Hope ~Yato x Reader AU~

Chapter 33: The Chandelier

Nerves.

A ball of nerves.

That's what is forming in the very pit of my stomach. A giant ball of buzzing nerves that is causing me to slightly tremble as my stare takes in the exterior of the building the Paxton Free Young Awards will be held. Of course, the awards are being held at a lush and very expensive hotel. The only thing to expect for such extravagant awards.

But that's not what has me shaking. Not the crystal chandeliers that most likely hang from the high ceilings. Not the glass bottles of wine that'll probably be resting in iced buckets on the tables. Not all the glitz and glam of the medical Grammy's. No; none of that is what's setting me on edge. However, what does have me anxious is who I'll see beyond those glass doors.

My parents.

That's what has me quivering in my shoes. The fact that after all this time away from Osaka, tonight I'll see them. I'll see my mother and father. It feels strange and foreign to say after not having any contact with them, and because of that, I'm nervous. I'm nervous and anxious and trembling.

"Miss L/N, are you alright?" Mr. Sui asks, lifting a brow. "You seem hesitant."

I bring my stare to his and swallow, "Oh, I'm fine, Mr. Sui. Just...just a little nervous is all."

He scans me before a soft, sincere smile lifts the corners of his lips. "Worried about seeing your parents, are you?"

I'm not surprised that Mr. Sui could read my uneasiness. I'm not surprised in the slightest. After the time I'm spent living in Nora, working at Seven, this kind, old man has grown to become more than just my boss and landlord. He has become someone I trust...someone I turn to when I need advice...someone I rely on. He has become like more of a father than my own father.

"Yeah," I nod, tightening my grip on my evening bag. "I'm anxious to see their reactions on seeing me."

"I'm sure all will be fine," he assures me. "However, if it grows to be too much to handle, feel free to let me know. There's no need to stay in an uncomfortable situation."

A warm smile bows my lips. Even now...even though he is the Honored Guest, Mr. Sui is still looking out for me. Just like a father should. And as much as I appreciate him, tonight is still his night.

I shake my head. "Thanks, Mr. Sui. I truly appreciate your concern, but we're here for you. Tonight is your night."

The sweet old man chortles, "No, I'm here for me. You're here for your parents." His features soften as he pats my shoulder, adding, "But truly, Y/N...if at any moment this becomes too much for you, please don't hesitate to tell me. I'd hate to see you uncomfortable."

I smile, "Thank you, Mr. Sui. Truly, thank you."

His deep eyes scan me before he nods, patting my arm. "You're very welcome, Y/N. You're very welcome. Now, shall we head in?"

I glimpse from him and to the building and back again. Though I'm still anxious at what will unfold tonight, I know I can't wait out here forever. In the end, I need to press on. I need to go in.

I offer my arm to Mr. Sui and beam, "We shall."

***

I can practically smell the sophistication in the air. Men and women all from the medical field -surgeons, researchers, trustees- all have flocked here from all over the world for the biggest night in the world of medicine. The Grammy's of science...the Paxton Free Young Awards. Of course, all have either received invitations to this ceremony or they, much like me, came as a guest. However, regardless of how we all ended up here, one thing is certain.

Tonight is a night full of etiquette and grace.

Though I've never been to anything nearly as elite as the Paxton Free Young Awards, I have attended my fair share of similar outings. Growing up, I have attended several different lectures, smaller award ceremonies, and conferences, all because of my parents' influences. None of them were ever by my own choice or free will. And because of all that, I am already somewhat familiar with how to behave in this setting. Stand up with the shoulders back and head held high; radiate confidence.

I take a sip of my champagne, scanning the crowd. Everyone is just mingling, all chatting as we all wait to be seated at our assigned tables, and I must say, I'm not too surprised. Women all dressed in beautiful evening gowns as exquisite jewels adorn their ears and necks, arraying their wrists as they shimmer in the dull glow of the crystal chandeliers, their champagne glasses rests between their fragile fingers. Men standing tall in their best tuxes, their hair, both on their heads and faces, is all groomed immaculately as smiles bow their lips. As expected, everyone is wearing their best and presenting as just that; their best.

With the quiet hum of the surrounding crowd of physicians and researchers, I continue to glance around when something catches my eyes. Or rather, someone. Two someones to be more specific. Two familiar faces that I haven't seen since I left Osaka.

My parents.

My heart slams against my ribs upon seeing them. As expected, they look the same. YM/N is dressed in a stunning red gown that hugs each of her curves, her mh/c (your mother's hair color) locks pulled back into an elegant ponytail as her jewelry glimmers. YF/N is at her side, his fe/c (your father's eye color) orbs trained on the couple he and YM/N are talking to. Both are smiling and laughing, conversing so naturally with the other pair as each holds a champagne glass.

Neither seems to notice me but that does not ease my racing heart. After all this time, it feels so surreal to see them. They're here...they're actually here. They are here...in the same vicinity...just a stone throw away. If I want, I can walk up to them and...and...and what? Talk to them? What could I possibly say to them? That I miss them? That I resent them? That I can't forgive them? Even if I did say those things, it's not like they'd care. They didn't care then and they wouldn't care now.

But with that in mind, a small part of my heart still swells. It swells upon seeing the two people who've raised me. It swells and leaps at knowing they're simply here. It urges me to run to them and embrace them both in a warm hug, but I resist. I resist because I am not a child. I am not a mere child who still requires the nurturing of her parents.

I take another sip of my bubbly drink when it happens. YM/N glimpses away from the person she's talking to...

...and we lock eyes.

**Ello lovelies! Won't lie, took me a hot minute to write this. My mind has been running wild and it's been hard to concentrate, BUT I DID IT!! So, I hope y'all still enjoyed it. If ya did, then y'all know the drill! Y'all are awesome sauce! Wuv yous!! <3**

-Noel Ross