Fated To Love You (Ushijima Wakatoshi x OC)

Chapter 8: Falling

Don't think about anything

Don't say anything

Just give me a smile

You're so beautiful that I'm afraid.

The field in front of him was a blazing gold as the sun sat high in the sky. Yan, the silky brown thoroughbred neighed in satisfaction as its rider stroked its mane. With one yank of the reigns, they were off, bounding across the grassy field for a few laps.

As soon as they were done, the rider got off with sand puffing up into the air from under his boots. Aiko stood with her head resting on her hand, leaning against the white fences. She smiled up at him lazily.

"Hey," she greeted.

"Hi," he answered back with a respectful nod of his head.

"I didn't know you ride."

"Only when there's no practice."

"Aah."

Aiko jumped over the fence and walked up to Yan. The horse took a nervous step backwards.

"Careful, he's-" Ushijima started but Aiko had already leaned in to stroke its head. Yan immediately calmed under her touch, nuzzling its head into her hand, asking for more. The girl laughed.

"He's beautiful," she stated. Her head snapped up, eyes wide as she rushed over to Ushijima and took hold of his hand.

"Take me for a ride," She said, her eyes twinkling.

"No." He deadpanned.

She stuck out her lower lip in a pout.

"Please! Please! Just one round!" She begged, inching her face closer to his, until he had nowhere to back out to.

He let out and resigned sigh and held her shoulders, pushing her off him.

"Fine."

Aiko squealed in happiness and jumped on him, embracing him. Her legs tightened around his waist as she thanked him profusely. He cleared his throat and peeled her off him. The rider then proceeded to mount his steed. Aiko took a careful step on the bench, trying her best not to fall.

Just then, her foot slipped and she was about to take a tumble backwards when a hand grabbed hers. She looked up to see Ushijima with his hand clasping hers, a worried look on his face.

And by God, was she starstruck at that moment.

The sun was about half an hour away from setting, its golden hues accentuating the ace's strong, features. His bronze skin and olive eyes were practically glowing, creating the illusion that he was somewhat godly. The way his intense eyes had softened slightly as they held contact for a few moments, just like they did on the night of their engagement.

It was, needless to say, a beautiful scene. As if taken from some Wild West movie.

He helped her up onto the horse and soon Aiko was sat behind him, their bodies so close, she felt her face going red.

"Hold on," he breathed out and before she had anytime to react, he yanked on the reigns and Yan began his final spurt, feeling more energetic now that he could feel so much emotion from his two riders. He was more than happy to bring these two out on a short stroll- er, sprint- across the field.

Aiko's grip around his waist tightened, and she rest her head against his back, smiling. Laughter bubbled up at the pit of her stomach and when she let it out, it was as enchanting as the soft howling of the autumn breeze to Ushijima. The corner of his mouth tugged upwards in a tiny smile.

When Aiko thought of the idea of her prince charming sweeping her off her feet, she would laugh. That kind of thing wouldn't happen outside of fairy tales, she thought.

Wrong.

It did happen outside of fairy tales and it was happening to her right now.

Prince Charming had swept her off her feet and together they rode off into the sunset on his trusty steed.

And she knew she was in love with the captain of the volleyball team for letting her take him in her arms and setting a fire ablaze where light ceased to exist.