[original] 'Til Death Do Us Part {Oumasai}

Chapter Twenty One: A Change of Pace

*Warning: This book is not suitable for people who are easily disturbed. Depression is also a reoccurring theme in this story so if this topic makes you uncomfortable in any way it is advised you do not read this story.

"He's in a better place."

I feel Rantaro pull away, my shoulder damp from his tears. I smile at Kokichi, then Rantaro. "We'll get through this, or my name isn't Shuichi Saihara!" Kokichi mumbles "itcouldbeshuichioumabut" "Huh? What'd you say?" "N-Nothing! Don't worry about it!" I shake it off and hand Rantaro the note. "Do you want to keep this?" He nods silently. I feel terrible. If something like that happened to Kokichi I don't know what I'd do.

Rantaro clenched the paper in his hand and turned to the door. "I'm going to go to the hospital, maybe they found some magical way to save him. I'll see you guys later, happy birthday Shuichi." His emotions and movements seem somewhat off. "Do you want us to go with you? We had planned to spend this time with you guys anywa-" "Don't bother. It's okay, don't worry." I look at him with worry. "Okay, stay safe."

I look to Kokichi and realize we're standing in the room our friend committed suicide in. "Let's go home." I tell him, still quite shaken from the scene that we were exposed to not even an hour ago. I hold his hand and we walk home together. By time we get home it's later in the evening, I sit down on the couch and turn on the TV.

"!!!Breaking news!!!

Man breaks out of insane asylum

The man known as Nagito Komaeda was thrown in the Kamito asylum for countless acts of strange behaviour. Such as leaving strange messages on his papers in complete gibberish. If you can understand any of the following messages contact police immediately.

"dGhhdOKAmXMgYSBwcmV0dHkgc3Rhcg=="
"IHJldm9sdmUgYXJvdW5kIHlvdQ=="
"ZSByIGEgZCBpIGMgYSB0IGUNCmQgZSBzIHAgYSBpIHI="

Please be aware of this man, and if you see him contact police immediately and stay silent. He is very dangerous."

I let out a sigh. The security in the city has just been getting worse and worse lately. Now we have to deal with some creep? I look over to Kokichi, who has distracted himself entirely. I notice the closet is open now and the small bag has been removed. "Huh? Kokichi what are you doing?" He panics, holding his hands behind his back. "N-Nothing..! Hey uh, I know today hasn't exactly been the best birthday for you but I got us reservations at your favourite restaurant, that is if you want to go."

I smile, he can always tell when I need a change of atmosphere. I fix up my hair and change into a nicer outfit, it's so sweet of Kokichi to take me out like this. We pull up to my favourite restaurant, Olive Garden. (a/n yes his favourite restaurant is olive garden but he doesn't know how to cook pasta also this olive garden has a stage so just roll with it)

Our table is right in front of the small stage at the back. The waitress takes our orders and Kokichi and I talk about whatever pops into our heads for several minutes until the lights dim and the stage lights up. I take a second glance when I see my favourite singer, Sayaka Maizono, walk up on stage. The Sayaka Maizono. In some random Olive Garden, on my birthday. And we have a table right in front of the stage! My mind puts the puzzle pieces together and realizes there's no way this happened coincidentally. Kokichi did this for me.

I'm so lucky to have him, he does the sweetest things for me. I listen to the music for a while, enjoying the experience. She then states there will be a brief intermission and goes offstage. Before I can say anything he stands up. "I uh have to go to the washroom, I'll be right back." He hurries off, not giving me any chance to reply. I sit for a couple minutes and the room darkens again. I'm disappointed that it's starting without him but there's nothing I can do. Sayaka walks out, going immediately to the microphone.

She picks it up and begins talking. "I'm so glad I can perform for you all tonight. But to be honest with you I'm here for a reason, I have someone to introduce you all to, a great man who has something very important to say." The curtains pull open and I am surprised to see Kokichi walk up beside her. Huh? What's going on? He motions for me to come on stage. I oblige and stand beside him, heart going a million miles a minute.

He abruptly gets down on one knee and holds a small box in his hands. "Shuichi Saihara, the love of my life. I know we haven't been together that long but I'm more than convinced you're the one for me." He takes a deep breath and continues, I can tell he's nervous. "I want to spend the rest of my life with you, I want to grow old and be happy with you. I love you so much and it would mean the world to me if you would give me the honour of being able to call you my husband." He opened the box to reveal an engagement ring. I feel tears pool out of my eyes, I can't find words at first as I'm so overwhelmed with joy. I wrap my arms around him, both of us now crying. "Yes! A million times yes!" I joyfully reply, hugging my fiancé.

I hear "awe"'s and clapping come from the audience but don't care too much. Kokichi is all I care about in that moment, not anyone else. I pull Kokichi into a kiss, feeling happier than I could ever imagine. I grab hold of his hands and intertwine them with mine as I smile. This is, without a doubt, the best day of my life.

a/n

this chapter's over a thousand words woah thats a lot more than usual

also i hope you guys enjoyed this chapter :,) the last couple chapters were dark and sad so hopefully this was a good change of pace.

if you guys ever wanna talk feel free to message me i want friends :,)

as always, thank you all so much for reading this story! your support means a lot to me and inspires me to keep writing! i love you all so much!

<3 max