Watashi no Shiawase na Kekkon - Volume 1 - Chapter 12

Chapter 12 - First date (3)

"Is it good?"

"Y-Yes, it’s delightful and sweet."

After leaving the gofuku store, Miyo and Kiyoka had gone to a dessert shop to take a break as well as fill their stomachs.

Although Kiyoka had told her not to hold back, to order as she'd like, Miyo was still and in a dilemma whether or not she should order anything. In the end, she lost to the pressure that Kiyoka exuded and ordered Anmitsu31, which was both inexpensive and recommended by the shop.

However, Miyo just felt so nervous with Kiyoka sitting opposite her and the stares from the people around them fixated on him, she couldn't properly savour the dessert.

(W-We're being stared at...)

That had been the case even when they were strolling on the streets.

Even though they were simply walking, Kiyoka still attracted a lot of attention from his surroundings.

(Though, I can understand that feeling really well...)

Kudou Kiyoka was an exceptionally good-looking man. In addition to his beautiful long hair that was comparable to that of a lady's, every action, every step he took screamed elegance. It was natural for people’s eyes to be drawn to him.

Even from a distance, his presence was overwhelming. 

It was impossible not to notice a man like that.

Miyo, on the other hand, received intense pointed glares directed at her, especially from young women. As if they were asking: why was someone like her with someone as wonderful as him?

She had certainly seen a similar scene in the romance novels serialised in the magazine she borrowed from Yurie.

However, despite being the target of collective jealousy directed at her, from Miyo's perspective, this was all a misunderstanding. The thought of explaining herself and apologising to all the women that felt that way even crossed her mind.

She's just an accompanying servant girl. Miyo swears that there's nothing between them.

And once she's rejected by the fiance before her and her engagement annulled, she would definitely have to leave the Kudou house. When that time comes, they can feel free to express their attraction for Kiyoka.

If only she could respond as so. These thoughts had run through her mind at least a hundred times.

However, those silly thoughts of hers disappeared without a trace the moment she saw Kiyoka’s expression. He seemed to be enjoying himself. If one were to comment on Kiyoka's usual expressions, it would either be expressionless or stern.

Either way, it was difficult for Miyo to enjoy the present given her uncomfortable surroundings.

"But judging from your expression, it doesn't look like you're enjoying it."

"T-That’s not the case."

Anko, shiratama and agar jelly, there's no way this could be anything other than delicious.

(...Probably... definitely.)

Out of nowhere, Kiyoka remarked under his breath.

"...You really don't smile at all."

Doki.

That gave Miyo a surprise.

Though as expected, a woman who couldn't even express the joy of eating delicious food would only make others uncomfortable.

What if Kiyoka comes to dislike this drab and cheerless face...

"That's... I apologise."

"I'm not trying to reproach you for that or anything... I'm just a little curious to see your smile. Or was it more like, I'm interested?"

Kiyoka was interested in seeing her smile? Miyo couldn't help but tilt her head in wonder.

"Danna-sama, that's... kind of weird...?"

"..."

"Ah, m-my deepest apologies! I’ve overstepped my boundaries... and misspoke. I am truly sorry."

That was much too rude of her... to say that he's weird.

Coming out onto the streets after a long time, seeing all kinds of things and Kiyoka's gentleness towards her. It all made her heart feel light and fluttery. And it was with such good spirits that she made a slip of the tongue. Ah, that really was the worst.

As Miyo thought, this was precisely why she's worthless.

Surely, if it were her stepsister, Kaya, she would not commit such a mistake. Although she's done all sorts of terrible things to Miyo, she would never make blunders in crucial moments that would warrant a reprimanding.

Frustrated by how much of a disappointment she was, Miyo shrunk away into a ball of regret, until Kiyoka said "Raise your head."

"I'm not angry, so there's no need for you to shrink away like that."

"But, I..."

"As it progresses, we may be heading towards marriage, so I'd rather you speak your mind. And I liked how straightforward you were, so don’t apologise."

This time, Miyo completely froze in her seat.

(Getting married...)

