Enamored

21

Ash stands with a wet cigarette in her mouth in drenched clothes. She glares at (N). "Why the hell are we doing this in the rain?!" "This is a dual! I don't care if it's raining or not!" Clara and Myles watch from the sidelines under their umbrellas. "Don't worry you two! I'll start a bath when you're done!" Ash shifts in her place and stares at (N). "Watch! Cause this is the last one you get!" "Let's do it!"
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The baseball sinks into the muddy water as (N)'s bangs cover his face. "You can't win. Let it go kid." Ash says and walks away. Clara and Myles approach (N). "I know she knows. It's like she's rubbing it in my face that I'm just a kid who has a long way to go." "I'm sure you're just reading into it too much. Ash is always like that. C'mon I'll start you a bath." (N) turns to Clara. "No. I'll stay and practice. If I can't beat her in skill then I'll just beat her in willpower."

Myles moves forward to (N) but grabs his shoulder. "This is really important to you? If you're determined to keep fighting then I won't stop you. Neither will Myles." "But I-" Clara shakes her head and Myles hesitantly leaves with her.
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The next day Myles stands under an umbrella watching (N) swing. "He's still going." Myles turns his head to see Ash under her umbrella. "Aunt Ash?" The bleached-haired woman walks in the middle of the park causing (N) to stop. She tosses her umbrella to the side and pulls out her baseball. "Hit or miss. This is the last pitch you'll get. Ready?" (N) nods and takes his place.

Myles glances at Clara as she stands beside him. He turns his focus back to (N). Ash reels her arm back and (N) swings. The ball flies into the air as Myles and Clara cheer. (N) runs to Ash and drops to his hands and knees. "Give me Myles's hand in marriage!" Clara and Myles run over to shield the two from the rain. Ash chuckles as Clara raises the umbrella. "Just like me at that age. Kids are always in a hurry to grow up. Pick your head up."

(N) raises his head and Ash smiles. "If you ever make my boy suffer I won't hesitate to take him back. Don't test me, kid." "Is...is that a yes?" (N) questions as Myles helps him up. Ash walks away and picks up her umbrella. Clara walks up to (N) and smiles. "Myles isn't just our nephew. He's our home. So from now on you're a part of that home too. Please try your best and be happy." (N) and Myles bows their heads.
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Soon Autumn turned into winter. (N) was off for Christmas so he spent the day with Myles. The couple spent their time in town. Myles gasps and peers through a window. On display were two dango plushies. (N) chuckles and enters the shop. Myles's smiles widen as (N) exits the shop with the two plushies. Myles takes one and hugs it close to his chest.
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As Myles entered his last semester his condition worsened again. Myles turns to (N) and smiles. "Will you be able to graduate?" "Yes. Even if I can't go back to school. I attended enough days last semester to pass." "That's good." On the day of graduation, Myles stared out his window in the direction of the school.
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(N) leans against the wall with his phone against his ear. "Hello?" "Hey Ava. It's (N). How are you?" The girl on the other end gasped. "(N)! Oh I'm great! How are you and Myles doing?" (N) slides down the wall with a smile. "We're doing good. Is (F/n)? Around?" "Oh, he doesn't live here. He lives in his company's dorm. Let me get the number for you."
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"Hello?" "Yo (F/n)." "(N)?! Man, I haven't heard from you in a while. Sorry I couldn't reach out work has been bleh. Anyway, how are you?" "I'm good. There's something I want to ask you..."
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"I'll let you know when everything is scheduled. I still have to ask the others. So are you coming?" (F/n) sighs into the phone. "I don't know. I'm still in the middle of training and this company is really strict." "Oh c'mon, I know you'll think of something. Do it for me." "You mean for Myles? Alright! I'll see what I can do." "Great!"
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Myles and (N) walk down the sidewalk and up the hill. "This is nice. It reminds me of when we used to walk to school together." "Sure does." "Umm (N). Are you sure we can go into the school like this?" "Yup. I already got everything sorted out." "Hey! Myles!" Myles and (N) turn to see all their friends in their old uniforms waiting for them. His Aunts, Takashi, Hailey, and Chelsea were also there. Myles stares at everyone in confusion.

