Chapter Four
“You’re such an idiot,” I whispered softly as I moved my hand through Keigo’s hair. “You’re a grown man, you should know better than to exhaust yourself like this…” I scolded him. For some reason I was very annoyed at him for making me agonize like this.
“Shut up….” he muttered softly.
I rolled my eyes and moved him aside gently. Unlike unlike how had moved Keigo earlier, I thought. I walked out of the room when I stopped. There stood another lady; she was someone I hadn’t met before. I frowned. What was a stranger doing in my apartment? She was tall and slender with long, dark layered hair.
The lady looked at me with dark brown eyes and smiled. She walked up to me. “Oh my god!?” she exclaimed. “Is this ?!” she asked excitedly, holding both of my hands. “She is so cute! No wonder Keigo likes her so much! How long do you know Keigo? How long have you two been dating? Where did he take you on your first date? Have you met his parents?” she shouted in one breath, excitedly.
I just stood there amazed.
“Settle down, ,” said, smiling, as she sat on the sofa reading a magazine. The whole time, she didn't even flinch or looked annoyed at 's outburst of questions.
“Oh my god, is Miyo here?” Oshitari groaned walking in and leaning against the back of the sofa was sitting on. He rested his chin gently on 's head and she smacked him lightly, giving him a warning look.
put her hand on her hips and glared at Oshitari. “Oy! Must I remind you a thousand times that it’s Tezuka !? I don’t use Miyo anymore,” she said haughtily. “I earned that name…”
“I’m sorry but I still cannot call you Tezuka; you’re too loud to be called by that name,” Oshitari said seriously, as he pushed his glasses upwards.
“Yuushi~” said softly holding his upper arm from where she was sitting. “I do want you alive when my baby comes,” she said, standing up and directing him back to the study.
crossed her arms. “Idiot.”
crossed her arms. “ .”
“Sorry! Sorry! But that prick of yours should learn to respect me,” she said, annoyed as she crossed her arms as well.
“ ~”
“Fine! Fine! I won’t bad mouth him anymore.”
All this time while the exchange took place before my eyes; I stood there in amazement. It was another wacky friend. I was starting to wonder if Keigo had any normal friends at all. put a hand on ’s back and smiled at me. “This is Tezuka ,” she said. “She is Tezuka Kunimitsu’s wife, another ex-rival of Keigo’s back from high school.”
crossed her arms. “I will never forgive Keigo for busting Kuni’s shoulder.”
let out a sigh. “ , you hadn’t even met him back then,” she said, wryly.
Oshitari came back out and crossed his arms. “ , for your sanity I suggest you throw Miyo out before you befriend her. She tends to overreact to everything.”
I raised an eyebrow and I was sure my reaction surprised him, but I had to hand it to him; he didn't show that it annoyed him. “More than your wife?” I asked sarcastically.
Oshiatri smirked as he crossed his arms. “Believe me; she is ten times worse than my wife.”
I let out a wry sigh as I saw both and glare at Oshitari Yuushi.
~~~
After had dragged Oshitari back to the study again, walked behind me as I stood in the kitchen checking on what ’s cook had done. I frowned at the many dishes being prepared. “Do we really need all this food?” I muttered.
“It’s ’s way of doing things.” She smiled at me. “Need help?”
“I’m fine,” I said softly as I pulled out some of my good china. Might as well bring the good china out, I thought to myself.
“Please don’t listen to what Yuushi had said,” said sincerely. “We just don’t get along very well.”
I looked at her and smiled to myself. “Don’t worry, I judge people based on what I see,” I said sincerely. “But aren’t you and best friends?” I asked curiously. “You’re not fond of her husband?”
made a face and I laughed at that. “I guess we can’t like everyone, can we?”
looked at me innocently. “Don’t get me wrong. I love Yuushi because he makes happy,” she said sincerely. “But we just don’t get along.”
I didn’t comment at that. “So tell me about your husband.”
It was as if the light had dawned on her face. I suppressed the urge to laugh out loud as I saw how her face emitted a glow and she kept talking about Tezuka for hours. By the time was done I waked out of the kitchen after setting the table and went to check on Keigo. He was still asleep and I frowned watching him like that. I had no idea he was that tired. I should make a mental note of not having him work too much. I shook him up lightly, “You need to eat.” I told him softly.
