"Thanks for meeting me on such short notice," Sano kissed Megumi on the cheek and adjusted her seat for her as she sat down before sliding into the one across from her.
"Did something happen?" Sano had called her that morning asking her to meet him for lunch if she was free. He hadn't been able to come for her himself but he sent a car to pick her up from home.
"I have to be in Europe for a few days to oversee some acquisitions. I just wanted to see ya before I left."
Something in his voice made Megumi clarify, "'A few days'?"
Sano sighed. "I leave tonight and don't come back until Friday."
Megumi was crestfallen. "Oh." Just the thought of him being away that long was, was—
"Cheer up, Kitsune, it's said that absence makes the heart grow fonder."
"Or, it simply forgets." Megumi replied drily as a server came and took their orders.
Sano had been in his father's company since his senior year of high school. He had worked his way up instead of just accepting the position that would one day be his. The board of directors trusted the capable young man and had no problems assigning him major projects.
"I don't want to go but there's no one else the board wants to represent the company." Sano said morosely.
"It is a big responsibility and they recognize the right man when they see one." Megumi said, proud of Sano.
"Well they're cutting into my month."
"Your month?"
"I only have one month, Megumi." Sano said gravely. Oh. The one month concession. She hadn't even thought about it recently and they were well over a week in already. He shook his head. "I'm sorry, I'm not trying to rush you."
"No, it's fine, you're fine." Megumi assured him. "I've enjoyed these past few days, Sano."
"But..." He prompted.
"There is no 'but'."
"But you're still hesitating." How could he read her like a book when she couldn't even figure herself out? For some reason Megumi felt overwhelmed.
"I don't know! I can't help but think that I just happen to be convenient. That you don't know that many other girls and therefore I'm the best choice for you and your family."
"Of course you're the best choice." Megumi's heart fell at Sano's admission. Suddenly her food didn't look appetizing anymore. Sano continued. "You're the most wonderful person I know." His eyes were intent, open, and at the same time, vulnerable. "Were you a farmhand's daughter, I would still choose ya." Megumi's eyes widened. "Even if I were a nobody and you were unattainable, I would still want you." He reached for her hands and lifted them to his lips. "Don't ya get it? There is no other 'choice' for me but you." He feathered kisses over her knuckles. Megumi felt weak. She drew a shaky breath and tugged on her hands but Sano didn't let go.
"Don't—I, I can't think when you do that." He paused and looked up at her.
"Then I should keep doing it until you've said 'I do.'" Megumi snatched her hands away. "I love your fire, Takani Megumi." Sano said affectionately. Megumi pointedly ignored him and resumed eating.