Anne's eyes fluttered open before she languidly stretched. Paris in mid-April still had a chill in the air, but Anne didn't mind it entirely. It just gave her an excuse to cuddle Ren for warmth, not to mention that Anne loved winter fashion.

This would be their first full day in Paris, so Anne was excited to explore the city with Ren. She and Ren had some plans but there was no real itinerary. She still remembered the bizarre look Makoto gave her when she told the older woman their plans, but Anne liked a little spontaneity. When Makoto got married, she could plan to her heart's content.

But as she turned to face her husband—the word still felt so magical when she applied it to Renshe blinked at the sight of the rumpled sheets. There was a little note, folded on Ren's pillow, though.

She reached out, picking up the note before unfolding it.

Dear Anne,

I couldn't sleep much last night. A little too wired from the flight. So, I went and looked up the bakeries around here on my phone. One caught my eye and I thought I'd surprise you by picking up some pastries. Hopefully you didn't wake up that early… Can't wait to see you.

Love, Ren

Anne couldn't stop her heart from fluttering as a soft smile curled at her lips. That was such aRen thing to do.

But she didn't want to be lazing around when Ren came back so she figured that she'd get ready for the day. She reluctantly dragged herself from bed. She grabbed her fuzzy pink robe, thankful that she had pulled that out last night and left it on the loveseat and slipped it on. She then bent over her luggage, rummaging for an outfit for today.

As she shifted aside a red turtleneck, a small parcel tied together with string caught Anne's eye. That had been Haru's idea—suggesting that they write each other letter for each year they've been together as a couple and then exchange the letters during their honeymoon.

Maybe she could read them while waiting for Ren. She set them aside before selecting a red sweater dress with a belt and a pair of black leggings to wear. After going through her usual morning routine, Anne got dressed. Anne then settled in the corner chair, tucking her legs underneath her before tugging open the parcel.

The first letter was dated 2016.

Anne picked it up, unfolding it. Ren's bold handwriting stared back at her.

Dear Anne,

Sometimes I think about how we're just a little more than a month away from being married. It boggles my mind. I still think about the day we had first met. I had been in a really bad mood. Sojiro was being a complete dick to me. Kobayakawa was giving me thinly veiled threats about keeping in line or else I'll get kicked out of Shujin. And to add a cherry to the metaphorical sundae, it was raining. Not pouring but it was enough to make me think that I was some celestial being's cosmic plaything.

Anne sighed softly at the last part. Poor Ren. He really did have it rough that year… But she's always admired his inner strength.

And then I took cover under that awning. I probably looked like an idiot, gawking at you like that. But I couldn't help it. You were just so beautiful. Then you turned your head and looked at me. You noticed the cherry blossom petals in my hair and reached out to brush that out. Then… you looked to me with a smile. Until that moment, I didn't realize how powerful a smile could be.

Not to mention tears. I still remember coming across you, talking to Kamoshida on the phone. Didn't mean to eavesdrop but I guess… in a way, my attention was always drawn to you. Whether it's because you're laughing or smiling… I never told you before but it wasn't Shiho that made me decide that Kamoshida had to be taken down. It was you, crying, and feeling utterly alone. Of course, Shiho did add fuel to the fire but it was you who lit in me.

Anne blinked, staring down at that part. Then an affectionate smile curled at her lips.

"Oh Ren…" she breathed out.

That was just so typical of Ren. He had a big heart. He couldn't stop himself from caring, even when the world itself tried to kick him down.

She had admired that of him from the start. And it was just part of what made her love him.

Looking back, I'm not sure when exactly I fell in love with you. There was no THE moment. But spending time with you, you confiding in me about your troubles, and letting me see the real you… that's what made me fall in love with you. Once I realized this, there was no turning back.

Your crying about feeling alone made me just want to hug you. I actually… meant to say that "you have me". But a part of me was scared that you just saw me as one of your closest friends. I was scared to make the leap, to take the chance.

Anne couldn't help but chuckle, smiling softly. During that time, she had been convinced that Ren had been dating Makoto in secret.

Good thing that you spoke up about me and Makoto 'dating', huh? If anything, that gave me the courage to speak up about how I felt about you.

At this, Anne just huffed in annoyance. Typical Ren…

I do find it funny that you'd think I'd prefer Makoto over you, though… Makoto's a great friend and all but she's not you. I've always had eyes for you. Nobody could compare to you. I had gone on dates with girls from Shimoda in the past but they were always just a one-time thing. You were my first in almost every way and I'm so glad that was the case.

I'm just grateful that you grew to love me, Anne. Sometimes I can't believe that we're married. I love you so much and I don't think I'll be ever to express this fully.

Love, Ren

Anne couldn't help but clasp the letter to her chest, letting out a dreamy sigh. Her heart just felt so… warm, reading Ren's heartfelt words. She really felt lucky to have found Ren, especially so early in life.

