Chapter 36

His mother looked at him confused.

"Takashi, why don't you just live with her?"

He looked up from his bowl of rice and blinked before swallowing the mouthful of food. She had come to visit during his lunch hour, stopping by to see how he was doing. He was going into his third year of his doctorate.

"What do you mean?"

"It'll save her some rent," she pointed out. "You spend almost every evening with her from what I've heard from your grandfather. You really only come home to sleep, or eat. Your grandfather has already rolled his eyes at how slow of a pace you're moving."

Takashi shrugged.

"Does she not want you to live with her?" Takashi's mother couldn't fathom why it was not a logical decision for them.

"Uh," the son cleared his throat. "Marriage should come first."

His mother shook her head. "That is an outdated tradition. Plenty of people these days live together before getting married, Takashi." It made sense to test drive what life would be like beforehand, did it not?

Takashi did not want to rush into things. He was more than grateful with what he had with her. He wouldn't dare ask for more, especially if he didn't need to. He was happy. So, incredibly happy.

"Well," his mother looked at him expectantly. "You can marry her, if you'd like." If that was what made him feel more comfortable, she'd give them her blessing. Hana Sawada was no longer the heiress to the Sawada Corporation, that news broke weeks ago, straight after the announcement of Kyouya Ootori officially taking over his own family's company. The young woman was right.

From what she had heard, Hana had taken a silent partnership with Honey to start his own company. Takashi informed her that she did some day trading, while working at a florist's shop. The young woman was true to her word when she said that all she wanted to do was to live normally.

Takashi nodded. "I know."

"What's stopping you, Takashi?"

He shrugged. "I'm happy." Marriage was a formality to him, just as it was to her. It wasn't a necessary step, not at the moment. But they were happy as they were and neither of the two thought to ruin it.

"I see," his mother smiled. "Well, I'm glad."

"I love her very much," Takashi added. He was living the life he had always imagined with her. Normal and simple.

"I can tell," she nodded. "As long as you're happy – I am no place to invade. Your grandfather is getting antsy, that is all."

Takashi raised an eyebrow at that statement.

Later that evening, Hana came around to the Morinozuka residence, flowers in hand because she thought that the bouquet she had made with some leftover scraps had been especially pretty. Takashi popped his head out of the gate and smiled at her, and eyed the florals in her hand.

"They're for someone special," she brushed off with a smile.

"Ah," Takashi nodded. "Of course." Someone special had always been their small joke since he discovered that she worked as a florist.

Hana popped her head through the gates of the home.

"Morinozuka-san," she called out. Takashi turned around unexpectedly, wondering what she was up to. Were the flowers really not for him?

The elder shuffled his way out of the home and brightened at the sight of Hana, who he usually saw every few days. He enjoyed her company, of course. She had always been a ray of happiness, despite these past few months. The grandchildren always made sure to keep the elder company, though neither of them were children any more.

"Ah, Hana," the grandfather slipped on his sandals and greeted the woman.

"I thought these would look nice for your tea ceremony," she handed off the bouquet. "I think it would make a nice centrepiece."

"These are lovely," the elder agreed. "It matches the colour scheme. Thank you, Hana. You're so thoughtful."

It made his heart skip a beat. The way she smiled and treated his family members as though they were her own. It was like falling in love all over again, every other day there would be something he would find something incredibly special about her. He was so lucky.

"You two should get married soon," Takashi's grandfather casually mentioned, looking at the pair with approval. "Your grandfather would approve, Hana." He added as an afterthought.

Hana only laughed naturally at the statement. They were still young. "One day," she brushed off.

"I was already married at your age. You know I can't keep cooking for this grandchild every day! Get him off my hands, Hana," he half-joked.

"I mean, I can," she looked up at Takashi. "If he wants to come live with me."

Takashi cocked his head to the side. What a coincidence. As if fate had taken all the puzzle pieces together and laid them in place at the right time. He thought about what his mother had said earlier in the day. The couple went on their usual evening walk with the dog.