“I know…” he muttered in his sleep. “Come on,” I offered stretching my hand out.
“Just two minutes….”
I rolled my eyes and went back to the guest room. As I walked in I froze and blushed at the sight. was sitting on Oshitari’s lap with her head on his shoulder. He had one arm around her and his other hand was on her tummy. I felt like I was intruding on an intimate moment, but as I walked away she saw me and called me. “ …” she said softly.
Oshitari moved his hand away from and looked at me.
“The baby’s kicking,” she explained.
I felt excited as I walked closer. “Really?!”
“Want to feel?” asked looking at me.
Again I blushed at that. I don’t know why, but it felt weird. “I’ve never done this before…” I admitted. took my hand and placed it gently on her stomach. It awed me that there was a living person in there as I felt the kick several times. Also, at the same I was feeling nostalgic. It was a feminine thing….
“Do you know the sex of the baby?” I asked curiously.
smiled and looked at her husband. “Only we know,” she admitted moving her arms around him lightly. “And we already have a name as well.” She winked devilishly as she moved his disheveled hair behind his ears. He just smirked at her and kissed her cheek.
I stood up and looked at them. That was love in my eyes. They were very happy with each other and adored one another as well. I decided to leave them alone for now, but not before letting they know that dinner was going to be served soon. I walked back out and to my surprise I found Keigo sitting on the sofa while chatted away next to him. I smiled at them and set everything up. Keigo stood up and sat down on the table while took a seat next to me. Ironically Oshitari sat next to her and opposite him next to Keigo. “Better now?” I asked Keigo.
“Yes…” he muttered.
“Eat your
soup,”
ordered as she
unfolded the napkin and placed it on her lap.
I smiled at the look Keigo gave her. If I wasn’t mistaken, acted more like his mother than a friend occasionally. It was funny that she was younger than him as well.
Dinner went slow and smoothly. As soon it was done, the help cleared everything and everyone left leaving Keigo alone with me. As soon as they left; he reached out for me and placed me gently on his lap as he sat on the sofa. “Peace at last…” he murmured against my neck.
“Are you sure you’re fine?” I asked concerned.
“I’m better, but I really need to shower….” he whispered leaning his head back and placing it on the sofa.
“You’re a wreck.”
“Tell me about it.”
~~~
Weeks went by and I was comfortable in my new role as Atobe Keigo’s woman. By now a lot of people knew that we were somewhat of a couple. I met more of his friends and I had officially declared that they were all psycho. I did miss not seeing Seiichi a lot, but I was trying to avoid him. He knew it. And I knew it.
It was that day that I saw Keigo for his true self. When someone dear to him was in danger and how overprotective he had been. I was at work finishing my last things when I phone rang. “ ~” I heard the familiar exciting scream and smiled to myself. “Hi ~” I sang softly.
“You have to come to the…~! HEY!” she shouted as I heard muffling.
“ .”
I stopped fixing my papers when I heard his voice. “Keigo? Hi.”
“Are you at work?” he asked. I realized that he sounded very tired.
“What’s wrong?” I asked ignoring his question. “You sound even more tired than usual.”
“We’re at the hospital,” he explained. “ gave birth today…”
“Congra…”
“The baby’s only 7 months.” He interrupted. "Premature(1)."
My heart ached. “Keigo, which hospital are you in?” I asked quickly. “I’m coming right down.”
He gave me directions and I hurriedly packed everything and left. When I went to the hospital I was surprised. They directed me to a private suite upstairs and I frowned when I saw the state the three people were in. However, there was one gentleman that I was not familiar with.
grabbed the arm of that gentleman and pulled him closer. I immediately knew without asking. “Tezuka Kunimitsu?”
He nodded and shook my hand. “ .”
I conversed with him a bit then walked to Keigo. “Hey…” I said softly holding his hand lightly. He gave me one of his tender smiles and squeezed my hand gently. “How is she?”
“Not good I’m afraid. No one’s allowed to see her yet. She had a C-Section(2) and there were complications.” He answered softly as he stood by my side.
“The baby?” I asked my heart beating fast.
