Inside, the three sat in a resounding silence. Mimi calmly sipped her tea, her eyes glancing up to see Lori Itou staring back. When their eyes met, he quickly looked away and cleared his throat.
"Ah, I see you both are wearing matching clothing…" He said, referring to their black clothes.
"Yes." Mimi set her teacup down with a sharp sound. "We just returned from a funeral."
"O-Oh. I'm…I'm so sorry for your loss." Lori Itou's face paled.
"There's no need to apologize." Mimi let out a soft laugh.
Lori Itou was stunned. A beautiful face with a beautiful smile, he could not say a single word at the sight. It had been the first time he saw someone so young—no, saw anyone reveal such a quiet, peacefulness. Another silence ensued between them.
In the end, Tobias was the one to break it.
"Why are you here?" He couldn't conceal the harshness in his voice.
Grown used to his son's sharp tone, Lori Itou sighed faintly.
"First, I would like to apologize to you...Mimi. I admit upon first meeting, his mother and I didn't treat you fairly. Even after, we still never gave you a chance. And for that, I would like to sincerely say how sorry I am."
His words left the couple shocked - they fell speechless. Mimi looked at the older man helplessly.
"Why are you saying this now?" Tobias spoke up, his eyes meeting his father's.
Lori Itou opened his mouth to explain, but a soft voice stopped him from doing so.
"Now, now, Tobias. Your father apologized, there's no need to be so suspicious." Mimi playfully slapped his arm. She turned to Lori Itou with softened eyes. "Thank you, and I appreciate your apology. Although…it would have been nice to hear it from both sides as well."
Lori Itou sat awkwardly. He sighed. "Vivian can be quite stubborn. Although she acts tough, she truly is a caring person. After all, Tobias takes after her mostly."
The man beside her shifted in his seat, his arms crossing stiffly over his chest. Mimi held back a giggle.
Lori Itou continued. "Even so, Vivian…she and I both care about our son very much and just want what's best for him."
"I know you do. But that still doesn't give either of you the right to decide who I want to be with." Tobias's voice grew firmer.
"Yes." Lori Itou stared down at his lap. "We understood that after the two of you left the cafe that day. We realized our actions were only hurting you and that we never took the time to learn about Mimi. I hope with time and patience, that you…that we can all learn to get to know one another. As a family."
Mimi was startled for a moment before she smiled softly.
"Mm, I would like that. What do you say, Toby?" She looked at the handsome man beside her, who's frown quickly disappeared from her stare.
He sighed heavily. "Fine."
Giggling at his small scowl, Mimi kissed his cheek to appease him. The man's expression gradually softened as he looked at the young woman beside him and pressed his lips to her cheek.
Speechless, Lori Itou could only stare at the couple's loving affection.
Once more, he cleared his throat. "I should probably be going."
"Yes, goodbye father," Tobias said, his eyes still set on the young woman beside him. He peppered her face with kisses.
"Tobias…" Mimi patted the man's head before standing up to shake his father's hand. "Again, thank you, Mr. Itou, for coming."
"No, thank you for giving me the time." He smiled gratefully.
When he left the apartment, Mimi turned to Tobias with a teasing grin.
"Come on, don't pout." She leaned up and kissed his jaw.
He grunted, his hand wrapping tightly around her waist, the tip of his thumb gliding over her sides.
"I wish you didn't agree to get along with him."
"Hmm? Why?" Mimi asked softly.
"Because that gives me even less time with you." He murmured reverentially against her throat. He skated his hand down her back and to her butt. He gave it a firm squeeze.
Raising an eyebrow, Mimi slapped his arm. Not that it would do much.
"Silly, it's not like I'm suddenly best friends with them. We're just going to get to know another that's all. And besides, you're my best friend."
"Just your best friend?" He growled softly and raised his head to give her a blazing dark-eyed look.
"Hmm," Mimi ran her fingers through his hair. He closed his eyes at her touch before kissing the inside of her palm. Then, he licked, slowly.
"Maybe a little more…" She whispered hoarsely, gazing into the dark depths of his stormy eyes.
He chuckled against her palm and held her wrist in his large hand before leaning down and kissing her lips.
"Even after going to a funeral, you're still feeling in the mood?" Mimi murmured between kisses.
"For you…always." He whispered hotly against her lips.
Holding back the urge to roll her eyes, she pressed her fingertips to his wet lips.
"Unfortunately for you, I'm tired. But believe me, we will have plenty, and I mean plenty of time to catch up. Especially considering I don't plan on ever leaving your side."
Tobias's eyes widened. He looked dumbfounded. Suddenly, he lowered his head, resting it between her chest.
"Tobias?" Mimi stared down at him with surprise.
His warm breath fanned against her skin, arms wrapped around her waist pulling her closer. Her chest felt wet. Widening her eyes, she lifted the man's face from her chest. However, he didn't budge and instead buried deeper.
She sighed but still felt a smile curl on her lips.
"I love you, Tobias." Mimi kissed the top of his head.
Finally, he lifted his face from her bosom, eyes wet with tears.
"I love you too." He took her hand in his and brought her fingertips to his lips.
Laughing softly, Mimi wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him close.
Never in a million years did she expect she could ever be this happy.
Never in a million years did she think that she could ever fall in love again.
It was such a wonderful feeling.