She remembered snide comments from some coworkers in the past, saying that high school relationships never lasted.

But she felt blessed to have Ren, to have someone who understood her so well.

The next letter was labelled 2017.

Dear Anne,

The first part of 2017 was just hellish. I kept dreaming about our argument on Christmas Eve. I had wanted to make it special for you, but you picked up that something was wrong… I wanted to tell you so badly, but I knew that you would've tried to talk me out of it.

Tears pricked at Anne's eyes. That night had been awful. That had… been their first fight as a couple. It should've been special, their first Christmas together… but circumstances had completely ruined it.

I wanted to be selfish that night. A part of me wanted to refuse to go with Sae, so I could stay with you and everyone else. But I knew that it wouldn't be right, that you and the others would be constantly looking over your shoulder in fear of what Shido's men would try to do.

And you remember the letter I wrote for you that night. I wanted you to move on from me because at the time, I thought I'd be stuck in jail for who knew how long. It wouldn't be fair for you… even though the thought of you loving someone else broke my heart.

Anne bit her lip. She remembered that letter too. She had cried and cried at his words. He apologized to her so much while also affirming that he loved her so much. It was definitely… a dark time in her life. There was a reason why she threw herself into the efforts to free Ren so much…

I'm not surprised that you were the one to get everyone to act though. I still don't know how you guys did it… but I will always be grateful to everyone for getting me out of there.

I still remember the day I came back. It didn't… feel real. That I was free. Not until you looked at me and smiled and said, "Welcome home". You were in my arms, and I was home again.

Love, Ren

It was the first time she had said those words to him. They had been dating for six months (maybe only four, because of the time Ren spent in prison), but it just felt right.

The third letter was labelled 2018.

Dear Anne,

2017 also made me learn how tough it was to do a long-distance relationship. I missed you like hell. But it also made me more determined to study my ass off so I could get into a university in Tokyo. Of course there were our friends too but you became my first priority.

I also remember sitting down with your parents and mine about moving in together. They REALLY were unsure about it. I guess it makes sense. I mean, your parents got together during university and my parents started dating in their early twenties too. Dad was a little old-fashioned too and didn't start living with Mom until they got engaged, to add to it.

But I'm glad we convinced them in the end. I remember all the times you told me how lonely you were, growing up. Even though you understood why your parents were always working… it broke my heart to hear you talk about just wanting to see your parents.

I know that sometimes we can't see each other in person for special dates like our birthdays or our anniversary. I won't lie—it's hard sometimes, missing you on those special days... But I know you're chasing your dream, that you want to be a shining light for those who need hope. And I'll always be waiting for you, to welcome you home.

Love, Ren

"Anne?"

Anne gasped and Ren's letter slipped through her fingers. She looked up to see her husband standing in front of her, with a box of pastries in hand.

"I had hoped to wake you up with these goodies," Ren chuckled before setting aside the pastry box.

He then leaned down, kissing her sweetly. Anne closed her eyes before looping her arms around Ren's neck.

"Missed you," Anne mumbled out as they came up for air.

They still remained close though and Ren chuckled.

"I wasn't even gone for that long," he said with a playful smile.

"I still missed you," Anne said, reaching up to touch Ren's face.

Ren rubbed his thumb over Anne's hand for a moment before straightening up. He then smiled at her.

"So… what were you up to?"

Anne laughed, waving a hand. "Oh well… remember the thing Haru suggested? I decided to pass the time by reading the letters you wrote me."

Ren let out an embarrassed laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. "Hope I didn't overwhelm you with what I wrote."

Anne rose to her feet, smiling at her husband. "It was so sweet. I know that you love me but to see it on paper… It really solidified it for me."

Ren took her hands before lifting them to drop a gentle kiss to both of them.

"I love you, Anne. And I'll spend every day making sure that you will never regret marrying me," he said with a sincere smile.

Anne couldn't help but shake her head before she gave Ren a bright smile. "You're so silly. I would never regret that."

She couldn't help but wonder what Ren would say when he got to read her letters…


Dear Ren,

It's the eve of our wedding. We've faced gods, dealt with long-distance… It's a little nervewracking to know that in twelve hours, I will be reciting the vows I wrote for this… I'm a little nervous—I hope I remember them!

But soon, I'll be your wife. And my nerves, the stress, and dealing with Mom and Dad's intense wedding planning sessions… it'll all be worth it.

I promise to love and cherish you for the rest of our days. You've changed my life, Ren. More than you'll ever realize. You're my light, my spark of hope—you're my everything. I can't wait to say "I do". I know, people will say we're young and that we shouldn't rush into marriage. But I don't see it like that. It's a new chapter in our lives and I want you by my side.

Forever and always,

Anne


Happy Day 2 of Shuann Week! This was a little harder for me to write but I hope you enjoyed it!