Reality As She Knows It

Epilogue: A Peaceful ceremony... or not.

I can't believe I managed to finish this! Thank you for all the support, the encouragements, the extra boost of confidence all of you gave me! Win or lose, we're already considered champions!!!

____________________________________________________

            “Everything's resolved now, isn't it?” Ayako fixed her kimono for the nth time. It was a beautiful kimono but she couldn’t stop worrying that she might have worn it wrong since it’s been a while since she wore anything like that.

            It was a year after her graduation and they were back in Japan. Eiji had graduated the year before her. Her 'deadline' on becoming a leader had long passed but since her father was still very much capable of leading the gang, he said it was okay to bend the rules a little.

            “Screw the rules! I'm the current leader and I say you deserve to enjoy more freedom.”

            That was the exact thing her father said. That was why she was able to enjoy non-leader days with Eiji just like this.

            “Yeah. The new gang boundaries are working well because the negotiation went surprisingly without hitches.” Eiji held her hand and gently twirled her around.

She laughed as she could barely keep on her feet because she wasn’t used to wearing kimonos anymore. “I heard you and Crescent Curse had a lot to do with that.”

            “Me? I didn't really do anything. It was Crescent Curse's doing. They have a lot of influence on the gangs after all.”

            “Humble as always,” Ayako said amused.

            “Nah. Just stating a fact.” Eiji stared at her.

            “What?” Ayako said, self-conscious.

            “You’re beautiful, Aya.”

            Ayako blushed. With just a few simple words, Eiji was able to make her feel like a schoolgirl with her crush. “Thank you. You’re not so bad yourself Eiji,” she lightly said.

            In truth, Eiji looked gorgeous in his dark blue kimono sparingly decorated with white petals images. But she still wasn’t used to praising him directly so that would have to do for now.

            They were silent for awhile as they walked around town. It was Sakura Festival again.

            How nostalgic.

            The first time she and Eiji first met, it was also Sakura Festival.

            She noticed Eiji had stopped walking so she glanced back at him. “What’s wrong Eiji?”

            “Do you remember Aya? This was where we first met,” he said instead of answering her.

            Ayako was surprised that they were thinking the same thing. “Yes, it was this place. I remember you lifted me up when I said you didn’t look strong.”

            Eiji laughed. “Actually, I just really wanted to lift you up. You looked so adorable.”

            She punched his arm.

            Eiji just laughed again but after a while he turned serious. “Aya, the truth is I was waiting for the moment we could visit this place together.”

            Ayako looked at Eiji, question clear in her eyes. Is it just me or does Eiji looks nervous?

            Eiji reached for her hand and placed something on it before closing it into a fist.