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"Are you okay? Aki?" Kotone looked at Akihiko with a warm smile, gently holding his hand as they sat and waited for the train to depart for their hometown of Tatsumi Port Island.
"Mmmm… O-Oh sorry. It's just that I'm a little nervous, that's all," Akihiko rubbed his neck, feeling anxious.
Kotone giggled, "Why are you nervous about? You know everyone is happy that you graduated from the Police Academy, and the best part is that we're going to announce that we will be living in Tokyo soon, just like some of our friends."
"I-I know it's just that it's all happening so fast, and not to mention that Shinji, Fuuka, Ken, and Koromaru will be the only ones living in Port Island, so it does worry me." Akihiko looks at Kotone with a concerning look.
Kotone smiles gently and cups his cheek, "I get it. I wouldn't want them to be alone in the city, considering Fuuka has gone no contact with her parents, and Shinjiro-san has a thriving restaurant business there. Ken is doing great in school, and messing up his education is a big no-no for all of us. While Koro-chan is living with them, taking care of everyone just like he always does."
"Tell me about it," Akihiko pecked his girlfriend's lips. "I mean, we are staying for a few weeks, so let's spend time with everyone as much as we can."
"Right."
After a boring yet peaceful train ride, Kotone and Akihiko were surprised to see a car waiting for them at the station. Knowing that it was Mitsuru who had called for a ride to her vacation home, they had no choice but to obey. They had forgotten how organized and yet incredibly accommodating Mitsuru could be, especially when it came to being overbearing. We're talking about the time when she offered to pay everyone's schooling. Kotone initially denied it, but Misturu insisted, as she had helped out to resolve her problems.
As they arrived at the vacation home, they were pleased to see that it had remained unchanged. Going through the gates was no problem, but seeing the house in the hills was quiet and calm. Akihiko and Kotone grab their luggage and head toward the front door, only to be greeted by their friends, whom they haven't seen in so long.
"Hey, guys," Kotone greeted as she opened the door.
"Hey! Kotone-chan! Akihiko-san!" Fuuka walked up towards the couple for a hug, "Mmm, it's been a while. Here, let's help."
"About time you got here. Mitsuru could not stop bugging me about your arrival," Shinjiro said, walking behind Fuuka before hugging the couple.
"Oh no, you have to do that." Akihiko smiled while looking around, "So, where are we staying? And where's Ken and Koromaru? It's been a while since we last stayed at this vacation home."
"They went for a walk and will be back soon. Well, anywhere upstairs is fine since Mitsuru planned for all of us to go to Yakushma next week, and by then, everyone should be here. So we might as well be comfortable for now," Shinjiro advised.
"Oh yeah, and guess what? Tomorrow, there will be the annual summer festival, and we're all thinking that we should all go together," Fuuka cheerfully said.
"That sounds great!" Kotone started to hold Fuuka's hands, jumping for joy. It had been a long time since Kotone and Akihiko last visited a festival. "Aki? Are you okay with that?"
"Y-yea, I am." Akihiko suddenly got flustered.
Kotone stared at Akihiko for a minute, noticing that he had been acting weird since the train ride. "Aki, are you okay?"
Trying to compose himself, he walked up to Kotone and pecked her forehead. He doesn't want her to worry. "Never better. Koto, never better. How about this? You and Fukka can relax and catch up while you wait for Ken and Koromaru. Shinji and I can take our bags upstairs."
"Okay, love you, Aki." Kotone smiled.
"Love you," Akihiko responded.
Seeing Kotone and Fuuka walk away, Akihiko grabbed the bags and headed upstairs. Shinjiro is already looking at him suspiciously, but Akihiko had signaled Shinjiro to come with him. Sensing that it could be important, he obliged. Shinjiro has known Akihiko his whole life, and seeing that he's been acting strangely is something new. We're talking about a guy who was excited to announce that he was pursuing a career in Law Enforcement and was going to surprise Kotone with the news on their anniversary, only for Shinjiro to screw it up by nonchalantly mentioning it in conversation to Kotone. Akihiko was displeased by that, but Kotone had calmed him down, saying that she was proud of him for finding a path he wanted to take.