"Okaa-san came by to visit," he cleared his throat. They walked through the park, hand in hand. Hana's ponytail swayed with her when she looked up at him. Her lips were coloured a hue of mauve that he liked.

"Oh? How is she?" Her voice was bright. Genuine. As always when she spoke to him. This was the happiest he had seen her in years. Takashi couldn't help but to smile back.

"Actually," Takashi sheepishly began. "She asked why I wasn't living with you."

"Well," Hana blinked with her doe eyes. Her eyelashes fluttered. "You never asked." It wasn't such a big deal.
"Neither did you," Takashi pointed out.

Hana nodded and shrugged. "That's true."

"So," he raised an eyebrow.

The woman laughed. "I just wanted some time to get back on my feet, Takashi," she explained.
"You're on your feet," Mori pointed to her flats. This was his way of trying to be funny. Hana liked his literal sense of humour, no matter how silly.

"Yes," she grinned. "I'm on my feet. I'm settled. I'm doing pretty good, I think."

"Yeah," he agreed, settling into another comfortable bout of silence.

They reached her home in no time, with Takashi shuffling his feet around the gate, hands in his pockets – not really wanting to leave. It would have been perfect if he just lived with her, he finally realized. Not that it was an inconvenience, but he didn't have to always feel like he was leaving a part of him behind every night.

Hana let the dog through the gate first and then turned to the human who had been waiting patiently for her. She snaked her arms around his neck and pulled him down with her, it always felt so natural to be with him.

"I needed some time to live by myself," Hana continued on with her explanation. "I wanted to be able to get back on my feet without having to depend on you too much." She wanted to attain happiness on her own terms, not through the dependence of someone else.

"I understand," Takashi nodded. He respected her independence. It was one of the things he loved about her. Hana strived to grow on her own. She wanted to be able survive without him.

"That doesn't mean I don't miss you," Hana added. "I miss you every day. I'm always happy with you."

"I am too," he told her, pressing his lips to the top of her head. His fingers grazing through the loose strands of her ponytail that fell to the side of her face.

Hana wanted to prove to herself that she could be on her own, and she did. She was faring just wonderfully by herself, settling into a peaceful life without the added pressures of society. Takashi couldn't have been more proud of her to watch her grow into someone that she was finally happy to become.

"What do you think?" Hana murmured into his neck.

"Hm?"

"Do you want to come live with me?" she looked up to him, her eyes hopeful. Of course, he could still say no. But why would he? Takashi smiled.

He nodded in response. He excitedly lifted her up the ground in one swift motion. It always made her laugh, and this time was no exception.

A summer wedding. In Hawaii.

Extravagant and over the top was how Kyouya described it. Just like Tamaki, he added with a grumble. He sat next to Hana and Mori at the reception and served as the best man. Hana mingled about while Takashi and Honey lingered around the cakes. She turned her attention back to the Ootori.

Socialites knew of her, but never really approached her. Not while she was with the Ootori, of course. The two discussed business, purely out of their own interest without any ulterior motive. Hana was always well versed in discussing new tech startups as she was beginning to turn to venture capitalism. The Ootori of course, was always interested in acquiring new technology for his medical business. He valued her opinion, and vice versa.

They would have made quite the power couple, the room thought. But alas, they were only good friends and would turn to be even greater business partners should they choose to do business with one another.

"Was it the right decision?" Kyouya leaned against the pillar. He always wondered what was appealing about giving up a multi-million dollar company. It was such a waste of an opportunity.

Hana chuckled. "Yeah, it was. I'm happier." She looked around at the crowds of socialites. They were all staring at them. She could tell that they were gossiping and it was this sort of environment that she did not miss at all from the upper class.
"How?" The Ootori just couldn't understand.

