Honey Magazine/My Sweet Proposal: Todo Masaya

Chapter 4.5

Masaya "Hey."

As I watch the orange sun descend, melting between the buildings, my thoughts are interrupted from a voice behind me. I turn to see Masaya standing by my side.

Kana "I was planning on returning immediately...but the view was so beautiful that it took my breath away."

Masaya "Women are truly a mystery. Why do they enjoy looking at their surroundings so much?"

Kana "I'm assuming 'they' includes me."

Masaya "Well, I guess that makes you a woman then."

Kana "What did you think I was?"

I purse my lips. Masaya lets out a laugh. Then, he peers into my face and his expression grows serious.

Masaya "You must be exhausted, having to meet the family of someone you're not really married to."

Kana "Not necessarily."

Masaya "If I was in your situation, I'd be exhausted."

Kana "That's you, Masaya."

Masaya "You make it sound like I have no self-control."

Kana "Oh, you've finally realized that...?!"

Masaya "Hey, look. I was actually worried about you."

Kana "Thank you. But I'm really not tired. In fact, I'm actually having a good time."

Masaya "It doesn't really show."

Kana "I don't look like I'm having fun?"

Masaya "You look as if you're suppressing the urge to enjoy yourself."

Kana "I keep telling myself not to forget..."

Masaya "Forget what?"

Kana "That I'm here as nothing more than an actress in this fictional love story you've created, Masaya."

Masaya "You..."

Kana "It's alright. I will take full responsibility for my role."

As if he had seen through my desperate attempt at a smile, Masaya suddenly grasps my arm, and all at once there is no distance between the two of us. The warmth with which he embraces me is filled with bittersweet gentleness.

Kana "Masaya...?!"

Masaya "You're going to responsibly play your role, right? We're husband and wife. You wouldn't push your husband away, would you?"

Kana "Aren't you going a little too far...?"

Masaya "This is supposed to be a love story, isn't it?"

Kana "Hehe. It's more like a fairytale."

The quiet beating of my heart is slowly losing its hold.

Separating our bodies, a little, Masaya gazes at me unabashedly.

Masaya "A moment ago, what was your answer? The reason you thought of marrying me."

Kana "Didn't I tell you? It's a secret."

Masaya "Is that so... You know what will happen if you don't tell me?"

His inquiring seductive gaze makes me conscious of Masaya's masculinity.

His slowly approaching lips are on the verge of touching mine

I...

Miki "You two! You can make out later!"

Miki calls out to us and we both laugh involuntarily.

Masaya "Too bad. I guess we'll have to save your kiss for later."

Masaya laughs and step away.

Even as I feel a tinge of sadness, he casually holds out his hand towards me.

Once again, the beating of my heart quickens.