The Unknown

Ch. 7 - Family

"It looks so good on you!" Your mom blushed as you slipped on the pastel pink dress. You grimaced at the color in the mirror as she helped zip you up.

It was now July and you and Choso had made it through the semester. For the past month, he left you alone about Mahito and went about his usual routine, the two of you forgetting what almost happened that one night - going back to being on one another's nerves. He knew exactly how to get your blood pressure up; it was as if he got his own high from seeing you frustrated.
When finals came, he luckily didn't come high to your presentation and you both earned a good grade - something that surprised you. You really had feared the worst there.

"That doesn't matter," you giggled, feeling the dress constrict you as the zipper came up. You hated the color but had to power through it for your mom. "What matters is you."

"Oh hush," she tapped you on the shoulder playfully. You and the rest of her bridesmaids were readying for the big day, your mom with curlers in her hair. She was as excited as a girl getting ready for her first prom. "You excited to meet your new brothers today?!" She unzipped the bag that her wedding dress came in.

"Sure!" You tried your best to sound enthusiastic though you didn't quite care considering you didn't think you'd refer to them as such.

When you all finished getting ready, the photographer snapped a few shots of everyone before the ceremony began. You couldn't wait for the day to be over already - or at least the reception where you could get as drunk as possible without needing an excuse.
Mahito also made his grand appearance in a suit compared to his usual torn up garb. Your mother was actually surprised at how well he cleaned up. She was also incredibly excited for you to have a partner.

As you stood at the head of the room, you watched your mother come down the aisle and join her husband-to-be. You loved seeing her so happy, hand-in-hand with the one she loved. It was truly a dreamy ceremony. You didn't really pay attention to the crowd, primarily focusing on your mother's happiness and listening closely to the officiator. You found it quite strange that Noritoshi didn't make any of his sons his groomsmen. Another statement about what kind of father he was.
When it was all said and done, your mother's new surname strangely familiar, you all headed to the reception.

You stayed seated with Mahito as couples swayed on the dance floor. He had been begging you to dance but you refused each time. It wasn't until your mother came by to encourage you. That's when you knew you had to just bite the bullet.
Mahito took you to the center of the floor, two hands on your waist and swaying slowly.

"This is nice," Mahito smiled cockily as your hands were folded behind his neck. You rolled your eyes and sighed heavily, trying to stay focused on the music. Just as you hated the pastel pink, the dancing wasn't your vibe either.
He then pulled your waist closer to his body and you looked visibly uncomfortable. Despite hating PDA, you had to go along with it so you quickly changed your demeanor.

"Don't push it," you leaned forward and growled into his ear, resting your chin on his shoulder. Your mother looked toward you and pouted happily, clearly cooing into the ear of her new husband who smiled in your direction. You smiled pleasantly in return, closing your eyes and stretching it from ear to ear.

As the song ended, you returned to your seat and removed your shoes which were now causing blisters. Mahito went toward the bar and began chatting it up with a few other guests, just really fitting in with the family.

"Have you met your brothers yet?" Your mother asked again, pulling Noritoshi toward your table. You shook your head.

"It doesn't matter too much, dear," Noritoshi answered, "they're like flies on the wall anyways. They didn't even come to the ceremony." He glanced around to see if he could spot one. "I'm sure they'll come up eventually." Your mother tsked.