The woman thought about it. "I'm lucky that I can live the way I do without having to worry about the stress of a 9-5 office job." She was good at managing her own money.
"Being a CEO is hardly a 9-5 job," Kyouya pointed out. It was exciting to him.
"Exactly. It's a 24/7 position, meddled with politics that I'm too tired to play," Hana gestured to the group of people who were only invited for face-value at the table behind her.

The Ootori never looked at politics as tiresome. It was a necessity to survive – it was fun, to a degree. Hana was truly different from him, and these differences were evident that they would have never worked out to be a real romantic partner. Not that she had ever been an option to him, but she was a good friend, and a great businesswoman – but their perspectives on life diverged.

"Interesting," Kyouya nodded. "What's next?"

Hana shook her head. "I don't know. Whatever comes by, I guess. I'm a part-time florist. Part-time investor. I kickbox. I run. I take care of my dog. I'm… satisfied."

It just sounded so boring to him. The Ootori shook his head. He didn't understand.

Hana chuckled at his response. "What about you? How's the 3rd quarter coming along?"
"Profits are up. We recently acquired another pharmaceutical company." The Ootori Corporation was not just a chain of hospitals anymore.

"Good," Hana congratulated. She looked for Mori in the crowd. She spotted him talking to someone with bright auburn hair. She wondered who it was. "Did you have a crush on Haruhi by any chance?"

The Ootori's eyes narrowed.

"What do you mean?" He didn't appreciate the sudden change in topic. The woman smiled at how he became so defensive – it wasn't her intention to bring up something sensitive – though she thought they were friendly enough to discuss their personal lives without too much friction.

Hana shrugged. Mori was the one who told her about it, but there was no solid evidence.

"Just an inkling," Hana tried to diffuse the tension. It seemed to have been true, given the way he reacted defensively. "Nothing wrong with that," she reassured.

"You've been eyeing someone new though," Hana watched his eyes dart occasionally behind her. "Seems like she's with Takashi," she too, was curious about this new character that had been floating around the reception hall. The bright auburn hair was hard to miss. Hana had never seen her before.

"Who is she?"

Kyouya cleared his throat and excused himself to approach Takashi and the mystery woman. Hana shrugged and let them sort it out. The Host Club and their antics were always interesting to observe, but Hana never made much of an effort to truly immerse herself within them. She was welcomed, though never fully integrated.

Takashi eventually joined her side while she spoke with the Twins about their new summer collection. He caught Hana in the midst of gently turning them down again, reminding them that she'd been retired from the industry for years. The Hitachiins shuffled to the side when Takashi quietly took her wrist and elicited her to glance up at him.

"Hello," she smiled up at him, ignoring the rest of the room. Takashi mirrored the same look on her face, instantly brightening. He tugged at her wrist and gestured for them to head over to the beach instead of being cooped up in the reception hall. Hana happily obliged and followed in suit.

"Who was that?" she asked when her toes hit the soft sand.

"Former classmate," Takashi explained. "Not sure why she's here."

"Oh," Hana raised an eyebrow. "The Twins told me that she's a lawyer."

Mori nodded and shrugged. It was none of his business. Hana didn't seem to put much thought into it either.

"I've missed this," she told him. Nature. The fresh air. Adventure. The escape.

Takashi nodded in understanding. I know. He squeezed her hand and she instinctively pulled herself against him.

"You should dress up more often, hey?" she smiled up at him. His hair was not in his usual spiky standard that drooped down against the side of his face. It was gelled back, with the sides shaven. His shoulders were fitted against the blazer of his suit. The dark blue complimented her own baby blue dress. They matched with the ocean.

Takashi could only shrug at that. It took effort to dress up, and he often didn't have the time nor the occasion to do so.

"You look good," Hana reminded him, sneaking a kiss on his jaw. It didn't help that his heart skipped a beat and that his knee jerk reaction was to clear his throat out of embarrassment. He was glad no one was around. Only seagulls that circled around in the sky, squealing in unison with the waves of the ocean.

"You too," was all he could choke out.

