Forced Marriage, True Love

42. Proposal

Mitsuha POV:

"Mitsuha," I heard Taki call me, making me turn around. "Good morning, Taki-kun." I said with a smile on my face. The fresh aroma of sweet pancakes filled the air, as I placed two plates on the table, each plate having three pancakes stacked on top of each other, maple syrup dripping off them like liquid gold and a final garnish of a few strawberries and blueberries on the top.

"You came just in time for breakfast." I said as I placed both of the plates on the dining table. "It smells delicious." Taki said, making me smile. "I think I made it a bit too sweet to your liking though." I replied sadly. I tried to reduce the sugar in the pancakes. However, I just couldn't control my hands and ended up adding the usual quantity I do.

"No problem." Taki said with a smile. "I'll eat anything you give me. Even if it is poisoned." "What?! Am I that cruel in your eyes?" I asked, slightly annoyed, making Taki laugh. "By the way, I like the way you're calling me now." He said, making me blush. Earlier, I only called him Tachibana-san or Taki, trying to keep a distance between us. However, now I know how I feel towards him. So there was no need to be so formal, right? In fact, the closer, the better.

Sometimes, I really feel like slapping myself. Taki is the sweetest man I ever met my whole life. Just how was I so blind to his deep devotion to me. It was so clear that he had eyes only for me the whole time. And yet, I always kept a distance between us and brutally kept hurting him with my words and actions. How despicable.

"I really don't feel like going to office." Taki said, making me look at him. "Why?" I asked. "I... I really want some time away from this place to clear my head. So... I was actually thinking of going on a vacation. Do you want to come with me?" He asked, making me nod. "I'd love to." I said, making him smile.

"So where do you want to go?" Taki asked me, making me pause for a moment. "Um.... how about Hawaii?" I asked, making Taki nod. "That's a good place to go to." Taki said while smiling. "I've already been there once for a business meeting. I'm sure you'll love that place." I smiled. "Well then, pack your things. We'll leave in an hour." "We're leaving now?" I asked, making him nod.

"Okay then. Give me some time. I'll pack up my things." I said and quickly went to my room. I took a bunch of clothes, my make-up, cream and all the necessary items I needed and quickly packed up my suitcase. "Shall we go?" Taki asked as he stretched out his hand. I blushed as I held his hand. Taki smiled at me while the two of us made our way outside.

The car was already waiting outside the mansion. Being the gentleman he is, Taki opened the door for me and took my luggage. I smiled and got inside the car. Once Taki entered the car, the driver drove off.

"By the way, Mitsuha," Taki called me, making me turn to him. "Was it always your dream to come to Tokyo and work in a corporate?" He asked, stilling me in my place. "No." I replied, feeling embarrassed. "Is that so? Then what is?" I bit my lips, making Taki hold my chin and make me look at him.

Taki released my lip from my teeth, making me blush and look away. "My dream... was actually to open my own jewelry store." I said, feeling embarrassed. "Really?" "Don't laugh." "I'm not. You have a big dream. And I really appreciate people who dream big."

I sighed. "Yeah. But I can never reach that." "Why do you say that?" Taki asked. "Did you forget where I used to live?" "But you're living with me now. I can help you." I sighed. "I don't want to become rich with your money Taki." "That's not what I'm trying to say Mitsuha. All I'm saying is I'll give you some money as a push. The rest is up to you."

I smiled. "Thanks Taki." Taki smiled at me and gently pushed my hair behind my ears. I blushed, feeling butterflies in my stomach as the car suddenly pulled over.