"What is going on?" Yuna smiles and hands Myles a bag. "It's your graduation Myles." After changing into his school uniform Myles stands in front of everyone. He looks shocked to see (N) also in his uniform. Mr Takanabe smiles while holding a diploma. "Myles Asumi. Congratulations on graduating." Myles walks over to the man and takes the diploma. "Thank you very much, sir." Everyone claps as Myles turns around with teary eyes.

"During my time in school, I faced many challenges. I wasn't good at making friends and that became even harder when I got sick again. That's why every morning I stood at the bottom of the hill frozen. Until (N) came and gave me the courage to climb the hill. After that, I was able to meet all my friends. I was able to revive the drama club. Then I got sick and all my friends graduated and I had to start all over. I couldn't give up. I wanted to fight and be even stronger than before. All the people standing here today have me all the strength to do that. Despite how tough it was..."

Tears fall down Myles's face as he smiles. "I wouldn't trade it for anything. I valued my time here and will always love this school. Because this is the place where I have it my all. Thank you. I couldn't have done it without you." Myles bows his head and everyone claps.
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"We're getting married." "Congratulations." (N) looks away from the glass as his father turns to Myles. "I'm sorry. It's Myles right?" "Yes sir." "Take good care of him, Myles." "I will sir." The old man smiles. "I wish you both the best." "Thank you, sir.
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(N) and Myles registered their marriage without a ceremony. The couple decided that they didn't need a big fancy wedding. The newlywed couple walk through town holding hands. Myles smiles at (N) causing the male to smile back. 'Myles (L/n). That makes me so happy.'
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Ash crosses her arms and sighs. "Why couldn't you marry a lawyer or a doctor? Instead, you marry a broke nobody." Myles just smiles at his aunt. "Because I love him." (N) chuckles and looks at the bleached-haired woman. "I guess I have to start calling you Aunt Ash now?" "Ugh no! That's disgusting!" "C'mon, we're family now. Ain't that right dear old Auntie Ash." Ash shrieks and scratches her arms. "Ahhh. Fine! I see how it is! Right Nephew?!"

(N) jumps up screaming while scratching his arms. "Ahhhh! Stop it hurts Auntie!" Ash rolls around on the floor yelling nephew repeatedly as (N) bangs his head against the wall while yelling Auntie repeatedly. Clara and Myles watch and laugh at the two.
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"I. I'm home!" (N) turns to Myles startled and chuckles. "What was that?" Myles blushes and squirms in place. "Well. From today on this is our home. Our new life together starts now." (N) smiles with a blush. "That's right." "Okay. I'll make a vow. I Myles (L/n) vow to never cry. No matter how hard things get. But." Myles looks up with teary eyes. "Happy tears are allowed. I can't help myself."

(N) smiles softly and wipes Myles's tears away. "I'll do my best to support you." "And I'll do the same." The two smile at each other with red faces. (N) stares at the floor as he sits on the couch. His face turns red as he hears Myles rummaging in the bathroom. 'Geez (N). Calm down. Get it together man. You've heard him bath many times before at his house.' The young male taps his foot repeatedly but jumps up as Myles screams. "What's wrong?!

"S-Sorry! I didn't think the water would be so cold!" Myles's voice echoed through the hallway and (N) sighed. "Yeah, it'll get hot in a minute!" "O-Okay! Sorry! I know you have work! I'll try to be quick!" "No need! I'll shower tomorrow morning!" (N) sighs as he remembers he has to go back to work. "Oh! Even so! I need to get some rest! I'm going job hunting tomorrow!"

Soon the newlywed couple lay in bed together. (N) rolls over and looks at Myles's back. "Myles...are you awake?" The black male rolls over. "Yes." "Are you serious about getting a job?" "Yes. I wanna earn my keep. I live here too. Don't worry I'll still cook and clean." (N) pulls Myles onto his chest. "Don't work yourself too hard and make yourself sick. I'll do some chores as well." Myles snuggles his head into (N)'s chest.

"Mmm. Okay." "We're married, Myles. We're in this together." "Yup. With you I feel like I can handle anything." (N) bites his lips and strokes Myles's back. "Same here. I need you. Stay with me forever." "Of course, I'll stay with you forever and ever."