Fate's Deception

Always & Forever

The room hummed with the low murmur of friends and family, all gathered under the guise of a surprise birthday party. Light, standing at the head of the assembled crowd, cleared his throat softly, the sound slicing through the chatter like a delicate blade. Every eye turned towards him, anticipation hanging heavy in the air.

"Thank you all for being here today," he began, his voice steady yet imbued with warmth. "We're not just celebrating a birthday; we're celebrating Shinoska—a remarkable woman who has changed my life forever."

Shinoska, unsuspecting mere moments ago, clutched her hands together, her wide eyes flickering between Light and the unexpected presence of her own parents, who were supposed to be halfway to America by now. "Mom, Dad! You're still here? Shinoska's voice trembled with disbelief as she spotted her parents, "Wouldn't miss this for the world," her father replied, squeezing her tightly. Her gaze then found Light's, and the room seemed to hold its breath.

Her heart raced, a burgeoning realization dawning on her as light continued.

"Shinoska, from the moment we met, there hasn't been a single day I haven't thought about you." His gaze locked onto hers, and he took a step closer. The room fell away until it was just the two of them, enveloped in their own private world. "I can't—and don't want to—imagine my life without you. Today, on your birthday, surrounded by those who love us both, I want to offer you more than just my heart," Light continued, dropping to one knee. The gasp that rippled through the room was sweet music, but none sweeter than the hitch in Shinoska's breath. He opened the small velvet box, revealing the ring within—a circle of commitment and an emblem of their future.

Will you make me the happiest man alive? Will you marry me?"

Her heart skipped a beat; tears pooled in Shinoska's eyes as she stared at the man she loved. "Light... I..." Her voice faltered, but he pressed on, eager to convince her of his devotion.

"Please, Shinoska, say yes. Let's start our lives together."

With a breathless nod, she whispered, "Yes, Light. Yes!" The room erupted into cheers, and Light, grinning from ear to ear.

Light stood swiftly, sweeping Shinoska into his arms, the world spinning as he twirled her in a hug that spoke volumes more than words ever could.

"I love you so much," he murmured into her hair as he set her down. Her fingers trembled as she extended her hand, allowing him to slide the ring onto her finger, a perfect fit.

"Congratulations!" Sayu bounced over, her own eyes shining with joy as she hugged them both. Light and her parents joined in, creating a cocoon of happiness around Shinoska. All the while, Light watched, reveling in Shinoska's happiness.

"Happy birthday, my love," he announced to everyone, raising a glass high. "Let's celebrate the future Mrs. Yagami!"

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The next day, the atmosphere was starkly different in the dimly lit room where Light met with Misa. The air was thick with schemes, and Ryuk's chuckles echoed off the walls, a haunting backdrop to their plotting. Light explained the intricacies of their plan to misdirect L, using Misa's influence as the second Kira.

"Ryuk, this is Misa. Misa, Ryuk," Light said, a forced casualness in his tone. They quickly delved into hushed conversation, plotting the deception that would lead L astray.

"Here's what we'll do," Light explained, his mind racing ahead. "We'll mislead L, make him doubt everything he knows about Kira."

"Ryuk, we need to ensure L is thrown off our scent. We'll create doubt about Kira's powers," Light explained, his tone decisive.