“Incubator(3) in the private nursery,” he explained. “A boy,” he said with a light smile. There was tenderness in his voice that I've never seen before. I leaned in closer and prayed softly. He was worried, I knew it. He had a soft spot for and he was worried for her and her baby. I have come to know him at times like this. What made him worry? What made him sad? What made him happy? As I looked up, I saw Oshitari standing by the window with hands in his pockets. I was amazed at the calm look he had on his face, it was truly no joke that they called him poker face.
Just then, the doctor waked in. he went straight to Oshitari and told him something. Oshitari nodded and walked inside with the doctor. I felt a pressure on my hand when I noticed Keigo squeezing it tightly. I held onto his arm tightly for some support and he looked at me. A while had passed since Oshitari walked back out. “You can see her now,” he announced quietly. “I’m going to go and check on the baby.”
I looked at him and my heart ached for no reason. Although he looked so calm and cool; I’m sure there was a whirlwind inside of him. His wife was in a bed and his baby was fighting for his life. “Come on.” Keigo told me.
“Are you sure you want me to …” I began, but he didn’t even let me finish when he pulled me in. was already in alone sitting on the bed with . She had a smile on her face. My eyes narrowed watching her. She looked so pale and fragile as she lay there with an IV in both of her wrists.
“Hi.”
I stood speechless. I admired how strong she was acting. I let go of Keigo’s hand and sat next to her, taking her hand lightly. “How are you?” I asked her sincerely.
“I’ve had better days,” said sarcastically. “I must look like a fright.”
“You look just fine, ,” Atobe remarked. “Beautiful as always.”
She looked at him and nodded. “Thank you,” she said, quietly. turned to and I. “Did you see my baby?” she asked softly. “I haven’t seen him yet,” she added.
We both shook our heads.
looked saddened at that.
Again my heart ached. She had given birth in the morning and she still hasn’t seen her baby. Before I could give her any words of consolation Oshitari walked in with two nurses and they were wheeling a tiny incubator. Since I was the closest I could see the tiny living person in there. He was covered in glass so the outside air would not harm him. I wanted to ‘awwwww’ out loud, but restrained myself. It was so small with tiny hands and feet. The mass of dark hair that adorned his head was obviously taken from .
Keigo stood next to me, “You’re very lucky, ,” he said softly. “He looks nothing like Yuushi,” he remarked as he looked at the baby as well. giggled at that comment as she looked at ’s face.
sat up with ’s help and looked down at the baby as it was brought to her. She was still in so much pain from the stitches she got this morning, but she didn’t care. She looked down at the baby and I could’ve sworn I saw tears in her eyes. “Yuushi~” she breathed softly. “He’s ours.”
Oshitari held her hand lightly. “Yes.”
She held her hand across the glass and looked at him adoringly. “My little warrior…” she murmured. “Hang in there for your mummy and daddy.”
Oshitari moved his hand lightly across her hair and looked down at his wife with a smile. looked down, “He’s so cuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuute~!” she said softly. “What did you name him?” she asked curiously.
“I think it’s obvious,” laughed softly. She was happy, but tears were in her eyes as she hoped only for safety for her child. “He is my little Keigo.”
I smiled when I saw the utter shocked look on Keigo’s face. He was not expecting that. For once, he did not see something like that come at him. “Keigo…” I said softly nudging him. “Say something.”
He didn’t say anything, but walked up to and kissed her forehead lightly. “Thank you,” he said softly.
~~~
We went home together after that, I realized that he had a different look in his eyes. It was his concerned eyes. “You shouldn’t worry that much, Keigo.” I told him quietly as I put my hand on his knee while he drove.
He gave me a tender smile. “What do you think of babies, ?”
The question surprised me, “Ba…babies?” I asked dryly.
“Yes. You know little things….”
“Don’t!” I interrupted. “Don’t be sarcastic.”
He smiled at me. “Did that scare you?”
“No,” I admitted. “I was just surprised,” I answered truthfully. I turned to look at him, “Feeling nostalgic?”
He laughed at that, but then quieted down and looked at me seriously. “I was just wondering what your opinion was, that is all.”
And that was the end of the topic.