"Thanks," Hana was good at taking compliments – much better than he did. She accepted his words of appreciation effortlessly, with such confidence that he never stopped to fall deeper in love with.

She had the sense of adventure that he would always take the opportunity to follow. Waking up at the crack of dawn to paddleboard at the sunrise, or venturing off into the deep jungles of the island only to get to the most breathtaking view – Hana led him to it. She planned these excursions for weeks, shaking with excitement as she boarded the plane with him.

"I mean it," Takashi wasn't good at conveying his feelings into words.

She chuckled and nodded. She knew. She didn't care.

"I know," Hana reminded. "I know you."

Takashi smiled. She understood him like no one else. His reserved nature always had him feeling like he was an outsider, unable to connect with the rest of the population. A part of him felt at ease being in his comfort zone, but another part also longed for company. It worried him for a long time that he wouldn't be able to be… normal.

Hana blinked. "What's wrong?"

He shook his head. "Just thinking."

"About?" she pried.

"Being normal."

She laughed. "We're normal."

"Are we?" he squinted.

"Well," her fingers crawled their way around his hips and up against his back. "Why aren't we normal? You're getting your doctorate, and probably on your way to becoming an assistant professor by the time you finish your degree. I'm just… well, let's just say I'm a florist. We're not like your friends," she added. "Your friends are the ones that aren't normal."

"You think so?" He never really thought about it that way. His friends were just… his friends. Their antics were ridiculous but exciting. They were an interesting group of people who just happened to induct him into their circle over a strange series of events in high school.

Hana chuckled to herself. "They call normal people commoners without realizing that you and I are commoners."

Takashi smiled at that. "You like being a commoner?"

She pursed her lips. "Nothing wrong with being a commoner. But there is wrong in being pretentious and arrogant about your wealth."

Takashi could agree with that. "I wasn't actually referring to that," he clarified. "I meant, socially… normal. If I'm that."

She wrapped her arms around him.

"Just because you're quiet and reserved doesn't mean you are socially awkward. You are very empathetic and patient," she told him. "I love those qualities about you. And, you're very attractive. Psychology has proven that attractive people are more approachable," she pointed out. "That's honestly how you got into the Host Club."

Takashi stifled a chuckle.

"It's true," Hana grumbled. "That's why your students love you."

"I would hope that it is because of my teaching abilities," Takashi turned concerned.

Hana patted his shoulder. "Don't worry. You're a wonderful instructor, but the chiseled jaw and the height truly are a bonus."

He rolled his eyes but came around when she reached up to kiss him against his neck. His heart skipped a beat, even though he should have been used to all of this. Yet every time, he just felt so lucky.

"This is nice," he didn't know how else to say it. "Really nice." Mori tried to emphasize how happy he was at this whole thing. Just being with her. They stood on the beach, her heels sinking down into the sand to tuck her beneath his neck.

"Mmhm," she agreed. "It's been fun."

"What do you think?" Takashi asked.

Hana looked up at him. "About what?"
"Marriage."

Hana tilted her head from side to side in thought. "Are you proposing now?"

"No," Takashi smiled. He had nothing up his sleeve.
"Okay," she didn't look disappointed. "Just thoughts, right?"
"Yes," He pulled her closer.

Hana shrugged. "It's nice. Just… seems like an unnecessary step," she shrugged. "I don't care about marriage. I don't care about the formality. I care about you. I care about us. But this whole grand gesture is… well, it's just very Tamaki but not who we are."

Takashi smiled.

"We're on the same page, right?" Hana could tell by the way he smiled at her.

He nodded silently.

They were always in sync. She could look at him with one glance and could tell if something was wrong. Of course, it took practice – but with her, he knew. She became easier to read over time, but he always had this instinct about her. He was drawn to her, no matter what.

Her idea of an escape was gently shaking him awake before dawn. He opened one of his eyes to find her smiling at him.

"Wake up."

