Ikémen Sengoku: Transcriptioned Romances Across Time (Masamune)

Masamune Date Shot Thru the Heart [August 2019]

The refreshing early summer breeze had my heart all aflutter. I was visiting Masamune's home, Aoba Castle in Oshu province.

Masamune: "What do you think? Nice view, right?"

Mai: "Yes! Your homeland is beautiful, Masamune." I was awed as I gazed at the gorgeous scenery from atop the castle.

Masamune: "I'll give you a tour later. There are so many things I want to show you." Masamune seems really happy we're here.  Seeing him such a good mood put a spring in my step as well.

Mai: "You really love this region, don't you, Masamune?"

Masamune: "Of course! As head of the Date clan, it's my job to develop this land and make it prosperous!" He looked so dignified as he surveyed his home proudly, my breath caught in my throat. When did I fall so hard for him? 

After I was brought to Azuchi Castle, all sorts of things happened that pushed Masamune and me together. His personality is extreme, but he can be impossibly kind. Plus he's good at cooking, and has a surprisingly sweet side.  The more I got to know him, the more I grew to love him. I know it's a tall order to wish to be the one and only special someone in his life, but--

Mai: "Thank you for bringing me here, Masamune. I know this place means the world to you."

Masamune: "Hold on, why are you acting so meek? It's not like you."

Mai: "Eek!" Masamune pulled me closer and ruffled my hair.

Masamune: "I brought you here because I wanted to, not to do you any favors. Hell, I would have brought you even if you didn't want to come."

Mai: "Seriously?"

Masamune: "Yep. Spending time with a woman you love in a place you love is the ultimate luxury." Love? Really?  The offhand comment set my heart to racing. Ugh. I know he probably doesn't mean anything serious by it. It's frustrating being the only one who's affected by words like that.

Mai: "It's not good to say things like that so casually."

Masamune: "Things like what?"

Mai: "You know--words like 'love.'" When I got all quiet, Masamune's lips twitched.

Masamune: "Listen, I decided never to lie to myself. So these are my true and genuine feelings. Really?  Masamune brought a lock of my hair to his lips. "You're the only woman I've ever invited to my castle, Mai. I've never had the urge to show anyone else this view that I love so much." He really means it?  My heart was suddenly thumping loudly in my chest. "I love seeing that dreamy smile on your face. So, I'll say it as many times as I need to put your mind at ease. I love you, Mai. I want you to stay by my side for as long as we live."

Mai: "Oh--" This isn't a dream, right?  The intense light in his eyes held me captive as happiness swelled in my heart. "I want to be with you forever too, Masamune."

Masamune: "Good." Mm--  A satisfied smile on his face, Masamune gave me a gentle kiss. He pulled away reluctantly and then stroked my cheek with the back of his hand. Masamune and I really are together. This really is a dream come true.  "I imagine Hideyoshi will scold me for going after you once we return to Azuchi. But if that's happening anyway, I see no reason to hold back now."

Mai: "You think everyone will be surprised? You know, about us?" How should we explain this? It's going to be pretty embarrassing.  I tried to imagine how others would react to the news.

Masamune: "Try not to overthink it. I'll just gather everyone in the hall and announce that you're mine. Simple as that."

Mai: "Are you kidding me? As if I'd let you do something so embarrassing!"

Just the thought of standing there in front of everyone like that made me want to run. Those worries are nothing compared to how happy I feel, though. I wouldn't even have cause to worry if we didn't both care for each other.  As we gazed out at the land bathed in warm sunlight below, Masamune put his arm around my shoulders.

Masamune: "Take a good look, Mai. You'll be living here someday."

Mai: "What?"

Masamune: "I won't mind showing you off to everyone in Azuchi Castle, but I do want to take you home with me eventually." I'd really like that.  "You're lucky. You'll get to watch Oshu become a great, prosperous place first hand."

Mai: "I can't wait." Someday, Masamune and I will never have to leave each other's side again.  I leaned against Masamune's shoulder, imagining all that our future together might hold.