~~~
I was back in the office the next day. It was almost the end of the day and I was busy flipping through some catalogs. I was trying to decide what to get as a gift for her baby. It was the right thing to do. I almost even called for her opinion, but I got interrupted by a business call and forgot to call her. I was about to call again when Seiichi walked in. “Hey…”
I looked up as I heard the voice in surprise. “Hey,” I replied softly.
“Still ignoring me?”
The comment jolted me. I stood up and rolled my eyes. “Like I could ever ignore you,” I said, trying to lighten the mood. “I’ve been very busy.”
He threw a magazine on my desk. “I can see that.”
I looked at the magazine and frowned. It was one of those non-commercial social magazines and I was on it with Keigo. I seem to be getting a lot of publicity since I started seeing him. “I don’t care for this.”
He smiled. “Can we be friends again?”
I laughed at that and nodded. I walked up to him. “I missed you, Seiichi.”
He smiled and nodded. “Dinner tonight?”
“Perfect.”
~~~
It was much later that I was home changing for my dinner with Seiichi. I was beginning to worry because I was still trying to decide what to wear. Normally I would just put something comfortable on, but I was fretting about my appearance and it bothered me because I’m not supposed to care like that around Seiichi.
I finally settled for a dress. I had called Keigo earlier, but was not able to get through to him. I picked up my purse and put on my heels and left to meet Seiichi. Instead of meeting him at our usual place, he had surprised me and asked me to meet him in front of one of the most expensive restaurants in town.
“This is a nice surprise,” I remarked as he met me outside the door. He was in normal black pants and a shirt with a tie. “I figured you’re used to finer things in life now, so decided to have dinner here,” He winked with a smile.
“Was that sarcasm?” I demanded jokingly.
He didn’t answer me as he led me inside. We sat by a private table with our own waiter and began our night. He conversed with me lightly about different things. I did bring up once, but he put the topic aside and told me he didn’t want to talk about .
I respected that decision and was beginning to feel a bit uncomfortable. He was staring at me sometimes. Those beautiful purple eyes of his were watching me dangerously. A few time he complimented me about my hair and skin, which made me wonder… finally as dinner ended, he paid for it and we left. He walked me back and to my surprise his hand nestled gently at my back while he led me. I looked at him when I felt it, but he was looking straight ahead. We walked back to my apartment and he stood by the door. “Well, …” he began. “It was a lovely evening.” He said softly taking my hands.
“Yes.” I agreed then looked surprised at the hands holding my own. “Seiichi….” I said softly as he began pulling me closer. “I just want to make sure that I’m not losing my mind….” He said lifting my chin lightly.
“Seiichi!”
Before the name was pronounced properly I felt his lips on my own. The hands that were holding me were now on my back with his arms around me as he kissed me tenderly. My senses froze. Even my senses lost their senses as I felt the pair of lips on me. Once my senses came back to me I wanted to pull away, but as curious as he was, so was I. my arms found themselves around his neck and my body pressed against his as I opened my mouth experiencing the kiss. He took that as a sign of welcoming and deepened the kiss. Unlike Keigo, Seiichi was tenderer in his kiss. It was while I was kissing him, a low ringing could be heard in the back of my mind. I tried ignoring it, but now with Seiichi’s hands roaming slowly all over me, the ringing kept getting louder and louder. I finally pulled away quickly almost bruising my lips in the process and put my hand in front of my mouth. “No.” I said softly.
“No?” he asked surprised at the quick withdrawal from me.
I looked at my hand that was trembling and then back at him, “I am already with someone.” I said firmly. “This was a mistake,” I added. “I thought you were going out with me as a friend tonight.”
“It was a friendship dinner.”
I looked back down. I wasn’t angry at him. I was angrier at myself. I was going to say something back at him when I stopped. The tricky sensation of someone being there hit me.
Someone watching me.
Someone who radiated such a strong aura that it scared me.
I turned around and to my utter humiliation there stood Keigo by the hallway.
I was such an idiot. I let Seiichi kiss me in the hallway. We had not even entered my apartment. I felt like such a …. I don’t know. “Keigo?” I whispered softly as I saw the darkened expression on his face. “How…how long have you been standing here?”
“Enough for me not to miss the show,” he said in an odd cold voice. I felt crushed. I wanted the whole world to open up and bury me within its depths. “Keigo…” I began, but stopped. I really didn’t know what to say.