As they arrived at Kotone and Akihiko's room, he set down their luggage. He kindly asked his brother to close the door, as he didn't want anyone to overhear what the conversation was about.
"Okay!? Why are you acting weird all of a sudden? You never like this whenever you come down there?!" Shinjro raised an eyebrow.
"Listen…" Akihiko, rubbing his hands out of nervousness, "I need to tell you something, but you have to promise you won't tell anyone?"
"Okay? I won't-" Shinjiro stopped mid-sentence to see a small velvet box in Akihiko's hand, "Oh!"
"Yeah.. I uhh… had plans to propose to Koto during our vacation, but I am extremely nervous," Akihiko looked away with a heavy blush.
"Why are you nervous about? Kotone is crazy about you." Shinjro pulls out a chair and continues, "You know she'll say yes, and besides, didn't you mention a while back that you both were going to hold off on marriage after you finish school? It has been a few months since you graduated."
"Yeah, we have discussed this in the past, and she already gave me subtle hints about it, and I already had plans to propose and pick the perfect ring for her, but I'm just scared of…" Akihiko sat up and turned towards the window, where he saw his girlfriend and Fuuka sharing tea and snacks. "What if I screw up and hurt her again? I mean, we already had a pregnancy scare last month, and I had never felt so nervous and unprepared in my life. Not to mention that I...." Akihiko signed in shame, "Left her for two years because I couldn't face her. But that doesn't mean I want to have a life with her. She means everything to me, and I vowed to make her happy."
"Well, you shouldn't feel scared if you already know in your heart that you feel that way. But if it's with you.. You are an idiot," Shinjro remarked.
Shinjiro is not wrong when he says that he is the biggest idiot he knows. Sure, they have had many disagreements over the years. Still, one thing Shinjiro can agree on is that Akihiko does deserve to be happy after everything that has happened. Sure, during the Abyss of Time situation, it was hard on him, but thanks to his undying love for Kotone, he was able to save her and bring her back. Seeing Akihiko countles prays and cries on her deathbed, begging god or someone not to take her away, is something Shinijro doesn't want to see in this lifetime again.
Seeing Akihiko happy with the love of his life is all he could ever wish for.
"Hey, that's uncalled for!" Akihiko shot back.
"My point is, you should go for it. You know she's not going anywhere, and your love for her shows how much you would do anything to make her feel protected. You even saved her from becoming a seal, and she took you back after you left. If I don't know what love is, then what is it then?"
"I mean, I do love so much, I went as far as saving her from the seal heck, I was so ready to replace her and give up my life for her."
With that, Shinjiro and Akihiko found their answer. Akihiko can be a lot of things: a moron, protein crazy, and a gym freak, but the one thing Shinjiro can give credit for is loving Kotone. Shinjiro has always said that he never in a million years could see Akihiko caring for and falling in love with someone who would spend the rest of his life with. To know that he would do anything to save Kotone while burning the whole world for her is the answer he needed to hear because Shinjiro would do the same for Fuuka.
"Yeah… she's going to say yes. When are you proposing?" Shinjro smiled.
"Not sure, I thought about the festival where we had our first date and... first kissed," Akihiko hesitated, blushing even harder, "But Yakushima doesn't seem too bad either."
"I think the festival is better, plus I can draw everyone away from you guys. In the end, I think the fireworks would look good in the background," Shinjiro teased.
"That sounds nice, didn't think you could be so romantic."
"Well, that's what I get for being together with Fuuka and wanting to make a big difference in my life for her. I feel like I owe her a lot," Shinjiro blushing lightly just by thinking about Fuuka, "Especially since she went no contact for our sake. Just like you, I feel like I don't deserve her."
Akihiko chuckles but asserts, "It's not your fault, and you know this. Fuuka has had problems with her parents for a long time, so it was a long time coming. It's like I always said, the best thing you can do is to protect and make her happy, and you are already doing a good job since you have only been married for a year now."
"Guess I can't deny that, but thanks, hearing from me does make me feel better."
