Forced Marriage, True Love

23. Shopping

Taki's POV:

I had just gotten discharged from the hospital. After staying in the suffocating, pale white room, I was finally out in the fresh air. It had been two weeks since that incident, and thankfully, my arm healed up. These past two weeks were like a dream, since Mitsuha was extremely caring and not lashing out at me. The way she tenderly tended to my wound, bathed me since I couldn't move around recklessly and fed me made me feel like I was in heaven. Luckily the other employees were still in US for the workshop, so I could rest even more.

What's even better, the other employees are coming back today. So, they don't know about this incident at all. I strictly warned Hodaka, Mitsuha and the doctor who treated me to not breathe out a word about this. I went downstairs and was surprised to see Mitsuha with her friends, Katsuhiko Teshigawara and Sayaka Natori. "Going somewhere?" I asked, making Mitsuha jolt and turn around. She looked hot, even in a simple black t-shirt and blue jeans. Her hair was tied up in a high ponytail with her standard red ribbon.

Her friends kept staring at me in shock. Well, I guess it was their first time they saw me in casuals, so they were surprised. "Ah... I'm... going shopping." Mitsuha said with a pink face as she turned away. How cute.

"I see. Then let's get going." I said, making her stare at me incredulously. "What? You're coming?" She asked, making me nod. "I shop for at least six hours." "That's alright. I can manage six hours. Let's go now."

***

"I can manage six hours." Mitsuha said in a mocking tone while I leaned against the railing for support. My eyes were closed, and I kept groaning in frustration. "It's only been three hours and you're already complaining." She spoke.

"Fine," Mitsuha said in a firm tone, "since you're so tired, how about we take some rest in a nearby cafe first? We'll continue later on." She said, making her friends look at her as if she grew horns. "What's with that look? Even if I hate him, I'm not heartless to make him exhausted like this. Let's go." I sighed, feeling sad. Looks like Mitsuha still hates me. Well, I wouldn't blame her. In fact, if I was in her position, I would've killed someone.

The four of us went to a nearby cafe and sat down at a table for four. It looked like Mitsuha wanted to sit next to Sayaka or Teshigawara, but it seems like those two are still too scared to sit next to me, forcing Mitsuha to sit next to me. Well, looks like my reputation as The Dracula of Tachibana Industries really has its advantages. At least it made Mitsuha sit next to me, even if it was unwillingly.

"Saya-chan, I'm going to the washroom. Are you coming with me?" Mitsuha asked, making Sayaka nod and the two girls left for the lady's restroom. I sighed and leaned my head back on the seat, breathing in deeply.

Teshigawara looked at me, as if trying to speak, but was too afraid. "If you want to say something, just man up and say it." I said in annoyance. "I believe Tachibana-san isn't too happy with my presence here?" He asked, making me shake my head. "My apologies if you thought of it that way. It's not that I'm not happy, it's just that I'd be happier if it was only me and Mitsuha."

"What's your reason to make Mitsuha your fiancée?" He asked, making me smirk. "Looks like the rumors of you and Mitsuha liking each other is true." I spoke. "Answer my question. Aren't you just using her to run away from your real fiancée, Miki Okudera?" "No way! I'm definitely not using her!"

"Stop lying! Mitsuha is an innocent and naive girl! So please stay away from her and not get close to her so recklessly!" Teshigawara shouted, making a few heads turn our way. However, I didn't care about that and simply replied. "'Innocent and naive'? Do you really think someone like me, would be interested in a girl like that?"