Keigo wasn’t even looking at me, but his eyes were targeting Seiichi at the moment. He walked towards us slowly. Almost like a panther ready to make its attack at its prey. He stopped in front of the both of us. “Go inside, ,” he ordered, his voice dangerously soft, still not looking at me.
I hesitated. I wasn’t expecting that. “Keig…”
“Inside!” he repeated.
I don’t know what possessed me, but I listened to him. I hesitated as I looked at him and Seiichi, but I just let out a sigh and walked inside the apartment. It may have been cowardly of me, but I just didn’t want to argue with him at that moment.
~~~
I don’t know how long I waited inside the apartment with my heart pounding. It seemed like I was waiting forever. What annoyed me that I couldn’t even hear anything that was going on outside. As I walked closer to the door to eavesdrop, Keigo walked in.
I almost fell back if he didn’t catch my wrist and pulled me towards him. I leaned closer for comfort, but to my surprise he stood there stiffly and moved me lightly away. “Keigo?”
“I am leaving for now.” He announced flatly. I was going to say something, but he stopped me. “Not now . I may say things that I will regret,” He said quietly and with that he walked out. I held onto my head and the tears gushed out of my eyes. Falling down to the floor; I sat there trying to understand what just happened.
~~~
Days and weeks had passed and I had still not heard from Keigo. My hand always reached for the phone, but my arrogance got the best of me. I didn’t know what to tell him if he picked up. I didn’t know how to act. I was lost and clueless. And I didn’t have anyone to talk to.
I really needed to speak to one of his friends. My mind wondered over the ones I’ve met. Oshitari? His wife? ? Ootori? I really don’t know them that well and I didn’t want to burden them. I fought with myself about what to do, and then finally I made up my mind. I was going to see that person.
~~~
“You took your own sweet time…”
I blinked in surprise. At first I almost ran out when I walked in through the door, but somehow got enough courage to do so. I walked into ’s room and found her sitting alone there. “Keigo’s miserable, you know…” she said softly.
“Which one?”
smiled. “Your big baby,” she said softly. “Mine’s with his father in the nursery. We can finally hold him.”
I smiled at that comment, but then turned serious. “I really don’t know what to do….”
“Tell me the truth.”
I explained to her and I was surprised that all this time there was no expression on her face at all.
“Did you have a crush on him?”
“I….” the comment made me blush.
“Yukimura. You had a crush on him, didn’t you?” said knowingly. “I am not judging you,” she explained. “Did you know that I kissed Keigo once?”
My mouth went dry at that comment and not only that, but I felt my blood heat up with rage as she made that comment. I couldn’t even look at her let alone say something. laughed. “Don’t worry,” She assured. “It was a long time ago.” She explained. “It was before I met Yuushi, but it was out of curiosity. We both wanted to know,” she added. “I do understand what happened, .”
I looked at her surprised. “I don’t know what to do.”
“You miss him, don’t you?” said quietly. “He is very stubborn and has his pride you know. They all do. All six of them that I know.”
I frowned at that, but then looked at her. “Has he…has he spoken to you about it?”
“No.”
“Oh,” I said surprised.
“Don’t get me wrong,” said. “He wanted to, but I threw him out and told him that I would listen to him when he stops shouting.”
“You… You threw him out?”
nodded as she studied her nails.
“But…”
“Wait for five minutes; he’s going to be here now.”
My mouth went dry. “Now?” I whispered. “I…” I began picking up my bag. “I need to go…” I said hurriedly. “Thanks for…” I walked towards the door and froze when I saw him standing in front of me.
stood up from the bed and walked towards them. “Behave yourselves,” she said with a smile. “I’m going to go and check on my Keigo.” I looked down. “I’m sorry..” I whispered. “I’m going to…” I mumbled surpassing him when he held my wrist.
“Wait.”
I froze in place. I didn’t know what to do or say. I realized that in the past weeks I had missed him. He was someone I needed to keep me sane. Before I could say anything he pulled me into his arms. “You are an idiot,” he whispered.
My eyes widened in surprise, but I didn’t dare moved. I missed his warmth, I missed his comfort and I missed his arms around me. He always made me feel whole when he held me. “I’m sorry,” I managed to say softly.
