Guys! I got admission in one of the Prestigious colleges around here. And even my previous class ma'am congratulated me for that. So, I'm posting this for celebrating (and in hopes that they won't make me suffer)

This is from an idea, from Cutetyhil (Simy). Apologies if this isn't what you've expected.

Now, on with the story

Hilary was pacing her room nervously, her heels tapping against the carpeted floor producing a dull, annoying sound. But it didn't bother the lady clad in white from head to toe, the veil still in her brown hair, messy from her hands running through them countless of times.

"Oh, What should I do?" She muttered like a mantra as she looked at the door, expecting a man come in. More particularly, her husband. She let out another shuddering breath, and looked down on her hand. There was a beautiful ring with a diamond embedded, sitting on her ring finger, fitting perfectly. "I didn't ask for this. Or anything" She whined more to herself.

She recalled her conversation with her cousin before she was literally handed to a stranger. Maybe not a complete stranger. "Just because you've seen him at college doesn't mean he's a friend." She scolded herself, as the conversation repeated itself inside her head.

"I don't wanna do this. Okay?" She growled in frustration as she stared at herself through the vanity mirror. Her anger grew more when she heard her cousin's chuckle. "What happened to Miss-I-will-do-anything-for-my-parents?"

She stuttered as she came up with a reason. "That was when I was a child. When I thought everything will be a fairytale!" But the man leaning on the wall, rolled his eyes. Hilary narrowed her eyes still maintaining her eye contact through the reflection.

"And you expected that you will have a Prince Charming to sweep you and ride off to a far away kingdom for a happily ever after?" He let's out a playful scoff after muttering the sarcastic comment. "You're not helping, Hiwatari." The ruby eyed girl adjusted her earrings.

This just elicited a shrug from the other side, "It could've been worse if you ask me. Atleast you got someone good. And young." He mused at the last sentence, "You do know that you could've gotten married to an old, wealthy guy, right?"

Hilary shuddered in disgust at that, but she nodded in agreement. Atleast this Granger guy was around her age. One pro. But the rest are cons. "Do they really need a marriage to finish off a business deal? I mean-" Kai sighed, "They think it'll make sure the agreement will be on personal level. So, no chance of scams."

"A damn agreement..." She cursed, which caused a smirk to rise on the man's lips. But soon her head hung down as she whimpered, ready to burst into tears. Kai quickly noted the change in his cousin's demeanor and rushed to her side. Placing a hand on her shoulder, "Tyson is a nice guy. Too talkative and irritating. But other than that, a perfect guy for you. You can fight, and banter for the rest of your life."

But this consolation wasn't enough for her. She lifted her head, lips quivering wildly. Her eyes became bloodshot matching her iris, as she tried to control her tears. "Is it bad that I wanted to fall in love? To actually go on a single date?" She asked turning to her cousin.

Kai squeezed her shoulder, silently encouraging her to go on. He wasn't a fan of rants, but if that makes his cousin feel better, so be it. "You know my group of friends, right? Mariah, Mariam, Emily, and Julia? You know Ray was in love with Mariah, hm?"
Ray was on the football team at college. It was lead by Kai, and the other famous members are Max Tate, Tyson Granger and, of course, Raymond Kon. Aka, their goal keeper.

This just got her a nod, as she continued, "I never wanted to be in a relationship before Ray and Mariah started dating. Oh, how bad I wanted someone like that. Someone just to understand me. Give me a few thoughtful gifts, and a shoulder to lean on. A person to take care of, making their heart flutter." She said dreamily.

The dual haired male doesn't relate exactly. But he wanted to love someone too. Atleast for the sake of it. "You know Ray and Mariah are married?" He asked, hesitantly. Hilary sneered at that, "I do. I went there to congratulate her. Though I was envious of her, I didn't show it. She was so lucky to get a good boyfriend and the even made him her husband. Unlike me. I guess a black cat walked in when I was born."

This time tears were flowing freely down her cheeks, as no one tried to wipe it. "I don't want this, Kai. At all." Kai looked around and got a soft cloth, and handed it over. "If someone walks in now, we both will be in serious trouble." He said in a matter of fact tone.

