All My Stars

3

Finally, the party was coming to an end, my feet hurt and my back was sore from standing around for hours talking to middle-aged upper-class men and women I didn't really care for.

" I'm proud of you, Navi" My father kisses me on my forehead, mother leaning over his shoulder, no words of praise leave her lips and her face remains as impassive as ever.

" I hate to interrupt but may I speak with my fiancé  alone?" Everything about her is entrancing as she addresses my overbearing parents.

"Of course" My mother is quick to answer, grabbing my father by the hand and pulling him away.

Her smile as she turns to me is different.

"You did well" Natsumi's hand moves to gently push my hair over my shoulder, eyes following the action before returning to mine.

"Thank you" my voice is barely above a whisper,  keenly aware of how her hand lingers, caressing my jaw slowly.

" I'd like to see you again, sometime soon. Are you free tomorrow?"

"I um, I have classes all day tomorrow"

"Oh"

"But I have a break in between!  from 11 to 1:30"

She looked pleased that I was trying to make time for her and something about that made me feel fulfilled. My cheeks were warm and I knew that she saw it.

"Good, I'll come get you then"

"Okay"

There was no point in being difficult. I'd have to spend time with her eventually so why not start now?

"Walk me out?" She gestured to the door with a tilt of her chin, offering me her arm which I accepted without much hesitation.

We walked slowly, taking in the night air.

"What kind of classes do you take?"

"I'm an art major"

"Do you enjoy it?"

"I do, I love art"

"You're very fortunate " I couldn't see the expression on her face, only able to see her jawline and neck from the way she had angled her head.

"Why'd you say that?"

"A lot of people never find what they're passionate about"

"That's true"

"Women in our positions also don't get the opportunity to pursue our interests as much either"

She was right, I hadn't thought about what it would've meant for me if I were to marry a man and be forced to give up my dreams.

"I'm glad your parents at least allowed you some freedom"

"Well, what about you?"

"What about me?"

"Did you get to pursue your passion?"

"Unfortunately no"

I can't help the way I slow down.

"Kido's are business moguls so it was expected of me to follow"

"I'm sorry"

"It's okay,  plus I found something I like even more"

"What's that?"

"Crushing my competition" She smirks before breaking out into a full-on smile.

We stop next to a shiny cherry-red sports car and she pulls out her keys from inside her purse.

"Thank you for walking me out"

"Of course"

"I'll see you tomorrow then" She bends ever so slightly to place a tender kiss on my cheek before retreating into her car, and as she disappears from view I'm still standing there, eyes partially glazed over and lips parted before I shake it off and head back inside.

Later when I was preparing for bed, my phone chimed with a new text.

Sleep well, My Navi.

This could only be one person.

You too
Goodnight

Is double texting a bad thing in this scenario?

Whatever, it's not like we're dating. We're getting married.