"Please assemble for the second Red Rose Ceremony."
Koshi's voice rang out in the lounge room and everyone got to their feet.
The girls had helped Shoyo get ready again and had been giggling over his nervousness. He wasn't sure why they found it so damn funny but they couldn't contain themselves.
Saeko even went so far as to call him 'oblivious' but that didn't help him figure out what he was missing. He noticed that they seemed to be another person short this evening, one of the girls was missing and gossip was flying around.
"Don't look so worried," Lev patted his shoulder. "You of all people should not be worried."
Shoyo shot him a confused look, earning himself an amused half smile.
"Don't underestimate yourself so much," one final pat to the shoulder then the man moved away to take up his spot so Shoyo nervously took his own as Koshi walked into the room followed by Tobio.
"Welcome ladies and gentlemen to the second Red Rose Ceremony," Koshi waited for a moment as the last person shuffled into place before continuing. "We have changed our plans a little. Mr. Akuma has been removed from the show for willfully attempting to sabotage another contestant and this morning, Mr. Sugita left due to a family emergency. As such, there are only eight contestants left. In light of that, there will only be four roses handed out tonight."
"For the four who gets to stay, you will each have a date over the next week where you will get to introduce Tobio to your family. Usual Bachelor tradition dictates that Tobio would then pick two people and they would meet his family. However, unfortunately, our bachelor has no living family to introduce any of you to."
Gasps and murmurs met his words and Koshi held up his hand for silence.
"Instead, this time next week, Tobio will pick one of you from the remaining four to hopefully continue pursuing a relationship with outside of the show."
Tobio stepped forward holding one of the four roses and looked to each contestant in turn. "In no particular order, I will say my choices. It has been an enjoyable few weeks and I hope no one has any regrets spending their time here regardless of the outcome tonight," he paused briefly before continuing in a lower, softer voice. "Hitoka Yachi."
Having missed the previous ceremony, Shoyo wasn't ready for the nerves of standing there watching the others accepting the roses while his chances dwindled by the minute.
Lev was picked next, then Saeko. Silence descended while Tobio stood twirling the last rose between his fingers.
One of the girls started to cry and Shoyo briefly wondered why, there was one rose left so there was still a chance.
"Hinata Shoyo."
He jolted slightly at his name being called and turned to face the other man in surprise. Stumbling, he made his way across the room to accept the rose and flushed as Tobio's hands lingered a little too long on his own.
Mumbling a quiet thanks, he hurried back to his spot and hid his pleased little grin behind the rose.
"Please say your goodbyes," Koshi intoned solemnly.
Shoyo didn't miss the twitch of Lev's lips as the man fought back a smile though.
There were a few tearful goodbyes as four people made their way out of the room, leaving the others standing in far less tense silence than earlier.
"Starting from tomorrow, the order of the dates will be: Lev, Hitoka, Shoyo, then Saeko. We have already contacted your families ahead of time to organize the dates. Now, please enjoy the rest of your evenings."
YOU ARE READING
Playing Games With The Billionaire (KageHina)
FanfictionShoyo finally decided to reveal that he's gay to steer clear of his sister's playing cupid schemes. He doesn't want to get involved again with anyone at the moment and just plans to live happily and peacefully behind his precious camera. Unbeknowns...