He groaned a little, trying to shift his weight away from her. The sun wasn't even up. Hana had another adventure planned.

"We have to catch the sunrise."

He peeked through one eye again to find her grinning.

"Please?" Hana whispered. "I promise it'll be fun."

Takashi chuckled. He didn't even have time to say good morning before Hana pulled him upright from the bed. Two could play at this game. He tugged her back towards him with ease, catching her off guard. She landed on top of him, with the mattress bouncing in response to the sudden weight.

"This is fun," his voice croaked. Takashi cleared his throat. The morning was still early. His muscles ached from yesterday's surfing session and climb.

"It could be more fun," Hana buried her neck in his chest. "We'll hike up to the cliff and eat breakfast while watching the sunrise."

She could feel his chest rumble as he chuckled before planting a kiss on her head.

"We can eat breakfast and watch the sunrise from our balcony too," Takashi told her. Hana propped herself up with her palms and pouted at him. He sleepily found his arms around her waist, comfortable having her in his arms.

"You're tired," Hana's eyes faltered. "I'm sorry – I should have figured." He was out all day with her and even managed to spend a couple hours with Honey on his shoulders as they played volleyball on the beach with the rest of the Host Club.

Hana rolled off of him and apologetically kissed his jaw. He smiled at her.

It's okay.

She kissed his shoulder blade before digging her fingers into his muscle, trying her best to loosen the knot. Honey had been sitting on his shoulders all of last night during the Host Club's bonfire by the beach, even after the volleyball game.

"How did you manage?" Hana whispered. "Honey was always on your shoulders throughout high school from what Haruhi told me."

Takashi's low laugh rumbled through their room. Hana smiled at the sound. She could listen to it forever, if she could.

"I'm getting old," he mumbled as he sighed. He lifted his arm to cover his eyes.

"Nonsense," Hana swatted his shoulder. "If you are getting old, then so am I!"

"I can't even get up," Takashi groaned. Well, he could but – it would've taken a little more effort than he wanted. Hana nudged the side of his body, as if telling him to turn over to his back. He didn't budge. He was nearly 200 pounds of lean muscle.

"I'm trying to help," Hana mumbled. She kneaded his shoulder but couldn't get to his back. "Your shoulders and back must be sore."

"I'm alright," he reassured her. "How are you not sore?"

Hana laughed. "I've been sore since our first hike – but there's just so much to do!"

Takashi chuckled alongside, her happiness already glowing up the room before dawn. "Hana, we can always come back," he reasoned. It wasn't like the islands of Hawaii were going to disappear.

Hana sighed. "I suppose you're right. I guess I'm just…" her fingers dug a little deeper into his bone. Takashi didn't wince, but his brows furrowed. "I'm not used to this freedom, you know? I feel like, I have to seize every opportunity or I… I'll go back into…"

"Being boring?" he finished.

Hana settled down and tucked herself in between his arm and chest.

"I don't hate boring," she murmured. "I just… don't want to stay… stagnant. Or lost. Or… how do I describe it? Kyouya looked at me with disappointment when I told him about my regular life. It made me… reconsider things," Hana sighed.

Takashi smirked at the thought of telling Kyouya what he did on a daily basis. Certainly less exciting than Hana's day to day life. Comparing himself against his peers did no good. He was happy where he was. Takashi stopped trying to be anyone else but himself – it was tiring and rather unproductive. He found a career that made him happy. That was more than enough.

"What things?" he asked, his eyes closed. He felt her shift closer to him, her hand snaking around his back as she snuggled a little closer.

"Kyouya found a career that was fulfilling to him."
"And you haven't?" Takashi offered in explanation.

She sighed. "Yeah, I guess. I can pay the bills but, well, that's basically it. I am privileged enough to pay the bills but I'm not doing anything much to really benefit society, am I?"

"Is that important to you?" he listened to her closely.

Hana blinked.

"Yes, it is important to me," she firmly said.
"Why?"

