𝔹𝕠𝕦𝕟𝕕 𝕓𝕪 𝔽𝕒𝕥𝕖 // 𝔾𝕀𝕐𝕌𝕌 𝕏 𝕊ℍ𝕀ℕ𝕆𝔹𝕌 𝕗𝕒𝕟𝕗𝕚𝕔

ℭ𝔥𝔞𝔭𝔱𝔢𝔯 2

The following morning dawned bright and clear, casting a warm glow over the Kocho estate. Kanae woke early, the events of the previous night fresh in her mind. She sat up in bed, the heavy brocade curtains filtering the sunlight into her room. Today would be the start of a new chapter in her life, and she was determined to face it with unwavering resolve.

After dressing in a modest, pale pink dress, Kocho made her way downstairs to the breakfast room. The scent of freshly baked bread and brewed coffee filled the air. Her mother, Fuki Kocho, was already seated at the head of the table, reading the morning newspaper.

"Good morning, Mother," Kanae greeted, taking a seat beside her.

"Good morning, dear. You looked lovely last night," Fuki said, glancing up with a proud smile. "Tomioka is a fine young man. I'm sure you'll make a wonderful match."

"Thank you, Mother. I hope so," Kanae replied, her tone measured.

Shinobu entered the room, her steps lighter and more energetic than her sister's. She wore a cheerful purple dress, her hair tied back with a butterfly pin supporting it. She kissed her mother on the cheek before sitting opposite Kanae.

"Good morning, everyone!" Shinobu chirped, reaching for a piece of toast. "Last night was quite the event, wasn't it?"

"Yes, it was," Kanae agreed, trying to read the subtle cues in her sister's expression. Shinobu's demeanor seemed unusually buoyant, and Kanae wondered if there was more behind her sister's bright exterior.

"I thought Tomioka-san was particularly charming," Shinobu added casually, though she felt a flutter in her chest as she spoke his name.

Fuki looked up, her eyes sharp. "He's a good match for this family. Kanae, you're fortunate to have such a prospect."

Kanae nodded, her mind briefly drifting to the unspoken tension she had sensed between Giyu and Shinobu. She dismissed the thought, focusing instead on the tasks of the day.

After breakfast, the sisters went their separate ways. Kanae had a meeting with the wedding planner, and Shinobu decided to take a walk in the gardens, seeking solace and clarity.

As Shinobu strolled along the garden path, the vibrant blooms and neatly trimmed hedges provided a soothing backdrop. She found herself wandering toward the gazebo, a secluded spot she often retreated to when she needed to think. To her surprise, she found Tomioka there, seated on a bench, gazing thoughtfully at the surrounding flowers.

"Tomioka-san?" she called softly, hesitant to intrude on his solitude.

He turned, a smile breaking across his face. "Shinobu, what a pleasant surprise. Please, join me."

Shinobu approached, her heart beating a little faster. She took a seat beside him, the wooden bench slightly creaking under their weight. "I didn't expect to find you here."

"I needed a moment of peace," Tomioka admitted, his gaze returning to the flowers. "Last night was quite overwhelming."

"Yes, it was," Shinobu agreed. "But you handled it well. Kanae is lucky to have you."

Tomioka sighed, a hint of tension in his expression. "I hope I can live up to everyone's expectations."

Shinobu glanced at him, her curiosity piqued. "Do you feel a lot of pressure?"

Tomioka nodded slowly. "Yes, from my family, from society. And, of course, I want to do right by Kanae."

Shinobu hesitated before speaking, her voice gentle. "You know, it's okay to be honest about how you feel. We all have doubts and fears."

Tomioka looked at her, his eyes searching. "Thank you, Shinobu. Your honesty is refreshing."

They sat in companionable silence for a few moments, the chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves filling the air. Shinobu felt a growing connection with Tomioka, a bond that was both thrilling and unsettling.

///

As the day wore on, the sisters' paths crossed again at lunch. Kanae, having completed her meeting with the wedding planner, seemed more relaxed. She found Shinobu in the library, browsing through the shelves.

"Shinobu, I've been looking for you," Kanae said, stepping into the room.

Shinobu turned, smiling. "Just looking for something to read. How was your meeting?"

"Productive. We've settled on most of the details," Kanae replied. She paused, studying her sister. "You seem... different today. Is everything alright?"

Shinobu's heart skipped a beat, but she kept her composure. "Yes, of course. Just enjoying the day."

Kanae nodded, though a flicker of doubt remained in her mind. "Good. I'm glad. We have so much to prepare for, and I need you by my side."

"Always, Ne-san," Shinobu said, her smile unwavering.

///

The days that followed were filled with wedding preparations, each task bringing KAnae and Tomioka closer to their impending union. Yet, as the date approached, Shinobu found herself increasingly torn between her loyalty to her sister and the deepening feelings she harbored for Tomioka.

One evening, as the sun set and the sky turned shades of orange and pink, Shinobu found herself in the drawing room, absentmindedly playing the piano. The soft notes filled the air, a melancholic melody reflecting her inner turmoil. Giyu entered quietly, drawn by the music.

"Shinobu, that was beautiful," he said, standing by the doorway.

She looked up, her fingers still on the keys. "Thank you, Tomioka-san. I find music helps me think."

He approached, sitting beside her on the bench. "What's on your mind?"

Shinobu hesitated, the weight of her unspoken feelings pressing down on her. "Just... everything. The wedding, the future. It's a lot to take in."

GIyu nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I understand. It's a lot for all of us."

Their eyes met, and for a moment, the world outside seemed to fade away. In that silent exchange, an unspoken understanding passed between them. It was a connection that defied the boundaries of duty and propriety, a bond that both frightened and exhilarated them.

As the final notes of the melody faded, Shinobu stood, her emotions in turmoil. "I should go. There's still so much to do."

Tomioka watched her leave, his heart heavy with conflicting emotions. The path ahead was fraught with challenges, and the choices they made in the coming days would shape their futures in ways they could not yet foresee.

In the quiet of their rooms that night, both Shinobu and Tomioka grappled with their feelings, knowing that the journey they had begun would test the limits of their hearts and the bonds that held their lives together.

///

A/N

Thank you for reading this chapter and please remember to vote!

Word count: 1040

Published: 06/25/24 5:15 pm