Honey Magazine/My Sweet Proposal: Todo Masaya

Chapter 7

Masaya "I think it's fate..."

Unlike his slightly exaggerated words up until this point, these words seem to slip out from his heart, and through his mouth.

Masaya "I never thought I would be able to confirm something so uncertain."

In front of others, he always acts as the perfect husband, but the man with eyes downcast, looking a little embarrassed as he grips both hands, is the brusque Masaya I know well.

Masaya "Since I've met her, I think I've learned a little about how to understand other people's feelings more."

Koki "That's hardly a mature remark."

Masaya "I don't disagree with you. However, Koki, you're not playing fair."

Koki "My intention was never to entrap-"

Masaya "You're a coward for trying to take advantage of her gentle heart."

Koki "..."

Koki bites his lips with bitterness, as the entire mood of the board room begins to change.

(He deserves everything that I hope comes his way. Karma's a bitch, as they say.)
(My note: LOL)

I don't know how much of it is an act, but Masaya's words make my chest burn with warmth and my eyes overflow with tears.

Masaya "Don't cry."

Kana "I can't help it..."

Masao "The change may be real. I've never seen you stand up for someone before, Masaya. It also seems you've somewhat sprouted the ability to see the full picture and realize what is important to you."

Masaya "Thank you..."

Masao "Well then, gentlemen, has the suspicion brought against them been lifted then?"

Not a soul in the room protests the words spoken by Masaya's father.

Seeing the astonishing difference in the way the executives look at Masaya now, I am slightly shocked.

Koki "What do you mean by all this, Koki?"

Koki "I apologize for causing unnecessary conflict."

Koki's earlier confidence is all but gone and he sits with an awkward look on his face. He makes a fist, ready to punch at anything, but knows that he can't, and a frown forms on his face.

(Koki...Man, all of this really was too close for comfort. Now I really understand why Masaya was so wary of him.)

Masao "Kana, I apologize for involving you in something as trivial as this."

Kana "Not at all, it was our lie, to begin with, that caused the misunderstanding in the first place."

Masao "Please take care of Masaya."

Kana "I will."

I nod firmly.

Masao "Masaya, you can leave as well. See Kana where she needs to be."

Masaya "Very well."

Masao "It seems this emergency meeting was unnecessary."

After looking around the board room, Masaya's father catches my eyes and smiles as if he can see through everything.

*Slam*

The moment we leave the board room...

Masaya "Idiot."

Kana "Huh?!"

The desperado who had been in hiding, suddenly shows himself.

However, neither of us attempt to let go of each other's firmly held hands.