stars

twelve

it came in waves.

a year of hell passed. two years of relative peace came by. hell returned. and after the second year of pure terror, everything was okay for a while.

"hajime, would you mind getting the tea out?" her mother called to me, as i stood by the fridge, reaching out for a bottle of water.

"got it," i replied, putting the water under my arm and taking out the pitcher of iced barley tea that was deliciously cool to the touch in the hot july sun.

"such a good man," she thanked me as i set it down. i grinned at her, grabbing my glass, my ring softly bumping against it in the process. the noise reminded me of everything good in life. summer evenings, cool barley tea and my wonderful fiancé to share it with.

"to asuka and hajime," her father said, raising a glass, "may their union be long and happy. we wish you both the best of luck."

glasses clinked against each other, and i looked her in the eyes, the most content smile involuntarily spreading over my face, as i realized that she was now mine forever.