Hope ~Yato x Reader AU~

Chapter 36: Let It Be

Just as expected.

This is all going exactly how I had expected it to. The award ceremony is being held in a grand jewel of a dining room with a tall ceiling adorned with enormous crystal chandeliers as golden wallpaper decorates the walls. Grand arched windows line the walls as red velvet curtains hang along each side, the night's starry sky beginning to chase the sun beneath the horizon. All the circular tables are covered by white tablecloths, the finest of the hotel's dishes and silverware sat neatly on each one. Buckets full of ice sit in the center of each table, chilling the bottled champagne in them as our glasses sparkle beneath the artificial hues. All is beautiful and elegant.

I take a bite of my salad as quiet hums reverberate around me. Everyone is already situated at their tables, all of us eating the first course of our meals as we all wait for the awards to begin. I just chew and observe. Aside from Kaito, I think I'm the only person under thirty here. Everyone is up in age compared to me and their ripened faces are showing that. Of course, I shouldn't be surprised. These are all seasoned surgeons and researchers. All elites. All leaders in their fields. All trailblazers.

My eyes continue to scan the mass of people when they wander over to a group I didn't expect to see. There, standing in the corner by a set of stairs is Kaito...and a young woman, who I believe is Rei. She's very beautiful. She has gorgeous black hair cut into a bob hairstyle with bangs that go straight across her forehead, hiding her eyebrows. A pair of thick-framed glasses rest on her nose as a bright red lipstick paints her full lips. I can't see any small details regarding the rest of her makeup, but I can tell one thing.

She does not look happy to be there.

Then again, neither does Kaito. They both are looking elsewhere, neither making eye contact with the other as bored expressions tug at their features. And, to be honest, they both look...saddened. I knew Kaito wasn't lying when he told me they weren't in love but seeing this is heartbreaking. It's painfully obvious that the two have no romantic feelings whatsoever for the other. If anything, they look like they both want to get out of here...or, at least away from their parents.

And as my eyes follow Rei's, I make another discovery. Another lovely young woman dressed in a server's uniform stands close by, holding a tray close to her chest. Her long brunette locks are pulled back into a ponytail, a few loose strands framing her soft features. Her expression, much like Rei's, hides a touch of sorrow and I can't help but wonder if that's Rei's secret lover, Hanna.

The lover that Rei's parents have no idea about. The lover they would probably disapprove of. The lover that their daughter is staring at while they stand next to her. The two are close to their daughter, their stances exuding authority and I can see why Dr. Itchi agreed to this arrangement. Both look like they have the power to ruin anyone's reputation if they chose with a single swift move. And based on Dr. Itchi's outstanding role in the medical world, I understand his fear.

"You seem awfully fixated on that group over there," Mr. Sui observes, catching my attention.

His dark orbs are locked on Kaito and the Haras as he chews his salad. I can tell he's observing their interactions as I had just moments ago. He's observing and watching, most likely trying to get a gage on what has me so focused.

"I'll take it that you know that young man?" he asks, turning to me.

I fidget with my fork before nodding, "Yeah. I know him."

"Would I be too bold to say he's the young man that was on your mind that day at the beach?" he continues. My cheeks flush red as I shake my head and he sighs, "I see. So, that's the young man who was on your mind that day. He seems like a fine lad, though I can't help but notice that he doesn't appear too thrilled at the moment."

I place my fork down and swallow, "Well, it's...it's complicated, really."

"Complicated you say?" he repeats.

He once again turns to Kaito and those who surround him. I don't know what's going through Mr. Sui's mind, but there is certainly something there. I can see it in his eyes.

After a few more moments of him observing Kaito, he says, "Whatever it is that's complicating things for you two, I'm sure it'll all sort itself out soon. Just give it a little time, Miss L/N."

"I suppose you're right," I shrug, turning back to Kaito.

He and Rei are still not giving each other the time of day. They're just...lost in their own little worlds. Her eyes trained on the waitress and Kaito's...most likely searching for me. Searching, but in all the motions which is the Paxton Free Young Awards, I doubt he'll find me. Not with all that's going on.

"Now, your parents seemed nice enough," Mr. Sui continues, swallowing another bite of his salad. "Were they surprised to see you?"

I shrug, "I think so."

I feel him scan me before he says, "You don't sound very enthusiastic. Was it a bittersweet reunion?"

"Something like that," I laugh halfheartedly. "I'm not sure what I was expecting from them. I should've known better."

I glance at the kind older man as he knits his brows together in confusion. He already is aware that I'm not on the best terms with my parents but must still be so curious. I mean, if it were me, I'd be curious too.

There are a few more moments of silence before he continues, "Is it safe for me to assume that your parents and you are distant because of that young man?"

I bite my lower lip, feeling Mr. Sui scanning me, but I don't care. What they put me through...no one should ever be put through that. Not like how I was. That's just not right or fair.

"I see," Mr. Sui continues. "I won't press too much, but I will say one thing, Y/N."

I bring my stare directly to his, fighting my best to hide the part of me that harbors the past. The last thing I want is for Mr. Sui to discover that part of who I am. I don't even want to know that part of me. So, I try to muster up a false sense of enthusiasm.

"What would that be Mr. Sui?" I try to smile.

Mr. Sui draws a breath in through his nostrils and breathes, "Miss L/N, hear this one thing. No matter the obstacles, no matter the people against you, no matter the hardships, those who are meant to be together will always find a way to be together. Remember that."

My heart hammers against my ribs at those words. Those who are meant to be together will always find a way to be together. I repeat internally. That's when it clicks. It clicks and it all makes sense. I drop my stare down, my heart still racing when my breath hitches.

Kaito's eyes are locked on mine, a soft smile bowing his lips.

**Ello, ello lovelies! Another day, another chapter! Sorry again that this is kinda dragging. It'll get better. But a bit of a touching moment between Mr. Sui and Y/N. Then Kaito at the end. It should be interesting to see what else happens lol. Anyway, thank y'all so much for everything! Y'all are the bee's knees! Wuv yous!! <3**

-Noel Ross

P.S. "Like I Can" by Sam Smith