~*~
After a calm, relaxing dinner and a full day of rest, the time has finally come for Akihiko to prepare for the festival, or as he put it, the proposal night. The plan is as follows: everyone will go to the festival together for the first hour, then the group will separate for some time alone. It's an excellent opportunity for Akihiko and Kotone to spend some alone time while he finds a quiet yet isolated spot to propose. Thanks to Ken's suggestion to use his hiding spot to watch the fireworks, it's the perfect way to enjoy some peace and quiet. However, telling Ken and Koromaru about his proposal led to a lovely conversation about how he deserves happiness after everything he has been through.
Hearing that Akihiko deserves happiness makes him glad he found a second family to consider. While getting ready, Akihiko checks to ensure everything goes according to plan. In the meantime, he's waiting for Kotone to get ready, but must contain himself since he loves seeing her in a yukata.
"Koto? Are you ready? Everyone is waiting."
"I'm ready, sorry I had a bit of trouble putting on my yukata." Kotone noticed Akihiko looking away, knowing that look, she might as well tease him, "Is something wrong, Aki?"
"N-no, it's just that every time you wear your yukata, it's always hard to look directly at you." Akihiko's face turned red.
Not to mention that if she wears a wedding dress or a shiromuku, my heart would definitely burst. But it would do justice to her beauty." Akihiko thought, as he tried to control himself and retrain himself from taking things further.
Kotone giggles, gets closer, and wraps her arms around his neck, "Aki, we've been together for how long? But I appreciate that you love so much that you still get flustered."
Akihiko returns the gesture by wrapping his arms around her waist. They leaned into each other, foreheads touching, "Maybe after the festival, I'll show you how much I love you."
"A-Aki… you are so bad," Kotone smiled, but turned red quickly, "b-but I would love that, and I want to show you how much I miss you."
Akihiko didn't hold back; his hand moved to her cheek, softly caressing it, and he started to lock his lips with Kotone. Kotone, holding onto him, kissed him back, but she pulled closer, engrossed by the soft touch of his lips, wanting more as the kiss kept getting deeper. It's been so long since they kissed like this; no matter how tired the couple would feel, they always asked for more. Akihiko groaned as he was craving for more. He knew what she liked, and she knew what he liked when Kotone touched his hair and gently pulled. Akihiko, loving this, opened his mouth slightly so their tongues could meet.
Akihiko could control himself. He pulled back to stare at the mess that Kotone looked, her lips swollen, face flushed, panting with a lustful look, giving her what she loves. Akihiko's thumb was close to her lips, and as she guided his hand slightly, she moved it close to her mouth and started licking and playfully sucking his thumb. Kotone closed her eyes and concentrated on his thumb, setting an example. If they stayed, she'd show him how much she godly missed him and give him everything he wanted, even if she had to beg for it. Let her fantasies run wild, just like she always imagines.
Akihiko's eyes have never left hers, witnessing her work. He moans softly, giving her that same lustful look she gave him. All he can think of is that, instead of his thumb receiving all the love and attention, why can't it be on his cock?
Wanted that so bad, he let go of his thumb while gently caressing her neck and started kissing down her neck and nibbling on her neck to her collarbone while grabbing and squeezing her ass. Screw the festival, Akihiko was considering going a bit later. It won't hurt to be 30 minutes late; the dark hour is long gone, so this is more important than anything else.
"Aki…" Kotone moans, running her hand down his toned chest, moving toward his pants, unbuttoning them. Couldn't contain herself, Kotone slipped under the waistband of his boxers and started tenderly stroking him. Akihiko wasn't surprised by her boldness; he had asked for it earlier, so his presence was something he had desperately wanted from her. "You know, we can always stay... and make an excuse that I'm sick, unless you still wanna go and just tell our friends we will meet them there."
Kotone insisted by having her figures warp around his cock, gripping him slowly, "I just... miss you," she whispers, burying her face on his neck. "Miss you being inside of me."
Akihiko groaned in response, kissing her neck, sensuously stroking his nose onto her neck, and restraining himself. Knowing himself that if they go through with it, he'll definitely take her clothes off and start making love all night. "And what? Give them an idea of why we are late." Akihiko whispers back, playfully biting her neck, causing Kotone to hiss. "You're lucky I'm holding myself back. We've been so busy that we haven't had time to bond closely. Sharing my love with you like we used to."
