Alluring Secret [TechiNeru]

The Bride in Black

Today at the Keyaki village's cathedral, gathered various people of the high society, that even the crowned prince was invited. Two noble families had decided to tie the knot between their heiresses and merge their family to one; one, for the sake of the one-sided love of the Saito heiress who still hopes to capture the heart of her to-be wife; two, for the families' influence to spread further. But for the Neru, it was a different story.

Indeed at the beginning she conformed to the marriage and had sacrificed the love of her former lover for their family's pride and dignity; and to make them happy as the union between their family with the Saito family would open up new doors to their business. And although time had passed and she had moved on from it, she still feels the guilt for pushing away the girl she loved so much. She can't erase from her memory Yurina's crying face that day when she decided to end their relationship. And yet now, when she was supposed to break off the engagement, she ended up in a situation with no where to run. The new found love she had with Techi, will it be also sacrificed for the vanity of her family? Her lover had never showed up to her again ever since the wedding invitations were sent out a week ago. She had always been on the look out from her room's window where her betrothed had locked her up to prevent her from escaping. Maybe Techi had given up on her. She was now hoping on the sliver of chance that the Shida-Watanabe couple had given her on their unexpected visit. Manaka who was Techi's cousin, did tell that if she had to drag the girl to her wedding, she would just for the two of them to meet. And the only question that runs in Neru's mind was: will the girl even come to her rescue again?

She was wearing a black gown adorned by a lacy black veil. Her parents were against it as the color seemed to be mourning (well, that was part of the reason as Neru had been mourning the loss of her true love if the union will continue, if she won't be able to escape the current predicament), but of course, if it wasn't for Fuyuka, who always wants to please her to-be wife, she wouldn't be dressed the way she wanted to be.

She wandered aimlessly on to the garden outside the cathedral which extends out to the nearby forest, the ceremony would start in about an hour but she felt the need of fresh air.

A strong gust of wind had blew off her veil and thus she hurriedly went after it only to stop a few steps from it as she saw Techi pick it up for her. The young Shida was wearing a black suit, much like how they had first met at the party.

"I think you dropped something." Techi calls out to Neru as she approaches the latter who stood dead in her tracks.

Although she had been expecting and had wanted to see Techi. Now that the said person is within her reach, she suddenly couldn't find her tongue. She hadn't even noticed her tears until Techi wiped them away with her hands as she cups the older girl's cheek.

"Why are you crying?" Techi began, stroking her cheeks, "Aren't you supposed to be happy that you're going to marry Saito-san?"

And with those words, Neru wrapped her arms around the younger girl's figure, bawling her eyes out, sobbing and telling Techi "I'm so sorry, please forgive me." Repeatedly.

Techi sighs as she hugs the older girl, patting Neru's head gently and mumbling out, "it's okay.... I'm not mad at all."

"Please.... Take me with you." Neru begs as she clings onto Techi's hand, "I want to be with you.."

Techi was taken aback but she held onto Neru's hands, worry and uncertainty written in her eyes, "Are you sure that you want this? Your family-"

"I don't care anymore, Tecchan! I love you and you're more important than our family's dignity and honor," Neru replies, eyes full of determination.

That was all it took for Techi to make up her mind as she held tightly onto Neru's hand leading her into the forest, escaping the watchful eye of the public. They walked for a while until they come unto a clearing outside of their village where a carriage awaits them. The one that Risa had prepared for their escape. She gripped tightly the key her brother gave her in her pocket. She couldn't be more thankful to her older brother for this gift he gave her. A safe haven for her and Neru away from the prying eyes of their families, from the scrutinizing gaze of the public.