brain stinging me like a needle, but I wouldn't collapse because of it. I can hold out till the sole guest leaves.

But that was only an excuse. I just didn't have the courage to face Yumiko right now, the ring in my pocket weighing me down.

"I don't want to disturb her rest." That much was so true to some exact.

"I still think you should rest a little at least." My mother argued in a soft voice, her cheeks slightly puffed.

"I am fine mother. I will manage." I can sleep with my heart's content when everything has been dealt with. Preparing myself and my mind for that damn ring that is.

My mother left unsatisfied, her small back walking away to Komachi. A faint smile spread across my lips. At least she kept her nagging a little short, I know she was concerned about me, but I just needed some space to clear my head. Much needed space.

I sat down on the sofa, relaxing my tired body and mind. Or at least trying to. Not with my old man bore his furious glare my eye. I didn't bother, not this time. I was much too exhausted to do anything about it. Besides, those damn rings took much of my concerns. I have been regretting it since I brought that damn thing.

Paid a good sum of money too. My existing frown deepening. Well, if I was going to give her something like a ring then I couldn't just give her a cheap one, that one was for sure.

The real problem was giving it to her. Maybe I shouldn't have listened to Mari this time. The necklace was a far safer option. I could only rub my face because of my own cowardliness.

It's just a stupid ring. Just give it to her and be done with it. But why is it so hard. Dammit. I wanted to curse aloud but I couldn't. Not when my family was near me. Not when some seemliness of peace reigned over the house.

A touch of coldness attacked my forehead out of nowhere. Removing my hand, my eyes glanced up at my father's towering figure, looming over me. Lesser men would be scared for their lives. But I was no lesser man, I returned the favor, my tired eyes staring listlessly at him.

A can of coffee was being held in his hand. The source of the coldness. From the corner of my eyes, I watched my mother and sister watching the scene with seized breathe, expecting the worse to happen.

Only when I grabbed the can of coffee being offered to me did their breath ease, returning back to whatever they were doing.

"Your wife brought it for you. You better be thankful to her." My father grumbled, stalking away back to his own sofa, fully engrossed in his game again.

Huh. Out of all the weird series of events that has been happening so far. This was by far the worst one. Taking a slow breath, I stared down at the can of coffee, my thumb rubbing the cold surface.

Yumiko did say she was out buying some stuff from the supermarket, and whether I needed something. It was nice to know she brought it for me even when I didn't ask for it. It was even nicer to text with her. Our little chat was short but it did give me the will to continue on working.

I opened the can, savoring the drink. It was bitter and crude, just the way I liked it. I wonder how does she know I like this drink?

This brought a faint smile to my face again. My heart filling up with ease and delight. Now that Yumiko brought this for me, it was only natural that I returned the favor back to her. My thought going back to the ring again, resolving myself to give it to her by the end of the night. Or die trying.

It was around thirty minutes after my arrival to the house that the door bell rang, signaling that the long awaited guest has arrived. Mom was the first to move, leaving Komachi's side. Both dressed accordingly for the dinner.

My dad also stood up with a heavy grunt, sore of the fact that he wouldn't be able to see the conclusion of his game. He was not dressed according to the family dinner. Preferring to stay on the comfy side. He always did when he was at home, yesterday for the hotel meeting was the only exception he was willing to make regarding clothes.

Miura Hansuke dressed moderately stepped inside, both he and my mother exchanging victorious grins with one and other. Both me and my father, strangely in sync with each other could only cringe at the sight.

I believe my father wanted to punch the doctor in the face too. It was evident enough when the two men exchanged handshakes, the middle-aged doctor face twisting up in pain by the force of it.

He should consider himself luck seeing that my father didn't break his arm straight out.

I also considering doing the same, but by the time Miura Yato finished greeting and praising Komachi's cuteness which she got from her mother, he turned to me, hugging me with such a passion that my brain left my body for a few seconds.

I rather receive the hug from his daughter. I begrudgingly thought. At least she was soft and warm to touch. And smelled like honey. It was a lovely smell.

When he finally released me, I could finally breathe, not wanting to get hugged by a middle-aged man again. I think I need to burn these clothes now. Or hug Yumiko to cleanse myself. The latter one would be nice.