“You’re my idiot,” he muttered, moving his hands through my hair. “What were you thinking….” he said in an agitated voice. “I shouldn’t even be here and…”
“Keigo?”
“What?” he snarled.
“Shut up.” I whispered quietly. “Just shut up and hold me.” I put my arms around him and held on tightly. I don’t know how long we stayed like that, but he finally let me go. His hands rested on my shoulders and he looked at me. “This is all I can do right now,” he told me. “I spoke to Yukimura.”
My heart started beating fast at Seiichi’s name. I hadn’t seen him since that night either and was avoiding him at work. I still don’t know what happened behind my apartment door in the hallway between the two. (The bonus scene is what happened in the hallway - you can access it at the end of the chapter)
“You need to speak to him.”
The statement surprised me. “Speak to him?” I asked out loud. Why was Keigo throwing me towards Yukimura? He’s supposed to tell me to stay away? “Why?” I asked. “Why are you even talking to me now?”
Atobe let out a sigh. “Just go,” he answered pushing me away slightly.
“Keigo.”
“Do it then come back to me,” he said leaving the room.
~~~
I was confused as I walked out. Speak to Seiichi? Why is Keigo sending me to Seiichi? I thought confused. A frown settled on my lips and my heart was pounding. I had called Seiichi at the hospital and asked him to meet me somewhere so we can meet in private.
When I met him, it wasn’t as awkward that I had imagined. He talked quietly to me and confessed his feelings. I was sad and started crying, but not because of what he was telling me. I was crying because I realized that I had no feelings whatsoever for him as he told me of his own. " ?"
"I'm sorry," I whispered as I tried to rub my tears. "I'm so stupid." I whispered softly still crying. "I hurt that arrogant idiot so much."
"He is classified as a stubborn one as well, right?"
I chuckled through my tears and nodded. I watched him carefully and realized that he was smiling. "Why are you smiling?" I demanded a bit annoyed that he was finding my predicament amusing. He chuckled lightly, "This was a test for you.' he answered simply.
I raised an eyebrow. "A test?"
"It was a rather mean test from our side," he explained quietly as he took my hand. "Atobe and I were aware of your confusion," he added as he watched me, "This was his idea."
I stared at him dumbfounded. "What?"
Yukimura looked at me and smiled. "It was a test of love,' he said delicately. "You were going crazy and we decided to help in making you choose," he explained to me as he watched me carefully. I looked at him and felt my anger rising bit by bit. "Are you trying to tell me that when you kissed me it was an act?"
He looked at me embarrassed. "Not quite…" he murmured quietly. "That was an impulsive act from my side," he admitted with a smile. "That was the reason why Atobe told you to go inside," he explained as he drummed his fingers on the table, "I kind of crossed the line."
I looked at him and glared. What he was telling me was so unrealistic. If this was a plan then why did Keigo ignore me for weeks? Is it because I kissed Seiichi back? Or is it something else?
"You're angry."
His comment made me looked up. I narrowed my eyes. Angry? Was it even the right word to be feeling like this? I was beyond anger and one of the reasons was sitting in front of me. "You two played me?" I whispered as I stood up. "You actually played with my feelings and left me feeling remorse for all this time?!"
" …"
"DON'T TOUCH ME!" I yelled as he tried grasping my upper arm, but I pushed him aside. Seiichi did something unpredictable; he grabbed me and hugged me tightly. "Don't walk away,” he said as he held me from behind. "We both lo…' he stopped. "I'm rather fond of you," he murmured into my ears, "However, Atobe loves you and you love him. I could tell today."
I pursed my lips and crossed my arms. I was annoyed. I was angry. I wanted to hit someone. Just as I was about to shout, I saw the object of my affection walking towards us. "She's not happy, Atobe," Yukimura announced with a smile.
Atobe rubbed his jaw and looked at us casually. " ?"
"What?" I snapped irritated. 'You two made me feel horrible for weeks," I said angrily. "I didn't know who to talk to."
"I knew you'd go to ."
"Is that why she called you in?" I demanded.
He shook his head. "Do you see my bruised cheek, ?" he said pointing to it. "She slapped me the minute she heard what we did," he muttered, obviously not happy about it.
