BLOOMING HEARTS ▹ T. MORINOZUKA [✔]

fifteen.

Takashi forgot how to breathe when Kazumi exited her house. She wore a red dress with black lace and gold floral patterns and two black layers with gold rims. The dress' black transparent sleeves covered her arms with the same floral patterns. Her red shoes with white heels matched her outfit, and so did her red handbag with gold leaf designs. For once, her long black hair was loose.

"It almost makes me want to cancel dinner and keep you all to myself," he declared after greeting her with a smile and a kiss on the forehead.

"I wouldn't oppose it, but I don't think your family would be happy, and I want to cause a good first impression," she chuckled, sliding her hands on his black jacket appreciatively.

"You're gorgeous," he breathed.

Kazumi rubbed her nose on the crook of his neck, enjoying his cologne.

"It's unfair how you always look so put together," she murmured. "If you dress up like this more often, I'll have a hard time keeping other girls away."

Takashi gave a low laugh. "I don't think they'll be a problem. We look so perfect together that they'll be intimidated. Now, let's go. Everyone's waiting." He opened the door and helped her get in the car before joining her.

"I'm nervous," she admitted.

"They already like you," Takashi grabbed her hand in comfort. "Mitsukuni and I told them a lot about you."

It didn't do much to calm her nerves, but she felt better having him by her side.

The Morinozuka mansion had Japanese-style architecture, so did the Haninozuka manor. Kazumi found it lovely and welcoming, mainly because she felt like it fit Takashi perfectly. When they exited the car, two young boys stood at the entrance beside Honey, who quickly ran towards the couple.

"Kazu-chan, you came!" He embraced her waist. "You look so pretty! Like a princess!"

"Mitsukuni, don't get her clothes dirty," Takashi chastised. "There's sugar on your lips."

"I was eating a cake to get prepared for dinner," the child-like boy pouted.

"Nice to meet you!" A young boy who resembled Takashi stepped forward. "I'm Morinozuka Satoshi, Takashi's young brother!" He bowed enthusiastically.

He had a plain white shirt and black pants. His hair was the same color as his older brother's and had the same style, though it seemed to be a bit messier. He was a few inches taller than her, but his face clearly displayed nervousness as his cheeks were pink.

"I'm Tokimatsu Kazumi. Thank you for having me," she bowed back.

"It's no problem at all," he smiled joyfully. "We've wanted to meet you for some time now."

"Stop saying awkward things, idiot," a shorter boy approached. He had a pair of glasses on, and his clothes were also in between casual and formal. His hair was a light brown shade, and his expression was less welcoming than Satoshi's.