"What if I don't care?" Hilary almost snarled at the thought of 'someone.' Everything was for someone else. Everything she did, does, will do is for someone else. When will she do things just because she wanted to?

She wanted to learn how to play a guitar. But when she asked her parents, they said it won't look feminine or elegant. So, they made her take piano classes. God, how she hated that instrument. Those white and black keys seemed to mock at her whenever she was asked to play it. And, it was safe to say that she got mad couple times, and that didn't end well for the grand piano.

"I promise you," he whispered gently, engulfing his weeping cousin in a tight hug, "Everything will go well. This marriage is not as bad as you think. And, Tyson won't act like what you're assuming. That's one thing I can promise. He'll let you be yourself."

Hilary held onto him, hiccupping, feeling like she'll break if she let go off him. After a couple of minutes, the rough whimpers subsided to soft breaths. Kai pulled away from the hug gently, and cocked his head towards the bathroom.

His cousin understood him wordlessly, and got up to wash her face. At the sink, she didn't dare to look at her tear-striken face as she opened the faucet, and cleaned her face. When she glanced up, she looked normal. No evidences of tears, or red eyes. Just a little swelling, but she'll say it was from the lack of sleep.

When she came out, Kai was back to his old pose near the wall. Like neither the conversation, nor the breakdown happened. Hilary came back to her seat, continuing with her make-up, reluctantly trusting her older cousin, and secretly relieved that he didn't poke her more.

Time seemed to run, as she did her make up, taking frequent glances at the clock, spewing profanities at the speed of the minute hands inside her mind. Her cousin shook his head, disbelief etched in his face, when he caught sight of the glare pointed towards the poor object.

Before he could open his mouth, the doors burst opened, revealing a dark navy haired lady in her fifties. She didn't notice Kai yet, and turned to a pair of frightened, ruby eyes. "You're still getting ready. Aw, look at that. This make up isn't doing good to your pretty face. Let me finish this." She said as she approached her soon-to-be-daughter-in-law. "Um... Aunt..." Hilary tried to make an excuse, but she saw the woman's eye zeroed in on Kai.

"Ah... This is the bride's room. Men are not supposed to here. So-" She didn't need to finish her sentence as the dual-haired guy already went out. Now, Hilary was her whole focus, as she combed her hair gently. "Don't worry, my dear. You'll be like our daughter."

'Will I?'

"Am I making the right decision? Can he be trusted? I don't even know him!" The brunette ranted, still pacing so much that if she went a little faster, the carpet might be set on fire. Her thoughts wandered back to her college days. The soccer team was always the talk of the college girls. And of course, by getting some last minute goals, Tyson Granger got a special place in the young women's heart.

But as far as she could remember, none of the boys in the soccer team dated. With an exception of Ray, of course. He was decent with girls, and almost avoided them all the times but the match time. He never ignored his fans during the match. Kai used to complain about he always tries to slack the training.

Other than that, he was just another classmate. Nothing judged as a character flaw. And even during the wedding ceremony, Tyson didn't give her a direct kiss. He had faked a kiss, muttering an apology. Maybe he won't be bad..." She trailed off, sitting on the bed, letting her whole weight bounce on the soft mattress.

Hilary heard the soft click of the door handle, before a guy in tuxedo came in with a big, rectangle, sleek black box in his hands. He placed it gently on the small table near the entry, and turned to close the doors, "I didn't mean to be late. The wedding feast was amazing. I couldn't control myself." He chuckled, trying to lighten the atmosphere like he always does. And his words weren't a lie.

To his disappointment, this just was responded with a hum. Tyson took a deep breath to control his sigh,and continued with the same passion, taking a small band to tie his hair, "I don't remember you being this silent. You always talk, and to be honest, I'm jealous that our captain speaks in full sentences to you."

"He's my cousin"

"I know that part. And I'm his best friend, and the only thing that comes out his mouth is a 'Hn.' Can you believe that? Such a soupuss." He complained.

