An Arranged Marriage//(GIYUSANE)

Chapter 16|| 𝐑𝐀𝐈𝐍

As we were about to stand up, a deafening clap of thunder ripped through the air.

But it wasn't the thunder that startled me. It was Sanemi's reaction. He crumpled to his knees, burying his head in his hands, his body wracked with tremors. His eyes were wide, filled with a primal terror that sent a wave of panic through me.

"Sanemi? Sanemi! Please calm down," I pleaded, my voice laced with urgency. But my words seemed to fall on deaf ears. He was lost in a world of his own, a world consumed by fear.

"Help, help me, don't, don't," he repeated, his voice a broken whisper.

I knelt beside him, wrapping my arms around him, offering a haven of warmth and comfort. "Sanemi, Sanemi, calm down," I whispered, my voice soft and soothing. "Please, Sanemi. I'm here. You're safe. You're safe with me."

His trembling gradually subsided, his gaze meeting mine, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. But before I could offer any further solace, another thunderclap shattered the fragile peace, sending him into another fit of shivering.

I helped him to his feet, guiding him towards the car, leaving the picnic behind. "It's okay," I said, my voice steady, a beacon of reassurance in the storm. "I'm here."

I pulled Sanemi into a tight embrace, his trembling frame a stark contrast to the warmth of my arms. I held him close, offering a haven of comfort, a silent promise of safety. I didn't know the source of his fear, but I wanted to understand, to offer him solace, to be there for him.

His tremors gradually subsided, his body relaxing against mine as the warmth of my hug seeped into his tense muscles.

"Everything's okay," I whispered, my voice a soothing balm against the storm that raged within him.

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The storm had subsided, leaving behind a steady, insistent rain that drummed a rhythmic beat against the car windows.

"Sorry if you saw me in a pathetic state," he said, his voice laced with a hint of shame. But my brow furrowed. That wasn't what I was focused on.

"Sanemi," I said, my voice firm, "You still remember I told you, right? I wanted to get to know you. That I like you." I watched as his gaze finally met mine, a flicker of surprise in his eyes.

"What... yes?" he said, his voice hesitant.

"I wanted to know everything about you," I said, my voice unwavering.

"What? Like this scar? Why I looked pathetic just now?" he asked, a hint of defiance in his tone.

"I... I wanted to get to know you, Sanemi," I repeated, my voice softer this time, laced with a vulnerability I hadn't intended to reveal.

He smirked, a slow, knowing curve of his lips that sent a shiver down my spine. "What? Do you want to hear an insane lore about my life?" he asked, his voice a playful challenge.

"Maybe?" I said, my voice hesitant, unsure of what I was getting myself into.

"Just say yes," he said, his smirk widening. "But okay, I'll tell you, since you're so desperate about it."

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