Hilary knew her friends didn't get it. She knew they'd never be able to see past the man they put on the cover of magazines, highlighting his business conquests or his past rivalries in the Beyblade world. They would always turn him into the most basic version of himself: strong; cold; silent; fearless; fearsome. And he could be all those things.
But by just looking at those traits, it would be easy to think that Kai had the upper hand in their relationship. That he was controlling and impersonal. That being with him was a double-edged sword.
Hilary hated to admit it, but there was a time she believed the same. She had been so concerned with not being hurt by him that she hadn't realized she was just as capable of inflicting that same pain.
But now they were partners, equal in their love and dependence on each other.
Those on the outside never be able to reconcile the Kai Hiwatari they read about with the one that appeared behind closed doors.
She knew that he sought out her lips, her body, her mind, just as much as she reached for his.
She knew the way he came up behind her and wrap his arms around her stomach, pulling her back against him, only to place a single kiss on the nape of her neck just because he could.
Or how solid he was when she jumped into his arms the night he proposed. How he could still carry her without wavering as she tangled her fingers in his hair, wrapped her legs around his waist, and attached her lips to his for the rest of the night.
Hilary would laugh at the articles and her friend's discreet stares as they tried to hide their curiosity. To her, they were uproariously funny. They'd spread those articles among each other, talking extensively about his obvious strength, dedication, and passion.
And somehow, it never occurred to them that Kai loved her just the same. And she him.
Well, that's it. The end. They live happily ever after. Kai only reminds her of the all problems she caused every two years or so for his own enjoyment.
Thank you to all of the readers who followed this. I'm very grateful and appreciative. Now that we're finished, I'd love to hear any thoughts you had.
See you next time - Konix