Chapter 30
Days and weeks have passed since the announcement of the Nishikado engagement, the news had gone stale; now it was back in focus to what could be done to capture the other three still left on the platter. What most didn't know was that it was not even close to being over, despite Rui keeping silent , and the Nishikado couple going through with the necessary preparations for the wedding.
Both the in laws were highly wary of this silence, and the winning of an unfought war. But nonetheless happy at this silent agreement received from the couple.
Soujiro was well aware of what had happened after they two sped off, though spared from the details he knew that it had reached the end for the two and supposed that he could now put his fears to rest; she was his. But of this he knew too that behind the filial way she had carried out each and every task with a smile, behind each smile was possibly a pool of tears.
Today they were to try on the tailored wedding outfit made by Tsukushi's designer friend, Zelda Fregardi. Soujiro looked at her as she zoned out in the car.
"Concentrate on your driving, you will see my face often enough for the next few decades," said Tsukushi.
He blushed and turned his eyes back to the road, "Tsukushi…I-".
She cut his lines saying, "I know what you want to say, but first make a right turn and pull over, we're here."
He nodded and brought the car to a halt, shifted the gear to a 'P' and waited for her response.
"Jirou-kun, I will never love you, for putting it so bluntly; kindly accept my apologies. I know, that you know, that I am doing this for duty to my father. I don't know what you are doing this for, but, I think in order to live the next few decades of our lives together we need to have a mutual liking. So, I'm going to learn and cultivate my like for you. Jirou, lets date," she said looking at him.
He was shell shocked, but asked "Tsukushi… What happened with Rui?"
A pained look crossed her face, "You're really shaking my resolve to start liking you, you know? Bringing up topics like that and all…" she said with tears starting to well up.
"Tsukushi…" said Soujiro, and she turned to look at him.
"Tsukushi…lets date." And he leaned towards her and gave her a light kiss on the lips.