Kotone couldn't help but agree with Akihiko; ever since he started working in the police force, he rarely comes home. Sure, he tends to go home every few days to rest and check up on Kotone. The issue is that Kotone has a demanding job as a middle school teacher. Sure, she loves her career, and managing a classroom full of rowdy teens is no big deal, but missing your partner daily while having random fantasies can sure be a problem.
"Well, you are right, we could share each other's love later," Kotone pulled away, just to look at his reaction as she stroked his crotch faster, making Akihiko gasp harder, looking flustered. She has to tease him for that comment. Kotone grabbed Akihiko's hand and had it moved toward her yukata to grope her breast, caught off guard after noticing she was not wearing a bra. Kotone knows he loves to touch every part of her body, worshiping her like a goddess she is.
"You can do whatever you want to me because I won't hold back later."
Akihiko's face feels warm with that last statement. Dammit, he too has many fantasies of Kotone while he's away from work. No matter how tired he felt, he always made time to bond closely with her. Akihiko is ready to take off his clothes and rip Kotone's yukata to give her what she wants. Lustfully whispers, "Koto, if you keep doing that, I'll cum too soon and will take even longer.... God, I want you so badly."
"Well, are you?"
"No," Akihiko growled, softly grabbed Kotone's jaw, and started kissing her harder, making her whimper in his mouth as his tongue met with hers, showing dominance. She loves it when he gets rough and wants to keep going until a thought crosses her mind.
Kotone quickly let go of her hand and then slowly got down on her knees, trying not to mess up her yukata. Akihiko notices and realizes what she's about to do, and, despite wanting to stop her, he decides not to because he really needs this. He needs her. No. It's more like he desperately wants her, so bad that he places his hand onto her head and unties her hair, begging her, he want this. Kotone drops Akihiko's pants, seeing his large and hard cock right in front of her eyes. It looks like it's begging for attention, just like she did with his thumb. Akihiko caresses her lips with his thumb, grasping her attention.
"Show me... how much you missed me," Akihiko pleaded, staring down at Kotone with love.
Kotone nodded, so she started licking and then sucking his member, causing Akihiko to moan. At the same time, he threw his head back quietly, cursing, and grabbed hold of Kotone's head. Why did she have to do this? He feels Kotone bobbing back and forth as she sucks him mercilessly. Akihiko secretly loves this and craves more, but not when your friends are waiting for you. Forgetting all that, he feels his member being sucked slowly back and forth, sensing a tease from her, and precum is starting to come out, so Kotone licks the tip while going back to sucking. She glances at her lover, telling him she loves him and is willing to stay and forget about everything.
"So goddamn beautiful," Akihiko whispers, caressing her cheek, seeing Kotone's face full of love and lust.
As much as he wanted to grip her hair harder and thrust her mouth. He couldn't mess up her hair and makeup. But those beautiful ruby eyes he kept looking at are a sight of beauty he couldn't describe. Hearing her moan and gagging, he could help but thrust hard into her mouth. Kotone, loving this, started moaning loudly, rolling her eyes back.
"Oh... Koto..."
Akihiko was trying to hold on as much as he could; the feeling of her mouth just got him riled up, already thinking about the future with her. Just think, once they get married, he'll give her everything she wants, fucking her future wife and the mother of his future kids sounds like a dream come true. Already feels that he's on edge. He wanted to tell Kotone to stop so he wouldn't lose himself inside of her. But something about letting himself go inside of her just planted an image that still haunts him in his fantasies.
He does have fantasies about her while he's away from work. They used to have a lot of free time because of school, but being away from each other makes Akihiko sad. Sure, Kotone wants him to accomplish his life goals, and she'll support him in whatever decision he wants to make as long as they're together, but he sure hates being lonely. Being alone does make him crave Kotone even more, and he can't wait to spend the rest of his life with her.
Before thinking anymore, he reached his limit. He released himself inside of Kotone's mouth as she fully takes it, gagging in the end while staring at him. Every time Akihiko sees his girl doing this, it makes him love her even more, and he would do it all over again. The sight of Kotone looking satisfied with smeared makeup and her hair ruined makes Akihiko feel arousal again.
"You did so well…" Akihiko smiled while wiping any leftover cum on her lips.
