After club hours, Having promised to escort Marika ho to face her aunt together, I picked her up once I finished escorting the other girls.
I talked to her bodyguards, telling them that I'd be escorting her ho. Luckily, they didn't argue with knowing what or who was waiting for her at ho.
"Ruki-kun, I'm nervous," Marika said as we were about to reach the school gate. Her hand on mine was cold and sweaty.
Looking at her downcast expression, it was clear to see that she had been occupied by the thoughts of what could happen in this coming eting since earlier. Even hearing about Ichihara Jun's fate of being sent to the Guidance Counselors didn't do much to abate her worry.
Nonetheless, I put on a reassuring smile as I tightened my hold on her cold hand, "Mhm. It's fine to feel that way, Marika. But trust , alright? No matter what, I won't leave your side." The girl raised her head and forced a smile before nodding, "Un. I trust you, Ruki-kun. Must I..."
Marika trailed off. Her lips trembled slightly as she tried to form her next words. She wanted to say more but couldn't find the courage to do so.
I gradually paused in my steps, causing her to halt beside .
"Marika," I said as I turned to face her fully.
The late afternoon sun cast a golden hue over her features, highlighting the nervous flicker in her eyes.
"You don't have to push yourself to act like you're okay or say anything you're not ready for. Just let handle it, okay? Your aunt might be tough, but I'm tougher."
I even comically showed my biceps, earning a gentle slap on my arm.
A small chuckle escaped her lips as I created a brief crack in her armor of worry.
"You always have the right words, Ruki-kun. But... this is not rely about . It concerns you as well. What if she does not approve of you? What if she attempts to-
"Attempts what? Scare off?" I interrupted with a smirk, finishing her thought. "She's always free to try. Besides, that's actually her task in coming here, right? To ensure that your engagent with Ichihara Jun will continue. Let's see... She'll find out that I'm not that easy to shake. If it's for you, I'm more than willing to fight for our happiness."
I gave her cheek a gentle caress until her forced smile relaxed.
"You make it sound so dramatic. It's not like we're in a movie or sothing..."
"Well, if we were, this would be the part where the knight reassures the princess before facing the dragon." I gave her a playful wink.
And despite what she was feeling, Marika giggled.
"That makes feel a lot better."
We continued walking and as the school gate lood closer, I noticed her steps slowing again. So other students passed by, giving curious glances our way but saying nothing.
Regardless of how it went, Marika was still well-known for her grace and composure, and seeing her visibly nervous must've been a rare sight for them.
When we reached the gate, her bodyguards were already waiting. The two n, dressed in sharp suits, nodded respectfully at us as I approached with Marika.
Mhm. They're not making it difficult for this ti. If I wasn't wrong, they also knew that to pass this hurdle, I had to be there with Marika, or else, everything I did to take her away from Ichihara Jun would be pointless.
"Ruki-kun..." Marika's voice trembled slightly as we stopped in front of the sleek, black car waiting at the curb.
The vehicle looked more like a fortress on wheels than simple transportation. Sohow, despite seeing it a few tis already, it still looked daunting as it emphasized the power and wealth of her family.
I turned to her, squeezing her hand gently. "It's just another step forward. If we pass this, you won't have to answer the Ichihara soon. Much less, your family who's trying to sell you off as a chip to their agreent."
She nodded, but her grip on my hand tightened as though she were anchoring herself to . Her bodyguards opened the car door, gesturing for us to step inside.
The interior of the car was still as intimidating as much as it was spacious. It had plush leather seats and tinted windows that isolated us from the outside world.
I can still rember the first ti I entered here. The first ti she called out to . And then... eventually the first kiss that we shared.
Our relationship started in this vehicle.
Marika sat close to and hugged my arm for comfort as the car started moving.
The hum of the engine filled the silence between us, broken only by her soft sighs.
After everything that happened, this was the second that she was truly disturbed or too worried about what the outco would be.
"Do you think she'll listen, Ruki-kun?" She finally asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"She probably won't but I'll make sure she does," I replied while putting on a shaless smile. "More importantly, she'll get to see what you want, Marika. That's the part she can't ignore. Why do you think she remained single despite being in the sa family? She must have fought for her freedom too."
That's right. If her other aunts got married off why was she, the second child, remained unmarried? Shouldn't she also be used in a political marriage?
I had no clear idea of her history but considering she ended up soone who travels the world, her attitude values freedom more than anything else. Won't she sound hypocritical if she condemns Marika for her choice to not follow through with an engagent pushed on
her?
Marika's gaze shifted to the window, her reflection staring back at her.
For a mont, I thought she might retreat into her thoughts again, but instead, she looked up and graced with her usual cheerful smile. "Thank you, Ruki-kun. I do not believe I would have the courage to face her alone. I recall your words now. We are in this together... So as long as you are by my side, I shall not be afraid."
I leaned closer, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear and then kissing her lips. "You're stronger than you think, Marika. You've already defied so much to stand where you are now. Facing your aunt is just one more challenge, and I know you can handle it."
She didn't respond with words but leaned her head against my shoulder as her arms wrapped around . Her silent gratitude spoke volus.
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