"Kirin! Kirin—!"
"What do you want?!" Kirin snapped, whirling around to face her boyfriend with an angry glare.
Umehito stopped in his tracks. He'd never seen her so upset—not that he didn't understand why she was angry, he just wasn't used to it.
"I-I, um, I—" he stammered, looking at the tar beneath his feet.
"That's what I thought," she hissed.
She turned down a side street, leaving him standing in the middle of the road.
"Kirin…."
"What's wrong, Thorne?"
"Oh—oh, Honey, you scared me," Thorne smiled sadly, wiping tears from her face.
"I'm sorry," he climbed onto the chair next to her. "So what's wrong?"
She sighed, looking out into the sunset. The back deck provided a perfect view of the setting sun.
"I have to get married," she said softly.
"Married? Why?"
"Because someone has to be ready to take over if anything happens to Dad—to run things and take care of everyone. I'm the oldest, so it's my responsibility."
"Oh…. But why do you need a husband to do that?" Honey tilted his head curiously.
"I…. Well, Dad's pretty much been running things on his own since mom got sick. It's hard being the head of a household even with support, much less on your own. I think he just doesn't want me to have to struggle like he does."
"I guess that makes sense…."
"Mm-hm," she nodded.
"Have you met him yet?"
"Well, we don't actually have anyone picked yet. And Dad says that it's my decision, so if he finds someone and I don't like him, I don't have to marry him."
"Oh…. What kind of person do you want him to be?" he asked. He was really curious...
"I don't really know," she admitted. "I suppose I just want him to be kind—someone sweet and caring. Beyond that, it doesn't really matter to me."
She didn't tell him whom it was that popped into her mind.
"Mitsukuni, it's time to go," Mori said from the doorway.
"Oh—ok, Takashi," he hopped off the chair. "Don't worry, Thorne, it'll be ok!"
"Thanks, Honey," she smiled softly as he gave her a big hug. "Oh, and Honey—please don't tell anyone. Not even Amber—I don't want to make her worry."
"Huh?" he blinked. "Well, ok… but I think you should tell her. You'd want her to tell you, wouldn't you?"
He left without waiting for a response.
Thorne sighed. Honey was right, of course—she'd have to tell Amber eventually. She was hoping to put it off until everything was set, but it wasn't easy to keep things from her sister. Her secret may not stay a secret for long.
"Great," Kirin sighed, plopping down on a swing. She was completely lost. She had no idea how she'd ended up in the park, or how to get home or anywhere else. Her phone was dead. And to make matters even worse, it was getting dark—and it looked like it might rain. The few scattered park lights came on and she frowned; it wouldn't be long until those dim lights were her only source of illumination.
A rustling sound came from behind her. She started, staring at the brush, fear bubbling up inside her. A squirrel scampered out, and she let out her breath. She almost laughed—almost. She trailed her toe through the dirt under the swing, leaning her head against the chain as a raindrop hit her cheek.
"Kirin!"
Kirin's head jerked up at the sound of her name. It was dark, and she was soaked; she must've dozed off….
Umehito came running through the mud, sliding to a stop in front of her. She leapt from the swing, flinging her arms around his waist.
"I was worried about you," he sighed, pulling her close. "What are you doing out here?"
"I got lost," she whimpered. "I was scared. Especially when it started getting dark—I don't like to be outside alone in the dark."
"I know. It's ok, Kirin—you're not alone anymore," he murmured softly. He hesitated. "Kirin…. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have yelled at you."
"It's ok, Ume," she mumbled into his chest.
"No, it's not. You were just trying to help."
"You were grumpy. I would've been grumpy, too."
"Being in a bad mood isn't an excuse. I was wrong."
"It's ok, Ume," she repeated. "I forgive you."
"Ok," he kissed her forehead. "Why don't we get you home and out of the rain?"
He took her hand and started to walk back the way he came. She didn't budge. He glanced back at her, confused.
"Kirin—"
"Kiss me."
"What?" he blinked.
"Kiss me," she repeated.
He was still confused, but he wasn't about to complain. Her face tilted up, her eyes closed. He put his hands on her hips and pressed his lips against hers. He felt her smile into the kiss as her arms wound around his neck. They held the kiss for a moment before he slowly pulled away.
"I've always wanted to be kissed in the rain," she said, smiling up at him.
"Why?"
"It's romantic."
He wasn't sure what was so romantic about being pelted by water. He shrugged it off, kissing her cheek. Whatever made her happy.
"C'mon, let's go," he pressed another kiss to her lips, wrapping another arm around her waist.
She leaned into his side as they walked, happy and comfortable despite her wet clothing and the constant onslaught of rain.
Neither of them noticed the shadow lurking at the edge of the woods.