...Where are you?
The young mistress kept searching for him. She would sneak out every chance she could in hopes of seeing him. She would ask the folks around town and even venture off to neighboring towns. Yet nothing came of it. Soon days went by... then seasons change... and eventually, years passed her. She was beginning to think he wasn't real. That she dreamt of him. Four years have passed by yet there's no sight of him.
After she came back home, she plopped herself on her fluffy bed. All of these trips were taking a toll on her. She was losing hope in seeing him again. Then a knock was heard from her door. Who could it be? Was it Kiyo? She got up and made her way over. She carefully cracks open the door and catches a whiff of men's cologne. The moment she smelt it, she knew who it was. Her door widens and there stood her husband candidate. A young man around her age. He donned a classic black and white tuxedo while carrying red roses for her.
Ah... that's right. We have a date today.
Its been a year since they've first met. If she never meet the golden-eyed stranger, she probably would've married him by now. He's a sweet, soft-spoken character and there's little to complain about him. Yet she's not very interested. At least romantically.
"Are you dressed?"
She examines her attire and shakes her head. Since she forgot, she was wearing her casual clothes.
"I'm sorry, I'm not dressed yet, do you mind waiting for me downstairs?"
"No, not at all!"
He reminded her of a puppy with how cheerful his response was. He was about to leave before remembering the bouquet he brought for her.
"Here, these are for you."
She takes the flowers she was given and smiles.
"...Thank you."
She waits for him to leave before shutting the door. She gives out a sigh. The young girl didn't feel like going out today. She has already been out plus talking to him is going to exhaust her. She needed a nap, but alas that will have to wait till after their date.
Once she was downstairs, she noticed her family chatting with the friendly man. Her father noticed her arrival and gave out a huge smile.
"Ah! Meine geliebte Tochter! There you are!"
He met his daughter by the stairs and gives her a huge bear hug. She slightly smiles and hugs him back. She doesn't agree with his decision to marry her off. She knows it's normal, especially as the only heir to his business. If they had a son, there wouldn't be a need to pick a suitor. She still loves her father, but ever since he brought this up it left a bitter taste in her mouth. She knows he takes care of her and gave her this wonderful life, but she's okay with marrying someone who's not well off. If she loves them, she'll be happy. She breaks their hug and looks over to her date. She noticed him jump as she caught him slicking back his chocolate strands. He seems more nervous than usual. Did they discuss something? She was gently nudged closer to the man. Her eyes met his amber hues. Staring at them reminded her of her first love. They weren't as bright as his, but they were similar. Her attention was drawn back as he spoke up.
"You look lovely."
She gives him a small smile and politely bowed. Holding the ends of her dress as she does so.
"Thank you. Shall we go?"
He blushed at her actions before bending his elbow, waiting for her to hold on to him. She does nothing. Her eyes trailed to her father who was egging her on to do it. Meanwhile, her mother stood by and smiled. She wishes she didn't have to do this. It's uncomfortable to do this with someone you don't like. Still, she held onto his arm and the two went on their way.
They dine at a nice restaurant, enjoying traditional Japanese meals brought in courses. The two would converse as they ate, yet the girl felt anxious. She was reminded of her parents and this man's behavior. Was he planning on proposing? It makes sense. They've been seeing each other for a while now. However, she wasn't ready for that next step. Although it was brief, her heart belonged to another.
After finishing their meals, they went on a stroll. The newly installed street lights showing the way. Its been a few weeks now since they've installed them. There weren't many, but it was an exciting new development. Usually, businesses closed before nightfall, but now they stayed open longer. The young lady was brought out of her thoughts once she heard her name. She turned around and found the man on one knee. She felt her heart sink. She knew it was coming, but it still surprised her. She doesn't want to break this man's heart, but it would be worst to say yes and still long for another. Her heart races as she quietly anticipates his proposal. She can't do it.
Before he had the chance to say anything, she apologized and then ran. Leaving the man behind. She feels so ashamed of herself for doing that, but she couldn't watch it play out. She ran and didn't stop until she made it home, but she couldn't go in. She knew. She knew that once she steps through those doors, they'll ask her about the proposal. Then they would be infuriated with her choice. She needed a place to calm her thoughts. Her feet brought her to the river nearby. It was soothing to listen to. Just what she needed before the incoming storm. She made her way over to the bridge, wanting a better view of the river. There was one street light illuminating her surroundings. Before she couldn't see all the fishes, but now she could. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted someone coming in her direction. She felt her heart jump out of her chest. Was it him? It wouldn't be hard to find her, but she hoped he would've gone home after what she did. Then she recalls that he's in the other direction of the bridge. She calms her racing heart and focuses on the fishes again. She felt the bridge creek as the person pass by. She was curious to see what they looked like. So, she secretly glanced their way. Her eyes met his which she quickly faced forward again.
How awkward!
She didn't want to make eye contact. All she wanted was a quick glance. She quietly waits for what felt like an eternity for him to pass. Then a picture of his eyes crossed through her mind. They were like amber. She shyly gazed at his back and noticed his long raven hair. Her heart began to race as another thought crossed her mind.
Was it him?
She slowly steps away from the edge and examines the mystery man. Even though it could be him, she stood still. She couldn't believe her eyes. Was it really him? Her heart continued to ring through her ears as she stares at his back. She needs to say something. Do anything to keep him from leaving, but her feet were glued to the ground.
What if it wasn't him?
She shakes her head, brushing those thoughts away. Right now it doesn't matter. She has to stop him.
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