Tracing Memories

52: T r e a s u r e

My most special memory caught me completely off-guard. Although being with someone like you I was almost used to getting caught off-guard since you barely ever told your plans. After everything we went through you did try to explain yourself more often but this was something that was best kept a secret until it was time.

I can't exactly remember where we had gone to that day since the way the day ended made everything else a blur. As we made our way back, casually strolling along the sidewalk, your hand in mine, talking about various things you suddenly remarked,

"Do you remember when you dragged me along for a treasure hunt?"

I chuckled, a little in astonishment, "What made you remember that all of a sudden?"

"Do you want to do that again?" You stopped and turned to me with a purposeful smile. I remained quiet for a while looking at you quizzically trying to figure what was going on. You were acting strange and I was pretty intrigued.

"Don't worry I won't make you run. " You smirked when you saw me ponder.

"Okay, then I guess?" At this point, my curiosity was out of bounds.

The evening grew pink and red as the sun slowly made its descent towards the horizon. We slowly walked through the familiar paths of our town. I occasionally glanced at you and saw your face have a delight, I knew, had a specific reason behind it. I just couldn't figure what could it be no matter what.

We reached the Riverbank and I followed you down the stairs to the field. The river shimmered with the golden light of the setting sun reflecting off of its surface. You stopped and turned to face me.

"Kira..." You softly began, "... do you remember this is the place where you told me you loved me?"

I looked around in confusion at first but soon I remembered we were actually standing at the exact same spot. I directed my attention back at you to say something but I was cut off with a loving kiss.

When we broke apart you spoke again, "I should have told you right then and there that I loved you."

I couldn't say anything anymore because your words made me blush. In response, I only smiled.

We continued our journey again, with me getting more and more curious by the minute. After a while, we reached the marketplace. We made our way along the sidewalk of the busy place. At a certain spot, you stopped again, making me do the same.

"And this is where I actually ended up telling you so here I'll say again, I love you." You said and pulled me in for a kiss again.

"I love you too. " I shyly mumbled.

We moved forward again and this time we stopped in front of a bookstore. It wasn't the one I regularly went to.

"Remember that book I got you when you couldn't get it elsewhere. This little place helped me. " You grinned. Seeing you that way made me smile too.

"Just wait a minute." You said and leaving me at the door you rushed in. I didn't have to wait for long though, after a minute you returned with another book in your hand. My eyes widened when I looked at it. It was a limited edition of my favourite book which had a beautiful artwork on it. I quickly took it from your hand and was about to open it when you put your hand on mine stopping me.

"Not just yet." You instructed.

We began walking again this time taking a familiar path and I realised we were going to the Inazuma Tower. I wondered why we could be going there at this time when we should be returning home after going around town.

By this time it had gotten pretty dark and the brightly illuminated city was visible beyond the fence. I had always admired that view and it was my favourite place to be and so was yours which is why it always held a special significance to us.

We stood facing each other again, I eagerly anticipating what you had to say then.

"We have finally reached our destination and now it's time to tell you why have we been doing this." You slowly began, " I just want to tell you I love you so much and I never want to lose you ever again. I want you by my side and I want to share everything with you..." You paused before your voice lowered to a whisper then, "...open the book."

I opened the page where the bookmark was tucked in and inside I found a handwritten note. I was stunned to see what the note read,

Will you marry me?

I looked up in utter disbelief only to find you holding a ring in your hand. I had never felt so truly lost for words as I did in that moment. Tears of happiness preceded anything I could have said and I tried to wipe them away as swiftly as possible yet they continued on. I could only nod in agreement when you came closer, slipped the ring on my finger and enwrapped me completely in a hug. I closed my eyes internalizing the surreal bliss I felt in the moment.

You then kissed me for the third time that evening and I found myself losing in a haze of happiness again.