I really wanted to see her, the desire burning inside me.

I and so did everyone else. Since her father was here, I was tasked with bringing her down to the living room, everyone patiently waiting for her.

I swiftly climbed up and went straight for my room. Our room, the one Yumiko and I shared. The thought was overwhelming to even think about. I could only wonder what it was like in practical. Sweating bricks would be a good way of saying it.

It took a good deal of willpower to just opening the door. The figure of Yumiko raising up from a state of half sleep was truly something. Couple that with her greeting me with that delicate voice. It was an effort to even start breathing again.

It was quite touching that she wanted me to rest. Even though my appearance had seen better day, she didn't seemed bothered by it. Rather concerned. That filled my heart up all too quickly. But there was no time to rest.

I explained to her about her father's arrival and that everyone was waiting for her.

I watched her hand reach for the sunflower band, it complimented her golden locks. But I also liked it when her hair was let loose, a fact I made her know.

She was conflicted, saying that I said that the ponytail looks good on her. It did. But that was not the point here. The way she looked at me, as if she wanted my approval. It was unpleasant. I surpassed the urge to bit my lips in digest.

It was a subconscious act, one she did it without knowing. One that was developed while she was following Hayama around. I really want to punch that blonde bastard.

She did not need to look or act based on my own desire. She should just be herself. That head strong girl who is ready to butt heads with anyone who dares cross her line, even if the demand is unreasonable. That is just how she is. Denying that will be like deny her existence.

And I don't want that.

I told her of course, not sure if I got the message across. She just looked troubled by it. I wish I had more time to delve deep into the matter but we didn't have time. So, I pulled her along, her hand captured by mine.

When we reached the living room, everyone congratulated us. Well, it was mainly my mother and Miura Hansuke, the masterminds of this operation. My father just grunted and nodded, a form of acceptance from him.

It was my sister who confused me the most in the room, with her faint smile, cherry cheeks and tapping of the hands. Her cold gaze considerably softer now, directed at Yumiko. I will have to obverse the two of them more later.

Yumiko, who was the main focus of the attention looked nervous and overwhelmed. But she endured it.

But she wasn't in the limelight for long. Soon the focus switched to me, when Miura Hansuke presented a gift for me. A watch by the looks of it. Not a cheap one at that. It's probably worth my entire bank balance I bet. Well, before I emptied it anyways.

I accepted it nevertheless. It wasn't like I could refuse with so many eyes watching.

After that little show, we could finely eat. I was starving because I was functioning out of my usual routine and so I didn't get to eat much during the day. I controlled the urge to wolf down the food in front of me. No easy talk.

My eyes fell upon Yumiko. She was conflicted it seems. With her plate in hand, her gaze turned from me to her father and back again. Trying to decide where to sit perhaps?

I tried not to huff at that question, the answer all to clear. I tapped the spot near me, it was reap for the taking and Yumiko wasted no time in doing just that. Satisfied that Yumiko was now calmly eating her food, I shot a glare at her father.

He may be a kind caring father who spoiled his daughter to no end. But when push came to shove. He turned tails and let someone else take responsibility for the mess.

He allowed Hayama to influence his daughter freely, despite knowing the exact of their relationship.

I ignored it too despite knowing but it, but again she was not my daughter. But now that she was my wife, I intend to take that responsibility.

The older man just smiled wearily at the scene. My mother too watched with great interest. I let them, too tired to care. At least the food was spicy, that was a little comfort.

While eating my all too annoying father-in-law made a sly comment about Yumiko and I being close. Trying to poke at his daughter teasingly.

Were we close? Not really in a sense. Just trying to cope with each other. Though, I had to admit I liked the sight of Yumiko being flustered.

It should have ended there but didn't. Soon the whole family chipped in, most notably and strangely my own sister, all too eager to learn about the depths of my relationship with my wife. Yumiko was under fire from three sides, overwhelming her.

It was only natural I intervened. No one can or should bully or tease my wife except for me.

I threw out random but cringe worthy content and they took the bait, especially the proposal part. All of them were surprised by that. Even my stoic father watched with wide eyes, probably the first time I have seen such a thing. Wait, false alarm. I think he passed out with opened eyes.

