Beyond the Sound | Yuzuru Hanyu

38.

Their night turned out to be long, with the skater making sure she knew exactly how he felt, not leaving any possible doubts.

He certainly seemed to be enjoying the last remnants of those painkillers they gave him for the show but both of them knew that it was a matter of time until it became too much and he had to finally deal with the pain.

Maya cuddled into his chest, both of them sated after such a long evening, nothing seemingly able to take the smiles off of their faces on that night.

"Yuzu." she said softly.

"yes, my love?"

Maya loved the term of endearment and he noticed that by her expression.

"Just... thank you, for taking the leap with me."

"No, Maya. I'm the one who had to thank you. I'm not sure if you realize it, but you're placing yourself in a pretty tough place."

"As your girlfriend?"

"Yes" he replied with a smile "And in the future, as my wife."

She hid her flushed face against his chest. Only he could speak so seriously after knowing someone for less than a year. They had barely been dating.

"You love to see me red."

"I do. But it's true and let me tell you another thing..."

"Hum?"

"If you'll have me, Yamamoto-san, you will be taking that position in my life sooner than you expect."

Maya could only laugh at his ridiculousness, but with Yuzuru, you could never know for sure when he was serious.

"Stop joking with serious things, Yuzuru..."

"Who says I'm joking?"

"Shut up and sleep. I think the meds are messing with your head."

"We can talk about it some other time then. Good night, Maya."

Ignoring his silliness, Maya just nodded.

"Good night, Yuzu."

🎚️

When Yuzuru woke up the next morning, the first thing he felt was love for the woman lying on his chest.

The second was utter pain, one of the worst he ever experienced.

He didn't want to move and woke up Maya, but it was inevitable as he tried to find a position that didn't hurt.

"Yuzu?"

"I'm sorry I woke you up."

"You're in pain." she noticed it quicker than he expected but then again, Maya always knew better.

"A bit."

"Nice try. Where do you keep your painkillers?"

Maya was instantly going through every cabinet, trying to find what she was looking for.

"Maya"

"I will find them, this would be easier if you..."

"I don't want painkillers. I know where they are."

"Why?"

"I need to save them for later, the interview."

"So you'll be in pain the whole morning."

"It's not that bad."

He knew she wouldn't believe him, but it was worth trying.

"You do realize I can see right through you? You're not convincing, Hanyu-san."

"You always do"

It was hard to allow him to just be in pain but she knew better than most that it was the right thing to do. And it wasn't exactly unexpected either.

She had predicted it on the previous day and by not resting, Yuzuru only made it worse now.

"I knew I should've allowed you to rest."

"I made my choices and do not regret them."

"you're silly."

"So you keep telling me... First, it was with the marriage, now this."

"The marriage idea was definitely not a result of the meds. I have no doubts."

"I've been off the meds for almost 24 hours, Yamamoto-san, and I can confirm I still want you to be my wife."

"Shut up before I make it hurt more."

Yuzuru just laughed in reaction, loving the small little expressions he was succeeding in taking from her.

"you are beautiful when you're in deep thought."

"Is it the pain that's making you crazy?"

"I would propose to you right now if I could."

"Definitely the pain, then"

She just allowed him to keep mumbling and opened a few articles on her laptop.

"Why did you even bring your laptop?"
Yuzuru asked, a bit offended.

"I need to keep updated... Besides, I knew you would be busy with the show."

"you thought you would be bored?"

"maybe."

He wasn't sure if he should be offended or not.

"Are you bored now?"

"No, I'm ignoring you so I don't have to listen to your nonsense."

"Are you implying that marrying me is nonsense?"

"Given that I've known you for less than a year, it is complete nonsense"

"I've never been more sure of anything, you know?"

"Keep that going and I might even believe you will propose soon."

"Would you say yes?"

"You're mad... Shut up, Yuzu."

"Would you?"

"I don't know! It's too crazy for me to think of it seriously!"

He knew he was pushing a bit too hard, but Yuzuru was very curious as to whether Maya would tell him no or not.

Her reluctance to answer was the best possible answer he could ask for.

"Ok." he answered, looking as calm as ever.

"Just like that? You just say ok? Why do you look so pleased with yourself? What's wrong with you? Seriously, Yuzu. You've been acting weird since yesterday."

He wondered if he should tell her why he was so happy or if he should just make her wonder.

It was weird to think of how they only started dating on the previous day when he was already so sure of what he wanted for the future.

Eventually, he decided to tell her.

"It is because you didn't say no, Maya. That tells me everything I need to know."