Kotone got up, a light pink dust on her face showing, and looked at Akihiko with a satisfied grin, "What?"
Akihiko cupped her face, pulled in for a deep kiss, not caring what he tasted. Kotone, seeing the bed is close by, drops themselves onto the bed. Before Akihiko loses himself, she stops him from going too far. Akihiko caresses Kotone's cheek and asks, "Do you wanna stay in instead?"
"God, I want her so bad, I'll give her everything she wants later," Akihiko thought, and was already thinking about his plans for later.
Kotone chuckled and pecked Akihiko on the lips, "Well, as much as I want you so badly, but we did promise our friends that we would hang out with them tonight, but don't worry, once we get back, we have all the time in the world to do this." Kotone ended it by grabbing his hand and having him grope and feel her hardened nipples, just begging for him.
"You're right, plus we do have a lot of free time for the next few weeks, and we do deserve to relax and have fun, just know that I'm not going to hold back."
"That's my Aki, let's get cleaned up before Shinjro-san gets any ideas," Kotone said, walking to the bathroom and starting to wash her face.
"Ok, we've got a festival to go to," Akihiko said while pulling up his pants.
~*~
After getting ready again, the couple started walking with Fuuka, her husband Shinjiro, Ken, and Koromaru, who decided to join in for a little bit. Shinjiro complained about being late because Kotone was applying makeup. A lie she came up with because who would want to hear about your friend's sex life? The group arrived at the festival. Noticing that the festival is big with more vendors and the crowd filled with laughter, enjoying themselves. The group stopped at the front gate and started commenting.
“Wow, I notice that it's gotten pretty big,” Kotone excitedly said.
“Tell me about ever since you guys left Port Island, so many small businesses started opening, so most of them are here to volunteer, including Shinji’s restaurant,” said Fuuka.
“That’s great to hear. Last time we were here, it was pretty small, but hey, it seems like business is booming,” Akihiko commented.
“Do you really have to say that everytime we come here, Aki?” Shinjiro slapped his head.
“Ow! Would you stop that?” Akihiko shouted.
“Boys! Can you not fight?” Kotone shouted and grabbed hold of Fukka's arm, “Mind joining us while we get ripped out on some of the Carnival games?”
“As in you're gonna cheat until all the booths will be dry up with their prizes,” Ken joked.
“You know me so well, Ken,” Kotone chuckled,” Although I do wish Yukari and Junpei were here, it sucks that they won't be here till this weekend.
“Ark, Ark,” Koromaru barked.
As the girls, Ken and Koromaru, are talking, Shinijro pulls Akihiko away to speak briefly about their plan, “Well, you got all night, Aki, I don't mind hanging out, but I'll give the last hour to be alone with Kotone.”
“Thanks, I owe you one,” Akihiko smiled.
The group is having a lot of fun despite Kotone winning every carnival game to the point where she was nearly banned from all the booths. Noting that this was unfair and an injustice of the festival rules, Akihiko needed to calm her down and remind everyone that they were there to have fun, not to steal prizes, and to give to the children who had no chance at winning.
Ken disagrees otherwise, as he thanks Kotone profusely for getting him a prize that he can give to his crush, who is here alone. Everyone, including Koromaru, encourages Ken to have fun with a girl, and that his lack of knowledge of dating will be a good learning experience, as Shinjiro quotes. Thanks to Akihiko's advice to treat her well and take her home, Ken feels confident and leaves to have fun with his crush.
After walking for a bit longer, the couples noticed an area filled with food booths. While Kotone finishes her final game, Fuuka gets hungry and asks Shinjiro if they can have some dinner and some alone time. Shinjiro sees this as a perfect opportunity to get the couple alone.
“Kotone-chan. Shinji, Koro-chan, and I are going to eat, so this is where we will depart,” Fuuka said.
Kotone smirked, knowing that everyone would like some alone time, said, "Sounds good. Aki and I are going to play a few more games and then eat. See you back at the house?”
“Yea, let us know when you guys get there, I'll even inform Ken about it,” Shinjiro held Fuuka's hand, petted Koromaru, and waved goodbye to the couple.