She paused. "It's the right thing to do."
"Right is subjective, Hana." He could drone on about morality, as he usually did during his lectures.

"This isn't meant to be another lesson in philosophy, Dr. Morinozuka," Hana grumbled.

His chest vibrated when he laughed at her comment. He pressed a kiss on the top of her head, breathing in the scent of jasmine. His way of apologizing to her.

"I'm being naïve, aren't I?"

Takashi shrugged. "Being a good person doesn't automatically mean you're naïve," he pointed out. "You'll find something fulfilling as long as you do not grow complacent about where you are in life."

His reassurance eased her anxiety. She breathed a sigh of relief.

"You're incredible," he reminded. "Whatever you choose to do, you're going to be wonderful at it."

"Don't just say that," Hana rolled her eyes.

Takashi stayed silent for a second. "I don't usually say anything to begin with." Hana could hear the smile on his lips.

"Touché," Hana conceded to his point before drifting back to sleep by his side.

Hiro tilted his head at the sight of his sister watching Takashi eat breakfast. She quietly moved her slices of apple over to his plate, in exchange for him passing his own slices of orange over to her own. Both of them left strawberries for Honey, who obviously was still sleeping in.

The couple did not have to speak to one another, except for the occasional hushed whisper of something that always seemed to be too secretive to say. The Host Club entertained themselves without paying much attention to Hana and Takashi, after all – it was Tamaki and Haruhi who were in the spotlight as newlyweds.

Hana and Mori easily slipped into the background. The two would come to breakfast in their athletic wear, bright and early. Hiro could only deduce that they came back from a morning run, or a paddle boarding session, maybe even a hike. Whatever it was, they were always too physically active for the rest of the club to keep up with because they got up at ungodly hours.

Today was different. Hana was in a white sun dress that showed off her collarbones. She opted for a sunhat to tame her braided hair. Takashi sat across from her in his regular get up: t-shirt and athletic shorts – what was different were the flip flops that his toes clung to, instead of the usual running shoes.

"You guys slept in today," Hiro noted.

"Well, I woke before dawn," Hana clarified. "I just fell back asleep."

"Too early for any action eh," the elder brother winked at Takashi.

Hana took a grape and threw it at her brother. It hit him square in the nose. Hiro flinched – he should've known that his sister would be on the defense.

"Don't make me throw the other one," Hana warned quietly. She went back into cutting her waffle.

Takashi stayed silent, looking down at his plate. His ears were the shade of tomato red. Hiro couldn't help but to laugh.

"Oi, what's up with you, Hiro?" Hikaru squinted his eyes at the sudden burst of laughter from Hiro.

Kaoru looked over to find Takashi cutting through his toast, his cheeks flushed pink. Hana was poised as ever, in her white dress. A change from her usual tank top and running shorts. Hiro must have been teasing Takashi from what he gathered.

The Twins smirked at one another. It had been a while since they had wreaked havoc.

"So, when are you two getting married?" Hikaru posed the question to the couple at the end of the table.

Hana answered the question with grace. "Whenever we feel it is right."

"Ugh, lame," Kaoru rolled his eyes. He should have figured that Hana would easily answer the question without having to think twice.

Hiro scoffed. "Please, they're practically married already. They live together. They have a dog. They're a boring old couple."

"You guys live together?" This was news to the Twins. It was news to everyone, apparently. Tamaki and Haruhi glanced over from their own private conversation.

Hana blinked. "Yes. Is that a problem?"

"No, no…" Tamaki's hands flailed. He hoped that the Host Club hadn't offended her. "I apologize on behalf—"
"—It's fine," the former model flashed a smile. "Didn't think it was that interesting of a fact," she waved her hand.

"So," Kaoru drawled out the word. "Mori… when are you gonna pop the question…"

Hana tilted her head. "Why can't I be the one to ask him to marry me?"

Tamaki gasped. "It is tradition, mademoiselle!"

