The Chosen Wife || Jibaku Shounen Hanako-Kun

Amane's Final Part (5/5) *END*

"The truth is, I went back to Ueda. Considering the woman I was supposed to meet went off and eloped, I had to return home to explain, at the very least."

(Y/N) blinked, momentarily startled. 'The elopement... I nearly forgot.'

It all came rushing back—the mix-up that had brought them together in the first place when she'd been mistaken for his arranged bride. Now, though, she wondered, 'If that was cleared up, then why... why did he come back? What in the world is Lord Amane thinking?'

A conflicted look crossed her face. She wanted to know his reason, but a part of her was almost afraid to hear it.

"Um, is Lord Tsukasa with you?" she asked, seeking any explanation.

"Tsukasa stayed back in Ueda," Amane answered with a small smile. "He has his studies and training to complete. I came back to Kyoto on my own."

(Y/N) couldn't hide her curiosity. "...And why, if I may ask, did you come back?"

"Why do you think it might be?" he replied, his smile playful and a bit teasing.

Her mind spun. 'Why indeed...'

First, he'd asked her to be his wife; then he'd told her to wait. She caught herself wondering, 'Did he return just to see me?' But there was no clear answer on his face, and he hadn't said anything of the sort.

"..."

Sensing her struggle, Amane leaned in a little closer, his gaze softening as he searched her face.

"Have I inconvenienced you?" he asked gently, his voice full of warmth.

"No! I wouldn't say that!" she replied quickly, feeling her heart skip a beat under his steady gaze.

'What WOULD I say, though? ' she thought, feeling her cheeks grow warm. She was starting to realize the truth—she'd been hoping all this time that he would come back. In the quiet of her heart, a small wish had taken root: she wanted him to say he'd returned just to see her. And now, as he looked at her with that affectionate smile, her feelings came into clear focus.

She looked at him with a mix of uncertainty and longing, but before she could say another word, his next sentence turned her world upside down.

"(Y/N), I came here to see you," he said softly, his voice filled with a tenderness she'd never heard before. "And... will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

Her breath caught. His gaze held hers, golden and warm, and then he slowly knelt down, reaching out a hand to her, his eyes hopeful.

Without a second thought, she threw her arms around him, resting her head on his shoulder as happy tears filled her eyes. He chuckled softly, surprised but clearly moved.

"Is that a yes?" he murmured, uncertain but amused by her reaction.

Quickly, she pulled back, a bright smile breaking across her face as she nodded. "Yes... Yes!"

The warm, steady gaze she'd grown to admire now held a depth of affection and joy, and as he took her hand, she felt as if she'd found her true home. She knew that his presence, his warmth, would be there, both now and for all the years ahead.

[~FIN]

***

♤AUTHOR ( Aoi Kizuna ) :

How did you like Amane in this parallel word at Sengoku time. I'm sorry if it's bad. But, I'm still glad and happy that I can finish it. From my opinion, I think, I make Amane too mature. Right? I hope readers enjoy reading this route as much as I enjoy writing it.