“Darn, I really thought I would get this one,” Kotone said, looking around. “Mmm, where did he go?”
Akihiko chuckles behind Kotone, who turns around with surprise, “That's too bad because I got you something.”
“Ohhhh,” You got me, Yakisabo, Okonomiyak, and a hot dog! Aki, you shouldn't have.” Kotone gave a massive hug to her lovely boyfriend with a peck on the lips, “God, you know me so well.”
“It's like you always said we should relax and enjoy ourselves,” Akihiko said, finding a nice, hidden spot where they could eat. “Let's go sit.”
Akihiko found a spot in the back with empty benches, where no one was around, and the children were running around with masks, playing tag. The couple found a bench and started eating for their heart's content. To say that the couple consumed the amount of festival food and considered getting dessert is something they definitely deserve after a grueling couple of months. Kotone broke the silence and commented on their dinner.
“Man, that was delicious. I hadn't had these in so long.”
“Glad you like it,” Akihiko said, looking at Kotone, smiling that she was enjoying herself.
“I’m glad even more, like I love you so much that it makes me happy that you know me so well, even though we've been so busy with work,” Kotone smiled, but felt sad after mentioning their work. She promised herself she wouldn't say it during their vacation.
Akihiko is not wrong about what Kotone says. Sure, they love their careers, and as Kotone puts it, she's proud that he found a path where he'll be happy and make a difference. In the aftermath of the Abyss of time, Akihiko felt lost and went through a crisis where he was able to save her, but he couldn't bear to face Kotone, so he ran away for two years. While it did break her heart, she felt regret for saving the world. She felt remorseful for being selfish and not talking to Akihiko soon.
For a long time, Kotone was angry at him for leaving, while at the same time, she understood that space might be suitable for the couple. Kotone once commented that, yes, she was angry for not talking to him about their feelings, but her love for Akihiko never changed, and she did the right thing to save him from death. She waited for him to come home and apologize for leaving him first. Akihiko expressed regret, telling her it wasn't her fault and that she had done the right thing by saving her friends and loved ones.
Akihiko vowed to make a difference for himself by reconciling with Kotone and even going the extra mile by going back to school and pursuing a career that he would enjoy, promising her to look into the future and not think about the past.
“Something wrong, Aki?” Kotone grabbed his attention, cupping his face while looking sad, feeling like she had said something wrong.
Akihiko nodded in response, “It's nothing, it's just that we've both been so busy with work that I…” He signed, holding her hand, “Sometimes I wish we were back in high school, where we didn't have to worry about responsibilities and just hang out so freely like we used to.”
Kotone signed with relief, “I feel the same way. As much as I'm happy that we have stability considering our backgrounds, I can't help but wish that we were young forever.”
“I know, sometimes I look back into the past and think of some of my regrets.”
Out of curiosity, Kotone has always wondered about his regrets, knowing that he has some, and she can think of few. She might as well ask since it's an excellent opportunity to strengthen their relationship.
“What do you regret, if you don't mind me asking? I promise I won't get mad.”
Akihiko held both Kotone's hands with gentle care, “Making more friends instead of worrying about getting stronger and fighting shadows, standing up for myself when my so-called fangrils would get in my way, in case you're wondering you were the one who helped me change that.”
“Well, that's what I'm here for, you know, I didn't love you for your looks or talent. I love you for who you are as a person.”
“That's why I felt for you way harder than I should,” Akihiko said, his eyes softened, realizing that he had found someone who truly loves him.
“Is that a regret? Kotone questioned.
“No, it's more of a blessing,” Akihiko leaned in and kissed her on her lips. Kotone obliged.
Noticing that most of everyone is gone, Akihiko realizes the time and starts to rush, “The fireworks will start soon, come on.” Akihiko gets up and reaches for Kotone's hand.
“Okay!” Kotone smiles and accepts.
~*~
The couple finally made it to Ken’s hiding place. Although Kotone was worried that Ken would mind them using the spot, Akihiko insisted, since she didn't know his plan. As they looked down at the crowd and waited for the fireworks, Kotone complimented the hidden spot.
“Wow, can't believe Ken’s usual spot hasn't been discovered yet.”