The woman shrugged. "Is it traditional for you to marry a commoner?"

The table fell silent.

Hana turned to Haruhi. "Forgive me, I was trying to make a point."
The wife shook her head. "None taken. It's nice to keep them grounded every once in a while, Hana. Thank you for that." She raised her glass to the ex-model's, sharing a look of triumph with her.

"Does it feel any different to be married now, Haruhi?"

The law student blinked. "Sort-of? It just feel more… real that I am intertwined with Tamaki, forever and always."

Hana nodded, glancing at the blonde who was still enamoured by his now-wife. He pressed a kiss to her cheek and whispered something in her ear to make Haruhi smile.

Love was different with everyone, it seemed. Hana would not have defined her relationship that way with Takashi.

When Takashi's ears finally returned to his usual shade, he looked up at her and flashed a small smile. She easily mirrored it. He was grateful for her. She spoke so he did not have to.

Hiro playfully gagged. "Eugh, all of you couples are so gross."

"What's your problem, Hiro?" Hana rolled her eyes.

"Staring at each other with those lovey dovey eyes, gosh – just stop already!"
"Don't be jealous," the sister stuck out her tongue. "We'll find you someone on the beach. I'm sure the Twins would be more than willing to help you out with that."

Hikaru and Kaoru's ears perked up. "Hot babes at the beach? Hell yeah," they spoke in unison. "And dudes," they added after Hana tilted her head towards Hiro. "Everyone's hot here," the Twins shrugged.

Host Club shenanigans continued well into their brunch before everyone began branching off. Honey offered to take Antoinette for the afternoon, waving off Takashi's company for the rest of the day. He loved the golden Labrador, even though it was almost bigger than he was.

Instead, Takashi found himself walking down the beach with Hana. Her dress flowed with the breeze of the sea. He had to remind himself to stop staring at her.

"So…" Takashi cleared his throat. "Marriage."

Hana let the sea drown his words, paying little attention to the thought. She shook her head.

"Don't feel pressured," Hana smiled. "Your friends are just being nosy."

Mori squeezed her hand, tugging her towards him. She looked up at him, giving him a questioning look.

"I want to," he told her.

"You want to get married?" Hana laughed. "I thought we both didn't care for it."

Takashi shrugged. "I wouldn't mind it." Seeing Tamaki and Haruhi happy made him feel elated for the couple. His mother had already given him her blessing. It seemed impossible to get even happier with Hana – though it made him wonder. Did marriage really make that much of a difference?

She snuck a kiss at his jaw. "Don't think too much of it."

Takashi returned her kiss on her lips, cupping her face. "Are you really going to propose?" he whispered, still thinking of what she said earlier in the day. It was endearing. It was so… her. Bold and unapologetic. He fell more in love with her every day.

Hana giggled. "Well, I said I could." She was true to her word.

"It would save me a lot of trouble," Takashi admitted.

"Okay," she agreed. "I'll propose. But not now."

Takashi grinned. He could get on board with that.

They slipped into their usual routine. Morning runs with Kaina. Hana scarfed down breakfast and packed Mori's lunch while he washed up. He'd kiss her goodbye before going to uni, and Hana would then shower.

Their days were spent apart. Hana still held her job as a part-time florist but always kept a close eye on the markets. She slowly developed her portfolio, following the development of varying start-ups. Hana found herself attending tech conferences every once in a while thanks to the Ootori extending invitations to her. The two kept in contact through e-mail, meeting up on the occasion. It was Kyouya who introduced her to a network of other angel investors and venture capitalists.

Soon her days were filled with meetings across the city when she wasn't making floral arrangements. Takashi noticed her to be busier, but never disheartened after a long day. She always greeted him with a kiss when she came home, or vice versa.

No words were needed.

Except, "Happy Birthday," he murmured into her ear on a winter night. He was glad that she wasn't working at the floral shop as he managed to pick up a small bouquet of roses on his way home from school.