"He's not. He's just reserved." She felt her self discipline slipping through her fingers, as she managed to answer this question with etiquette that was taught to her.

Tyson shrugged, feeling a victory smirk after seeing her eyebrows twitch in a controlled anger. "Yeah. Very reserved." He spoke sarcastically, finishing his hair. "Phew. That hairstyle was so irritating. So... You wanna know what I brought here?" He cocked his towards the box.

True, Hillary was curious. But still shook her head, "It maybe your personal things. I don't know." The navy haired guy went to the table, his back facing her, "You know, Kai cares so much about you. He even talked, as in real "talk" using full sentences," he put air quotes, "which he almost never does. He said mockingly.

Before Hilary could protest, he placed the box he brought in on her lap. " A gift. From me. Tyson Granger. You should be lucky. " He added the last line cheekily. The brunette controlled her urge to roll her eyes, "What is in this?"

"It's... A surprise!"

"But-"

"Just open it already!"

"Fine, fine." She opened the box, begrudgingly. The second the box stood wide open for her to peek in, she froze. Words failed to escape her lips. Her expression was a mixture of joy and shock. Seeing her face, the guy smirked, "Seems like the lady is speechless. Did you like it that much?"

"I... I... Thank you..."

"Thank your dear cousin. He deserves a little praise too. He said you liked guitars, and wanted to play one."

"He did?" She mentally thanked Kai, as she took the new, yet beginner guitar out. It's Blue coat was gleaming on the light. Tyson then took out another black, surely used, guitar out too. "Come on. I'll teach you. From the basics. First from how to hold and the to play notes, and chords."

"Slowly." She adjusted the guitar to mimic his stance.

"Ah. Right. Now. Your dominant had should hold this side." He started to teach her.

The night rolled faster, and by the time the clock ticked 2'O clock, Hilary knew the notes, albeit a little confused. But her face was bright trying to play her guitar. She learned that Tyson was forced to marry, having no interest too. And he was a cocky guy who loves to bicker with her, purposefully making her annoyed.

"I'll be having a burst ear at this rate."

"Oh, shut up. It's not as bad you did a few minutes ago. You killed the birthday song."

"Nah. Your ears are at fault. They can't listen to my sweet melody."

"They are sweet. Only in your dreams, Tyson."

"What if this is my dream, and you're in it? That means- Ow! What was that hit for?"

"For confirming it's not a dream."

"You're a witch."

"Ha! That makes you a monster."

"How?" He let out a yawn, rubbing his eyes. This made Hilary then to the clock, "It's already two late at night... We should sleep." She gently placed her precious guitar in the case, and closed it. Tyson nodded, and got up, and handed over a bag, "Some comfy clothes. I don't know your size, so I bought it a little bigger. Go, change."

Her ruby eyes almost popped out, and suddenly she can feel the itchy wedding dress on her skin. She muttered a quick thanks, before grabbing the bag and rushing to the bathroom.
When she came out, she saw Tyson sleeping on his sitting posture. She had a small desire to go yell in his ear, and scare him. But her rational part took pity of him, and made her go shake him gently. "Hey, Tyson. Wake up. You can't sleep in this." The reply she got was all grumbles, as he rubbed his eyes with a pout.

"Jeez, already bossing me around." He commented light heartedly, as he went inside the bathroom with his set of clothes. That sentence, though, made Hilary rewind the conversation. She actually got friendly with this new guy. And she was almost herself with him.

"I guess he has a way with people." She shrugged her shoulders, still on cloud nine from the new guitar, and lessons. Soon, she'll be able to play it like she does often in her dreams. This Tyson was making it possible, she thought as she lied down.

Maybe everything will turn out nice. I have a small piece of hope now. Thanks, Tyson.

So, how was it? Not the kind of story you'd expect from the title, right? I know . But my weird brain got this idea after hearing the word, and I found it interesting.

Pardon if there were any errors. Read and Review. Plus thanks for all who read, and reviewed my last oneshot.

-Devi