There was no peace afterwards, my little sister saw to that. Questioning whether I liked Yumiko before or not. On the side note, did Komachi just call Yumiko big sister? Were they close with each other? Just what happened during the supermarket trip, I will never know.

I answered their question since everyone, including my wife eagerly awaited my response. I did find her attractive, that much was true. That was all they were going to get from me.

Not satisfied, my sister and mother tried to probe more but it was futile endeavor. My lips were sealed. The fact that I called her attractive with a straight face in front of all these people was remarkable. I should praise myself for it.

As relenting as their attacks were, I did not give them any ground and so they were forced into retreat.

Not before shouting I hate you big brother however. A term I haven't heard in ages, the childish pout dawning her innocent face once more.

It made me speechless. How long has it been since I last saw my little sister's cheerful smile? Not since I destroyed the bond between us.

I watched the room in silence. The house where only the frost of winter once reigned, now transformed into a warm and sunny place, melting the snow and frost.

I looked at the girl whose presence brought about such a change. Her blonde hair like the sun itself, illumining the darkness that surrounded me and my family.

Her smile, lovely and sweet like fresh nectar signaled the start of spring, her red cheeks akin to the blooming of roses.

She really was too good for me.

I mumbled to myself, watching peacefully with a faint smile as my mother and sister teased my poor wife to no end. All three of them enjoying themselves.

My father and Miura Hansuke were engrossed in a conversation about baseball. Though it was my father who did most of the talking while Miura Hansuke-san could only nod and try to understand.

The doctor could only freely talk regarding matters of science and medicine, something I was keen enough to listen to.

Time drew near and the hour was late. Miura Hansuke was preparing to leave. Farewells were exchanged and hugs were given, followed by myself being kicked, I mean escorting my father-in-law out of the house.

It was supposed to be a quick affair but for reason I could not see the man walking to his car, opting to stand in front of me with a weary smile.

"Hachiman." He began, his face twisting up with a mixer of joy and sorrow. Not able to decide whether to cry or laugh. "Thank you so much." He bowed, elegant and graceful without a fault. "Please take care of my daughter." A request and a plea.

My glare was fixed upon the man who had caused me quite a bit of trouble since yesterday. "You don't have to worry about her." I coldly responded.

He smiled wearily, his downcast gaze not meeting mine. "I wish. As a father I could only worry. If she finds out-"

"She has already found out." I cut him off, prompting the doctor to finally meet my cold glare. "We met Yukinoshita Yukino and Hayama Hayato today. She knows the truth." I finished watching the man's face fill up with panic.

"What did, I mean how did Yumiko. I-" He fumbled over his words as confusion gripped him.

"She took it quite well actually." I still remembered Hayama's dumbfounded face when Yumiko classically ended ties with the blonde bastard. I wish she slapped him too for good measure. "Better than you at least." A taunt, aimed well at him.

It was a crude statement, but it was the truth. This man, the architect of this marriage arrangement that was forced upon me, webbing my mother into his schemes. I had no reason to hold my tone back from him.

I promised myself that I will take care of and protect my wife, Hikigaya Yumiko. I also promised my wife that I would get along with my family better. As far as I knew, there was no such promise regarding treating my father-in-law with respect.

Besides, he was already aware of how I operated so it made things easy.

"I see." His gaze was down again. Deep in thought. I just glared down at his pathetic form in disgust. If this man had only tried, he could have solved this issue without using others.

He could have confronted his daughter, told her the truth and comforted her afterwards. Even if Yumiko would be heartbroken because of the sudden news, I am sure she could have pulled through with the support of her father.

Yet, this did not happen. He selfishly threw his beloved daughter to a man whom he assumed would take care of her. What a disaster that would have been if he was wrong.

"I am sure she was able to overcome it thanks to you Hachiman-kun." He raised his face, his face pathetic to look at. "Please continue to protect my daughter." Another bow, this one quicker than the last. All the while I just wished the man would leave so I can get some long overdue sleep.

