Tsubaki felt like she was having a long dream. She found herself standing in a dark tunnel. She kept on walking until she saw the faint light on the other side of the tunnel. She ran to immediately go into the light. That was when she realised there was a man standing there as if he was waiting for her. Once she got nearer, the man opened his arms wide. She couldn't see his face when suddenly, the tunnel vanished and she stood alone in a vast field of light.
And, her dream ended.
Tsubaki woke up and found herself in an unfamiliar room. She took some time to register the events that had transpired overnight. She shuddered at the thought. Her bare feet touched the cold marble floor, heading to the bathroom.
The swelling on her cheek had reduced significantly, only leaving faint traces. She washed up and quickly went downstairs. She glanced at the wall clock. 9:10 AM.
"You're awake?"
Ren was standing in front of the kitchen door with the black apron over his pajamas. Tsubaki walked towards him. She could smell strawberries and cinnamon in the air. And was it sugar that had sprinkled on his left shoulder?
"What are you doing?" Tsubaki inquired curiously.
"Strawberry pancakes." He led her to the dining table. After she sat down, he rushed to the living room. He came back with a pair of home slippers. Bending down, he put on her feet. "Your feet haven't recovered and the floor is cold. Wear them."
"Thank you." She mumbled sheepishly.
Ren returned to the kitchen. He reappeared with a two tiers food trolley. He served two plates of strawberry pancakes, a bottle of maple syrup and a block of butter on the table following up by a cup of black coffee and a cup of English Breakfast tea. He knew Tsubaki was a tea person.
"Try them. I don't usually cook as I'm not a good one but today's an exception." He winked.
Tsubaki said her thanks and began to eat as Ren watched her. The golden brown colour of the pancakes seemed alluring with hints of pink discolouration of the strawberries. They were fluffy enough and once they melted inside her mouth, she sighed in pleasure.
"These are really good." Tsubaki couldn't help but showering him with compliments. The thickness of each pancake was right. They weren't too sweet too, complimenting well with the maple syrup and butter. "Are you sure you're not a good cook?"
Ren laughed, feeling happy with her response. "You're the one who taught me how to do this. And I didn't forget what you've taught me."
"Oh..." Tsubaki was baffled. "Sorry, I don't remember that."
"It's okay." Ren smiled warmly. He reached out a hand and brushed her bangs aside. He tucked the stray strands behind her ear. "We have plenty of time ahead of us. You could learn new things about me, one step at a time."
Tsubaki nodded. She still remembered what they had talked about before she went to sleep. She would be a wife he could be proud of.
"I'd announce our marriage to the public but I won't disclose your identity." Ren spread a layer of butter on her pancakes. The butter melted under the warm temperature. "Although concealing your identity as my wife in high society is inevitable."
"I'll trust your decision." She was scared when she thought of entering a whole new world which was completely different than hers but she quickly brushed the thought aside. She had made a choice. "When should I meet your elders?"
"You just need to meet my grandmother. As for the rest of my family members, we'll meet them during Grandma's birthday celebration."
"Do I need to bring gifts?" This was her first time meeting an elder in-law so she was quite nervous and didn't know what to do.
A small smile played on Ren's lips. He was indeed happy when he saw how serious Tsubaki was about this matter.
"I think your sweets could play a trick." Ren finished the last bit of his pancakes. "Grandma would be happy to see you. Don't worry about your social status. She won't mind it as long as she knows you're a nice lady."
Tsubaki didn't ask any longer. She would think of what she would make to bring it to Old Madam Fuse. As the old lady loved sweets, it wouldn't be a problem to her.
Tsubaki insisted to wash the dishes even though Ren protested. She quoted what he had said to her after their dinner last night. Finally, he admitted defeat.
He could only relent to his wife's wish.
"Hibiki has brought your clothes here. We could go to your apartment later to get the remaining stuff."
Tsubaki saw two trolley luggage bags beside the stairs. She didn't realise of their existence when she walked down the stairs earlier.
"Thank you, Ren."
Ren smiled. He picked both bags up and brought them upstairs to her room before she could protest. He placed them beside the bed. Tsubaki followed him from behind.
"We'll visit Satsuki first. Then we would meet Chairman Kitaoji. I have asked for a meeting with him."
"Why do you want to meet him?" Tsubaki felt uneasy with the mentioned of the old man.
"I won't let his grandson escaped unscathed. You're my wife. It's only right for me to seek justice for you. Who knows if someone else would be his next victim?"
She couldn't argue when she saw his determination. In the end, she nodded. She trusted he would settle the matter accordingly. But the menace in his eyes sent shiver down her spine.