Hana smiled. "Another year, huh? So quick…" she murmured while shaking her head. She was 24 but it felt like she had lived through a decade over the past year. They stayed in that night, sharing a slice of cake that he picked up at a local bakery.

He watched as she sifted through documents on their kitchen table while he cleaned up and did the dishes for the night. Takashi heard her let out a small sigh before giving up on the paperwork. It was her birthday, she deserved a break.

Takashi walked over to her and gently nudged her shoulder to lead her away from the kitchen table and onto the sofa. Hana naturally settled herself against him, resting her head against his chest while he mindlessly turned on the TV.

"What's wrong?" he murmured into her hair. Hana was watching the animated movie on the screen. She hummed to herself before answering him.

"Life is so different from what I imagined."

Takashi frowned. Was she unhappy with this life? Even worse, was she unhappy with him? A flicker in his eyes gave away his emotions and Hana was quick to catch onto his uneasiness. She wrapped her arms around him a little tighter.

"Normal life is comfortable," Hana explained. "I was used to running around and travelling. I never really knew what it was like to settle down. Never had a chance to think about where I was at. "

"You're bored?" Takashi offered in explanation.

"Not bored. Comfortable. Content. Life is very… steady," she explained. "It sort of feels like I'm missing something. Most people don't reach this stage until they're much older."

Takashi thought about her words. He had been content for years. Was that bad? Should he have pushed himself out of his comfort zone? What would he have explored? The life he had was all he knew. Hana snuck a glance at him. He was thinking.

"I wouldn't want to be anywhere else," she smiled. "Thank you for being here with me, through all of it. Thank you for still holding on to me, while I grew and transformed… and I," Hana sighed. "I just don't know how you do it."

"Do what?" he tilted his head and pushed the hair out of her face. Takashi looked into those eyes that were filled with sincerity. She reflected over the past 24 years of life.

"Am I still the same person you fell in love with?" Hana murmured. "Scared, and naïve… hot headed and reckless… I was a lot of emotional burden – sometimes I wonder what made you stay."

Takashi blinked. He would've never described her as an emotional burden – her problems were never his own to carry. Instead, he shrugged and asked her the same question.

"I think you are the same person I fell in love with," Hana admitted. "You were always patient and gentle… you were always a force of strength. Cool and composed… wise…" she sighed. "I always admired you and I still do."

Takashi shook his head. "You could have anyone in the world and you settled for me," he whispered. "Why?"

Hana laughed. "I was taught better to settle. But you – you settled for me."

"What could be better than you?" he murmured. "You are so accomplished…"

She shook her head in disagreement. "I'm not accomplished by any means – I'm only where I am because of my privilege."

"But so am I," Takashi raised an eyebrow.

"Touché," Hana grinned.

She settled comfortably into him and watched the TV screen.

"You aren't the same," he answered. They kept their eyes glued to the screen, but he knew she was listening intently. "I fell in love with you… at every point in time. Every stage of you – you were admirable in your own way. You were always a realist. Sophisticated. Intriguing. Exciting. I loved every moment of being with you, and I still do."

Hana blinked.

"I can't imagine life any other way, Takashi," Hana murmured. "You were my only constant."

"I know," he held her closer to him, resting his chin comfortably over her head. "Thank you for letting me be yours."

"And I you," she laughed.

It was a wonderful birthday spent. They settled into their daily lives happily, at peace with where they were in life. They both breathed a sigh of relief, almost thanking fate for how far they had come and how their lives had intertwined with each other regardless of the circumstances.

A/N: A Happy (Belated) New Year... or an Early Lunar Year to all of you depending on how you'd like to look at it. I apologize for my lack of updates! But that's nothing new. I had been meaning to get this chapter up earlier, but now that I'm back at school after my internship - it's been quite the journey for me, but also these characters. Thank you for your support over these past few years and continuing to read... it still baffles me that people read this story. As always, your thoughts are much appreciated.