He doesn't know. He doesn’t know that Miyo doesn’t have any ability.

If he did, there was no way the head of the Kudou family would even consider marriage with her

She gently set down the spoon in her hand.

Today, she had received a lot of things from Kiyoka.

Being able to enjoy tea like this, witness the wonderful sights in the city and the Anmitsu.

Which was why, if she was truly grateful and cared for him, she needs to come clean to him about her lack of Paranormal Vision and ability now. Even if he comes to hate her for it.

(But..)

She began to hope.

Hope sprouted in her heart that she could be with this person a little longer. If possible, she hoped to support him by his side over the years.

So she won't tell him now. Despite knowing how selfish those thoughts were, despite so...

She was unbelievably happy to hear that he wanted to hear her speak her feelings rather
than words of apology.

(Even if I'll be punished for this later, however harsh it'll be, I'll take it all... That's just my life, after all, so please...)

Just for now, forgive her for her selfishness.

"I understand, I'll express my thoughts more clearly from now on."

"Good."

A gentle smile formed on Kiyoka's face, one that could never be associated with the Kiyoka she first met.

(Please allow me to revel in this happiness, just for a little bit, then I will confess and bid him farewell.)

Miyo secretly swore in her heart.

★ ★ ★

After leaving the desserts shops, the two continued on their walk. They visited a bookstore and then a park where the Sakura flowers were in full bloom.

There was no one more interesting to have as a companion than Miyo who would make refreshing reactions at the sights they saw. Kiyoka unexpectedly found himself enjoying simply just observing her probably more than he should.

He was satisfied with how they spent this holiday.

After that, they finished up with a meal at a trendy western restaurant. By the time they got the car, ready to go home, the sun had almost fully dipped below the horizon.

"Erhm, thank you for today, Danna-sama."

Miyo said a little nervously after getting off the car.

Though he thought that the atmosphere around them had become more amicable, it seemed like there was still a long way to go before she could become fully comfortable with him.

"Likewise, though it felt like I forced you to accompany me and I'm sorry for that. Did you have fun?"

"Yes, it was very fun."

"That's good, let's go out again another time."

"...Yes."

He was unsure if he should take out the box in his pocket.

(...Forget it.)

Now didn't seem like a suitable time to hand something like that to her. It's not his intention for it to become a burden to Miyo.

If so...

Night had fallen.

Kiyoka quietly placed the box in front of Miyo's room while she was in the bath. However reserved she was, there's no way she could just ignore something that’s placed right before her room.

Kiyoka wondered what reactions Miyo might make as he waited in the living room while sipping on some tea.

Then, it seemed like she headed to her room after exiting the bath before shortly making her way for the living room.

"D-Danna-sama, this..."

"Ah, just accept it."

"Were you the one who put it in front of my room?"

"I wonder."

Miyo removed the lid on the box with trembling hands and stared at its contents.

The box housed a comb.

It was a boxwood comb with intricate flower carvings. Well, this was typically not cheap, but the quality of one's hair was correlated to the quality of the comb.

Thus, simply from a practicality standpoint, Kiyoka decided that this would be the most suitable present for Miyo.

However, there was a problem with the act of gifting a comb to a woman—it signifies courtship. As such, it's actually inapt as a first gift.

Which was why he had to sneak around like this, in order to avoid any misunderstandings.

"I can't accept something so precious."

"You don't have to mind that."

"But..."

"Don't mind it."

"Eh... was it Danna-sama who put it there?"

"..."

"Danna-sama?"

"Fuu, don't think too deeply into it and just use it."

After a series of pointless back and forth, Kiyoka glanced at Miyo and his eyes subconsciously widened.

"Then... I will do that. Thank you, Danna-sama."

Miyo lips... just a little, ever so slightly, curled into a smile.

Just like a blossoming flower, like the ice caps melting, an innocent and breathtaking smile.

"I will use it with care."

"Y-Yes, please do that."

His lips and words were shaking.

What was this feeling?

Was he touched? Or perhaps it was excitement or was he rejoicing? Although it was a jumble of many things which made it hard to name.

But if he had to put a finger on it.