“I'm surprised as well. I wouldn't think that someone would discover this, but I guess not,” Akihiko stared softly into Kotone's eyes, admiring her glow.
Kotone couldn't help but stare at him back, developing a warm blush on her cheeks. For some reason, this night feels special for the couple. It's more like a treat than a vacation. As he waits quietly for the fireworks to start, Akihiko does have one more regret he dares to share, one that's all in the past but still haunts him to this day. It became a constant reminder of why he doesn't deserve to be with someone like Kotone.
“Koto? A-Are you… Happy with me,” Akihiko mumbled.
Kotone turned with confusion, “Of course I'm happy with you, what's making you say that?”
“You know how I mentioned that I have many regrets about my life choices, well. There's one, and to this day, I still don't know if I deserve you, and that is leaving you after saving you from the seal.”
“Aki?”
“I know what you are going to say. Sure, we had so many ups and downs, and we were able to conquer most of our problems and make promises for the future, but…” Akihiko whispered in the end, holding back the tears, remembering an awful time in his life, “When you were the seal, I thought I lost you forever. During that time, I felt more alone than ever, questioning whether I was a walking, living curse that brought no happiness. There was even the point where I didn't want to live anymore, and I still blame myself for not doing enough to protect you.”
“Don't say that?” Kotone softly cupped Akihiko's cheek, holding back her tears, “It wasn't just you who felt that way, because I still blame myself for not doing enough to protect you, too. I carry so much guilt for saving the world that I knew what the consequences would look like. I knew that once I risked my life, I would save everyone, and that includes you. I was so ready to lose someone who was the closest to me. But when you saved me from the seal, I didn't know if I deserved to give you such pain.”
“Koto?”
“I'm so sorry, Aki,” Kotone turned her face away, tears streaming down her face, “I-I gave you so much pain, why bother to be with me? Why did you risk everything to save me? Why? Why do i feel like I'm a burden to you?”
That last question stung Akihiko. He has never thought of her as a burden. Never. To be honest, he thought of those same questions for Kotone. Kotone doesn't like talking about her time from the seal; he never dares to because none of that matters. He promised her that he will never run away from his feelings, even if he has to remind her that he's willing to keep telling her that over and over again, even until death.
Akihiko cupped her face, wiping her tears, “After everything, I still love you.” Kotone looked up. Akihiko continued, “The moment I lost you, I chose to run away because I was afraid that you would be angry with me for saving you. No matter what kind of danger you were going through, I'll do anything, anything to save you, even if it means I risk my life again. I just… I just want you to be happy and know that you are my purpose.”
Hearing that made Kotone hold back her tears. All she ever wanted in life was to feel loved, and hearing that he was his purpose made her realize that life is worth living. Akihiko leaned in and kissed her lips gently. Making her forget everything and focus solely on him.
“You're my purpose, too, Aki. I'm so glad that you're by my side,” Kotone whimpered softly.
“And I want to be on my side, always and forever, Koto.” Akihiko slowly let go and started bending down on his knee, took out the velvet box to see a gorgeous pink diamond ring with small flowers around it.
“A-Aki woahhhh wait!!!” Kotone stammered, turning red, “Is this real?!”
“Koto, the moment I realized I felt for you, I knew that my life wouldn't be complete without you. You saw me for who I am, you love me no matter how weird and awkward I can be, and I couldn't wait to start our lives together and grow old together. I mean it when I say that you are a blessing to me.”
“Will you spend the rest of your life with me and be my girl forever?” Akihiko said happily.
Kotone happily cried, “Of course, I will, you silly goose?”
Akihiko got up and put the ring out of the box to place it on the Kotone ring figure. Loving this Kotone smile at AKihiko and lean him for a kiss again, forgetting the fireworks going off in the background. What more can Kotone want from all this? Forget about work and life, this is something she has been waiting for her whole life.
“I am happy that you're in my life,” Kotone said, cupping Akhiko's face.
“I'm happy too, you always make me happy, Koto.”
"So... How should we tell the others?" Kotone asked.
Akihiko leaned forward, foreheads touching. "Mmhhh, let's tell everyone soon. I want to stay like this for a bit longer, Koto."
"Okay," Kotone chuckled.