"Why Keigo? Why?"
He looked at me and his eyes softened. He pulled me out of Seiichi's embrace and into his own. "Because you were driving me crazy!" he whispered. "One minute you were mine, the next minute you were thinking of someone else." He muttered, "I have my pride you know."
I glared at him as I pulled away, "So it's alright to step all over mine."
"Don't put words in my mouth."
I was going to argue. I wanted to quarrel. I was about to, but stopped. "Atobe, stop being stubborn and do it." Yukimura said in a pleasing matter. "You're prolonged it long enough."
I stopped confused. I looked from one man to the other. Atobe eyed Yukimura, "Che…" he muttered as he looked around. "I did not plan it this way or in this little place," he said as he pulled out something from his back.
Yukimura crossed his arms. "Were you planning on doing it in Rome?' he asked sarcastically with a roll of his eyes.
"How unromantic. I had planned to do it in Paris," Atobe answered with all seriousness.
Yukimura chuckled.
They were both driving me crazy. Since when did they have an inside joke together? Why are they acting so friendly together? I wanted to walk away, but Seiichi stopped me. As he stopped me, Atobe bent down and held a box in hands, " …"
"No way!" I gasped covering my mouth. I witnessed that everyone around us had stopped to stare. "Get up! Why do you want to embarrass me in public?" I demanded as my cheeks flared.
"Will you do me the honors of carrying my name?"
~~~
Epilogue
Call me a fool if you wish. A fool in love that is. My life had been a whirlwind, but finally it had ceased to twirl. I was now looking into a mirror, dressed in my best. By best I mean a wedding dress. The day Keigo proposed to me, I was too mad to say anything in that second, but it only took a few minutes and I found myself accepting it.
Two men I was fond of dearly helped me a lot and I will always be grateful. I knew I’d always have a special place for Seiichi in my heart. Also, at this stage I was happy when I found out he was seeing someone. Why was I not jealous? Because I finally understood what he meant to me.
As I adjusted my hair, a knock on my door followed and I saw walk in carrying a one year old toddler dressed in a suit. "He looks so much like your husband now." I cooed as I carried Oshitari Keigo.
smiled, "Yes, Keigo says the curse has started." She joked as she took her baby back. "I think Yuushi's handsome, so if my boy grows up to be like his father, I have no complaints."
I laughed at that and let out a sigh as well. I was starting to feel nervous now. My life had seriously changed when I met Atobe Keigo and his friends. However, I am not complaining. It had changed for the best. I got to know him for his good and bad. His friends showed me a side of him that I had never seen. My mind went back to all the memories I had created and smiled. As I was about to say something, Oshitari Yuushi walked in. " , they're ready for you."
I took a deep breath. "Yes." I agreed softly. "Let's do this." I nodded as helped me put my veil on as Yuushi carried his boy away. I was taking an important step in my life and you have journeyed it with me and supported me. So, let's see what the future has in store for me as Atobe Keigo's wife, deal?
~~~
~*~ For Kaho ~*~
~Who loves Atobe and Yukimura~
DeVeliCious
Edited by Kashii & T-Zone
Click here to access Bonus Scene
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Note(s):
(1) Premature infants, known as preemies, come into the world earlier than full-term infants. Prematurity occurs when a pregnancy lasts fewer than 37 weeks; full-term infants are born 38 to 42 weeks after the mother's last menstrual period (LMP). There are many causes of preterm delivery. Sometimes it's caused by the mother's lifestyle choices during pregnancy: smoking, drinking alcohol, using drugs, eating poorly, not gaining enough weight, exposure to physical stress, and poor prenatal care are all causes of preterm delivery. [Kids Health]
(2) A c-section is a surgical procedure that involves making an incision in your abdomen and uterus through which your baby is delivered. [Baby Centre]
(3) Premature babies lack the body fat necessary to maintain their body temperature, even when swaddled with blankets. Therefore, incubators or radiant warmers are used to keep the babies warm. Incubators are made of transparent plastic, and they completely surround an infant to keep him or her warm, decrease the chance of infection, and limit water loss. Radiant warmers are electrically warmed beds open to the air. These are used when the medical staff needs frequent access to the baby for care. [Kids Health]