𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄 𝐁𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 -𝖼𝗁𝗈𝗌𝗈

NINE: What Can One Sacrifice to Protect

Ayako's PoV

I sat on my bed and stared at my phone that received plenty of notifications but none from the one that I was waiting for. I hear a knock on my door before it opened and when I looked, Nanami-san walked in while holding a tray of snacks and a drink.

"What's the occasion, Nanami-san?" I asked him. "You look like you need company so," he placed the tray beside me, "I made some of your favorite snacks." I immediately smelled the freshness and sweetness of the baked cookies and small rolls of bread with each of it having different fillings.

I lightly laughed as I picked one of the small pastry, "I remember looking forward to these." I said and took a bite out of the bread, "And guessing what filling it had before I bite it— oh, this one is custard!"

I sigh after I ate a few of the snacks and drank half of my drink. "Something the matter?" Nanami-san asked me. I nodded, remembering the words that father said on the day I introduced Choso to him.

"I don't want him to think that he doesn't have a chance in convincing father but, that's the rule. I can't help but be worried that father's words hurt Choso's feelings and I also can't prevent the thought that he might just... give up on me after all that."

"But the thing is, Ayako, you finally found someone who came this far. Someone like that won't just give up when he's come this far or he'll be a coward." I look at Nanami-san and knowing him, he won't simply say anything about supporting anyone, especially when it's a big deal as this.

"So you believe that he will come back for me?" I asked him. He nods, "As someone who also had to prove himself to the parent of my now wife, I can say that that Choso is good for you." I smiled, "Thanks, Nanami-san. That really cheered me up."

"Although," I got up from my bed and stood on the middle of my room, "I'm being sent abroad to transfer universities." I glanced at my phone that was left on my bed and the screen lighted up– someone was calling me.

Choso's PoV

I feel frustrated and distracted from my studies. I know that that's important for my future but, I can't stop thinking about my future with Ayako... or without. I groaned and messed my hair, putting my pen down and I lean my head back on my seat.

"Ayako..." How many times have I whispered her name and thought of her like it's my daily prayer. As soon as I was aware of it, my hand was already holding my phone and it was opened to the contact of Ayako saved in there.

My thumb was about to press the call button but I hesitated. Why did I hesitate?

I might know the reason. It was the day after meeting her father.

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Third PoV

They were sitting across each other without saying a word to each other for about two minutes. Ayako couldn't utter a word from feeling bad that she had to see Choso get treated like that by her father.

Choso was in deep thought, thinking about how he will prove himself to Ayako's father. He was too occupied in his thoughts that he forgot that she was here with him.

"I'm sorry, Choso." She apologized and placed her hand on his that was resting on the table. He snapped out of it and saw the sad expression on her face. "It's not your fault, Ayako. That's just how fathers are, protective of their daughters. From what I saw, your father gave me a challenge, not a demand to leave and never show my face again." He smiled slightly to reassure her and he holds her hand.

"I've already made up my mind when we started dating each other. That I want to see a future where there's us, together." Ayako stared at his eyes and there was no hint of dishonesty or lies in it when he said those words. It was full of love. That love was for her only, and she wondered if she truly deserved a man like him who loved her wholeheartedly. But even when she doubts, it quickly disappears since he's always there to reassure her.

She feels the safest with him. And that was a feat that nobody else could make her feel.

"I want to help you. No, I will help you like you helped me with myself." She showed determination in her voice. "At least let me do this for you, Choso." She added.

"Ayako–" her phone rang. She takes her phone out of her purse and saw who was calling her. Her gut feeling told her that if she answered this call, her life will begin to change. For better or for worse?

Choso glanced at the phone and at Ayako. "Are you going to answer it?" He asked him. "No. No, I don't want to." She said, afraid of what answering the call would bring to her. Everything was making her feel anxious and she didn't want anything to happen that would forcibly make her separate herself from Choso.

"Ayako," he gently squeezed her hand, "Please answer it. I'll be here." He nods in assurance. She hesitated for a bit, but her hand reached for the phone and she answers the call... from her father.

She puts her phone near her ear, "Hello? Father?" She glanced at Choso and a few seconds later, tears welled up and rolled down her face. "No.. I don't want to.... why?" She ends the call and slams the phone down on the table.

"What did he say??" Choso asked, grabbing a tissue to wipe away the tears from her face. But all of a sudden his hand was slapped away by her.

The look on her face suddenly changed drastically. "It's none of your concern." Her tone became cold and sharp. "Ayako, what's wrong?" He asked, worrying about her. She removes her hand from his and got out of her seat.

"I think we should take a break."