𝙎𝙒𝙀𝙀𝙏 𝙏𝙍𝙀𝘼𝙏𝙎 // 𝘔.𝘏𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘰𝘻𝘶𝘬𝘢 𝘹 𝘖𝘊

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

Kiyo's Dilemma! (Part 3)

The next morning dawned quietly, Kiyo prepared herself for the day in a daze. Sunlight crept through her window to illuminate her bedroom in soft golden hues as she sat by her vanity, brushing out her silver hair and trying to settle her thoughts.

Her conversation with her fiancé lingered in her mind. When she remembered Kichiro's flushed face, his flustered denial, and how easy it seemed for him to think back to his friend, she couldn't help but feel a little bit of sympathy. Her lips curved into a slight smile; Kichiro was, after all, definitely in love with Ike.

She wondered whether he would find out sometime.

For the day, the snow haired girl slipped into a soft, flowing dress. Her mother had planned yet another meeting between them; she and Kichiro were supposed to discuss their engagement further as if it were sealed.

Which it was, she just did not want to think about it.

By the time she reached the patio, Kiyo found herself thinking how many times she'd hear about Ike today.

She entered the patio and found the raven haired boy already seated there, eyes cast down and seemed lost in thought.

The girl entered the patio quietly, waiting a moment to observe him. Kichiro was holding small notebook with his fingers tracing patterns on the edges, gazing into the distance as his usually composed features were slightly softened. She wondered what was occupying his thoughts— if he was still thinking about his best friend.

She cleared her throat before speaking softly to break the silence. The dull eyed boy blinked up, snapping back from his thoughts, and looked up at her. His face broadened with a polite smile, but Kiyo recognized it was practiced, almost automatic.

"Well, good morning, Kichiro-kun." she said, smiling warmly, her voice pleasant as she settled across from him, hands folding themselves neatly across her lap.

"Good morning, Lady Kiyo." he replied, his voice steady, but she felt a spark of hesitance in his eyes. For a moment, Kiyo thought perhaps he was still embarrassed because of what happened the day before.

"Did you have a good evening?" she asked, smiling gently at him.

Kichiro hesitated, his eyes darting down at his notebook. "Yes, it was... pleasant," he replied, though his words sounded more of a reflex than the truth. He cleared his throat, "And you? I hope you were able to rest well."

Kiyo tilted her head, then let out a soft sigh. "I did," she said. "Though, I found myself thinking about our conversation."

Her fiancé looked up at her, "Oh?"

"Yes," Kiyo went on, her golden eyes staring at him. "You were speaking so— fondly of your friend. It's nice to hear you talk so affectionately about someone."

He looked away from her, his cheeks were painted a faint tint of pink as he pushed his glasses back up his nose. "Well, I've known Ike for some years now, I suppose. He's always been there."

A faint chuckle slipped from Kiyo. "Yes, I could tell. I am starting to feel like I know him, too." Her voice softened as she said, "It is precious to have such a bond, don't you think? I can only imagine it must be comforting."

Kichiro furrowed his brows, nodding slowly, as if he realized something. "Yes, it is," he admitted almost to himself. He took a breath, and this time, he looked at her, with a cautious smile. "But I would like to tell you about myself, Lady Kiyo. I'm sorry if.. if I haven't given you that chance."
Kiyo's heart softened at his words.