When my father-in-law left, I was standing outside the door holding a white envelope. An envelope of considerable size too. A marriage gift as the giver called it. I could only wonder how much a doctor earns while stuffing the envelope inside my pocket.

Even I wouldn't refuse free money. Not with the current ongoing economic crisis.

"I really want to sleep." I breathed out, exhaustion filled my body and clouded my mind. I opened the door and the first person my eyes went to was Yumiko. Her presence bringing some comfort.

She even came up to me with worry. It was sweet of her to think about her half dead husband. The said half dead husband excused himself, crawled straight to his room and successfully collapsed on the bed.

Even when my eyes finally got their due closure, my mind felt restless. My body twisted and turned in the spacious bed that more than accommodated my tall frame.

More than enough space for another to lie alongside me.

Are we going to really sleep together like this? This question riddled my brain, my eyes now open gazed upon the age-old sofa.

My tired body would be stiff and aching if I were to sleep upon it. Then there was the option of building a fort of pillows between us.

I wonder which option will my blonde wife pick. A sheepish grin appeared on my face as I closed my eyes allowing sleep to takeover.

But to no avail. So, I just lay there, eyes closed, mind deep in thought. The pair of rings sitting snuggly waiting for their owner. And wait they shall.

I don't know how long it was being in that torturous sleepless state, but some relief as well as dread came to me when the door opened and in came my wife, her figure halting after the door was shut behind her.

She did not move, not an inch. Hesitation clouded her features, it was clear she was overwhelmed, more than me. It wasn't easy sharing a bed with someone. Not by two teenagers with zero experience.

But I will worry about that later.

I wanted to deal with one problem before moving onto the next.

Before I could even speak, Yumiko took the lead. Spouting nonsense about her sleeping on the sofa. I beckoned for her, but she did not move, frozen in place. I told her again, failure to compile will result in me carrying her to bed in my arms.

I didn't like to make threats; I wasn't even sure I could call this a threat. But it worked. Yumiko sat on the other side of the bed, her nervous eyes looking into mine.

It was unsettling, having her sit across the bed, stationed on her knees. Her lively face, a healthy shade of crimson.

My sole focus was her, nothing else mattered. Only she mattered. My hands went for hers, finding some comfort in her warmth. My own heart drumming against my ear afraid she might come to know about.

I called out to her, my voice soft and tender. It was a lovely name that I wanted to keep calling out to.

I asked her about what made my cute wife depressed all of a sudden. In fact it wasn't sudden. She has been like this since I called her pretty.

Her delight being called that was all too quick to fade, replaced with uncertainty. No one else took notice of it since everyone's attention was solely directed at me.

She only averted her eyes away from me, those deep seeded eyes filled with an unknown pain. Her hands wanted to withdraw, but I could not allow that, afraid she might fade away.

My boss did tell me women were complicated creatures, more so when the woman was a lover or wife. Their mood swinging from one end of the spectrum to another in a heartbeat.

The evidence of that right before me. Yumiko did not look all too happy when I affirmed that she indeed was attractive in her own right.

So, I added a twist, calling her cute and huggable. Heavens alone knew how I felt when I hugged her. A bitter memory came to mind, how my serve while playing that stupid tennis game caused that blonde bastard to save and hug my wife.

If I could travel back in time, I would have punched my younger self for that.

My second attempt to calm my wife ended in another failure. Her mood soured even more. Comparing herself to Yukinoshita.

I wanted to frown but I resisted the attempt. The question like why she would compare herself to Yukinoshita, both women as different as night and day.

But the same could be true for Hayama and myself. Two people also like day and night.

I understood where she was coming from, but it didn't make me any less bitter.

I wanted to tell her; her worries were needless. That I had no such feels for that raven haired witch. Not anymore. Not since that night.

So, I told her, I would prefer my wife who was headstrong, rude, loud, demanding. It was funny how angry she looked being called those things. It was as if I was referring to her like some kind of brute.

But that was also the part I liked about her, as well as her kind and loving side. A soft smile broke across my face as my hands traveled to her cheeks, warm and pleasant.

I leaned forward, as if an unknown force drove me onward. A light kiss was planted on her forehead, and I slowly withdrew, savoring the scene before me.

My wife, her eyes were wide open with confusion, her cheeks glowed deep crimson, her mouth stuck open.

She was flustered, as well as I. Not knowing what forces, I called upon to attempt such a deed. It was a mystery, but it wasn't bad. Not in the least. Not when my brain was buzzed to light upon the sweet touch.

A part of me greedily desired for more. But I put a stop to such thoughts, this was enough for now. I'm just happy with the intended results.

She was frozen in time, not even blinking. Just her eyes, as beautiful as emerald gems swam with intense emotions.

Only when I poked her that she showed a reaction. And what a reaction it was, she yelled and cursed, throwing her cherry red face behind the protection of a pillow.

I smiled, an unusual act that I have been subconsciously performing as of late. The smile this time wasn't because of my wife's flustered behavior. But because it was probably the first time receiving such an act of affection.

Just the thought made me overjoyed, the exact of Yumiko and Hayama's relationship stopping with that one hug. I still want to punch that bastard.

Throwing the pillow aimed at me away, I grabbed my wife's arms before she could throw another pillow and make a mess of the new bed. I held her with care and tender; not wanting her to get hurt. Not in the least.

Once she was calm enough, I began to enact the next phase of my plan. The end goal of you will. Now was my chance since I had the momentum.

I pulled the box containing the twin rings out. Yumiko too followed my movements with surprise filling her wide eyes, mostly likely knowing what the boxes contained.

When I placed the ring on one of her fingers, I thought worriedly what she might think of it. Only for my questioned to be answered when I saw tears rolling down her cheeks.

My heart sunk immediately, fearing for the worse. Instinctively I brought her into a hug, afraid she might run away. I knew I shouldn't have bought the rings; it was too much. The stupid necklace would be better.

My fears would ease a bit when Yumiko latched onto me, tightly gripping my shirt, crying freely. She didn't push me away. She isn't anger with me, right?

I teased Yumiko lightly, calling her a crybaby of a wife, earning me a punch from the blonde. I lightly laughed, releasing the fear of getting rejected by her. It would be crushing if she did.

When she finally calm down, I placed the other ring in her hand. This one bigger than the one Yumiko was wearing. It was her turn to place the finger on me. A stinging voice, voices of the past whispered. Whisper of the rejection that was sure to coming, like it has been twice before.

These thoughts lingered. It wasn't until the ring found its way onto my finger, did those thoughts disappear and I could finally breathe. Even with my eyes gazing upon the ring, it was still hard to wrap my head around.

As I was idly chatting about school, to distract myself until my mind was fully working again. I didn't realize how low my guard was, not until I felt a sensation that I was not similar with.

I watched, wide eyes as Yumiko's figure slowly retreated back to her original spot, hands concealing lips. It dawned on me just what had taken place, the spot on my cheek burning from her touch. My head boiled up as my body rolled back, throwing itself out of the bed.

I only stood up once my mental state had returned somewhat back to normal. Not yet daring to look at Yumiko, only from the corner of my eyes. The blonde seemed to be hiding her face behind the pillow.

I proposed a truce. No more teasing or joking. If we didn't then I was afraid I wouldn't be getting any sleep tonight. And I very much wanted to sleep. She accepted the offer, switching off the light while I lay down on the bed.

The warmth of her body soon followed. But I tried to take heed of it and just kept my eyes closed till sleep came to me.

But even sleep would be hard to come by, not when Yumiko kept whispering my name, and in the end she mumbled that she loved me. If it was my younger self, he would have teared up. Even I wanted to, wanting to hear those words since young.

Is this your genuine thing Hachiman. I asked my younger self buried in the depth of my mind. No response.

Instead, I wrapped my arm around her, finding her warmth pleasant and comforting. My mouth opened and words of love also whispered out.

It should have been the end of that, both of us whispering of love and then falling asleep in each other's embrace.

That's how it should have been. Or so I thought. In the next instance my wife collided head first with me, argument beginning to fester. Only when my complains about getting some sleep did she pout her cheeks and bury herself again in my embrace.

That night in a very long time. I slept with a smile so bright that it would have made my younger self bitter with envy. No doubt saying that couples should explode.